Shower her with Diamonds!

I saw this super cute gift at a little kitchen store in the Eaton Centre in Toronto and thought I better snap a pic and share it - what a great shower gift it would make (along with something from her registry of course!)

I mean, really, what would make your cookies taste better than having their ingredients measured in diamonds!!!

If you're hosting the event, be sure to order one of these fabulous Silicone Diamond Ice Cube makers.

I found this one when shopping in Scottsdale, AZ this summer and had to pick it up (just in case!) My favourite U.S. kitchen store, Sur la Table, also carries diamond-shaped cookie cutters...you could go theme crazy with this one ladies!

xoxo

Make Your Bridesmaids' Wallets Smile!

Wanna make your bridesmaids the happiest of all at your wedding this year? Then you have to check out these eight gorgeous styles of bridesmaids dresses, on WeddingBells.ca, all priced at under $100 (some well under!)

What I really like about them, besides the prices, is that they don't scream "BRIDESMAID," rather they look like elegant and fun party dresses and could easily be worn to another event. I know, I know, brides will always try to convince their bridesmaids that they can wear the dresses again, but in this case, I do believe it!

So check them out HERE and send the link to your girlfriends today!

REMINDER: Ottawa Wedding Show this weekend!

Just a friendly reminder to those planning their nuptials anytime soon (or in the near future). Head down to the Ottawa Convention Centre for their annual Fall Wedding Palace Bridal Show. It's this Saturday and Sunday (September 10th and 11th). There are tonnes of exhibitors, fashion shows and prizes too. Even if you're not interested in talking to anyone, go just to get ideas: the displays are usually striking!!!

Why not make a day of it and have a nice lunch or dinner downtown afterwards, just because! I give you permission ;)

Enjoy and click HERE for more info!

Snap, crackle and pop!

Just got back from a fun trip to Florida with a girlfriend and had to share this pic with you. I love rice krispie squares so much...that when I saw this cake, I thought "genius!"...and "Why haven't I thought of this before?" I have seen rice krispies used on Cake Boss on TLC has a great agent for building huge intricate-looking cakes, but as the cake itself, what a yummy idea!

Although it may not be elegant enough for a wedding, I think it would be cute for Birthdays and Showers, and of course Bachelorette Parties too (I'll let you think creatively about what shapes you could mold!!!) lol

The krispies shaped on popsicle sticks would make super cute favours for these events as well - just add some coloured icing sugar to highlight the shape you've chosen and wrap them in cellophane with a pretty ribbon.

My girlfriend had to hold me back from purchasing the whole Minnie cake, but I'm inspired to create my own at my next event - hope you are too!

Another suggestion for Party Planners...

So I attended a beautiful wedding recently where it was quite obvious that great care had been taken to ensure that a consistent theme was present - it was truly a black and white affair from the dresses to the table linens and favours. It was a small wedding (nine tables in total for dinner), however 4 out of the 6 people at my table had their names misspelled (mine included)! When I say misspelled, I'm not talking easy-to-make mistakes, but really obvious ones (Who spells Robert with two "b's?"!!!) Should I mention that it was more embarrassing since the bride was family?!!!

It is so important to have your final guest list revised by at least two other people in order to make sure you've done your best to avoid this little faux-pas. I realize and value the importance of delegating tasks, but whomever you choose to write or print your place cards should have access to a final, mistake-free list. It takes no time at all to forward a copy to the mother of the bride and mother of the groom to ask them to check spellings for their sides of the party.

Little things like this go a long way to pulling off one beautifully elegant, and thoughtful event!

A true etiquette FAIL!

Please tell me that this is not becoming a trend out there for Baby Showers and Bridal Showers a-like? If this has happened to you, let me apologize on the behalf of tacky organizers - and if you have been the organizer and arranged for this to be done...shame on you and promise me you won't let it happen again!!!

Chatting with some girlfriends last week, I learned of a new "shower game" going around that almost made my drink shoot out my nose! Then, this game was further discussed in a Dear Abby article in Saturday's Ottawa Citizen.

So...what is it, you're asking...get to the point Renee!!! Well, did you know that invited guests everywhere are being handed blank envelopes at showers and being asked to write their own addresses on them in an attempt to help the guest of honour (mom-to-be or bride-to-be) fill out her Thank You cards more quickly after the event?! GASP! I KNOW! I mean, if you're going this far, why not also ask them to provide stamps from their purses OR hand them a blank Thank You card in which they can write what gifts they gave and how they should be used. All the guest of honour would have to do is write "Thank You" and her name. At least then you should be almost guaranteed to receive the card within a year of the event?!

I'm sorry for the harsh rant, but what ever happened to true gratitude? Taking the time to address an envelope and write a personal message tells the guest (presumably your friend or family) just how much they mean to you and what the gift means too. They have taken the time and hard-earned money to go out and search for this gift for you, I think that deserves a little more than a "Thank you for the gift" inside their own self-addressed envelope don't you?

There's my rant for a Monday morning! Sorry ladies...had to get that one out!!!

PS. If you are missing some guests home addresses, have a cute "Guest Book" by the door and ask them to update their addresses in there while also leaving the guest of honour some sweet messages. This will be a cherished keepsake that won't offend a soul!

Stella & Dot please!

So I just got my hands on the Spring/Summer 2011 Stella and Dot Catalogue and have so many dog-eared pages (a.k.a. hint hint hints for Rob...our anniversary is coming up!)

Have you seen this jewelery ladies? Gorgeous and unique pieces that are super affordable too. They even feature a Bridal Boutique with a tonne of both delicate and strong statement pieces for the Big Day! Check out my two fave deco pieces, perfect for the Bride-to-Be. Both the bracelet and earrings would cost you under $150. Amazing!

And if you're looking for the perfect gift for your special bridesmaids, you could order these fresh water pearl earrings and necklace for around $70. There are so many other more colourful options too, so have some fun perusing online!

Know any new moms? These charm necklaces can be mixed and matched to include birthstones, nameplates and cute icons:

Are you a trendsetter always checking out what the celebs are wearing? Then you'll love this page - click here to see what Stella and Dot jewelery is making the press and being snatched up by your favourite stars!

Be sure to contact my go-to stylist: Rachela Brisindi (rbrisindi@gmail.com) to book a show or shop through her on-line boutique
And if you're looking for something fun to do in Ottawa this Saturday (June 4th), head to City View Centre in Barrhaven for the Giant Garage Sale between 8am-12pm. Rachela will be there with lots of Stella and Dot jewels for you to check out!

Happy Shopping!

Which style are you?

So this past weekend, I was in Toronto to celebrate the Baby Shower of one of my best friends and was thrilled to learn that she had booked us appointments to get our hair done. I love nothing more than knowing that I will have fabulous hair and not have to do it myself!!!

I was more thrilled when I discovered that we were hitting up one of the new trends in salons - a blow dry bar! Blo is a franchised salon whose tag line reads: "no cut, no colour, just wash, blow, go." For $30, you get a terrific wash (I say terrific because my lovely stylist went to town massaging my scalp....I think my leg starting shaking at one point?!) and then you choose from one of their signature styles to finish the look that you want to achieve for the day. Your options are Red Carpet, Executive Sweet (super straight), Hunt Club (the perfect ponytail), High Society, Holly Would, Hugs Sex and Rock and Roll, and the Boho Braid (a la Lauren Conrad)!

So what style did I choose...the Holly Would of course! Anything to get a little bounce and big curls in my pin straight locks.

I would absolutely recommend this salon - what a fun idea before a girl's night out, Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Engagement Party or just because. What an affordable way to feel fantastic for a couple of days.

Brides-to-be, they also offer Bridal services, consultations and updos or special styles for all the ladies in your party. They will even come to you in your hotel or home. Check out all the details online here.

Say YES to the TP Dress!

It's one of those must-do games at Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties: how can create the best wedding dress and veil using toilet paper, right? If you find yourself constantly winning this game, you could earn a lot more than a bag of candy coated almonds!!!

Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com is having their annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest, which has the first place winner walking away with $1000 (USD) or a second prize of $500, or third prize of $250. Worth the couple bucks a case of toilet paper rolls will cost you, I'd say. You can use tape, glue or even your sewing machine to create your signature gown...this is serious stuff! If you've been pulling off the winning look for years by twisting and tucking the paper, imagine what you can do with glue, tape and thread!

You have from now until June 17th, 2011 to get your photos submitted to their website....so get to it!

If you're a creative lady, this is your big chance - start unrolling the paper today. Just think of all the fabulous things that you could buy with the cash prize!!! (I've already spent it all in my head)!

Click here for all the details and Happy TP-ing!

Sweet Stickers

Well it's that busy time of year for those of us in the Canadian wedding business, but I did get a chance to surf the lovely Etsy site while waiting for an appointment (Thanks for the iPhone Rob xoxo)! And although there are tonnes of amazing gems for brides and grooms alike, I wanted to share these super sweet stickers for your shoes! When you are ready to kick up your feet either with a rest or dancing later in the evening, your all too important words "I Do!" will be sparkling for all to see!

Click here to check them out. They start at $13 (USD). Note to bridesmaids - these would make a great shower gift!

Grooms, don't be too jealous - I found you some special stickers as well on WeddingStar. With options like "Heart & Sole," "Yes Dear" and "I'm Taken," you can't go wrong...just be sure to take the decals off before returning the shoes!

Wills & Kate - It's Official!

It is with a little sadness, but lots of joy that I announce that they are officially married - Wills & Kate are now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

So I have only seen the carriage ride to Buckingham Palace...but I'm so looking forward to watching the whole ceremony after work today (with a glass or two of bubbly of course!) It was such a sweet ride, however, with the newlyweds looking so young and shy. I loved how Kate gently bowed her head everytime Wills saluted. I also loved watching Harry in the "kids" carriage!!! It looked like he was alone, and then you would see little heads bobbing around!

I was watching CBC and they had viewers posting notes on the bottom of the screen, wishing the couple well...but my favourite was a viewer in Kitchener who wrote in: "Hey Wills - send your best man my way!"

Anyways, I really loved the simplicity of Kate's dress. Designed by Sarah Burton (of House of McQueen) she looked stunning but not overdone. The train was long enough to fit royalty, but not obnoxious either! Kate's "something borrowed" today were her diamond earrings, passed to her by her parents. Her sister, Pippa, looked amazing too in her form fitting white gown...I need to look that one up too!

So I am a little sad that I can no longer obsess about this...I wonder how long until knock-offs of everything Kate's wearing will be available???

Happy Royal Wedding Day! xoxo

P.S. How amazing are these facemasks? Sweet tribute...or creepy?!!!

The BRIDESMAIDS are coming soon...

Check it out ladies - The producers of "Knocked Up" have created another sure-to-be classic movie called "Bridesmaids" and it is coming to theatres next month. Personally, I just love that Kristen Wiig; she plays the role of the Maid of Honour (or dishonour) in this film, while Melissa McCarthy plays another bridesmaid...but a rather manly-looking one (She was so much cuter as Sookie on Gilmore Girls, wasn't she?!!!)

Anyways, grab your favourite girls and head to the theatres to check this one out next month. I can't wait to see how the parties, ceremony and reception are designed and decorated - I love the lack of budget in movie weddings...they're always so over-the-top and drool-worthy too!!! I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Check out a trailer for Bridesmaids here.

Yes, I've got the fever!

How can you not talk about, think about and dream about the Royal Wedding when you're in the wedding business? Please forgive me for going overboard, but you all know I've been rooting for Kate for years! Just wanted to remind you to tune into CBC Newsworld Friday night at 8pm or Saturday night at 7pm (make it a family Easter event!) to catch the "William and Kate: Wedding of the Century" special. I happened to stumble upon it when stuck in my hotel room at the Toronto Airport and was sooooooo excited! It's really well done and hilarious too: you will love the part when they discuss her "possible" hairstyle and end up super-imposing Kate's face on different Hollywood celebs hair...classic!!!

I was hoping they might go so far as to mix William and Kate's faces to show what their future children would look like, but I was disappointed in that area!!!

So tune in and let me know what you think!

xoxo Renee

New Gowns & Bridesmaids Line...

NEWS: The always funky and fabulous store "Anthropology" has launched a line for those ladies heading to the alter! Whether you're the bride or her official posse, there's something unique for everyone in this collection.

For brides, my personal favourite is the "Tiered Tulip" gown - which features a striking black bow and asymmetrical details at the hem. It just looks so fun and flirty. A close second is the "Burnished Organza" gown because the skirt reminds me of the style worn by Luisana Lopilato when she married (sniff sniff) my Michael Buble! Click HERE to check out all the gowns.



For the bridesmaids, the "Origami Pleated" and "Twirled Sweetheart" dresses are my winners. They are classic styles that would suit many body types. Check out the dress options HERE.



Hope you're feeling inspired to at least try something new when you're shopping...you never know what it might look like on you!

Happy Shopping!

Renee
(p.s. 9 DAYS UNTIL THE ROYAL WEDDING!)

One month away...

...but who's really counting anyway? Ok, admit it, you have also put the Royal Wedding in your iPhone/Blackberry Calendar! We are officially one month away from the biggest wedding event of our lives: Prince William to Kate Middleton. I believe his mother was married the summer before I was even born, so this truly is a big one for me!

I wanted to share the newest tradition of the Royals, that will be released on April 21st, I believe, by Royal mail. This Commemorative Stamp features two gorgeous designs from the couple's engagement session with photographer Mario Testino.(Check out his site too - he's amazing!) That prince is one lucky man...she's just stunning! And that ring...

Did you know that you can follow in royal footsteps thanks to Canada Post. A super cute way to address shower invitations, save-the-dates, invitations and thank you cards too! Just upload your picture(s) here, pick your design and go! If only I could go back a few years and re-do so many little things...

I'm dreaming, it must be time for bed!!!

RW & Co.Special Occasions Collection

OK ladies...Who hasn't worn an RW & Co. dress to a wedding or special event before? They have super cute, well-fitted and affordable dresses all year round; however, the Canadian retailer has now debuted and launched a Special Occasions Collection here in Canada for bridesmaids, groomsmen or anyone attending a special event.
THE BEST PART: prices have not increased!

Want to thrill your bridesmaids...tell them that their dress will cost them less than $100 and that they can find it in any city that they live in, or on-line! I have to admit that they selection is not huge, however, there is a style that would suit every body type for sure. Men can also end up with a brand new suit for around $200.
Check out the selection here.

Custom Favour Tags

As I've mentioned recently, I have been creating Custom Favour Tags to accompany the delectable chocolate truffles of Sue (Crazy 4 Chocolate.ca) for her bride and groom-to-bes and am so thrilled to share this gorgeous picture she took of the final product. Not only am I super jealous of the amazing quality of her picture, but I just love the way the ribbon matches the border of the tags and how perfectly tied the bows are. They look good enough to eat...and hopefully they all were! The happy couple were married in Ottawa last weekend.

What a chic favour to consider for the guests of your next special event!

Tune in on Friday...

Ok, I'm learning to use my iPhone to post and for some reason, only
the picture posted, not the message!!! Oops - sorry about that!

So what I wrote was a message for Bride-to-be's saying that you should
tune in to Oprah on Friday with special guest Vera Wang, who will be
unveiling her latest collection of drool-worthy bridal gowns. And,
being the Oprah Winfrey Show, there's bound to be a few surprises too
(making us all envious of her audience members as usual)!

For more information and pictures, click here:
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Vera-Wangs-Wedding-Gown-Giveaway_1

Hope it inspires you ladies!

Sent from my iPhone

Tune in on Friday...

1st Wedding Anniversary is PAPER!

What a beautiful and thoughtful idea! I was approached by a male client looking to surprise his wife with personal stationery as her 1st Wedding Anniversary gift. The traditional first anniversary gift is paper afterall. What a fantastic idea...be sure to forward this link to your husbands, brothers and friends who may just need that extra hint, I always here to help!!! LOL!


I created some letter pages as well as some postcard size notecards, all with matching envelopes. The client chose the fonts and design that he thought she would like best and we went from there! I'm really pleased with how they turned out and am thinking what a great gift this would make for any occasion (Mother's Day, Birthdays, host gifts...). I love seeing how romantic men can be today! Bravo!

Tags and tags galore!

I am thrilled to be working with Sue Casey of Crazy4Chocolate when her clients request personalized favour tags to be added to their truffle boxes.


Sue attaches the tags to the boxes with dimensional two-sided tape so they "pop" from the box a little. Her boxes come in many colours and she wraps them in ribbon to match your event's theme or your desire. The tags above with the coloured border match the ribbon colour, creating conistency in design. The layered tags "MD" are printed on shimmery paper, layered on black linen paper and will be attached to gold boxes. What a rich look that will be! I'll be sure to have her send me pics of the final product.

Romantic Quotes to consider

In honour of Valentine's Day, I thought I would share some romantic words chosen straight out of the finest in English literature! Romantic quotations are a nice touch to feature on some stationery, such as your Wedding Program, Save the Date cards, Favours and albums too!

Here are my favourite quotations, taken from a list that was featured in Saturday's Ottawa Citizen:

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." (Emily Bronte)
"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be." (Robert Browning)
"For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow." (Rosemonde Gerard)

This final one I love on a personal level, as it is engraved in both mine and my husband's rings in French (poor Rob can't pronounce it...so romantic right?!!!) It reads: Plus que hier, moins que demain.

To read all the quotes featured in the short article, click here.



My all time favourite romantic quotation, and the one I used personally on my Wedding Programs reads: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return." (Moulin Rouge)

Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo

A Posh Night in February

Mark your calendars - yet another smaller, intimate Wedding Show is coming up and I love the location! The Posh Wedding Show will take place on Saturday, February 19th from 4pm -10pm in the evening...so grab your girls and make a night out of it!

It is happening at The Summit (formerly the Merlot Rooftop Grill), a restaurant located at the top of the Ottawa Marriott Hotel on the 29th Floor (100 Kent Street).

It is being advertised as an event for "modern, sophisticated brides who want to feel glamourous, stylish and unique!" Ummmm, o.k., who doesn't consider themselves to be this person...No actually, I'm an old-fashioned and tacky bride and prefer to feel ugly and blend in with others!!! LOL!
Anyway, check out the details and a list of vendors here.

Letterpress envy!

Today's Ottawa Citizen newspaper featured a nice long article on Ottawa-based letterpress company Dempsey Press. The couple (Vanessa Dempsey & Mike Freeman) create unique designs for greeting cards, whacky stationery, business cards and invitations/announcements on a massive "vintage Heidelberg Windmill Red Ball press" using rich, luxe paper product. Although I have not personally seen their work, I do know about these presses and get goosebumps thinking of the gorgeous final products that they create (insert jealous pangs here!!!).

These types of presses are a fortune to buy (that is if you can even get your hands on a classic one) and another fortune to maintain, but they really do allow for some creative and beautiful works. Of course, products end up on the pricier side for the client, but if this is a style or look you are going for and it's in the budget, I encourage you to support the local guys and give them a try. Their portfolio of pics online is a little bleak, but (as I know personally) that could mean that they are just too busy with orders to get them on there!!!

Enjoy readers and click here for the full article.

Breakfast at Tiffany's Shower

So, I was super excited to share pics of one of my latest projects, but upon checking them out, I am now super disappointed with...my camera! Lol! I know, I know, if I had a dollar for everytime I complained about my lack of a good camera, I would have one by now!!!

Anyway, it is the design and colours that I love so much about this fun Breakfast at Tiffany's-themed Bridal Shower Invitation. The party planner, Lesley, sent me a picture of a similar invitation that she had found somewhere on-line and requested Tiffany blue square envelopes. I was able to find them in a shimmer finish to match the shimmer of the off-white cardstock that the invitation was printed on. With a deeper shade of Tiffany blue as the second layer, the complete package looks so stunning - I can't wait for the bride-to-be to see them after the shower! It was fun playing with different fonts and graphics (including an imitation Audrey Hepburn pose from the classic film). So, the moral of the story is...don't judge based on the quality of this picture - the final product looks classy and fun!

FYI: if you are planning on creating and sending square cards or invitations by mail, be sure to allow for extra postage in your budget. They cost about double as much as rectangular-sized envelopes (ie: over a dollar each).

Boxes, Bags and Tags, oh my!

Just cleaning up some items after a busy month of orders and thought I'd share a picture of some older favour boxes and bags I have around the office. These sizes are perfect for most edible items (chocolates, candies and mints) but can be used creatively for many other items as well! The colours were always chosen by the hosts to match whatever theme they were going with - that's the beauty of custom-made: each box and bag is die-cut from your selected paper to ensure an exact match to the rest of your stationery...isn't life beautiful?!! LOL!

Happy Saturday!

Wed by Hand Bridal Show tomorrow

This is the second year for the Wed by Hand wedding show in Ottawa, and although it's not as large as the Lansdowne show, it's intimate and features some awesome vendors. There will be over 30 vendors so it provides some variety yet makes it intimate enough to enable brides to get a chance to talk to the vendors, which is not always possible at the larger shows. Last year it was held at the Marriot Courtyard and this year they've decided to use the Glebe Community Center.

It's tomorrow, February 6th from 10am - 5pm and they will be charging an admission this year, but with all the raffles, free samples and swag bags, it should be well worth it. Check it out for yourself, or head to their website www.wedbyhand.com

My friend Sue, of Crazy4Chocolates will be giving away truffle samples as well as a special favour box for the first 100 brides (there's reason enough not to miss it!). There will be sample drinks and cupcakes, as well as DIY workshops for all those brides who are looking to save some money on various aspects of a wedding.

Enjoy it - these shows are all a big part of the planning fun!

No. 92: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

I remember seeing this movie in the theatre with my best friends on a spa weekend in Kingston - it was an impulse watch as we were leaving a restaurant and even snuck in our take-home cheesecakes to eat while watching!!! It turned out to be a pretty funny movie and offers a lot of inspiration in terms of style and decor.

The reception location of the wedding to take place is supposed to be Matthew McConaughey's deseased uncle's chateau. In actuality, it's called The Great House on Castle Hill and is found on The Crane Estate in Massachusetts. You can hold your wedding and reception there. Check it out here.


The wedding party spend the weekend at this estate as they prepare for the wedding and Matthew's character experiences a "Christmas Carol"-type visitation as he explores his behaviour towards women, the distruction he has caused and the woman he has lost (Jennifer Garner). As a result he sees her future wedding which I thought I'd share as it is so pretty - no other owrd to describe it...very girly and pretty! I like the simplicity of Jennifer's hair and the bouquets at the end of each pew lining the aisle. Everything looks so bright and sunny (the all-white church helps with this for sure!)



The "real" wedding takes place at the end of the film in the estate, and although it doesn't need much decor to make it grand, throughout the building they draped silk and exagerated flowing bouquets (think stair cases, fireplaces, centre pieces, doorways). For the reception, the classic gold chivari chairs were placed at round tables in neautral linens. Decor throughout was always in neutral shades, but very elegant and rich. A gorgeous wedding location doesn't need many add-ons, which is a bonus! The bridesmaids gowns are nice and flowy with very flattering twisted detail at the neckline. The deep red colour is perfect for winter or fall weddings.



One scene that will have you panicking and laughing is the classic cake-topple! What a gorgeous wedding cake - four tiers of neutral fondant, dotted with tiny flowers and draped with fondant ribbons. When Matthew's character knocks one of the pillars down with a flying cork, he attempts to balance it with one hand...emminent disaster! I loved Lacey Chabert's character's reaction - she looses it and actually calls Matthew a "bitch!!!" LOL!

All in all, a fun movie with inspiring ideas and lots of laughs!

In Chocolate Heaven!

Alright readers, I was just visiting with my friend Sue of Crazy 4 Chocolate and she sent me home with a little three-pack of chocolate truffles featuring one of her new organic creations. Here's it's description on-line: "Dark organic chocolate surrounds this creamy organic dark chocolate ganache. Finished with a light dusting of organic cocoa powder." Yup...AMAZING! I can't think of a better way to Thank your guests for attending any event you happen to be planning. She has packages to suit any budget and, of course, will do small boxes for gifts at any time of year. Visit her website here for more information (tell her I sent you) while I get back to my glass of red wine and final truffle - Cheers!

Ahhh...the Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle has me drooling on my keyboard!

For the boys! Sue creates truffles fit to be paired with your favourite drink (think: Guiness beer and Jamieson whiskey)

Tulle Time!

Weddingbells online lists it's must-have gowns for 2011 and guess what - they're full of TULLE! I'm sharing the above gown because it reminds me of the classic Barbie Doll cakes from Loblaws!!! The gown is Platinum by Priscilla of Boston (Fall 2011 Collection).

Click here for the full list of dresses.
Click here for the recipe and directions to make the Barbie Doll cake! (LOL!)

Always inspiring...

Yes, it's true...I may have a small obsession with the Princess-to-be, Kate Middleton! She just looks like a regular, nice girl - with style to boot. Her own personal obsession with London clothing designer ISSA is no secret (as she's seen wearing a different dress of theirs daily), but thanks to People.com today, I was able to find similar styles that I thought would make great bridesmaids gowns.



This first gown may be on the riskier side, due to the lower neckline, but in my opinion, remains more elegant than riské - a little cleavage can go a long way!!! The similar dress is from the Dessy Collection line and retails for $210 (USD), although I'm sure with a little surfing online, you can find it for even cheaper. It is also available in over sixty colours and even allows you to mix and match the sash colour (fun!). Find it here.




I just love the fabric of these dresses she adores - they look so comfortable (LOL!) I am a fan of halter style dresses. I think they show off shoulders beautifully like a strapless, but are a great option for those who worry about pulling up at their gown all night. Although the pink gown is not a true halter style, it criss-crosses in the back. I love how it draws the eyes in and really slims the figure. It is an After Six design and retails for about $198 (USD) - find it here.