Entries Tagged 'Just ask THE WIFE' ↓
February 10th, 2010 — Just ask THE WIFE
Ila Asked:
I hope you are well, Taryn.
I need your advice. I have a wedding to attend in mid March in Scottsdale, Arizona, time: 6pm. And my problem is that I have no idea what to wear. First because it is March and second the time. Also, my friend from Monaco (her family Catholic/conservative) is getting married to a doctor in Arizona.
Please help! 
Ila
THE WIFE Answered:
The first and fore most rule of wedding dress etiquette is never wear any shade of white to a wedding. This color is exclusively reserved for the bride and her wedding party.
Knowing what to wear can be a bit confusing, So it’s always best to take hints from the invitation:
If the invitation reads “White Tie” This is the most formal for all wedding dress codes. It’s at the tip top of glitz and glamour, it’s best you find your most elegant Floor length ball gown, because this is the perfect occasion to wear it. Be sure to accessorize with beautiful jewels and a glamorous up do or other enchanting hairstyle. Men should be in a formal tuxedo with a cumberbund vest, white tie and shiny shoes.
If the invitation reads “Black Tie” then formal attire is required and usually means the wedding is an evening affair. Women do not necessarily have to be in floor length gowns, but should wearing a chic and classy cocktail dress or elegant separates with a small evening bag. Men should be in dapper tuxedos with a black bow tie and fancy shoes.
If the invitation says “Formal or Black Tie Optional.” This suggests something less formal than black tie. Women should be in a cocktail dresses or a suit. Men have the choice to wear a tuxedo or a formal suit and tie.
If the invitation says “Casual” This does not mean show up in jeans, shorts or a tank top. I would encourage to wear a nice button down or polo. Women are fine in a dress, skirt or sophisticated pants with a blouse.
If the invitation does not state what the appropriate attire is, then try to take hint from the season and hour of the wedding. A Spring/Summer wedding is perfect for pastel dresses with dressy sandals and for men lighter colored suits. While a Winter wedding calls for warmer clothes, the wedding site should provide a coat check for heavy coats.
Day weddings are more casual, stay away from long gowns, sequins and heavy beading. Opt instead for knee length dresse or skirts. Feel free to wear a ladies hat or bring sunglasses. If the wedding is on a beach, men are allowed to wear linen shirts and pants or khaki pants with leather sandals. Women are fine in sundresses with flats or sandals, be sure to bring a light cardigan or sweater wrap in case of chilly breezes.
Evening weddings and receptions generally call for cocktail or formal attire, knee length or longer gowns are acceptable as well as darker colors like black. Men should be in business attire.
Always Remember to respect the wishes of the bride and groom, as well as their religious rules. Some Church’s might require different protocol the others. And If you still are confused and don’t know, it is always best to ask someone in the bridal party. - THE WIFE
October 26th, 2009 — Art and Culture, Just ask THE WIFE
Hannah Asked…
Hi!
I have a question, what is the proper audience etiquette when you go see a ballet or an opera? When do you clap? Is whistling/whooping ever socially acceptable?
Thanks!
Hannah
THE WIFE Answered…
Hannah,
Thank you so much for your email! First off, how exciting to attend the Opera or Ballet! It’s one of my favorite reasons to get all dressed up. To be able to enjoy a performers exquisite operatic voice or see the beautiful Pilate’s and twirls of a talented dancer.
With that being said… Going to the Opera and Ballet is something you should always dress up for. Women should be in Cocktail Dresses and Men Business Attire (Button Down Collard Shirts and Slacks.) “Like the elegant decor of The Plaza, the splendor of a theatre deserves an audience with attire to match - and I’ve always been one for Matching.” - Kate Spade. Always bring a sweater or cardigan as Theaters and Opera Houses can get quite chilly. When you arrive check heavy Winter coats at the coat check
I suggest reading a synopsis of the performance before attending, so you can fully understand and appreciate what you are about to see on stage. For instance, in ballets there is not speaking, but interpreting through dance. And many Operas are in another language (although some opera houses provide subtitles above the stage.)
I always encourage Children to be involved in Arts and Culture, But only bring those who will be able to sit through a lengthy performance quietly (sometimes lasting up to 2 or 3 hours.) Parents are the best judge of character, as you know your child best.
Always always be on time. Performances always begin promptly. Allow enough time for traffic and parking. If you do arrive late, you will not be admitted until an appropriate interval or intermission. ( This happen to me at the Ballet Performance of Don Quixote in Paris and we had to watch the first half from the very back steps of the balcony, then during intermission we were properly seated in our purchased seats. Lesson Learned!)
During the Performance Respect those around you by turning off or silencing your cell phones. This means absolutely no texting, as the bright screen can be distracting to those around you. Take photos during a performance is prohibited, as this can be distracting to the performers. Try not to talk or whisper to the person next to you. Also food or drink are never allowed in the theatre or opera house. Avoid opening anything with a loud wrapper like gum or mints, or rummaging through your purse.
If your not sure when to applaud follow the lead of the rest of the audience. If you are moved at the end of the Entire Performance you should stand to show your gratitude with a standing ovation. I would Avoid Whooping, But Shouting Bravo for Men and Brava for the Women is an old tradition when attending the Opera!
Enjoy your Time at the Ballet or Opera!
THE WIFE
October 12th, 2009 — Just ask THE WIFE
Christinia Asked:
Hello Taryn,
I have been following your page for a while now, and I must say that I love it! It is loaded with so much inspiration. I really love all of the ideas I have gleaned from the different get-togethers and parties you have thrown. Having said that, I am planning a fall party for a large group of friends, ages 18-30. The party will take place the first weekend in October over two days at a location with cabins, fields, and a lake. Do you have any suggestions or ideas about what to do?
Thank you for your help and your wonderful blog!
Christina
The Wife Answered:
Christina….
How sweet of you to organize such a great weekend for your friends! Here are some Ideas off the top of my Head (Where is this taking place… What area?) I would kick off the Weekend with a really simple and cozy welcome Dinner the First Evening. Possibly followed by a Game Night (I’m obsessed with Boogle at the moment. Or a fun game of Pictionary or Charades) The Second Night check to see if there is a fun Pub in town, for cocktails and possibly one that has live music. And Definitely a Hearty farewell Brunch the last day.
For Activities on the lake, Are there Row boats or Canoes Available to rent? Or maybe a Dock for Fishing? If there is great fish in the lake maybe incorporate what everyone caught into a Dinner.
The Fields would be great for Fall Sports, When I think of Fall Activities… I think: Touch Football, Rugby, Baseball or Softball, and a good ol‘ game of Horse Shoe (There is a Cute Set at Restoration Hardware.)
Another Great Idea is to look into Horseback riding in the Area. Also Check to See if there are any Orchards in the area… Right now is the perfect time to go apple and pumpkin Picking! Maybe some of the other ladies might be interested in baking fresh apple or pumpkin pies, if the cabins are equipped with kitchens, Pots and Pans, Etc. And last but not Least, a classic campfire with Smores!
I hope all my Ideas help for making an extraordinary weekend with your friends! Let me know how it goes! Good Luck!
THE WIFE xoxo
June 14th, 2009 — Just ask THE WIFE
Megan Asked:
Hi, Taryn.
I absolutely adore your blog! I’m an aspiring event planner from
Boston and loved the pictures from your 1920’s champagne cocktail
birthday. I’m looking to buy a new camera (so I can take amazing
pictures for my portfolio), what’s your camera of choice? I loved the
pictures from Paris as well and I’d be so appreciative if you could
let me know. Thanks for your anticipated help!
Kindest regards,
Megan Kelleher
The Wife Answered :
Megan, Thank you for your Lovely Words and being a dedicated reader to THE WIFE.
My Camera of Choice for the last 5 Years has been the Sony Cyber Shot ( I’ve gone through a few, but always end up purchasing the same one ). What I love about this Camera is that it is super slender and not bulky so it can fit in any evening clutch. The Cybershot has a 3 inch wide LCD touch Screen on the back, which is Fantastic for Viewing Photos. My Favorite feature on this camera is that you can program it to take photos in Black and White, Sepia, Vivid or natural. Another awesome feature is the steady shot for photos being taken with out the flash. It is also incredibly easy to hook up to your computer and download photos. I hope this information has helped and Good Luck with your Event Planning!
THE WIFE xxoo
Sony Cyber Shot 12.1 Mega Pixel Digital Camera in Silver.
Available at Best Buy for 299.99
I do, however, Aspire to purchase a Leica camera sometime soon. A Few of my Friends have them and They take the most beautiful photos.
Leica, C Lux 2, $500.00
March 5th, 2009 — Just ask THE WIFE
Amber Asked:
Dear Taryn, I’ve recently gone thrift shopping and purchased a gorgeous designer pencil skirt by Moschino Cheap & Chic. My one issue however, is quite a bit of the seam towards the bottom right corner on the inside has torn off. Where should I go to get that stitched back up properly? I am a little reluctant bringing my skirt to one of those cheap cleaners near my house.
Sincerely, Amber
THE WIFE Answered:
I’ve always been incredibly lucky in the fact that my mother is a master seamstress. She made all her clothes in the 70’s and now I’m reaping the benefits of her wonderful Talent. I take everything to her, From Dresses I want to take apart and put back together to hemming a Skirt.
So My words of wisdom are….. Ask a family member ( Mother, Grandmother or Aunt ) who sews if they wouldn’t mind helping you out, Instead of trusting a tailor your unfamiliar with. Or if you have any friends who are attending school like Parsons or FIDM for Clothing Design. And if you don’t have any luck with finding Loved ones who Sew….
When I lived in New York I used to take my clients clothes to be altered to:
Greenwich Cleaners - They always did a good job!
331 Greenwich Street
( Cross Streets Jay and Duane )
New York, New York
(212) 996 - 4881
February 15th, 2009 — Just ask THE WIFE
Tiffany Asked -
Hi Taryn!
I am a true fan of your website and I admire your impeccable style of dress! I first took notice of you in the December issue of Elle and admired your taste and mature and fabulously classic sense of style.
My dilemma: I am currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer (was diagnosed in August - day after I turned 30). I am a housewife and mother of three lovely girls. My husband is an awesome father, excellent provider, supportive, very handsome, and extremely caring (need I go on…he’s my Brad Pitt). Problem is since I’ve been sick I have not been able to be that 1950’s housewife I’ve always strived to become. I have not been able to cook in months (previously, I cooked 4-5 times a week and always tried new meals at least twice a month). In addition, due to the awful side effects of my treatments I am too exhausted to tidy the way I use too and most of all; I have not been able to keep myself looking glamorous, sexy and afloat as previous. Moreover, since the bilateral mastectomy (with reconstruction), weight gain due to medication and the alopecia due to chemotherapy I have been feeling depressed and insecure.
My husband helps out a lot and really tries to encourage me my ensuring this is just temporary, however, I cannot help but feel bad.
Please provide any suggestions and advice as my treatments will soon end and I would really like to become the Stepford Wife my husband adored, admired, and fell in love with. I love “over dressing” me and the girls and would love to get back to doing so (even with the new physical changes: e.g. – hair loss, weight gain: however, new breast!)
Thanks in advance for your time, suggestions and advice!
Sincerely,
Tiffany
Philadelphia, PA
THE WIFE Answered -
Tiffany,
I have to say, You are quite the Mother Warrior… to be dealing with chemotherapy, 3 Kids and still trying to be the perfect WIFE! You are my personal hero!
One of the reasons that makes you such a Great Wife, is that you try to do it all. But it can also be a down fall. I think one of the hardest things about being a Perfect Wife is reliqushing power for other people to help out. Especially in your own home and learning to sit back and let others take over for you. Lord knows this is my weak point and being a perfectionist and hate when other people try to step in.
So for the time being my advice to you…. What would make you the perfect wife is to just sit back and focus on recovering from breast cancer. Rule of Thumb: ‘You cant take care of your family, if you don’t take care of yourself first.’
Focus more on You! You mentioned you had an 18 year old step daughter, This is the perfect time for her to start pitching in more around the house and possibly learn more about cooking. This might be a great oppurtunity for you to teach her a few of your favorite reciepes. Or If you are finaically able, There’s always the idea to hire a housekeeper who won’t mind cooking a few meals a week. And if your 11 year old is responsible enough to start babysitting your youngest ( 2 1/2 ) while your still home and need a few moments for your self in another room.
I know in my heart, you are an amazing Mother and Wife! Keep pampering yourself and know you deserve it! Stay optimistic and Postive.
THE WIFE xoxo
Also Below are a few comfort iteams that might help on the bad days when your not feeling your best…
Barefoot Dreams Blankets and Bathrobes have to be the most soft and cuddy cozy material I have ever put my hand on. Just to wrap yourself in either will make all your trouble melt away.
Signature Barefoot Dreams Blanket
The Colors they come in will accomodate any home decor
Visit
Barefoordreams.Com
Sonoma Blankets! Oh My Where do I begin….
These thick soft Lavendar scented blankets you put in the microwave. Once they get all nice and hot, wrap them around you, and the intoxicating aroma of lavender will relax you immediatly! This has to be one of my favorite finds yet!
Sonoma Lavendar Spa Blankets are available at Burke Williams or Amazon.Com
January 16th, 2009 — Just ask THE WIFE
Jamie Asked -
Hi Taryn..
I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and I absolutely love it. My fiance works his butt off to support me and take care of me and my place is without a doubt in our house - I love taking care of him, making sure the house is in good shape and he always has his favourite foods.
Anyways, the whole point of my email is I don’t feel like I’m as good of a fiance as I should be. I’m a university student so I’ve gotten very used to sweatpants and kraft dinner, which isn’t what I was like at all when we met. I feel like I’m trapped in a rut of not getting myself looking good every day, and not taking care of him as well as I should be. The problem is I don’t know where to start anymore - it feels like looking good and losing weight is too overwhelming and I just can’t be bothered to start. You’re the only person (even though I don’t know you) that I could think of that would even remotely understand all this rambling. I was just hoping you would have a little advice or some other websites you like, anything to help me out.
Thanks
THE WIFE Answered -
Jamie…..
My first Words of Advice are… Make sure you are doing all of this for YOU and that YOU are happy doing these things for your fiance. After that it’s all down hill, Nothing is more inspired then self motivation.
Start Slow… Find a form of exercise that you like, that excites you to get up and go. For Example… If you liked tennis in school, start playing tennis twice a week with friends or if you were a dancer as a kid, look into Dance classes. You mentioned you attend University. Most Universities offer Tons of Physical Activity courses… Next Semester try a Step Aerobics class ( I took this in College with a friend and we had a blast ) or take advantage of the Free Gym on campus.
As for Cooking… Start off cooking 2 or 3 times and week and go from there. Search for Reciepes that you find intersting, but are also easy to make, so you don’t get overwhelmed. I love the magazine ‘Everyday Food’ by Martha Stewart or Try their website www.marthastewart.com/everyday. On the website the have a blog for Simple Daily Dinner ideas. Another Great way to get Inspired is to find a grocery store that Inspires you… Shop at the local Farms Market or I love to go to more Unique Grocery Stores like Bristol Farms or Dean and Deluca and wander around for Ideas.
And Last But not least Clothes!…. Below are some great styling tips from Gwenyth Paltrow’s Website www.Goop.Com and Some other great websites I look at daily, to keep up with fashion and to get great outfit ideas are www.WhoWhatWearDaily.Com and www.Style.Com And of Course Monthly doses of Vogue, English Vogue and Elle Magazine
And most of all…. stick to a routine!
January 6th, 2009 — Just ask THE WIFE
( Me in my Favorite Ever Pink Party Dress! Obnoxiously Over Dressed! )
Marilyn Asked :
“This Erin Featherson Dress is Fab and I would love to wear it to some fab event alas i live in super understated new york. How do you Suggest mere mortals wear it even if they have no where to go?”
The Wife Answered :
My rule is this… All women should be in dresses after 7:00pm. The second part of my rule is that, I over dress for anything and everything, whether it be a cocktails or Lunching with friends. The poofy-er the dress the better, The Brighter the dress the better. My inspiration came from watching Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and The City.” she was always in a fabulous dress no matter what the occasion. You’ll be remembered by friends and aquintances more over the other girls in their jeans and Tee’s. So I say stand out and Be extraordinary!
(See Post Below for “over dressing for everyday errands”)
