Fab Frocks Friday: When Opposites Attract

For this spooky Friday the 13th and tomorrow's Valentine's Day, I found two very appropriate dresses from Versace:

Win those blacked hearts over and play it sweet and sassy with these whimsical heart inspired frocks.


Images via Style.com.

Getting Organized

If pen and paper are a bit too antiquated in helping you keep organized for your wedding, try this wonderfully chic Vivienne Tam notebook from HP for all you wedding organizing needs.

We may have our iphones and Blackberrys, but really, how useful is a 3" screen when trying to pull up your favorite wedding gown to show your wedding planner? I can't begin to tell you how useful a small, compact computer has been when working with brides, in the office and out on location. Quickly adjusting your budget spreadsheet while at a vendor meeting? No problem. Forgot the style number to that Vera Wang bridesmaid dress? Why let me just go online! And at less that 1" thick, this computer will fit perfectly in your purse.

Now you may be thinking, what about all my magazine pullouts and swatches? Try this stylish Audrey File Tote (love the name) on sale right now at The Spoon Sisters for only $49.95.

Images courtesy of HP and Kate's Paperie.

Run(a)way Bride: White Hot!

In all my discussion about being true to your personal style, I forgot to mention one more type of bride: The Bombshell Bride. She's gorgeous and unapologetically sexy in a tasteful way. Definitely no ball gowns for her, so what is she to wear?

Slim, curve hugging dresses and fish tail hems beckon to her inner siren. And though designer L'Wren Scott wouldn't call these white dress "bridal," I think they will do just fine.

Images courtesy of Style.com.

Put a Ring on It!

Or rather, don't just put any ring on it, but one of these sparklers from Ritani. Solitares are beautiful, but there is just something about an engagement ring and wedding band with micropavé diamonds. Is it it's vintage appeal? It's timeless beauty? Or that there are more diamonds?

Whatever the case may be, make love - not war! Be sure you and your beau are both on the same page when it comes to the ring and don't be afraid to give a little input because the ring you wear will be the ring you will have with you for the rest of your life.

I do hope there's a big surprise in store for you ladies come this Saturday!

Image courtesy of Ritani.

An Epicurious Honeymoon

Add a little flavor to your honeymoon by taking an Epicurean Expedition from The Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels.

Looking for an Aegean Feast in Greece or want to Savor Venice at the Terrazza Danieli ? How about A Walk Through Chillida's Woods in the heart of Spain's Basque region or an exploration to the flavors and sights of Mauritius?

Satisfy the foodie in you by exploring the best culinary traditions at your destination with a personalized menu of the region's best fine dining experience. And when you are done, indulge yourself in the local fare.

The only problem you'll have is where to go!

Images courtesy of Starwood Hotels.com.

Fab Frocks Friday: A Dress by Any Other Name

There are bridesmaid dresses that stir our compassion for our fellow gal pal and make us wonder "why on earth someone would pick such a dastardly thing" and there are bridesmaid dresses that have us wondering "Where can I get that?"

I think the success of a good bridesmaid dress is when people see a beautiful dress that can work just as well in the wedding and it does out in the big ole' world. So if no one knew you were wearing a bridesmaid dress out to a social function, would it be a fashion hit or miss?

L to R: Moschino Cheap and Chic and Thread Design

I can't believe that the dress on the left is a bridesmaid dress and at a steal of a price because I would absolutely wear it for a night out on the town! Oh those girls at Thread, proving once again that you can have bridesmaid dresses and fashion coexist in harmony.

So go forth bridesmaids and fashion forward girls alike - you can have your bridesmaid dress and wear it too!

Images courtesy of Style.com and Thread Design.

Put a Little Spring in your Step

Poor Cinderella - she obviously didn't have a Barneys, Saks or Neimans nearby because if she did, I think they would have recommended a sandal with a strap as she danced the night away. Although, the whole losing her shoe thing, I think that worked in her favor.

For all you Cinderella's out there that have found your Prince Charming, fussing over your shoes is not the way you want to spend your night. Why spend a few hundred dollars on a white satin monstrosity and only wear them once? There are no rules that say your shoes must be white.

Check out the simply divine Christian Louboutin Petal sandal. A light and delicate blush pink crepe with an ankle strap and soft petals along the t-strap is a novel way to incorporate a little spring into your wedding.

Make sure to have the photographer get a picture of your shoes - très chic!

Image courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

Ladies who Brunch

Style savvy brides, bridesmaids, and invited female guests, have you checked out the February issue of Vogue?

Do you know what the first idea that came into my mind was when I saw this editorial spread?

If you guessed brunch attire you are absolutely correct! A little coordination and style is all you and your girls need to look as effortlessly feminine as this 1940s inspired spread. And there's nothing more fabulous that looking your best as you celebrate the people you love. It really makes the guest of honor feel as if this is just as important a day for you as it is for them.

Images courtesy of Vogue - 'It's a Madcap World' photographed by Steven Meisel and styled by Grace Coddington.

Valentine's Day

A few days away, but it's almost Valentine's Day! For your most important declaration of love, these invitations from none other than Wiley Valentine (yes, that is the company's name) are sure to fit the occasion.

There's a great selection for you recessionista brides that love letterpress but not the cost. Their Luxe Collection offers flat printing on 100% cotton letterpress paper creating texture and a baby soft touch. And to make that first impression a dramatic statement, Wiley Valentine also prints the envelopes with the design.

I absolutely love how green and environmentally conscious this company is. Perhaps they should put a disclaimer? Warning: No trees were harmed in the making of these beautiful invitations. I think it's safe to say green is the new black!

Images via Wiley Valentine.

Spring Color: The Darling Buds of May

I am so happy to see that both fashion and bridal runways are using big bursts of color for spring. How does this translate for your wedding? Bland, muted tones are out, so think bright, vivid, inviting colors.

For your reception, consider playing with lighting options to give that extra oomph of high glamour polish and make your favors the envy of every guest by doing them in brighter shades that compliment your overall color scheme. Even having your bridesmaids wear different shades but in the same color family will make your wedding seem less like Wedding 101 and more like the editorial spread of Town and Country.

Remember it's not only the small details that count, but also the overall all look and effect!

Images via Flickr.