Wedding & event inspiration, ideas and all things creative!
…Fall In Love!
Whether you’re buying it as a gift for the bride, or you are the bride, these luxurious products by Philosophy are a must have! Ok, well I think so anyway…but I believe every girl deserves to be pampered once in a while, don’t you? Especially the bride before her wedding day, even after!
The Bride Falling In Love 2pc. Shower Set - $40
Here Comes The Bride 7pc. Gift Set For The Bride To Be - $45
So go ahead…get “philosophical”!
This, That and YOU!
While thinking about inspiration and where it comes from for each of us, I started to wonder where brides might get theirs from when choosing their wedding colors.
Whether it’s found from blogs, websites, magazines, the color most likely to be found in your closet, a garden, a shoe, or a belief…inspiration is all around us. Here’s what inspired me to share with you today, dear readers!
Photography by One Starry Night! This blog reminds me of life, love, and hope. Which of course reminded me of marriage. Be sure to check out the rest of her blog, it’s personal, real, and soulful.
If you’re a bride who’s still trying to decide on wedding colors, try getting inspired by the beautiful photography over at www.onestarrynight.com! You’ll love it. I promise!
Pinup Hair Accessories For Your Wedding Day…
My darling talented friend Angela Rossi (singer/songwriter) introduced me to this fabulous site, so now I’m sharing it with you! Fall head over heels in love with hair accessories from the Pinup Girls Clothing store!
Whether you’re having an extravagent wedding like Carrie Bradshaw (feathers, anyone?), or a classic but casual event, these hair pins will surely make for not only great conversation, but great pictures as well!
With many modern brides deciding to skip the veil these days, how perfect would these be in place of that traditional veil? These accessories make quite the charming do!
Love them? Get yours now at www.pinupgirlclothing.com!
Sugar Inc. Kicks Off The Wedding Season With IDoSugar!
I’m so thrilled to bring you this exciting news! If you haven’t visited any of the sites by Sugar Inc. yet, you’re missing out! But it gets better, because now they even have a site for all things wedding!
If you’re planning your wedding, make sure to check out the brand new “IDoSugar” which just launched this week to kick of the wedding season!
Bridal Beauty…Meeeeow!
Recently visiting the new blog of Sonia Roselli, one of my favorite makeup artists in Chicago, I realized I had to share!
In her latest post, she gives us makeup tips and advice on how to get the new BCBG ad look. It’s very soft, vintage and oh so sexy…perfect for any brides’ wedding day makeup!
To learn how to get the look, check out her post HERE! Click on THIS link to read the rest of her exciting new blog! Interested in having Sonia Roselli do your wedding day makeup? Get more info at www.soniaroselli.com, and prepare to be pampered!
Planning a bachelorette party? Why not have a Makeup & Martini Party with Sonia Roselli! A unique and exciting party to have before you hit the night out on the town…learn more HERE. Now that’s awesome!
Guess who’s coming to Chicago, and several other cities?
Schecky’s Girls Night Out!
Has life been stressful for you too? You’re probably in need for a fun, girly shopping day. Well, you’re in luck! Enjoy shopping over 50 great brands, fashion, beauty, and giveaways while sipping yummy cocktails at the 5-hour complimentary bar! Now THAT is fabulous!!!
So when is it? Schecky’s is coming to Chicago March 12th - 13th. It’s being held at The Great Hall at Chicago’s Union Station - 210 S. Canal St. General Admission is $10.00. The Deluxe Goodie Bag Tickets are $30.00 (which includes the Schecky’s famous overstuffed goodie bag!) Go with a group of girlfriends and save up to 20%!
Find out more information at: Schecky’s Girls Night Out!
I am really looking forward to seeing more episodes of the new show on Lifetime, “How To Look Good Naked!“. With Carson Kressley as the host, Lifetime is showing women how to feel and look sexy in their own skin, without dieting. I love it. Because sexy comes in all sizes. It’s all about confidence, a smile, and what you wear.
So get excited, ladies…a new year and a new sexy is about to take over. The show premieres January 4th on Lifetime. Check out this preview!
Since I’ve noticed that the “pinup girl look” is coming back, I thought I’d post this fabulous video on how to get the look, with the right makeup! I tried it last night, it’s pretty simple and so fun! Don’t have the fake eyelashes to put on? No problem, just apply several applications of mascara (while still wet…don’t apply over dry mascara). Lift up with an eyelash curler, and shaaazaaam! Beautiful lashes. I reccomend “Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara” by Maybelline. Now go get sexy!
Dogs. Some will say they’re the new “kids“, some will say they’re the new “hot accessories“. I still say they’re just little lovies, who sometimes smell.
Well, smell no more, little poochies! Eh-hem, Mable (a family dog who rarely smells lovely)! Now your dog can smell lovely just like you, with a whole line of beauty supplies just for dogs, by Juicy Couture! Don’t laugh, I’m serious. Enter, Juicy Crittoure!
For only $20.00, you can get this Juicy Crittoure spray, and get rid of that awful smell your dog often flaunts.
“Because the Juicy Pooch wears her fur everyday, here’s a little spritz to make doggy ever so soft instantly. Introducing Juicy Crittoure, the first couture fragrance for dogs. This new wardrobe of couture canine fragrance and poochie personal care includes pawfum, shampooch, coif fur, soft spot, pawtection, pawlettes, polished paws, paw polish remover, and doggy house spray.” - www.bloomingdales.com
“A quick, gentle polish remover blended just for doggy’s tiny, tender nails. Introducing Juicy Crittoure, the first couture fragrance for dogs.” - www.bloomingdales.com
Beware…the other dogs might be jealous, causing a new leader to take on the pack! lol
Most scents out there are either too fruity, too sweet, too strong, or too much something! This scent, however, smells amazing, and I really might have to go get it for myself one of these days. Pleasantly surprised, and automatically drawn to it. I MUST HAVE IT!
Get your 4.2 oz. bottle for $72.00 at most department stores! Check out the other lines and gift sets at www.seanjohnfragrances.com, but beware…the commercial has been banned from tv networks, for being a little too naughty! Tisk, tisk, tisk…yum, yum, yum!
Look at me…posting all these posts, when Christmas is supposed to be about giving, here I am posting about things I want…lol Hey, Merry Grinchmas, everyone! lol (Hey…nothing wrong with dreaming, right?)
According to the January 2008 issue of Glamour Magazine, I have a “goofy-sexy side”…so I need to play around with some new eyeliner. Which sounds great, as I love eyeliner! And mascara.
It’d be hard to choose between the two if I were on a deserted island and could only keep one makeup product on me. So here are my picks!
As Glamour suggests, and I agree, I should try ”Lancome Artliner“, for only $27.00 at www.lancome-usa.com.
“This easy-to-handle, liquid pen features a uniquely shaped foam tip that lets you precision-line, shape and define your eyes.
Won’t scratch, tug or skip. Also features a unique combination of two film-forming polymers that make every look last even longer. Rich, deep, luminous colour pigments offer the most intense- colour. The Result: A precise, professional look.”
If I had to pick a mascara, however, I’d stay with the classic, trusting, and fabulous “Great Lash Mascara“, in “Blackest Black” of course, by Maybelline.
It’s the best, tried and true mascara I’ve found…and I’ve tried sooo many in search for the perfect one, but I keep coming back to this. It’s great, and for under $5.00, it’s a steal! Who said it had to be expensive to be great, anyway?! 
Something About Candlelight!
Whether it’s a small get together, or a big soiree, candles can really warm up a room and give it a cozy welcoming feel!
Place them between vases of flowers like shown in this lovely picture, or place them all throughout the room. With candles, you’re sure to have a beautiful event!
On a budget? Ask the venue if they have votive holders they can lend you!
Hosting a “Girls Night In“? Throw a spa party!
Check out the beauty items all the celebs are loving at: www.jaquabeauty.com.
Jaqua Beauty helps you with tons of party tips and ideas. To view them, just go to their site! They teach you how to:”Be pampered by indulging in different treatments and packages. Be creative by setting the mood. Be delicious with spa menus and recipes. Be talented and create your own spa treatments.”
Be beautiful by being you. But whatever you do, make it scrumptious too, and don’t forget the chocolate cake! :)
“The Looks You Crave, From The Stores You Love…All In One Place!
Friends, this is a must see: www.shopstyle.com!
More exciting news! They have joined the sugar team, which if you haven’t learned this addiction yet, go to: www.popsugar.com! Or for fashion, www.fabsugar.com You will FALL IN LOVE…and find just what your little heart desires at ShopStyle!
The greatest idea in the world…shop in one place, choose from THOUSANDS of different retailers and designers, pick your price (What’s that you say? You need to find shoes under $25? No problem!), choose your sale, whatever it is…and it will bring up pictures and prices for whatever it is you’re looking for. LOVE IT!!!
From Popsugar.com:
Big news! We are extremely excited to announce that the fun (and very addictive) ShopStyle is joining the Sugar Family! As if online shopping wasn’t dangerous enough, ShopStyle makes it amazingly effortless. They’ve compiled all the items from the best online shops from Neiman’s to Shopbop and all the beauty products your heart desires in an easily searchable and bookmarkable format. Create looks, share them with friends, find new favorite designers, and buy that bag you’ve been craving. You don’t even need to purchase anything to have fun. It’s all there. We Sugar girls have already been playing - below are looks that Pop and I created and check out outfits from Fab, Fit and favorite products from Bella, too! If you’re not already a member, definitely check it out.”
Getting married soon? Know of a friend who is? “I DO” Lip Balm by Pookie!
Champagne flavored deliciousness…We think it’ll be the toast of your bridal party. Makes a great party favor for weddings and bridal showers, bridesmaids and guests!!
Pookie cares! A portion of the proceeds from every Pookie Lip Balm is donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization.
For $7.00, you can buy yours here: www.pookiestore.com!
These lip balms also celebrate other occasions, such as birth of a baby & holidays, and come in several different flavors too! Would make perfect stocking stuffers!
(did I really just mention the holiday season…it’s not even October yet! lol)
Every once in a while I find amazing artists through blogging, and just have to share them! Check out this art by www.stellaimhultberg.com:
One of the reasons I love art, whether it’s on paper, through music, dance, or other things, is how it can make you feel. How you can find yourself relating to it, how it calms you and helps you find peace. When something you can relate to touches your heart, it really just makes it so awesome. Do you concur?
If you haven’t checked out “The Nest”, do it now! Go to www.thenest.com, to see what all the hype is about. This site is excellent for couples living together, whether married or not! With topics such as love, life, and living…from recipes to buying a home to taxes or sex and arguments, www.thenest.com has all the advice you need for every situation.
Check out boards such as “Love & Romance”, “Health & Fitness”, “Babies On The Brain”, “Money Matters”, “Decorating & Renovating”, “Trouble In Paradise”, “Parenting”, or more. Or just read up on the articles posted! Either way, you’ll find this site helpful in every aspect of your life together. Enjoy!
Must See & Do: The Sun Spa in Lemont, IL. www.lemontsunspa.com
Those who know me know how pale I am. Yes, go ahead, call me Casper the friendly ghost, it’s not like I haven’t heard it before! Today, however, I went with my friend to check out a tanning salon that my other friend opened!
My friend and I ended up getting airbrush tanned…where a girl actually sprays you herself. This is the first time I’ve ever been airbrushed. Or really tan, for that matter! I prefer to stay out of the sun, as we all know how damaging it’s rays can be. I do however, have a wedding to go to in a week, so the bride and I went together for a nice little treat!
The salon was absolutely beautiful! We walked in and everything was very clean, neat and organized. The staff was very professional and really knew their product. I was a bit nervous at first, as I did not want tan lines on top…but the girl who sprayed us was great. She made us feel so comfortable, without any worries or embarrassment. She did an excellent job, too! No streaks, no orange color…it’s very natural looking. I’ve already gotten tons of compliments on my airbrushed tan! It’s possible I might officially be hooked!
The Sun Spa specializes in airbrush tanning, which is becoming one of the hottest trends! Their airbrushing process ensures your body is sprayed evenly, doesn’t discolor your hair or nails, and can be customized to show definition in your body. Best of all, it does NOT turn your skin orange like the usual spray tan machines do.
Get your whole body done or just the parts you want. This is the same process as seen on the hit TV show “Sunset Tan” on E. The Sun Spa is a great way to get the color you want for a wedding, special occasion, or just to look tan. Best of all, it is totally UV FREE! Not only that, it’s totally affordable!
If you decide on a different tanning method, they have wonderful high quality brand new beds and stand up machines. No matter what you choose, you’re going to look fabulous once you leave The Sun Spa! They also have a room where you can make an appointment and get a relaxing, well deserved massage! Check it out. And walk out refreshed.
This style might work well for me, as I have very thin, fine hair…which supposedly this works well for! What do you think?
While a center-parted style may look severe, a side part can flatter most faces. Add a chic chignon and play up the jewels for a style that is timeless and sophisticated. Whether you wear your tresses up or down, the key is to create a little lift first. “Apply mousse to towel-dried hair and blow-dry upside down to lift your locks at the root,” directs celebrity stylist Brian Magallones. His pick: Garnier Fructis XXL Volume Thickening Mousse $3, Ulta.com. If you pull your hair back, “keep it soft with pieces hanging in the front to frame your face. This style is ideal for fine, straight hair.” -The Knot
I was honored and so excited when my best friend picked me to be one of her maids of honor for her wedding! Now that the wedding is nearing quickly, it’s time to start thinking about how I want to do my hair. She’s asking her girls to wear their hair up. Picking out hair dos can get hairy. Here are some ideas I’ve found so far! Only problem is my hair is very thin…and while it’s long, it might be too thin to sport some of these updo’s. And hair extentions cost way too much, so can’t they just “foof it up” some for me???
For Anne Hathaway’s Hair:
Begin by parting hair to the side. Then apply Volume Spray to the roots for a full blow dry using a classic brush like one shown above.
Once hair is blown-dry with lots of body, reshape the side part again to really accentuate it.
Next, pull hair back into a modern chignon and fasten to the side with several hair pins. Keep the look soft and sexy with lots of movement.
Lastly, finish with hairspray for a light hold with lots of shine. Fabulous!
Cosmos Beauty Bar - 526 Duane St., Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137 (630) 790-0713
Tonight I traveled all over Oakbrook, Downers Grove, Lombard, and Glen Ellyn, in search of the perfect place to have my friend’s bachelorette party dinner. Save the best for last they say, and that’s exactly what happened tonight!
On my way to a restaurant in Glen Ellyn, I came across this unique little shop/bar. I had to do a double take, as in the window I saw both pedicure chairs and manicure tables, along with a full bar decorated with martini glasses! So, is it a beauty salon or a bar?
Confused and a tad intrigued, I opened the door. Surely the martini glasses were for bubble bath salts or something, right? Aaaah, my friend, I was wrong. This salon actually allows you to not only get yourself completely pampered, but you get to enjoy a cocktail with their full bar while doing so! What a concept!!!
Open only 9 months, it is a fairly new place, but I’m sure business is as good as they say it is, as there’s nothing in town like it! They cater to individuals, or private parties, anything from birthday parties to bachelorette parties! You can even bring 8 of your girls in for 2 hours and have the salon/bar all to your very own selves!
They allow you, for parties, to bring in whatever food and decorations you’d like, all for only a small deposit, which you get back the day of the party! The prices are affordable and competative, which I was surprised, being how adorable and unique this place is. The women there are so very friendly, which was refreshing for a change compared to other places in the same town.
So check it out, it’s a must! And don’t forget to check out their fabulous martini list!!! It’s called “Cosmos Beauty Bar” in Glen Ellyn, just right downtown on Main Street. Well worth the drive, as when you leave you’ll feel pampered and chilled! As long as you find a safe ride home, of course! Check out some of my pictures I took while there…just too adorable to resist, isn’t it!?
