Monday, March 26, 2012

Tickled!


Including feathers as a decor detail for your event is an adorable and affordable way to add more flair to your already stylish affair. Feathers are just as beautiful as flowers and last longer so why not incorporate a few into your design scheme?  Whether your event is headed in a glamorous, hippie chic, urban, modern, organic or rustic feel - blending unique feathers aligned with your color scheme are sure to catch the eye of your friends and family. For century's feathers have been applied to hats, gowns, jewelry and accessories. 









Thursday, March 22, 2012

Spice up Easter Sunday

Growing up, Easter Sunday was always a big holiday for our family. I loved it! But for some, it's the 'same old' in regards to decor, food and lets be honest- family. Ha! Besides Christmas, for many people, it's one of those holidays that while you're on your way there, your car ride discussion consists of; "lets just show our faces and not stay for long." You're caught! But Easter doesn't have to be boring. There isn't a set menu you're required to follow. So spice it up! Be different and creative. Whether it's a dinner for adults or children, there are plenty of ways to make it fun. However, although I can't change your families, I can give you some fun holiday ideas ;) Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

B+E wedding flair

When thinking of their 'big day,' most gals envision amazing, unique and beautiful, as adjectives that describe their wedding; while most men are just on board for whatever makes their lady happy (smart men).  Here are a few easy- to- do things that brides everywhere are trying out in order to add a bit of something special to their wedding festivities!

Choose a 'theme' to celebrate your wedding day.  A few top favorites include; 'beach,' 'garden,' 'vintage glamour,' 'rustic,' 'eco- friendly,' etc.  Choosing a theme, makes it's a bit easier to build details around that specific idea, i.e. quaint church and twinkle lights, barn and burlap, beach side and flip flops etc.

Eco- friendly wedding theme

Rather than the traditional wedding cake, opt for different flavored cupcakes.  Choosing non- traditional flavors such as gingerbread, espresso, spice, lemon, or carrot, allows guests to pick out one or two of their favorites.  Another option is to have a sundae bar.  Using the table typically reserved for the cake, place already prepared ice cream dishes with a scoop or two of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, then allow guests to add toppings of their choice; hot fudge, strawberry sauce, peanuts, sprinkles etc. 

Pay homage to your family's roots and celebrate your heritage.  Your Irish grandparents will love if you guys hire a few step dancers to perform at your reception.  When it comes to Asian weddings, add some red and gold into the favors or center pieces.  In the Asian culture, red symbolizes love, joy and prosperity.  A wedding custom known to the Latino culture, consists of the groom giving the bride 13 gold coins to represent his commitment to her (the 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles).  Not only will it provide a unique flair to your wedding day, but celebrating you and/or your fiance's ancestry is a great way to pay respect to the elders of your family.

There are so many different, new, up and coming, traditional, classy, modern, trendy, glamorous, funky ways that brides and grooms are able to differentiate their weddings from the 'norm.'  Just pick an idea and run with it.  After all, it's your day!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Superbowl of Hollywood fashion- for the normal folk

Awards season is done and over with, and some of the hottest and trendiest threads and accessories were pranced across many a red carpet this year.  Now, it's pretty obvi that us 'normal' folk don't traipse across velvety runners while thousands of fans scream our names.  However, that doens't mean that we don't have awesome events, black tie dinners, uber posh weddings, etc., where we need to be lookin' extra good. I know, I know- Cameron Diaz's arms are unrealsitic, Gwyneth Paltow's waist is seriously tiny, and Giselle's legs probably stop at her neck- but get over it!  Learn how to dress to impress while embracing your shape and strengths! Here are a few tips on how to look smokin' hot with your particular body style. 

The pleasantly plush waist line





















The look of the waistline is often the 'make it or break it' when it comes to purchasing a cocktail dress or gown.  For the thicker waisted gals, snag a dress that has an awesome point of interest somewhere other than the waistline i.e. the off- the- shoulder LPD above.  Make sure not to wear dresses that change color or have patterns at the waist- no need to draw attention to that area.  If opting for a two piece outfit, avoid full skirts, shrugs, and fitted jackets; all are no bueno.  However, long fitting tops that end at your hip line will create an illuison of length and thiness- amen to that!

The big busted gals

Having large ta tas can pose a serious challenge for women who are trying to keep it classy without having a wear a muumuu.  First of all, it may seem logical to wear a high neck line and cover your cleavage, but this is a seriously unflattering look.  You're better off choosing a dress with a modest neck line that still covers up the goods.  Also, try out the strapless dress.  You've got enough on top to hold it up, and this style also focuses attention on your shoulders and face; away from your bust.  Also, opt for an enviable pair of dangly earrings or cute hair accents rather than a necklace.  Whichever type of dress you choose- work with what your mama gave you!

Flat as a pancake
Be daring!  Go for a plunging top- no one else can wear these, or or a backless halter dress.  Just accentuate other areas and show some skin.  A dress that has some extra detailing across the bust or that hugs your figure tight will flatter even the smallest of bubbies.  If you're still feeling self- conscious, go purchase a pair of chicken cutlets to boost your bust and self- confidence for the night. 

Short stumps I mean legs

First and foremost- wear heels.  Always wear heels.  Nude colored heels are super trendy right now and also do you the favor of elongating your legs.  Plus, they go with just about any color dress; which makes purchasing a quality pair a superb investment.  As far as dresses go, anything with a high waist- think empire waist- will make your legs look extra long and lean.  If the event permits, go for a shorter hem line (if you're comfortable with it).  Unless it's ball gown length, the calf, tea length or ankle grazing skirts and dresses aren't going to do your covered up limbs any favors. If your event is semi- casual, think about slapping a belt around your waist; it'll help create the illusion of height as well. 

I can't stand the terms 'pear,' 'apple,' 'hour glass,' etc. when people talk about body shapes.  I am none of those, and I'm sure there are plenty of others who would agree with me on that.  So rather than labeling  yourself in one of those categories, just be you and rock the body parts you have and love.  There's a sexy dress for everyone and every body type- you just need to take the time to find it!


Sunday, March 11, 2012

The art of getting down and dirty without ending your marriage before it begins...

Pink feather boas, penis tiaras, 10 drunk girls all dressed in the same color....you know what I'm talking about. I know you're smiling. We've all been a part of that obnoxious mess. There are two types of bachelorette parties. Those that choose to relax and go to a spa with some girlfriends (phenomenal). And those that choose to go to Vegas and take striptease classes, rent a killer suite at the Palms, and stumble in missing your shoes at 5am (also phenomenal). But there's a stellar and stylish way to pull off either of the two without ending your marriage before it starts. I say do both! The calm before the storm, or the disaster, then disaster relief. Here are a few examples of ultimate bachelorette parties:











Friday, March 9, 2012

St. Patrick's party ideas.


St. Patrick's day is just about a week away so break out your green attire and shamROCK your rump off this year in STYLE! 
Here is some fun inspiration to get your party headed on the right side of the rainbow. 

Wearing of the green

Originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. Saint Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. In the 1798 rebellion, to make a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention.The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Luncheon for the ladies


When Planning a healthy luncheon for your closest girlfriends consider all the fun details you can incorporate. 
Whenever we start brainstorming on an event we always sit down and come up with concepts. Doing so will keep you on track as well as jump-start those creative ideas.


Friday, March 2, 2012

Creative Invitations!


When planning an event, a concept for the event is key! Once that concept is nailed down you best be gettin those invitations out :). If you are planning a party or a shower of some kind, make sure to send out your invitations at least a month in advance, for out of town friends and family, you might want to give them a call prior to sending the invite for a proper head start.

If planning a wedding, get those SAVE THE DATES out approximately 6 months prior to your big day. Your formal invitations should arrive in the mail 6 to 8 weeks before the day of your wedding. 

Thankfully .... The Internet has make it a lot more manageable and affordable to send personalized and distinctive invitations ... YAY! Tying in the concept or "theme" for your event really sets the mood and gets the buzz going! Here are some creative ideas for invitations and save the dates ...















So cute! If you would like some concepts and a list of preferred graphic designers and photographers for unique and custom invitations contact us at Blush with Envy - we have the hook up!