Ready For Your Closeup?

How does a day of fierce hair and makeup, couture gowns and flashing lights sound? Fab right?!?! You can be a model for a day by entering the World Bride Magazine's Real Bride, Real Beauty contest. Haven't heard of World Bride Magazine? Tsk, tsk, it's an awesome treat... think Modern Bride meets Vogue-ish... it's a beautiful publication.

World Bride is the premier multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-racial bridal magazine bringing you the latest in the bridal industry and beyond. World Bride recognizes that a wedding is more than a festive social gathering; it is an important milestone for every woman that signals the advent of an exciting yet challenging voyage. The pages of World Bride provide informative editorials that seek to motivate thinking outside of the box and to prepare women – not just for the wedding day itself, but for the voyage.

Here's the skinny on the contest:

Real Brides enter a once in a life time opporturnity to be featured as a Super Model in World Bride Magazine.
Real brides now have an opportunity to represent their nationally and their unique beauty and sense of style.
World Bride Magazine is looking for the women representing:
African
African-American
Asia
Caribbean
Hispanic (Caribbean, Spanish)
Indian
Middle Eastern
Native American
Other (Mixture of two or more races that represent the fusion of beauty around the world)

7 women will be chosen to come to New York City and will spend the day shooting with our experts. You'll receive a beauty make over, including hair, makeup and nails. Gowns from the top designers in the industry.


I've actually participated in one of these events, with another upcoming. I had a great time working with the brides, I mean, "models". They had a blast donning their couture looks.. yes, you get to model more than one gown. That reason alone is enough to sign up.. I mean besides meeting yours truly. =)

Bad Bridal Blogger

Hi Ladies!

Sorry there haven't been any recent posts... just been a busy bee. Wedding season is in full swing for my company and I haven't been able to come up for air just yet. But stay tuned, I have some great finds.. tips.. and a lil bit more about my wedding plans. Yea!

In the meanwhile, check out this EyeCandy. Beautiful!

Baubles

If you're like me, you're a bride-to-be that wants blingage, not only on her finger but everywhere else it can be fabulous. Here's a couple of things that caught my eye.



A cute take on the wearable art that is the Miu Miu Crystal Embellished Sandal:





I know it's totally not in the same ballpark but it's in the parking lot of said ballpark, no? I like this shoe, it's a must have metallic, has blingage, looks comfortable...allowing your precious toes room to groove and the best part a sturdy heel. JACKPOT! And let's be honest, you can't be at your most fabulous when you feet are screaming.

Anyhoo, if you're a crafty diva, you can totally make them your own by adding a faux silk flower from, let's say MJ Trimming, viola, a totally ka-ute shoe for a fraction of the price of the beloved Miu Miu's. Just make sure that it's a soft, billowy flower so it doesn't look cheap.

If I was good at photoshop or something, I would have made a visual. But I'm so not.. but if anyone reading is...hook that up and send it to me...pretty please, it would a great inspiration for girlfriends worldwide.

Ok, on to the next idea.. tablescape. Well actually just one portion of it.. napkin decor. This idea came to mind and thought it would be so cute. See, I like minimalism..clean lines and the like. I'm looking to have a non-fussy table with a WOW factor. So while I'm still mulling the actual decor for the table, I do know I want this blingage element. Picture it:



This is a regular stretch bracelet, simple enough but it really SINGS as a napkin ring/holder. I wanted to see if my imagination was going a tad overboard..so I went to Claire's and bought something similiar and tried it out with a fancy napkin folding technique, slid on the bracelet and OH MY GOSH, it was LOVE!! So now I'm on the hunt for these bracelets at wholesale prices. Again if anyone of my fab readers can photoshop my dream into reality, that would be so awesome!! I'd love to share that with the girlfriends worldwide as well.

Ok that's it for now.. Stay tuned.

My Newest Lust Have

Lust Have - The state of being on the cusp of becoming a must have.


What might my newest lust have be you may ask... it's Love In White by Creed.


Even the bottle is divine!

Master Perfumer Olivier Creed introduces his first women's creation in five years— it is said that it was inspired..."whilst strolling in the Fontainebleau forest just south of Paris on a bright, crisp day early in spring."

This is what it smells like:

• Orange zest from Southern Spain, white jasmine from the Italian Coast, and daffodil from the French Riviera.
• Sandalwood from Mysore India, young iridescent rice husk from Tonkin, and iris from Egypt.
• Magnolia from the Guatemalan Mountains and vanilla from the Island of Java.

Warm, lush and creamy... everything I love in a perfume.

It is a enchanting fragrance and I can't wait to add it to my collection. Actually, I'm looking for a new signature scent - Cashmere Mist by Donna Karen has served me well but I want something fresh and new.

I know alot of brides that are choosing it for the wedding day and I think it's a great choice. "Love In White", how apropos!

This definately deserves a "P.S. I love this..." to Treasure.

I've been TAGGED!

I've been tagged by the uber stylish chica at My Style-ish Destination Wedding, so here we go:

RULES:
1) you link back to the person who tagged you. {link above}
2) post these rules on your blog.
3) share six unimportant things about yourself.
4) tag six random people at the end of your entry.
5) let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs

My 6 random facts:

1. Before becoming a business owner and makeup savant, I was a Network Engineer. Eck! Seriously, I loved it at the time.. probably because I didn't know any better. However I love what I do now waaaaaay better!

2. I have to sleep with socks on. I know, it's so sexy. But if I don't, I can't sleep.

3. I'm going to Africa on a volunteer effort for aiding elephants. I can't wait!!!

4. I'm the oldest of 4 girls. My Mom kept trying for a boy but no dice.

5. I've been to Aruba, Bahamas and St. Thomas for destination weddings. Keeping my fingers crossed for a jaunt to Italy... I had a bride inquire. YES!!

6. I'm a fixture at Barnes and Noble. I go there for quiet and read to my hearts' content. I especially like to get every bridal mag and interior design mag and read them from cover to cover. When I leave, I'm so inspired from everything makeup to the latest in home decor.


I tag:

1. The UnBride
2. GlamourThis!
3. Ritzy Bee
4. Blush Events
5. Fabu-Luxe
6. The Bridal Wishlist

Now That's What I'm Talking About!

A website has started something that I hope will be a trend. It's the first one I've come across anyway. Most brides have a bridal party and everyone has to get the same dress.. usually. And for some bridesmaids, the costs involved with being in a loved ones wedding, can be daunting. Also I've found that alot of brides are going the non-traditional route of finding really cute dresses at their favorite stores.. Neiman's, Sak's, Nordstrom, etc.. So my thoughts are what if those stores offered a discount on purchasing two or more of the same dress? Wouldn't that be fab?!?

I came across this at Newport-News. I think it's a darling dress and would be perfect for a bride with this wedding color scheme.



Cute right? I think so. Here's the description:

Beaded Empire Dress
Perfectly pretty georgette dress has a flattering surplice neckline, shirred bodice and beaded appliqué trim at the shoulders and empire waist. Softly draped skirt hits just below the knee; 25" from the waist. Sheer rayon, fully lined. Hand wash. Imported.

This is my FAVORITE part:

Special Offer : Beaded empire dress: Buy 2 or more, save 20% each
Discount applied at checkout.

The "Trifecta", should take note!

A Day in the Life...

When I started this blog, in addition to wedding day chronicles and sharing my take on all things fab, I promised to share snippets of my life as a hair and makeup artist.

Well, I was working on a photoshoot for World Bride Magazine, (photos forthcoming), and met this AWESOME bridal gown designer. His line is called Azura Bridal and when I say his designs are MAY-JAH, I mean just that. They are perfection for the modern bride, with just enough well edited embellishment and stunning fabric to make the most discriminating bride, swoon.

Upon my salvating over his gowns and just inquiring more about the collection, with my curious self... we somehow came to chat about him needed a catalog and images for his new website. Long story short, I provided hair and makeup for the shoot and will be creative director going forth. How awesome is that!! Here are a few photos from the shoot.







All photos by Barnaby Draper

Gorgeous right?!? But the photos do no justice to these gowns in person. The detail is beyond words. Did I mention he used to design for Valentino??

A Little Luxury

Every woman should indulge in a little luxury as often as she can. Whether it's splurging on the latest shoe from Loubou or scoring that new Botiker bag, treating oneself to a little luxury goes a long way. For me, I'm on cloud nine..a retail high, if you will. I feel and look good with my latest conquests.

So with this latest discovery, it just doesn't get any more luxe than the JaanVi 24kt Gold Anti-Aging Gel Cleanser and JaanVi Diamond Gel Moisturizer.

I just had the opportunity to try these items and WOW! Not only did I find it very glam with it's 24kt gold infusion and "diamond" flecks, I loved how it made my skin feel.

The gel cleanser is a crystal clear gel of pure plant extracts enriched with 24kt gold. I noticed immediately, the hydration, which worked wonders on my parched skin. I didn't even feel that I needed moisturizer after but I never cleanse without moisturizing.

Next, I tried the gel moisturizer. I almost used the whole jar! I loved texture, I slathered it on my face, neck, decollete and hands. Oh and the smell is so divine, it's a very clean scent with a wee bit of floral. Very nice.

I will have to use it a few more times but it may be a contender with my beloved LeMer.

Awwwww!

A lil PDA.



Can you imagine what she looked like in her wedding gown!!



Look at the happy couple!


So cute together!


Love her with dark hair. So pretty!

Meet Mr and Mrs. Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, est. 4/4/08.

Gown Change... Maybe

This, Ladies, is a cautionary tale of shopping way too early for a wedding gown. Especially if you're as indecisive as I am. With all the beautiful gowns to choose from, in every magazine I buy, every blog I visit, every bridal photoshoot I work on... if I had the funds, I would have 10 gowns, if for nothing more than to prance around in at home. lol

So the gown that I picked is beautiful and really was a GREAT choice at the time. I loved it the moment I put it on and was thrilled with the originality of the gown. However, I've come across a couple of gowns that I think I love so much more..fits my style perfectly, instead of the "Look, I'm getting married!!" gown that I had chosen originally. Don't get me wrong, it was totally what I wanted...initally. *sigh* Why do I keep doing this to myself?

So I went from LOVING this from Yolanda Couture:



It's a gorgeous gown and I love it so.. but now I want something more "me".

Like this stunner!!




This is an Elie Saab gown. Need I say more?? I shouldn't but will.. This fabulous gown with my name written ALL OVER IT, is housed at Encore Bridal. This online shop is a high-end cosignment and resale bridal shop. Perfect for finding your dream gown at a fraction of the price. Also when you're done with your Reem Acra or Vera Wang, you might consider placing it with Julie, the owner, so another bride can be just as happy with your gown as you were. Ok, back to the Elie Saab... I spoke to Julie at length about this gown, including pricing, sizing etc. She is FABULOUS and knows all things bridal gown. She had to talk me off the ledge of becoming an immaciated looking bride to fit into the gown. I'm a 4 the gown is a 0-2. But I love looking at it, so there you go.

Then I saw this..



This doesn't have all the bling-age and fanfare of the Elie Saab but it speaks to me. It whispers chic, elegant and quiet beauty. It's from the Jim Hjelm Spring 2008 Collection. I think it would be perfect for the possible new venue and look great with my cage veil:




I haven't chosen one yet but it will definately come from Castle Bride. These are the most AMAZING cage veils ever!!

Venue Change.. Maybe

Ah this indecisiveness will be the death of me. I shared a while ago my dream venue.



I was in lust at first site. It had everything I wanted - it wasn't a hotel ballroom or a catering hall kinda place, was beautifully landscaped so we wouldn't have to spend tons on decor and well, really special. Not to mention drop dead gorgeous. However, I've cheated and sought another place...but not intentionally, I was perusing Michelle Rago's blog and now I'm torn.

So here's the new place, that's absolutely stunning and totally unexpected in the most fabulous way.





This is the 620 Loft and Garden. I'm swooning over the rooftop ceremony space with it's immaculate garden and reflection pool. The view is outta this world. Then there's a loft space that's a blank canvas for the reception. It's totally chic. LOVES IT!!

And with this possible venue change, comes a myriad of other things.. don't get me started on my gown. That's another post.