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!
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When preparing for a wedding, brides tend to spend a lot of time beautifying themselves (months before they are to walk down the aisle – not just on the big day). I recently got to try out the Clarisonic PLUS Skin Care System with Spot Therapy, a fun skincare tool that helps clean and tighten skin on the face and other targeted areas. The hand held brush spins, and beeps when it’s time to move to a different spot on the face (which is helpful for not over-doing a certain spot).
After using the Clarisonic, I could definitely feel a difference in my skin. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical, as I always am when it comes to skin care things. But, you know the light, really clean, cool feeling you get after giving your face a good ole’ scrub? THAT’s what it’s like.
This little kit would definitely make a fun addition to any beauty routine. But, I think it would also be a fun thing to gift to your ladies – you can even get them personalized with a name or phrase. How fabulous is that!? Check out the kit below.
Get more info on the Clarisonic here, or check out their Facebook fan page for updates and to check out what other customers think!
Be beautiful! 
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Every Bride wants kissable lips on her wedding day, perhaps more so than any other day. So why not gloss those babies up! I got to test some of Sally Hansen’s new Diamond 12 Hour Lip Treatment and wanted to share my thoughts with you. The “Treatment” works to “replenish and hydrate lips while providing three exciting levels of coverage-diamonds, pearls and opals-to be worn alone or layered for unlimited effects”.
The formula for this sparkly gloss includes Retinol (for smoothing and antioxidant benefits) and a time-released Moisture Complex that supposed to help replenish lips for up to 12 hours. When applied, the treatment does glide on smoothly with a brush applicator, and doesn’t get all sticky and gross after a few minutes (alleluia!). In my experience, however, it didn’t last up to 12 hours. I didn’t try kissing lots of people, or one person a ton of times, but it did stay put for three to four hours, which I still think is great!
So, if you’re looking to dress up your lips, I’d definitely recommend this lip treatment. I think they’d also make a fun little gift to treat your bridesmaids to (hey, who doesn’t like getting all prettied up?). They come in a number of shades with fabulous names, which include Engaging, Princess, Gem, Marquise, Flawless, Solitaire, In Love, Tiara, Fancy, Eternity, Ascher and Bauguette.
Check out the fab shades here and a pic below.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Sally’s giving one fabulous reader quite a spread! All twelve shades of the Diamond collection! To enter, just leave a comment! A winner will be chosen at random next Wednesday, June 12th.
If you don’t win, you can still pick up your fave shade in just about any drug store across the nation. Check out Sally Hansen for store locations. Not a bad price, I dare say, at only $6.25!
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You should remember your honeymoon for the rest of your life. There are millions of places the two of you can go, but how do you decide?
Most importantly you should choose a location where the two of you can focus on eachother, be busy with eachother and really enjoy eachother. Choose a beautiful location! Beaches are very popular locations and there are many beautiful beach destinations. And hey! Its a great excuse to wear less clothing
Our destination was Santorini Island, Greece . I have to say, it was the most beautiful place I have ever been to! Absolutely breathtaking all the time. It’s a small little charming and unique island in the Greek Caldera. It is known to have the best sunsets in the world! We stayed at a hotel called Oia Mare Villas. Great accommodation! Pictured below is a photo from our honeymoon.
The two of you have to choose together where you want to go and then have some unforgettable fun!
Hmmm….I can’t seem to figure out how to post a photo? Can someone help me?
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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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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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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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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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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 healthyâ€, 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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