Beautiful Bridal Photography

It's funny how I've ended up working in the wedding industry surrounded by so many friends that I've known for years outside of that field. I met my friends Kate and Shawna back when I was just starting to get into theatre. I've stayed close with both of them, even after moving to PA and back. Kate is a phenomenal bridal photographer and Shawna is actually a Madeleine's Daughter bride- her wedding is this October. Recently, they collaborated for a fabulous bridal photo shoot featuring gowns by Watters. Kate happened to ask me to design a handful of headpieces to be used in styling the photo shoot. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be at the shoot, but I sent along 3 or 4 pieces that I whipped up the day before. If this photo (from the shoot) is any indication of how they looked, I'm going to be very excited to see the rest of the photos:

I promise to show more photos once they're available. But in the meantime, check out Kate stepping out of her photographer role to act as a model for a photography class:

I'm amazed at how gorgeous these women look. And I'm proud to say that not only did Shawna wear my headpieces with beautiful Watters gowns, but Kate is actually wearing a gown designed and made by me in the two photos above. I think I might want to stick with this industry- it seems to suit me.

Kerry's Fascinating Fascinator

Have you ever left the house and gotten halfway to work only to realize you forgot to put on a pair of earrings, or a scarf or a headband or any accessory at all? I've been there! So have some of my coworkers. In some cases, I admit, I've "shopped" the store. One of my coworkers- Brandie- is notorious for coming in a few minutes early, and looking around the store for the perfect necklace to wear with her outfit. And she does- price-tag and all! It's actually a great selling tool, when you think about it. Earlier this week, my super stylish coworker Kerry did the same thing, only she chose an awesome feather headband to wear for the day. It worked perfectly with her grey scale outfit that consisted of a fitted charcoal grey sweater and a lovely dove grey pencil skirt. Against her fair complexion and stunning red hair, the normally neutral grey actually pops!

I loved watching the feathers bob jauntily as she hopped around the store helping brides, bridesmaids and mothers all day long. 

Is she a babe or what? 

Fabulous and Versatile Nail Color

Last weekend, I spent the afternoon at Sephora with my BFF Beth. She was having a make-up consultation for her upcoming nuptials. (So exciting!) While her make-up artist was applying the base for his art, her mom and I browsed the store and found ourselves captivated by the Sephora by O.P.I. nail selections. I've always been a fan of O.P.I's nail colors, but the options available in the Sephora line are stunning. I chose a beautiful shade of dusty lavender and I have to admit, I'm in love with it!

Please ignore my disgusting cuticles. 

It's a tiny bit darker in person, but as an interesting and unique color, it's also surprisingly neutral. I usually don't love bold or dark colors on my fingernails (toenails are a whole other story!), so this color works great for me. I didn't purchase it that day, but after wearing it over the last few days and seeing that it is not only a great color, but holding up well and not chipping yet, I realize I should have bought it! And an excuse to go back to Sephora is exactly the kind of thing that makes my day! 

Nail art and crazy nail colors seem to be very trendy right now. In fact, that trend tends to come and go all the time. I prefer sticking with a more neutral, subtle look, whether it's a lovely shade like the one I'm wearing now or just a simple french manicure. And in case you're wondering, the color pictured above is called "Call Your Mother." 

Enjoy the rest of your day, everyone!  

Rate My Look- Typical Work Outfit

Dress: Ganesh Imports

Bag, Shoes: Marshalls

Ring, Necklace: Stella and Dot

My digital camera and my computer have decided to stop speaking to each other. I'm not sure who's to blame or if it's the USB cable connecting them that's stirring up trouble. (It seems like the three of them may be having relationship issues.) Since I'm so accustomed to photographing myself with my tripod, it's not always easy to remember to ask someone at work or home to take my picture on my phone for me. Last night, however, as I was leaving, I asked one of my coworkers to snap a photo of my outfit and I'm glad she did. I've been meaning to show this dress to you guys for a while. I bought it at a store in downtown Portsmouth called Ganesh Imports, which isn't my typical store. However, I saw this dress in the window and it drew me in. At $34.99, I couldn't resist. The natural waist with ruching and slightly gathered skirt make for a very flattering dress. The exposed zipper in front adds a touch of edge to an otherwise sweet-looking dress. The fabric is a super soft microfiber and the details on the shoulders really make it special. It's a perfect dress for work, except that it's a bit on the shorter side, so I have to be careful about bending down for any reason. I love the dusty, rusty color of the dress, too. I bought it earlier this summer and it looked great paired with some of my bright turquoise accessories like this ring and my Marchesa necklace from Stella and Dot, but now that fall is approaching, it's also proving to be a great color when paired with deep honey and brown. 

Since I wanted the dress to be the star of the outfit, I kept my jewelry fairly subtle. I wore some Stella and Dot jewelry, of course: 

Together Forever Necklace, $49

Soiree Trio Ring, $49

I hope you like my casual, comfortable summer/fall outfit. I'd love to hear what you think in the comments section. (As always)

Have an awesome day, everyone! 

Shoesday Tuesday- Rockin' Red Cowboy Boots

My friend Melanie saw an awesome pair of short, red cowboy boots the other day and wanted my advice about whether or not she should buy them. Of course I said she should! Her very reasonable concern was that she wouldn't know what to wear them with and also, would they be better in brown. My answer was to go for the red and wear them with whatever you want! Jeans, are of course the obvious choice, but a sundress, or even a fitted skirt would make a great outfit, too. In fact, I am of the opinion that pretty much any every-day outfit would work perfectly with a fun pair of red ankle-height cowboy boots. For example, here's the same pair of fabulous red boots with two very different outfits:

Red Cowboy Boots by rtboo featuring cowgirl boots

Both are equally fabulous and both would work for the workplace or for an afternoon out around town. And in case you're in need of your own pair of fabulous red cowboy boots, check these out:

Ariat Billie Women's Pebbled Red Cowboy Boots, OnlineShoes.com, $159.95

Would you wear red cowboy boots? What about a more neutral color like brown or black? Leave a comment and tell me what you think of this distinct look. Or tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday. Have an awesome day! 

NYFW Spring 2012- Christian Siriano Strikes Again!

I loved Christian Siriano when he was a contestant on Project Runway, but I have since grown to respect and admire him even more than I ever thought I would. He continues to create show-stopping, fashion forward designs that are nothing short of fierce- in the true Siriano sense of the word.

Last season, his runway collection still had a great deal of volume in the silhouettes. Whether it was layers of ruffles or just full, dramatic skirts, he was clearly operating on the mantra, "Go big or go home." This weeks runway show was far more restrained. The silhouettes are sleeker, and the citrus color palette is perfectly on-trend. There are still some "signature Siriano" looks interspersed, but the overall collection shows a maturity and growth.

Let's take a look at some of his looks:

This dress is absolutely flawless. For draping to look completely natural, there is often an incredible amount of laboring over a dress form. Everything about this dress says, "Easy, breezy, effortless style," but I think we all know that it's far from effortless to make something so stunning. 

I love the way Christian combined long, elegant skirts with simple, almost too-casual t-shirts. It worked so well in every case. Some skirts had volume and movement, others were sleek and slim- and all of them were beautiful. 

It wouldn't be a Christian Siriano show without some type of dramatically voluminous cocktail dress and this one definitely delivers. I love the combination of colors (you know how I love grey and yellow together) and the combination of the full, voluminous skirt and the sleek, fitted top. Bravo, Christian!

If I am ever in need of a red carpet look, you can guarantee I will do everything in my power to wear a gown designed by Christian Siriano. His evening wear is so unbelievably show-stopping, I would not be able to sleep until I knew I could wear one. 

Click here to view the entire collection. Be prepared to drool. 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 7

If there is one thing we love more than a villain on P.R., it's a villain unraveling before our eyes and then becoming human again. And then seeing the teammates of said villain (accurately) blaming him for the failure of the group. Josh M. made quite the case for resident lunatic and unfortunately, Team Nuts & Bolts never recovered from the outburst at the start of the challenge.This episode was like watching a train wreck in slow motion and yet I just could not look away. In fact, I got so caught up in the craziness of Team Nuts & Bolts, that I ended up completely blown away by the Team Chaos runway show. And since their runway show was far more dramatic and interesting than the disagreements of Team Nuts & Bolts, I'd like to just forget about all the fighting and name-calling and go right to the fashions.

Team Chaos created a collection that caused me to have an emotional reaction for the first time this season. The looks this episode were far and away the most exciting and interesting that we've seen yet in Season 9 and it was very refreshing. Let's just review the looks from Team Chaos, shall we?

Bryce's Look

His look was far and away the weakest look of the five- I'm ready for Bryce to go home. As a designer, he's not up to par and as entertainment, he pales in comparison to pretty much everyone else. But then again, pretty much everyone pales in comparison to Josh M. for entertainment value. 

Olivier's Look

I admit, I was so stunned by the jacket when I first watched this episode that I hardly noticed the pants. The pants are incredible and as much as I love Anya, I think Olivier may have been robbed of this win. Speaking of Anya...

Anya's Look

Anya's dress is not only the winner with the judges this week, it's also my winner for the Would I Wear It Award. I adore this dress and I would absolutely love to wear it. The print is gorgeous, the fit is amazing and I love the open back. Stunning! 

Anthony Ryan's Look

Anthony Ryan's look was an extremely close second for me. I adore the top and I'm obsessed with the skirt. Overall, he did an amazing job. 

Viktor's Look

Viktor's gown is simply breathtaking and proof that good design doesn't have to be complicated. He created a simple gown that was impeccably tailored and quite interesting to look at. I could easily see this dress on the red carpet and I actually hope I do some day! 

Overall, this was an excellent challenge and one of my favorites so far this season. Keep it up, kids!