Friday, December 19, 2008

Pearls are the hot jewelry for bridal 2009

Pearls go in and out of fashion in general (some may disagree) but in bridal they generally have a consistent following.
However this year... the trend is definitely towards pearls.... Diamond sparkle will always hold a place in my heart but larger pearl jewelry pieces are definitely making a statement in bridal.

1. Many layered ropes- super chic
2. Asymmetrical pearl ropes with diamond or accented asymmetrical pieces- awesome!

They have to be- layered... more than one strand.
look great i.e. not the cheapest fakes, but good news, real and fake pearls can look fabulous as low prices!

Another great tip- buy a single long strand 60 -100 inches. Then find a brooch. affix the brooch to the strand on an angle, this keeps the strands locked in a graduated fashion, and it is also awesome looking.... if they slide around, you can actually attach the brooch to your dress, keeping the pearls in place, and the brooch at the right angle.

Hint- if you go with a huge necklace, tone down the earrings and vice versa.

Here is a good start!




this is the style, but not the chains. although this is a cool necklace



Monday, December 15, 2008

Great Coupon Website

This website has saved me tons of dough over the past year. Before you make any online purchase be it bridal or personal, check RetailMeNot first.

http://www.retailmenot.com/

Simply put the store you want to search in the search box, and viola, you get coupon results. Sometimes they don't work, but most of the time they do, and it only takes about 30 extra seconds to save sometimes tens of hundreds of dollars.

Happy Shopping

Hot Trends in Bridal for 2009

Here are some hot new trends in Bridal for 2009

1. Dresses with sleeves! It's a miracle after years of just strapless dresses, I am starting to happily see the off the shoulder and halter make a major comeback this year.

2. Fit and Flare Dresses- They don't look great on everyone, but they are fabulous if you have a great body. See Anne Hathaway's dress in the new bride wars movie. http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/09/24/anne-hathaway-and-kate-hudsons-bride-wars-trailer/

3. Trumpet Vases- Big bold trumpet vases are hot in a big way in floral. The style is finished with a clumping texture to floral instead of mixed floral varieties, creating a very bold statement.

4. Big Hair Pieces- Instead of a veil, large flowers, floral arrangements, jeweled arrangements, and combs are coming in style in a big way.

5. The Blusher is out- the blusher is out... Try a simple single layer veil.....

6. Comfy Shoes- Maybe I am biased, since shoes don't like me very much, but the reality is no one sees your shoes, and you stand all day... Try wedges or non-traditional light colored shoes.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Budget Christmas Decor

O.k.
So we are all scrimping a bit this season, and I ran across a fabulous idea for Christmas decorations all at Costco, one of the greatest stores!

Costco has the greatest handmade gift tags. They are so adorable, and really add an elegance to any package. They are approximately 8 dollars for 64 tags. I think you would be hard pressed to beat that price for the quality any where else. But, I came across a great idea. If you are really on a budget and wanted to add some pizazz to your tree but couldn't afford to shell the dough for whole new ornament sets, add these tags onto your tree. They have real ribbon holders attached and add flair and beauty to any tree.

Costco also has the most awesome ribbon selection. The ribbon is 6.95 for a 50 yard continuous roll of wired ribbon. I wrap all my packages in real ribbon instead of the sticky bow back types. People always comment on how beautiful my presents are and I really attribute it all to the extra 50 seconds and 10 cents I spent by using real ribbon....
They are super fab!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Glamour Closet San Francisco Huge Sample Sale- Great Designer Gowns, low prices!

Hi Brides,
If you were looking to buy a designer gown and don't have much to spend, or just want to get a great bargain and you are a street size 4-10, check out the Glamour Closet Sample Sale in San Francisco next weekend, the 13th and 14th.

Get there early, there is normally a line out the door by the time it opens, and it isn't for the modest, people just start stepping into gowns in the middle of the store, so bring your own bra, etc.

Dresses can normally be altered 1 size up or down no problem but be careful that the dress is alterable before buying because all sales are final.

Glamour Closet is an awesome store that miraculously finds sample gowns that haven't been worn and sells them at amazing prices. At the sample sale, dresses are even less expensive than normal- from $400 to $1400 for dresses that are normally 1500 to 8-10,000 dollars! There are some fabulous designers.

http://glamourcloset.com/closet/index.asp

Note- at these samples sales most dresses will be 8 and 10 bridal sizes, and some 12's but generally there are no 14, or 16 dresses, which again to reiterate means street sizes, 4, 6, 8, and borderline 10.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

December- time to plan and get a planner even in a tough economy

I know the economy is tough, believe me.  I just wanted to point out a few reasons all you freshly minted engagees should think about hiring a planner if anything for the day of the event.

1. A planner can typically save you as much money if not more than what they cost-
What you may say? How could this be?  But the reality is that a good planner has good connections and a good sense of value, what things should cost, where to get them, and who to get them from.  In addition a good planner can tell you what is a waste of your money and what is not, and in the end even a pretty high end planner like myself can definitely save you their fee in discounts, good bets, and better purchases.

2. Relax!-
A planner at your event means that you or someone you know who isn't really qualified isn't running around on the day of the event making decisions and scuttling everyone around.  The fact is planners especially on the day of make the bride more calm and the day more enjoyable for not just attendees but you as the bride, groom, and bridal party.  

3. They Bring your vision to life-
Let's be honest with ourselves for a minute.  Do you ever think you want to make this cool outfit and you look back and think what a bust the ensemble really was?  The reality is that a qualified and talented planner and designer provide you with stylistic consistency, assistance, and fulfillment.  They bring your visions to life in a way you hoped them to be, but better, and you didn't have to worry about it! It's like a mini-miracle.

So, even if your budget is meager, consider hiring at least a "day of" or as I say Abbreviated wedding planner. They will save you time, money, and give you a lot of peace of mind.

Cautionary Note-
Please note that in order to get a qualified planner, you have to research and spend some time finding the right personality fit and stylistic fit.  Not all planners are really qualified to provide all the services you may want, and no planner offering to show up only on the day of the event without any preparation should be hired.  To do a competent job they must be briefed on the event in full and spend a few hours getting to understand the event to provide flawless results.