Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Prom… Where Flowers and Fashion Meet

Its Prom season and you have probably been burning up the IPhone surfing the web for the “perfect” dress!  Will it be the short sassy “baby doll” cocktail evening dress or the flowing fairytale princess ball gown?  With so many options and so little time, we decided to do your homework and come up with the seven prom dress trends for 2011.  We then paired them with their equally fabulous floral fashions because that is just the way we are!  In our mind, flowers to wear and carry are the ULTIMATE fresh fashion accessories.  Creatively worn, and we will guarantee that heads will turn and hearts break!



BLUMZ SEVEN RED-CARPET FASHION & FLOWER PAIRS FOR 2011


1. BLING BLITZ…
Sparkling personality? Bling is definitely rocking it! Sequined accents grab attention from all angles.  From glittery waistbands and necklines to bejeweled skirts and bodices, Bling is Queen!  To not be overshadowed, select a corsage or hairpiece boldly featuring “blingalicious” items such as a rhinestone-studded choker with spray roses, a sparkly tiara hair comb with elegant orchids or a pair of dazzling chandelier earrings with tiny fragrant hyacinth blooms!





2.  SHORT SKIRT… Short IS the new long for 2011, from fitted short evening dresses to full-skirted baby dolls.  Embellished with figure enhancing rushing, bold prints, and awesome beadwork, the cocktail length dress is taunting, “I dare you”!  And just think, short styles mean cheaper alterations, better encore opportunities, and more room for flowers!!  Just visualize a pair of sassy floral accented killer pumps and a viciously coordinated floral necklace and bracelet!





3.  PRINTS A POPPIN… Taking inspiration from tie-dye, retro patterns, futuristic digital prints, and ferocious animal skins; there is a printed prom dress for everyone. No worries about wearing the same dress as your wicked faux-friend, no two prints look identical when made into a dress! With so many colors to choose from, the possibilities for makeup, jewelry and flowers are endless. Take your makeup clues from your favorite dress color and pair it with flowers of the same shade.  With busy prints, select simple flowers.  For example, a vivid green “composite” rose accented with peacock feathers on a sapphire wristband.  POW!




4. NOT YOUR MOTHERS NECKLINE… Mom’s dress neckline seems prehistoric in comparison to the necklines of today.  The prom gown designers are doing futuristic necklines similar to those on fashion runways in Milan and Paris.  Obviously perfect for the fashion forward prom queen but also ideal for girls with smaller busts, the artistic necklines really frame the shoulders, neck and face.  To not take away from the dramatic line, consider carrying a tricked out bouquet of lilies lustrous pearl sprays and hidden fiber optic lights.





5.  GREEN INSPIRATION… No, we are not advocating wearing recycled trash bags and banana peels!!! What we are saying is take notes from mother earth… rich, earth tones are totally in so get dolled up in browns, golds, champagnes, and green. They work amazingly on red heads or girls with fair skin tones.  Makeup should be kept subtle and neat. Nude or peachy lipsticks and shimmering champagne eye shadow can enhance the evening look.  Corsages, bouquets and hairpieces with accents of natural materials like funky feather, wool fiber, and faux butterfly wings complete the ensemble.  Channel your inner “forest nymph”.  








 

6.  COUTURE le COLOUR… Fabulous fuchsia, screaming yellows, high-voltage blues, phenomenal purples, radiant reds, and other intense hues are tops for the dance floor fashion extravaganza!  Whether you are a dark brunette or a tanned beach blonde these colors really pop on darker skin tones.   Up the “color quotient” with bold colored flowers that have been further enhanced with dyes and tints.  Vividly dyed dendrobiums, “rainbow” roses and lusciously loud miniature callas are perfect paired with colorful decorative wire and bead accents.




 




7.  HIGH/LOW…  What style dress best showcases a serious set of legs without losing the drama of a diva train??  The High/Low hemline… high in the front exposing luscious legs and low in the back to keep people staring is not for the frail wallflower.  Taking clues from Latin ballroom and French can-can dance costumes; the high/low packs a powerfully exotic punch.  A funky fabulous garter of pink mink protea petals placed just above the left knee would add the perfect OOO la la to this tantalizing frock. 






With these seven dynamic duos, dancing until morning is all that remains to insure a memorable Prom 2011.  Be adventurous and daring when selecting your floral accessories.  Select a florist that enjoys the fun and creative nature of prom designs.  Listen to their suggestions based on your dress, physique and personality.  Then step back and take all the credit for being the trend setting fashion diva we know you are!





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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Blumz Helps Getting Your "Cupid" On

Valentines... 
Valentine' Day is celebrated as one of the most romantic days of the year. And as such, couples wish to celebrate this day with fun & creativity. So how do you achieve this annual feat? First of all, Valentine's Day must be memorable and it should leave a wonderful and lasting impression in the mind of the recipient. . Therein lies the challenge.  Many people find it extremely difficult just voicing their feelings, much less actually orchestrating a phenomenal celebration.  Here is where Blumz can help you.  We have developed our "Week of Romance"... Seven days of special ways to let that person know you love and appreciate them.  Think of it sort of like the 12 Days of Christmas, but actually WAY MORE affordable!!  Check out the description below outlining the entire week.


Blumz... A Week of Romance
Day 1 - Tues, 8th - A Romantic Card (For You to Place on the Seat of the Car before work)
Day 2 - Wed., 9th - Balloon Bouquet - "I Love You" & "Happy Valentines" (Delivered to Work with a note saying "But Wait, There's More!!")
Day 3 - Thurs., 10th - A Cuddly Plush Animal (For You to Leave on the Bed to be found that evening with an invitation to snuggle)
Day 4 - Fri., 11th - Scented Candles Gift Bag (For You to Leave on the appropriate side of the Vanity to be enjoyed together)
Day 5 - Sat., 12th - Pamper Basket with Fresh Rose Petals (Delivered at Home with a note that says, "Relax & Pamper Yourself With a Rose Bath")
Day 6 - Sun., 13th - Chocolates with an "Invitation to Dinner" for Monday Evening for You to Present.
Day 7 - Mon., 14th - Floral Arrangement Delivered to the Local Dinner Restaurant of Your Choice

Believe it or not... All of this can be achieved (including 3 Deliveries, Day 2, 5 & 7) starting at $199.99.  For more information, contact us at 248-398-5130.  Or visit us at Valentines Day Flowers


Can't swing the "Week of Romance"?  No problem.  Here are some helpful hints when looking for the right way to express yourself on Valentines.


For Her...  Romantic and Personal! are the KEY words.   Take clues from her personality, her favorite colors that she wears and her hobbies.  What is it that makes her unique and special and how can you incorporate that into what you do?  If she loves flowers and you are married, see if you can have the florist recreate her wedding bouquet.  Or at the very least, an arrangement containing flowers similar to the ones from your wedding. (Cant remember what they were... dig out a wedding picture!)   GUYS! also.. FYI, all the national surveys say that most women prefer roses of any color OTHER THAN RED!  I know, its Valentines.. so red symbolizes love.. but it only takes one red rose to do that.  Surprise her with a vase of very cool varieties and uniquely colored roses with one red rose in the middle!!  Trust us!!! we are the professionals!
Pamper Baskets of lotions, body wash, scrubs and more are always good... and can be lots of fun if you offer to help use them!   NOTE!  Unless your love is a "work-out" fitness person, stay away from anything that hints of weight loss, working out, etc... Just saying!!



 For Him...  Keep it Simple, not fussy, fluffy.  Guys do like flowers... just remember to make sure they are brightly colored, masculine, designed in a geometrical form (think angles not round).  Exotic flowers are always cool.  Guys respond to the color red.  So keep that in mind when selecting flowers, gift items and more.  A Warm fuzzy scarf with a chocolate heart attached.  A favorite "beverage" wrapped in red fabric and tied with a festive bow is always a great option.  Candles are nice, too provided they are not too "floral" and feminine.  Food is always good... Heart shaped cookies or brownies with x's and o's on them in a decorative tin or a heart shaped pizza with his favorite toppings.  Electronics are fine, just not very romantic unless you spin it with either a DVD of a romantic movie or a CD of love songs.  Guys are fairly simply and easy to please creatures... as long as you don't insult their masculinity!  Remember they are little boys inside big bodies!


Looking for more ideas on what to give your loved one on that day of romance, Valentines Day?  Here are some suggestions:

1. An iPod with favorite love songs downloaded on it.

2. A CD of romantic songs.  Create it yourself with songs you know they love.

3. Air tickets for a weekend trip to your favorite destination.  Or a "Stay-cation" at a local Hotel with room service.

4. Jewelry, always nice.  Find something unique and special that reminds you of your loved one.  On a budget, cruise a local flea market, and pickup something fun and silly together.

5. An entire day with you, which starts with a brunch at home or your favorite diner, a day spent roaming a museum or art exhibit, a romantic movie matinee, followed by a warm candle lit dinner, and ends with both of you gazing at the moon.

6. A photo frame with a nice photograph of both of you in the frame.  Better yet, take the day making fun photos of yourselves all over town doing the things you enjoy doing.  Then put them all in a book to share with captions about each picture.

7. A bottle of favorite perfume.

8.  A book of poetry (possibly some you have written) or a romantic novel.


9. Plan a Couples massage.

10.  A Decorative box containing hand-made coupons or "passes" to be used as needed for things such as, a free back rub, a favorite meal, an "Im Sorry" card, etc..


There are many valentine ideas and tips but the first and foremost thing to be kept in mind is to create the love ambiance around you and your beloved. Your valentine day gift to your loved one need not be expensive but it should be straight from the heart.

Happy Valentines Day!!
The Staff of Blumz... by JRDesigns
Detroit/Ferndale

Monday, January 17, 2011

Blumz Wedding Trends 2011

A New Year... a new approach... a fresh outlook.  As with the beginning of each new year, the first question on clients lips are "What is the newest trend... the latest and greatest for weddings?" 

Weddings in the year 2011 will cover the gamut of looks, colors and styles.  However, there are several "trends", if you will, that are common in most areas.  Some are a carry-overs; tweaking of trends from last year.  Others are newly minted and ready for your approval.  Here are a few key trend words for you to share with someone who is planning that "special day" in 2011.



1.  Green -  Yes, its still strong and growing. Whether it is shades of green color or the desire to be more "green" in planning and designing the event.  Green has definitely moved beyond the use of just foliages.  With the availability of many new varieties of green flowers and floral materials, the options are many.  Green as a concept in planning and design encompasses things as diverse as the use of recycled/re-purposed clothing (which also ties into the trend of vintage), containers, accents and more to the planning of "staycation-moons" (the stay-local option for a honeymoon), use of local farm grown food and paperless (electronic) invitations.






2.  Navy Blue/blue - Strong color alternative to the ever popular black.  The navy blue tuxedo was even spotted at the Emmys.  Navy under artificial light can actually look blacker than some blacks.  While white and cream are a safe bet for flower colors, Navy can be comfortably paired with complimentary colors of peach or coral, Pantone honeysuckle, and violets, blues and greens for wonderful colorful options. 














Blue is present in floral designs as well.  Natural blues are a bit challenging to come by with hydrangea, delphinium, iris, cornflower, and hyacinth being the most common. 












3.  Vintage/Nostalgia - both as a "style" influence as well as a way of paying homage to the parents and grandparents generation.  Use of actual vintage or vintage inspired clothing, vintage automobiles, hair styles, hats, and venues/settings can give an "old world" look to the event.  This then is further enhanced through the use of black and white photography resulting in photos with an almost movie set like look.  Bouquets of flowers that reflect back to days past bring another level of "realism" to the vintage look.  Roses, gardenias, lilies and yes, CARNATIONS, are the flowers that would have been in grandmothers bouquet.  Vintage brooches, pins and other jewelry, possibly grandmothers heirloom pieces, can be incorporated into the bouquet for that "something borrowed" requirement as well as provide a way of invoking the presence of a favorite loved one.



4.  Floral trim gowns, Feminine silhouettes, and soft fabrics are strong in the dress selections.  Yes, pickups are still strong!   The full skirt and the trumpet skirt are gracing the aisle this year.  Satin sashes of contrasting color and empire waists are giving brides more options when trying to find a dress that flatters a real body as opposed to that of a runway model.  Romantic, flowing gowns of chiffon, tulle and lace are popular.  Embellished bodices are still very strong.  






















5. Monofloral displays for reception table centerpieces... one type of flower either singly in a collection of vases, a mass of one type of flower, or each table being a collection of monofloral designs.  The look of vases of mixed flowers that match from table to table is tired.














Clean line contemporary looks are still very strong.  Use of simple geometrically shaped containers such as cylinders, cubes, and trumpets remains very strong.  The use of submerged flowers is weakening.  Flowers with high petal counts such as roses, peonies, dahlias and hydrangea can be massed for that opulent, full look.





10 Other strong trend words that are being noticed are briefly touched on below.  

1.  Man caves - giving the guys a place to retreat to during the reception, ie... a sports theme or nightclub lounge setting complete with TV/video gaming equipment.  You may have to go find the groomsmen!

2.  Eastern Indian inspiration - is one of the strongest influences particularly in style.  The strong colors of red, orange, golden yellow and metallic gold are mixed with lavish fabrics, beading and drapery.  (Actual birth ethnicity not required.)

3.  Chalk board chic - stylish slate signs are popping up to take the place of printed programs, seating charts, menu cards.  Elegantly or fancifully decorated, the humble chalk board has left the classroom and has become a "Cinderella" for the reception.

4.  Food trucks - having local "street" vendor trucks pay a visit as a way of providing a snack during an outside cocktail hour or a late night nosh is becoming very popular.  Particular attention to the reception venues' outside food restrictions are very important.

5.  Cocktail length dresses - Raised hemlines are very hot right now for the brides dress, many of which resemble the simple wedding dresses of the 50's.  Sassy, fun, chic and meant to actually be worn again (really, not just saying it!)  For the right figure and personality, it would be smashing.

6.  Honeysuckle - the Pantone 18-2120 has been declared the 2011 Color of the Year...  It is a coral pink that actually looks good on many skin tones.  Its complimentary colors include a peach, aqua and slate.  While Pantone colors affect all aspects of design, i.e. home, fashion, commercial, it will be a strong wedding color.

7.  Prohibition chic - a spin off of the Vintage trend.. here all stereotypes of the prohibition era are game for use as inspiration.  Think Flapper meets Rum runner!  Have fun and plan a theme event complete with "moonshine and bathtub gin" cocktails, Roaring '20s big band music, wing tip shoes and lace dresses.  Channel your inner Mobster and Dame.

8.  Black swan inspiration - the movie "Black Swan" will bring the ballerina flavor to the party.  Romantic ceremonies by candlelight, feathered headpieces (chic and tailored, please!), pale pinks and black, tiaras, ballet slippers and ties, and tulle.  (Men in tights, optional)



9.  DIY - Do It Yourself, still very strong... but if you plan to do this... please practice early so that you are not stressed from realizing that its usually best to let the professionals do some of the things!  Your wedding day is not the day to find out that you can't really make a bouquet!!

10.  Rustic - can combine facets of "green", folksy, vintage, country chic and organic.  Play around with it but remember, attention to the details is "queen"!   Outdoor settings, farms/barns (clean, non-smelly ones!), back yards, river side parks, make for natural settings that work well with this them.


To Talk to a Wedding Professional at Blumz... simply fill out our Wedding & Event Consultation Form
One of our Blumz Staff will contact you to set up a time, date and location to meet.
Also, Check us out on FACEBOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Holiday Trends 2010 and a How-To Class

Holiday Decor Trends...

1. "We Need a Little Christmas"... just like the song.  Everyone is tired of the "drag" of the economy. We need to be reminded that celebrating the season is not a bad thing! And decorating for the season is part of that celebration. It doesn't mean you have to blow the budget, just be in a celebratory mood. The decor for this trend is very glitzy, glamorous and sparkly. Golds and silvers mixed with ruby, turquoise, brown and bronze. Pearl white is added for its luster.

2. New Color Combinations... blue and brown, pink and brown, and turquoise and silver are all being paired together for wonderful looks in not just trees, but wreaths, garlands and accent pieces.

3. Traditions Renewed... Always popular, the combination of red, green, gold, but with lime green added for the lively punch it brings. This trend has been around for a few years now. Trends are typically short lived but this combination is turning into more. The use of heirloom and handmade ornaments adds a sense of family and roots, making memories that last!!

4. Lights and the "greening of the holiday"... LED lights continue to grow in popularity not only because of their savings in electrical consumption, but also because the new ones are taking on other colors. No longer are they only the funky blue-white that they started out in. Now there are LEDs that give off a warmer light that more closely resemble the traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, LEDs are more durable, last longer and the price continues to drop!!

Tree Decorating Class
For some hands-on training, sign up for Blumz Holiday Tree Decorating Class.  Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6:30pm at Blumz in Ferndale.  This is a free class filled with fun, sparkle, and laughs!

Friday, July 9, 2010

A Thai Celebration... Wedding


Jerome is an now officially an INTERNATIONAL Designer.. ok, he had traveled to Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and all over the United States.. but this was on the OTHER SIDE of the world!!  His design and wedding services were requested by a Thai family that just happens to own a very well respected orchid farm in Thailand.  The wedding of Puy and Tu took place in Bangkok, Thailand in April.  
The 24hr trip (one way with a lay over in Hong Kong) was the least of the "opportunities" Jerome had to contend with.  Communication with the minimally English speaking clients and their families was the most significant other "opportunity".  However, thanks to Jerome's ability to charm anyone, not only was he able to communicate.. but in the end, he was "Uncle Jerome" and a member of the family.  There is even discussion of a second trip sometime in the future.

When your family owns an orchid farm... it is safe to say that ORCHIDS will be used at the wedding!! and boy were they!  The flower list for the wedding started with 35000 stems of loose orchids.  Thai weddings, unlike traditional American weddings, are very colorful.  Utilizing a team of essentially non-english speaking assistants, Jerome was able to take all of this from initial planning to reality within 8 very short days.  


 










 


Additionally Jerome was treated to trips to the farm to see how the orchids are produced, harvested and packed for shipping; sightseeing the local markets; and visiting many temples 
and other sites of interest.  










 


The Thai assistants were shown how the designs were to be constructed and Jerome supervised their actions all while also doing the more demanding designs himself.



The workroom was located in a non airconditioned room at a very large hotel in Bangkok.  Thank goodness, fresh orchids hold up extremely well in warm, humid conditions.. not the same can be said of Jerome! 









 
 The traditional Buddhist ceremony took place complete with orange draped chanting Monks and ancient customs.  









Later that afternoon a ceremony took place at the hotel that involved pouring "blessings" symbolized by water upon the newly married couples hands by family and guests.  Jerome was honored with taking part in this event.





 Brilliantly colored mokara, dendrobium and aranda orchids were used to create lush floral trees for the reception centerpieces.   Towering 8-10 feet tall, the trees were quite awe-inspiring.





























The cake table was draped with orchids.   The 9 layer cake provided by the pastry chef at the hotel came with its on floral embellishments pre-decorated.  A cupcake display was also a part of the dessert presentation.

Thai wedding reception dinners are traditionally served buffet style with people eating as they please and not necessarily being "seated" in reserve style, meaning there are more guests than there are chairs... people mingle, eat and mingle more. 

Large display photos were festooned with orchids and large floral displays were created for the stage.






 



Later that evening the reception took on more of a party atmosphere with MANY photos being made, lots of food consumed and American music.   











We wish Puy and Tu much happiness, good health, prosperity and love in their life together.  Blumz and Jerome were most honored to be a part of their very special day.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Prom Floral Trends 2010

Prom Floral Trends 2010

Prom Season is here!  If you are a parent of a teen aged child, then we're sure that you've known this for a few months.  Like everything else in fashion, there are a few solid Prom 2010 trends, and we've come up with some awesome florals to wear with those trends in mind! Before we discuss the trends, though, let’s review some basic design styles.   
A traditional corsage is worn attached, whether by pin or magnet, to the upper left chest area (over the heart).  When wearing a strapless number, it can be placed right at the edge of the neckline.  For the more daring, a shoulder corsage can be worn on the bare shoulder, but it does require a more specialized frame and in most cases double-face tape (it works, just ask any beauty show contestant!).   

A wristlet is worn on the left wrist like a watch or bracelet.  With all the wonderful jewelry-like accessories available now, the bracelet portion of the wristlet can be not only ribbon or elastic, but pearls, rhinestones or even metal making for a great keepsake afterward.   

An arm cuff is worn, clamped around the bicep (upper arm) and can be very fun.  The framework is made of soft, usually colored, aluminum wire that is simply bent around the bicep to hold it in place.

Flowers may also be worn in the hair, depending upon the hair style.  the flowers and accents are attached to either a framework of wire, a barrette, or a hair comb.  It is very important that the style be decided early on so that the floral designer can create something that will work with the greatest of ease. 

Now, back to the Trends, some general tips are, first, stay away from large roses and thin ribbons.  Both are over done, and this important event deserves some extra pizzazz!  Small orchids such as the dendrobium or miniature cymbidium make great flowers to wear and hold up for a longer period of time.  Ps, don't forget the guy!  Young men are known for wanting attention!  Coordinate the boutonniere to the corsage and add a little “bling” for the dude, too! 
  














Bold print dresses
It used to be that when you walked into a prom it was like diving into a vast sea of sparkly, pastel tulle and shiny satin, however this year, we are seeing a ton of incredibly colorful prints on the girls. With that in mind, we suggest that your flowers be just as bright as the dress but monochromatic (one color and its tints, tones, and shades). Enhance the corsage with textures to play off the print instead of a using spectrum of coordinating colors that only confuse the issue.  Add some swirled wire, feathers, or rhinestones (nix the fluffy tulle ribbon, though! This is not your Mothers Prom!) to give it a definite structure against such a patterned backdrop.




Bright colors
While black, white, or pastels are strong, traditional favorites, this is the year of the BRIGHT COLOR. We are seeing a lot of deep, saturated colors.  To work with these colorful threads , the color palette of your flowers to wear should be up the same alley. They don't necessarily have to match the color of the dress though. Use a complimentary saturated color, such as orange with blue, hot pink with lime green, or regal purple on gold to add more drama and pop. These flowers to wear can be a bit bigger and wilder since the dress is simpler. To add even more drama to this simple backdrop, have some floral jewelry, ie. a funky asymmetrical hair piece, a necklace or choker, or even a ring. It will stand out because it's different and will definitely be the talk of the night! 

Always keep in mind, flowers to wear should be treated like jewelry.  They are worn to accent, compliment and add interest.  The piece should also be easy to wear, not get in the way, and be beautiful.  So for this Prom Season, dare to be different and express your individual taste.