Bridal Shower Appropriate: Looking Great While Eating Cake.

Yesterday was a monsoon in Connecticut, not exactly the perfect day for a bridal shower. Does that mean I just packed up my things and left? Did I whine and complain and put on something less than fabulous? Well I did whine and complain, but I definitely still put on something amazing.

It was a brunch with a group of lovely ladies, most of which I have known since childhood. The bride is a fellow competitive ice skater from my youth (oh so long ago!) and her sister is a fellow competitive dancer. Yes, my mother was nuts and took me to all these activities. Throw in a few high school friends, my mom and all of the ice skating mothers and you have a bridal shower in a monsoon.

Luckily it is Connecticut and you merely have to walk from your car to the door. I am all about dressing for the weather, but I was home with one bag and one outfit, so I wore what I brought. It could have been worse, at least my legs were covered from the elements with tights.

My super cute outfit all began with my black, satin bubble skirt. About a month ago I hosted an event at Bloomingdales and I wore this lovely piece. I couldn't live without it, I had to have it. I knew it would have a good life with me if it moved into my closet. I paired it with a basic black tank top and my Club Monoco lime green cardigan. I actually got this cinched waist 50's style piece at a consignment store near my house. I hate paying retail when I am so good at searching!

To really push my 50's chic with modern day funk look, I added a handbag that I literally think I have worn once. I picked it up at Salvation army years ago and sadly this little electric blue wonder just sits in my closet. Truthfully, it really isn't my usual style, but a piece like this certainly comes in handy with the right outfit. Example: This outfit! I loved not only the complete throw back to another era, but the color combination really made the whole look pop. If you look closely you can also see I pulled out my favorite vintage citrine ring. It does match the cardigan, which I am usually whole-heartedly against, but it was such a small pop that it was the perfect compliment.

And finally, there was my necklace. Although this might look completely vintage, I only had to travel to Banana Republic to pick it up. I am sure a clever woman might be able to make this nifty piece on their own, I just wasn't feeling that clever the day I bought this:) It is simply a few bold trinkets, you could most likely pair together consignment store broaches, and voila, you have a fabulous necklace. It was the perfect topper to my fun, funky and fabulous monsoon bridal shower 50's chic with a modern twist look.

Weekend Wedding Fabulous: Old Hollywood Style

I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of my best friend since I was 14 years old. If we are counting folks, that means we have known each other for 16 years, oy. He and I went to our first dance in high school together and, based on a contract I made him sign early on, our prom as well. He is my brother from another mother.

This past Labor Day weekend, he and his beautiful bride were married in Lake George at the famous Sagamore hotel. The place was absolutely to die for. It sits on a cliff side overlooking Lake George and had "old Hollywood" written all over it. At least in my mind.... It also was reminiscent of Dirty Dancing and this was only promoted by the fact that they had the soundtrack playing there. I swear, could I make that up?

I decided to go with the throwback theme and pull out a vintage light grey silk gown that I have owned for a year. This was a bit of a tricky piece as I bought it when I was a size bigger and it was see-through. Oh yea, see-through. What I had going on underneath that dress was short of a miracle that I devised. Thank God I am a stylist or this never would have been pulled off. Here is the list of goodies it took to make this fabulous look happen: Double stick tape, check. Clear stick on boobs that appeared to be actual fake breasts stuck to mine, check. Nude, barely there at all thong, check. I really wish my boyfriend had been able to make the wedding becauses I had no one to show this monstrocity to. I had to laugh at it myself:) I should also mention that I got back from Columbus on Thursday and had to leave on Friday leaving a small hour and a half window to find all of these lovely items. Sales people looked at me like I was nuts when I explained the dilema, it was then that I realized I was completely on my own.

Once the ridiculous adventure of finding all of these undergarments was threw, I rolled up the dress and stuck it in a bag for the Greyhound bus ride I had to take up there. I am so damn glamorous. But alas, it really did turn out all right. I was obsessed with how the look turned out. It was themed, but not over the top. My boobs managed to stay on all night so that was a plus. My friends joked that they were going to make shirts that read, "I danced my tits off at Eric's wedding". Thankfully, this was not true in my case!




So paired with my sassy silver shoes and vintage clutch (oh yea, I went all the way with the vintage thing), I would say I looked pretty fab. You always know you did a good job when other guests at the wedding are stopping you to tell you how amazing your dress is and how they like your throw-back to another era look. Remember, no matter where you are going it is not just about one piece, it is about the WHOLE ensemble. That is truly what styling is, making the entire outfit completely fabulous!!!

A Wonderful Wallet Wedding Gift: Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy!

A few years ago I was in one of my best (and most stylish) friend's weddings. She gave each of her bridesmaids a beautiful Kate Spade metallic wallet. I have loved mine so much that it is barely metallic anymore. It was a perfect bridal party present because it actually was useful (and fashionable) in my everyday life.

A wallet is such a funny thing. No one really sees it unless you are grabbing for it. It is often times an after thought (like shoes) even though you literally take it out and show it to the world a few times a day. It is a "hidden" accessory that is low on the totem pole of need.

NO, NO, NO! A wallet is like that piece that is just the right touch to cap off a perfect look. It is the diamond in the ruff accessory that can be as fun and crazy as you like. Go nuts, the fact that it is a "below the surface" item allows you to really have fun with it. Have it represent your style, your inner you, the girl that says, "Look at me!".

I know that it can be pricey and why pay so much for something that isn't always front and center? Well, that is why it is a perfect bridesmaid gift! You want to buy something for them that they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves but will use everyday, all day. Something that they always wish they would swipe their card for, but never have the courage. Plus, they will think of that wonderful wedding every single day.... Keep your ladies happy:)

Kate Spade Pasedena Nadette Wallet
$185.00

Something Borrowed: Vintage Veils

Let's talk recession proof wedding style. Is there any better way to look fantastic and give a shout out to your mom than with her borrowed veil? I think not! You have covered three bases in one, something borrowed, acquiring a headpiece and spending NO money! I love innovative styling!

Many women have nothing to do with their beautiful gown and veil after the big day. They pack it up and tuck it nicely underneath the bed hoping that one day they will have a daughter who will wear it proudly. One huge problem, the likely hood that your daughter will not only be the same size, but actually like the dress is next to impossible! Styles come and go and trying to don a dress exactly as it was around 30 years after its original wear is a difficult task.

So, what better way to show off your mother's beautiful wedding taste than to re-wear her veil and skip over the dress. There are options to re-work it in order to modernize it without taking away the heartfelt sentiment. Adding in a new head piece such as a broach, comb or crown is the simple way to make it your own and still show mommy that you love her.

Everyone is trying to cut corners no matter where the spending is happening, so why not think outside of the box for your wedding day as well. There are plenty of vintage pieces lurking around your grandmother and mother's closets so jump on them fast! Work them not only into your wedding look, but your everyday look as well!

Photo courtesy of Queensofvintage.com

Brunch Fabulous: A Stylish Morning Tradition

Ah, the morning after. It is often daunting to try and be stylish after a long night of fun. It is the time when people feel it is alright to put fashion aside and just pull out what is closest and easiest to get to. Stop! Just stop right there! Simple fashion is just that, simple. So I just don't want to hear anymore excuses about how it was too difficult to find something cute. Summer is quite possibly the easiest and most convenient stylish season of all and brunch is the perfect time to show it off!

The sundress will forever be the one piece wonder that exemplifies class, elegance, trend and style. It is the brainless wonder child of designers all over this great earth. For as much as women love to fuss over their outfit, there are some days that we just don't. Love thy sundress. It is the answer to all of your, "I don't feel like getting dressed today" prayers.

There is no layering, no blousing, no tucking, no anything to make this fantastic garment just that, fantastic. It is simple elegance at its best and requires nothing more than a cute pair of shoes, maybe a bobble or two and a bag. Pulling together these pieces should not hurt too much.

So don't fret about your fabulous brunch ensemble, dress to impress in the most simple way possible, a sundress. Your friends will quickly compliment you on how fabulous you look even though your prep time was most likely less than 20 minutes. Everyday does not have to be a fashion show even though you can always look like it!!!

Banana Republic Cotton Embroidered Shift Dress
$98.00

Something Blue.... For Your Wedding!

Rarely do brides think outside the box when it comes to the age old traditions of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue". Well, here is your chance! I am all about promoting new and fantastic ways to be the most original (and stylish) bride possible. Open your mind, broaden your horizons and just go there... Wherever "there" might be!

I love colored shoes. Be it date night or your wedding night, it is a sure fire way to liven up your look and get hearts racing. Your future husband and wedding guests may be prepared for the big, white dress, but the blue shoes will definitely make a splash. The most fabulous part about showing off your "something blue" in this manner, is that for most gowns you can't even see your shoes until you sit down to take off the garter! I love a good surprise at any wedding:)

So put your traditional side forward and make way for your sassy side to actually get you down the aisle.... The greatest part about purchasing your "something blue" shoes is that they will actually get some use after the big day! Ah, recession proof tradition.

Moda in Blue Pelle Satin Peep Toe Stacee Shoes

Wedding Bee Post: Headpiece Heaven

I am sure that all of you brides out there are thrilled that I am now an official Wedding Bee Pro because now you will have wedding style advice from yours truly! This time I dove head first into the wonderful world of headpieces! So many to choose from, so little time, what to do? Read my post at Wedding Bee, that's what!

I am Officially a Wedding Bee Pro!

After my many guest posts, and my several styling sessions including the latest Modern Bride red carpet event, I am a Wedding Bee Pro! What does this mean you may ask? I will tell you! The Wedding Bee blog is full of tips and great stories about everything and anything wedding. The Wedding Bee Pro section is devoted to everything that the pro's know about how to look and feel fabulous on your big day (and all of your other days for that matter!).

As the newest (and only) fashion addition, I am going to be dishing out all of my best tips for brides to be. Hopefully you will check it out!

Modern Bride Magazine: Bee Kim Featured with Me Styling!

On this month's newstands! Modern Bride magazine featuring Bee Kim as one of this year's 25 top trendsetters! And the greatest part.... I got to style her for the shoot!

I do recognize that my job is that of many girls dreams. Think about it, I go and pull thousands of dollars worth of dresses, jewelry and shoes just to go back to a client's and play dress up. Of course when you have a photo shoot with a big magazine name attached to it, the stakes get even higher!

Bee Kim, founder of the Wedding Bee blog, was chosen this year as a defining member of the wedding community. She and I met at a networking event a few years ago and it wasn't until recently that I have been able to work with her personally. With lots of red carpet events coming up, including one to honor her for this particular title, I have even more reasons to gather beautiful dresses in her name. I love my job.

And, coming up, I am going to be added to Wedding Bee as a pro blogger. This is a section on their site devoted to experts in their field to bring brides even more juicy knowledge! Of course I will be sure to let you know all about it:)

Dress: Black Halo
Jewelry: Kara Ross NYC

Wedding Guest Chic

I don't know why I never thought about this before? I dress up for different occasions all of the time and consider myself (and my clients) a walking billboard for my styling business. With that said, it is only recently that I began to post pictures of some of my favorite looks that I think you lovely readers could learn from. So, from here on out, I will make it a habit of taking shots of outfits that I truly love. Outfits that really make a statement. Outfits that serve as a learning tool. Basically, outfits that rock.

This weekend I traveled out to Cleveland, Ohio to attend a wedding. I knew not a soul there, including the bride and groom, aside from my boyfriend. To me this only means that I have even more of an opportunity to make a splash! When one's career is to dress people, it is highly important to look the part especially when the audience has never met you before!!!

This lovely recession has even hit this fashionista so my first mission was to borrow a dress. Find a stylish friend... Check! Find a stylish friend who is my size... Check! Find a stylish friend who is my size and will lend me a dress for a weekend... Check, check, check!!! The lovely Miss Erin Donnelly (Star of Sass N Style: Shop Your Closet) was kind enough to lend me this purple frock. The yellow tie is from J Crew and had nothing to do with the dress... That is until we started looking through her closet for something to cinch the dress and this jumped out! Most people would never have paired the two together, but that is what really makes "a look". A dress and heels is one thing, but creating an ensemble is quite another.

I trecked home (across the street:), toting the dress, yellow peacock feather belt and peep toe pumps. I knew I needed to complete my very stylish wedding guest look, but wasn't sure what would be the perfect fit. Everyone always goes for a shawl at weddings, stop the craziness! A shawl is fine, but you and twenty other people have one on. Go for something a little more interesting. I paired my purple dress with a tuxedo jacket from H & M that I have had for almost 5 years. By folding up the sleeves, I not only made the look a bit funkier and personalized, but I also added in another accent color of pink. My vintage citrine ring pulled in the yellow of the belt perfectly and my '50s style clutch was the sassiest topper! The shoes and purse off-set the look for a more classic feel.

Overall, there were a lot of elements going on, but they all flowed perfectly. It was a fun and flirty ensemble that set me apart from the crowd without putting a spotlight on me. They tell me that weddings are the bride's day so I never want to completely out-do them:)

Another Wedding Bee Guest Spot! Rehearsal Dinner Fabulous.

Next up, looking amazing not only on your big day, but on the big night before your big day! Check out my post at the Wedding Bee blog to see how easy it is to look great for all of your big wedding day occasions, there are so many!!! With all of the stress of making sure you look perfect on the actual wedding day itself, who has time for all of the other parties where you are most definitely still the princess??? You can do it with a little help from me and the Wedding Bee!