Friday, April 30, 2010

Honeymoon Inspiration: Santorini

I feeling in a travel-y sort of mood today and wanted to post a pic of a gorgeous honeymoon locale that could also double as color inspiration.  I couldn't think of anyone better to turn to than insanely talented landscape photographer, Peter Lik.  I had the pleasure of seeing one of his galleries at The Venetian in Las Vegas last year, and his work is even more mind blowing in person, so if your near one of his locations, check it out!!

click to enlarge

Stunning Santorini, Greece creates not only a picturesque honeymoon destination, but also an unexpected color palette- ocean blue and white, with a pop of scarlett!

{Image via Peter Lik}

Thoughts? Put them in the comments section below!

-Alessandra

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Trend Alert: One-Shoulder Gowns

I've been noticing so many one-shoulder gowns lately, I feel it deserves it's own trend report.  Everything has been strapless for so long, so it's kind of nice to see some un-strapless, yet un-matronly options out there!

Ruffled and ruched organza from Allure Couture; style # C166

Soft chiffon from Galina Exclusively at David's Bridal; style # WG9888

 Satin and tulle with a detachable shoulder strap gives you options from KITTYCHEN Couture; style "Cloris"

Soft tulle with crystal detailing from Impressions Bridal; style # 3056

 
Draped pearl satin from Maggie Sottero; style "Fiorella"

This style from Martina Liana is available in four different fabrics; style # 284

Short and sweet from Niki Bridal; style # 16616

Lightweight taffeta from James Clifford; style J11006

Pockets are functional and fabulous from Jasmine Collection; style # F321

Grecian-inspired chiffon with a detachable train from Sottero&Midgley; style "Landis"

Rich dupioni silk from Justin Alexander; style # 8474

{Images via The Knot}

What do you think of the one-shouldered look? Like? Dislike? Speak your mind in the comments section!!

-Alessandra

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Beauty Trend: Greige is the New Black Satin

So basically anytime I read about a beauty trend more than a few times within a month period I can pretty much count on it being huge,  especially when it comes to nail polish.  Remember when we all had a major goth moment in fall 2006 with Chanel's "Black Satin" and OPI's "Lincoln Park After Dark"?  Well I have a feeling this is going to be as big as that.  So this past week I was leafing through the May issues of my favorite fashion glossies when I noticed one word that kept popping up over and over- greige.  Greige? Huh?  According to W, "the term “greige” has been used by decorators for years", but for most of us, it's probably pretty unfamiliar.  It's actually just simple math- gray+beige=greige.  Sounds kind of blah, but it's actually a super chic neutral and it's showing up everywhere you look. It is a perfect bridal shade because it's neutral like a french manicure but way more unexpected.  Here are some of the many greige goodies out there...


Chanel Particulière
OPI "You Don't Know Jacques"


OPI by Sephora in "Metro Chic"

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in "Commander in Chic"




Above two photos: "greige" nails at Marc Jacob's Fall RTW show

Greige eyeshadow also surfaced quite a bit on the runways.  The key with shadow this neutral is to find one that shimmers a little, in order to add some depth.  Otherwise you will end up looking dead, which is probably not the look your going for on your wedding day.  The two runway examples are extreme versions of the trend, but I've included a photo of my eyes sporting a more wearable greige option. 

Greige lids and pale lips at Rodarte
Greige lids and rosy cheeks at Michael Kors




I created this look by sweeping Urban Decay's "Mushroom" eye shadow all over my lid up to just above the crease with a large, fluffy shadow brush.  Then I put a more concentrated dose underneath my crease using a small shadow brush.  I then highlighted my brow bone with the fluffy brush using Urban Decay shadow in Sellout, a pale champagne color.  I added Urban Decay's "Sphinx", a pale pink shade, to the inner corners.  I finished the look with black Revlon Colorstay eyeliner on the top and bottom lids and L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black mascara.  The key with this look was adding light to the corners and brow in order to keep from looking too "dead". 

Urban Decay's Book of Shadows II featuring Sellout, Mushroom, and Sphinx

{Chanel image via Chanel}
{OPI image via OPI}
{Sephora by OPI image via Sephora}
{Sally Hansen image via Sally Hansen}
{Runway images via Style.com}
{Urban Decay image via Urban Decay}

Love it or hate it? Post your reactions in the comments section below...

 -Alessandra

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Neil & Natalie Part II: Simple Elegance and Hockey Sticks


Neil and Natalie's autumn wedding was simply classic.  A chic black and white color palette with a dramatic pop of red from the bouquets.  From the beginning she knew that she wanted her wedding to be unique, something that you don't see all the time. She chose to have her theme be "black and white, simple and elegant".  They also decided to incorporate Neil's love of hockey (Go Hawks!) into their photographs because he, along with three out of the four groomsmen, play hockey together on an area men's league team.  When it came to fashion, her girlfriends made her try on a bunch of gowns, but she instantly knew her gorgeous Maggie Sottero style was the one.  Her Bill Levkoff bridesmaid dresses were very flattering and elegant.  She figured, "if they're going to spend money on this dress, it should be cute and wearable for other events. I also chose not to shower my wedding with flowers. I know most girls want tons of flowers and color.  But I like to stand out and be different, and that's what I did by only having flowers for the bouquets and boutonnieres".  One of Natalie's favorite parts of her wedding was the photographer.  "I looked at different area photographer's work online.  When I came across Joshua's portfolio it made me cry! And I thought to myself, if his online work makes me cry then imagine what he can do for my wedding?!  I had to have him at any price.  Best decision I could have made- pictures last a life time, so never go cheap!"  Neil and Natalie were married on lovely but rainy Friday, September 25th, 2009 and currently reside in Chicago's western suburbs with their beloved dogs, Milo and Diesel. 


Vendor Info
Ceremony Location: The Gaslight Chapel in North Aurora, Illinois
Reception Location:  The Lincoln Inn in Batavia, Illinois
Wedding Gown:  Maggie Sottero style "Capri Royale", purchased at The Crystal Bride in Geneva, Illinois
Maids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff, purchased at The Crystal Bride in Geneva, Illinois
Bride's and Maids' Hair: Dana Holakovsky at Splendor Salon and Spa in Chicago, Illinois
Bride's Makeup:  Mystique Salon and Spa
Floral Designer: Lindsay Rice
Photographer: Joshua Albanese Photography, located in Chicago, Illinois
            
-Alessandra



Sunday, April 25, 2010

Neil & Natalie Part I: Engagement Photos, Chicago-style


Neil and Natalie were married September 25, 2009 and currently reside in Chicago's western suburbs with their two dogs, Milo and Diesel.  Stay tuned for the second part of this post, featuring photos from their gorgeous wedding!

Bride and Groom: Neil and Natalie
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois
Engaged: January 2008
Date of photo shoot: August 2009
Photographer: Joshua Albanese Photography located in Chicago, Illinois

-Alessandra




Saturday, April 24, 2010

Put Some Spring in Your Step

So I thought trying to pinpoint bridal shoe trends was going to be tricky since they are typically all pretty similar- white satin dress sandals or pumps with few style elements beyond the occasional rhinestone buckle.  But I was wrong!  Apparently rosettes are having a moment and they are everywhere- from all ends of the price range spectrum. They are super cute and perfect for a spring/summer wedding.  Here are a few of the many rosette-adorned styles-
Badgely Mischka "Randall" shoe, $204

Kate Spade "Kellis" shoe, $285

Martinez Valero "Vida" shoe, $153

Stuart Weitzman "Pamposo" shoe, $325


 rsvp "Ivana" shoe, $89

Nina "Elijah" shoe, $89.95

Coloriffics "Flower" shoe, $89

Liz Rene "Rose" shoe, $105
 

Fifi by Filippa Scott "Poppy" shoe, $99





Special Occasions "Rosetta" shoe, $55

David's Bridal "bloom" shoe, $59


{Top eight images via Zappos}
{Fifi via Filippa Scott}
{Special Occasions via Saugus Shoes}
{David's Bridal via David's Bridal}

Will you be sporting the rosette trend?  Let us know in the comments section!

-Alessandra




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