Yes they’re big…yes they’re bold…yes they’re dramatic…and YES YOU CAN!

Don’t be afraid of this trend. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to liven up your closet. If you have a:

• Great upper body – you were made for this trend. No fear! Put it on and walk out the door.
• Thick neckline – opt for longer pieces and layer them down your body.
• Petite – Big not huge. Smaller embellishents, beads and links. Never longer than the underwire of your bra.

Girls have fun with this trend…it is one that will launch you into Style Heaven!

Babies – oh boy, if you have one you know how much stuff you need and tote around with you EVERYWHERE you go. And when it comes to baby gear you want it to be functional and stylish. Well here you go – http://www.builtny.com/showPage.php?pageID=1517. Built’s baby line has everything from diaper bags and changing pads to bottle and gourmet lunch totes.

Their products are made from Neoprene (wet suit material) and they come in adorable color options. Oh and ya they are machine washable – that’s what I said – machine washable! Boy do I wish I had thisdiaper bag when I was an new mom – I had a sippy cup leaked milk all over the inside of my Coach diaper bag. Yup it was ruined!

I love www.doteasy.com. I have registered many URL’s with them and they offer great specials. Right now they are offering an Easter domain special – $7.95 for a year! I have been very happy with them!

“Wondering if you have any good tips or leads on lingerie for bridal showers…  I have three coming up!  Looking for high quality, fun stuff that is not too expensive.  VS has some cute stuff, but I’d like to get a little more creative than that!  =)” Aimee G.

Yes Aimee Victoria Secret is good…I think Nordstroms is better specifically the Nordstrom Wedding shop http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6005509/0~2376776~2374327~6005464~6005509?viewall=1&cm_ven=google&cm_cat=wedding&cm_pla=brides_lingerie&cm_ite=wedding%20lingerie

I love a Chemise – so feminine, pretty and something she can use after the wedding night.

Make sure you select a piece that fits her style – not yours! If she is conservative…a sheer lace embellished animal print won’t be a good fit. And if she’s real sexy and daring – a sweet baby doll will certainly be returned.

Here are a few that are sexy, classy and beautiful:

Oscar de la Renta – http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2994333/0~2376776~2374327~6010810~6011776?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011776&P=1

On Gossarer – http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2979256/0~2376776~2374327~6010810~6011776?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011776&P=1

 Elle Macpherson -http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3006020/0~2376776~2374327~6010810~6011776?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011776&P=1

PH Slvage – http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3020769?refsid=244117&refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2374327%7e2373578%7e2377662&SourceID=1&SlotID=1&origin=related

Also give TJ Maxx a shot. Sometimes they have really beautiful pieces.

Happy shopping!

I need to thank my husband for this BIG life lesson – When you are frustrated or angry…wait! Don’t respond until you have cooled off. This one is hard for me. I am reactonary and hot tempered and can fly off the handle quickly. BUT as hard as it is to sit tight, think and rationally respond – it is the right approach.

So thank you Merrill for teaching me patience!

OK for all of you that have never tried Gonzo…it is THE BEST. I have been using it for years. I first found it about 7 years ago when I was living in Reading, MA. My oldest son was just born and he had acid reflux – so basically he threw up constantly. And then to make it worse, we were giving him Mylanta to settle his stomach and it made him have poop blow-outs….so bad I had to cut his clothes off of him!

So needless to say, I had some laundry issues. I was in the hardware store and saw Gonzo. So I tried it……AND IT GOT OUT ALL OF THE VOMIT AND POOP STAINS! From that point forward I used it on all of his clothes and got every stain out.

So then I tried to get blood out…..AND IT WORKED…EVERY BIT WAS GONE!

SO – I highly recommed it! We love it so much that I buy 5 or 6 gallons at a time!

http://www.gonzocorp.com/product/f87339e8-d6e1-4c95-a864-7fedfb611af0.aspx

Try it and let me know what you think.

White denim – is white HOT! The best part about white jeans is that you get white pants…but not the sheer, see-through problem!

Hair & Make-up

First, do a dry run! Second, make sure you take a lot of photos of your created look. Be sure to get all angles of your hair and close-ups of your make-up, especially your eyes. This will give your hair and make-up stylists a virtual cheat sheet of what was created and replicating it will be a snap.

Jewelry:

Today with the accessibility of fashion jewelry, the sky is the limit. You can find extremely affordable and stylish options…everywhere! The key to jewelry is to focus on one element as the “wow” piece, such as a necklace. Then have the other piece3s such as earrings, bracelet and/or ring be its compliment. You don’t want to look like a little girl playing dress-up in your mommy’s jewelry box.

Tricia

Bride, February 2000

To read my entire Bridal article please visit http://www.southlakestyle.com/imag/February2009/start.htm

Your Colors – the tones and shades that compliment your skin.

Bright white, off-white, antique white, stark-white, the list goes on and on! Who knew there were so many shades of white. If you are blessed with darker skin, congratulations…any shade of white will look good on you. However, if you are fair-skinned, stark white is too harsh, instead try off-white or ivory.

Special Tip: Try blush, beige or champagne color options. They can be stunning!

Tricia

Bride, February 2000

To read my entire Bridal article please visit: http://www.southlakestyle.com/imag/February2009/start.htm

Your Body – How to flatter your shape.

What is your best asset? Your sleek upper body? Your small waist? Your bountiful bottom? Whichever it is, flaunt it and make it scream!

If you love your:

• Neck, collarbone, back, arms, or decolletage (chest) area – Fitted and open should be your motto. Styles that show off your upper body such as halter spaghetti, strapless or one shoulder – basically any style with an open neckline or back – will do the trick. If you are narrow on the bottom..anything goes, yes even mermaid style. If your fuller on the bottom avoid pleats and any style with gathered fabric at your waist, hips and thighs. A-line or full skirts are best.
• Bust - There are two paths, full or small. If you have a full chest, open up your necklineand show off your shoulders, v-neck or sweetheart neckline are great. Just be sure that “the girls” are covered and contained. You don’t want to lose one out on the dance floor! As for the skirt, keep it narrow, so you have balance – you don’t want to be big on the top and the bottom. If you are small-chested a halter, one shoulder or straight across strapless work effortlessly.
• Small waist – Styles that fit through the rib cage and waist are best. A fuller skirt such as an A-line will even make your waist appear smaller. A sash, ribbon, or embellished belt at your waist adds greater drama and effect.

OK…what do do if your Petite or Plus?

• Petite - A-line lengthens your body making you appear taller. Open necklines and hair-up add to the illusion of a longer, taller frame. Be sure your skirt isn’t too full as that could throw off your proportions and make you appear bottom heavy.
• Plus – A-line or empire is great, as they conceal fuller waists and hips. Open necklines pull the eye up and create balance. But whatever you do, please DO NOT wear a baggy tent. You will actually look – much – better in a fitted gown. If you want more coverage add a sheer shawl. It will skim and drape your frame while allowing your sexy, silhouette to peek through.

Remember details and embellishment draws the eye. so make it work for you…bring attention to your assets with beading, lace or other accents. Be creative and show your personal style. How about a cluster of vintage pis on the waist of a simple A-line or empire waist gown? Or a large fabric flower on the bodice of a strapless gown, very Carrie Bradshaw-ish.

Special Tip: Undergarments – the right ones that is, will smooth and sculpt your luscious bod! Please use them.

Critical Tip! Find a fabulous tailor! Think of it this way, even the most expensive, exquisite dress will look like it was make by a two-year-old if tailored poorly. Fit is CRITICAL!

But my best advise of all…Try on as many dresses as you can! All styles, cuts, and fabrics. Go outside your safe zone; try on…try one…try one. You will find the “this is it!” dress, I promise. But do be true to you. If you’re typically conservative or daring – stay that way. Don’t go for a deep plunging neckline you’ve never tried before.

And remember this is your day…Take It In, Hold It Dear and Remember It Always.

Tricia

Bride, February 2000

To read my entire Bridal article please visit: http://www.southlakestyle.com/imag/February2009/start.htm