First, let’s take a look at some gorgeous bridal clutches. For brides who would like to infuse a little vintage and very personal touch, if you send {AO3} a piece of fabric or anything similar, they can create a custom clutch – the {Something Old to Something New} Bridal Clutch. Below, see a before and after where {AO3} Designs crafted a custom piece from the sleeve from a vintage family wedding dress.

Something Old

Something New - Front View

Something New - Back

Cool concept right? Ah, and just so pretty!

A few other classic bridal options…

And of course, we can’t forget about those beloved bridesmaids. There are quite literally hundreds of color combinations to choose from for your ladies. There are beautiful collections and patterns, many of which can be accented with a ribbon or fabric of your choice to compliment your colors. You can choose different patterns all with the same accent, or flip it around. Imagine the possibilities!

A quick look at the options for accent colors -

And if you would like to add a little something extra, for just a bit more you can include a monogram inside each bag – initials, wedding date? hmm….

And here is just a selection of a few other clutches I love. But trust me, there are waaay to many pretty pieces to even scratch the surface.

Oh goodness, this pretty little number has a hand strap on the back to make it easier and more comfortable to carry. Which in my mind translates to: with a little bit of practice, I should be able to carry my bag and my drink in one hand

Ohhh I love wristlets, I will definitely be rockin’ these come springtime! Who needs a wedding or special occasion to wear a cute bag? Seriously?

As an extra special bonus {AO3} Designs will be offering Always a Blogsmaid readers a 10% discount on any orders placed before January 15th 2010. To take advantage of this offer, simply contact Angela at info@ao3designs.com and let her know that you found her at the Blogsmaid!

xHappy Holidaysx,

Salome

The A: This was actually sent to me last night via twitter!  Let’s just say that shopping for a wedding gown can be a traumatic experience sometimes, as a) you feel like it needs to be perfect and b) the sample sizes probably fit my thigh… that might be an exaggeration, but you get my point.  You are sometimes left trying to imagine how something would look, or being shoved into something too small and it’s challenging to see how it would sit on you if it were actually the proper size.

In general, here are some tips to keep you focused and happy and not get too deep into the body image doldrums.

1) Try to try on any larger sample gowns that are on sale first, even if they aren’t exactly the dress that you would like.  I say this just because this will prevent you from sinking into that mental slip of “how can I tell how this looks?” and it also may give you some insight into how certain cuts of gowns might look on you should you encounter a sample that might be too small to see exactly how it fits.

2) Don’t get stuck on “what you think would look good on you”. Try on what you think you would like, but also be open to trying on some different styles.  Sometimes it isn’t as much about what you see that you like as it is about what you see that you LOVE on you.  My one regret is that I never tried on any dresses that were a bit more fitted. I generally like fun, flirty 50’s like looks, but I always wondered if a mermaid or something like that might have been more or equally flattering.  Sometimes the dress isn’t exactly what you think it might be.

3) Don’t let you consultant tell you “what is the right dress for you”.  They are experienced experts, but be sure that they let you see what you want to see as well.  This is part exploration.

4) Remember that some dresses just aren’t meant to work for you, and it doesn’t mean that you look less than beautiful or that the right dress isn’t out there. Get it on and if it isn’t right, GET IT OFF!! The longer you linger in a bad dress, the harder it is to keep yourself open to the right one… sort of like dwelling on a breakup, actually…. So weird.

5) If you don’t like the way you look or feel in a dress… don’t feel the need to showcase it to other people. Sometimes having your friends and family stand around and tell you how wrong something looks when you already know that… well it doesn’t do much to bolster self esteem!

Happy Shopping! If it isn’t out there today, don’t fret! Call around and see who carries samples that are larger than a bridal size 6 (which is what most samples are) and make appointments. If those dresses are out of your budget, find out when that store is having a sample sale or a trunk show.   Remember, the dress is out there and you are going to look amazing in it.

And, to make this cute as pie thing EVEN sweeter, they double as GIFT TAGS!  Which was perfect, because it reminded me that I need to a) wrap the gifts I got for my cousins kids and b) I never remember to buy tags period, so this makes it look like I upgraded.  That said, I always have the BEST RIBBON on my presents, and I’d like to think that that makes up for something.

I don’t typically share forwards and things like that, but my former client Tiffany sent me this email yesterday that tickled my funny bone and I thought it might entertain you.  Here are her Holiday Eating Tips.

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet
table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see
carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum
balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare. You can’t
find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it
has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn
into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3 . If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of
gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of
your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or
whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports
car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control
your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat
other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New
Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.
This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the
buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of
eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position
yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before
becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of
shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if
you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have
three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost.. I mean, have
some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party
or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read
tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember
this motto to live by:

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, Glass of wine in the other,
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”

The Westin hotel opened earlier this year and has been quietly making waves ever since. The moment I walked in I knew I would love it. The decor was modern, clean and swathed in warm and rich earth tones. The lobby -  expansive and gorgeous. This is such a hidden treasure and the proximity to Manhattan is a huge plus. (oh, and so is the 1.2 million square foot Newport Centre Mall next door)

The Half Moon Lobby Lounge & Restaurant features floor to ceiling light shafts that can be programmed to emit different colors and can even be timed to change colors in a sequence. Just another cool way to brand your event, this could look so chic in your wedding colors… And what a great spot for cocktails or a hospitality area for your guests to hang and socialize between ceremony and reception!

The main ballroom is big and beautiful. I love that it is so simple and tastefully decorated, and the Westin is incredibly flexible. You can leave the room as is and bring in flowers and other personal touches to adopt the space, or you can go all out with rentals – pipe and drape, uplighting…the sky is the limit.

A preview of some of the Westin’s tastefully decorated suites and traditional rooms.  There are configurations with adjoining rooms and suites that make it super easy for big bridal parties to spread out for their pre-wedding pampering and prep… Moms and maids hair and make-up sessions? Lovely ladies playing dress up? After party?

Check, check and triple check!

These beds are so incredibly comfy and cozy, they almost had to pry me off of them! And that was just the walk through, imagine if I was able to squeeze in a nap on this bad boy!

And of course – the after, after party…

xx,

Salome

For the couple seeking a TRUE loft space, with the feeling of chic but industrial New York, Ten Ton is a hidden jem.  Six years ago, when we started our business there were tons of cool, unsuspecting loft spaces and studios in DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, and Chelsea, but as areas were re-zoned and buildings renovated, so many of them lost their leases or weren’t able to host weddings anymore.  Ten Ton reminds me of some of these cooler, funky spaces.  You enter through the Navy Yard gates and, while it is a bit of a drive, when you get to the 8th floor of their building you will find yourself on one of the coolest roof decks with a view that is perfect for an outdoor ceremony or a cocktail reception.   Inside, the photo studio is a blank slate for the couple looking to express themselves, or razzle dazzle with lighting and projection and color.   Here are some pics.  And the price- VERY reasonable!  I’d say 80-100 guests for seated dinner is about all I’d do here.

Brought to you by Katie Martin the owner of Elegance and Simplicity Events is the creator and editor and she has done an outstanding job!  This is a very exciting magazine!  Oh, and…. you might recognize one of their featured planners…. Rebekah and Manuel’s wedding that we designed this summer (with photos by Roey Yohai and flowers and Fleurs) is prominently featured.

I definitely encourage you to check out this amazing magazine!

Okay I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for marital memorabilia – and for the holidays. So you can imagine my excitement when I began the hunt for a cute “First Christmas” ornament. Guess I just can’t seem to shake this wedding thing, no complaints here!

While I did encounter a few great options at my usual personalized gift haunts Red Envelope & Things Remembered – in the end I decided to go with something fun and different, and that is why I chose Calliope Designs. As a first time visitor, I was so excited to see the HUGE variety of holiday and celebratory ornaments, all of which can be personalized. What’s even cooler, is that they are all handmade from dough! Not only did I purchased two “Just Married/Our First Christmas As Mr. & Mrs.” ornaments for myself, but I also picked up a “We’re Engaged” ornament for my BF who will tie the knot in May. Funnily enough, one of my other closest friends just got engaged last week, and part of the surprise proposal was a “Will You Marry Me” Christmas ornament. Yep, they have those too…So cute!

The folks over at Calliope Designs are extremely easy to work with, very flexible and accommodating – you can select one of their pre-designed ornaments with your choice of text, or customize your own. Since all of the ornaments are hand-crafted, the sky is pretty much the limit! A great idea for yourself or a friend/loved one to mark a special occasion or milestone. They are SUPER affordable and my items arrived within a few days of placing the order.

Here are a few faves that made me smile, but make sure you swing by the site to check out their massive selection!

BTW, anyone have a great holiday proposal story? I’d love to hear about it!

xx,

Salome

Let’s face facts Brides, sometimes being a bridesmaid is a thankless task.  They have a lot of grunt work to do (stuffing envelopes), a lot of prepping (shower planning) and a LOT of expense (travel, dress, shoes, lodging, and more).  All for the privilege of wearing a dress that they over-payed for.   I mean no one wants to see their girlfriends blow a bundle on dresses they can’t re-wear or that they won’t look stylish and lovely in. Wouldn’t you love it if you could GIFT the girls you love with gorgeous dresses?

Well, now you can because we are teaming up with 57 Grand for a fabulous Bridesmaid Dress Giveaway!  You can enter to win THREE (3) FREE Bridesmaids dresses of your choice from the 57 Grand Collection!  Imagine if you win:  Then, not only would you be a beautiful bride surrounded by gorgeously chic bridesmaids, BUT you would also get points for being a heroine protecting their fashion sense and dollars!

57 Grand offers a collection of beautiful, modern dresses meant to be re-worn and reasonable ($200 or less) and sold on an VERY easy to use website.  And, like me, these dresses are native New Yorkers- the collection is designed and manufactured here in NYC and each dress is named and inspired by a New York City street.  And trust me, they have NYC Attitude… in a GOOD WAY!  With over 4o colors and fabrics you and the girls will have a variety to pick from.

So how can you go about winning this FABULOUS prize??? You are going to help us show just how Re-Wearable 57 Grand dresses are by creating an inspired, fashion infused Bridesmaids Dress Re-Wear Inspiration Board.  Take the 57 Grand Dress of your choice, pair it with shoes, bag and accessories of your choice to create a NEW, non-wedding look for the dress.   We will be taking our top 10 Re-Wear boards and posting them here on Always a Blogsmaid.  The top Re-Wear boards will be featured on the 57 Grand website in their “Re-Wear” Section and the creator of the absolute favorite will not only be a part of the 57 Grand Site, but will also be able to select their favorite dress (in any size or color) for 3 of  their bridesmaids.

For full details on how to enter as well as an ENTIRE gallery of ALL of the 57 Grand dresses that you can possibly use, please visit www.alwaysablogsmaid.com/57Grand . We want your most inspired creations, so we are going to give you a while to work on this!  We are closing the contest on January 29th, 2010 and we will begin to post the best boards on February 1.

So watch some Project Runway, bust out the new Vogue and take some time while you are on your holiday vacation to get your style inspiration on! I can’t wait to see some great boards AND most of all to make some happy bridesmaids out there!

If you aren’t familiar, Lela New York is a luxury invitations and stationery studio specializing in creating one-of-a-kind works of art for the very discerning bride.  There is no detail that they won’t think about and no embellishment too unique for Lela New York’s invitations.   From hand-drawn illustrations and water color paintings to silk box invitations, these are stunning creations.

I personally, gravitate towards the most expensive thing in every store, restaurant or website that I interact with, however Lela’s off-set print designs begin at very attainable prices for such couture look and feel.   This is my personal favorite…. I am desperate to touch this invitation!