Sunday, July 24, 2011

WTF? What's The Fashion? Tribal and Ikat Printed Dresses

Ikat and Aztec prints have created tribal inspirations for designers such as Mara Hoffman, Missoni and Gwen Stefani. Like them, you too can be an escapist of fashion absorb yourself in trend of tribal-print dresses. As you have been made aware of many times before, sundresses are a summer staple but that doesn't mean you have to wear it in the form of a floral frock. A tribal sundress such as Paris Hilton's, creates a base for your summer wardrobe. Go from classic to ethnic by accentuating the pattern with fringe details like Chloe's Versace dress. For those who are totally embracing this blazing look can be as daring as Kim Kardashian by going head-to-toe tribal in a maxi dress or you can always opt for a printed skirt. Gladiator sandals are the perfect footwear but opt for basic black or nude when wearing this vivid pattern. With these printed dresses, keep the accessories to a minimum. But if you are not completely converted to this ethnic look, test drive it by investing in a beaded clutch or patterned scarf.

Celebs Seen on the Scene Traveling a Tribal Trail!

Chloe Moretz, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton


 Chloe Moretz (Versace), Kim Kardashian (Mara Hoffman) and Paris Hilton

From the Designer to the Inspired


Tribal and Ikat Prints by Designer, Dolce Vita



First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama in Tracy Reese

Saturday, July 23, 2011

WTF? What's The Fashion? Round Sunglasses

Stylishly protect your precious eyes for the rest of the summer in round sunnies. I want you to experiment with your style just as Ms. Whitney Port has with her bright orange-colored framed sunnies. Channel your inner Beatle and pay homage to John Lennon by giving yourself a rocker's edge by pairing a dark framed, dark lensed sunny with a graphic tee like rising rocker, Miley Cyrus. Add some studded jewelry pieces and leather boots to keep your look up to celebrity standards. Kelly Osbourne is no stranger to edgy risk-taking fashion. Her dark round sunnies add excitement and really pop with her brightly-colored yellow top. What's great about these circular sunnies is that they have an undertone of a vintage vibe and old school charm that can add character to any outfit in your summer wardrobe.

Celebs Seen on the Scene Sporting Circular Sun-Blockers!

Kelly Osbourne, Miley Cyrus, Whitney Port


 Kelly Osbourne, Miley Cyrus and Whitney Port

Your Style~ Accessorized

Prada PR27NS SunglassesVogue Eyewear VO2682SB SunglassesRay-Ban RB3447 50 Sunglasses


Prada          Vogue          Ray-Ban


Shop Fearlessly for Round Sunglasses at SunglassHut.com

Friday, July 22, 2011

Wedding Day Do’s and Don’ts for the Groom

Guest Blogger Profile: Simon Daykin of GutsyGroom.com

All the planning is done, the guests have arrived, the menu is chosen, the DJ is booked and it’s the big day. A lot of planning has gone into this day, but it’s not over yet. On the wedding day the bride gets hair and make up done and is gushed over by the photographer and all her bridesmaids.

But the groom always seems to get left out…when was the last time you saw photos of the groom and groomsmen getting ready??? This doesn’t have to be the case, you’ve been involved in the planning process and now you deserve all that other good stuff on your wedding day.


I’ve compiled a list of a few do’s and don’ts for you, some of these are common sense, but after doing as many weddings as I’ve done…Trust me, as straight forward as some of these seem there’s always that one guy.

Make A Timeline And Stick To It!!!

We always include an extremely detailed itinerary for our couples and we do all we can to stick to it. That being said I have been standing at the groom’s hotel door banging on it because he missed breakfast. Getting up on time is key. For more than the obvious reason, if you start the day on time you’re not playing catch up all day and your stress level will be lower. I suggest not only setting the alarm clock, but get a minimum of TWO wake up calls and then make sure you have a friend come to the room and bang on the door until you answer it.

Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Once you’re up and about it’s time to get some food in ya. Make time for breakfast, I say this because you’ll be very busy all day and may not have time to eat another real meal until you sit down to dinner. And that is a long way off. BUT…Don’t order room service. Have breakfast with your parents, or your groomsmen, if you eat breakfast with your groomsmen you know they are up as well, and that they haven’t overslept.

Treat Yourself To A Little Something

This may seem like a no-brainer, but no matter how nice it is outside and how your buddy says you have plenty of time…don’t try to squeeze in 18 holes before the ceremony. From experience, please trust me on this one. Not to say you can’t do anything but sit around the room. Book a massage, get a facial, warm towel treatment and straight razor shave. The photographer is gonna want pictures of the rings, so maybe get a manicure the morning of the wedding, that way the nails will be in top form for the photos and all that hand shaking you’ll be doing later.

Don’t Forget Your Bride

While you’re having your massage and getting shaved, don’t forget about your bride. Make a plan with your best man for him to take over the wedding day gift you got for her. Have him take it directly to her room, but make sure she’s awake and dressed etc. I found a good time to do this is when you know the photographer will be there, you know she’ll be up and have all her friends around, so it’s the perfect time to deliver the gift.

Simon’s Gutsy Groom Advice

Don’t be afraid to indulge yourself on your wedding day. You deserve it. Do things that relax you (although I would steer clear of the bar) and make you feel good. Don’t forget to eat whenever you get the chance, even if you think you’re not hungry. If your groomsmen are coming to your room to get suited up, have the photographer there as well, most photogs bring a second shooter so grab that guy and have him take your pre-wedding shots. But while doing all of this, don’t forget about your bride. The great thing about hiring a planner is that you get to do all the good stuff on your wedding day and the planner makes sure it all runs smoothly…giving you the time to enjoy that massage you’ve booked for yourself.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation, Part 3: Checking Out the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

Well, obviously one of the things I did was forget about our drawing! I blame it on all the fun I had with Marissa in Newport and on Cape Cod. :-) The winner of the Irresistible Earl prize package is Janine Mimi! Janine, please contact me via my website with your address, and I’ll send it right out to you! Thank you all for your comments! Please keep in touch. Marissa and I miss you when you’re too quiet.

Anyone ever bought a map to the homes of the stars in Hollywood? Or driven by the biggest house in town just to dream? In the same way that Marissa and I ogled the Newport Mansions of America’s Gilded Age, so young nineteenth century lads and lasses traveled during the summer to visit Great Houses of the wealthy and titled. You may recall that in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet travels with her aunt and uncle to visit the north of England and ends up touring Pemberley, the home of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Some think the inspiration for Pemberley was Chatsworth, home of the Dukes of Devonshire. In the nineteenth century, the house was open for people to tour, and once a month the staff even served dinner to all who were there.

Chatsworth is a stunning home, remodeled and contoured over several centuries even by the nineteenth century. It boasted a conservatory made from wood, iron, and glass that covered nearly an acre and was filled with exotic specimens from as far away as the Americas and the Orient, contoured gardens designed by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown and improved upon by Joseph Paxton, and a statue gallery with works from Greece and Rome. It was also filled with priceless artwork, pottery, and other collections. So, allow me to give you your own mini-tour:

The sculpture gallery


A dining room


The formal gardens



However, one of the other attractions for a good part of the nineteenth century was Chatsworth’s owner. William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, was called the Bachelor Duke. He rose to his title at the tender age of 21 and was handsome, charming, and generous. I can’t help but wonder how many young ladies wandered through his home hoping for more than a glimpse of the eligible gentleman. Their hopes were dashed for two reasons: the duke owned seven other stately homes and a thriving political career, so wasn't often in residence, and he never married. Some say he was in love with Caro Lamb, Lord Byron's infamous mistress. On his death, his estate passed to a cousin.

Ah, the lifestyles of the rich and famous!

The Omni Bedford Springs - Win a 3 day/4 night stay


You could win a 3 day/ 4 night stay at The Omni Bedford Springs just by telling us the most important thing about beauty and life that you would share with your younger self.

Don't forget to share your entry with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter and email so they can vote for your entry - or even enter themselves!

The person with the most votes at the end of the voting period will win.