On March 20, 2010, the Tysons Corner and Montgomery Mall Nordstrom stores will be participating in Nordstrom Fits America — a special event to raise money for Susan G Komen for the Cure. (The Pentagon City Nordstrom will participate on March 19, 2010.)
Get your bridesmaids or girlfriends together and do one of the most “girly” things you can do: go shopping for lingerie!
Nordstrom’s Lingerie department is known for its expert bra fittings, its certified stylists are so helpful, and they have a wonderful collection of styles, sizes, and brands. The newly remodeled Tysons Corner store is even more welcoming — with comfortable dressing rooms and seating areas.
Call the store directly and speak with the Lingerie Department manager to reserve time and space for a personal Lingerie Party. Ask them if you can bring in champagne and sweets to make the experience even more decadent for you and your bridesmaids!
The best part? It’s all for an incredibly important cause. For every bra purchased during the event, $2 will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure. Visit www.nordstrom.com for exact times and other participating locations.
This week I had the pleasure of attending a preview of Punk Rock Bride’s new Spring collection. Known for its non-traditional wedding dresses, Punk Rock Bride incorporates beautiful details and texture in each of their unique dresses. Rhode Island School of Design-trained Stephanie Ward, founder and designer of Punk Rock Bride, conceived of each dress in the collection and cuts patterns based on the specific measurements of each bride, ensuring a beautiful, flawless fit.
The Spring collection features a dress with a hand-knit corset (second from left below) and one with gorgeous brocade fabric (far right).
DC brides are so fortunate to have such a unique option for wedding dresses in their own back yard. Wonderful work, Stephanie!
four of the five pieces of the new collection
gorgeous dresses with lovely details from previous collections
Punk Rock Bride founder Stephanie Ward (right) with Kari Becker Beard of Sugar B Design
I have a design crush on burlap these days. With it’s rustic simplicity, it can easily be dressed up or down to create a stunning tablescape. Burlap accents are becoming a lot easier to find in stores, but can also be home- or custom-made.
Style Me Pretty, one of my go-to sites for tablescape inspiration, showcases this DIY burlap runner. Not only do I love its simplicity but I love how by even changing the constrasting stitching, you can customize the runner to complement your design palette.
DIY Burlap Table Runners via Style Me Pretty, photo by Carrie Patterson
Here again you see the impact of homemade burlap runners at this wedding featured on another one of my all-time favorite sites Snippet and Ink.
Burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau
Complementary burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau
Here, bandanas and burlap conspire to make a cheery, casual table:
Burlap and yellow table via Country Living
I was so excited to recently learn about Northern Virginia-based EAB Designs, who makes the beautiful burlap table linens below; they are SO going on my “wish list”!
Burlap Table Runner with Paris Screen Print Design from EAB Designs
Burlap Jute napkin rings with rhinestones from EAB Designs
I’ve often admired these burlap tablecloths when peeking in the Pottery Barn windows; they could be dressed up with a beautiful overlay or kept as is:
When does one really add up to a dozen? When it is a Twobird bridesmaid dress! My step-sister introduced me to this clever company recently when she received her Twobird dress in the mail for an upcoming wedding she is in. She was skeptical the dress would really be as flattering on as it looked in the photos, but was pleasantly surprised when she tried it on.
Twobirds Rosette dress
Twobirds offers three collections: the classic, two-toned, and rosette (my personal favorite) and each of those collections is offered in long or short lengths. The beauty of the dress — regardless of the collection — is that it can be wrapped and tied in a variety of ways. Each bridesmaid can wrap the dress the way she prefers and the way that looks most flattering on her — from strapless to halter, to one shoulder…
Twobirds classic dress tied in an "Isabella" style
With their customizable dresses, Twobirds is hitting on a significant trend in bridal party fashion — customization. Brides are dressing their bridesmaids in the same color dress but different styles (or vice versa). It allows a consistent look without having to be “matchy-matchy.” And each girl can feel comfortable in a style that looks flattering on her. Love it!
Makeup by Victoria Stiles; photo courtesy of Genevieve Leiper
Victoria Stiles is a professional makeup artist and hairstylist based in the DC area. Rex & Regina has had the privilege of working with Victoria on a number of weddings where, each time, the bride and bridal party looked absolutely flawless. I had the chance to interview Victoria recently and asked her what every bride needs to know with respect to beauty on her wedding day.
Q: What do you see as the biggest trends for 2010 in terms of beauty for brides?
A: Typically for Spring it is all about the soft, very pretty type of look using neutral colors. But what we are seeing this year is pops of color on the cheeks – pops of pink or coral — or a even just a nude face with black-rimmed eyes. Not necessarily smoky, but a definite line on the top and bottom with lots of mascara.
Q: What do you think is the biggest mistake a bride can make with respect to beauty?
A: It’s all about skin care. That’s the basis to any makeup application. If the skin is not right, it can throw off the makeup entirely.
Tanning can be another big mistake. Au natural is the best way to go, but if you do decide to tan, self-tanning is best. Just make sure you exfoliate really well before doing so.
Eyebrow waxing can be another area for mistakes. Don’t wax the week before the wedding as you may have an allergic reaction to the wax; it can break you out; or sometimes in extreme cases your skin can be pulled off. If you do want to shape your brows, threading a week before the wedding is recommended over waxing.
Makeup by Victoria Stiles; photo courtesy of Marge Ely
Q: There is a lot of buzz around false lashes and lash extensions right now. What’s your take on that?
A: I LOVE false lashes. Particularly for brides, I use individual temporary lashes that last throughout the day. I choose the individual because they look more natural than a strip of lashes which tend to make brides look too dramatic. The individual lashes add just enough volume and length for a perfect look.
If you are really into lashes, I have seen Latisse in action and let me tell you, it does work. I’ve seen great results with it. If a bride is really, really into lashes, that might be something to look into.
Q. What are the top three products a bride should never be without?
It’s hard to limit it to three, but here goes:
1.) A good eye cream.
Embryolisse has a great eye cream, Soin Contour Des Yeux (Eye Contour Treatment).
Q: Having a professional do your makeup on the wedding day is always recommended. But what should a bride do with respect to makeup for the rehearsal dinner or other wedding events if her budget cannot accommodate a makeup artist all weekend?
The first thing is to make sure the skin is properly prepped. If that means visiting a dermatologist three to six months out to make sure your skin is clear for the wedding day, then definitely do so.
Make sure you have the right foundation for your skin type (normal, oily, dry). For normal to oily skin matte liquid or a powder foundation is best; for normal dry skin, a liquid foundation. And always make sure the color matches. Before buying a foundation at a store, put it on your skin and go outside in the natural light to make sure it matches. If your jaw line and neck color match and are seamless, then it is the right color. If you can see a difference between the two colors, then it is wrong.
Makeup by Victoria Stiles; photo courtesy of Marge Ely
One of the things I love about Victoria is that she is always educating herself on what’s new and is constantly evolving. She is a self-proffessed “sponge” when it comes to beauty and makeup application tips and trends. That’s exactly what you want in a makeup artist. Someone that is evolving in his or her craft and never says, “This is it. This is the only way to do it.”
Our interview was packed with so much great information that it won’t fit into one post. Stay tuned for a future post featuring Victoria’s skin care advice for grooms on their wedding day along with other helpful tips for brides.
More information about Victoria Stiles can be found on her website.
I’ve always been a big fan of the “wedding wish” idea at weddings. Instead of a guest book, set out little note cards for guests to write advice, wishes, or a special memory for the bride & groom. The wishes can be dropped in a beautiful vase or other container that complements the wedding decor. While simple slips of paper would suffice, I do love Martha Stewart’s idea of creating pre-made “conversation starters” for guests to write their wishes on. Martha has made this one super easy with templates in several different colors. After the wedding, having the sweet wishes to read over and over again is far more interesting than just a book full of names!
This fun idea need not be used exclusively at weddings. Why not collect wishes at an engagement party, anniversary, or other major milestone? The “wish station” can add an interactive element to any party.
We are humbled and thrilled to share that Rex & Regina was honored with two awards this week and want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of clients for making 2009 such an incredible year. Thanks for the privilege of allowing us share in one of the most important days of your life. We’re forever grateful.
My last wedding of 2009 was one of my favorites of the entire year. Katie and Masato are a gorgeous and incredible kind couple and their wedding, which happened to fall on the first snow storm DC had seen the entire year, was absolutely amazing.
The couple got ready at Hotel Rouge in DC and then took some photos on the National Mall. A beautiful ceremony took place at All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church in DC with a reception following at the Carnegie Institution.
One of my favorite elements of the wedding was the arrangement of 1,000 origami cranes that the couple carefully and meticulously folded over the months leading up to the wedding. The result was a stunning backdrop for the cake, a focal point for the reception, and, as Japanese tradition holds, blessings for a lifetime.
Helping the bride with her stunning dress
The bride wore a beautiful wrap on the way outside to see her groom for the first time
Walking through the snowy streets of DC
The wedding party, with the girls donning gorgeous purple dresses
The bride in red snow boots. I love it!
gorgeous wreaths, created by Yellow Door florists, adorned the church doors
The married couple recesses down the aisle
Beautiful tablescapes
The Carnegie Institution came alive with beautiful lighting from Atmosphere
A beautiful moment in a beautiful space
1,000 origami cranes handmade by the couple hang from an archway
the intricate cranes
A well-rehearsed and well-executed first dance on the grand floor
I am on the hunt for a small (roughly 7×5) leather three-ring binder to use as an agenda. I’ve checked out most of my usual shopping haunts but am coming up a little empty (except, of course, for the lovely one I saw at Louis Vuitton).
In my pursuit for the perfect agenda, however, I visited Bally’s website and spotted this fabulous pink grained calfskin manicure kit. The lacey quilted lining oozes femininity. And the kit includes all the grooming essentials a properly primped girl needs. Wouldn’t this be a perfect gift for a favorite girlfriend or a bridesmaid?!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! My vacation ended yesterday and as such I am easing back into work and to blog posting.
This time of year is the time for lists and reflection, so it seems only fitting to look back at some of the most popular Rex & Regina posts over the last year. These popular posts reflect the three main categories regularly featured on the blog: weddings, social events, and at-home entertaining.
1. First on the list is the series dedicated to Julia Child and the release of the movie, Julie & Julia. The series included my humble review of the movie, information about Julia Child’s kitchen at the Smithsonian, Julia-themed party ideas, and other Julia resources.
"Cheers" wine gift bag, available from The Craft Pantry on Etsy
4. Napkins are a perennial topic for entertainers. This two-part series looked at eco-chic entertaining with napkins. The first post talks about the beauty and practicality of napkin rings and the second looks at just how cool cloth cocktail napkins can be.
Leontine Linens RIley Cocktail Napkins
5. Cupcakes were all the rage in 2009, but artisan chocolates were the new dark horse in sweet treats.
Fleur de Sel Chocolates from Recchiuti
6. A good host is always prepared for overnight guests and the tips in this next post provide a good checklist.
Silver Bamboo Clock from Williams-Sonoma Home
The final four popular posts on the list are all wedding-related.
7. I get a lot of questions about children at weddings — whether to invite them, how to entertain them… This post provides some helpful tips on the subject.
Photo courtesy of Karine Aigner Photography
8. Another question I regularly answer is the difference between escort and place cards — an important distinction.
Escort cards, photo courtesy of Baltazar Photography
9. Weddings are a great time to collect wishes and advice from friends and family. This post provided some creative ways to do just that.
Wish guest book; photo courtesy of CB Photography
10. A great way to extend hospitality to your wedding guests is to offer them a gift bag upon arrival at the hotel. This post outlined the elements of the ultimate gift bag.
City Out-of-Town Totes available at Blissweddingsmarket.com
Finding the perfect artwork for a new home can be such a challenge. (My husband and I have lived in our home together for four years and there are still some bare walls!) Australian-based company, Castle, has some gorgeous solutions for that dilemma.
I adore these prints — each of which would be perfect gracing a wall of a newlywed’s home.
"Mr & Mrs" hand-screen printed artwork from Castle
"For Ever and Ever" print from Castle
"For Ever and a Day" print from Castle
While you are on the site, be sure to check out Castle’s beautiful collection of bright, cheery bed linens — another perfect item for the newlywed’s nest!
Get your bridesmaids or girlfriends together and do one of the most “girly” things you can do: go shopping for lingerie!
