More Wedding Loveliness...

My little sister and the BIL (Brother In Law ;)

A bunch of smile-y people :)

Michael and Bekah with the girls...

The Gents try to look manly and serious.

The Ladies know them better!

Happy Feet!

A brick wall + A newlywed couple = Romance

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What a whirlwind! We had such an amazing time filled with so many beautiful memories. But I WILL say that it shall be nice to kick back and not do anything so CRAZY for a while. So, if anyone is planning on matrimony - please wait a while and give me a break, OK? ;)

You can see a ton more photos by visiting The Grand Adventure III - God bless!

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The Best Of Oscar Fashion 2009

Despite being super slow at getting this recap together, I felt that I couldn't possibly let such a huge worldwide fashion occasion pass by without some mention - better late than never, right? You can read my "Oscar Commentary" here. Disclaimer: As always, I don't endorse or recommend the Academy Awards or any of the actresses mentioned in this article - their fashion is my focus. :)


I was positively thrilled that Kate Winslet finally won an Academy Award. She is such an amazing actress and has contributed to some of the most iconic films of this century and the last (although it saddens me that she plays so many inappropriate roles - including the one for which she won her Oscar - it would be lovely to have a talented actress who kept high standards and showed Hollywood a thing or two about beautiful movies. If you happen to know of one, drop me a line.).

Style trends remained very much the same as at the Golden Globes (check out my report here). If you're starting to think about prom, please take notes. :)

• I am pleased to see that A-symmetrical dresses continue to be all the rage, including lots that feature one shoulder strap. I like this style because it usually covers better and keeps the gown from having to be pulled up all evening - much more modest, not to mention comfortable. 
  
• Strong, confident dress shapes are very popular but, on the flip side, ruffles and lace are so in right now - yay for femininity!
  
• Jewelery was way over the top (what happened to being a classy minimalist?) and ginormous earrings seems to be the thing - bleh.
  
• There were lots of neutrals present and I just love white gowns, as long as the shade suits the wearer and there is enough contrast or color included to keep them from looking like an icicle. 
  
• Bold colors continue to reign, with deep, bright blue being a real stunner. Also, a lot of ladies wore purple (which is still a hot fashion color this Spring), but most of them didn't pick the right shade and ended up looking totally washed out. 
  

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The Best Dressed (IMHO):

Penélope Cruz

Three cheers for vintage!!! I just adore when actresses choose an antique classic to walk the red carpet - this one is by Balmain. The embroidery here is just amazing - it looks like lace until you see it up close. And the gorgeous ruched draping of chiffon - ahhh!!! Who wouldn't want such a Cinderella dress? The pearly off-white shade suits her complexion beautifully and she looks like a swan. And, for the record, I just adore her haircut. So like Audrey Hepburn in "Sabrina"! Oh, yes...

Anne Hathaway

This favorite of mine was another "woman in white" while wearing this lovely Armani Prive Spring ’09 gown. This shade almost has hints of pink and gold and complements her skin beautifully. I am usually not a "bling" girl, but I love the use of crystals and sequins here - she looks like a tall, shimmering goddess. And as much as I adore necklaces, the simplicity of the neckline looks so fantastic without one, and her dainty earrings, chunky bracelet and rings finish it off nicely. Overall, she looks softer and less severe than at the Globes (although I always think she's lovely). Go Annie! :)

Freida Pinto

This John Galliano dress stood out to me the first time I saw it (as did her lovely smile) and it has remained a favorite. I could do without the one sheer sleeve but I just love the way the neckline crosses and the shape of the bodice and skirt. The pin tucked (and horsehair hemmed) swirl of the latter is so pretty and the use of the beading is perfect. I think this is one gown that truly suits the wearer. The sweet simplicity of her pulled back and draped hair finish it all off nicely.

Kate Winslet

Here's some old Hollywood glamour for you. I love how this Yves St. Laurent gown looks like two separate dresses put together; one halter and one strapless. Usually, such a design doesn't work but Kate pulls it all together. The different tones of silk and the sheer overlay - featuring dozens of little rosettes - blend perfectly and give the effect of a gown worn in the glorious day of black and white films. The only thing I'm not so crazy about is her hair. The slicked back and waved look doesn't do much for her face shape. Besides that, there isn't much to complain about. As always, Kate's sparkling eyes and wide smile are her best accessory.

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There was a fair share of bad fashion choices as well. Heidi Klum was a rose-colored nightmare. Jessica Biel was wrapped in a satin bath towel. Tilda Swinton took another fashion dare and lost it. Sarah Jessica Parker was tacky and inappropriate. Sophia Loren just scares me stiff. Amy Adams disappointed me once again with a strange red creation. Amanda Seyfried's lovely shade of orange was ruined by weird proportions. And Natalie Portman had a fuchsia prom dress. It's a sad world.

Next year, I'm going to dress up and hold my own awards show. Anyone want to come? ;)

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A Few Favorites...

Because a few pictures are worth at least a couple of thousand words...

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Here's some top picks from the hundreds that were taken on our camera alone. I'll be sure to share others as they are released and include some links when all the fantastic photographers/bloggers we know share their photos.

It was beautiful. But, as with any major event, recovery is sometimes slow and a bit emotional. Keep us all in your prayers. Thanks and God bless!

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La Vie En Rose

There's nothing like a good old French love song, and a bit of romantic fashion to go along with it...

The big "event" is Saturday and we are super busy, but I just had to drop in and share a new Polyvore set with you. If you're still soaking up all the love from Valentine's day, I'm sure there will something that catches your eye...

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You probably won't hear from us till sometime next week, since both Tai and I will be at a wedding! Keep us in your prayers and I promise a nice recap when everything is all over. God bless! :)

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"Wasn't Ours A Lovely Love Affair?" - Judy and Mickey Style

Please forgive me for digging these two up again so soon, but when this romantic holiday rolls around I can't help but think of my favorite screen couple. I promise that they won't sneak in another appearance for a while and will let the other starlets get a chance. ;)


Poor little Judy! If only Mickey would stop treating her like a kid, quit chasing after blondes, and realize that she has real "Valentine" potential. As she says herself (portraying Betsy Booth in "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante), "Why are some men so dumb?" *grin*

As always, she is dressed sweet and smart, appropriate for her age. Her little, white lace blouse is paired with a dark bolero and she's sporting a charm bracelet (perhaps the one given to her by Clark Gable?). Mickey continues to play the "dapper dan" and never goes anywhere without a tie (I'm not huge a fan of that accessory, but I believe the young men today could take some lessons on "dressing" from him!).

Here we have the two of them (in "Strike Up The Band") singing "Our Love Affair", a perfect selection for Valentine's day. They just don't make romantic comedies like they used to! :)

I know I'm a good 15 hours early, but I'll probably be too busy to post tomorrow. So, here we go...

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!

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La Bella Donna

Want to make your Valentine's Day a bit out of the ordinary and play the ultimate "Bella Donna" (Beautiful Lady)? Here's some artistic inspiration from the February/March issue of Brides Magazine... (I just have to say that I love this model. I have always been fond of redheads and this young woman has such a sweet face. She would make a perfect Jane Eyre; don't you think?)

So, probably none of us own a gown this exquisite, but why not pull out that sweet, slightly old-fashioned piece that has been hanging in your closet and play the royal princess? Fine silks, lace and delicate beading all add feminine and exquisite touches to otherwise simple designs. And a stunning, over sized necklace like this one is sure to make the evening special...

Who says that we have to stick to the traditional red and pink? Although I think they're lovely, you can add something surprising with a burst of unusual color! The embroidery on this dress is so amazing - who would have thought that pairing  bright yellow with blue, green, red and pink would work so perfectly? And check out the fantastic be-jeweled hairpiece - accessories make the simplest style look "out-of-this-century".

If, like me, you happen to be a "blue" girl; go ahead and wear your favorite color! It flatters nearly everyone and adds a sparkle to any shade of eyes. This gown is just a masterpiece (Disclaimer: I would not recommend wearing the full length train out to dinner in a petite restaurant ;) - I love the corset (all edged in gold!) and the exquisite draping. "[This] is such stuff as dreams are made on!"

Here is a fabulous example of how to make a simple, contemporary style into something that is stunning and oh, so pretty! The popular "messy-bun" (at least, that's what my sisters always call it - does anyone have a better name? ;) is made unique by starting with accent braids and twists and finished off with a beaded headband and slightly curling wisps of hair about the face. Simplicity is the best friend of the "Bella Donna".

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You can see the rest of the article (I scanned all the images) here. I was so completely blown away by the beautiful details in all these designs that I simply had to share some of my favorites with you...

Have a wonderful time planning your Valentine's Day - may Jesus be your one true love. :)

P.S. I managed to find an email update service that I am happy with (Feedburner). You can easily subscribe using the box in the right-hand sidebar - keep up-to-date! :)

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Valentine's Day 2009

Valentine's Day is fast approaching this year, and love is indeed in the air - as you may have noted, Amanda's sister will be married the day after my birthday this month, and Amanda and I will meet again...but for the first time as blogging accomplices. Muahahaha! ;-)

But whether or not you have a husband or beau, if you are a girl, I am sure you've got that feminine love of romance. So, do you know the story behind Valentine's Day? There are actually several "legends" about the mysterious "St. Valentine" - who we talk about without even realizing it each year...and usually, without particularly caring.

One popular legend is that Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. The emperor of the time, Claudius II, theorised that single men, who were not attached to a wife or family would serve better in war, because they would not be concerned about living simply to return to their families...so, he outlawed marriage for young men. But it is said that Valentine still performed marriage ceremonies for the young men in secret, and when Claudius discovered this, he ordered that Valentine be killed.

Another legend says that Valentine was a Christian and was persecuted; being interrogated by Claudius II himself. Claudius formed a liking for Valentine, and attempted to convert him to Roman paganism so that he would be allowed to live. Valentine would not convert and, instead, tried to convert the emperor to Christianity. This did not go over well, and he was sent away to be executed.

There is an ending to these legends that seems pretty much the same for both. That is, when Valentine was imprisoned, he befriended the blind daughter of the jailer. It is said that, by a miracle of God through Valentine, the girl was healed, and her sight was restored to her...and on the evening before Valentine was executed, he wrote her a letter (that she was now able to read) which he signed, "From your Valentine".

So, there you have the history behind this day of love. Now, on to fashions of February 14th...

Pink and red are the obvious choices for this day, since they have long symbolized the richness of love. The overt use of the colors may make you not wish to wear them...but the fact is, they are so obvious, that it's classy. And there are so many lovely ways you can mix and match the colors and styles of the day. The Polyvore collage I placed at the beginning of this post shows just a few of the very different looks you can achieve with the same basic colors.

After you've got the pink or red part of your outfit, you can add a dash of class with some of these suggestions:

• Add some ruffles somewhere. Ruffles are feminine, romantic, and very appropriate for a Valentine's Day outfit.

• Try a neck scarf tied into a bow.

• Wearing a white shirt with a pink or red skirt, or a white skirt with a pink or red shirt adds a feeling of purity, innocence and femininity to your Valentine's Day look.

• Black is a color that goes very well with red and pink (especially red). Try the neck scarf suggestion above in black, or add some black jewelry or accessories.

• A fan. Yes...if you can get your hands on one that matches, this is an accessory that would go very well with that red dress of yours - not to mention that it adds that vintage feel. While you're at it, you might as well pick up some elbow-length opera gloves too.

• Add some flowers somewhere. Fake flowers will last longer than real ones, so if you want to wear them all day, fake is probably the way you want to go. Pin them to your dress, sweep them up in your hair, or tuck one behind your ear. Whichever way you go, flowers are always something that will add a little natural beauty to an outfit.

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While We're On The Subject Of Romantic Fashion...

...check out these incredible looks from Newport News!

I guarantee you'll fall in love... ;)

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Fashion Finds... and other Etsy love

One of the best things about Etsy is all the love and care that gets passed around. I've been especially blessed by it over the past few months and want to give a little bit back. First up, some fave fashion finds!

• modestmaven - Here's a great shop that has some sweet "modest" designs - I absolutely love the Little Black Dress - perfect for the upcoming romantic holiday, don't you think? Check it out!

• Some of these little jackets by maryandangelika are just too adorable! And so perfect to cover up skinny-strap tops that are otherwise modest. I really have a thing for small vintage-y shrugs and jackets like these - what fun! :)

• My "auntie" Karen (she's adopted us :) and her sister Hollis have opened a fantastic new shop featuring their beautifully handcrafted cards - KaHolly. Mom and I ordered a few different sets recently and were absolutely blown away by how exquisite they were! Such a pretty way to send someone a note - and each one came with multiple little "greetings" that could be attached, making them so versatile! If you want something special for Valentine's day, be sure to take a peek! Also, check out Karen's great blog at kaholly.blogspot.com .

• I was so excited to be included in a recent treasury by Helen's Harvest. Isn't it so vintage-y and romantic? You simply must check out her shop and jewelry - it's absolutely unbelievable!

• Lastly, I was featured by Femme Details Blog - The Most Interesting Crafts News in an exclusive interview! Emma has such a fantastic blog and a lovely jewelry shop - take a look!

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FYI - I am going to stop sending out the bravenet email updates. There aren't very many people on the list and it has become very time consuming for me to assemble each update. There are so many other great ways to keep up with blogs these days  - you can follow the blog or subscribe to rss feeds using the links in the right-hand sidebar. I do hope this won't inconvenience anyone. Let me know your thoughts.

Make sure you take a peek at the Modesty Carnival - an article I wrote last spring was included! God bless! :)

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