A Wedding Adventure

On September 8, 2012 I attended an outdoor wedding at a lovely home by the river.  The decor was inspired by the Disney movie, Up, and the bride's favorite colors, purple and gray.  It was beautiful, intimate and picture perfect.  This is what I wore to the balloon-filled affair...



Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Wal-Mart
Earrings: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: My mother's wedding gift from my father
Citrine Ring: An estate sale
Toe nail polish: Nicole by OPI's Rainbow in The S-kylie (multicolored glitter) over Shirbud by Sinful (a dark gray)
Gorgeous date: Carlton in Express

Anticipating Mrs. Blake Lively

From Martha Stewart's wedding team, Ally's home in The Notebook and a rustic barn to blush Marchesa gowns, Christian Louboutin heels and men in suspenders - Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' wedding seems simply enchanting.  Blake is one of my favorite celebrities for her exciting style, drool-worthy closet and seemingly easy breezy attitude.  I can't wait to see her one-of-a-kind couture wedding ballgown by Marchesa.  According to its designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, friends of Blake, the dress has a hand draped silk tulle bodice adorned with custom crystal and rose gold embroidery.  Her shoes were custom-designed by Christian Louboutin himself, also the bride's friend and guest of the wedding.  I can't wait to see pictures!  (See below for my guess.)

The bridesmaids wore Christian Louboutin heels, too, with their unique, custom-made, blush silk dresses by the Marchesa duo.  The groomsmen's Burberry suits were worn with leather suspenders by Christopher Bailey, a friend of Ryan.

I’m looking forward to seeing more of the event as well!  Martha Stewart Weddings magazine describes the ceremony as heartfelt, which was followed by a "fun-filled carnival hour" and personalized, intimate reception.  Carnival hour?!  Were there games and cotton candy?  As New York Magazine puts it, "We can practically feel the bridal Pinterest boards throbbing in anticipation."

We know about 70 guests attended the celebration at the Boone Hall Plantation in outside of Charleston, South Carolina; the $3,000 wedding cake, baked by Maggie Austin Cakes, was driven in from Maryland and their custom rings were designed by Lorraine Schwartz.  Florence Welch of Florence and the Machines performed but did Bette Midler, who was rumored to be in Charleston that weekend?  Did Sandra Bullock, any Gossip Girl cast members or other famous friends attend?  Did Penny and Baxter, the newlyweds' canine companions, play a role?  Thank goodness, Martha Stewart Weddings will publish the story this December!  The personalized details (rose gold embroidery & blush bridesmaid dresses, suspenders, a rustic barn, carnival theme, Florence, custom rings... oh, and Ryan Reynolds) seem like stuff my wedding dreams are made of.

What are your predictions for Blake's wedding dress?

Here are picks from Glamour's Kim Fusaro:

1. Marchesa
2. Kenneth Pool
3. Monique Lhuillier

Here are "Blake Lively's Best Silhouettes" from Instyle, which may resemble The Dress:



After reviewing the Fall 2012 Marchesa collection, I think her ballgown may draw elements from the following:

The Silhouette and Embroidery



The Draped Tulle and Embellishments



The Lace and Embroidery



The Silhouette and Embellishments

2012 MTV VMAs: Sexy & Sleek but Short?

The style at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards was characterized by sexy and sleek silhouettes.  But while the celebrities were chic, unfortunately the line of stars fell short.  Does anyone go to this thing anymore?   Luckily, I managed to find some inspiring looks and hints at evolving trends worthy for fall, so here goes…

[caption id="attachment_1415" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Photos courtesy of Getty and Kevin Mazur/Wire Image[/caption]

Rihanna debuted an equally sexy and adorable pixie cut with red lips and a back-baring white dress from Adam Selman.  While I wasn’t crazy about the shape of the front of the dress – it seemed a little sloppy – I adored her new hair, the simple and sultry makeup and her beautiful back.  I welcomed the more refined turn for the normally edgy pop star.

[caption id="attachment_1417" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP[/caption]

Also in white, Taylor Swift was Miss Sophisticate in a J. Mendel suit and strappy, metallic heels with her hair worn long and straight.  Ignore the old "no white after Labor Day" rule as winter white will be hot this upcoming season.

Both Taylor and Pink brought a change of pace when they stepped on stage in black shorts.

[caption id="attachment_1408" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic[/caption]

While Taylor’s red and white striped top and pony tail were much more youthful then her menswear-inspired suit, she kept the androgynous look with a pair of deep red oxfords.

[caption id="attachment_1402" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Lester Cohen/Wire Image[/caption]

Pink’s pinup worthy getup of fishnet stockings and ankle strap stilettos also had a dash of masculinity with a pair of suspenders.  Menswear will also be on-trend this fall.  When wearing masculine attire, keep it sassy by choosing well-tailored pieces and tall stilettos.

[caption id="attachment_1401" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Photo courtesy of Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic[/caption]

The dress Pink arrived in with husband Carey Hart was a silver, long-sleeved number by Stella McCartney that fit her slender post-baby body immaculately.  Her cropped wave of hair topped the glamorous, rock star style.

[caption id="attachment_1399" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Photo courtesy of Reuters/Mario Anzumi/Landov[/caption]

Miley Cyrus rocked a similar look from the hair style to the dress silhouette.  But her long Emilio Pucci dress was low cut and had sheer panels.

[caption id="attachment_1394" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Wire Image[/caption]

Rihannna’s BFF, Katy Perry, looked especially pretty in a black floral Elie Sab dress with sheer skirt.  I loved her long, wavy black hair, which had a slight retro feel, and smoky eye makeup.  Her sexy look was less playful, more “Hey, boys,” than usual and she looked adorable whispering to RiRi during the show.

[caption id="attachment_1395" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Kirkland/Picture Group[/caption]

I was most impressed by Ke$ha.  She looked the best I’ve ever seen!  She looked beautiful with sultry makeup and a retro wave in her long peroxide blonde hair.  Her lace dress with “some glitz on [her] bits” was more subtle, yet still sexy, than usual.  Black lace continues to be chic, especially since an updated spin on gothic style is gaining popularity.

[caption id="attachment_1396" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo courtesy of Getty[/caption]

Lastly, I must mention the lovely, limber U.S. Gymnastics team.  McKayla Maroney, Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross, Gabby Douglas and Alexandra Raisman looked gorgeous and so happy to be there.  I adored the light pink dress McKayla, aka my lookalike, wore by Erin Fetherston.

[caption id="attachment_1392" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Wire Image[/caption]

Gabby was on fire when she graced the stage alongside Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj.  America's Golden Girl lept, flipped and smiled during Keys' inspirational song "Girl On Fire" in a sparkly top and leather-like leggings.

Lucky loves The White Sundress, too!

You're in luck!  Lucky Magazine has posted a gallery of 50 white dresses under $50!  I just recently professed my adoration for the summer classic here in a post about what I packed for Memorial Day weekend.  There is something oh, so sexy about a simple white dress at a summer shindig.  But if you're anything like me, be sure to bring Tide to Go.

Here are a few on my wish list:

1. Summer dress with sweetheart neckline, $38.27, asos.com

7. Long scoop back dress, $50, americanapparel.net

10. Cap sleeve flippy tunic, $40, topshop.com

11. Crochet trim mini dress, $47.99, hive & honey, piperlime.com

14. “Festivus” dress, $45, volcom, bloomingdales.com

29. Tulip dress with contrast waistband, $29.57, asos.com

31. Crinkle empire maxi dress, $29.99, Sonoma life + style, kohls.com

38. Racerback tank dress set, $44.80, lc Lauren Conrad, kohls.com

42. Lace corset dress, $29.99, ae.com

Let's Get Away: Memorial Day Weekend 2012

This weekend is the celebration of Memorial Day, which hopefully means you’re going to the beach, the lake, a friend’s pool or at least a barbeque!  It certainly does to me!  I’ll be at the lake with some friends, riding on the boat and catching rays.  More importantly, Memorial Day is when we remember those who have died in active military service so that we can enjoy freedom.  The celebration of their lives and our freedom also marks the unofficial start of summer livin’.  Oh how I love three day weekends of sun and fun!

It also means I have to pack…  Do you know how much I hate packing?  It’s in the top 5 of things I least enjoy doing.  But I’m here to make it easy on you.  You’re welcome.  So keeping the patriotic and summer fun theme in mind, below are some ideas of what to wear Memorial Day weekend 2012.

Orange maxi dress:  Orange is The Color of the season and lucky for us it looks great on every skin color!  It warms the skin and provides an instant glow.  Maxi dresses are also very popular as they are easy to style and make your body appear longer and leaner.  When I first ordered this Alloy dress a few years ago people would joke with me by asking if I was headed to the prom.  Oh the riducle fashion-forward people face in the Midwest!  But thankfully, long dresses have caught on and are now easy to find (and wear) everywhere!

Turquoise Beaded Boho Hoops from Windsor, Bangle set from Loft, Raffia satchel with Tassel trim from New York & Co., Orange maxi dress from Alloy, Cotton Herringbone Four Pocket Jacket from Loft, Natasha Accessories Beaded Bangle Set from Dillard's, Sofft "Ravenna" Sandals from Dillard's

V-Neck Maxi Dress from New York and Co., Heritage tie-waist chiffon patio dress from Banana Republic, Blue Juice Desert Romance Maxi Dress from Dillard's

  

Something mint, aqua or sea foam:  I adore the color of these Candie's Color Denim Shortie Shorts that I just found at Kohl's!  Pair it with white and statement-making accessories or a complementing pastel like lilac or pale yellow.

Lace Up Crop Cami from American Eagle Outfitters, Candie's Color Denim Shortie Shorts from Kohl's, Turquoise Beaded Boho Hoops from Windsor, Beaded Wrap Bracelet from American Eagle Outfitters, Knotted Wedge Sandal from Charlotte Russe, Steve Madden Fringy Fringe Hobo from Dillard's

  

White sundress: The white sundress is a summer classic.  Make it sweet and sexy by combining lace with a corset, like this one from Topshop.  I chose to keep it simple with neutral accessories.  Floppy hats and tortoise sunglasses are so chic and offer necessary protection from the sun.  (Did anyone see Schmidt's shout out to tortoise in Gwyneth Paltrow's goop newsletter?  Max Greenfield of New Girl said of his tortoise iPhone case, "Every so often someone will confuse it for leopard print. How embarrassing. For them."  Bahaha!  Love him!)  But seriously kids, protect yourself from the sun this weekend!  I love hats but I don't usually wear them.  Protection from the sun is the perfect excuse to feel glam in a floppy one!

Striped Floppy Hat from Forever 21, Lace Corset Flippy Dress from Topshop, Tortoise sunglasses from Tommy Hilfiger, Knotted Wedge Sandal from Charlotte Russe, Pave and Natural Stone Round Drop Earrings from Loft, Raffia satchel with Tassel trim from New York & Co., Beaded Wrap Bracelet from American Eagle Outfitters

 

Retro-inspired swimsuit:  To stand out in a sea of neons, jungle prints and tribal patterns, try a retro swimsuit.  I found this adorable cherry-print bikini from Old Navy on clearance for $10!  Look for halters with molded cups and sweetheart necklines and fuller briefs in classic colors or nostalgic prints.  Again take advantage of wearing a cute hat this weekend!

Straw Fedora from Forever 21, Cherry-Print Bikini from Old Navy, Whitney Earrings from Tessyla on Etsy, Candie's Color Denim Shortie Shorts from Kohl's, Leather Flip Flops from Gap

 

Tropical print or crop top:  To add spark to your Memorial Day wardrobe throw in something with a bright tropical print or a sexy crop top - perfect for visiting the nearest town pub.  Both of these trends have been heating up the runways and seen on many celebrities this spring.  Pair the jungle-inspired piece with a separate in a solid color to balance the wild pattern.  I added natural-colored accessories with bold neon details to emphasize the eyecatching bright colors without going overboard.  While crop tops may invoke memories of the girls of Clueless and other 90s pop stars, there's no need to worry about feeling like a heifer to rock one.  Today they're easier to wear thanks to high-waisted skirts or capris that cover the navel.

Jaime King, Kristen Stewart, Selena Gomez

Crate Clutch from Alloy, Hawaiian Print Bralet from Topshop, Neon Chain Earrings from Windsor, Neon Faux Cork Wedges from Charlotte Russe, Perfect Circle Skirt from Nasty Gal, Pressed Bangle Set from Forever 21

Now get to packing and have a fashionable, fun and safe weekend!

Thank you to all who have served in the United States military and for the freedom you have allowed me.  Yes, you too brother and cousin.    

Behind the Scenes with Estée Lauder's Global Premier Makeup Artist

I recently gushed in the Toledo City Paper that I really enjoyed meeting Blair Patterson, Estée Lauder's global premier makeup artist.  He helped me get "camera-ready" for my Vanity Fair photo shoot at the Gallery Met in New York City.  "As he expertly applied product to my face, we intermittently talked of our careers and love lives in between him bestowing absolute gems of advice regarding applying makeup and my apparent calling to move to The City," I said in this previous post of my time with Blair.



Here are some of those gems of advice from behind the scenes:

• Start with a flawless and even complexion.  It's the necessary foundation to begin creating any look.  If you don't naturally have perfect skin, then use moisturizer, foundation and concealer to make your face appear perfect.


• To hide under eye circles, use a good eye cream.  "Moisturizing the eye area will help free up the trapped blood under the surface of the skin that causes the circles," said Blair.  Then use a concealer that has a pearl pigment or a little shimmer to reflect light off the surface of the area.  He used Estée Lauder Ideal Light "Brush-on" Illuminator under my eyes, which is one of his favorite products.


• Use a darker foundation on the skin below your cheekbone to contour your cheeks.  Blair used Estée Lauder Double Wear Light "Stay-in-Place" Makeup with SPF 10 in Intensity 1 above my cheekbone and Intensity 3 below.


• Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and slightly upward and back under your eye.  Blair used Estée Lauder Pure Color Blush in Exotic Pink on my cheeks.


• When applying powder, don't drag the brush over your skin, but tap it.


• To highlight eyes, but not shrink small eyes like mine, Blair recommends dotting eyeliner in between the eye lashes of the lower lashline.


• Fill in eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil or eye shadow that is a shade lighter, unless you have fair eyebrows.  Then use a shade that is shade darker.


• Apply a bit of powder or bronzer to your neck to even out skin tone and minimize the difference between your made up face and nearly bare neck.


• For makeup to be camera-ready, wait 15 minutes so that it has time to mix with your skin's oils and appear natural.  When short on time, Blair suggests dabbing a very small amount of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum onto skin to add luminescence.

Here is a list of Blair Patterson's Top 10 favorite Estée Lauder products:

1. Double Wear Light Foundation


2. Ideal light Concealer


3. Bronze Goddess Bronzer


4. Day Wear Plus Tinted Moisturizer


5. Double Wear Eye Liners (all colors)


6. Tiramisu Pure Color Lipstick


7. Passion Fruit Pure Color Lipstick


8. Advanced Night Repair Serum


9. Blue Dahlia Eye Shadow Palette


10. Sumptuous Mascara in Black

For more tips from Blair Patterson visit here for a 2 hour makeup session with MakeupandBeauty.com and here for a Q&A with LivingMagazine.net.

All dolled up, thanks to Blair

In local news... Toledo woman in Vanity Fair

It’s quite incredible what a little press release can do!  Last week was a whirlwind of excitement surrounding the release of the June edition of Vanity Fair.  Below are the local news outlets that so generously featured me in their media.  Thank you again for letting me share my experience winning the Estée Lauder and Vanity Fair Camera-Ready Style Contest!

Toledo Blade by Roneisha Mullen 5/5/12



WTOL CBS Channel 11 with Mojgan Sherkat 5/8/12
(Click image for video)



Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune 5/9/12



WNWO NBC Channel 24 with China Sellers 5/9/12

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