Black & white wedding

In honor of the release of "The Great Gatsby", I wanted to come up with a 1920's-inspired black and white wedding theme.

Let's start at the top and work our way down.
The Royal Wedding brought the fascinator to the forefront of fashion. I love the idea of a fascinator in place of a veil. You still get the veiled effect without looking like a snow beast. Black piping on the edges of a white fascinator ties into my theme perfectly.


ModCloth
Next, we want to add just a hint of sparkle by adding some sparkly, black button earrings. You want to keep the the earrings very simple so as to not detract from the dress and fascinator.


ModCloth
Then, we have the dress. I absolutely adore the idea of a tea-length dress for a wedding. A tea-length dress has such a fairy-tale feel to it and anytime something makes a woman feel like a princess, she should take full advantage. Especially on her special day.


ModCloth
And last but certainly not least, a simple pair of shiny black and white spectator pumps. Again, the shoe should be somewhat simple so as to not detract from the dress and fascinator.


ModCloth
For the hair with this ensemble, I think a simple, low chignon would work best. For the makeup, I suggest a clean eye with just a clean sweep of black eyeliner on the top lid only and a light coating of black waterproof mascara. Follow that with a light berry cheek and a long-lasting crimson lip.

As for a bouquet, I would suggest a simple, round arrangement of creamy white roses accented with black sheer ribbon and a little bit of black sparkle.

This theme is perfect for the non-traditional bride who may be planning a black and white evening wedding.

Another magical jar

Anyone who has made a purchase from Sephora knows that they offer 3 free samples online and in-store. I received a small sample of Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation with 1 of my recent orders. One word . . . A-H-M-A-Z-I-N-G ! ! !I have discoloration similar to melasma on my face so I used the sample just on the discolored areas for about 10 days and it faded the discoloration by at least half. I wish I had taken before and after pics for comparison.


Sephora
This product is so impressive that I went ahead and forked out the $48 to buy the entire Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Kit at my local Sephora store. I can't wait to see what a longer period of use is going to do for me!

Beach wedding

Lulus
Summer is drawing near and 1 or more of you may be considering a summer beach wedding and I have put together a great look for you! First off, I suggest going barefoot, as long as you can do so safely. If you cannot do so safely, a cute flower-trimmed sandal would be perfect. (I do not suggest flip-flops as they would just flick sand everywhere.)

If you're planning a daytime service, this dress would be perfect because it has a slightly more casual feel to it. If you're planning an evening or sunset ceremony, replace the shorter dress with a tea-length dress. A full-length dress may not work on a beach nearly as well.

In place of a veil, soft, beachy waves (as shown in either picture) interwoven with flowers or butterflies would make a gorgeous and appropriate topper. You could use different types and colors of ribbon to suit your look. But I do suggest that you use some sort of ribbon or a specialty band when you're making your hair trellis.

For a bouquet, you could carry light-colored gerbera daisies in a small round arrangement accented with the same ribbon you used in your hair.

As far as your makeup, keep it very soft and ethereal for day - soft pink blush and gloss, light mauve eye shadow and light mascara. For evening, you can go slightly heavier with your makeup but you still want to keep it very natural - berry blush, medium mauve lipstick, wine eye shadow and 2 coats of mascara.

Complete this look with no jewelry for the day or simple, dainty, sparkly jewelry for the evening.

It's easy being green

ModCloth

When I was in high school, I had a dress that looked almost just like this - except that it was more kelly green . . . and it had a peter pan collar trimmed with petite white eyelet lace . . . and it had the same petite white eyelet lace on the slightly puffed short sleeves and button placket. Okay, maybe it wasn't just like this one but I loved it. I wish I still had it.

I wore it with a pair of black patent slingback peep-toe pumps, that I also wish I still had. I REALLY should stop giving away my fantastic, classic items.

Cute & Funky

GoJane


GoJane
Throw these 2 items on with a pair of large silver hoops, a stack of silver bangles and a gray or white tee or tank and you have a cute, funky and unique outfit to wear just about anywhere. Can anyone say CASUAL FRIDAY?!?!

Wedding unique

I love to browse the web and imagine different outfits in my head. This idea was particularly fun since it is a bridal idea. There are many brides who do not want to wear white for their wedding or that just want something unique. This dress and these accessories would be ideal for such a bride. This look isn't all that expensive. The dress is $277.99 at ModCloth. Unfortunately, I didn't get a price on the accessories.

The only thing I would make any adjustments to would be the Melinda Rose veil. The net portion would be a beige or grey and instead of a bow I would have some peacock feathers, a jeweled pin or even nothing.


ModCloth


Melinda Rose


GoJane
This outfit was styled with an outdoor evening wedding in mind. This idea would be absolutely gorgeous with a smoky eye and nude lipstick. Finish it off with a pair of large pearl or colored gemstone (blue diamonds would be stunning) stud earrings. Keep your flowers very simple - a small nosegay of sterling silver roses with lots of greenery (no baby's breath) would look fantastic. You could also opt for no flowers at all. Your options are endless and it's your day so go crazy. Just make sure that you make your day YOU.

Pulling double duty

This Goody 2-in-1 headband/necklace is one of those items that every woman should have in her purse at all times. It could possibly even TRIPLE and QUADRUPLE as a double-wrap bracelet and ponytail holder. I don't remember what I paid for these but I'm sure it was less than $5. That's a bargain when you figure your price per wear. Every item in one's wardrobe should have to earn its spot and this item does just that. (BONUS: There are 2 headbands so you can use them doubled or keep one in your purse and one in your travel toiletry bag.)

Magical jar of dirt

This jar looks like an ordinary jar of dirt. But it isn't just ANY ordinary jar of dirt. It has magical powers. It can detoxify your skin, refine the appearance of pores and wrinkles and soften your skin, thus making you look much younger. And all for under $10.

I do not follow the mixing instructions on the jar. I mix 1 T of the NOW Moroccan Red Clay powder with about 2 t of warm water. When it's mixed this way, it will look like liquid milk chocolate. Slather the mixture evenly all over your face and neck. Leave it on until it is dry. Rinse it off with water. I recommend washing your face before and after use of the masque. And always moisturize after you're done.

Now this may vary as far as your level of discomfort is concerned. The clay powder is formulated for sensitive skin but it can still cause some irritation. When the masque begins to dry, it will feel like it is shrinking the size of your face into something resembling a raisin. No need for alarm. This is the masque doing its magic.

Just a few words of caution - #1 This powder is very fine so it will get all over the place as any fine powder does. #2 It is very messy to rinse off. I recommend putting it on before your shower, waiting for it to dry, then rinsing it off in the shower. #3 Due to the color of the clay powder, it can stain. #4 Be very careful when you are applying it to your face. Avoid getting too close to the eyes. Also avoid the hairline and the eyebrow area. It makes it very difficult to rinse it out of the hair.

And just a little bonus, you can use it on your hands for younger-looking hands.

Aging gracefully

I found some old hair magazines, some of which go back to 1992. I found this picture of Hunter Tylo from "The Bold & the Beautiful" from the Winter 1992 edition of Soap Star Hairstyles. She is absolutely smoldering!



Then I went online and found this picture of her that I'm assuming is more recent. Holy cow! She doesn't even look the same. Her skin texture has gotten bad, her lips are much larger, her mouth is wider across her face and her eyes are higher in the outer corners. She looks like she is re-entering Earth's atmosphere!



She is, of course, still a VERY beautiful woman. She just hasn't aged as gracefully as one would have thought she would.

One of my fave color combos

One of my favorite color combos is fuschia and green. And I especially love it in simple, classic pieces put together.


Lulu's


Lulu's


Lulu's
Because this outfit is so simple and classic, I can see it being worn with short hair and a simple pair of studs. This outfit would look absolutely fabulous on Anne Hathaway and Ginnifer Goodwin, as well as Audrey Hepburn. And because of the combination of 2 opposite hues, it's fun while still remaining classic.

**Correction**

I misspoke in my previous post. Kasey Kahne raced for Quaker State today. But it still was awesome!

NASCAR - Here we come!

KASEY KAHNE . . . GO AHEAD . . . TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPOSE YOURSELF ! ! !
Me, My Man and La Hairdresser are going on a day trip tomorrow to watch the Subway Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR race at PIR. It's been awhile since I went to a race. The last time I went, I was able to visit the Bill Elliott pit before the race. Back then, my favorite driver was actually Rusty Wallace. Now my fave is Kasey Kahne. He will be driving the No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet. GO KASEY!!! This is gonna be awesome!!!

Tiny trinkets

I love the tiny jewelry trend that's going on right now. It's so soft and feminine and delicate and maybe even a little romantic but you can still add a little bit of edge. Plus it can be worn at any age. I was browsing the Lulu's website and found these adorable earrings and I absolutely fell in love.



First up, we have the small cameo earrings. I love cameos. These remind me of a powder bowl that my Mom had on the back of her toilet for years. It had a cameo on the lid. Anyhow . . . Cameos are very classic pieces. You can wear them with classic or romantic outfits.


Next up, we have the rose gold colored spike earrings. The rose gold color gives them that touch of softness but the spike makes them edgy. These can be worn with pretty much anything - classic, romantic or edgy.



Then we have the rose gold colored heart and arrow earrings. These are just adorable and so delicate and romantic.


Finally, we have the rose gold colored rose earrings. These are also very delicate and romantic. They're a rose gold colored rose. That says it all!

And the best part??? They are all available online at Lulus.com for only $10 so this trend is extremely affordable AND if you have multiple ear piercings, you can afford to get an assortment of small studs and mix them.

This bag is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C ! ! !

I LLLUUUVVV this bag! It's a Vivienne Westwood bag that is (yet again) available on the Patricia Field website. It appears in the picture to be a sweet, little handbag but there are other pictures posted on the website that show that it is actually a large, oversized bag and I think that it is absolutely fantastic!

The girl really IS on fire!

I absolutely love Alicia Keys bob. The sleek style is super sophisticated but the curled style is absolutely smoldering!

Valentine's flowers 2013

Here are my Valentine's flowers from the Hot Tamale . . . a Prabal Gurung peplum blouse from the newly released line at Target and bright lime green ankle pants to go with it.

This new collection from Prabal Gurung is absolutely amazing. It nearly caused me to short-circuit because I didn't know which piece(s) to get. But this is the piece I chose. I love the peplum silhouette and the fit is so flattering on me. I was concerned about looking crazy but if I anchor the ensemble with black sandals and a small black crossbody, it keeps me from looking like a recent circus recruit. I also have a pair of royal blue ankle pants and several pairs of black dress slacks that pair well with the top. The Hot Tamale says that I look "chic" in this outfit. Mission accomplished.

Still yet another Patricia Field great

I love going to the Patricia Field website and just browsing. It's so much fun. I found this Hello Kitty Satchel on her site and it's just $37.50 - that's 50% off! It's classic black in a classic shape, similar to a Berkin, but has that little bit of added sass with the Hello Kitty quilting.

She has a lot of super crazy, over-the-top things on her site also but she has some great pieces, like this satchel, that can be worked into just about any wardrobe.

Another Patricia Field great

Patricia Field has done it again! Actually, I guess it would be Vivienne Westwood, the designer of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress from the 1st SATC movie. Either way, these Vivienne Westwood lace-ups are on sale on the Patricia Field website for only $50. They were originally $200. It doesn't say what they are made of but they appear to possibly be made out of rubber. How much fun and possibly even a little bit sassy is that?!?!?!

I think that these would look absolutely fabulous with a pair of tweed wide-leg slacks and a black concert t-shirt, accented with fire-engine red fingernails for a fun GNO or date night. Plus, who doesn't want something fun and fabulous designed by the creator of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress??

The not-so-cute side of the AngelBaby

As much as I love that little AngelBaby, she has a not-so-cute (or lovable) side. She's almost 2 so she's getting a jump start on the Terrible Twos. She can throw a MEAN tantrum, complete with purposely digging her fingernails into you, mainly on the face. The first couple of days that she was here, she behaved pretty well and was totally cute. But then, all hell broke lose. Just so you know . . . THERE IS NOTHING CUTE OR LOVABLE ABOUT A BROKEN NOSE FROM A 2-YEAR-OLD'S HEADBUTT ! ! !

Other views of Frankie's hair

I found a couple of other pictures of Frankie's hair from the front and side.

The Saturdays

I'm quite certain that if my husband ever walked into a business and these ladies were his greeting, he would never ever leave. These gorgeous secretaries are the members of a music group from the UK called The Saturdays. I was watching the Jeff Probst Show earlier this week and they were on the show. They all seemed so down-to-earth, funny and charming. They sang a cappella on the show and it was amazing. I have registered with their website so that I can start following them and maybe get the opportunity to see them on tour.

Just a little aside - I absolutely LOOOOOOOOVE Frankie's hair. IT-IS-HOT! It's kind of hard to see in this picture but the opposite side is shorter - sort of an asymmetric cut. This picture shows the gorgeous color so that's why I chose it. I also happen to think that out of all of these gorgeous ladies, Frankie is the most gorgeous. I guess you could call her my girl-crush.

Shades of gray

I recently purchased this gray knit skirt from Old Navy. It is so incredibly comfy.

Then I added these Steve Madden booties, which were a gift, along with gray textured tights.

Because of the neutrality of the bottom half, the top half can be topped with just about anything. A button-down topped with a denim jacket, a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt or even just a t-shirt. Just make sure that the top half has some color so you don't end up looking like a concrete statue.

The Angelbaby is a very stylish girl

Is this little AngelBaby stylish AND gorgeous or what??? This is a little winter outfit that I put together for her last winter. I believe that I purchased the entire outfit at Wal-Mart (but I'm not positive that's where I got the polka-dot tights). This is a lavender penguin onesie and a black tulle tutu with lavender polka-dot tights and topped off with a lavender headband with a large pink flower attached. She also had little pink ballerina shoes with pink ribbon laces that went with the outfit.

She's going to be our little stylish guest this weekend. COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU - a puppy/toddler style & cuteness showdown!

These jeans are on my wishlist

I WANT THESE JEANS ! ! ! I know that I shouldn't but I totally want them. I have wanted a pair of dramatic, high-waisted jeans like these since I was a zygote. And I found them on the Patricia Field website for only $10 but OF COURSE they don't have them in my size. That figures.

These have got to be one of the most flattering pairs of jeans ever made. The high waist sucks everything in and keeps it there. Because the waist is so high, they make your legs look like they are about a pisquillion miles long. The dark wash is slimming. And the leg openings aren't too wide or too skinny. It's hard to see the actual length but, if they come to your heel, then they will be absolutely perfect.

These would look HOT with a simple white button down and red heels. CLASSIC!

The new little one

We had to put our sweet little dog, Roo, to sleep 9 days before Christmas. It was completely unexpected and totally devastating. We'd had him for nearly 11 years. It was the Sunday following the tragedy in Newtown and I always thought he would be a good TheraPet. Now he's getting his chance, with the 20 new little angels that arrived shortly before him.

We never thought we'd ever be ready for another puppy but, BOY, were we wrong! Meet our new little one, ANGEL. She's a 4-month-old chiweenie and weighs about 4 pounds. She's so sweet and so incredibly smart and we are so in love with her already!

The Hot Tamale chose her name. She is named in memory of her guardian angel, Roo, and the 20 sweet little angels from Newtown. We are planning on having her certified as a TheraPet for the local children's hospital, also in memory of the children who lost their lives in the Newtown tragedy.