Happy Friday!  I will of course, be preparing a detailed Fall Fashion Preview Post in the coming weeks, but I wanted to tease you a bit first with a glimpse of the colors for Fall, selected by some of the fashion industry greats for Pantone.  Here is a peek at what they have chosen and I approve!

 www.pantone.com

The Pantone site is great for reviewing how the colors are being used in fashion, how designers recommend wearing the colors, as well as how these colors can be interpreted for men’s fashion. 

What’s your favorite color shown here?

Source

I almost feel as though I am preaching to the choir in this post.  I think most professionals would never dream of allowing a potential client or a third party to alter their contract in any way.  While I am always open to suggestions, and am happy to answer questions, I can honestly say I have never had someone try to manually add or change my contract, and I’m grateful for that because I would not allow it.  While I may agree to whatever change/clarification, etc. is being requested, I would make the change myself in the document file and then forward that on to the client myself.  For instance, I have a clause in my contract that outlines photography rights, basically saying that I will share any photos taken by my staff or myself with the client, and that they will share images from their professional photographer with me upon receipt of them.  I once had a very private and reserved couple say that they would prefer their photos not be shared on my blog or website.  We discussed this through carefully, I explained to them that I need to be able to showcase my work in order to obtain future clients and we agreed that I could use photos of the reception details only.  I amended the photography clause to outline this compromise, they we all signed the contract and acted accordingly.  No biggie.

Recently, I had two vendors ask/tell me to make changes to their contracts that were sent to me as word document files.  Their casual approach to their business contract amazed me, and I have been wanting to post about it for some time.  Following are some background details on each:

Photographer:  In this instance, the photographer’s contract did not include the mailing address and telephone number.  The client needed this info in order to be able to mail the deposit and final payment, as well as to be able to reach the photog with any questions.  Additionally, there were several blanks that were to be filled in, such as photography start time, end time, bride’s getting ready address, addresses for ceremony and reception site, couple’s mailing address after the wedding, etc.  I didn’t want to write this in because the type was so small.  I sent an email with the request for the photographer’s address and phone to be added, along with the addresses and other info that photog wanted.  They replied back, asking me to make the changes to the contract and email it back to them. 

Huh?

First of all, while gathering the information from my client and forwarding that to vendors as needed does fall within the scope of my responsibilities, amending and completing the contract does not. 

Second of all, If I were a dishonest person, I could have changed anything in the contract that I wanted to because the photographer basically gave me complete access to it.  Maybe the photographer would catch any changes, maybe they wouldn’t.  Of course I didn’t do this, but you get my point.  What if I accidentally made a typo in fee amounts or number of hours of service included?

Now, to be fair, this is a photographer that I consider a friend and work with on a regular basis.  In the interest of time, I did make the additions myself in order to get the contract complete for my client.  In hindsight, I think my willingness to help sent the wrong message.  I won’t do this again.

Reception Band:  In this instance, the band’s contract seemed to indicate that they required guest meals and access to the bar.  I suggested to my client that they receive a vendor meal just like the other vendors.  The contract also seemed to be very strict in their requirements for a rain plan.  In fact, it seemed to indicate that they required to be moved indoors in case of inclement weather.  This was not possible at this venue, so I needed to address it prior to the contract being signed.  The contract also requested a very specific electrical set-up, and access to two separate, private areas for both the male and female members of the band to get dressed.  Again, not possible at the venue we were working with, so I verbally addressed it on the phone with the band manager.  He assured me that they would work with us and understood the limitations of the venue.  I asked him to add notes or amendments to the contract to cover the issues we had discussed.  He was hesitant to do so, and both my client and I were uneasy about signing based on verbal agreement only.  The band manager suggested that I type our conversation up in an email and send it and he would reply with “ok”.  In the process of hashing this out, my client took the initiative to type everything up as agreed and added it to the end of the band’s contract (sent to us as a word document file) under a general “Amendments” title.  The band countersigned and deposited the check.  I would like to say that on the wedding day, there were no issues and the band did a great job.

However, in my opinion, as with the photographer’s contract mentioned above, amending the contract should not have become the responsibility of myself or my client.  The contract holder needs to be in control of the document/file at all times.  I would go so far as to say that contracts should ALWAYS be sent out in a “read only” format.  For me, that means my contract is sent out in a protected PDF document that only I can alter. 

If you are sending your contracts out in an unprotected word document or excel format, please stop now.  You can thank me later.

Here’s a hypothetical situation:  Let’s say the final amount on your contract for services to a client is $4,810.  Let’s say you started at $5,000 and the client talked you down a bit, asked for a discount or opted to omit an item to bring their pricing down to the agreed upon $4,810.  You agree and tell them to make the change to your word document contract that you have already emailed to them with fill in the blank areas for pricing and services.  They make the amendment, but accidentally transpose the final amount due to $4,180.  Neither of you notice the error, the contract gets signed and countersigned.  You just lost $630 due to a typo, unless of course, your client is wonderfully honest and understanding.  Also, what do you have to back up the originally agreed upon price of $4,810?  Emails or was it a verbal discussion?  Good luck to you.

Let’s take this one step further and remove the wedding industry element from the equation.  Hypothetically, you are selling your car.  Let’s say you are asking for $10,000.   A buyer comes in, asks for you to add new floor mats, a new stereo installed and offers $9,500.  You agree to new floor mats and $9,500 but no stereo.  They hesitantly agree – they really wanted the new stereo.  Would you then forward the contract or bill of sale to them and ask them to type in the changes?  Of course not, this person is a complete stranger and you don’t want to get screwed.  You would make the changes (or have an attorney make them for you) and go from there. 

Business is no place for casual attitudes towards contracts.  It doesn’t matter how many times you have worked with another vendor, that you may be friends outside of work, etc.  Protect your contracts like you protect your reputation.

Also, don’t put the responsibility of making additions or corrections to your contract on the client or a third party (such as the wedding planner).  First of all, it isn’t their responsibility, it is yours, and secondly, you are putting them in an awkward situation.  Not to mention that depending on their schedule, the entire contract process could be held up because I can almost guarantee they weren’t counting on being your legal assistant.

Happy Monday!

If you should have any questions about why protecting your contract is important to your business, please do not hesitate to contact me at info@thestylishplanner.com.

All the Fall fashion previews and the sweltering heat here in Atlanta have me pining for cooler temperatures.  The other day while daydreaming of breezy afternoons and adding shades of bordeaux to my wardrobe, I came across this and had to share:

Valentino Aphrodite Small Leather Bow Bag – $2,895 at Neiman Marcus.

Looking forward to Fall, aren’t you?

Happy Weekend!

Photo by: Henry and Masci Photography 

Photo by: George Rivera Photography

Name:  Phebe L. 

Location:  Lowell, Massachusetts       

Company Name:  Making ME Event Planning Firm       

Number of years in business:  1       

Website:  www.makingmeepf.com       

Blog:  www.makingmeepf.blogspot.com       

Twitter handle:  @Makingmeepf       

If you are a wedding and event professional other than a planner, please describe your product or service.  We are an event planning firm in love with all things vintage that focuses on planning, design, and vintage place settings.       

How would you describe your personal style?  Casual and elegant with fun and playful layers. My wardrobe and personal style are always ever changing and I’m inspired by a myriad of colors, the warmth of summer, cool of winter, and crispness of the fall and spring.       

What is your “go-to” meeting attire?  A tailored blazer paired with a shirt with a lovely pattern and skinny jeans paired with adorable flats. When appropriate I love to pair this with a fun scarf.       

What is your “go-to” evening industry event attire? (i.e., associational meeting, vendor or venue open house, etc.)  I love a great black cocktail dress! My personal favorite Shoshanna, Rachel Roy, or Mark and James by Badgley Mischika.       

What is your attire for wedding/event day set-up?  Black Tights and ruffled top paired with my favorite Ann Taylor flats.       

What is your attire for actual wedding/event?  A black dress, with Kitten heels!       

What style and brand of shoes do you wear on wedding/event days?  Ann Taylor flats (Set up) and Ann Taylor Kitten heels (actual event).       

Tell us about your favorite jeans and why you love them.     I have a great pair of skinny jeans from The Gap that I LOVE, they have just the right amount of give in them and they are so versatile and can be worn with a blazer, scarf, flats or even heels.       

Who is your favorite celebrity style icon and why?  Sanaa Lathan, this girl KNOWS how to wear a dress, but can easily glam up a simple pair of jeans with a fluttery top and a gorgeous accessory.       

Please share with us (in 50 words or less) your favorite style tip:  Keep it simple! Your wardrobe is filled with every day pieces that can easily translate into making your wardrobe fabulous. Think jewelry, scarves, and shoes. You can make a skirt, jeans, or legging look like a million bucks paired with the right accessory.       

What would you like people to know about you that they may not discover just by viewing your website or blog?  When I was really little I was convinced that I wanted to be a Chef.  My sister and I would play cooking show with our pretend Julia Child voices for hours…we secretly still play cooking show when I’m home except now we really cook!  Oh yes and of course we still use our “Julia” voice-ha!  Ok so maybe I use my “Julia” voice every time I cook!       

What is your most treasured possession?  Old family photos of the women in my family that go back 3 generations. The women in my family all had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, seeing them is a reminder to me of the woman I’d like to become.       

What message would you like to convey to others in our industry?  Don’t be afraid to do something different! We’re in an industry that demands creativity and out of the box thinking.    

This post previously published on June 17, 2011.

Whether you are having a bad hair day, driving with the top down, or covering your hair at the beach for protection from sun damage/frizz, a beautiful head scarf is an amazing solution for you!

I came across this post from one of my favorite accessory stores, Charming Charlie’s.  It is worth a look because it includes not one, but two head scarf styles (The Grace Kelly & The India Arie) along with a how-to video.  I love the India Arie style because it is sleek like a bun – so chic!

Charming Charlie’s Head Scarf How To Guide

I can’t wait to try this at the beach this summer – now to find the perfect scarf to match my new swimsuit!  How about one of these:

Tiffany & Co. scarf in Sea Rose – $275

Coach Railroad Op Art Scarf – $66

Happy Weekend!

Note from Jeannine:  I featured Christine Sweeney of Atlanta Watercloset last year shortly after I met her in person to get to know her a little better over coffee.  We talked about business and life, and especially our families.  Sometime shortly after that, my sweet friend, Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites in Southwest Florida encouraged me to give Entrepreneur Magazine a try.  I had always considered it a magazine for big businesses, but now I am sold out and read it monthly.  I was flipping though the April issue a while back and saw Christine’s face!  Wow – so excited for her – Entrepreneur wrote a great article about Christine and her business!  Take a look here:

 Click here to read the article online: www.entrepreneur.com

When people succeed and are recognized, I feel that it’s time to take another look at what they are doing.  I am so proud to know Christine, and seeing a fellow Atlanta resident, fellow woman – even more so – a fellow mother and small biz owner be recognized for her work makes me smile.  So I know that I have featured Christine’s Style Profile once before, but I think it’s time to take a second look – enjoy this “Stylish Rerun” today!

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This article previously posted on August 8, 2010.

Christine Sweeney has brought a wonderful product/service to the Atlanta Wedding Market- Boutique Portable Restrooms.  I am so pleased to know her and have her as a resource in our area.  Christine brings a lot of class to an otherwise non-glamorous side of event planning!  I hope you will enjoy getting to know her as much as I have.  Check out the photo collage below to see how she is changing the look of portable restrooms!

Photos courtesy of Climie & Co.

This post was previously published on October 6, 2010.

Linnyette Richardson Hall is the Owner and Creative Director of Premiere Event Management, a Baltimore-based firm that specializes in creating unique, elegant, fun and personality-oriented events.  She is the Special Contributing Editor of the two book series Going to the Chapel (Penguin Putnam 1998) which was created for couples who are in the wonderful process of planning their nuptials. Formerly, Linnyette was Contributing Editor for Signature Bride Magazine and Columnist for WeddingChannel.com. American television audiences are able to see her work her "wedding magic" as one of the featured consultants on the hit reality television series, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" which airs weekly on The Style Network.

Linnyette has been in the wedding industry since 1993 and has planned hundreds of weddings for brides & grooms locally and on a nationwide basis. Linnyette’s expertise has been featured in many local and national publications such as Glamour, Essence & Black Enterprise magazines, The Washington Post as well as appearing on CNN, FOX News, CBS and a host of other media outlets.

The Stylish Planner is so pleased to have Linnyette as a contributing guest blogger!  I feel her “tell it like it is” personality combined with her years of wedding and event planning experience make her feature a “must read”.  The feature is aptly titled “DIVA Day”, and will be posted on the first Wednesday of every month!

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Size Matters..Or Does It?

I’m one of those people who thinks you can be stylishly wonderful, no matter what the tag on the inside of your clothing says.  The "average" woman in the United States is a size 14, which is wildly contradictory to all of the media hype which touts the notion of the "lollipop girls" – you know, the ones with the tiny bodies and big heads who look like they could use a ham sandwich…

What I have come to learn over the years is that image matters more – not the size you are.  As wedding planners, we are in a "style conscious" industry and fashion surrounds us on a daily basis.  This means that we’ve got to have the "package" in place..from hair to makeup, clothing to accessories, we should always strive for a totally pulled together look.  Speaking as a size 16, I am constantly on the hunt for items that define my personal style (classically trendy) as well as resources that cater to us curvy beauties.  You can be the best darned wedding planner in the known universe, but hey..if you look as if you’ve just tumbled out of bed, chances are no one is going to take you and your abilities seriously.

Image really does start within.  A lot of women have a "notion" in their heads that if they get smaller, life will be better and the grass is greener on the other side.  It doesn’t work that way.   Once you get to a point where you love yourself (no matter the size), crafting your own unique style becomes a lot easier.  I’ve learned how to focus on my assets (great eyes and chest) and work what I’ve got.  For me, having those "killer" eyes that can nail you at twenty paces, along with curves that go "boom" are a part of my image.  Sexy can be classy and sharp…when you know how to enhance that feeling.  Even though I’m a professional, I still let my inner "femininity" shine.    And you know what?  People respond positively – I’m always getting compliments as well as inquiries…they want to know where I find my "stuff"!!

A long time ago…I used to worry incessantly about being double digits when it came to my dress size.  And then, I had an epiphany.  Whether I’m a 6 or a 16 does not matter – how I am on the inside and how I allow my "light" to shine does.  Once we learn how to get past those insecurities, I think we’ll all be in a better place.  So……embrace what you have.  Love it constantly.  Adorn it often. Look in the mirror EVERY day and say "Darling – you look mahvelous!!!"

Until next time………………………………..

This week my family and I are enjoying our annual week at the beach.  All week long on The Stylish Planner, you will enjoy “reruns” of the posts I’ve done over the last couple of years that have received the highest traffic.  These are all great posts that the site still gets hits on in seaches and they still receive re-tweets, etc.  I know you will enjoy these posts, whether you have read them before or not. 

Have a great week!

The following article was posted on March 10, 2010.

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Today I am finishing up a series called “What to wear” for wedding and event planners.  Over the last couple of months we have covered the following topics:

What to wear: To the rehearsal

What to wear: for wedding/event set-up

What to wear: to a client meeting

What to wear: to the wedding/event

What to wear: to evening events

These topics have had some of the highest number of visits on the blog, which tells me that what you wear while representing your business is important to you.  If you should think of any other “what to wear” topics I could cover, please feel free to send an e-mail to  info@thestylishplanner.com and I’ll be glad to cover it!

Today’s topic is what to wear on your day off.  I suppose I really should give a disclaimer here.  I am “one of those girls” that rarely leaves the house without makeup.  Go ahead, roll your eyes, I know you want to.  Now, in my defense, on my days off I’m not going for glam, just put together.  If the only plans I have outside of the house are to drive my son to school and pick him up, then it’s a no make-up, sunglasses and yoga pants kind of day.  (I should add that I drop off and pick up via carline, so I never even get out of my car.)  If there are plans to run a few errands, I usually pare things down to just mascara and lip-gloss, but even then, I pull on a pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt.  To summarize:  if I am going to be seen, I make an effort.

I could not agree more with this quote from Tim Gunn, host of Project Runway:  “Soft cotton pants should be avoided if one is going anywhere other than the yoga studio.”  I would possibly make a rare exception to this rule for something like a quick run into the grocery store.

Why do I feel this way?  Here are a few reasons:

1)  I live in a small community and I’ve been in this area for most of my life.  I almost always run into someone I know in a public place, whether it is a neighbor, parent from my son’s school, past co-workers, church friends, previous clients, high school or college friends, etc.  I still see people that remember I worked at the local K-mart when I was 17.  Murphy’s Law #142 says that if you leave your house looking terrible, you will quite certainly run into everyone you know.  (Just kidding, I made that up, but it seems to be true in my case.)

2)  People in small communities (and large ones too) talk, a lot.  Let’s call a spade a spade, it isn’t just talk, it’s gossip.  It’s not likely they will tell others that they saw me in the frozen food section at Publix and I looked fabulous, but they will tell everyone they know if I looked horrible.  I learned this truth about small town life the hard way.

3)  You never know when you will meet a potential client, or someone that will refer you to a potential client.  Your chances are greater of being referred or hired if you look nice.  Also, when I look good, I feel good.  I’d be terribly uncomfortable having a conversation with someone while wearing sweatpants and no makeup.  I simply would not be at my best.  It would be difficult to come across as professional or even polite.

4)  The general public has a perception that wedding and event planning is a glamorous career.  Likewise, I think people believe that we make tons of money.  People are fascinated by this profession.  They always expect us to be just like Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner, and usually that is their frame of reference.  In a strange way, these perceptions bring value to what we do.  I think we would all agree that J-Lo’s character was well put together and fashionable.  She was good at what she did, a consummate professional.  (Well, except for falling in love with the groom to be, but I digress.)  My point is, I choose not to contribute to lowering the expectations of the public, or devaluing our profession by going out in my pajamas or some other fashion foolishness.

5)  In a downed economy, we are faced with the unfortunate situation of justifying the need for a wedding/event planner.  Yet, we want to make more money, to reach clients in the luxury market, the “high-end” bride.  How would you suggest that we do that while wearing crocs and oversized sweatshirts?

Having said all this, I realize that I haven’t really addressed what to wear on your day off.  I think it would be easier to address what not to wear on your day off.  Here’s a summary:

Photos courtesy of www.peopleofwalmart.com 

Basically, ladies, make an effort.   A well groomed ponytail is fine.  Jeans are fine.  Pajamas and sweatpants, not so fine.  I think you get the idea.

What are your thoughts for dressing on your day off?  Are there any clothing items you feel should be banned from wearing in public?

If you are a follower of fashion designers debuting their Fall looks at Fashion Week, I hope you are enjoying what is coming down the runway.  Of course, I will be writing a Fall Fashion Preview soon for the blog, but some things are just too good to wait about sharing!  Check out this lovely bootie from Jimmy Choo:

 Hologram Mesh & Patent Bootie – $1,395 at Neiman Marcus

Note from Jeannine:  You know when you talk to someone for the first time and are immediately drawn to them?  That is exactly how I feel about Heidi Schwartz.  Heidi reached out to me via a Twitter DM and I was intrigued by her work.  When I spoke to her by phone, I really enjoyed her warm, honest and humble personality.  Folks, this gal is one to watch – be sure to check out her website and follow her on Twitter @PaintYourEvent.  Enjoy reading more about Heidi and keep her beautiful art in mind for your future events!

 Photo by: Ash Wright

Photo by: John Guider

Photo by: Heidi Schwartz of “The Betsy Johnson Wedding”

Name: Heidi Schwartz

Location: Nashville, TN

Company Name: Paint Your Event

Number of years in business: I began live painting a few years ago, but I didn’t form an official business until a few months ago.

Website: www.paintyourevent.com

Twitter handle: @paintyourevent

If you are a wedding and event professional other than a planner, please describe your product or service.  I’m an artist that paints live at special events. I paint weddings, galas, birthdays – you name it. I once painted on a rotating platform in the middle of a ballroom.

How would you describe your personal style?  I tend to be relaxed and simple. I like to use jewelry for accents. I love to do my make up. I would always watch my mother growing up – she was a make-up artist. She always said ‘never walk out of the house without mascara on!’

What is your “go-to” meeting attire?  Business casual or I’ll dress up my top, wear some colorful earrings and let my hair go natural with waves.  But I still wear my paint jeans. I get told all the time that I should start selling my paint jeans.

What is your “go-to” evening industry event attire? (i.e., associational meeting, vendor or venue open house, etc.)  I like simple, classy but unique pieces. I don’t buy cloths unless I’m drawn to them. A simple black dress or a skirt and a cool jacket. Then I’ll wear some funky cowboy boots with it.  If it’s a simple, clean piece I’ll do a funky scarf or a bracelet to dress it up.

What is your attire for wedding/event day set-up?  My paint jeans and a t-shirt.  I have four or five pairs of jeans that have been turned into pant pants. These are the pants that I feel have have had enough of the real world and get to transition in to the world of paint.

What is your attire for actual wedding/event?  I really like wearing my paint pants and tops. I love the contradiction of being covered in messy paint at formal events. It immediately takes people by surprise and makes them wonder what is going on. I love it. It’s so much fun to watch people get to the “ah ha” moment when they see me start to paint.  But no matter how “messy” my clothes are I always do my hair and and make-up – I do up my eyes, make sure my foundation is flawless and wear lipstick. I like to wear braids in my hair a lot – it looks cute and bohemian. It gets the hair out of my face. l always wear this pretty turquoise bracelet my mom gave me.

What style and brand of shoes do you wear on wedding/event days?  I wear my paint shoes – a pair of black loafers that most of my friends want me to trash. I always take them off when I paint because it’s more comfortable to me. My feet end up different colors by the end of the night.

Tell us about your favorite jeans and why you love them.  My paint jeans of course. I use my jeans while I’m in the middle of painting to wipe off the excess paint – so they are a different color after each event. All the rules go out the window with my paint clothes. They are messy and fun – that’s why I love them. It’s so freeing not to worry about what I am wearing. I have even used my paint pants to write reminder notes on them when I didn’t have paper on hand and to put down song lyrics when I get an idea.

Who is your favorite celebrity style icon and why?  Charlize Theron. She always comes across as calm, centered, strong and beautiful. Her style is classy but interesting. She seems so comfortable in her own skin – there is nothing more stylish than that.

Please share with us (in 50 words or less) your favorite style tip:  I think the best style of all is when you see a person who is healthy – their skin glows, they are toned and energetic. A person that takes good care of themselves always looks good dressed up or down and always shines. I like doing yoga, acupuncture and getting a good night’s sleep. I also drink tea, eat right and exercise.

What would you like people to know about you that they may not discover just by viewing your website or blog?  Hmmm. I think people think that I’m this wild, crazy artist. But really I’m pretty grounded when it comes to the important things in life. I really work on being healthy mentally, physically and spiritually. I aim for this balance. And to me, life is not all about what you do, it’s about who you are and how you choose to act this out.

What is your most treasured possession?  My two guitars – one is a black Fender that my mom got for me when I was 16 and the other is a 1978 Guild that I got a couple years. Another treasure of mine is the first painting I did when I moved to Nashville called “Cover of Color” – this was the beginning of me painting  my emotions.

What message would you like to convey to others in our industry?  Creativity is special and it’s what makes life exciting. Creating an amazing experience filled with beauty and sentiment is such an honorable gift to give to another.