The GayWeddingGear.com Blog

May 30, 2009

Wedding day make up tips and hints

Filed under: bride — Tags: , — rollerbladerdc @ 7:31 pm

One thing that is absolutely unacceptable is bad makeup on your wedding day.  There is absolutely no exccuse to have any mess ups or mistakes and you should also have it pre decided ahead of time.  Anyways, instead of just saying that there is no reason to have a sloppy face or any errors, I want to help you prepare yourself ahead of time with some advice so that when your big day comes, you will be ready to not only get married, but to do it with the perfect face.

Mistake number 1.  Don’t ever assume you know it all with how to do your face.  I always recommend you hire a professional make up artist to do your face.  Now, if you cannot afford one on your big day, that doesn’t mean you can go into a Nordstroms or a Macy’s or Neimans and sit at a Mac Makeup counter and ask for advice on how to do your eyes, your lips, what colors would be best, etc…  Not only will they show you the perfect colors to go with your skin, but they can match it to your outfit so you have the perfect blends, and they can also teach you (for free) how to do your face like a professional.  Now, if you cannot afford MAC makeup, don’t worry, you can use a less expensive brand and still get fabulous results.  The important thing to remember is to practice putting your wedding face on and to take hints and tips from others or let them show you how they could do you face to.  If you practice over and over before your wedding, you will be in good shape to get your face on fast and correctly on a day where time is not your friend.

Mistake number 2.  Most brides use their typical or regular mascara on their wedding day.  If you do this, please, please, please make sure it is waterproof.  Now I am not worried about rain melting it, it is your wedding that I am concerned with.  Weddings are full of emotion and when you pack a room full of people whose emotions are going crazy, it is not unlikely that you may start to cry a bit from happiness or nerves.  The crying is why you need to make sure your mascara is 100% waterproof.  Or you could try using a high quality mascara or natural brush like Li Lash.

Mistake number 3.  Only one face.  Your face needs to change to match the time of day and the season you are getting married in.  Your wedding day and night are special and your make up look doesn’t have to match your normal day face, it should be special too.  It should also match the season you are getting married in.  Use a bit more full colors if you are in the fall, use light and natural for summer, winter weddings shouldn’t be afraid to outline things and spring weddings can be light and fresh.  Now, what most people don’t think of on their wedding day is to prepare two faces as well.  In the day your features will stand out and look fabulous in natural light and less make up is more during the day.  You don’t want to be covered up like a whore, you want enough on to highlight your best features without showing that you are wearing too much.   Nighttime and receptions that are in dark or low light areas are a completely different thing.  For these and night time receptions you can add in more makeup, use a darker eyeliner and really help your face stand out.  This is the time where make up makes your pictures worth while or worthless.  A few weeks before your wedding, practice a day face and find a way to make it work for the night too while only adding a few touches.  Remember, most wedding purses and bags that will be available will only hold a couple small things so choose how to convert day to night wisely.

Mistake number 4.  Saving your expensive makeup for your big day (or perfumes as well).  Don’t save it for your wedding day.  You need to test it out at least 3 or more times before your big day to make sure you don’t have or develop an allergic reaction to the perfume or have an allergy to the makeup and dyes.  You need to find out how to make it work and blend on your face so that you can replicate it on your big day.  Not all make up goes on the same way so if you are saving your good stuff for your wedding and practicing with your cheap, you may be in for a shock on your big day.  Even if you don’t want to waste it, at least give it a practice run or two to make sure you don’t have an allergy and you can work with the brand.  Not to mention a rash is not a pretty thing for your partner to look at as you are tying the knot.

Wedding day makeup mistake number 5.  Not using something to hold your eye shadow and foundation in place.  Something I learned from a Drag Queen years ago is a trick that keeps their faces on straight in hot and sweaty clubs, under spotlights and while performing and dancing all night long in clubs and on catwalks.  It is to buy an aerosol hairspray that is cheap like aquanet or rave and use it as a fixative.  You need to close your eyes and hold it an arms length away, then you take it and spray your face down.  It holds your foundation in place, your eye shadow and everything so that even when you are dancing at your party, your face isn’t melting and your skin tone stays flawless.

Anyways, there are many more tips for makeup and make up preparation for your wedding day that I have to share, but I am ready for lunch so keep coming back for more hints and tips and recommendations for your big day.

Wedding Favor Boxes – Perfect boxes and containers

Filed under: wedding favor, wedding supplies — Tags: , , — rollerbladerdc @ 3:06 am

So not all wedding favors come in packaging and not all packaging will allow you to include multiple favors so I’d like to share a few of my favorite wedding favor boxes and packages.  Some of these contain gifts and favors and some of them are packages so you have a choice of what you would like to fill the boxes with.  My personal favorite favors to give are something edible and something memorable or that lasts.  This way you can give your friends and family a sugar boost and a trinket that they can keep with them to remember your special day.  Anyways, here are a few of my favorite wedding favorite boxes.

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  wedding cake favor boxes – $ 0.80
Our high quality, ivory colored cake boxes are imported from Italy. An embossed honey comb design adds texture and style. Each is wedge-shaped like a slice of cake. Measures 3″L, 2″H and 0.75″ to 1.75″ from one end to the other.

 

 

 

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  treasure chest favor boxes – cream – $ 0.65
Shaped like a treasure chest, these enchanting cream colored favor boxes are a perfect fit for a fairytale wedding. Fill them with small favors from trinkets to treats. Each box measures 2.75″ x 2″ x 1.75″. Available also in pink, gold, blue and chocolate brown.
 

 

 

favor cones - gold

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 favor cones – gold – $ 0.60
Fill these gorgeous favor cones with our eco-confetti or flower petals for guests to shower the bride and groom. They can even be filled with candy or lavender buds to give as wedding favors or bridal shower favors.

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  pillow favor boxes – blue – $ 0.60


Create your own unique favors with our aqua blue pillow favor boxes. Imported from Italy, they emit style and sophistication. Fill them with candy or a small trinket and wrap with ribbon for a party favor your guests will think you spent hours on.  I love the color as well, kind of like a darker tiffany’s styled package.
 
 

 

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  small ivory rectangular favor box – $ 0.60
This small ivory rectangular favor box is both elegant and practical. Imported from Italy and embossed inside and out with a floral pattern, this box measures 2 3/4″x 1 3/4″ x 1 3/8″ H.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  white clear top tins - $ 0.85
Our clear top favor tins are the perfect way to show off any sweet treat. Fill them with jordan almonds or your favorite candy for a tasty party favor everyone will enjoy. Ideal for wedding favors, bridal shower favors or birthday party favors.

 

 

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 favor bag with handle – white quilted – $ 0.50


Package up tiny sweets, jordan almonds or after dinner mints in these charming embossed favor bags with handles. The elegant favor bags are imported from Italy and come in ivory floral, pink, blue, brown, and gold. Measures 2.5″W x 1.5″D x 3″H.

May 29, 2009

Women’s Wedding Suits – Suits for women and weddings

Filed under: clothing and Lingerie — Tags: , , — rollerbladerdc @ 2:17 am

Sooo…it’s not just the lesbians wearing suits at weddings anymore. A recent trend shows that many women are starting to choose nice suits to wear during their wedding and many women who are attending weddings are choosing to wear a suit now instead as well.

Now, I am all about a women in a suit in the workplace and at a wedding, however I still like the traditional women in a dress for her own wedding when she is a bride (Lesbians excluded,,,they can seriously work a tux) and with that said, I also think it is rude for other women to wear white suits to a wedding if the bride is doing a white suit, however I think that is mainly because I just think that wedding dresses are some of the most gorgeous clothes in the world and wish everyone could experience having the gown of their dreams. Then again, not everyone is me so if you are all about wearing a suit instead of a dress as the bride in your wedding, I wanted to share a few designs and hats to go with the wedding suit to help make your big day plans a bit easier. You can also click the links to go to the stores and buy your suit online. Don’t be scared, you can always have things hemmed and worked on when you get it. In reality, you would need to do that anyways so why not order online and then have the alterations you already need done done. =0).

Embellished Women's Wedding Suits, First Sunday Suit (4740)

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This is the Luxurious Women’s Suit designed and created by Donna Vinci Couture Description. You will be a vision in white for your summer wedding, when you step out in this beautiful 2pc. set. Both the jacket and the skirt flounce are embellished with an embroidered lattice work pattern. The embroidery is then enhanced by garlands of embroidered floral appliqués. I also love the hat.  I can’t get over how fabulously early to mid 1900’s fabulous it is.  It reminds me of the hats from Hello Dolly starring the fabulous Barbara Streisand.  This set is very richly embellished. The button front jacket is 25 ½” long. The skirt is 34”. Fabric: Linen Fabric Linen suits and dresses are made of a blend of strong, durable, and functional fibers. Linen is a natural fiber that resists deterioration and sunlight. This fabric feels cool and comfortable in hot weather, dries quickly and does not lint. Ramie is also a natural fiber that is similar to linen. It is a lustrous fabric, extremely absorbent, and resistant to heat. Ramie is twice as strong as linen and when it is blended with linen it increases in flexibility. You Receive: 2 PC. Set. Jacket, and Matching Skirt.  Buy this suit here!

Embellished Women’s Wedding Suits (2533)

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This Women’s Suit by DVC Exclusive  is an Intricately detailed 3pc set that features a camisole and cuffs with couture-inspired satin strapping in an intricate lattice work design. IT just flat out screams Diva, Glamorous, Glam Rock, I’m in charge B*tch.  I love this (especially the top hat) more than anything else….well except one of the other suits I am recommending here.  The delicate mesh overlay on the satin jacket collar and waist adds a silvery accent to this fabulously flashy womens suit. The beautiful camisole also has bra-friendly 1” straps and a gorgeous, rhinestone ornament. The matching slim skirt is an up-dated 28” length. You Receive: 3 PC. Set. Jacket, Camisole, and a Matching Skirt…(It sucks the hat doesn’t come with it, but honey it is not hard to find one just like the one in the pic.)  Buy this suit set here!

 

Informal Women's Wedding Dress, Summer Dress (4733)

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Ok, so black isn’t traditional, but hey neither is a woman in a suit for a wedding and you know what, I am not complaining.  I love this sporty little number and think that it is the perfect outfit for a woman to wear to a wedding.  Here’s the description from the store you can buy this at. 

Luxurious Women’s Suit by Donna Vinci Couture Description Perky 2pc. Ramie linen set is accented with ivory embroidery and beadwork. The blouse is 24” in length and comes with a removable tie belt. The pants are cropped length with an inseam of approx.22” Side slits are also accented by beads and embroidery. Fabric: Linen Fabric Linen suits and dresses are made of a blend of strong, durable, and functional fibers. Linen is a natural fiber that resists deterioration and sunlight. This fabric feels cool and comfortable in hot weather, dries quickly and does not lint. Ramie is also a natural fiber that is similar to linen. It is a lustrous fabric, extremely absorbent, and resistant to heat. Ramie is twice as strong as linen and when it is blended with linen it increases in flexibility. You Receive: 2 PC. Set. Jacket, and Matching Pants.  Click here to buy this suit. 

Women's Wedding And Evening Wear Suit (2535)

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Ok, you wanted my favorite wedding suit for a woman,,,,,,this is it.  I love this white woman’s wedding suit and think it is perfect in every way.  You can do a silk shirt below the jacket, show off a great necklace, accessorize with hats and bags and look absolutely amazing for your big day.   If you choose to get married in a suit and you are a woman or a man who wants a woman’s suit or a tranny; this is my favorite womans wedding suite and I love it for everyone.  Here is the store’s description. 

This Luxurious Women’s Suit by DVC Exclusive Description 3Pc set includes 25” jacket with couture-inspired details such as origami pleated collar and lots of back detail seaming. The jacket closes with hidden buttons topped by rhinestone and bead details. The camisole underneath has its own built-in bra. The slim skirt is 28” long. Fabric: Peach Skin Fabric Peach skin is a smooth finish applied to finely woven Micro Fiber fabric. This finish allows suits and dresses to flow with your movements and drape beautifully. Peach Skin fabric suits and dresses are ideal for any season and weather due to its light weight and texture. Peach skin is not too heavy nor too hot which makes it perfect for any season. The feel of this luxurious fabric is soft, smooth and moderately wrinkle-resistant. Wrinkles fall out by simply hanging the ensemble. Style Magazine says “once you wear a Peach Skin suit, you will never want to take it off.” You Receive: 3 PC. Set. Jacket, Camisole, and Matching Skirt.  Buy my favorite white womens wedding suite here.  

May 27, 2009

Flower girl flower baskets – Perfect Baskets for All Weddings

Filed under: bridal party, flower girl — Tags: , , — rollerbladerdc @ 2:12 am

So I realized, I haven’t posted anything or at least not that much for the flower girls.  So, in honor of the flower girl, I’d like my first post to be recommending some fabulous flower girl baskets to hold the flowers and petals. 

One thing I love about flower baskets is that there are soo many varities and soo many different designs.  Also, the flower girls almost always end up loving them and never wanting to let them go so you don’t have to worry about them forgetting it, dropping it or even just tossing it away somewhere.  My sister just got married a couple months ago and at her wedding, my niece was soo cute.  She loved her flower basket soo much that after she would throw the petals, she would then go pick them back up and put them right back into the flower petal basket again.  She also never set her flower basket down one time during the ceremony.  It just goes to show that perfect accessories are never out of style no matter what your age is. 

Anyways, I think some of the most important things to remember when selecting your flower girl basket are to:

1.  Match it to the ring bearer’s pillow.

2.  Make sure it matches your wedding theme.

3.  It shoudl compliment your dress.

4.  Be light enough for anyone of any age to be able to carry, yet have enough space to hold enough petals.

5.  Make sure the basket isn’t too big for the flower girl to carry. 

The following flower girl baskets are some of my favorites and if you look for my ring bearer pillows post or read through the blog for ocean and beach weddings or other themed weddings, you’ll see that many of these baskets will actually fit in perfectly to those themes or match the ring bearers pillows exactly to make your wedding planning even easier. 

If you like these baskets and enjoy them, you can click any of the links and be taken to where you can buy then and please also feel free to leave a comment if you also have any ideas or things to add.  =0).

Vintage Chiffon Flower Girl Basket
Ok, I seriously love this one for either a winter or summer wedding. It sooo looks like something that I would think Rachel Zoe would choose too. I mean seriously, it is gorgeous. The flower basket is made of crushed ivory chiffon and a golden beaded band (hell it even looks like a gorgeous vintage dress) give this piece a vintage feel. When paired with pastels (I disagree with this but the manufacturer and store feel that it is perfect for pastels…YUCK) the look is light and springlike while deep reds, blues and browns bring out a beautiful richness. I personally like it matched with silvers and golds for winters and summers. The basket measures 7″ tall including the handle.
Buy Now

Champagne Wishes Basket
Here’s the golden touch you need to complete your flower girl’s look, and it will look fantastic against her dress no matter what the color. The flared style of the basket is pretty and feminine and helps to show off the beautiful petals and colors in the basket. This basket really is a great way to display color contrasts, however since it does not look very deep, you may have issues with an outside wedding and wind. Made from champagne silk brocade with satin ribbon and a rhinestone brooch detail, the overall look is slightly shimmery. Each basket measures 9.5″ tall.
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Simply Satin Pearl Handle Flower Girl Basket
Can you say beaded pearl cluctch for flower girls. This is like the perfect basket for the flower girl who wants to have pearls like the bride, but cannot be trusted with a real pearl bag. This dainty flower girl basket is perfectly sized for little girls hands and its clean and fun design means it looks great paired with either simple or elaborate flower girl dresses, as well as a compliment to a heavily pearled brides gown or jewelry. Shown in white, this basket is also available in ivory so you choose the shade that best coordinates with the rest of your accessories. Measures 8.5″ tall including handle.
Buy Now

Midnight Basket
Talk about a statement, can you get any more stand out than a lack flower girl basket? This flower girl basket in distinctive black satin features a matte crepe satin bottom, a shiny satin handle with black satin ribbon bows and sparkling silver filigree buttons at each side. If you are using white petals, even purples, this basket is an amazing way to show off the colors and really bring out the beauty of the flower petals in the basket. Also, the filigree buttons have tiny rhinestone crystal centers. Each basket is handmade so it varies slightly in size, approximately 6″ in diameter and 7 3/4″ tall.
Buy Now

Silk and Brooch Basket
This is just gorgeous and is the perfect basket for the flower girl who wants to be a diva or just fabulous. It has everything a flower girl diva would want. Brooches, ribbons, bows and more…. This stunning flower girl basket with two perfectly tied bows each finished with a silver and crystal brooch. And, as with any couture fashion, you have a choice of colors. First, choose a white or ivory silk basket with or without a ruffle, then your choice of 18 colors for the bows. The brooches are removable to use another time.
Buy Now

Perfectly Chic Basket
You’ll recognize this color scheme and look from my ring bearer’s post. It is the compliment and sidekick for the perfectly chic pillow. This basket is pink and brown and is pretty much perfect for the stylish yet straight lined bridal party. This flower girl basket is crafted from a wide swath of dark brown crepe satin that is artfully pleated atop pretty light pink matte satin. The attached pearlized floral medallions on each side have cut outs that show the brown behind and feature pearl and sparkling rhinestone crystal accents. Handmade, so will vary slightly in size, approximately 5 3/4″ in diameter x 7 1/2″ tall. Petals shown are not included.
Buy Now

Seaside Allure Basket
I couldn’t finish this post without mentioning something to match the beach weddings posts I made either. Although I don’t recommend littering a beach, this basket is perfect for the flower girl at your beach wedding. The shape of this flower girl basket is reminiscent of a little sand pail. Yet all grown up. Finished with a touch of embroidery and a silver starfish the basket measures 5″ in diameter and 4″ tall, not including handle.
Buy Now

May 19, 2009

Mardis Gras Themed Tuxedos – Tacky Yet Fun and Available Online

Filed under: Groom and Groomsman — Tags: , , , — rollerbladerdc @ 4:00 am

Sooo….anyways, Mardi Gras has a huge place in my heart, and although I am opposed to the tacky, I do think that if you are in New Orleans and you love or met at Mardi Gras, this is one time to bend the rules if you want.  Here are some of my favorite tuxedo accessories that are all Mardi Gras themed for your wedding and can easily turn your conservative big day into a shake it like your mother made it, bead throwing, hurricane drinking good time.  I am also going to use the manufacturers descriptions as I think that they did a good enough job describing how fun these mardi gras tuxedos and tuxedo accessories really are.   Click any of the links below to visit the site where you can rent your own Mardi Gras Tuxedo and Mardi Gras Tuxedo Accessories for your wedding!

Fleur de lis Cufflink and Stud Set
This traditional symbol of the French royalty, and a popular symbol during Mardi Gras. Our shiny set is available in both silver and gold so you can match them to the rest of your accessories. Each set includes two standard cufflinks for a French cuff shirt, and four button studs.
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Multicolor Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set
Breathe some life into a plain black ensemble with this snappy, yet sophisticated pattern of bold primary colors set on a black background. Made from 100% microfiber to look like silk but wear like cotton – washable, breathable and always looking crisp pressed. Tie is adjustable and pre-tied to look perfect with every wearing. The set is available in regular and extended sizes.
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Mardi Gras Masks Cufflink and Stud Set
Our shiny set of traditional Mardi Gras masks is available in both silver and gold so you can match them to the rest of your accessories. Each set includes two standard cufflinks for a French cuff shirt, and four button studs.
Buy Now

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Vest and Tie Set
A festive, but not over-the-top way to dress up for a Mardi Gras celebration. Made from 100% microfiber so it always looks crisp and pressed. The hidden adjustable belt and full fabric back allows for a perfect silhouette with your jacket on or off. The bow tie arrives pre-tied to look good with every wearing. Available in a large selection of sizes including extended sizes, so no matter what your build you get a comfortable, great looking fit.
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Fleur de Lis Colored Cufflinks and Studs
This is the traditional symbol of the French royalty, and a popular symbol during Mardi Gras. The set is available in both silver and gold with brightly painted enamel so you can match them to the rest of your accessories. Each set includes two standard cufflinks for a French cuff shirt, and four button studs.
Buy Now

Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set
This pattern of purple, green, and gold is an elegant way to dress like it’s Fat Tuesday… any night of the year. Looks especially sophisticated against black. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber and available in regular and extended sizes.
Buy Now

May 17, 2009

Bridal Bracelets for all types of brides. Crystal, Pearl and More.

Filed under: Jewelry, clothing and Lingerie — Tags: , , , — rollerbladerdc @ 1:12 am

So when a bride is picking out a bracelet to wear down the isle, I always recommend making it one of the traditional something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue luck charms, but if the bride chooses to not use one of those like a Grandmas bracelet or something to wear, there are a million and one other options out there.  Now technically buying a bracelet or your dress does count for something new, but I always like to think that a bride would spend a lot more money on her something new for her wedding so I am not counting the bride’s bracelet as the something new.

Now, before I recommend a few bracelets and vendors you can buy a bridal bracelet at, I’d like to give you a few pointers and things to remember before you buy.

1.  Buy your bridal bracelet to blend and match your gown or suit.  You probably just spent thousands of dollars on your gown so why do anything to take away from the beauty and detail of it, or yourself with a gody or different colored or stand out bracelet? 

2.  If your gown has multiple sized beads, pearls, crystals, etc… then it is ok to have that in your jewelry and bracelet.  If your dress maintains the same sized pearls, etc… or rows of the same size even though there are maybe 10 sizes, then use a classic bracelet that remains consistent and classic. 

 3. The last buying tip is really to stick with your preference.  I would normally recommend that if your dress only has pearls, stick with a solid pearls bracelet.  If it is crystals, buy a crystal bracelet, if it is mixed, then buy a combination bracelet; however, my opinions have changed and if you accessorize correctly, you can have whatever materials you would like for your bracelet, just promise me one thing, if you choose no pearls in the bracelet, please have some on your necklace or earings,,,,heheheh some classics never die and the diamond is on the ring so let those pearls sparkle and shine! 

Anyways, on to some of the bracelets that I like from different wedding vendors.

Chantal Pearl and Crystal Bracelet - This bracelet is made of pearls that got the royal treatment with a flourish of crystals tied in a bow. The bracelet is reminiscent of a Tiffany design (completely classic for any wedding) and this design is absolutely fabulous with just the right amount of sparkle. The bracelet measures 7.5″ and is fastened by a lobster clasp.  Buy Now.

Rita Vintage Style Bracelet - This dazzling vintage bracelet is a showstopper. (Although it is not my normal style or a choice for me, it is pretty gorgeous and I do love it for other people). Accessorize your finest couture with a bevy of Austrian crystals set in rhodium, flanked by lustrous freshwater pearls. Lobster clasp includes a 1″ extender. Buy Now.

Miranda Pearl and Crystal Bracelet - This bracelet is good for the modern yet classic or earthy bride.  I love this design for outdoor and spring weddings as well.  Your wrist is entwined in delicate crystal and pearl vines. Set in electroplated white gold for a shiny, lasting finish. Measures 7″. Buy Now.

Olivia Colored Pearl Bracelet - This is above and beyong my favorite, but then again, the one thing I love most at a wedding is the classic strand of pearls and I think every bride whether in a suit or gown needs to have at least one just like this.  You could be a virtual oyster with your colored pearls dripping off you, available in just the right shade of perfect. Each bracelet measures 7″ and is set on a spring base to fit most wrists. Not sure which pearl color will be best? Order our pearl sampler to get a perfect match. Buy Now.

Ellie Colored Pearl Bracelet - We’ve updated the pearl bracelet by introducing smaller colored pearls along with slightly larger classic pearls in your choice of white or champagne. Although I am not 100% sold on this one as a personal favorite, many people do love it.  This bracelet is also finished with rhinestone studded rondelles, this bracelet is gorgeous as a bridal accessory and it’s priced affordably for bridesmaids too. Available in silver or gold findings, this bracelet measures an adjustable 7″ to 8″. Not sure which pearl color will be best? Order our pearl sampler to get a perfect match. Buy Now.

Talia Pearl and Rhinestone Bracelet - A perfect blend of the good girl and the diva. This dazzling piece has alternating white pearls and rhinestones to let you enjoy the best of both worlds. Each bracelet measures 7″. Buy Now.

May 16, 2009

Chicago Carpentry – Who is the best Carpentar in Chicago?

Filed under: Uncategorized — rollerbladerdc @ 4:27 pm

So my buddy moved back to DC a few months ago and although I miss him, I did get to make a good friend named Jesse from hanging out with the two of them.  It also turns out that Jesse is a pretty fantastic Carpenter here in the Chicago Area.  I wish he had a website for me to share with you, but instead he sent me some pics of one of his molding, cabintry and countertop jobs here in Chicago.   Now, you may want to know why I would talk about a Carpentar on a Wedding Blog and site, and true, it is a plug for my friend, but it is also important to remember that when you get married the next step is usually to buy a home, or if you own one, the person you married may want to make some changes so I wanted to recommend a good carpentar and interior designer here in the Chicagoland area. 

BTW, you can reach Jesse and hire the best carpentar and interior designer in Chicago by emailing: onebabe_1(@)yahoo(.)com (remove the parenthasis around the @ sign and the . in .com to email him) or calling him at 773 639 9871.

Anyways, after getting the chance to look at Jesse’s work, I am happy to say and proud to recommend him as the best chicago carpentar and he doesn’t even really charge that much.  Jesse does carpentry work and is probably the best carpentar in the entire chicagoland area and he handles all forms of fix it ups, make it look betters and overhauls of Kitchens, Bathrooms, Baths, offices, desks, moldings, doors, decks refinished, fences. 

Now, in the pictures below, although I am not fond of the antique cabinet selections or color schemes, Jesse did the interior design work for his Client and it is 100% his Clients taste.  He seriously nailed this one for him and took a small kitchen that looks like a hallway and made it a fabulous fully functional and modern kitchen.  Jesse is definitely a talented interior designer in Chicago and if you decide to move forward with him, he can adjust his style to meet and match what you want, or you can give him creative freedom so that he can give you a custom made, designed and produced space that will be sure to delight you and anyone else you may have over or living in your space.  Also, one major benefit to using a carpentar like Jesse is that he can not only design a space for you, but he can fit it and install everything so you don’t have to hire contractors and multiple companies which would increase your costs and probably delay getting the final result.  Anyways, on to one of Jesse’s projects.

This picture shows the redone and installed sink underneath the antique style cabinets with molding that Jesse installed and It almost looks like a stain or crackle that gives that fabulous antique look and feel to them. 

I also love how the cabinets pop because of the unique counter tops selected below.  I like the verticle lines in the stone counter tops as it is a nice and different look and feel than the normal spotted or speckeled granite counters you see in everyones’ kitchens. 

Hrmm, it kind of looks like a bathroom marble but really looks classy in the kitchen the way Jesse did it for his Client and since his Client is happy he is happy and it is a complete success.  Actually, I like the counter tops even more with the brick wall background behind it.  Very yuppy meets boheimia.  (Wow my spelling sucks today).  Anyways, next picture.

 

Now in this picture you will see the very small and narrow space that Jesse had to work with.  Jesse was able to take this hallway and make an elegant fully functional kitchen out of a hallway and add class and glamour to it with a minimalistic yet gorgeous lighting feature which is accented along the cieling with some fabulous molding that perfectly matches the antique cabinets that are separated by the marble ( I think it is marble counter tops) and it all just blends nicely, kind of like this run on well I’ll just call it seriously long paragraph, ramble rave that should be broken up with punctuation lol. 

Ohh ya, one thing I also love about this which you cannot really see is how fabulous the modern stainless steel appliances look with the antique styled kitchen.  Gorgeous choices! 

Anyways, I’m just going to post a couple more pictures here without writing because I am tired and ready for a break.  Enjoy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 10, 2009

Beach Wedding Ideas and Favors

Filed under: Beach, food, wedding favor, wedding supplies — Tags: , , — rollerbladerdc @ 6:01 pm

So it’s just about summer time and if you’re doing the wedding on the beach this year, I have been thinking and these are some things that only you could get away with.  The first thing is pastels.  I absolutely hate pastels for anything but the beach.  It is one of the only places on earth where they look pretty and can actually match the ocean, restaurants, old people (just kidding), and really a relaxed and happy mood.  The beach for me means relaxation, kicking back, frozen drinks, hot passions and some fantastic foods with overdone and rich flavors.  Pastels, although I hate to admit it, do have their purpose in relaxing your mind and mood.  Look at Bermuda for example, it is all done in pastel from the buildings, to the sand to the ocean and even some of the fish and corals look pastel.  Pastels do somewhat mean the beach and at the same time, if you are getting married on the beach and choose to not use rich greens, blues and beuatifull full bodied colors, then Pastels work in this one situation.  So anyways, if you are looking for a few things to make your pastel or regular beach wedding special, here are some beach wedding ideas and favors to delight your guests and give that fiishing touch. 

So these are a fabulous pre favor idea that I love.  They are individually wrapped and each chocolate seashell set comes with everything you need to be able to create these fabulous and gorgeous little treat bags for your guests. 

The colors of the wrapped chocolates represent the beach and the sea.  The blue is for the ocean while you have the golden orange which is the sun and you have a pale golden shell which represents the sand, ohh and each is shaped like a sea shell to add that little touch.  Now, if you are wondering, each chocolate is actually different too.  They come in Mint Crunch, Orange and Toffee flavors, I think you can figure out which is which.  Now the way I would use and recommend using these chocolate seashells is to have the hotel you and your guests are staying at put one or two in each guest room on the bed of the wedding and hotel guest to get them started in the wedding spirit and have them in the relaxing and party mood to get your big day off to a perfect start.  Click here to order your chocolate seashell gift bag set.

So this is kind of a unique idea for you and your partner, especially if you are into symbolism.  It is the heart sand container and although it is cheesy, cheesy works on your wedding day and hey, most people are expecting something kind of standard lovey dovey so why not give it to them with this.  You and your partner will choose your favorite color in sand (or your wedding colors, just make sure they look nice with each other).  Then I recommend that after you have said your vows and just before you have your first kiss as a married couple, you each take your heart shaped glass containers with the colored sand and then you pour them in to combine them like you are combining your lives and hearts, then as the sand finishes pouring, you kiss over top of the heart shaped container filled with your sand and enjoy your first kiss as a married couple on the beach and above your ceremonial sand.  Not to mention you can take it home with you as a fabulous memory.  I also recommend you take some sand from the beach and top it off or fill a little bit of the bottom of the heart shaped container so that you have a piece of your wedding and the beach with you for when you get home.  Now, here is what the vendor recommends and how they promote this, Use this fabulous glass heart shaped set for your wedding sand ceremony.  This set includes everything you need with a 7″ heart shaped bottle and a glass stopper, one 4.5″ metal display stand, two 9.75″ heart vases and one 8.5″ heart vase. The sand is not included but is available separately.  You can also purchase extra vases and sands if you would like to have more children or parents involved in your sand ceremony.  Ohh I just had another thought too, wouldn’t it be cool to have each wedding party member pick their favorite color of sand or boys get blue girls get green or something and then they each pour it into the large heart shaped vase to represent that they are ok with giving you away?  I love the idea and you can purchase this set and sand by clicking here!

Ok tacky and horrible describes this at it’s best, well maybe retro or 1980’s could work as well, but then again, everyone has that oddball family member from Florida or crazy party bull dyke that loves to do it up and this tuxedo and bowtie set is probably the perfect fit for that person.  Come on, we all know at least one person that would love this.  Splashy colors (ohh yeah, we are going there with the puns on this one) and fishy fine details make this a set that not only looks good, but it fits great. It’s made from a washable, 100% microfiber so no matter what you put it through, this ocean themed tuxedo set always looks crisp and pressed. The hidden adjustable belt and the full fabric back allows for a perfect silhouette (for those of you into fashion or who are hooked on Bravo like me) with your jacket on or off. The bow tie arrives pre-tied (because if you are choosing something like this, chances are you do not know how to tie a bowtie) so it looks good with every wearing. So if your person who would wear this is anything like mine, this is the most important part. This ocean scene tuxedo set is available in a large selection of sizes including extended sizes, so no matter what your build you get a comfortable, great looking fit.  Now if you can’t see the picture, click here and you will see all the fish, turtles, coral and other fabulous beach and sea creatures that are featured on this tuxedo set.  Click here to order yours or order for someone else.  If you are having a beach wedding and want to make sure it is a party, you got to have someone wearing this outfit as that person will be the person who gets the party started.  Click here to order your tuxedo or send this blog posting to the person who you would like to have wear this gody ensemble. 

Anyways, although I love the beach and love all the fun things you can have or use or include at your beach wedding, I need to go meet with some friends for brunch.  Come back soon and see what else I have to reccommend for your big day.

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