Inspired Silver For the Holidays ... Just like the Celebrities

Your Wedding Shoes: Tips on Comfort, Style & More

Your Wedding Shoes

Should you break in your shoes?
Your bridal shoes should feel good the first time you put them on, but they will only become more comfortable with a bit of wear. Here are our top tips for ensuring comfort - and confidence on your wedding day.

Notes on Comfort

Almost every gal who walks through the door of a bridal boutique asks about comfort. It's a valid concern because when your feet hurt it, shows on your face. When choosing Bridal Shoes try to balance comfort with style so you can be confident that the shoe you fall in love with now, will still be your favorite at the end of your wedding night. There are also some steps you can take to ensure greater comfort.

Measure
Have your feet measured so you're sure to order the right size. Do the measuring at the end of the day since feet tend to swell throughout the day.
Break-In
A couple of weeks before the wedding, start wearing your shoes inside the house every day for an hour or two at a time to break them in.

Use Foot Pads

A well-placed foot pad can help prevent slipping, shifting, rubbing and chafing.

Consider Quality

If comfort is still of great concern I recommend investing in a top designer brand. You'll pay more for the fine leather but the quality construction will mean greater comfort.

Notes on Style

Can't decide on a style? I suggest you look to your gown and accessories for inspiration. I'll bet you can quickly name the "look" you're trying to create on your wedding day, and once you do that selecting the right shoe style is easy.

Classic Look

Pumps, slingbacks and shoes with a closed toe are the most classic. That's not to say you shouldn't walk down the aisle in a strappy sandal or an open toe, but you should keep the embellishments to a minimum and look for unfussy designs.

Vintage Look

This is a look that brides are requesting a lot these days and I love creating the hairstyles and choosing accessories. I look for shoes with closed toes and if they have a round or square toe that's even better. I also love updated Mary Janes such as the Rachel Bridal Shoe.
Diva Look

I've chosen a lot of daring styles for Bellissima Bridal Shoes because I believe that a bride can be sexy without being over-the-top. Strappy sandals or styles that wrap around your ankle like the Sierra or Monaco are great choices. Of course high heels are probably the quickest way to achieve a diva style!

Casual or Beach Look

When I go on location to do hair and makeup I'm often traveling to a beach or park and recently I even did a small backyard wedding at the home of the bride's parents. These casual gatherings are the perfect opportunity to choose simple, uncomplicated styles with minimal embellishment - easy on the sparkle. I also suggest bridal flats or low heels especially if you're going to be on sand or grass where higher heels tend to sink.

Amy Sedaris on Martha Stewart .... What a Hoot

This goes along with the Amy Sedaris Book posted earlier. This woman is a hoot : ) You can get a gist of her personality and wit by watching her guest spot on Martha Stewart!

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

Want to laugh til' it hurts? The perfect book for entertaining. Comdey with helpful hints. Everything from freezing your pantyhose to make little hotdog ordeurves! Very retro, very chic, very timely and untimely : ) Love this book!

$10,000.00 Wedding Contest

A nice message from ProposalsGoneWrong.com . . .

Hello! I wanted to let you and your readers know that Ross-Simons.com, an internet jewelry retailer headquartered in Rhode Island, is holding a contest for couple about to get married. The grand prize is a $10,000 jewelry shopping spree on Ross-Simons.com. Contestants are asked to make creative home videos about their proposal. They can be funny, insightful, serious, awkward or poignant. The only real requirement is that they be entertaining. The promotion is tied into a campaign involving home videos of proposals gone horribly awry, so perspective contestants are encouraged to have fun with the premise.

More details, contestant videos as well as rules and regulations can be found at ProposalsGoneWrong.com

Love that Heel of Mine : )

I'm in love. No other way to put it. I do have a shoe fetish --always have. I like expensive shoes, cheap shoes, mid heeled, flat, rubber or stacked. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes. And, I just say the Payless BOGO ads and I like what I see. I don't see why you can't use these shoes in a wedding party. They are cute, sexy and I don't think anyone in the bridal party will complain about price! Payless ShoeSource Women's Shoes

“Lady” Satin Pump

Strappy satin party pump features a prettyankle bow and a 3 ½” stiletto heel. Fabric and manmade materials. It's only $19.99 and you buy one get one 1/2 off right now.

Ice Ice Baby ....

Worth posting... this company has some gorgeous baubles ... however, I keep singing that song "Santa Baby ...." in my head....

Sydney's Closet - Gowns for the Plus Sized Woman

Sydney's Closet

Gorgeous Gowns for the Size 12 and over woman. Whether looking for a bridesmaid gown, gown for New Year's Eve or even a Bridal Gown, Sydney's has a gown in your price range ...t hese 2 are under $200.00!

Send an Adorable Love Note -- This is so much fun!

I love this. Sent it out to all my friends today ..... this will make you smile:

Click on the site and type your name and see what happens. It's amazing. No idea how they do this. http://www.star28.net/snow.html

I LIKE YOU ... HOSPITALITY UNDER THE INFLUENCE

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

Want to laugh til' it hurts? The perfect book for entertaining. Comdey with helpful hints. Everything from freezing your pantyhose to make little hotdog ordeurves! Very retro, very chic, very timely and untimely : ) Love this book!

Martha Stewart Flowers for Your Wedding ... Affordable

Martha Stewart Flowers: Lisboa Carnations - - 25 stems


With its clove scent and lush petals, the carnation has maintained its popularity for more than 2,000 years. Its candy-striped coloring is reminiscent of carnations found in antique botanical prints. Use an entire grower's bunch to create a single luxuriant arrangement, or divide it into several small bouquets. Perfect for holiday decorating or to send as a gift. Complete your arrangement with a contemporary glass vase. For an additional charge, you may add one when you begin the ordering process. And only $39.99

Booty Parlour Has the Cutest Little Set for Your Honeymoon Attire

Naughty Ballerina


Flirty ruffles dance off the top and bottom of this adorable duo with three tantalizing bottom options: ruffled bikini brief; frisky, frilly thong; or bikini with discreet crotchless cutout for playing peek-a-boo.

Who says you have to go to a bridal store to find a gown?

Golden Lace Gown

The Golden Lace features a lace and embroidered rouched bodice over a fantastic satin wrap skirt. The open lace-up back tops it off! A perfect gown. If you are looking for a wedding gown, formal dress or a prom dress, look no further than the Golden Lace. Only $111.00 to boot ....

Who says you have to go to a bridal shop to find a gown?

Beautiful Jewelry for the Bridesmaids and Attendants

Is this beautiful or what????????




And affordable. Makes a great gift for the bridesmaids, grandparents or mother's of the bride and groom. A wonderful keepsake that can be worn again and again!

Winter Centerpeices... Wedding Centerpieces... Globes & Ornaments in a Bowl

From Illuminations, Vintage Ball Ornaments in a bowl. Simple and elegant. Plus, your guests can divvy up the ornaments as a favor to take home! More ideas: Group into a dessert dish, scatter them around candles, lay them on angels hair or even hang them from a miniature tree centerpiece!

50900519 Set of 24 Red Ball Ornaments 1"Dia.

50900518 Set of 24 Multi-Color Ornaments 1"Dia.

50900520 Set of 24 Iced Ball Ornaments 1"Dia.

Any time of year, these make a lovely favor . . .

Hearts, Hearts and more Hearts .... any time of year these would make a lovely favor.




Their solid white boxes arrive ready for you to embellish with your own ribbons or floral trims – perfect for coordinating with your wedding colors and theme! Each solid white box holds 1 buttercream frosted heart cut-out cookie. This gift includes:10 solid white boxes / 1 frosted heart cut-out per boxThis gift is also available in our retail stores.gift # 34381 $24.95

From Cheryl & Co. (click on picture for more info)

Friendship Bracelet For Your Bridesmaids

Here is a fabulous find for your attendant/bridesmaid's gifts!

Virtues of Friendship Bracelet

Joy, humor, love, loyalty, trust, grace—each of the six virtues of friendship is celebrated in this gold-and-leather bracelet. Hanging from the braided chocolate-colored leather cord are gold-plated charms in artful shapes. Exclusively from Red Envelope.

• each satin-finished 18k-gold-plated charm is etched with one of the six virtues of friendship on both sides in cursive
  
• choose 7 1/4" or 8" long
  
• toggle closure
  
• charms measure between 3/8" and 1/2" long
  
• matching necklace and earrings also available. see below for available
  styles (Click Here)

CZ Wing Earrings .. Steal Cameron's Style

Yes You CAN CAN : )

Bourjois The Can Can Colour Show

This is so adorable. It's great to buy for yourself or as a two'fer .... a gift for the bridesmaids that they can use on your wedding day!

Hollywood Superman Wedding ...HMMMMM

This is the wedding of "The Hollywood Superman" getting married to his long time "Lois Lane" under the massive Superman statue located in Metropolis, IL. Every year they hold a weekend long Superman Festival that celebrates the man of steel with trivia contests, costume contests, celebrities, the Super-Museum, & more. It is great fun for not a lot of money. If you have ever been a Superman fan you should do yourself a favor and go. You have seen "the Hollywood Superman" on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno & he has appeared on the Daily Show as well as other television programs including an upcoming spot on Jimmey Kimmel Live. For more information on the Superman Celebration visit supermanhomepage.com

Champagne and Roses Ring Bearer Pillow

 

Champagne
and Roses Ring Bearer Pillow

$24.95 each

Subtle satin embellishments make this an absolutely elegant choice for your big
day. We've found the warm tones to be very versatile, complimenting many shades
of taupe, brown, pink and ivory and it provides a surprising "pop" of
color paired with a little boys black or navy suit.  Measures 7"
square.  Need more ideas?   Click here:  Shopping
Guide

Hair We Go Again ...

Found the perfect set for your travels. Weather going on a honeymoon, traveling over the holidays or just need a little kit to take to work for those afternoon luncheons or strait from work dinners. Everything you need for your hair .... what could be more perfect?



T3 The Overnight Travel Dryer and Comb Collection

The Twinkie Wedding Cake ....

Today's wedding cake has come a long way from the traditional tiered white iced fruit cake. Thanks to the open minded couples who want something "different", cakes now come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors. And why have white or pound cake, when there’s the choice of carrot cake, angel food cake or cheesecake in a myriad of flavors, coupled with different fillings, toppings, icings, and frostings. And whose to say you have to have cake to begin with? those of you who don't just want cake!

First, the rule of thumb . . . "if you can stack it .... you can make it." The basic premise of all of the cakes below is to stack your medium (i.e., cupcakes, twinkies, donuts or even cheese) and then embellish. You can embellish with cake tops, icing flowers, ribbons, sprinkles or any other item you may want to place on your cake. The sky is the limit in regards to creativity with these cakes. :

Laptop Bride News: Alternatives to the Wedding Cake

Think Twinkies

Those spongy creamed- filled cakes have taken on a new role thanks to Hostess baking expert Theresa Cogswell. Cogswell created the Ribbons and Bows Twinkie Wedding Cake, Mr. and Mrs. Twinkie Tiered Twinkie Cake, Twinkie Wedding Day favors and more. The Twinkies are wrapped in fondant (a pliable icing) and decorated or frosted. Other than the Twinkies — you’ll need 27 of them for the wedding cake — some other supplies are needed to make and assemble the cakes, including cardboard cake rounds and a prepared cake mix. (For detailed instructions on how to make Twinkie cakes:

(The Twinkies Cookbook: An Inventive and Unexpected Recipe Collection from Hostess)

KIssing Ball Makes A Fabulous Wedding Centerpiece

Under $30.00 and fabulous. This makes a fantastic wedding centerpiece! Add some sprigs of holly or even a small table mirror with tea lights surrounding it. Mantelpiece Urn and Kissing Ball (From Jackson and Perkins)


An instant yet sophisticated holiday decoration that compliments your good taste!


Display our timeless red Kissing Ball inside the classical contours of the urn – it's a beautiful match! Urn also provides a holiday showcase for your favorite fabric flowers or fresh-picked greenery. Its miniature dimensions fit just right on a mantelpiece, table or countertop. Kissing ball, crafted from cedar wood shavings, features vibrant holiday red color and shining satin ribbon. Urn, 9 1/4" H x 5 3/4" Dia. Kissing Ball, 5 1/2" Dia. Greeting card available.
NEWMantelpiece Urn and Kissing Ball Item No. 38972C $29.95

The Knitted Wedding .... A Real Purl : )

The Knitted Wedding

If you are a knitter .... and that's your thing, you should definitely check out the "Knitted Wedding." Everything at this wedding was knitted. This
included cameras, the gown, the food, the cake and decorations. The bride is curator of the exhibition ‘Ceremony’, and Knitting Doctor, Freddie Robins. All knitters and their friends were invited to the wedding. Guests were allowed to knit through the reception. People were allowed to send knitted items in to the couple and requested to have their names attached totheir project. Why?" you ask. Because this all will be shown later in a book called, “ How to Knit Your Own Wedding” published by ‘Cast Off’. For more pictures, ideas and treats visit their website: CastOff.com

Oh and if you want knitting patterns, Cast off offers those too. A few samples are below: Please click the links below to download the knitting patterns as Word documents.

Knitted Bows Knitted Candle Knitted Dove Knitted Flowers

Knitted Marigold Knitted Sandwich Crochet Bud & Leaf Crochet Flowers

For more patterns you can also visit: Knitting Pattern Central

The Cupcake Gown...Sweetest Dress You Will Ever See

Isn't this just the sweetest gown ... pun intended : ) There are 478 cupcakes in the dress. This is from a photography exhibit in Australia called “Shoot the Chef.” A full, multicolored cupcake gown. The flowers - roses and gerberas, mainly - were all fresh. The "skirt" took about three hours to build. It was an exercise in putting a lot of beautiful elements together to explore the idea of femininity.

I would want two of these... one to eat and one to wear. And, I bet
it's a safe bet this doesn't come in a size 10 : )

Wedding Cake Candles For Your Wedding

If you are having a wedding on "a budget" this makes a great little favor and accent for you table. In addition, "no calories!"

Wedding Cake Candle - $ 0.99
From:

Smart Marketing, Inc.

What One Can Do With A Little 'Ole Piece of Paper

Either some people have too much time .... or are just really, really crafty.

Santa Dolls From Your Wedding Dress

The following Santa is a custom-made Santa designed from a wedding gown. The Bride said it had been in the attic for 13 years and there was no one to wear it….so she decided to put it to use and be able to enjoy it. She has chosen to include family heirlooms with her Santa. The railroad pocket watch belonged to her grandfather and her sister’s birthstone ring is attached. The broach is actually one of her mother’s barrettes. The angel’s gown is from her great grandmother’s handkerchief and the bodice is embellished with a pair of her grandmother’s ear rings. If you are interested in obtaining one of these dolls Visit the “Santa Lady.”

How To Make A Classic Clutch Bouquet

How to Make a Classic Clutch Bouquet (Click on this link
for even more ideas! From Pick a Petal)

This is a beginner-level arrangement. With proper preparation and planning,
you can expect to complete this twenty-four-stem bouquet in about 20 minutes.

Materials

To create this arrangement, you'll need the following items:

• 24 of our fresh roses.
  
• A fully stocked workspace.
  
• Green florists tape, available at craft supply stores.
  
• 2 to 3 yards of 1 to 3 inch wide ribbon.
  
• A one quart plastic container, 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
  
• Spray bottle filled with clean water.
  
• A tall kitchen garbage bag.

Preparation

• Order your roses in advance.
  
• Gather your supplies and get your workspace ready.
  
• The day your roses are delivered, prepare them according to our
  instructions. Remove all foliage and snip the tips of the thorns if your
  roses have them.
  
• If you are doing more than one or two arrangements, enlist the help of a
  few friends and relatives. They'll make the project go faster and keep the
  focus on fun.
  
• If you are planning a morning or early afternoon wedding, make your
  bouquet the night before. For a late afternoon or evening wedding, plan to
  assemble it that morning.

Instructions

1. Start by selecting three roses that will become the center of your
   arrangement. Hold them in your left hand, about 6 inches from the heads, as
   if you're holding your bouquet. They should make a triangle. Place them at
   slightly different heights (about a quarter of an inch difference is good)
   to give your arrangement more dimension.
   
2. Add three additional roses between each of the roses already in your hand.
   Again, vary the heights ever-so-slightly. You should now be holding six
   stems in your hand in a roughly triangular shape.
   
3. Place two roses on each side of the triangle; now you'll have a dozen
   roses in your hand and the domed shape should begin to appear.
   
4. Working in a circle around the outside edge, add the remaining twelve
   roses to the arrangement. If you see any roses that are out of place, just
   loosen your grip a bit and make the adjustment.
   
5. Starting about 8 inches lower than the flowers, wrap the bunch of stems
   firmly with green florist tape. The pros can do this on their own, but we
   recommend an extra set of hands to accomplish this at home. As you wrap the
   tape up the stems pulling them closer together, the bouquet will become
   rounder. When you have created the dome shape you want, stop taping.
   
6. Leaving about 6 inches (12 inches if you want your bouquet to have a bow),
   carefully wrap the ribbon from the top of the bouquet down the stems for
   about 6 to 8 inches and then back up again, making sure to cover all the
   green florist tape. Tie the ends in a square knot to secure.
   
7. Using the utility scissors, cut the stems about an inch below the ribbon.
   
8. Put three quarters of an inch of water in the one quart plastic container
   and place the bouquet in the container. Lightly spray the flowers with
   water, being careful to keep the ribbon dry.
   
9. If you have space, place the arrangement in the refrigerator covered
   loosely with a plastic bag. If there's no room in the fridge, don't worry;
   the flowers will be absolutely fine if you keep them stored in your
   workspace.

Success Tips

• Blow a puff or two of air -- as if you were blowing out a candle -- down
  into the center of each rose just before adding it to the arrangement. This
  helps the petals open out a bit more and gives you a fuller look.
  
• While you're making the arrangement, check the shape in a mirror to see
  how it will look to others.
  
• Wash your hands before handling the ribbon.
  
• Take a deep breath and relax. You can do this!

BRIDE'S AGAINST BREAST CANCER

BRIDE'S AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Brides Against Breast Cancer National Tour of Gowns
Making Memories Foundation
Web site: MakingMemories.org

Want to make a difference? Recycle Your Wedding Dress: Your wedding dress doesn't have to be worn just once — donate it or, make a purchase that counts. .One way to find the gown of your dreams at a great price -- and help others at the same time -- is to visit a Brides Against Breast Cancer Sale, organized by the Making Memories Foundation.

The Foundation uses money raised by the sale of donated dresses to fund wishes for patients with terminal breast cancer.

Krispy Kreme Donuts Make A Great Wedding Favor

Anybody out there who got the Washington Post this morning (10/1/06) — look in your coupon section. Krispy Kreme is advertising the most adorable little pumpkin shaped donuts! Krispy Kreme outdid themselves. It is an actual pumpkin shaped donut with the orange icing and little jack 0′lantern face. Flavored “pumpkins spice,” how could you go wrong by having this as a wedding favor? Simply place two donuts in a small box, tie with black and orange raffia ribbon and voila, you have a tasty favor for the guests to take home. And it is inexpensive. Krispy Kreme doesn’t have this particular donut loaded up on their site just yet, however, they also have some adorable football shaped donuts on the site that you foot ball fans would love! Visit Krispy Kreme . . .

How to Wear A Kilt . . . A Pod Cast (Still doesn't answer what they wear under them . . . )

Having a Scottish Wedding. Groom need to be fitted for a kilt? Well, I found a Pod Cast that will help you with that : )



But Gals, there's nothing here about what they wear under it!

You Have Got To Be Kitting!

Most Expensive Pet Wedding

In September 1996, two rare “diamond-eyed” cats, Phet and Ploy, were married in matching pink outfits at a ceremony in Thailand’s biggest discotheque. It cost Phet’s owner, Wichan Jaratarcha, 410,979 Thai Bhat ($16,241).source: Guinness World Records

Okay, I saw this on a web site. . . and it’s a different type of story, I truly have to say. Now the real question is, “Did they celebrate their 10th anniversary?”

Shoes are as important as the dress . . .

Your shoes are as important as the wedding gown.

Carabella has these beautiful SLIP ON SANDAL HEEL
Slides with metallic tiles on straps. Absolutely gorgeous . . . and you can wear them with something else!

A John Deere Wedding . . . How Cool Is That?

Here's an idea for those of you who want a country wedding . . .
Bride Murandalee Hagedorn, sheltered from a light rain and surrounded by her John Deere-themed bridesmaids, prepares to board a John Deere tractor pulling a hay-filled flatbed wagon that will take her to her wedding in Walla Walla, Washington. Murandalee married her Walla Walla sweetheart, Roy Cate, who arrived at the wedding on an antique John Deere tractor. (AP/Jeff Horner) Aug 11, 2006

Notice the girls are wearing rubber boots .... I think this is just adorable!

Making Whoopie!

I guess this is what they call making "Whoopie," or NOT! Come on , you know you want to laugh .... : ) It's only $32.95 .... and comes in both men's, women's and childrens sizes (the order number IN-25/3903 ... but hey you might want to look at the ball and chain costume : ) )


Available through Oriental Trading.....

The Saddest Thing I Own . . . Sad and Intriguing at the Same Time

I find this both sad and intriguing at the same time. Beautiful, Beautiful Ring. I hope he doesn't discard it. I am of the mindset that time does change one's perspective. You never forget the person, the love the memories, but time does have a way of sometimes dulling the emotions or changing your perspective. And not to sound callous or anything, but again . . . what a cool cool ring : )

Engagement Ring · May 4, 06:32 by Daniel Talsky

I was going to marry her, and I was very serious about it. I went to one of the best Jewelry design places in all of the city, and asked them about making a ring that was a fish, because she was my little fish.

I ended up just bringing her in and having her do sketches to help design the ring. We designed it together and picked out a stone together. She loved wearing it and it was a symbol of our love.

When we broke up, two months away from our planned wedding date, of course she gave it back to me. I spent almost two thousand dollars on it, but there’s not much about the materials themselves that are worth that much. The cabuchon sapphire, the small chips, and the little diamond from a ring of my grandmother’s, plus the metal, wouldn’t amount to much. The real value is in the custom time that we and the craftsmen put into carving it and forging it.

Now I still have it and have no idea what to do with it? Sell it for a couple of hundred dollars at most and let it go to some stranger? Give it to her in ten years as a symbol of our enduring friendship? (we are still very close friends) Throw it into the sea? Who knows. Until then it will sit in my closet…easily the saddest object I own.

Hello Kitty Wedding Dress . . . Think Pink?

Go Figure. Everyone knows that Asia is Hello Kitty crazy. But I think they have taken it a little too far. While trying to immiate what they think is a Western Wedding gown, they have put together a "Hello Kitty" Wedding Gown. My interpretation would be either A: Think Pink or B: First Place for Ugliest Wedding Gown and C: I don't even think this would work at the Prom~

Practice the Chicken Dance For Your Wedding!

Help Break a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Chicken Dance!

In 1996 in Canfield, Ohio, 72,000 people set a record for the world's largest chicken dance. On July 4, 2006, from 5-9 pm at Minor League Baseball stadiums around the country (and online!), this record will be broken.

They need you to make this event a success. Many valuable prizes will be awarded to registered participants. All proceeds go to support Classroom on Wheels of Central Texas, which provides curricular and extra-curricular support to all 59 school districts in central Texas.

And hey, practice for your wedding!