Julia Roberts Rocks 'Barely There' Bling Trend

Is it me? Or has celebrity jewelry fashion dropped completely off the radar this month? I've been searching high and low for big summertime stars to wow me with their bauble choices at various movie premieres and the like...and well...it just ain't happening.

And then it occurred to me. Maybe (gasp!) less is more?

Take Julia Roberts at her Larry Towne premiere in LA this week. Nevermind the on-trend menswear look (which I find 'safe' and 'snore-worthy') - but take a gander at the jewelry choice. Simple diamond studs and a three-strand emerald wrap necklace by Beladora.com. Easy. Breezy. Beautiful.

Or how about Jenna Elfman at the same event? Just a splash of a  yellow gold drop earring and she's good to go.

And Katie Holmes sported similar 'tiny treasure' style at the LA Film Festival in small pearl earrings and a delicate yellow gold 'S' pendant (for daughter Suri, I suppose). Sweet.

So while we've all been starved for a lower jaw-drop moment since the Cannes Film Festival over a MONTH ago - I have to admit: I'm OK with diamonds on the down-low every once in a while.

Just DON'T make it a habit, Hollywood.

Give me more peN.Ne

My current obsession: penne arrabiata! I just cannot get enough of this simple, yet delicious pasta with a tomato/chili sauce (and garlic!). I had this three times (in the same restaurant) last week! I also like ordering it because the name is fun / a challenge to pronounce. Can you roll your r's?

But more importantly, do say penne properly: pen-neh. If you just say pen-eh, it means something rather different (hint: male body part)...!

Behind the scenes on a hot summers day....

Apart from the administrative side to organising weddings and arranging viewings for weddings next year, there is a lot more that takes place here at The Italian Wedding Planner!

Photo by Stacey Syverson

With the temperature in the mid 30's ( hitting 90oF) outside and hotter still inside! Stacey is doing a fantastic job sticking on labels to mini bottles of olive oil favours ready for one of our upcoming weddings.

The candle holders are being washed and packed; a list is being made for a trip to Ikea to buy all the candles for the wedding this weekend; ribbon and tulle is in the box and everything is ready to decorate the Fiat 500's and the venue! 

I am just waiting for the heat to die down a little before I head out to hunt for the perfect tree for the table plan to be hung from.... 

I know, we have seen table seating maps  hung from trees before... only this time I don't want to go for the normal twigs I want to bring in a real tree and afterwards I shall plant it in my garden and always think of this lovely couple getting married this weekend... But and there is a small 'but' it must fit inside my Taxi as I will have to transport it to the venue and there is not the budget for transport....

Maybe if I use a tree every now and then and plant it afterwards, one day I will create an avenue of past bride and grooms to remember... 

Jewelry Gift Guide for New Moms

Jewelry is often the go-to gift of choice for those 'BIG LIFE' occasions: weddings, anniversaries, graduations, it's Wednesday... But there is one present-producing event that often gets the shaft when it comes to shiny things: giving birth.

As a new mom myself, I surely appreciated the deluge of diapers and the like. But do you think jewelry-loving new moms like Rachel Zoe should have to settle for nipple cream and a bottle brushes? I think not! And neither should any of you other mommies out there.

So in honor of all that hard labor, ladies, I've collected a few of my favorite gift options for new moms. Just click on the heading or image for buying options and more info.

(A sidenote: #1MOM pendants should be banned from NOT JUST our jewelry boxes, gift givers - but the earth.)

1. Pink and Blue Gemstones:

If this seems a bit 'on the nose' - think again. Gems like the pink sapphire or aquamarine could remind moms of their gurgling bundles of joy - or could also work as just a fun fashion piece.

Birthstone Jewelry:

Always a crowd-pleaser, moms will love to have birthstone gems from the month their babies were born. Especially if it's an April baby (diamonds, anyone?).


Mom/Child:

This traditional jewelry silhouette never goes out of style. And you can find some options with birthstones already in the design.

Charm Bracelets:

What better time to start a charm bracelet, right? You can get baby shoe charms, birthday charms, initial charms - the list is endless. I'm waiting on the epidural needle charm to make mine complete.

Teething Jewelry:

Carrying the benefit of both 'Form' and 'Function', teething jewelry gifts are a fashionable way to get jewelry in a new mom's wardrobe during those grabby first months. And if there's a patent for drool-proof clothing? I'd like to add that to my list too.

So let's get out there and make us some shiny, happy mommies, gift givers. Are there any moms out there who have other jewelry ideas they'd like to add? Weigh in!

Kate at Wimbledon

Cute dress - I probably wouldn't have chosen it for myself but it looks good on her - and in the spirit of Wimbledon. Have you seen her arms? Very toned, not just skinny - I thought she'd simply lost a lot of weight recently but it looks like she's been working out! 

Dress: Temperley London

Via here & here

Kate's military chic

I absolutely adore this coat!
I guess it looks a lot like the one I got from Zara last year...

Coat: Alexander McQueen 

Via here & here

Memories from a day in Atri Abruzzo

Pearl Jewelry at the Purrrfect Price

Free jewelry. Other than 'cocktail hour' and 'lottery win' I can't think of two words in the English language I'd rather hear. So I'm spreading the news that my sugar mamma, Jewelry.com, just launched their latest Sweepstakes extravaganza with three blingy jewels up for grabs.

June is all about pearls in the jewelry world. It's this month's birthstone, it's "the" go-to graduation gift and brides-a-kimbo put them on to walk down the aisle. So wouldn't you know it? Jewelry.com decided to center their sweepstakes around it (savvy sparkle sellers that they are).

It's called the "Purrrrfect Pearl Sweepstakes", and there are three very worthy pieces up for grabs.

Pearl & Diamond Necklace in 14K Gold. (Retail Value: $679.00)

Pearl and Black & White Diamond Ring in 10K White Gold (Retail Value $579)

Pearl Clover Earrings in 10K Gold with Diamonds (Retail Value: $199)

All you do is visit the Jewelry.com Facebook Page to enter or click here. You can also shop their Purrrfect Pearl Collection here that features some of their hottest pearl styles at up to 80% off retail - a refreshingly strand-free stash that has lots of fashion forward finds.

But first and foremorest (as my dad always used to say) "You can't win if you don't play." Words to live by in the jewelry hunt, playing the lottery - and in life.

Did I mention there's FREE JEWELRY?

(just sayin')

Chanel Byzance ads

Beautiful, fascinating, dreamy, rich, powerful...

Vintage wedding in Cortona

When Kyla and Justin first contacted us here at The Italian Wedding Planner asking if they could get married in Italy with less than 3 weeks to plan and prepare all the documents I thought 'I do think this is possible.' It was later that Justin told me that he had contacted several wedding planners on the same night that they decided to get married while on holiday in Italy and we were the only ones who stood up and said lets try! 

Cortona

Although at one point we all thought this might not happen, especially as they are both Australian citizens resident in the USA and trying to get all of the documentation together was at one point a stumbling block. However with their pure focus they took up the challenge to obtain the Australian Nulla Osta and legalising it as soon as they touched down in Rome. 

Town hall of Cortona

Meeting me for the first time, other than on Skype video chats, on a rainy day in Amalfi they handed me the precious document and I hot footed it to Cortona in Tuscany. 

Cortona town hall were fantastic and with the nulla osta in place all we needed was to arrange the witnesses and obtain the Atto Notorio! (Required by law for Australian and American citizens wishing to get married in Italy.) 

The day before their wedding we met with 4 witnesses in front of an official of the state and obtained the Atto Notorio, the wedding was on for the next day less than 3 weeks since the first e-mail! 

Kyla looked amazing in her vintage 60's style wedding dress and her absolutely fantastic shoes! Arriving at the town hall of Cortona, we were all grateful that the sun had come out to shine on this very romantic  Bride and Groom! 

The ceremony was extremely special, the Mayor of Cortona, who's romantic side was brought out by Kyla and Justin holding tightly on to each others hands, obviously very emotional as they took this new step forward together.  It was hard for everyone to hold back the tears of joy as they said their vows to each other. 

The picturesque Tuscan hill town of Cortona, I hope will always have a special place in their hearts. I for one was very touched by their wedding and I shall always have very special memories of their wedding day.

Wishing you both much love and happiness. 

Kelly x

Wedding location: Town hall of Cortona

Photographer: Edoardo Agresti (We can not wait to see the official photos, all photos on the blog were taken by Kelly Hayes)

Florist: Nadia Stiatti 

Hairdresser: Located in Cortona

Translator: Kelly Hayes

Witnesses: A big thank you to Maria and Nathalie who were the witnesses for the Bride and Groom

Arena di Verona

Verona, home to the most famous lovers in history, Romeo and Juliet but also home to some of the most stunning architecture and the amazing Roman amphitheatre located in the heart of Verona. The arena hosts the Verona Opera festival during the summer months offering  a unique atmosphere, with up to 22,000 spectators at a historical site showcasing a series of open-air opera performances. The festival is the highlight of Verona's musical entertainment and eye-opener to Italian culture. As the epitome of the most sophisticated musical performances, the Verona Opera Festival is an integral part of the summer calendar with professional and world-class performers rendering their best at an immortal festival.

I for one am delighted that the Opera Festival at the Arena of Verona has started and will continue until September the 3rd. Even if you have never been to the Opera before, if you are in Italy this summer and  get the chance to go to Verona try and visit the Arena of Verona grab it!  

Verona has a lot to offer, historic and medieval, the foundations of the city of Verona date back to the 1st century B. C. Under the rule of the Scaliger family during the 13th and 14th centuries, Verona was part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Displaying many antique monuments from the medieval and the Renaissance periods, the city has been mainly a Roman military stronghold and outpost.

For the past 2000 years, Verona has progressed historically, artistically and culturally as one of the greatest cities in Italy. Many of Shakespeare’s plays have found a historical setting in this city including the balcony from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ that has drawn thousands of tourists to this spot. The Lion of St. Marks exhibits Verona’s link to the Republic of Venice. As the eye traverses quaint and ancient fortresses, monuments and churches of the ages, the most arresting sight has been the Arena that has been transformed into one of the largest opera houses. Surrounded by nature parks and the Adige River, the Arena is a 2000 year old Roman amphitheater, preserved beautifully and centrally located in the middle of the Piazza Bra. Showcasing the legendary summer music festival, the amphitheater apart from the loss of its decorative marble facade and outer wall, is one of the complete pieces of Roman architecture in Verona. The ancient city of Verona is surrounded by walls about 10 kilometers in length erected by the Scaligeri family. The city itself is divided into four parts or zones. The ancient city with its Roman architecture, the Cittadella division which ranges southwards, San Zeno with its Beautiful Cathedral and the Veronetta a originating from the Early Middle Ages.

Come and explore the vibrating heart of Verona and walk through the buzzing Piazza Bra. This is where the trains stop and all the cars are found parked. Beautiful with the arena close by, the curious tourist will find Via Pallone just outside the Piazza, Museo degli Affreschi and Juliet’s tomb. The Piazza is filled with old and memorable monuments such as the Palazzo della Gran Guardia and the Gran Guardia Nuova from where you can go towards the embankment of the Adige and reach Corso Cavour. Two of Verona’s monuments are located here besides Sanmicheli's Palazzo Canossa, the Romanesque church of S. Lorenzo and the Palazzo Bevilacqua, (an unfinished masterpiece by Sanmicheliano) can also be found by the intrepid traveler. The route leads to Porta Borsari, the main entrance to the Roman city and continues to Piazza delle Erbe. Then the Via Cappello leads out from the Piazza and at No. 23 you will find Casa di Giulietta (the house of Juliet Capulet where it is possible to celebrate civil wedding's). Just a short walk will lead to elegant shops.

The Cittadella takes the curious traveler to its center where the Piazza delle Erbe evolves over a historical area filled with monuments and Cathedrals with neoclassical architecture. San Zeno houses the famous S. Zeno Church and the Civic Art Museum. At Veronetta as you cross the Ponte Pietra or the stone bridge, the music loving traveler will find Teatro Romano. As you travel along the embankments, you will find S. Giorgio in Braida built for the Benedictines and finished by Sanmicheli. At the road that leads to Porta Vescovo, you will discover the lovely Giardini Giusti. Verona offers the essence of beauty, culture and the rejuvenating spirit of music.

The magic of the Arena di Verona is incomparable and has to be experienced to be believed. With the intoxicating elements of the Italian passion for opera, the love of a dramatic performance, an instinctive knowledge that stimulates an awesome performance with an acoustically perfect 2000 year old amphitheater, all of this goes towards the creation of an atmosphere that is unique, joyous and magnetic. The 2000 year old Roman Arena in Verona lies across the Adige River that evokes the early ages where Christians were devoured by the lions, where Maria Callas sang her arias and where the greatest singers have rendered amazing performances close to the balcony where Romeo and Juliet fell in love. As the floodlights go down, the excited babble of voices simmers to expectant whispers… and the night is filled with the glow of candlelight reflecting the warmth of the stars… the Verona Opera Festival begins its unforgettable performance that has prompted its ardent followers to come back over and over again to its dynamic midst.

High on Prada

What was I thinking?!

I just bought a pair of impossible sandals from Prada. I don't even know if I'll be able to walk in them. My biggest fear is that I'll twist my ankle trying to walk in them. Now that would be embarrassing...

They are nice looking, though, aren't they? 

Order of the Garter: Kate Middleton

Hat: Philip Treacy
Dress and coat: Katherine Hooker
Heels: Rupert Sanderson

Sources: MC, DM