WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

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TUESDAY SHOESDAY

70's-inspired platforms are back big time for Fall, and these suede stunners by Rachel Zoe are fierce! They sport a 6" wedge heel and a 2" platform. I think I'd break my neck if I attempted to do anything but sit pretty in these, but a girl can dream.

 Image found via Piperlime

MONDAY'S MAKEUP TIP - KEEP FOUNDATION ON ALL DAY

Another great tip from Elke Von Freudenberg for all you brave DIY (makeup) brides out there. If you missed last Monday's tip, check it out here.

To keep foundation and concealer on all day, take a Kleenex folded into squares, and lightly press into the foundation before you've powdered. This removes excess oils from the foundation and leaves pure pigment on the skin. If you find this removes too much foundation, then apply a little more than you think you need, and then press. You'll find that foundation stays on hours longer.

 Image found via ynattitude.com

FRIDAY'S FROM ROOM TO WEDDING

I'm back with another installment of "Friday's From Room to Wedding", and I want to thank all of you for your kind words on last weeks' piece - I'm so glad that it's bringing inspiration to you and I hope you like this one just as much.

I love Adore Home Magazine, and the second I spotted this room, I started picturing a beautiful, bright and romantic wedding.

 Image found via Adore Home Magazine

Check it out - I chose a very romantic lace dress with champagne sash by Monique Lhuillier that I thought fit perfectly with the overall mood of the room. The magenta and white centerpieces took their cue from the flowers on the coffee table, and the red toile favor pouches were inspired by the traditional throw pillows. 

Images found via: Adore Home Magazine, Tiger Tem, The Knot, The Knot, The Knot, Weddinginspiration.com, The Knot, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Save on Crafts, Jenny Yoo

The bridesmaids will, of course, wear red - straight from one of my favorite designers, Jenny Yoo, and the blue shoes act as that pop of color (like the blue statues on the fireplace mantle) and do double duty as the bride's something blue. The framed heart picture will be used for guests to sign, and can later be hung with the rest of the couple's art collection on the wall and above the mantle. The white birdcage (similar to the one peaking out of the bottom right corner of the room picture) will house cards and well wishes from guests, while the basketweave cake mirrors the texture in the round coffee table. 

Happy Friday, friends!

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

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TUESDAY SHOESDAY

This breezy New York weather has me dreaming of fall, and although I'm sad to say goodbye to summer, these gorgeous booties may be the ultimate cure. The camel suede is the perfect neutral, and the red leather toe adds such a fun, unexpected twist.

Image found via Shopbop

MONDAY'S MAKEUP TIP - USE THE RIGHT SHADE OF CONCEALER

Check out Elke Von Freudenberg's makeup tip for today if you're thinking of applying your own makeup on your wedding day.  And if you missed last weeks' tip, you can see it here.

Using concealer is easier when you have the perfect shade. Don't go 1-2 shades lighter than your skin, as this actually makes the darkness appear more gray and muddy. Mix your concealer shade with a drop of your foundation and then apply. You want your skin tone to appear one even shade.

  

Image found via Spoiled Pretty

FRIDAY'S FROM ROOM TO WEDDING

I absolutely love the idea of finding your wedding inspiration right in your own home, and that's why I've started this series "From Room to Wedding" - I find a picture of a room that I love and then search for wedding details that fit into the overall look and feel. If you are struggling with color choices and all the other design details that go into your big day, take a look around you and get inspired by your favorite from in your house.

I found this room while browsing through Amanda Nisbet's design collections and I instantly fell in love. It's a little bit modern and a little bit traditional, and the color palette is relaxing and energizing all at the same time. Keep reading to see what a wedding inspired by this room could look like.

Image found via Amanda Nisbet Design

This tabletop design works so perfectly at mirroring the peach, white, and gold shades found in the room and the white vase gives a nod to the more modern white furniture, like the table and owl statue. The simple and neutral cake is made from Swiss meringue buttercream icing, and the groom's mustard and white striped tie complements the patterned drapes, while his taupe suit is almost a perfect match to the sofa, both in color and texture.

Images found via: The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Undish.blogspot.com, The Knot, Amanda Nisbet Design, The Knot, Perfect Outdoor Weddings, J. Crew, GD International, The Knot     

The clean lines of the bride's gown, especially the raised diagonal stripes (which are difficult to see in this image) remind me of the fireplace structure. The escort cards are simple ivory stock cards, but are attached to an old iron gate that picks up the two-tone coloring in the room's shelving and coffee tables. The teal shoes, fans, and bridesmaid dress add that pop of color, while the coral wrap takes its cue from the cashmere throw.

I hope you enjoy this series and that it inspires you to think of your wedding design in a whole new way. To check out my first 2 room/wedding designs, click here.

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

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TUESDAY SHOESDAY

I am in love with these - they are so simple, but the bright blue/purple patent leather and fancy steel heel make my heart go pitter patter. Thank you Marc Jacobs.

 Image found via Yoox.com

MONDAY'S MAKEUP TIP - HOW TO LIGHTEN UNDER EYE CIRCLES

Today's makeup tip from Elke Von Freudenberg is another great piece of advice if you are planning to be bride AND makeup artist all on the same day. Check out last weeks' tip here if you missed it.

Image found via Spoiled Pretty   

For under eye circles, the easiest way to lighten them is with an opposite color applied on top first. If your darkness is gray, lightly brush a soft pink eye shadow on clean skin first, and then apply your foundation. If the darkness is more blue, try a matte light peach shadow. You'll find yourself using much less concealer and foundation.

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

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TUESDAY SHOESDAY

In honor of the Alexander McQueen exhibition that just ended this past weekend at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, I couldn't help but feature these black and white stunners by the fashion genius himself. The show "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" attracted 661,409 visitors in 3 months!

 

Image found via Kristopher Dukes

MONDAY'S MAKEUP TIP - MAKE SURE FOUNDATION IS A PERFECT MATCH

Today's makeup tip from Elke Von Freudenberg is incredibly important for all of you brave souls who plan on doing your own makeup on your wedding day - it's also helpful for everyday makeup wear. Check out last weeks' tip here if you missed it.

 

Make sure your foundation is an absolute perfect match. Color blend along the side of the jaw and blend in 2-3 strokes. Is it gone? It should be. If not, or you find yourself blending forever, you have the wrong shade. It's not that it blends in, but how fast. I can make any shade blend in if I blended it long enough.

Image found via becomegorgeous.com

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

Image found via Etsy

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

I'm feeling under the weather today, but these cotton striped heels, available at Anthropologie, make me feel a little bit better - the gold bow, which is so not a typical bow, helps the nautical feel from going overboard and the chunky heel is perfect for strolling the boardwalk.

 Image found via Anthropologie

MONDAY'S MAKEUP TIP - SCHEDULE A TRIAL RUN

Today's makeup tip from Elke Von Freudenberg is another crucial step if you're hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day. Check out last weeks' tip here if you missed it.

To save some wear and tear on your nerves on that big day, by all means, schedule a consultation, or even better, a complete makeup application before the big day with your makeup artist. Plan it for the rehearsal dinner, or a special evening out alone with your groom, or a get together with all the bridesmaids. Don't overlook this very important step because this way you can see if you like your makeup artist's style. 

 Images found via Elke Von Freudenberg

Things to bring to your consultation appointment: 

*Tear sheets from magazines, of makeup you like and don't like.

*A picture of your wedding dress (a Polaroid will do). This gives me a great idea of the style of the dress and the wedding. Is it romantic? Dramatic? Elegant? This gives me an idea of your style. 

*The shade of lipstick that you'd like to wear. If I don't have it, using yours is no problem. This is also a great test to see how long your lipstick will last during the evening.

*Your favorite waterproof mascara. I highly recommend using your tried and true mascara, and yes, waterproof. You just might be shedding tears of joy. If it's your brand, I don't have to worry about watery eyes, redness, allergies, etc. 

Remember, your makeup run-through is the time to play, try different ideas, colors, etc. Don't be afraid to say you don't like something. Makeup is easy to take off and reapply. Once you have your look down, make sure the makeup artist writes everything out, and notes makeup items you may not have that you'll be needing for that day. And don't forget, if your makeup rehearsal is set for a romantic dinner with your groom, have the makeup artist change the lipstick or eye makeup a little so your groom can't tell you are wearing the same thing for your wedding day. We wouldn't want him seeing the same look twice.