Mellow Yellow

Pure, bright and sunny - yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. People of high intellect favor yellow. Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design.

These are some reasons why I enjoy the color yellow:

Yellow daffodils are a symbol of new beginnings.

"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot; others transform a yellow spot into the sun" -- Pablo Picaso

Yellow is the color of sunshine. Much like the sun, the color yellow is associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy.

Canary yellow diamonds are recognized because of their strong color and their unusual characteristics. Yellow diamonds are extremely rare and expensive, and are cherished for their subtly dramatic appeal. The glow of a yellow diamond illuminates a woman with an aura, no matter the shade. The largest yellow diamond ever found weighs an astonishing 407.48 carats, and is also the world’s largest internally flawless diamond.

Illamasqua Nail Polish in Wayward $9

I adore all candy-colored nail polishes for Spring. They are so much fun and definitely make a statement. This particular brand can be purchased at Sephora.

Nine West Alena Satchel $59

This super-fun leather bag is the perfect Spring time accesory to add a punch of color. It is medium-sized and packed full of compartments. The best part is the animal-print silk lining. I found it at T.J. Maxx for just $29.99.

Adding lemon to your water not only adds flavor, but also serves as an appetite suppressant. You can cut a lemon in half and use it as a natural exfoliant on your elbows or other rough skin areas. Lemon juice can be added to water for a green cleaning solution and also neutralizes odors. Lemon juice works as a natural bleach, and a small amount added to detergent may reduce stains.

"The road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick." -- L. Frank Baum

The Yellow Brick Road symbolizes the path to a special place, a magical place; a safe haven. It is the path that a person follows to self-realization. This road is never easy and there are always obstacles, but with the support and guidance of others, we can all achieve those things that we have envisioned for ourselves no matter where we are or where we came from. My hope is that everyone will 'follow the yellow brick road.'

XOXO

Go Nude!

Styling on Neutral Ground



It's that time of year again - warmer weather, flowers blooming, picnics in the park. Time to put away those bulky sweaters, hats and scarves and bring on the NUDE...clothing, that is.

EVERYONE can do this. There is a shade to complement every complexion. Here's how you achieve a soft flattering look: go lighter or deeper than your natural complexion, so there's some contrast. Blush and Rose tinted nudes work best with fair and light skin tones; Peachy or Beigy nudes work beautifully with olive skin; Carmael or Chocolate shades complement dark skin.



Here's a look at some Nude-inspired Spring 2010 Runway collections:

Blumarine Valentino Givenchy


Celebrities go in the buff at red carpet events


Elizabeth Banks in J. Mendel. Vanessa Hudgens. Sandra Bullock in Dior. Salma Hayek in Bottega Venetta. Kate Beckinsale in J. Mendel. Beyonce Knowles in Elie Saaab. Jane Krakowski. Eva Mendes in Christian Dior.




Shoes go nude, too. The best part about wearing nude colored shoes is that they give the appearance on longer legs, and can be worn with most anything.

Here are my favorites:


L.A.M.B. Tegan Heel $375

This amazing pump is made with crackled nude-pink toned leather and putty-toned accents, pieced together with rope trim - all of which hovers on a hidden platform sole.


Office Tutu Ballerina $53

Pink leather ballerina flat. Nude fabric piping and bow tie. Nude canvas lining. Leather
sock and sole.



Nude bags this season are stunning in shades of blush, shell and greige (gray-beige). Details are everything from ruffles, hardware, fringe and basketweave.

My picks:


Be & D Kan-Kan Tote $1,390

This blush-nude bag is made from Italian leather, with a magnetic closure, an interior zipper pocket, cell phone pocket, and keyleash. It's large and roomy enough to hold a laptop, has delicate ruffle panels on both sides, and suede and signature hardware accents. May be worn with a detachable shoulder strap or handheld. Also available in Cream, Black, and Gunmetal.


Christian Louboutin Hobo $1,995


This creamy pink bag has converging pleats and diagonal zippers,




“Nude makeup never goes out of style- it’s polished, sophisticated and always looks modern.”
- Bobbi Brown

Makeup Artist, Bobbi Brown, has created a delicate and whimsical, limited-edition nude makeup line. Nude makeup does not mean monochromatic or barely there - it means the right makeup for your skin, that keeps you looking fresh-faced from day to night.


The Nude Eye Palette ($60) features eye shadow duos in a sophisticated and universally flattering selection of shades and textures. The eye shadow duos come in a customizable 3 Pan Palette, which can be filled with your choice of any Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow or Blush shades.

Bobbi also introduces a new shade to her iconic Shimmer Brick collection- the Nude Shimmer Brick ($40). Featuring five pure pearl pigments in pink, gold, bronze, beige, and caramel, the shades are designed to be blended together to give all skin tones a soft nude, lit from within glow.

In addition, the Nudes Collection includes Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21) their best-selling liner now in a rich, deep brown shade, and four new shades of Bobbi’s popular Creamy Lip Color ($22) that compliment the Nude Eye Palette and Nude Shimmer Brick.



O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath $7.50

My all-time FAVORITE natural nail polish. It goes on a sheer blush pink, and can be used for the classic French Manicure.



M.A.C. Viva Glam VII Spring 2010 $14

The perfect shade of nude pink has been made, and is endorsed by none other than Lady Gaga herself. The "From Our Lips" campaign can be seen in department stores and magazine ads galore, alongside 80's songstress Cyndi Lauper. This limited-edition Viva Glam lipstick supports the M.A.C. AIDS fund.

XOXO

Alice in Wonderland-themed Wedding

How to: Create a "Wonderland" Wedding

Alice in Wonderland is all the rage right now. The newly released Tim Burton version has all, who remember this delightful Disney animation as children, even curiouser and curiouser. There are so many obvious choices that would transform an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary Wonderland.

When thinking of a Wonderland location, what is the first thing that crosses your mind? A whimsical garden with lush green topiaries and aromatic florals blanketing the countryside.

Photo courtesy of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

With hundreds of amazing gardens across the world, it can be hard to find the perfect one. I've narrowed it down to few of my favorites right here in the United States:

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Nashville, Tennessee

Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden that includes a Japanese garden, herb, perennial and wildflower gardens, as well as a woodland sculpture trail and a nature sanctuary.

The Biltmore Conservatory
Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore is not only America's largest home, but it also holds world-class gardens and an award-winning winery. The glass–roofed Conservatory nurtures flowers, plants and tender bedding plants for the gardens. Its central room is the Palm House where a large collection of palms, ferns, and other foliage plants thrive year round. Annexes include a cool house, hot house and orchid house.

Niagra Falls

Niagra, Ontario, Canada

Niagara Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture houses 100 acres of immaculately maintained gardens. Take in the subleties of the plant world in the herb garden, the vegetable garden, the rose garden or the splendid arboretum, as well as Canada's finest collections of several hundred trees and shrubs.

The original Alice dress was blue with a white pinafore apron, but the newly revamped version, as seen in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie, put an elegant and modern spin on the childlike babydoll dress.

Photo courtesy of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

Photo courtesy of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

These are a few amazing "Alice"-inspired wedding gowns, in the perfect shades of blue.

1950's Vintage $880

Photo courtest of Timeless Vixen on Etsy

This Ceil Chapman dress is an early-label designer couture original. It features metallic-embroidered rhinestone & sequin steel-blue tulle, a sweetheart fitted strapless bodice, and a heavily-pleated white-lined princess maxi circle-skirt.

1950's Vintage $880

Photo courtesy of Timeless Vixen on Etsy

This vintage baby blue tulle and lace dress has a tea length maxi circle skirt and a corested lace sweetheart neckline.

#841 RS Couture by Renato Savi $498

This baby blue dress has a fitted bodice with a cinched natural, dropped waist atop a gathered and pleated bouffant tulle skirt. It has a strapless, lace scalloped neckline that leads to the satin overlay and rosette detail. Bustled seen on right.

Your can't have an Alice in Wonderland look, without a little hair accessory borrowed from none other than the Mad Hatter himself.

Monsoon Accessorize $37

Black mini top hat with netting veil on a hair band.

Diamond Star Halo $55

Silver mini top hat made from sinamay, adorned with stripped hackle feathers and netting veil on a hair comb.




Alice is usually seen in a basic black leather Maryjane flat. Here's a peak at a fun twist on the classic style.

Frenchies $38.99

Black d'orsay sandals with a Velcro ankle cuff, pleated white trim and spat-inspired button details.

Penthouse Shoes by Ellie #PH455-Molly $44.96

Black Patent Maryjanes with 4" heel and sweet twist knot details.




For the reception, I'm seeing white tablecloths and mismatched vintage china. A tea party, with an assortment of flavored teas, would be most fitting for this elegant Alice affair. Playing cards for the place card holders, "eat me" and "take one" iced cookies on tiered cake stands, and butterfly-shaped tea sandwiches all fit into the Wonderland theme. But when it comes to dessert an ordinary white wedding cake just won't do. Whether you decide on a lop-sided Mad Hatteresque tiered wedding cake, cupcakes or petit fours, this is your opportunity to really be 'perculiar' - and even provide a party favour for your guests.

Lop-sided tiered cake from Food Networks "Ace of Cakes"

Top Hat Cupcake Tower


Tea Cup Petit Fours

The ideas I've mentioned definitely make a nod to the Alice in Wonderland story, they are still classy enough to not become dated or be too over the top wacky. In the end, as long as your groom-to-be shows up in a waistcoat, trousers and a top hat...you will forever be his Queen of Hearts.

XOXO

Reality Show Competition = Success!

Carol Hannah,
Wedding Dress Designer





24-year-old Carol Hannah Whitfield, was a season 6 Project Runway contestant. She was one of the lucky final three designers whose collection was modeled during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Although she did not take home the $100,000 prize, this Charleston, South Carolina native proves she has more to offer, than just a little small-town charm, in her new spring bridal collection. Her line has now teamed up with Bella Bridesmaid and is also available on etsy.



I love the girly, yet elegant and whimsical feel of her designs. You can take them anywhere from a backyard-candlelit-spring wedding to being barefoot-in-the-sand on the beach. Here is a sneak peak at some of Carol Hannah's bridal pieces called "The Wedding Collection":



Society Street Dress $895

A cotton pique fitted dress with a horizontally pleated/tucked waistband and floral detailed hemline. Flower details have raw edges meant to fray a bit. Fully lined in cotton, invisible zipper at center back. Also available with 3/4 length sleeves.




Legare Street Dress $1050

A silk shantung dress that graces the tip of the shoulder. Pleating to emphasize the waist, and a full skirt with crinoline underskirt to create a playful hourglass silhouette. Floral detail encircles the hem of this little tea length number, and side pockets finish off the whimsical feel. Scoop back with covered buttons to the end of the pleated band. Invisible zipper at center back. Fully lined with silk. Bodice is structured and boned for support. Also available in a strapless, sweetheart bodice.




Spring Street Dress $2250 & $1050

This is a 100% Silk Devore Satin in vines (a satin that has a patterned burned out, making the spaces in between the design sheer). It has a fitted and fully boned bodice with a sweetheart neckline that acts as as corset and provides support. The skirt is gathered at the waist with multiple layers of tulle in the underskirt. The bodice is lined in duchess satin and the skirt in charmeuse. It has a low scooped back. Available in full length with train, or tea length.




Wentworth Street Gown $3400

This beautiful gown has a touch of vintage with a modern twist. The pale aqua hammered silk satin gown is lined in silk crepe de chine. The structured bodice flatters the body and forms a beautiful contrast to the bias cut, draped skirt. The fluid skirt has unbelievable movement when walking and a gorgeous train (which will bustle beautifully). The belt emphasizes the waist and a handmade detail adds that little something extra. It has a bustier foundation in the waist and is fully boned with invisible zipper at center back. This dress is also available in ivory and white.



Calhoun Street Dress (shown in blue and green) $160
Queen Street Draped Jersey (shown in coral) $245
Pinckney Street Dress (shown in coral): $315

Calhoun Street Dress (shown here in blue & green): This light-weight jersey dress has inner lining through bust and a soft floral detail at neckline.

Queen Street Draped Jersey (show here in yellow): This asymmetrical, one shouldered dress has beautiful raw edged drape on front and back. It's also in purple, black and blue.

Pinckney Street Dress in Silk Chiffon (shown here in coral): Silk chiffon fully lined in silk crepe de chine. Also available in a short version (to the knee)...$285.




Gadsden Street Dress in Jersey $235

This fresh and feminine scooped back jersey dress has a defined waistline, gathering through the bust, back, and skirt, and floral detail framing the neckline. It's fully lined and meticulously finished, with two layers of jersey in the skirt and an invisible zipper at side. The sash (also available in different colors) is not attached, so it can be worn tied in front or back. This dress is also available in silk chiffon....$275 short, $305 long

Celebrity-Inspired Designer Wedding Gowns

Bridal Fashion Cents



Just because you don't make bank like celebrities, doesn't mean you can't look like one...especially on your wedding day! I've compiled some of my favorite celebrity wedding dress looks and found less-expensive alternatives to the designer duds.




Fergie wore a white Dolce & Gabanna fitted, white ruched, corseted wedding gown with a mesh tulle overlay, spaghetti straps and a long train.

This similar alternative by Eiffel Bride is only $298





Ivank Trump wore an ivory Vera Wang high-neck, floor-length gown, with an Alençon lace overlay.

The "Arlington" by Blue by Enzoani is just $345.99

Khloe Kardashian wore a white strapless Vera Wang with layers upon layers of soft organza that flows to the floor, a fitted bodice, and asymmetrical ruching to accent the side seam.

The Alure Bridal #8705 is just $554

Alyssa Milano wore an ivory silk taffeta Vera Wang strapless gown with pockets, a sweet crumb neckline and belted organza motif at waist.

The "Houston" by Vatana Watters is just $950

Gwen Stefani wore a John Galliano for Dior one-of-a-kind, full skirt with comprising layers of a pure white net overlay that graduates into a hand-dyed hot pink layer.

This Sherri Hill design is the closest I could find (sans the giant bow), and just $598

Jessica Simpson wore a white Vera Wang allover beaded corded lace A-line gown, with a chapel train.

The #CT2406 at David's Bridal is only $599

Kara Dioguardi wore a white Vera Wang pleated tulle strapless trumpet gown with tiered skirt.

The "Vesper" by WTOO is just $638

Finding the perfect wedding gown is probably the most important aspect of your wedding, but it doesn't have to cost your entire wedding budget. I found my dress at an upscale wedding boutique in my town, and with a little research, I was able to find the exact dress online...for half the price. That savings then went towards something else for my wedding!