Wedding Wednesday: Budget Basics

Photo from Jennifer Chase Photography.

You’re newly engaged. The excitement of your impending nuptials is contagious. Visions of flowers, tulle and taffeta dance in your head. Then you comprehend how much those flowers, tulle and taffeta are going to cost and you begin freaking out.

Stop freaking and start budgeting, stat! Sticking to a wedding budget is difficult, but not impossible. You have to start with a few basics:

  1. How much money do you have? Before you pin even one single picture to Pinterest, take a good, hard, honest look at your total savings and current salaries. Do NOT blow your entire savings on a wedding, even if you’ve dreamed of nothing but Vera and the Ritz.
  2. Who are you expecting money from? Figure out who is going to help foot the bill. Every family is different, so don’t assume anything when it comes to money. All brides would like to think mom and dad have been saving every penny since she was born for their daughter’s eventual walk down the aisle, but this is completely unrealistic. If you are expected money from your parents, ask them if they are able to contribute and, if so, how much. It will be awkward, weird and potentially uncomfortable but it must be done. If your betrothed thinks his parents would like to assist with the wedding funds, let him have a conversation with his parents. This is not your place and you should not expect it.
  3. How much do you really want to spend on a wedding? Once you know how much you can spend and how much your family is able to contribute, it is time to decide what you want to spend. Look at your money as a lump sum. What can this lump sum buy? A honeymoon to Tahiti? A down payment on a dream home? An Amsale gown? Make a decision about what is most important for YOUR wedding experience and prioritize accordingly.

These three questions will help any bride better understand what she wants and how it compares to what she can actually afford. Once a budget is in place, it is much easier to make responsible and realistic decisions, making the entire wedding planning process less stressful.

After the budget is settled, there are tons of ways to prioritize, cut costs, stretch investments and DIY your way to wedding perfection!

 
 

Remembering.

I like to keep this blog light. This is a place for commentary on fashion, beauty, weddings, events and other things that inspire me. I steer clear of political commentary, despite my geographical location and the fact this is an election year. There is more than enough heavy stuff out there in this world that it is far too easy to get weighed down in the muck and forget all the beauty that surrounds us.

However, on a day like today, September 11th, it is impossible to write about pencil skirts, polka dots or other pretty, but trivial things. I remember, 11 years ago, sitting in Mr. Peterson’s history class, ironically enough, learning about past events that defined our country. The teacher next door rushed into the room, frantically yelling that the World Trade Center had been bombed. Thinking this teacher must be misinformed, Mr. Peterson flipped on the classroom’s television only to find out that this teacher was in fact, misinformed. The World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. About 30 seconds later, we watched as a plane careened into the second tower.

We will never forget the events of September 11, 2001. A date defined by pain, hurt and loss. It was a day that changed the city of New York, and America, forever. More than a decade later, there are still no words to heal the pain, lessen the hurt or explain the loss.

There are no words, but there are actions. We returned acts of terror with acts of bravery, courage and faith. We came together, united as one nation founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We cried, mourned and endured together.

On September 11, 2001, we experienced evil, but Americans retaliated with good. We were reminded of the fragility and importance of life. We can take no moment, no day and no life for granted. We must live with conviction and love and without prejudice. We must never forget so that such a tragedy never happens again.

 
 

Pretty in pink & navy

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Fall is officially here, but that doesn’t mean you need to put away your brights and neon just yet! One of my absolute favorite color combos for Fall, or any season for that matter, is pink and navy. It’s not surprising that pink, the color equivalent of femininity, is the perfect companion to navy, a hue with characteristically manly origins.

Navy is a neutral, so you can pair just about anything with it. Pink pairs perfectly with navy and adds a pretty punch to what can be a bland color.

I chose bright, bold pinks for all of these looks, but any shade of pink looks great with navy, from the palest of pinks to the craziest of 80’s pink neon. If you’re going for a pink top and navy bottom, or vice versa, keep your accessories neutral to keep the focus on the clothing. This color combo works with accessorizes, too. Take a basic navy shift dress from country club to down town with the addition of a neon pink belt, jewelry or pumps.

Whatever your choice, pink and navy are clearly a match made in heaven!

Pink and Navy Color Combo
 
 

Burlesque, Barre and Booze?

A brilliant combination, if you ask me. Although, I think the order probably warrants some consideration. But, all three are coexisting tomorrow night, Friday, September 7th, at the official launch of Lava Barre!

If you’re not familiar with Lava Barre or the barre movement in general, it is an exercise phenomenon designed to help create a slim, lean, sculpted, dancer-like body. Sounds pretty awesome, huh?

Well, Lava Barre is one of the few only studios that believes in kicking up the barre intensity (an inch?), involving more cardio, props and weights. The studio opened just a few weeks ago and already has a loyal following. Never in my life have I ever seen so many happy, smiling faces leaving a grueling workout.

The Lava Barre ladies, Lauren and Vanessa, are taking advantage of all of these happy barre-ettes and throwing a launch event tomorrow evening which promises to be buckets of fun – 50 Shades of Fun to be exact!

Join the Lava Barre Corps starting at 5 pm to meet artist Amy Flatten, who’s gorgeous work is displayed in the studio. From 6 – 7 pm, treat yourself to a Burlesque workshop to learn all of the latest sultry moves which promise to punch up your sexy quotient. After you’ve mastered the art of burlesque, head across the street to local hotspot Northside Social for refreshments, sips and dips, and a dance party complete with a DJ. Trying out your new dance moves is optional.

You can RSVP on Facebook and attendance is free, however, donations for Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment will be collected.

So head on over and belly up to the Lava Barre – and the bar – on Friday night!

 
 

Modern Trousseau Trunk Show at Hitched

I must admit, I am completely partial to this particular event. I bought my own wedding dress at Hitched, and it just so happened to be a Modern Trousseau creation. I fell in love with my dress the first time I saw it and each subsequent time I viewed it as well. What can I say, I am indecisive and it took me four times to try on the same gown to admit to myself hat it was the right one. Thank goodness the lovely ladies at Hitched were willing to let me try it on over, and over…and over again.

[slideshow]

So, gorgeous dresses, fabulous helpers and a discount? Three great reasons why you should make an appointment for the Modern Trousseau Trunk Show at Hitched this Friday, Sept. 7th and Saturday, Sept. 8th.

Try on the latest and greatest from Modern Trousseau and have an opportunity to actually meet the Australian-born designer, Callie Tein. You’ll be able to personally discuss any potential changes you want to make to a dress to create your ideal vision. And, as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also score 10% off of any gown purchased during the Trunk Show.

Modern Trousseau is known for its, not unsurprisingly, modern style and sophistication. However, the designer prides herself on her commitment to customization. Brides can choose from tons of customization options, ranging from colors, to accents, trimmings, straps, necklines and even skirt shapes. No designer ego here – brides can even mix and match elements from completely different dresses. Of course, you may not even want to once you see just how gorgeous these gowns are! Here are some of my favorite picks from the Spring and Fall 2012 lines:

Modern Trousseau Emma
Modern Trousseau Sky

 

Modern Trousseau Michaela
 
 

Fashion’s Night Out: The countdown begins!

Do you have plans for next Thursday? Not yet? Well, now you do.

DC’s Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) kicks off in just one short week! From 6pm-11pm on September 6th, shoppers can stroll the streets of Georgetown to take advantage of special discounts, store events and dining deals.

In fact, there is SO much going on, a plan of attack is imperative. if you don’t narrow down your options, you run the risk of hitting up your first store and finding yourself in Twilight Zone-esque time warp. Start sipping on that champagne, perusing rack after rack, lost in fashionable gorgeousness until you suddenly look up and realize you’ve spent your entire evening in one store.  Or worse, you’ll end up trekking from one side of Georgetown to another, spending more time walking the streets in those fabulous FNO-worthy heels than in the stores, racking up blisters instead of credit card debit.

After reviewing the list of discounts and in-store happenings, here are my recommendations:

Get Shopping

ALDO Shoes – 3237 M Street, NW
Score 10% off on all regularly priced items and a surprise gift with any purchase!

Anthropologie – 3222 M Street, NW
One of my all time favorites, Anthropologie will not disappoint. They are hosting an evening of one-on-one styling.

Join us in celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with an evening of one-on-one styling and after-hours shopping Thursday, September 6th from 6pm-11pm.

Charm – 2910 M Street, NW
Sip on champagne, take advantage of massive discounts (up to 50%!) and enter for a chance to win a prize at “Charm’s Bubbles and Baubles Night Out.”

CUSP – 3030 M Street, NW
“Toast Fall Fashion” with CUSP and DC Scout! Peruse merchandise with music and refreshments and enter for a chance to win a $500 CUSP gift card and a styling session with Meredith Liberty. RSVP required.

Urban Chic – 1626 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
When else can you enjoy a Rebecca Minkoff trunk show accompanied with a 15% discount and free gift with purchase? Oh, and for any shoppers spending $250 or more, you’ll receive a complimentary, custom illustration of you in your new purchase courtesy of artist Inslee Haynes. Wanna spend for a cause? Donate to Habitat for Humanity and Easel Hair Studio will style you with some sexy beach waves a la their in-store beach waves bar.

Get Pretty

All of your new purchases wouldn’t be complete without a little beautification.

bluemercury – 3059 M Street, NW
FREE mini-facials and makeup consultations? YES, please! Spend more than $150 and you’ll score their September Anniversary Bag.

Nectar Skin Bar – 1633 Wisconsin Ave, NW
In partnership with IPSA, Nectar is hosting its “Feels like Fall, Fashion and Fresh Beauty” event featuring Oribe dry blowouts, a lipstick bar and quick polish changes!

Get Fed

There are 20 restaurants offering FNO promotions, so everyone can truly find something they’ll enjoy. However, my picks are Bandolero, Dean and Deluca and Pie Sisters. Bandolero because it is just plain delicious; Dean and Deluca because they are hosting the BrightestYoungThings soiree, complete with with ESL Music and Fatback DJs spinning all night; and Pie Sisters because they bring a whole new meaning to pie – especially for $2 per cuppie (personal sized pie). Pies aren’t your thing? Sprinkles is offering buy one get one free cupcakes.

Where are your must-go spots for FNO?

 
 

Just plain pretty bridesmaids gifts

Oh, how I adore Wedding Wednesday! This week, I thought I’d focus on the bridesmaids! Choosing the perfect bridesmaids gifts is no easy task. I spent months going back and forth between different ideas, unsure of whether or not they would be well received. I ended up going the traditional route of earrings, bracelets, jewelry cases and treating to the makeup. I wanted to make it a bit more special by giving each of the girls a different bracelet, depending on their own personal style. They all appreciated the gifts, as I’ve seen them wear their jewelry since, which is a sure sign that it was a good gift, but I still to this day wished I had come up with something a bit more creative.

When perusing wedding websites (I am not afraid to admit my addiction to Style Me Pretty) prior to my big day, I came across some darling shots of a bride and her bridesmaids getting ready in coordinating silk bathrobes and immediately fell in love. I searched high and low for these robes, but couldn’t find anything that came close to the adorably chic, classy ones I’d seen…until now!

Darling Jardin Bleu, Knee Length | $65 (image courtesy of Plum Pretty Sugar)

Finally, I stumbled across the perfection that is Plum Pretty Sugar. The colors, the prints, the feminine details; I am just gushing over it all! Can’t you just imagine your nerves calming when you slip one of these stunners on your big day? You and your bridesmaids will look gorgeous while getting gorgeous.

The line offers beautiful printed robes in both silk and cotton voile. You can choose from five different prints and the robes come in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL. The knee length silk options are $124 while the same length cotton robes are $65. Pick one print for all of your bridesmaids or a few different ones to outfit them in coordinating styles. Robes can be purchased individually, or in sets ranging from 2-10 robes.

Pink Love Poppy, Knee Length | $65 (image courtesy of Plum Pretty Sugar)

Robes just aren’t your thing? Plum Pretty Sugar also offers what they’ve dubbed the “Lil’ Dress” which is an adorable strapless dress, with pockets (yay!), an elastic waist and a step-into style to protect your up-do, in coordinating prints. Wear it to get ready for your big day and then let it make an encore performance as a cover-up on your honeymoon.

The Lil’ Getting Ready Dress | $62

Both options are just plain pretty, or, I guess we’ll say just plum pretty, sugar!

Which is your favorite print? Did you and your bridesmaids wear coordinating looks when getting ready?

 
 

CoverGirl Coverup: B.B. Cream

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Awhile ago, I gushed over the wonder that is B.B. cream and its introduction to the US beauty market. A quick refresher:

  • B.B. stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm
  • B.B. creams offer a slew of beauty benefits ranging from spf to moisturizer to anti-aging and of course, skin coverage
  • Basically, this is makeup that is good for your skin

Garnier’s version was the first one to pop out on the drug-store priced scene. I raved about this stuff, and rightfully so as it was the perfect combination of light to moderate coverage with healthy skin benefits. The only downside was that the texture is somewhat thick, with a slickness that could prove challenging for oily skin types. Nobody wants to glance in the mirror come 3 pm and see a shiny, oily reflection staring back at them no matter how good B.B. cream is for your skin.

So, I resolved to continue my search for the perfect, budget-friendly B.B. cream. Dare I say, perfection in a tube is NOT too much to demand.

Imagine my surprise and excitement, when I strolled past the CoverGirl section in my local CVS and happened to spot their newest release, a CG AquaSmoothers B.B. Cream! Prior to discovering Garnier’s B.B. cream I was a CoverGirl tinted moisturizer addict. It was all I wore for nearly 10 years, so my enthusiasm at discovering this new B.B. cream product was completely genuine, particularly with a price tag of $7.99.

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I purchased the item without question, in hopes that I had just found the holy grail of B.B. Creams. The next morning, I opened up the packaging and went to town applying the product liberally. The first thing I noticed was how similar the texture and coverage was the tinted moisturizer product I had previously sworn by. As I am admittedly a huge fan of the tinted moisturizer, I can’t say this was a bad thing, but I expected more coverage…and well, just more from a B.B. cream. That was when I decided to take a second look at the packaging, which clearly advertises the product as a B.B. cream, but then not so clearly states that it is a tinted moisturizer + sunscreen. So which one is it, CoverGirl?

After doing a bit more digging, I am sad to say, the ingredients in the B.B. cream are exactly the same as the CoverGirl CG Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Moisture product. Now, before I rant a bit, let me say that the tinted moisturizer is a good product that offers light coverage, moisturizer and SPF in one nifty little product. However, for CoverGirl to market this is a brand new product and as a B.B. cream when there are no additional skincare benefits is just plain sneaky. It is no wonder we haven’t seen any advertising for the product!

Moral of the story – don’t get duped. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly B.B. cream, stick to the Garnier brand for now or, if you want to spring for a higher end item, check out Sephora for a dozen (literally) of options that are $30 or more. I’ve heard excellent things about the Smashbox B.B. Cream, perhaps I will splurge on that one next to review. I’d also be interested to see the contrast between a makeup brand B.B. cream and a skincare brand B.B. cream such as Boscia or Dr. Jart+. Leave a recommendation or suggestion in the comments section!

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Save on summer workout gear

I can’t believe Labor Day weekend kicks off on Friday. Summer really has come to an end. As we say goodbye to our bikinis, we all have the best of intentions to commit to maintaining our bikini bodies.

But every girl needs a little help staying motivated. Let’s face it, those pictures of Victoria’s Secret models you taped to the fridge only makes you open the door a bit faster so you can avoid the image of their perfectly toned abs and thighs glaring back at you in disapproval.

Time for a new approach. To keep up a gym routine (or encourage you to start one) why not supplement it with some stylish new additions? The end of summer is the perfect time to stock up on workout wardrobe staples. Warm weather items are put on major discount due to the change of seasons, but when working up a sweat, summer’s tanks and shorts are ideal.

It is no secret that my favorite workout gear outfitter is Lululemon, which is great news for me since their sale section is currently stocked up with great finds. I scored this polka dot racer back tank last week for $29.

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There are plenty more items in the sale section on Lulu’s website, aptly titled “we made too much.” Amongst the tanks, sports bras and spandex shorts, you can also find some great deals on long sleeve shirts and jackets. Check the stores for even more great options, as the store typically has a different selection of sale merchandise than the website.

Transition Jacket | $79.00

Check out stores like Athleta, Target and even Old Navy. To score the best deals, look for summer’s bright, bold and neon colors which will be banished to the sale racks. Stock up on staples in these colors, such as sports bras and basic tanks. If you’ve been on the fence about that running skirt, now is the time to try one out without spending a fortune. Basic running and spandex shorts will also be on sale.
If you’re a resident of a warm weather state, do some online shopping since summer staples might not make your local sale racks.

The first step to looking good is feeling good, so go ahead,  treat yourself to a new workout outfit and debut at the gym – again, and again, and again!

 
 

Catching up on the headlines…

I’ve had a long week at work. The type of long week that leaves you feeling like it’s Groundhog Day, waking up each day crying into your coffee with a futile hope that it will be Friday. Well, since today is in fact Friday, I decided to give myself a reprieve and catch up on some of the newsworthy topics I missed this week. After seeing some of these headlines, I couldn’t help but share a few of my thoughts.

(Photograph: Indigo/Getty Images via The Guardian)

Prince Harry was caught with his pants down in Vegas. Oh, wait, they weren’t just down they were nowhere to be found. Suspiciously enough, neither was a single item of clothing of his female companions. While all those prim and proper are screaming “SCANDAL,” I have to ask – why is anyone feigning surprise? You mix a 20-something testosterone-filled ginger with unlimited wealth, subtract any and all responsibility as you’ve stuck his brother with that (and a pretty British princess) and send him to VEGAS? I mean, really. Nudie pictures are child’s play. I view this as a victory, old chaps! Can’t we just be happy he didn’t get rufied, steal Mike Tyson’s tiger and/or adopt a stripper’s baby. Ok, sure, he probably made a few babies, but keep calm and carry on folks. That is your motto, is it not?

Oh, Lancey Pants. What a shame. Whether you did or not, your legacy is now going to be reduced to that cyclist guy who left his wife for shacked up with Sheryl Crow and liked to run shirtless alongside Matthew McConaughey. Shattering a man’s entire reputation and stripping him of his legacy seems a wee bit harsh, USADA. However, as someone who admittedly hasn’t had much free time to read up on the matter and is therefore not informed enough to make a judgement, I offer the following compromise:

Cancer = Significant disadvantage
Brain surgery = Significant disadvantage
Chemotherapy = Really significant disadvantage
Doping = Significant advantage

How about we take away mehhh, say three or four of those SEVEN titles? Surely the man deserves a few wins for enduring testicular cancer and brain tumors and still WINNING? Quick someone call Charlie Sheen. I suspect the expert on #winning while on drugs will be the next natural bromance in Lance’s life. After all, Lance needs a slew of celebrities he can cozy up to and sweat alongside to get him through.

A man tried to rob LL Cool J in his own home, while LL was sleeping. I’d love to know what would posses someone to think it is a good idea to burglarize the home of a rapper who’s song repertoire consists of titles such as “Mama Said Knock You Out.” What the hell did you THINK would happen? Did you think you were going to prance on in his mansion undetected, threatening the safety of the family of a man who makes his living off of being a straight up bad ass? The only thing more broken than your nose, face and ribs should be your pride, you freaking fool. The potential 38 years in prison you could serve is for your own safety. LL would kill you if you didn’t have the walls of a jail cell to protect you from the wrath of his bulging biceps and sexy six pack.

And with that, I’ll leave you with this parting shot for which there really are no words.

(kimkardashian.celebuzz.com)
 
 

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