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.

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.

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.

Your supporting cast is important too!

Thank goodness for time-shifting...I occasionally get to catch an episode of Oprah and yesterday's was a lot of fun thanks to guest Carson Kressley. He's so funny - he gave viewers an inside peek at the "Running of the Brides," an annual event that travels around the United States that has brides and their supportive friends camping over night to line up for a huge (and I mean HUGE) sale on designer wedding gowns. Some dresses are worth over $5,000 being sold at this sale for under $500. Amazing! Check out the video and story here.

If you're up for the drive, you can check out the sale yourself in New York City on February 18th, 2011.

So after that viewing, Oprah and Carson talked bridesmaids dresses. He said, "The bride is the star, but she needs a good supporting cast!" I loved this - so true. And now I can brag that the dress he chose to have modeled on the show was the exact J Crew dress I blogged about in September (which Ottawa bride Lesley had her bridemais wear in her wedding at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata). On Oprah, he paired the grey J Crew dress with a nude Aldo pump and it looked awesome!!! Lesley's bridesmaids can actually wear those little dresses again around the holidays - how thoughtful of the bride!

Wednesday Fun

For fun today, head to People online to check out what designers have in mind for a Royal Wedding Gown for Kate Middleton. My fave is pictured above by Monique Lhuillier. The style reminds me of the dress she is wearing at her public engagement announcement...and she looked smashing, wouldn't you say? The link is then followed by tons of pics of Kate with all her fab hats and dresses!!! We need more Ottawa events to which we could wear such fun ensembles! (Or maybe I just need the invitation!)

Check it all out here and enjoy.

Yea or Nay?

Ok readers - I need to know: who out there has tried spray tanning? I know we have many options as to where to get it done here in Ottawa, but the idea just makes me so nervous...and I can't help thinking of Ross from that Friend's episode in the spray booth (that would be me!) I am thinking of trying it out before heading South at Christmas, but really don't know anyone who's tried it before. It seems very reasonably priced (between $25-40 for full body) but makes me nervous. Has anyone had this done for their wedding? If so, how long did it last and did it melt/leak at all onto clothing? The website are very convincing (as they should be) but I need real feedback...

Thanks!

I know...again!

O.K., I swear I do not have shares in Marchesa - but honestly...how amazing is this dress. Can't you just picture wearing it to your rehearsal and dinner? I think I was supposed to be born into royalty...

I have to say, though, it is nice to see a celebrity wearing shoes that you and I can afford. Lauren Conrad sure wears a lot of Aldo footwear!

Enjoy!

Pedicures (and more) that come to you!

I am a firm believer in letting professionals handle your feet. Sure anyone can paint a toenail, but not everyone can make their own feet look and feel the way they do after a professional job...so I do indulge in monthly pedicures and encourage you to do the same, especially leading up to your big event. Whether it's a shower, bachelorette or birthday party or your wedding day, you will want to have soft soles and pretty toes peeking out of your shoes!

Today, instead of heading to the spa, I was given the number of an experienced nail technician and esthetician who had recently gone into business on her own and travels to your home/location. Fortunately, she was able to squeeze me in at the last minute and set herself up right in my living room (so that I could sit in my comfy chair!) She was fantastic - a definite type "A" like me, she worked thoroughly to leave my legs and feet feeling like silk and my bright pink toes ready for my trip to NYC this weekend! She was fun to talk to and even convinced me to go from my regular safe route of OPI's "It's all Greek to me" pinky/red shade to a neon "Flower-to-flower" type colour. (P.S. Neon really brings out whatever little tan you might have on your feet!)

I was thinking of all your moms and brides-to-be out there while being pampered in my chair - why make the trip to the nail salon when you can have the relaxing experience in the comfort of your home?

Here is her information - but be sure to book ahead...she's popular and you'll find out why!

Erin Downie (Nail technician, Esthetician)
Ottawa, Ontario
ejd3131@hotmail.com (email her for her phone number please)
Gel nails, gel pedicure, pedicure, manicure, waxing

Visit The Knot for more tips on bridal pedicures.

Bridal Beauty Tips

Browsing People Magazine's online photos section is a little secret breakfast routine of mine, however, today they posted in their Style section some Bridal Beauty Tips I thought you might like. Everything from hair to skin to lips is there with pictures of celebrities wearing inspiring hairdos, perfect for any special event. I love Camille Belle's loose, elegant side bun and the way her hair is swept across her forehead to mimic bangs. Click here for the link.