Eco-Tools

Looking for some earth-friendly ways to make your skin and makeup more fabulous? Let me introduce to you Eco-Tools, a line of skin improving products and makeup brushes!

The line includes facial and body loofahs and a full set of makeup brushes. They are all “eco-chic” with the use of natural loofah, bamboo, cruelty-free hair, and other natural and recycled materials. You just can’t go wrong!

Some wonderful pieces:

Bamboo Bath Sponge

Bamboo and Loofah Facial Buffs

Bamboo 5-Piece Brush Set

I absolutely love the brushes - they can be used for more than just “the natural look”, too, making them versatile (always great). Check out the Eco-Tools site to shop for some goodies of your own.

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Artisan Soap Shoppe

I feel like there has been a burst of wedding-related products that smell and look so delicious you could eat them…but if you did they would taste awful. The Le Viette products are a fab example of this. And another example definitely has to be Artisan Soap! Let me tell you a bit about the company and it’s fabulous creator.

The Artisan Soap Shoppe was created by soapmaker extraordinaire Sarah Bogle about ten years ago. She personally creates and cuts each and every single piece she produces. Talk about a labor of love (or…passion for soapmaking)! Even better is the fact that Sarah take a personal, detailed, and customized approach with each client, assessing her (or his) needs and producing something that is unique to that person. Whatever scent, shape, size, or color you desire, my guess is that Sarah can make it.

I received a little box of goodies from Sarah and Oh. My. I am in love! To start off, every piece was perfectly packaged. Along with the soaps themselves, Sarah included a fabulous written letter AND explanation of each sample! Talk about thorough. I can just imagine the service and perks her clients get! Included in my box of treats were soaps with names like Bluebonnet Fields, Outlaw, Rosemary Mint & Lavender, Cinnamon Hazelnut Java, Salt Rimmed Margarita (second favorite), Coconut Lemongrass, Mocha Java Latte, and (my absolute favorite), Fruity Sangria. Each bar or favor-sized sample smelled delicious and moisturized like none other. They were definitely a treat to receive and would make a tres luxe gift to give.

Here are a few favor ideas/examples, heart-shaped soaps and an ocean rain sea salt bar:

Because Sarah is so awesome, she is offering all WeddingFanatics a special BOGO 50% off SALE for all orders purchased before December 31st. All you have to do is mention “WeddingFanatic” upon checkout to receive the discount. These would make such good gifts for wedding guests or for the holidays.

We also have a special offer for all of you Dallas area readers! You can meet Sarah in person on October 26th at an area wedding show. See the picture below for more details.

To contact Sarah, check out the Artisan Soap Shoppe website (and blog), or give her a ring at (214) 941-9722. If you’re looking for classy, upscale favor or gift ideas, definitely check out the Artisan Soap Shoppe!

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The Perfect Polish

I love nail polish! I have since I was …. well, for as long as I can remember. My grandma used to pull out her huge bucket of polish and do my digits when I would come over, and thus begun my love (turned obsession in middle school) of pretty colors on my nails!

Most of brides these days pay attention to the color on their nails when it comes to the walk down the aisle. I’m still loving the neutral, natural, nude shades, but I’m quickly falling for the darker tones as autumn quickly approaches. Here are a few of my faves from the OPI collections.

Neutrals, Naturals, and Nudes

Tickle My France-y

Fiji Weejee Fawn

Malaysian Mist

Girlie

Argenteeny Pinkini

Not So Bora-Bora-ing Pink

Italian Love Affair

Fall Fabulousness

Romeo & Joliet

Lincoln Park After Dark

Mauve-lous Memories

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Favorite Updos

Loosely pinned up, with a flower tucked in just so. Formal but not fussy.

Photo by Matthew Jordan Smith

Fresh and breezy, perfect for a beach bash or late afternoon soirée.

Photo by Daniela Stallinger

A bouffant style ‘do with a few loose curls on the side,

Photo by Kevin Cremens

A low bun is perfect for keeping the hair out of your face. It’s girly yet formal.

Photo by Kevin Cremens

Probably my favorite style right now! Classic, elegant. With bangs framing the face and a sparky accessory or a headband, you just can’t go wrong! A veil can be attached near the top of the head (before the “puff” begins) for a retro look or closer to the neck (this placement would be best for a veil that won’t be going over your face) for a more modern look.

Photo by Peter Buckingham

Photos from Brides…I’m obsessed! SUCH great examples.

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Out or In : Tiaras

I’m going to have to say out. But not necessarily entirely. I was clicking around NewportWeddings and stumbled across this post, which sprouted this post idea.

Yes, tiaras are worn by royalty and beauty queens, and on your wedding day, shouldn’t you feel like both?! Of course (if you want)! But! Alas, it is my belief that you don’t need a tiara to feel like either. The idea of the tiara, I feel, is less of a bejeweled piece of metal for the top of the head, and more of a something complimentary, not-something-you-wear-everyday piece of bridal “equipment”. So, if you insist on wearing something atop your head on your day, but don’t necessarily want to look like your headpiece was delivered to you on a pillow, perhaps these ideas will help!

What I like to call “Spanish Royalty”, old style number one. I think the main idea with this one is lots of “bling”. But bling, my friends, can be done in many different ways. One of my favorites, I’ve posted just below this image.

How about the “Princess” tiara? One could argue that ALL tiaras are of the princess classification, but I think ones like these are particularly “princessy”. So, an idea I love can be seen in the second picture. For something fresh and girly, try going for a headband with multiple bands or just a hint of sparkle.

And lastly, though the post could include many more than three, what I’d deem a “whimsical” tiara. I’d say that these pieces are “less organized” and have that airy, light, look to them. While they may look similar, how you wear each can give you a completely different style! Take the pictures below for example. Somewhat similar beaded look, completely different bridal feel!

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Staying Healthy

Who actually LIKES being sick? I mean, getting to eat lots of popsicles is about the only upside, but beyond that, it’s just awful!

Since it’s that not-so-wonderful time of year, with people getting sick everywhere you turn, how about a post on ways to actually stay healthy leading up to your big day? And when I say “stay healthy”, I don’t mean eating too little and working out too much. It is so much more than that! And what’s even better, if you “stay healthy” the right way, not only will you be set for your wedding day and honeymoon, but for years and years of your marriage! (And let’s be honest. Wouldn’t you rather NOT have that “Honey, I think we need to start working out” conversation five years after the wedding?)

So, this great article, “25 Things Every Bride Should Do To Stay Healthy Before the Big Day” by the fabulous people over at LiveSmarter has some great tips to start you on the right foot.

Before you read, keep in mind these few things:
1. Consider making lifestyle changes, not just changes before you walk down the aisle (otherwise you’ll go back to the way you were. And if that’s going to happen, what’s the point in the first place?).
2. Have a way to make sure you get ‘er done! Whether you have a friend getting married around the same time, your ‘maids by your side, or if you’d rather rope in your fiancé, having another person there to get your butt going is always a plus!
3. Make sure there is a method to your madness. Don’t just go to the gym so much one week that you can’t stomach the thought of going the next. Make a plan and stick to it, working you way up. And, make sure you’re working towards your personal health and fitness goals. (Just eating apples for weeks on end and running three miles everyday won’t necessarily give you more toned arm muscles for the strapless number you plan to wear during the honeymoon!) Meet with a personal trainer or dietitian to put yourself on the right track from the start.

And now for the good stuff! A little sampling before you click over to LiveSmart! Some of the things they suggest to help you stay healthy:
1. Eat well
2. Take a walk
3. Eat chocolate
4. Get head massages
5. Avoid going overboard at the spa
6. Having FUN!

Check them out!

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Happy Feet

Heaven! Pure heaven!

Okay, so as someone who is completely addicted to fabulous heels, I can say the pain that comes along with them is not so fabulous. Enter: Dainty Footings.

When Ria from Dainty Footings contacted me about their products, “shock absorbing shoe cushions specifically designed for women who love wearing beautiful, stylish shoes, but don’t want the pain and discomfort that often comes with it,” I’ll admit I was a little skeptical. She offered to send me a sample to give them a try. I am in love.

The products, like stated above, are for women who love to wear those painful yet oh, so stylish heels. The line includes ball-of-foot cushions, heel cushions, heel liners, and revive insoles. They come in cream and black.

I must say my favorites are the heel liners. You know those shoes that are just a bit too big, and if you get a half size smaller, your foot will turn blue? Or the shoes that rub against the back of your heel until you have blisters? These babies are for those shoes. I put the heel liners and ball-of-foot pads into the same pair of shoes and it’s like stepping into a pair of high-heeled slippers. What could be better?

Note to brides and wedding/event planners: Get them. Love them. I know you’re on your feet all day, in likely not the most comfortable shoes you own. Dainty Footings will definitely help ease the pain. They have even put together a special package for The Bride on her Big Day. Check them out!

A little extra info: What makes Dainty Footings unique? They have passed USP Class VI toxicology testing, they’re ergonomically correct unlike gimmicky similar products, and are made with Poron - a substance derived from nanotechnology used in Europe for more than a decade that absorbs impact better than latex foam, rubber, gels and neoprene. It is also breathable, odorless, and hypo-allergenic - keeping feet cool, dry (whisks moisture away from skin on feet), stink-free, and blister-free. They take six months to break down with repeated daily wear.

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Hairstyles for the Big Day

So I was thinking, here at WeddingFanatic, we don’t do much on trends and style. While we love what’s hot here and now, we think there is something to be said for the timeless wedding… Well, I couldn’t help myself. I was listening to some music, and on the CD cover was a woman sporting a loose bun on top of her head. Of course, this made me think of wedding hairstyles. Why not do a post about the hair of then and now!

First up: the concrete curls on the tip top of your head with a huge tiara, so no one doubts that you’re the bride. While the look is formal, and still works for an ultra upscale wedding, you don’t want to waste your time picking bobby pins out of your head all night. It’s just not what wedding nights are for.


Try a little something like this. You still have the up-do, but it’s not as stuffy. And you can forgo the cliché tiara for something a little lighter. You can wear your hair half up and half down in the picture, or all up (or all down). Oh the possibilities…

And then you have the low styles. This bride has a more modern look, but her hair still looks too stuck to her head! While we love the lower styles, try something a little more whimsical and romantic. This lovely bride has some bangs sweeping across her forehead, which give her a little formality, but the loose curls in the back say “It’s my wedding, I want to have a good time!”

In the end, pick a ‘do that’s perfect for you. Afraid you’ll look back and think to yourself “And I thought the 80’s were bad!!”? If you really want a timeless look, check out brides from different decades. What do they all have in common? Then try building your look off of theirs.

Here’s a little tribute to all the brides of yester-year. Does the hair look at all familiar?

Happy Styling!

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