The more I watch the responses to the Sunday night’s MTV Movie Awards on the E! Network and other entertainment sites, the more I fall in LOVE with Kerry Washington and her amazing wardrobe for the event. Washington was absolutely stunning in a black and yellow color-blocked mullet dress (also known as a “high-low” dress). I have to admit, I’ve had my reservations about this trendy item but, after seeing the “Scandal” star looking absolutely amazing….my mind may be made up! 

Kerry Washington on the Red Carpet at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards.

Kerry’s dress is straight from the 2013 Fall Fashion Week runway as she struts in this Micheal Kors stunner. But, how can you make this fancy formal more wearable for those of us NOT invited to endless award shows but still wanting to look red-carpet worthy? I’ve compiled a list of my favorite options below! 

I love how perfect this outfit is for gorgeous spring weather!

The adorbs jean jacket gives this look a grunge-chic feel.

I love this long, floor-length style! And how hot is the coral?!

The cheetah print is fierce and the waterfall style is an unexpected touch!

This glam look is sure to turn heads!

Army green and leather…. a sassy combination!

A look to satisfy the rocker within.

Definitely not for the feint of heart. This drastic style was made to turn a few heads!

Photo credits: Pintrest

Spring is in the air and, evident with the duds at the recent ACM (American Country Music for you pop/hip hop lovers!) Awards, all over the airwaves, too! The show was filled with celebrities donning bright colors, floral patterns and fresh styles. There were so many dresses I loved but one definitely stood out above the rest. Jewel was absolutely stunning and stole the show in a gorgeous, form-fitting light coral dress. The delicately sequined gown, designed by Georges Chakra Couture, was a perfect mixture of class and sass and definitely left me breathless! 

How can you incorporate one of spring’s hottest colors into your upcoming event? Check out these amazing ways below! 

INSPIRATION ALERT: Jewel at the 48th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

The perfect collection of colors for a spring bouquet.

I can’t get enough of the traditional style of these amazing bridesmaids gowns.

I adore this Essie classic.

I love the coral neckwear on the groomsmen; a combo perfect for spring.

Almost too pretty to eat!

Add a touch of coral beneath your dress for a subtle pop of color.

Gorgeous table setting in shades of peach, pink and coral!

These MAC lips are totally kissable….. mwah!

This 50′s style coral party dress is ideal for any spring or summer event!

Pretty coral invitations will have your guests tickled pink.

Adorable basket for the flower girl and pillow for the ring bearer… Aw!

Beautifully crafted Cartier earrings.

Delicious springtime drinks, perfect for any event!

Photo credit: Pintrest

I was recently chatting with a friend (over a delicious mimosa brunch, might I add!) who is preparing for her wedding this coming summer. As we came across the topic of her biggest frustration with planning the wedding, she couldn’t stop stressing out over compiling her guest list, sending the invitations and especially the whole RSVP process. Now, RSVP’s can sometimes be a necessary evil when it comes to wedding or event planning. One the planning side, the bride and groom or host not only have to send the invitation and keep track of who’s bringing who and what they want to eat and hear, but they also have to deal with those pesky guests who forget, accidentally or on purpose, respond with their attendance in an RSVP. And, when many guests casually ignore this crucial step (tisk tisk!) and don’t respond one way or the other, it can be difficult to efficiently plan a wedding, gala or event.

So, for the sanity and sake of all brides and hosts trying to coordinate number management, seating charts and food, I’ve come up with a fool-proof way to make sure your guests pay enough attention to your invitation so that they can’t resist but to RSVP. How possibly can one ensure this, you ask? Well, the answer is simple! Get those creative juices flowing and make your RSVP’s too cute and unique to ignore!

A sweet twist of wording on a traditional RSVP.

What a fun couple, I love this adorable photo booth idea!

Mad gab anyone? Try this out to make the story of your wedding fill-in-the-blank fun!

The gorgeous mint makes this classic RSVP perfect for spring with the cutest little details.

This RSVP style won’t leave your friends ‘puzzled’….just cracking up at your genius creativity!

The dry humor used makes this RSVP perfect for the comical couple. I just can’t get enough of this!!

Photo credit: Pintrest

They’ve been all over the Red Carpet and E! can’t seem to get enough of them on their gossip shows. No…I’m not talking about the ever-present baby bump all of Hollywood seems to be sporting. I’ve got a trend much less life-changing, but just as dramatic on my mind. They’re plump, they’re luscious and they are turning heads. You guessed it, ladies….it’s your lips and putting on a gorgeous, bold pout right now is hot, hot, hot! 

My favorite way to wear a bright, bold lip color without looking like a scary Halloween mistake is to simplify the rest of your ensemble. Try to wear solid colors; you’ll notice most of the celebs below kept it to an either black or white wardrobe. Also, keep your hair natural and, whether swept off your face or not, try to avoid hair bling or over-the-top teasing. The rest of your make up should also reflect a more neutral palette; if you add dark, dramatic eyes to your look, you’ll appear overdone. The goal when rocking bold lips is to draw attention to your pretty pout, not distract with other eye-catching details! 

Some of my favorite stores to get these crazy cool colors from are Bare Escentuals, Sephora, Ulta and Clinique. 

Miranda Kerr is gorgeous donning a rust lip color. Stunning!

Jessica Alba shows us that lavender CAN be worn without looking tacky.

Rachel McAdams looks ‘berry, berry’ lovely in her pinky hue.

The contrast of the blonde and deep ruby is very flattering on classic beauty, Clare Danes.

Rihanna pulls off bright pink like the sassy goddess she is!

Emma Stone’s fiery personality makes her orange-toned lipstick the perfect choice!

No one rocks a classic red lip better than the “Red” singer herself. We love how fabulous and confident Taylor Swift is!

I recently spent time in baby heaven, planning a sweet party for the coming of a beautiful bundle of joy; my thematic inspiration….hues upon hues of bright, gorgeous color! 

Now Easter is over, spring is finally here to stay and bright colors are readily in bloom. And, as my inspiration for the darling baby shower, I’ve decided that I can’t get enough of bold colors! It adds so much warmth to a room and entices feelings of happiness…I can’t help but smile when I see a bouquet of multi-colored, fresh flowers or a table decorated with a colorful and savory dessert selection. And, though color is frequently used in baby showers and other social events, it is much less often incorporated into wedding schemes. The use of many colors can sometimes be overwhelming, so I’ve compiled my inspirations on how to take a colorful wedding from over-the-top to the perfect proportions! 

A multi-colored wedding bouquet is always a welcomed use of color.

This individually portioned cake is a unique way to use many different bright colors. YUM!!

The contrast of the white table cloth with the colorful topper is absolutely striking.

The cool tones of the bridesmaids dresses complements the use of bright bouquets.

Try this color-crazed MAC palette for the perfect wedding makeup.

Different colored boutonnières and matching socks for the groomsmen….I love how clever this is!

A different shade Manolo Blahnik for each of your bridesmaids…your ladies will definitely want to re-wear these beauties!

This colorful hair pin will be the perfect addition to any bride’s up-do.

Don’t forget color for the little future brides-to-be!

Photo credits: Pintrest 

The more brides I’m around, the more I hear it; the age-old question about the wedding veil and who should wear it. Well, in my opinion, a wedding veil – while emitting grace and a unique aura of sensuality – should be worn for the sole purpose that the bride actually WANTS to…nothing more! The traditional societal view of the wedding veil has drastically changed in modern times and has gone from being a wedding wardrobe staple to a sexy accessory option.

Some things to consider when deciding for or against a wedding veil:

-What is your location? Would wind potentially ruin the veil mid-ceremony?

-Does the design and cut of your dress support a wedding veil?

-Do you prefer a long or short veil?

-Would you wear a full veil, a blusher veil or a combination of the two?

-Is there a different headpiece you’d like to adorn instead?

-What hairstyle are you planning to have? Does it complement a veil?

-Are you Kate Middleton? (Just kidding, but she does look absolutely fabulous as a princess in her wedding veil! See image below.)

Basically, the choice is completely up to you and your fashion tastes. If you love the traditional significance and the look of the veil…go for it! But also know that many brides decide against it and opt for decorative headpieces instead, and that’s awesome too! Remember, it’s YOUR big day and it should be perfect the way YOU want it be! 

Blusher veil; perfect for short hair and up-do styles!

This full veil works well with long, flowing gowns and most hairstyles.

Kate Middleton is classic in this full veil with blusher. So royal!

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The background of the bride donning a veil on her wedding day is typically a religious tradition and dates back centuries. Much like wearing white, the wedding veil originated as a sign of the purity of the bride. And, as the father lifted the veil from his daughter’s face, it held the significance of her new life with the man to whom her father was releasing her to. Though it sounds a bit dated for current times, any hopeless romantic like myself sees the beauty and charm in the tradition! 

One of my more recent obsessions, the mermaid dress, has been seen in bridal magazines across the country this spring. And I love it! This style of wedding gown is sublime for most shapes because of the slimming silhouette. The style closely follows the natural contours of the woman form and flares out (which can be either dramatic or subtle) at the knee. It cinches and loosens in all the right places, making the bride look flawless, sophisticated and confident. And what bride doesn’t want that on her big day!?

There are many styles in which a mermaid dress can be designed. The dress allows virtually all necklines, sleeve options and material choices; designers have been very innovative with the details of their gown creations! Many mermaids are sleeveless, backless, made of satin, silk or lace, and some even boast creative sashes and delicate overlays.

Below, I have compiled fifteen of my all-time favorite mermaid dresses. Gorgeous for any gal looking to turn heads on her wedding day, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the mermaid dress is a style that is here to stay.  Comment below and share why you love your favorite featured mermaid gown!

1. The heart-shaped neckline and delicate silver detailing are an amazing combination!

2. Mermaid-style, layered gown with a unique feather-esque bottom.

3. I can’t get enough of the tiny, intricate stitched flowers! Love!

4. The gold satin bow give this lacy wedding dress a regal feel.

5. Love the addition of the tulle one-sleeve to the design. A brilliant cut-out!

6. A mermaid dress in an “Old Hollywood” style. The epitome of style.

7. A classic satin mermaid, cinched in all the right places!

8. The tightly netted and lace overlay give this mermaid a unique and unexpected twist!

9. The volume of this dress will automatically make you feel like a pretty, pretty princess!!

10. Love, love, love wearability of this dress; it exudes simplicity and grace.

11. The cap sleeves on this mermaid make this gown instantly classy. So Kate Middleton!

12. An adorable satin halter that perfectly complements the mermaid shape.

13. This wedding-cake inspired dress is smashing in cream satin.

14. The carefully crafted black detailing perfectly cinches the waist to give this gown a beautiful color pop.

15. A breathtaking backless, lace mermaid gown. Perfection.

Photo credits: Pintrest

If you’ve been paying attention to any televised bridal or event show, you know that tulle is hot, hot, hot for the spring season. Martha Stewart recently released a whole line of bridal and party dresses for 2013 and the material has absolutely exploded on this season’s runway. Whether you go short and flirty or long and luxurious, tulle can turn any drab dress totally fab….as long as moderation is considered to avoid looking like a ballerina gone wrong! Here are some of my favorite looks fresh from the spring runway that will inspire you to incorporate this foxy trend into your next party outfit!

Tulle. Bustier. Color-blocking. Zac Posen. Need I say more!?!

Badgley Mischka takes tulle to new heights with these unique sleeves in the 2013 spring showcase.

This adorable Dior dress adds the perfect amount of tulle to give it a flirty, spring feel.

This classic tulle-drapped Marchesa also seen on Hayden Panettiere at the Emmy’s.

Huge props to Jason Wu on his daring black swan-esque tulle gown for the 2013 season!

Sherri Hill is perfection with this gold and tulle combination party dress!

These Christian Siriano ethereal dresses are sweet, flattering and fairy-like.

Lazaro incorporates tulle to add length to this wedding-inspired gown.

The morning of your wedding day is one of excitement and jitters. As you prepare for your big day with hair appointments, manicures and makeup artists, this is the perfect time to spend with your Bridesmaids and Maid of Honor for a little calm and serenity. And, what better addition to this already glorious, pampered morning than a uniquely delicious Mimosa Bar!

Whether you celebrated your Bachelorette Party the night before and need a little pick-me-up or you just need to tame your nerves with a drink, mimosas are a classy pre-wedding drink. And, with the Mimosa Bar popularity exploding recently, putting tasty drink combos together is so easy, you (or your personal attendant or Bridesmaids or whomever) can do it at home! 

My secret to the PERFECT Mimosa Bar:

Fresh pineapple juice
Pomegranate juice
Freshly Squeezed (or store bought if necessary) Orange Juice
Grapefruit Juice
Enough bottles of sparkling wine or champagne for yourself and your bridesmaids 
Peach Schnapps
Triple Sec
Fresh (or thawed if necessary) seasonal berries
Shaved or crushed ice
Champagne glasses to drink from
Shot Glasses for measuring

Directions – but feel free to get creative, too!

Pour juices in to decanters set out on a table. Next to the juices, place chilled sparkling wine or champagne in buckets or coolers filled with ice. Put out liquor bottles with shot glasses next to them for measuring.

Next, place the fresh or thawed berries in pretty bowls, separated by berry type.

Finally, let the pre-wedding soiree begin! Enjoy these delicious drinks while being pampered before your ceremony and reception. It’s probably the only down time you’ll get throughout the day, and this is a great way to savor the moment with your best girlfriends! 

Inspiration

There are few things better and more fun than a wedding. With all of the beautiful decorations and flowers, the family and friends, and the delicious food, weddings are quite possibly the most exciting events to attend and, in my case, to plan. And I absolutely love being able to incorporate all of those components and more to tell the story of the strength and beauty of a couple’s ultimate pledge of lifelong love for one another. 

Once the food has been consumed, the dances exhausted and the champagne toasts completed, an ideal wedding leave the guests, families and the bride and groom all equally satisfied. And, as the exhilaration of the day or evening winds down, the one thing on everyone’s mind is the next step. And by next step, of course I mean the honeymoon! 

The honeymoon is an old tradition that originated as a catchphrase to mean the period of time when the couple is the happiest immediately after the wedding; our present culture has transformed this meaning to be a time of great romance. And, this romance is typically associated with travel to exotic islands and far-off places! 

Whether you are looking to get kissed by the sun or have a glorious time in the snow, there is a honeymoon destination right for you! Here are a few favorite stateside options!! 

The Hawaiian Islands fulfill every exotic island desire.

Mackinac Island is the perfect location for couples looking for the ultimate relaxation.

With no modern cars, televisions or phones, Mackinac Island in Michigan is prime for undistracted romance!

If you’re looking for a honeymoon with “Grape Expectations”, look no further than Napa Valley in California.

Miami in Florida is fantastic for good beach and social vibes. With many boutiques, restaurants and clubs, boredom has no place in this honeymoon spot!

Niagara Falls are a must-see, must-experience wonder.

The romantic waterfalls will entrance and dazzle any couple looking for a unique post-wedding getaway!

If you’re a couple looking for winter adventure, the slopes in Aspen are the place for you!

With beautiful Colorado views and exciting events, each day will be filled with new fun.