Showing posts with label Tuesday Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuesday Shopping. Show all posts

Does your vacuum pass the LOVE test?

Have you ever proclaimed love for your vacuum? 

I have.  I LOVE my Miele vacuum! 

My Miele S7 has received "passing with flying colors" grades in my test of what I think a perfect vacuum should be/do/have in addition to the ability to suck up dirt, dust, etc (as compared to my other bargain vacuum "B"): 

  1. The Sound Test: The Miele hums while it cleans rather than the growl that comes form vacuum "B".  When "B" comes out of the closet, Maddy expects to be scared. When I turn it on, she climbs up on the nearest safe zone and makes a pained noise.  While the Miele is in use, she goes about whatever she was doing. Sometimes, she wants to try it herself! 
  2. The Mobility Test: So it's not as light as a feather, but the Miele is definitely easier to carry up and down stairs than "B". The head of the vacuum (is that what it's called?) even collapses so that the entire body is one straight line. 
  3. The HEPA Test: Some vacuums that claim to have a HEPA filter still release particles into the air through the any slight opening in the unit.  Miele, however, can trap and retain 99.99% of fine particles with their Sealed System™ Design which is strengthened by a 3-stage process: 1) the air-tight unit crafted by the best raw materials, 2) the HyClean™ dust bag with self-sealing closure and 3) the certified HEPA filter that all together provide the purest air quality.  Check out this brief video clip showing how the vacuum seals closed when it starts up. 
  4. The Movement Test:  Let this video do the talking.  The swivel neck makes it easy to turn corners and reach under tables, chairs, etc. 
  5. The Hose Test: As you can see from this video, the stainless steal wand is already assembled and is easy to pull right out of the vacuum. There's no need to put multiple tube pieces together. And the 12-foot flexible hose extends your cleaning reach to almost 55 feet. 

I will never claim to be a master cleaner (that title I reserve for my husband), but I've learned a lot of the value of investing in high quality household products and appliances, not just electronics. And just so you know, these vacuums were designed and tested to pass Miele's 20-year life span or the equivalent of 1,000 hours! Think of how many vacuums you may go through in a 20 year period and how many of those disposed of vacuums sit in landfills.  When you invest in a product with longevity, you're also helping the environment.   I bet you never thought of that!

If you're thinking about upgrading to a vacuum like a Miele, you'll want to take the opportunity to do a test drive and speak to a salesperson about the features that are important to you.  Even better: The Miele US HQ is right in Princeton on 9 Independence Way.  Make an appointment to come and test out the products and you can even get some fresh brewed cappuccino during your visit.  


Disclaimer: I received the Miele S7 in exchange for reviews about the product and company 

Wedding inspired baby nursery

The day I found out I was having a girl, I headed over to Home Goods to get some color/design inspiration for the new nursery. I love planning and designing but I drive myself crazy with deciding on color combos. I did this when I planned my wedding too.  I also want to TRY and make the crib skirt, especially since I can't find anything I like online or in the stores.  And since I used a breathable bumper with Maddy, I don't really need to buy an entire crib bedding set. 

When I finally narrowed my choices down to aqua and pink or orange I started searching online and came across a lot of wedding theme pictures (not surprised since pink and orange are a hot trend now).  But the pictures actually helped me visualize the color scheme for a baby nursery and it made me realize that wedding themes area  great source of inspiration for when you're planning your baby nursery.  My inspiration fabric is an aqua damask print from Joann Fabrics. Still not sure if I'll use it (need to find a pink or orange fabric to pair it with), but I like it and I'm 1 step closer to solving my nursery design dilemma. Below are some more ideas and the wedding theme images that inspired them. 



Clockwise from top: Calico fabric, Joann.com; Handpainted drawer pull knob, Etsy.com; Aqua and pink paper lanterns, PinkFrosting.com; Regents Park rug, RosenberryRooms.com; Tiffany Bluebird pillow, Etsy.com; Fancy Crystal Chandelier wall decal, Etsy.com; Butterfly wall decal, Etsy.com; Room Essentials ® bin, Target.com.  Aqua and Pink wedding photo from ProjectWedding.com; Blue and Orange wedding photo from MyIslandWedding.blogspot.com 

Mrs. Mo On The Move: Bella Figura Maternity & Baby in Haddonfield



Carmel's maternity style philosophy is to purchase items you can "wear the next day and the next day after that."  You want to purchase pieces that can be thrown in the washer/dryer and won't lose quality. 
 
Some of the best selling brands in her Haddonfield boutique are: Michael Stars, See You in Miami, Olian, Maternal America, and Japanese Weekend.  She carries non-maternity clothing like Michael Stars, Alternative Apparel, and Toggery that are versatile enough that you can wear during pregnancy as well.


 
 
If you would like Mrs. Mo to visit your business and film a segment, send an email to editor@mrsmonj.com for rates & availability.



Children's Style Alert: Mini Boden available at Nordstrom stores

Time to think Spring! Okay so maybe we're looking at another blast of snow this week, but fashion retailers have warmer weather on the mind with bright colors, short sleeves, mini skirts and sandals.  And speaking of bright colors, let's talk about fun and spirited children's clothing. And let's be even more specific and talk about London based clothing company Boden who has now brought their Mini Boden line to 57 US Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com, the first US retailer to carry the line. The 3 New Jersey locations that will carry the line are the Cherry Hill Mall, Freehold Raceway and The Mall at Short Hills.

If you ever had dreams for your child to have a sporty and preppy style like I do (Be still my preppy heart! ), Mini Boden is for you.  The whimsy, the colors and the designs just make you feel good.  The collection includes clothing for Infants, Toddlers, Girls and Boys.  Even if the price point ($22-$46) is not in your budget, it's certainly worth it to treat someone (or yourself) to Mini Boden at a baby shower, birthday or holiday.  Check out some of the Spring/Summer line below. 


Classic, Tailored, Feminine and Neutral: Favorite picks from Fashion Week

Like most fans of fashion, I followed the 2010 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week by catching recaps online.  I was glued to FabSugar to see what my favorite designers were presenting and to discover some new talent.  As I browsed through my bookmarked links I discovered a common theme in my favorite picks: feminine and tailored design in neutral colors. I didn't plan it that way and my own closet certainly doesn't reflect it, but you can't deny what you like! Here are some of my favorite picks from designers like Michael Kors (how can you not love his collection!), Phillip Lim, ThakoonRebecca Taylor and Cynthia Steffe. And then throw in some film noir with Vera Wang!

Top Row: Phillip Lim, Second Row: Michael Kors and Rebecca Taylor (far right), Third Row: Rebecca Taylor, Thakoon (3rd from left), Vera Wang (far right).


Love Mom & Dad: Valentine gifts for kids & teens

A fond memory as a kid was waking up on Valentine's Day and finding a sweet surprise of glittery heart-shaped jelly bracelets on my desk.  I never expected that kids were supposed to get Valentine's Day gifts and so you can imagine how fun it was to celebrate the day too.  

So while you're busy shopping for your spouse or significant other, take a minute to remember the other little loved ones in your family.  Whether it's heart print kitchen mitts for the little chef or a red and white hacky sak for boys who don't-do-hearts, you can have fun finding something that will warm their heart and maybe even make them behave for a day...or better yet, give you a hug in public! 

While all the items below were found online, you can pretty much get something like them in stores. Just be creative! Dollar Stores are always great to start.



Clockwise from top right: Rainbow heart kitchen mitts, $6.00, Sandmaster Footbag, $14.75, Pink row headband 5-pack, $6.99,  Declarations of Love vinyl tote, $14.80, Flower Heart BPA-Free Nalgene bottle, $12.00, Men's heart print pj pants, $19.50, Heart shaped jelly bracelets, $7.99 (72count but available in small quantities in stores), Heart tights, $8.99

Artisan Jewlery: From metal to masterpiece

Wearing a piece of artisan designed jewelry will get you noticed.  While most people recognize a David Yurman or Tiffany & Co. piece, they will want to know the origin of the expertly handcrafted art that you wear. That's why I love shopping at jewelry boutiques: for the discovery of a new artist and his or her clever use of natural material.

At Objects of Desire in Chester, you'll find a collection of sophisticated and funky jewelry from designers like Erica Zap and Liz Palacios (shown below).  Farther south in Flemington, Attachments carries the eco-friendly jewelry line Alex & Ani and one of my favorite designers, metalsmith Sherry Tinsman of Bucks County (both shown below).

The common thread uniting these very diverse artists is metal.  Materials like brass, antique silver and gold, sterling silver and recycle metals are repurposed into one of a kind pieces for your jewelry box. 




Clockwise from right: Liz Palacios Selva Orange necklace, $89, Alex & Ani St. Christopher's Bangle set, $108, Liz Palacios Selva Orange earrings, $36, Erica Zap Fan Leaf earrings, $50, Erica Zap Flower Cluster bracelet, $60, Sherry Tinsman Signature Flower Cuff, contact for pricing.

Award show fashion: Inspired by Art Deco design

Sports fans have the playoffs and us fashion lovers have award shows. The past few weeks, I've been following the fashion round-ups from various industry events and looking for my favorite styles, designers, colors and ensembles.  

On Sunday night, The Golden Globes were handed out and while, there are no trophies for best dressed, there are certainly plenty of websites and magazines that cover the fashion extensively.  One of my favorite trends is a blend of vintage, metallic and architectural elements.  I simply call it Art Deco inspired. I first spotted my inspiration piece for this week in a fashion wrap up of The Critics Choice Awards.  Worn by Emily Blunt, the Georges Chakra dress reminded me of the top of the Chrysler Building-and that's a complement. I just love the fish-scale detailing of the skirt.  Another dress that falls in the same category was the Elie Saab gown worn by Toni Collette at The Golden Globes.  So off to the net I went looking for Art Deco-esque dresses, tops, etc.  My faves of the collection are the French Connection Star Catcher dress and the Alyce Designs gown. 


Clockwise from right: Alyce Designs Gown, $396, Ya-Da Sequin Rain top, $78, Scala Homecoming dress, $198,  Spirit Catcher Dress, £160 (avail in US in blue for $155),  ASOS embellished dress, $220.96, Arden B. sequin tank, $38, Basix dress, $448




What to Wear? Your own baby shower

This weekend is the baby shower for a friend of mine and it got me thinking about outfit ideas for any mom-to-be.  My general philosophy for your own shower is to wear something that is comfortable and that will make you stand out as that star of the day! When I had my shower, I wore a great sleeveless white sundress with colorful polk-a-dots from Motherhood Maternity. It was fun and playful and perfect for a baby shower.  For a January shower, however, I started thinking of longer sleeves and deeper colors like red and purple.  And there's no rule that says you have to wear a dress.  An attractive top with dark pants is always a classy look. Just don't wear jeans. 

Now if you're thinking that you won't want to spend money on a nice new dress or outfit so close to your due date consider the following: a) if this is your first pregnancy, save the dress for potential future necessity, b) you may have a family member, friend or coworker who will want or need a nice outfit during their pregnancy and c) there's always eBay and Craigslist!

If you are thinking of getting a new outfit for your shower, here are 2 ideas to get you started:

Left: Olian Maternity Strawberry Dress, $116, Forever 21 Looped Rhinestone Necklace, $4.80, Payless Shoes Fiona Ballet Flat, $12.99, Right: Kiki's Fashions Purple Sequin Top, $17.99, Liz Lange for Target Sateen Pants, $29.99, Payless Shoes American Eagle Slingback Shoe, $24.99


*Where to find Olian Maternity clothing in NJ:
Bella Figura, Haddonfield
Bella Mamma, Teaneck
Ciao Belly, Hoboken
Bellies & Booties, Lawrenceville



New Jersey fashionistas to know

North Jersey is home to 2 fashionistas that you should know.


Englewood is the new home DLUX, an uptown and urban fashion boutique for men and women.  Owner, Dorian Grace has spent years in the fashion industry but after a recent layoff turned she turned to New Jersey to pursue her dream of opening a hip boutique in one of the best shopping county’s in the state.

Now, Grace has the NY Giants calling on her for her style wisdom. But there’s a look for anyone in her boutique.  With brands like Free People, House of Harlow, AKA and my new favorite, Torn, 1921 Men’s, Jamie Marx and Scotch & Soda, you can walk out of DLUX with an edgy, glam or casual look.

DLUX is located at 21-A Dean Street in Englewood, NJ. Visit their website, www.shopdlux.com  for a complete list of brands and store information.


When Jersey City e-tailer Donnella Tilery started shopping for friends as favors, many would say, “I’d love to see your closet.” So she decided to create an online portal where anyone could “shop her closet” for designer handbags, fine & fashion jewelry from established and budding designers.  In 2006, Donnella’s Closet was launched and most recently, Donnella was nominated as a 2010 Rising Star in Retail with Fashion Group International. 

Donnella’s personal style philosophy is built on the idea that “you need to invest in a few core pieces that fit your lifestyle.”  At her site, you won’t find any fakes, but you will find a bag or piece of jewelry to suit your own personal style and budget.   Pick up a weekender bag by SR Squared Sandra Roberts for $90 and then treat yourself to a gorgeous piece by Amanda Jaron ranging from $99 to $489. 

Every piece on Donnella’s site represents not only a love for fashion, but also a dedication to supporting talented designers so they can achieve the same dream that she is living.


Come take a peak at Donnella’s online closet at www.shopdonnella.com

Fave Pick from DLUX: Torn (top and skirt)







Fave Pick from Donnella's Closet: Alliway Spider Web necklace,  SQ Squared Sondra Roberts bag









A portion of this article was written for NJMyWay.com. Follow NJMyWay on Facebook and Twitter.





Gifts for Her: Sorel boots







The last thing you want this winter is to get stuck in a surprise snow fall (Houston, we have a problem!) or the first fall of the year and have no warm, practical and waterproof boots to wear.  And yeah, you might be like me and have a pair that passes as unisex at best and that you wear only when you're shoveling snow.  Well, if you had a pair of boots from the new fashion-meets-function Sorel line, you'd wear your boots on any cold weather day. 

As a leader in cold weather footwear for almost 50 years, Sorel believes in taking care of your feet with the latest technology and lightweight materials. The boots' classic looks have had an upgrade this year providing men, women and children with classic, trendy and fun looks.  Sorel was kind enough to send me a pair of boots so I could have a legendary Sorel experience first hand.  I chose my boots based on the following criteria: stylish, neutral and perfect for snowy weather.  The Joan of Arctic ($130) was a perfect fit!  Quick tip: the boots come in single sizes and run big. If you are 8 1/2, get size 8, etc.

Here are the specs(from Sorel.com):
Crafted from waterproof full-grain and suede leather, the high-cut upper is topped with a faux fur snow cuff. A removable recycled felt InnerBoot and 2.5mm felt frost plug armor toes against the cold down to -25° below zero, while the classic handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell offer a level of warmth and durability that never goes out of style.

FEATURES:

  • Seam-sealed waterproof construction
  • Waterproof full-grain and suede upper
  • Removable recycled felt InnerBoot
  • Faux fur snow cuff
  • 2.5mm bonded felt frost plug
  • Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with herringbone outsole.
  • Imported

Mrs Mo's Review: A stylish and wise investment
Whenever I see women wearing fashionable winter boots over their jeans, I always wonder if I could pull it off.  I'm so glad I went with the Joan boots and I picked the best day to try them out. Last weekend was the first heavy snow of the Princeton area.  I chose to pair my boots with jeans, my khaki trench and a brown plaid hat (shown above).  Right around the time when the snow really started to fall, I had to drop off a dish for a special event in town which required walking across a snow covered parking lot.  Normally, I would have just worn sneakers, but my Sorel boots kept me grounded and very warm!  If you're looking for a new pair of functional boots this year but you want style, add Sorel boots to your wishlist! 





Get inspired by color

My winter color inspiration came from a recommendation from my husband. One day he suggested that I try blue nail polish (this is a man who didn't like my purple eyeshadow from my Heather James Photography photoshoot).  So I went on a hunt for dark/navy/midnight blue polish and found a winner at CVS: Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in "Blazing Blue." I loved the shade: it didn't look juvenile and the color complimented many colors in my closet. Last year, my color was "Wicked" by Essie, but this year for winter 2009, I've been inspired by BLUE. I contacted some NJ retailers asking for products that were a match (or a compliment) to the shade. I also threw in a piece from my favorite store (Ann Taylor).

One particular product came with a heart-warming and touching story that will make you want to support this mother-daughter team.  The DonniCharm scarf, which is available at Complements Two in Livingston, was created by a mother and daughter who always loved creating fashionable things together.  After losing their husband/father "Donny" in an accident, they started the scarf line in his memory. “These scarves are wrapped around me, like the arms of his hug, and hang close to my heart where he will always remain. Those close to my father affectionately called him Donny, and as my mom later pointed out, I was his charm… “donni charm” was created,” says creator and daughter, Alyssa.  This scarf is definitely the perfect gift to honor someone's memory because, as the DonniCharm site says, it's a "charming way to remember the people you love."




Clockwise from left: BellaDawn.com studded shoulder bag, $74, Ollipop ring from Charmed by Claire in Cranbury, $25, Bella Ro (online & Hoboken) Rockette Studded Dress, $52, BellaDawn.com silver layered toggle bracelet, $20, Complements Two DonniCharm Scarf, $85, Bella Ro Gold Plated earrings, $64, Ann Taylor Loft Drop-Waist Cardigan w/Belt, $69.50, Sally Hansen "Blazing Blue" Insta-Dri nail polish

What to wear for Thanksgiving?

Holidays are a time to gather as a family and they're also an opportunity to get everyone together in a group photo.  You'll want to look great but you also want to dress comfortably to shield your turkey stuffed tummy.  Here are some ideas for both her and him whether you're going shopping for something new or just plan to go rummaging through your closet.  I also took into consideration activities of a Thanksgiving gathering such as: running around after kids, playing football before dinner and the occasional gravy or cranberry splatter.




Look #2: AtoZ Tie-sleeve top, $47.99,  Candie's wide leg pants, $13.20, Aerosole shoes, $49.99, choice of BKE jewel tone necklace, $14.40, or a water-color printed scarf, $34.95.

Look #3: LL Bean sweater, $34.50, Dockers dress shirt, $19.99, Banana Republic chinos, $79.50, Merona (Target) boat shoes, $34.99

Guest Post: An Exquisite and Pink Wedding Event

Welcome guest blogger, Jenna Laporta, Senior Marketing and Event Planning student with interests in fashion at Rider University. I recruited her from Dr. Aaron Moore's Event Planning class to attend The Pink Veil Event in Millburn: a wedding industry preview hosted by Exquisite Bride. She was lucky enough to get a complimentary hair and makeup treatment! Here is her review of the day.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Exquisite Bride hosted a Pink Veil event that pulled a to-do list of vendors for brides to visit. There were vendors from Oh So Fab event planners, Cartier showcased sparkling round cut diamonds with gorgeous diamond wedding bands for her and detailed wedding bands for him. Sandals Resort displayed new destination wedding packages (themed by Martha Stewart), tuxedo services, bridesmaid and mother of the bride and groom gowns and much, much more!

As for the bridal gowns, the bridal salon displayed beautiful gowns from big ball room styles to form fitting simple gowns, some with intricate lace, some topped with layered tulle, and even gowns with embellished belts. The trend for this winter is to wear what you like and feel amazing! And don’t skip a beat, most brides still opt for the long veils and some make their trains longer for a more dramatic walk down the aisle. The Fountain Spa and Salon provided new looks for bridal hair; from up-dos, and braids to the soft curls of a destination wedding.

Besides the delicious treats provided at the salon, another sweet treat was having celebrity make up artist Khruaira round out the event with her team showing brides the most modern make up for their special day. I was lucky enough to try the new airbrush technique, which is very light and even smudge proof. The airbrushing takes place after the traditional bridal makeup (shades of mauve, pinks, and purples for this season) is applied. The airbrush system comes in nine shades and can be mixed to anyone’s color. Best part is the makeup lasts for twelve hours and brides are able to reserve appoints with Khruaira, her team and even book the night before and still look fabulous the next day!


Fashion for a Cause Events

Today there are 2 events going on in the state that involve fashion and good causes. Here are the details:

GATSBY SALON TO PARTICIPATE IN BLOOMINGDALE'S THE SHOPPING BENEFIT

Bloomingdale's Bridgewater Commons Mall, 1-4pm

Bloomingdale’s will host its annual multi-charity event, “The Shopping Benefit,” on Thursday, October 29, 2009 scheduled to take place at the four New Jersey Bloomingdale’s locations. The event will be held from 10am – 10pm with approximately 70 local charities participating. Bloomingdale’s hopes to help raise over $200,000 to support the community-based efforts of participating charities.

Representatives from Gatsby Salon will be at the Bridgewater Commons location, 1 – 4pm,
hosting hair consultations for event attendees in The New View on level 2. Shoppers will also be able to sneak a peak at the latest hair styles on models during the “Style High & Low Down” fashion presentation, showcasing the season’s hottest trends in ready-to-wear and accessories. Get full details here


DRESS FOR SUCCESS EVENT: SUITS TO SELF SUFFICIENCY

Lotus Boutique in Boonton, NJ, 11am-10pm

Bridget Connor, owner of Lotus Boutique, will host a suit donation drive called "Dress for Success" in conjunction with the Mountain Lakes women's club the Nite Owls on Thursday, October 29, 2009.

Lotus Boutique located at 908 Main Street is calling for women around the area to bring in lightly worn work and interview appropriate attire to promote the economic independence and career development of disenfranchised women around the New Jersey area . Slacks, jackets, shirts and blouses in good condition are all welcome.

Family-owned Lotus Boutique will host the clothing drive at her classic clothing store at 908 Main St on Thursday, October 29 from 11am to 10pm. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 7pm.


Get full details
here


What to Wear? Blogger Event Fashion

Every month or so, an email lands in my inbox with a "You're Invited" subject followed by details of a blogger event in the city. First comes babysitter, next comes a "Yes" response, last comes "What do I wear?" I will inevitably encounter this dilemma tonight when I plan my wardrobe for the Mrs G. VIB series launch where I will be attending as the coordinator of the event rather than a blogger.

But if you find yourself in a similar quandary on the night before a blogger event-trying to decide if this is a jeans or a dress event-here are some ideas to consider:

Mrs Mo's Pick: First, you can always ask your contact person what the attire for the event should be. Or, you can go with the a simple shirt-slacks uniform and switch up the accessories or color top. For example, in the image shown, I've put together an outfit of Target clothing and jewelry. I've paired some grey slacks with a long-sleeved navy shirt and added some sparkle and interest with 20s style necklace.

Here's what other bloggers said:

@BabyCenterMom: I always say I'm going to wear a cute dress but I end up going biz casual

@ComplicatedMama: I like to wear biz casual so I can bust out some of my cute tops or shoes that I don't get to wear picking up my son from PreK

@NYCityMama: If it's casual, I'll wear pants and a nice top

@centsibleLife: I like dressy jeans and a nice top for day and a dress and heels for more formal evening events

@LynetteRadio: wear something that will stand out in other people's pics of you! be memorable! "Ab-Fab" baby!

@KeepItClassyJen: Two outfits per day...a cute casual dress during day or cute pants and top. For night a little dressier...kind of like a Girls Night Out...Be comfortable on the way home...Bring a sweater for cold conference rooms.

@ExtraordMommy: I'm a 'dressy casual' kind of girl. So - only jeans if I dress them up a bit, but sometimes pants/skirt (fun - not stuffy)

@kdevito: get screen printed tees that say follow me on Twitter with our screen name. No nametags needed! Go green! (jk)


Mrs Mo's Pretty PIcks: Would Love To, But Where?

I've been neglecting my "Pretty Picks" duties for no good reason. My love of fashion definitely hasn't changed. But after a recent excursion to Marshalls (where I only purchased shoes for Maddy), I discovered that a lot of my Fashion Wants are also Fashion Wheres? as in "Where would I ever wear these [even though they're HOT!]?"

Item #1: A dark gray Fedora. Found it in a bin on the way out of the store. Actually Maddy spotted it first (she has this new fascination with putting everything on her head-colanders, lids, bowls, and hats). It's very Justin Timberlake and Ri Ri, and when I put it on, I loved it! But "Where would I wear it?" Even for $7.99, it wasn't worth it. But I still love the look!



Item #2: Michael Kors ankle boots (stilettos): Hot. I mean...very hot. I've seen them on The Hills to Project Runway. Spotted on The City and runway shows. But do these hot-child-in-the-city shoes have a place in my wardrobe? Probably not. I already have a few pairs of sexy heels that I bought because "I'll probably have an occasion to wear them" and then never did. :(

What do you think?



Week of Wedding Trends! Day 5: Attire and Hair & Make-up

Are you getting married this Fall? Still looking for last minute gift/theme/music/design ideas? Look no further!

For an entire week, we will be bringing you Fall and Winter Wedding trends with tips and ideas from New Jersey Wedding specialists. This "Week of Weddings" was made possible with the help of Erik Kent of NJWedding.com who rounded up feedback from so many NJ wedding specialists that we needed an entire week of trends!

Each day we will give you a different trend with the business name, owner and website to make the one-click connection easy for you! Here is the schedule for the week:

For more information about NJ Weddings, visit NJWedding.com or you can follow on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.



Today's Trends: Attire and Hair & Makeup

Sally Lorensen Conant, Ph.D, Executive Director-Wedding Gown Specialists- www.weddinggownspecialists.com
Wearing mother's veil
Wearing sister or friend's gown
Buying used gown
Buying expensive gown and planning on selling it after the wedding
Traditional bride still has gown cleaned and preserved after the wedding

Alla Zaltsman Krutyansky - Abella Studios - http://www.abellastudios.com
One of the coolest trends we've seen is that brides are not wearing the traditional white shoes for their weddings. We've been seeing shoes that add just the perfect splash of color, and complement the wedding colors, like hot pink, gold, red and silver. I, personally, love this... Abella Studios

Genevieve Zimmerman-Cozy Formal Wear/Love Lane Tuxedos Sales and Rentals – http://www.cozytux.com
More couples are opting for a classic look in choosing wedding garments. The shift is now for a more neutral and sophisticated design. This includes more use of the bow tie, round toe shoes, black vests on groomsmen, and tuxedo jackets with clean lines.



Debbie Franchi- I Do Tattoos
Tattoos are a sign of social and creative expression that has a personal meaning to each individual. Each one has a story behind them. Just ask anyone with a tattoo how they ended up choosing their design. The stories are meaningful, emotional, tragic and happy. Ones wedding day is filled with just as much emotion and a creative individual would find I Do Tattoo a personal expression and creative outlet to express her inner sassiness for this one special day. Tattoos are much more social acceptable today then 20 years ago on women and men so I felt it was a fitting concept to explore. Tattoos in general are a trend but a permanent one so and I have created this fun extension to the tattoo trend for the person who wouldn’t necessarily commit to a tattoo but wants to express herself in a creative and unique way for her one special day


Hair and Makeup
Lauren Tomasetti,Owner-The Powder Bar-www.powderyourface.com
Hair:

* Big Hair..More volume and teasing at the crown
* Retro curls..throwback to the 70's..side parted..very Studio 54

Make-up:

* Bold lips..red, plums, burgundy
* Colorful eyes..pinks, mauves, purples
* Matte skin paired with a rosier cheek
* Thicker eyebrows





Week of Wedding Trends! Day 4: Flowers and Decor

Are you getting married this Fall? Still looking for last minute gift/theme/music/design ideas? Look no further!

For an entire week, we will be bringing you Fall and Winter Wedding trends with tips and ideas from New Jersey Wedding specialists. This "Week of Weddings" was made possible with the help of Erik Kent of NJWedding.com who rounded up feedback from so many NJ wedding specialists that we needed an entire week of trends!

Each day we will give you a different trend with the business name, owner and website to make the one-click connection easy for you! Here is the schedule for the week:

For more information about NJ Weddings, visit NJWedding.com or you can follow on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Today's Trends: Flowers, Invitations
and Personal Details

Marni Gold, Creative-Custom Cardboxes-www.creativecustomcardboxes.com
This Fall the wedding color trends we've been seeing over and over again are some traditionally autumn inspired colors like Ivory and Brown and Orange and Brown. However, we've also seen purple and white, and wine and gold becoming increasingly popular in weddings!

At Creative Custom Card Boxes, it's our business to make those color themes a reality in all the details of your wedding. We custom make and hand paint wedding card boxes and wish boxes as well as cake table letters and cake toppers to match with the wedding themes and colors.



Karen Collins
-THE GILDED IVY LLC- www.gildedivy.com
I am seeing a lot of my brides make their own table coverings or runners. Placed on top of white linens, this adds a great personal touch. The flowers placed on these are usually monochromatic with varying textures. We are also seeing many of our brides purchase their own containers and we will fill them with flowers. This way they can choose the exact, unique style, size and color they prefer and this usually saves them some money as well. The flower color mixes that I see coming up this fall include shades of yellow, burnt orange and reds with celedon added to many bouquets for a vibrant accent.

Angela Rando, PBC-JULIET EVENTS-www.julietevents.com
The trend I see hitting the East coast from California is smaller bridesmaids bouquets. Trend-setting brides are using bouquets that are smaller, a more interesting shapes and composed of more interesting varieties of flowers and greenery. They are becoming an accessory to the beautiful bridesmaids rather than a focal point. Personally, I love this trend.

Lynn Jawitz-owner-www.FlorisanLLC.com
Low arrangements--cost effective, functional, and guest friendly. Guests love that they can see over them and easily take them home.

Sweetheart table arrangement--Brides want an elegant horizontal flower arrangement for their guests to photograph and serve as a frame for the bridal table

Junior bridesmaids get a clutch--tweens older than 6 are "too old" to be flower girls with the requisite baskets, but actually young ladies who demand mini bridesmaids bouquets. Slightly smaller than a standard bridesmaid bouquet but large enough to have your young lady feel like a "big girl". Happy junior bridesmaid=priceless!!

Cherin Szul-Owner/Lead Designer-Customized Wedding Creations
www.customizedweddingcreations.com
What I'm noticing on my customized products aside from the ever popular monogramming is that fall and winter wedding couples are using more graphics on their aisle runners. In addition to the names, initial, and wedding date commonly used for wedding monograms, couples are now including things like leaves and snowflakes to make their aisle runners even more custom. To the right is an example of a popular fall-themed monogram we've used on several aisle runner orders this season.

Monday Flowers – Georgianne Vinicombe – http://www.sendingsmiles.com
Brides are loving pink in just about every shade. They are also crazy about reds and oranges, even during the summer. I believe this trend will go into 2010 with what I have seen. Purples and blues and lots of lime greens are still strong as far as color. I've also noticed brides choosing traditional elements such as baby's breath again. They are looking for romantic and soft flowers. Brides appear to be booking their florist earlier for 2010 than 2009 (we have 12 weddings already and we will have done about 95 in 2009). Hand tied bouquets are still the norm but I have more brides asking for cascade bouquets, especially young ones (perhaps future trend back to 1980 and 1990 styles). Couples are budget minded but the flowers seems to still be very important to them with few looking to cut back too much.



Stephanie Somodi- Designs By Stephanie
For the non-traditional bride: PEACOCK FEATHERS!!! Lots of them!
One of my brides, who is getting married at Mallard Island Yacht Club, is totally going "out of the box." I designed her Peacock Feather Invite along with her Save The Date. The Save The Date was a water color of a peacock feather her mother painted which we incorporated into that design! Even Peacock centerpieces where a bride can save lots of money doing feathers instead of flowers. Dark Chocolate Browns, Turquoise, Purples, Yellows and Blues.




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