Twilight - You Know this Post had to Happen

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Okay, I'm going to admit it. I am a HUGE Twilight fan. I've read all four books (some several times), and I've been waiting anxiously for what seems like forever for Breaking Dawn to premiere. And yes...that was me. The 33 year-old in loungewear and no makeup (along with two great friends) at the midnight showing on November 18th. Don't judge me. It was totally worth it.

I'm around weddings a LOT; therefore, the ceremony scenes weren't as emotional for me as they seem to be for others in the theater. However, what I did pay careful attention to (besides the decor) was the gown. Much like Princess Catherine, Bella (or for the fans out there - Alice, really) chose a long-sleeve number. Unlike The Princess though, the gown was uber form-fitting, and had an amazing sheer cutout at the back.

I predict we will see a LOT more long-sleeve creations coming in from the designers (we are already starting to). And really...we need them. It seems like 95% of the gowns are there are strapless ... a girl needs options. My guess is we will also see more high neck - low back styles around as well :-)




Happy shopping!!

BHLDN is now open!

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BHLDN officially opened its doors yesterday at its very first location in Houston's own Highland Village. For those of you who don't know, BHLDN (pronounced beholden) is Anthropologie's sister store for all things wedding. From the moment you set foot in the store you are whisked away to a world of romance, beauty and whimsy. The stores beautiful palette of gray, white and stunning distressed wood combinded with its warm lighting is not only inviting, but incredibly calming, as well.

When you enter the store you walk into a room filled with amazing bridesmaid and any occassion dresses. Sprinkled around the room are cases filled with stunning headpieces made by Jennifer Behr and vintage beaded bags they found at French flea markets. You then head down a wide hallway where you find the decor room tucked away to the side. This is a small dark paneled room filled with the most amazing little things- from stationary, to unique escort card holders, to handmade cake toppers, you are sure to find something to add that special touch to your special day. Heading back out to the hallway you enter into the store's shoe salon and accessories space. Right off of the shoe salon is the room dedicated to the most amazing, delicatly beautiful lingere. You then walk to the back of the store, and just when you think things can't get any better, they do! The room is filled with mannequins dressed in BHLDN's stunning collection of wedding gowns. The gowns are priced from $600-$6,000 and range from size zero to twelve. The amazing thing about BHLDN is that you can have your gown in hand within three days of purchasing it!

On Wednesday I had the privilage of attending BHLDN's Wedding Indusrty Brunch. Below are a few pics I snapped on my phone's camera :)

One neat fact I learned from talking to BHLDN's incredibly sweet staff is that each of the spacious dressing lounges are equppied with iPod docks so Bride's can listen to their own Ipod!

Happy Shopping!

The Royal Wedding

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I will admit it, I had Royal Wedding Fever! Although I did not wake up at 4:00 AM to watch it, I did, however, watch it twice in a row on my DVR! Everything about the wedding was beautiful and regal. Below are my three favorite things from the royal affair!

1. The Wedding Gown-
Kate looked absolutely stunning in the gown designed by the new creative director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton. The lace applique bodice and sleeves, along with it's high-waist and full skirt silhouette definitely had a similar feel to that of the dress worn by Grace Kelly on her wedding day.

2. Kate's makeup-
The soft smokey eye with the soft pink lip and cheeks was all done by Kate herself! Impressive!
3. The Hats & Fascinators-
One word AMAZING! I loved all of the hats and fascinators. They just make an outfit look so chic!


Cheerio!

Fashion Houston 2010

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For the past three days, models have been strutting their stuff down the runway at the Wortham Center for Fashion Houston 2010. Last night I had the privilege of seeing Irina Shabayeva's, Project Runway's season six winner, Spring 2011 collection. The collection featured impeccably tailored dress after dress perfect for not only your wedding day, but your rehearsal dinner as well! Shabayeva's strong attention to detail and gorgeous construction make her a design force to be reckoned with. Check out more of her looks at irinashabayeva.com and on Facebook.

Happy Shopping!
Lauren Carrillo

Something Blue!

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As the saying goes it is tradition to have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue on your wedding day. Here are some fun and unique ways to incorporate something blue on your special day.

1. Belt- Add a beautiful blue belt, such as the one above, to your wedding gown.

2. Dress Label- Have a handmade blue label with your wedding date embroidered on it sewn into your wedding gown.

3. Eyeliner- Incorporate some navy eyeliner into your wedding day look.

4. Perfume-Wear a fragrance on your special day with blue in the name such as Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana, Into the Blue by Escada, Bermuda Blue by Nautica, or Blue by Ralph Lauren.

5. Shoe Appliques- Mindy Weiss makes the perfect blue accessory for your wedding shoes! Apply the blue rhinestone "I Do" applique to the bottom of your shoes, as shown above, and viola you have your something blue!

Happy Blue Shopping!

Lauren Carrillo

Fashion Focus: Crochet

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If you are reading the fashion blogs, you know - crochet is hot this year. Do I suggest you have your bridesmaids walk down the aisle in a fully crocheted gown like the one below? No. However, if you want to incorporate this trend into your event, it's easy to do: Have your ladies carry crochet purses or wear crochet earrings, use crochet table runners on banquet tables, or crochet a gift box cover for all of your cards. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. :-)




Happy planning, Resha :-)

The PERFECT Dress

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Ever since you were a little girl I'm sure you thought of that PERFECT dress just for you! Thanks to theknot.com and Iphones you are now able to search for that perfect dress on an application called Wedding Dress Look Book. Not only can you look by styles, colors & price, you can also find which stores near you carry the dress you love! Log on to theknot.com to find out how to download it to your iphone!


*Lauren*

I love Anthropologie. And hair accessories.

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I love Anthropologie (who doesn't??) - they take the unexpected and make it fabulous. Which translates well to wedding design!
Aaaand I love hair accessories. There was a time, many moons ago (I'm no spring chick), when I wore a different hair accessory every day. This was before I became a breeder - babies love to pull things out of mama's hair.
So imagine my joy when I stumbled upon this Anthropologie post on my facebook page this morning:
Besides reigning in those pesky strays, hair accessories are irreplaceable when it comes to injecting bold color and crafty texture into your everyday look. Knowing how to style your hair, however, can be tricky when sporting a specific clip, hat or band. Check out how we like to smooth and tease our coifs when it comes to donning spring's must-have hair accessories.



Epic Headband

Sleek ponytails and buns pair nicely with turban-style headbands, as they call to mind the just-combed, poolside 'dos of Palm Beach sirens.







Cassia Headband

Don't be tempted to tuck those locks behind your ear - statement pieces look best with tousled hair that falls toward your face.







Pearly Plaits Headband

It sounds somewhat oxymoronic, but leave the lumps and bumps when crowning your hair with a stretch band. A messy up-do completes the "spiffy in a jiffy" look.






Sparkle Bobbies & Glossy Clips

There's something old-fashioned and ladylike about wearing bobbies and clips in multiples. Try placing them at random in and around a low, twisty knot.






Ryegrass Cap

Nothing says retro romance like a slightly cocked (or backwards!) beret reining in a head-full of pin curls. For an unexpected twist, try borrowing your beau's jeff cap.





How will/did you accessorize your hair for your wedding day?

Fashion Focus - Amsale

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Are you are still searching for the perfect gown? Trunk Shows are a fabulous way to go! Designers display their latest collections and often offer specials if you choose to purchase the dress of your dreams that day. This weekend check out the Amsale Trunk Show on Friday & Saturday (January 29th - 30th) at Mia Bridal Couture (1958 W. Gray St. / Houston, TX).


Happy shopping!

Resha

photo courtesy of Amsale

H & M Garden Collection

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Want to be the most fashionable bride out there without breaking the bank? H & M just released their Garden Collection. All clothing is organic and earth friendly! Not to mention their cutest collection yet!!! Below is my favorite piece in the collection. Wear this for your bachelorette party in Vegas! For more of the line check out the website-
H & M Garden.

Available in stores March 2010.

Happy Shopping!

Lorena