Beauty Remark

Without a particular dress in mind it's difficult to narrow down the hair and makeup, but I have saved a few pictures that have called out to me. I'm still in love with my original hair idea, but I'm saving similar looks so I can make sure my thoughts translate to whomever is styling my hair (tbd). I saved the above photo because I think this a realistic hair option. While I have thought about adding extentions to my thin/short hair, if I decide to go without, I think I would be able to recreate this look. I like the part and the height that is visible in the photo to the right.

image: Snippet & Ink

This is such a popular look and when done correctly it really is stunning. The flower is perfect! If I decide to sport anything other than a veil in my hair, I'd like it to be a fresh flower (gardenia?) but I do love this. Love the color as well!

image: Victor C. Sizemore photography

Ok, so I realize this woman is beyond gorgeous, but even without her killer bone structure and amazing skin, this is beautiful makeup. I love the eyes. Drama without being overkill. I love the lips and the blush too. Very complimentary. I actually tend to wear a lot of makeup everyday, so finding a way to step it up without looking like a drag queen is going to take some practice.
Can we talk about important brows are! Definitely not to be overlooked. Love her bouquet too.

images: Autumn Leaf Photography

The Scent of a Woman

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I was inspired by reading Miss Pom's post about what scent to wear on her wedding day. I have acquired quite the collection of frangrances and definitely have certain scents for certain occasions and seasons.

But I read somewhere that it's a fun idea to wear a scent you've never worn before on your big day. Because scents are so powerful in their ability to evoke memories of certain times and places, having a signature scent for your wedding will always bring back the memory of those moments. This NYT article describes your nose as an emotional time machine.

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For me, certain Bath & Body Works lotions bring back intense memories of middle school. 'Moonlight Path' will always remind me of our 8th grade trip to DC because I wore it all week long. Everytime I smell it somewhere, it takes me back!

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So many of the Escada scents remind me of college since the line of summery, fruity scents were always my favorite "going out" picks. Docle and Gabana's 'By' (once carried at Neiman's) reminds me of the cruise my whole family went on, because I bought it just for that occassion, and Gucci 'Envy Me' will forever be the reminder of when I first met DF. We met in early October, and I still think it's a great summer to fall scent.
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My best friend/MOH's mom wears the original Burberry, and I swear their whole house smells like it. While walking through ULTA in June, I decided to spritz some on. I had to call her as soon as I got in the car because it made me miss them so much! So to me, scents are very transcending.

For a great article on how to wear your fragarance on your wedding day, check out this UK brides blog post. I will definitely be going with her step by step instructions!

Locks Look

messy chignon look from Brides.com

Let's face it, the hair is important. It has to fit the day, the dress, you-it will be in every picture and most importantly it will be sitting on your head all night! I was recently informed by my fabulous hair stylist that she doesn't do wedding hair. Of course I was a little disapointed, but I then started to think of what I would even want done to my hair, and what my BMs would want as well. I have a talented cousin who recently started in the hair industry. She graduated from cosmotology school just a few years ago, but I know if I gave her a heads up and plenty of time to practice she could pull it off. If not everyone's hair, at least three of us. And since she's my cous-I wouldn't have to fork over the ridiculous amount that a stylist would charge to drive to our location and then style multiple heads.


I remember being inspired by Julianne Hough's hair when I watched this episode of DWTS. This fancy Spanish-inspired side-do would require lots and lots of expensive extensions!photos


At first I thought: DF likes my hair down, therefore I will wear my hair down. But after running this by a few folks, including my hairstylist-we were all in agreement that my fine hair would be a wispy mess by hour three and that I would be dissappointed.
So I started to focus on hair for a bit during my internet browsing and came upon a few images of a look that I REALLY want! I don't know the proper hair terminology but anything labeled "updated french twist", "messy chignon" or "lose bun with volume" seems to fit. Whatever the name, it has the height I want, the loose-ness I crave and the perfect amount of elegance. Luckily I have found some great photos that illustrate what I'm envisioning.


This picture was the very first picture of hair that I ever saved. I love how it's an up-do, but has a casual twist to it.

Updated Twist from The Knot
This is my most recent find and I am in LOVE! I love the playfulness of the front, the height and the volume. I would probably ask for it to be a little more structured since I do not want it to fall out halfway through dinner! Bring on the hairspray and bobby pins!

Up-Do from Brides.com

So how hard could this be? Ha! I know a lot of times the "messy", "loose" looks are the most difficult because there is such a fine line between casual chic and catastrophic mess! I realize if I pick a totally different dress from what I currently have in mind, the plan for the locks may have to be reevaluated. But for now, this last image + a nice big, white flower (gardenia is Grandma's favorite) is exactly what I'm thinkin!