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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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!

Cherish your girls!

I just came home from a fantastic week in Toronto and Hamilton with two of my closest girlfriends and am feeling reflective (and a little sad to be back to reality)! Maybe more so since I had to rush home for a funeral...but I am remembering the summer of my wedding and how every time I got together with my girls, I put them to work! It's so important, you bride-to-bes out there, to spend quality time with your girls and separate it from YOUR event. Make a date all about the two of you (or three or four of you) watching cheesy movies, mixing fun drinks or practicing your best American Idol karaoke. Just be sure that your ladies know how much you appreciate them, and not just because they tie great bows and have perfect handwriting!!!

Love to my favourite girls today - xoxo

The bachelorettes are out!

Bachelorette season is in full swing in the city - you can find the blushing "bride-to-be"s sporting their tiaras and veils and naughty paraphernalia! Last night I attended just such an event and we really had the time of our lives (even for a Wednesday night!) We started out as a large group of about 18 women with delicious cuisine in a private room at Social Restaurant on Sussex. Always thinking of events, I thought that this room would be a fantastic place to host a rehearsal dinner or small bridal or baby shower. The room has beautiful stone walls and a large picture window facing the courtyard.

After dinner and a few drinks, we made our way to the Heart and Crown for a few more and finally to Patty Bolands for some dancing. (Note to the party planners: Wednesday nights are happening at Patty Bolands - just don't take your shoes off on the dance floor...it's apparently not encouraged!!!)

I also wanted to share with you a fantastic bachelorette party website for all the party supplies and naughty items you need to pull off such a good time. Visit: Planet Bachelorette - it's Canadian and your orders ship super fast. If you happen to live in or visit Montreal, you can even pick up your items directly! I recommend the straws, sashes, shot glasses and dare games to guarantee a memorable night for all.

Happy Planning!