The royal wedding was forever ago, but fascinators are still alive and well! Birdcage veils and feathery flowery headpieces were being rocked by brides long before Kate Middleton walked down the aisle to the waiting Wills, with guests like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie watching on. But post royal wedding, I’ve noticed bigger and bolder headwear on brides this side of the pond. And I love it!

Check out some of these fabulous pieces! The items in the top row are from LoBoheme and the second, Truly Fascinating.

*Swoon*! There are tons of non-white fascinators out there for bridesmaids, mothers, or just everyday wear post-wedding. Many to browse though and buy, or if you’re creative, to make!

Do you have one? Ever made one? Planning on wearing one on your wedding day?

Peaches and Tickled Pinks not your thing when it comes to wedding day makeup? Maybe you’re going for something a little more…glam? Here’s a look we love, wedding day or any other day (or night)!

Here are some tips on how to work the look –
- Keep the focus on your eyes. Wear a nude lipstick to to downplay your lips and go super light on the blush (if you must wear it).
- Wearing false lashes will help keep your lashes from fading away altogether.
- While the eyes are smokey and dark, a pop of color (purple in this case) complete this look.

Pretty Face – Claudia Mason :: Mascara – Precise Volume Mascara, Shu Uemura, Space.NK.Apothecary :: Eyeliner – Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, Sephora :: Foundation – BareMinerals Matte SPF15 Foundation :: Eyeshadow – Stardust and Deluxe from Urban Decay :: Nail Polish – Serge Lutens, Faux-Semblant Nail Lacquer in Nude, Barneys :: Lashes – False Eyelashes Luxe Black, Shu Uemura :: Lipstick – Revlon ColorStay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor, Smooth Nude 350, Drugstore.com

One of my most wonderful friends recently emailed me a great question. She’s attending a wedding that’s coming up and wants to fix her own hair, but is a bit worried with the end result. I can relate to that one!

As “budget” is a big theme for both couples and wedding party members, I thought simple, you-can-do-it-too bridesmaid hairstyles would make a fabulous post! Check out some of these lovely do (photos from Brides) with some simple instructions. Keep in mind, just because the models are sporting one type of hair doesn’t mean you couldn’t try it with another. Just adjust directions accordingly.

I love this one for all of its simplicity. I think it would look grand with any type of hair – thick, thin, curly, wavy, straight, or anything else. Bangs or no bangs, part your hair on the side and at an angle (towards the middle of your head). Here, a sparkly clip is placed directly on the part, but I think it would also look fab holding up a small-ish section of hair on the opposite side of the part.

Here is another one that would work well for any type of hair. The magic is all in the headband. If the bride is cool with her girls wearing headbands, I definitely think this is great option! With such a variety to chose from, you can easily find a band that coordinates with your look. Chances are, you could find an inexpensive one, too (and for a ‘maid on a budget, how great is that?!) To get this look, fix your hair just as you would on any other day, with or without a part. Then, just put on the headband! Leave a few front strands out to frame your face or tuck everything behind the band.

This do can go from runway to aisle to everyday. I like to call it the “messy ponytail”, though I’m sure the pros have another name for it. This looks particularly fabulous for hair that’s straight or wavy. After you’ve blown dry your hair, do a little backcombing towards the top of your head, using hairspray before and after (or whatever works best for your hair). Loosely gather all of your hair in a low ponytail, using bobby pins to pin back stray strands. For this look, it’s okay to have bumps and a bit of unevenness. If sections of your hair are too close to your scalp, just give it a little tug, hairspray, and work into a better spot. Note: dirty hair usually styles better, at least from my experience. Please shower, but do what you know is best for your hair!

This one is best for straight or wavy again (sorry ladies with gorgeous curly hair – I’m just jealous!). Here again, backcomb and hairspray the hair around your face and towards the top of your head. Comb over the top so it doesn’t look like you have a bird’s nest on your hair. Once you get the top looking the way you want, curl the ends of your hair with a medium or large barrel curling iron. I don’t think I could pull this one off, but if you can – go for it! But please, don’t style too high.

Any other great hairstyles you think should be up here? Comment below and share with us!

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