There is one thing I think that we can sometimes misplace during the course of a lifetime. Of course we can get it back again, but it’s good to try not to lose it in the first place. It’s our sense of curiosity. Not really for things we’re naturally interested in, but for those in which we are not.

Children tend to explore a lot more than adults, when we age we start to fall into comfort zones and ruts and forget that once in them we can always crawl out and allow ourselves to become curious explorers once again. That is why I frequently reference things that are not always associated closely to decorating, but that I think can help us all to stay out of comfort zones and ruts because I believe they can be comfortable little traps, we become like birds in cages and forget how flying really felt.

So when you are out and about, look for things that you would not normally find yourself trying to find. In a bookstore, go to a section that you never visit. In a store, hit a food aisle with things that you normally do not buy, and buy them — I like to experiment in the international foods section and in the organic areas because if I had my way I think I would eat the same food every single day.

And this brings me to the point of this blog post: Real Simple Weddings. Huh? You say? Well I believe that a creative person can find inspiration from random places, not always in your favorite design showroom or boutique. In my case, I find lots of inspiration in Bridal magazines, not so much the white flowing gowns but all of the little embellishments and flowers and just the sheer delightful details of it all — and I often think of ways to interpret what I see into the home. For instance, in the 2010 issue of Weddings by Real Simple there are many gorgeous images to enjoy that show several combination’s of colors and patterns that perhaps you’d not thought to combine before. You can interpret them into your wardrobe, home, even your makeup palette. I sat here this morning flipping through it after breakfast and felt inspired to share some of my favorite pages with you.

And yes, I am a columnist on RealSimple.com (for two years already!) but they are not paying me to say any of this and trust me, I get zero brownie points for this post. This is merely a sincere observation that I had concerning how so much can inspire us that we often fail to notice. If you happen to pick up this issue, it’s a special edition so it costs around $14, turn to pages 72-75. These are my absolute favorite parts — two pages show color palettes that I think can be amazingly helpful in many ways — you can cut them out, clip into small sizes, and laminate — keeping them in your wallet or purse for quick reference when you are shopping. Having a palette on you can be extra helpful when you are looking for gift wrap + accessories, clothing, even flowers and of course, home accessories.

Sometimes I stand in the middle of a flower shop feeling overwhelmed by the color choices that having a quick cheat sheet, a palette reference, would certainly help me. Then I could focus and quickly select colors that I may not naturally put together, or even pair certain ribbons or vases with my flowers that I may not have thought of before. Then the palette suggestions in the magazine are followed by two pages of flowers, illustrations of some of our favorite blooms with text that lists the flower name, season, color, along with important facts like the Anemone, “The blooms’ back centers add a striking graphic quality to bouquets”. I found that a simple yet helpful thought. So in the home, they would do the same in a vase on the coffee table.

If you happen to grab a copy of this issue, let me know if it inspired you or not and whether or not you found the color palette and flower tips to be helpful.

(images: holly becker for decor8)

Tags: wedding

34 Responses to “Real Simple Weddings 2010”

1 klee commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:20 am

the flower arrangement in the first shot stands out prettily against the white background, nice!
klee´s last blog ..ile de la mode
2 juliette commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:41 am

love that idea of having the color palettes be used to decide which flowers to pick out when you make a run to the florist – great idea! We’re big fans of building our own bouquets, but I feel like we always get the same thing, ha – this would certainly helps us spice up things a little!
juliette´s last blog ..On Assignment: a collage
3 Pam commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:44 am

Holly,
This post was JUST what I needed on another grey day in Raleigh, NC. You know we are NOT used to a “real” winter and boy have we had one. UGH! I
will add picking up this mag to my list for the day.
Thanks!!
Pam
4 laura trevey commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 8:09 am

I will check it out! RealSimple knows how to do it!
laura trevey´s last blog ..Betty White – She’s Still Got It
5 Virginia @ Where You Hang Your Hat commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 8:13 am

I’m so glad you featured this. I checked it out in the store; it’s a beautiful magazine.
Virginia @ Where You Hang Your Hat´s last blog ..brusha, brusha, brusha!
6 tara - scoutie girl commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 8:20 am

Great post, Holly. Bridal magazines, blogs, and tv shows also inspire me. I think it all has to do with making that day so very special. But great decorators and careful home makers have a knack for making every day and every space special. I think the techniques are the same!
tara – scoutie girl´s last blog ..pulling it together: the lunch date
7 vicki commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 8:22 am

I love wedding mags – especially for their beautifully styled tablescapes. I am definitely going to order this as eye candy and inspiration for my wedding next year – thanks for the heads up!
8 Ana commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 9:16 am

It’s sucha pitty that Real Simple is not selling in Portugal. Those are trully amazing pages! Thank you for sharing!
Ana´s last blog ..Blogging Your Way e-course – Week 3
9 sandra commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 9:17 am

Is there any way to purchase it online and get it delivered to Denmark?
sandra´s last blog ..En stille stund with giant dolls
10 Jeannette commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 9:46 am

Hi Holly,
I LOVE Real Simple – it’s my favorite American magazine, but rather hard-to-get and pricy here in Germany.
Last year my brother got married, and I helped with the decorations, drawing a lot of inspiration from the online version of Real Simple Weddings.
Do you know how to get an international subscription for Real Simple or other US mags?
Jeannette
11 Rachel @ Little Aviary commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:41 am

I adore this entry. You’re SO right!
Rachel @ Little Aviary´s last blog ..SALINGER CONFECTIONERY CO.
12 AngieP2B commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:59 am

It only makes sense that something as beautiful as a wedding can be the inspiration for many aspects in our life. Thanks for sharing the ideas. I am going to rush right out and pick up this issue. I love the idea of keeping the color palettes and floral pages on hand to help while shopping.
AngieP2B´s last blog ..Feb 8, Got A Question?
13 Jillian commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 11:06 am

I love Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. The color palettes are always so amazing, and of course, the photography is stunning. I wish I could bring them home without totally freaking out my bf!
Jillian´s last blog ..Etsy Inspiration – Vintage Finds
14 decor8 commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 11:10 am

Jeanette – Hi!! :) I don’t subscribe to any U.S. magazines so I’m not sure — I usually pick random ones up at the train station or people send them over to me. I’m sure you can write to any magazine though and they can help you. For Real Simple try calling them at 1-877-747-1048.
15 michelle commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 11:34 am

It’s worth picking up a copy of this just for the flowers page.
michelle´s last blog ..A Little Shopping Always Helps
16 Ana commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 11:36 am

To all wanting to buy this magazine:
I was checking ebay.com and some people have it for sale, be it as an auction or buy it know. The mag is quite cheap there but the shipping prices are quite hot!!
If any one else knows how to get it to Europe (I’m down here! In Portugal!) by any other means, please let me know.
Thanks!
Ana´s last blog ..Blogging Your Way e-course – Week 3
17 ruthie commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:05 pm

Ana- I’m very interested in getting a copy of this magazine too and can’t find it anywhere either (I’m in Madrid, Spain). If anyone knows…
Thanks!!
18 My Owl Barn commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

Oh no, I am going to miss this lovely issue as I am travelling.
My Owl Barn´s last blog ..Vintage Chic by Graziela
19 Amyks commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:34 pm

I agree with you 100%… I have been married for over 10 years, but I still love to look at Martha Stewart Weddings magazines for inspiration. I will definitely pick up the Real Simple Weddings magazine. I love the monthly one, so I am sure the wedding one will be just as amazing!
20 Tina commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

Oh, I need this magazine. Running out to grab a copy. Thanks Holly!
Tina´s last blog ..Getting in the Mood for Homework
21 pinkpeonygirl commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

In “what you wear can change your life” by Trinny and Susannah is also a section with wonderful colourcombo’s that apply for decoration as well as clothing. Really fab and inspiring.
22 Lisa commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 4:46 pm

Every once in a while I pick up a wedding magazine for just the reasons you mentioned – exploring outside of my regular interests, etc. The thought of having a wedding terrifies me, but I do really love looking at the pictures and playing with images, design, colors, etc. in my head, so they’re great for inspiration.
The portable color palette idea is so clever.
Lisa´s last blog ..Inspiration Board
23 Kristi commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 6:47 pm

I have to agree with you on this issue. My favorite part too was the color palettes. Very inspiring and great that you shared! See you in class.

Kristi
24 Kelsey Taylor commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:46 pm

It really does go both ways… I am always looking at decor sites for inspiration for events!
25 flroesdelsol - Christina Moreno commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 8:23 pm

wow! as a florist this is VITAL!!!
I saw it the other day and passed it by .I would have stopped to browse but with 2 girls I had to pass it up. Now I must go back and get it.

THANKS!!!
26 Ashley commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 9:38 pm

I LOVE WEDDING MAGS!!! I need to go out and get this issue!!!

Ashley’s last blog…inspiration for a cold Tuesday
27 jennifer ramos commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 9:46 pm

Holly,
Quick note, there is actually an iPhone app for those (like me) who like to reference color palettes. Much more useful then anything else in my opinion. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. (It’s called MyPantone) and I’ll be blogging about it soon…that’s how cool this app is! Have you heard or seen it?? :))))

Jen Ramos
http://www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
jennifer ramos´s last blog ..Dottie Angel Home Tour….
28 jennifer ramos commented:
February 9th, 2010 at 9:48 pm

P..S…. Of course there are always some differences when you compare colors from a screen to a color palette. But, everyone has to use what they feel works for them.
jennifer ramos´s last blog ..Dottie Angel Home Tour….
29 decor8 commented:
February 10th, 2010 at 1:27 am

Jennifer – I’ve heard of that, their publicist sent me a press release but I haven’t even had a spare moment to download it. I need to check that out, I look forward to reading about it on your blog.
30 Bee commented:
February 10th, 2010 at 2:02 am

I love wedding magazines, I always buy one or two before going on an airplane and often get strange looks because I look quite young.
One time the woman sitting next to me asked if she could look at it after me, because she had just gotten engaged and hadn’t started planning at all. I was so excited that I started telling her all my favorite wedding blogs and about etsy etc. Then she asked when I was getting married…. haha
31 Julie commented:
February 10th, 2010 at 10:46 am

hello.
would love to have a copy of this issue.
living in France, how could i get one?
thanks for your sweet response.
Julie
Julie´s last blog ..Mary Poppins Pick #2
32 jennifer ramos commented:
February 10th, 2010 at 11:37 pm

sounds good, thx! catching your podcast right now…while eating… :)
jennifer ramos´s last blog ..DIY Inspiration or Bulletin board….
33 Kat commented:
February 11th, 2010 at 4:17 pm

That was a beautiful inspirational article. I got teareyed.
34 Meredith from PenelopeLovesLists commented:
February 11th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

I love Real Simple and esp love their take on weddings.

In my “day job”, i run a large wedding website, so I see a ton of wedding mags and websites that are so not my style. Real Simple, however, does an excellent job keeping a clean, neat, pretty design aesthetic. I love what they do!
Meredith from PenelopeLovesLists´s last blog ..Penelope spills the beans: click here to learn more about me

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