Beauty Essentials!

My must have beauty essentials in preparation for the big day!

Essie 'Ballet Slippers' Nail Polish (an SBG Fave!)

Nars 'Candy Darling' Nail Polish 

Jergens Skin Firming Lotion

Ebba 'Miss Marisa' Oil Perfume (this is my all time fave scent!)

Oribe Superfine Hairspray
Laura Mercier Undercover Pots (I swear by this!)

Mac Blot Film (cause no one wants to be oily on their wedding day)

St. Tropez Everyday Tan Mousse 

(I have tried countless self tanners and this is by far my favorite brand!)

Jurlique Lavender Hand Cream

(although pricey, this cream does not disappoint! And since your hands are going to be photographed, you definitely want to make sure they are looking good!)

DIY Garden Lanterns

Look at these amazing DIY lanterns from diywedding.org! So easy and very affordable. 

Adds such a nice ambiance and is perfect for a garden reception or ceremony!

J. Crew

The dresses from J. Crew's 2011 look book are so dreamy...love them all!

images via: Fashionising

Yellow + Grey

I'm really loving the yellow and grey color scheme right now. I mean look how elegant and modern it looks! And what a innovative way to change up the table setting...using lamps as a centerpiece. 

I am old fashion in the sense that I like the colors of the invitations to reflect the color scheme of the wedding...one uniform theme carried throughout. These invitations by KenzieKate and Wedding Paper Divas are perfect!

Jason Wu for Net-A-Porter

High end designer Jason Wu, has decided to take the plunge into the wedding business. Wu, has designed a line exclusively for Net-a-porter.com's wedding boutique that will be available in January.  The dresses will range anywhere from $795-$4,000 which is actually quite reasonable considering some gown can sell upwards of $12,000. Wow. 

 The collection of five ivory looks will range from traditional (a big tulle frock) to contemporary (a short, beaded shift) with a few options in between. Wu is also designing several separates.

Via: Stylist

Bella Figura

When I was shopping around for wedding invitations, I came across Bella Figura's website and immediately had a full on love affair with their letterpress invites. I mean, how could you not?! They are so elegant, modern, and chic. In saying that, these definitely are not the cheapest way to go but they are pretty beautiful to look at!  

Shoulders, Knees & Toes

Love the abstract leg shots from Kiss the Groom....Good wedding picture inspiration!

Pick of the Day!

 Clean. Classic. Perfect.

Fendi Bow Pumps

Bridal Hair

Those two words "Bridal hair" just sound so out dated and archaic, but it definitely doesn't mean we have to look that way! For many of us ladies, our hair is our security blanket, the thing we obsess about the most and the thing that could make or break our day especially "the big day." Here are stunning some hair styles that might work for you and your wedding day attire....

How intricate and amazing is this?! Done by Angela Lew

via: Instyle.com

Rings Rings!

Looking for fun and unique wedding bands?! Say no more....here are my picks!

Dannijo Amadora Ring

Erica Courtney Champagne Ring

Ashley Morgan Diamond Slice Collection

Gabriel & Co Rose Gold & Diamond Ring

Lucifer Vir Honestus Organic Diamond Ring

Honeymooners Paradise

Since I like to pretend that I am on a perpetual vacation, I wanted to share this romantic sanctuary...If you are the kind of honeymooners that just want to post up at a beautiful place, lay around, look at the ocean and possibly have a couple cocktails (or maybe a few!) the Viceroy Hotel Anguilla is the perfect place! If your not sure where in the world Anguilla is, it is located in the British West Indies. Gorge! 

The interior of the hotel was designed by the amazingly talented Kelly Wearstler and spans over 35 opulent acres. It's a definite must see!

via: Viceroy

Long Necklace Love

Picking out your jewelry accoutrement to go with your wedding dress isn't always an easy feat. You go through the questions of... Long earrings or studs? Bracelets or No Bracelets? Short Necklace or long Necklace? Hmmmm. 

I love the idea of pairing long necklaces with your wedding dress....so amazing and oh so chic! It gives your whole look a causal but elegant vibe and really steers away from the traditional thing to do (which of course I love!).

This stunning bride paired her gorgeous Vera Wang Gown with a mix of gold and pearl necklaces and a large white flower in her hair.

To get her look, here are some fab long necklace picks!

Nordstrom Crystal Collection

Jacquie Aiche Bezel Necklace

Loren Hope Teal Morocco Necklace

Add some color!

Marilyn Schiff Long Bead Necklace

 Marilyn Schiff Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace

Cupcake or Cake?

Are you a cake or cupcake kind of person? Me, I'm a cupcake girl ALL the way! Having served cupcakes at my own wedding, I can definitely say that it was a great choice. 

I know these days everyone and their mother has a cupcakery, so I have definitely done my fair share of research (aka eating) and can confidently say that my most favorite cupcakes come from (drum-roll please)....

WhoDidily Cupcakes in Montecito, CA!

They are so moist, not overly sweet and the frosting is to die for! 

Everyone's cupcake taste is certainly different so I don't want to build them up too much, but in my opinion they are a must try!

Another good cupcake and sweet treat display comes from Vanilla Bake Shop in Santa Monica, CA.

In L.A. they one of the "go-to" places for weddings and with their creative displays, I am not surprised!

Happy Cupcake shopping!

Dress of the Day!

J. Crew Sascha Gown

I love love love this dress! I can definitely vouch for the quality and fit because I myself have tried it on...It is a silk taffeta fabric with the flower detailed belt at the waist, which really accentuates it. If you ladies haven't gone to J. Crew to look at dresses I definitely suggest you do!

Sweet Treats

I am so inspired by the many dessert tables that I have been seeing around town, but the most fabulous and inspiring dessert tables have to be from the one and only Amy Atlas. Now, if you are not familiar with her work and you are interested in having a fun dessert table at your wedding her site is the place to go.  The best part about drawing inspiration from others is that most of the time you can re-create all on your own! 

Damask Black & Green Inspired Table

It's such a great look when you put the candy in Apothecary jars. Over this past year I have bought some fabulous ones and reasonable at that! The best ones I have found are either at Home Goods (one of my faves) or at Save-On-Crafts (which has been an amazing "go-to" place for wedding decor). Click here to see...

Cupcake wrappers shown in this pic, are such an amazing way to dress it up! I have found gorgeous ones here...Cupcake trees are another way to display them too! Click here

Another example of how to display your candy/dessert table..

I love the idea of setting up your table to go with your color scheme. 

Here is a great place to buy all your candy by color..Click Here.

Having a candy table is also another alternative for favors. In lieu of having a favor at every person's seat, you can make it interactive for your guests and let them choose candy to take home!

Doing small takeout boxes in the earth tone is always a fun idea and you can always have a sticker made or stamp with your names to make it more personal...Click Here for boxes.

via: Amy Atlas Blog

Stylish Headpieces

To veil or not to veil...that remains the question. 

For you traditional brides, the thought of not wearing a veil on your wedding day (Gasp)...wait a minute, that thought most likely has never crossed your mind! But, there are some amazing alternatives to the veil that may sway you in a different direction. I, for one love the idea of being toole free and have found some beautiful options for you lovely ladies!

The Ban.do line makes some incredible pieces for bride...I love all of them but here are some of my faves!

No. 115

No. 60

No. 111

No. 110

Here are some more options!

Rachel Leigh Pearl & Chain Headband

Love this for a bohemian beach bride!

Topshop Flower Headband

Vintage Flower on Etsy