Two events this week and more to come! For the official launch day (9/23), a very close family friend hosted an incredible party for Joan at her home in NJ so I’m sharing some super chic party decor touches as well as some details on Joan’s outfit choices.
On Thursday (9/25) there was another launch event at The Strand in NYC where guests gathered to for a book signing and chat with a very well known comedian and Joan, followed by some fun with great friends and family at a local Irish bar.
I’m sharing this board because if you have a special event coming up - or even if you just need a little wardrobe refresh - I’d love to do the same for you. This is a totally free service with no strings attached that I really enjoy doing. I simply send you a board with shoppable links. If you find something you love, great and if not, no pressure. I may earn a small commission from some links, but it doesn’t change your price or commitment. It’s basically how most of us shop anyway: order, try on, keep or return.
I had so much fun putting this style board together for Joan. What I love about creating and saving style inspiration is that it gives you a clear vision without needing to buy every exact piece. You can use it as a guide, pull similar items from your own closet, and fill in only where needed.
As you can see, there’s a lot of things we’ve already been talking about here at the LKO Edit…from a great blazer to some classic pants in core colors to a great white shirt. For footwear: a pair of loafers, ballet flats and maybe a chic animal print kitten heel. Add a fun trainer since they are a chic and practical basic everyone needs in their wardrobe.
Since her book cover is red, we decided to lean into that theme and play with pops of red in her wardrobe but plenty of other colors would work in the same vein (like burgundy or a fun green).
Joan pinpointed what she loved most from the board, shopped her own wardrobe, and then made a list of a few key pieces she needed to round out her looks for her series of events. She ended up with a menswear inspired plaid pencil skirt (which is almost sold out) and grabbed this really pretty short sleeve top at the last minute due to the forecast being quite warm. Originally she planned to wear high suede boots and a sleeveless black turtleneck but opted for her Gucci sandals and the lighter top.
Here’s some scoop from KILLER event #1
Joan’s first event was hosted by a great friend who could give Martha Stewart a run for her money - there’s truly nothing this woman can’t do. But don’t worry, even if you’re not a Martha type, there are still some fun and inspiring takeaways worth stealing.
Grow your own table arrangements!
The dahlias pictured above came straight from her garden. They were absolutely beautiful and displayed all over her home in a variety of different sizes and vessels, paired with twinkling candles. If you have the space, a cutting garden can be a total game-changer for entertaining - or just for filling your home with fresh flowers on the regular.
She did the same thing for her daughter’s baby shower with peonies, and let me tell you it was stunning. It’s a major cost-saver, too!
Go BIG or go home.
The giant bottle of Veuve was a definite showstopper…not exactly budget-friendly, but absolutely fabulous. For a similar wow factor without the splurge, opt for a large-format bottle of prosecco instead. There’s just something about an oversized bottle of bubbly that screams celebration and it sets the tone the moment guests walk in.
Customize, customize, customize.
One of the easiest (and chicest) ways to elevate any gathering? Custom cocktail napkins. They're thoughtful, stylish, and surprisingly affordable. Just remember: they often take a few weeks to produce, so plan ahead. Perfect for birthdays, showers, book launches - you name it.
It’s all in the details.
The painted pumpkin and hand-decorated champagne glasses (zoom in to catch the details on the glass she’s holding!) were two more thoughtful touches. Again, not expensive, especially if you have a creative streak or know someone who does. (There’s always someone - thanks again, Joan Smith :). But again, don’t leave these to the last minute.
LKO Edit Tip: Balloons are always a good idea. One of my favorite styling hacks from Georgia’s bridal shower were the oversized peach balloons I ordered from Amazon that I tied with matching peach satin ribbon. I had them filled at the local grocery store the morning of the event, and I tied the upgraded ribbon on myself while they were being inflated. I got stopped at least five times on the way out of the store because they looked so good. You could also play with contrast: think red or navy balloons with red gingham ribbon for a preppy pop instead.
Here’s some scoop from KILLER event #2
First time in the Rare Book Room at The Strand on Broadway and let’s just say, it’s definitely worth a visit the next time you’re in NYC (especially if you’re wandering around the Village). It’s an absolutely stunning space, and getting to celebrate Joan’s book launch there - with so many friends and family - honestly felt like another wedding! She pretty much sold out the night with 155 people (160 is their max)
She sat down for a conversation with comedy writer Matt Buechele, who she worked with at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and their chat was hilarious and heartfelt. Follow him @mattbooshell on Instagram for a guaranteed laugh.
For her second event look, Joan wore a gorgeous dress from the Sophia Richie Grainge x Solid & Striped collab and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Comfortable, flattering, and a beautiful match with her book cover. But the best part? She got to break out her wedding shoes!
When we picked out those Jimmy Choos over four years ago, we said, “You’ll totally wear these again.” And of course this was only the second time. But honestly? What better occasion than celebrating your debut novel about a wedding?! haha
Joan also brought in a seriously cool new female-founded company called @LitGirl to run the event and they delivered. From all the thoughtful custom touches to the overall polish and professionalism, it was a level of execution we simply couldn’t have pulled off on our own.
LKO tip: If you’re ever planning a big milestone event, hire help. The good kind. It makes all the difference, and you’ll actually be able to enjoy the moment instead of running around behind the scenes.
Thanks for letting me share such a special occasion with all of you and consider this your official reminder to treat yourself to a copy of A Killer Wedding!
Happy weekend everyone! Thanks for being here.
Xx
Linda
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