Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
We Buzzed on Pressing Events’ new CITYCENTRE store last week, but we just couldn’t get to all the stuff we love at AND about the new PE in that teeny, tiny newsletter item. So here we go.
First up, Emilie Sloan bags. How cute are designer Lisa Murphy’s fully lined totes, market bags and carryalls? The folks who put on the Academy Awards think they’re awfully cute, which is why they included Emilie Sloan in this year’s official swag. Pressing Events owner Nancy Billingsley Calvert is likewise a fan, and told us she “expects big things” from the collection, which, she notes, is already attracting brides and graduates in droves. These would make fabulous bridesmaid gifts, don’t you think?
Next: Kaas Decoupage. The renowned New York decoupage studio makes absolutely gorgeous decoupage plates with designs sourced from flea markets, antique shows and estate sales. If you’re a bride with vintage vibe, or a traditionalist with a passion for classic wedding commemoration, Pressing Events’ newly expanded line of Kaas plates is perfect for preserving wedding invitations, photos, collages…you name it. Then press it.
We also adore Pressing Events’ very impressive selection of stationery, which includes all our favorite styles from Crane, Elum, Smock, and Charleston, S.C.’s wonderful The Lettered Olive, among others. But PE’s forté is “one-of-a-kind, singular design,” Calvert points out—“much like a designer-original wedding dress.” If you’re looking for truly distinguished custom invitations, you must meet with Pressing Events’ Amber Anglin Fowler. Calvert regaled us with the story of how Amber searched Dallas without success for a store to produce the exact right custom invitations for her wedding last year…and ended up creating her own. “Though her mother grew quite weary of her quest, I must say she has found her home with us,” Calvert says. “Our brides love her!”
And we do, too.
Tags: HWB Hearts, Pressing Events
Posted in Beauty, Bridesmaids, Gifts, Invitations | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
You’ve been asking about the cover of the latest Weddings in Houston (“Who’s she wearing?” “Where did that stunning headpiece come from?” “That necklace–OMG, I gotta make it mine,” and so on). So we’re answering. Here’s the who, what, where and how much on the items worn by our gorgeous model, styled by the ridiculously talented Summer Salah, and shot by the superb Larry Fagala.
Gown: Rivini, $5,900, at Ivory Bridal Atelier
Headband: $149, at Parvani Vida
Jewelry: Earrings, $49,650; ring, $59,665; necklace, $99,230; all at Zadok Jewelers
Set Design: Darryl & Co.
So there ya go, now ya know. We are so thrilled to work with such outstanding Houston wedding vendors and professionals, and delighted when you take notice, get excited and let us know. Please keep it up!
Tags: Weddings in Houston
Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Fashion, Wedding Gowns | No Comments »
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Plenty of salons and makeup artists offer bridal hair, nail and makeup packages. A few throw in pre-wedding skin care, massages and other spa services. But only one Houston beauty expert is also a licensed professional counselor and life coach, and a trained portrait photographer, with her own line of custom-blend makeup products AND a 2,700-square-foot “world-inspired” beauty and wellness studio that can accommodate groups of up to 12.
She’s Sarah Ali, owner of The Transformation Studio, and she makes it her mission to provide brides with everything they need to become their beautiful best, from the inside out.
Looking to get in shape for your figure-hugging wedding gown, and have a little fun while doing it? Ali’s studio offers international dance classes, from Bollywood to belly dancing, and Zumba, too! In need of some pre-wedding pampering? Go for one of the studio’s signature treatments, like the Indonesian Oasis Facial of Himalayan Head Rub (absolutely heaven, by the way). Desperate to defuse bridal-party quibbles? Ali says she’s only too happy to “bust out my therapist techniques” and entertain your grousing group with tales of “my tragic yet hilarious man troubles” (they, and Ali, were featured on the front page of the Chronicle Lifestyles section last year—and are, indeed, LOL funny).
All that, and she’ll give you that gorgeous tousled updo, subtle smoky eye, flawless skin and perfect matte-red lip you’re lusting after for your bridal look, too.
She and her team of eight fabulous freelance experts are happy to host you at their place, or yours. Call her at 281.240.7102 or e-mail to schedule a consultation.
Tags: Professional Makeup Artists, The Transformation Studio
Posted in Beauty, Fitness | No Comments »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Slimming A-line gown? Check!
Spanx Hide & Sleek Full Bodysuit? Check!
Chubby bridesmaids? … Huh?!
According to London’s Daily Telegraph, which released results of a recent research survey conducted by diet-shake-maker Slim-Fast, one in three engaged British women admitted they would choose fatter friends as bridesmaids over slimmer pals, as a way to boost their bridal confidence.
We gotta say, we were kinda blown away. It’s one thing to diet before your wedding day—something 50% of surveyed brides-to-be said they did—and quite another to choose your bridal party based on the size of their bodies, rather than on the strength of your bond.
But maybe the survey results shouldn’t surprise us all that much. According to Slim-Fast nutritionist Fiona Hunter, “Women are obviously feeling such pressure to look good on their big day that they’re resorting to selecting bridesmaids larger than themselves … It’s very sad and a real shame. Looking at these statistics, it seems to be a worrying new trend.” This, from a representative of the company that recently targeted engaged women with an ad campaign depicting a wedding-cake topper of an overweight bride and the question, “Need to lose a little weight before your wedding?”
Hmm…disingenuous much, Fiona?
We’re all for looking our slender best on our wedding day. But instead of choosing fatter bridesmaids as flattering accessories, how about choosing bridesmaids who support our efforts to get fit, who graciously wear the bridesmaid dresses we’ve selected for them no matter how they feel their own bodies look in the dress style, and who make us feel beautiful and special on our wedding day just by being our best friends.
RELATED POSTS:
http://houstonweddingblog.com/2010/02/keeping-your-new-year’s-weight-loss-resolution-a-bride’s-guide/
http://houstonweddingblog.com/2010/02/thank-you-bridesmaids/
http://houstonweddingblog.com/2010/03/designer-spotlight-joanna-august/
Posted in Beauty, Bridesmaids, Fitness | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
It’s been ages since we talked about the essential bridal survival kit, hasn’t it? Well, we’re delighted to inform you that we’ve just come across a product that makes making it through your wedding day unscathed just a little bit easier.
Family operation Ms. & Mrs.–mom Georgette Kaplan (Mrs.) and daughters Stephanie and Jamie Kaplan (Ms. & Ms.) launched the biz with the Working Girl Survival Kit, and quickly branched out—offers pre-packaged survival kits for just about everyone involved in your wedding.
For you, Ms. Bride (soon to be Mrs. Wife), there’s the Wedding Day Survival Kit. Packed inside a sleek train case decorated with a white satin ribbon and novelty “diamond” ring (aww…), you’ll find the works in wedding-day beauty, hygiene and apparel maintenance. Items include toothbrush and toothpaste, clear nail polish and nail polish remover, super glue, earring backs, bobby pins and tons more.
Your groom’s gonna love the Groom’s Survival Kit, complete with mints, deodorant, razor and shaving cream, lint remover, boutonniere pins and oodles more vital wedding-day survival items he probably has no idea he might require.
New in the Ms. & Mrs. Lineup is the Aisle Survival Collection. These adorable, affordable, pre-packaged mini-kits are practical AND perfect for gifting. There’s one for brides, one for bridesmaids, and sweet little versions for MOBs and MOGs. Each kit comes with such wedding-day staples as emery boards, blotting tissues, pain reliever, waterproof mascara, safety pins and breath freshener.
We heart these handy kits like nobody’s business! But we also want to remind you that if you do opt for a pre-packed kit, you’ll want to make sure to add non-standard items like your specific wedding-day makeup, and contact information for your coordinator and vendors (especially taxi and transportation services). And maybe, depending on the season, a pop-up wedding tent, a pre-fab hurricane shelter and a couple hundred umbrellas. Welcome to Houston!
Tags: Wedding Day Survival Kit
Posted in Beauty, Bridesmaids, Wedding Day Details | 7 Comments »
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
There are basically two kinds of pre-wedding beauty prep: the totally unglamorous kind that requires sweating and pain and feels like a chore…and the relaxing, intimate, even decadent kind—the Occasions Spa kind, in other words.
Occasions Spa, in case you didn’t know, is Maxwello Dental Spa & Wellness’s spa-within-a-spa. To create a customized Occasions package that she can enjoy with her bridesmaids or dearest friends, a bride simply selects four menu options—choices include, but are not limited to, massage, reflexology, facials, teeth whitening, Botox and Juvederm—and adds to these her choice of beverage and dessert. On the scheduled spa day, the gals gather at Maxwello’s luxurious, private 2,100-square-foot Houston facility, and get primped and pampered to the max.  We love our spa days like any Houston girl, but we were also wondering if there was anything really new and fabulous to help get our dull smile in shape for wedding day pix. So, of course we asked Dr. Letitia Plummer, DDS—the talent behind Maxwello and Occasions. She told us about something called Snap-On-Smile, which she describes as “a comfortable, removable dental appliance offering an affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry.” Could it be? Is it possible? An instant straight, white smile at a fraction of the cost of veneers?? Um, basically, yeah. Dr. Plummer explained that brides, grooms, MOHs, MOBs, FOGs and basically anyone who wants to look their best “can wear this appliance all day every day, and they can even eat with them.” Which is cool, because as much as we like to look good, we love our wedding cake!
Dr. Plummer recommends scheduling your Occasions Spa appointment for at least 10 days before your wedding if you plan to have any cosmetic procedures like Botox or teeth whitening.
And she offers this great advice to Houston brides: “This time can be very stressful, so the more you plan and evaluate options, the smoother everything unfolds.” Dr. Plummer says her goal is to give the bride an occasion to be with “her dearest friends and family, to become transformed in a relaxing spa atmosphere—to brighten your smile, relax your body and enhance your natural beauty.” Well, what a coincidence—that’s our goal here at the HWB, too!http://www.weddingsinhouston.com/Professionals/bridal_beauty_health_fitness/occasions_spa_by_maxwello.aspx
Posted in Beauty | No Comments »
Monday, April 12th, 2010
We’ll go ahead and admit it right here: We’re not nearly as good to our nails as we should be. If you’re like us—prone to nibbling cuticles, peeling snags and generally neglecting, even abusing, our poor, defenseless nails—you’ll be pleased to know that there is still time to change your ways before your big day.
To get your hands in fighting shape for your debut as a bride, you should ideally start training a few months out. That means from here on out, NO washing dishes without wearing gloves; NO picking, peeling or otherwise harassing cuticles or hangnails; NO removing labels or untying knotted stuff or doing other utilitarian chores with your fingernails instead of the appropriate non-fingernail implement.
It also means ALWAYS applying lotion or hand cream after exposing hands to water (you can’t beat
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream for dry cracked hands, and we love the silky feel and pretty scent of L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream; ALWAYS treating any cracks or snags immediately with judicious clipping and moisturizing; and, whenever possible, getting a regular manicure—even if it’s just to groom and buff natural nails.
For at-home nail conditioning and maintenance, we highly recommend the Nailtiques line—especially the much-beloved Nailtiques Formula 2, with calcium and hydrolyzed keratin. This stuff is a godsend for weak, brittle nails like ours, and for nails damaged by years of acrylics. Apply it exactly according to instructions, and you can expect noticeably stronger nails in about a month.
Stick to a nail regimen like this, and by the time your wedding rolls around, you’ll be able to sport hot, new bridal nail looks like these:
Tags: Manicure, Nails
Posted in Beauty, Fashion | No Comments »
Monday, February 8th, 2010
A little Greek goddess, a little Midsummer Night’s Dream, a dash of vintage elegance, a smidge of Cinderella and a LOT of detail, detail, detail. That’s the word on this season’s new crop of wedding frocks, Houston bride.
Whether you decide on a flouncy ballgown or an ethereal empire-waist column—both are big for 2010 weddings—the season’s best wedding dresses offer a bounty of truly extraordinary accents from handmade fabric flowers (Augusta Jones) to bodacious bows (Vera Wang) to zillions of organza pleats (Oscar de la Renta) to oceans of tulle (Jim Hjelm). And more.
These dresses are a lot of things…but slick and sleek they’re not. Neither is the new look in wedding-day hair.
Our favorite new wedding hairstyles are very feminine and very elegant but never ever fussy or stiff. Allow us to show you:
This year’s Golden Globes gals had the right idea about updos. Check out these sensational styles—formal and refined, but with a natural touch. Perfection.
Oh, Carrie, we’d love your hair even if you yanked it back and tied it with a sweat sock. Fortunately, you’ve got way more style than that. And this half-updo with side-combed straight bangs and rivers of soft curls is one we want to steal for our big day!
Feast your eyes on this fabulous down-low updo with bangs. So graceful, so pretty, so perfect for showing off our lovely shoulders in our strapless ballgown… Gorgeous!
Here’s another nape-level updo we love. Soft, pretty and special-occasion fancy when accented with seed-pearl, Swarovski crystal or other sparkly hair jewelry or accessories.
As for braid styles, we can’t get enough of them. There’s an obvious wow-factor to these complicated-looking creations, but also an earthy, sensual sweetness that is a perfect complement to the season’s dreamy, fairytale gowns.
Like these looks? Got a lead on more examples? Let your sister brides-to-be know. Post your comments here!
Tags: Braids, Updos
Posted in Beauty, Fashion | No Comments »
Friday, January 29th, 2010
For years, the formula for Houston brides to look (and feel) picture-perfect on their wedding day has included a great dress, killer shoes, sparkly jewels, a mani-pedi, a great makeup artist and hairstylist, and the removal of unwanted hairs. We’ll gladly take the first six things on that list, but honestly, we’d prefer to skip the last one. Really, what Houston bride really wants to endure the sting of waxing, tweezing, or shaving—much less the scent of some depilatory?
None we know.
That’s why we’re such big fans of Cleopatra’s Secret, a spa that removes unwanted hair using a technique called body sugaring. To develop this sweet alternative to waxing, owner Ati Shafik borrowed from ancient hair-removal techniques used in her native Egypt. Her all-natural, patent-pending formula consists of sugar, lemon, and water. So you can mark harmful chemicals and preservatives off your list of pre-wedding worries. Ditto for red bumps, which disappear within an hour of sugaring.
And because the formula is warm rather than hot, clients here let out sighs of “Ahhh…” rather than the inevitable “OUCH!” produced by waxing. Yes, Houston brides, that’s what happens when you’ve got no chance of getting burned. Just ask the hundreds of Cleopatra’s regulars—and the Houston brides and grooms who have come here to get picture-perfect.
Consider yourself warned, though: A visit to Cleopatra’s Secret will leave your skin feeling awfully soft and smelling sweet. Even better: you don’t have to wait until those last frantic days before your big day to reap the benefits of sugaring. That’s because Cleopatra’s Secret removes hair from the roots for 5 to 7 weeks.
So where do you have hair that you’d rather not show up in your wedding pictures? You name it, and Cleopatra’s Secret has you covered—brows, nose, ears, sideburns, lips, chin, neckline, underarms, arms, hands, shoulders, legs, knees, and feet. And if you’re thinking beyond the wedding photos, rest assured: The spa can remove hair from parts of your body that your wedding photographer won’t capture.
Tags: body sugaring
Posted in Beauty | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 8th, 2010
You’ve got the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, the perfect diamond, and of course, the perfect guy. But what about the perfect perfume?
If you’ve sniffed fragrance after fragrance at store after store and still haven’t found one that’s special enough for your big day, it’s time to quit wandering around the department stores and boutiques in search of the holy grail. Instead, call on Fúmme.
This Houston-based fragrance development company specializes in creating custom perfumes. That’s right, Houston bride: You can wear a fragrance that’s as unique and special as you are.
To design your one-of-a-kind fragrance, owner and perfumer, Lisa Rogers, will have you complete a personality and fragrance survey and chat with you to see what scent families really make you glow. Then, she’ll create three samples for you to wear for a week. Once you’ve decided on your fave sample, Rogers will adjust your fragrance of choice a couple more times until you’re completely happy. And, because Rogers understands that no bride wants to break out in hives on her wedding day, she’ll do the final tests on your skin, to make sure you don’t have any strange reactions.
The best part? Your custom perfume will come in a gorgeous bottle, with enough for you to wear for years to come. And you know what that means: You can continue to feel—and smell—like the bride long after your big day! Now there’s a feeling we’d like to bottle up and sell!
Not sure you can afford a custom fragrance? Fúmme can still help. Rogers has designed several high-end fragrances that aren’t sold on the mass-market, and she sells them to Houston brides and other discriminating ladies.
Fúmme’s fragrances are also available in body lotions, body creams, bath gels, and bath salts—and get this, they’re remarkably affordable! So if you want to share your special wedding day scent with your bridesmaids—after the big day, of course—consider stocking up on some of these bath products in your special scent. Your bridesmaids are sure to appreciate the gesture. After all, who wouldn’t want to smell and feel as special as the bride?
Tags: and bath salts, bath gels, body creams, body lotions, fragrances
Posted in Beauty | 3 Comments »
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