SASsy & Sophisticated Bridals Vol 2

Hello SASsy Friends and welcome to SASsy & Sophisticated Bridals Vol 2: Designer Feature Edition!

This week I interviewed up and coming accessories designer Citizen LMS by L. Marissa Scott for her take on the latest trends in bridal accessories and how to achieve the bridal look of your dreams!

SASsy: Hello, and thank you so much for being a part of The SASsy Report this week.  To start off our  interview, I would like to hear all about your favorite trends in bridal fashion and accessories.

Citizen LMS: It’s been a really exciting year in bridal fashion and it seems more and more that the average bride to drawing additional inspiration from couture runways to add a little jazz to the traditional bridal look.

One of my favorite trends is adding pops of color into your accessories, whether it’s a bracelet, shoes, or a clutch. Adding that extra element not only breaks up the monochromatic white, but also adds a little unexpected whimsy to any look.

The second trend that I’m seeing a lot of, and love is the birdcage veil, hair combs, and bridal headbands. The birdcage veil is a throw-back to vintage glamor and makes a definite statement. Headbands or bridal combs have the same nod to vintage glam and are just as stunning but a bit more subdued in tone.

The final trend that I’m swooning over, is wedding gowns in different colors. My favorite being Monique Lhuillier’s beautiful ballet inspired blush dresses in her spring 2012 collection and Vera Wangs’s dark romantic collection for fall 2012 that features nude and black gowns of tulle, silk, organza, and chiffon. 

 Monique Lhuillier 2012 Blush Wedding Dresses

SASsy: Do you prefer a more classic and traditional bridal look like Kate Middleton's or do you lean towards a more contemporary look like Carrie Bradshaw's from the Sex and the City movie?

Citizen LMS: I think I’m a mixture of the two, but I lean more towards Carrie’s sense of style in that I love mixing vintage with contemporary. What I love most about Carrie’s style is her bravery. It takes guts to be able to wear a bird on your head proudly while everyone around you is guessing what it is. You either love it or hate and her character has always seemed to exude “I don’t need anyone approval I wear what I love”…a bit of a style rebel if you will.

 Christina Wu Contemporary Gown with Traditional Touches

SASsy:  So for brides who love Carrie Bradshaw's "rebel" style,  what would you recommend them do to complete their look?

Citizen LMS: I think it depends on the style of the dress and what your comfortable wearing: My general rule of thumb is if you have a dress that’s strapless or some sort of modified sweetheart neckline go for a statement necklace or statement earrings.

 Try one or the other; wearing two together at such a close proximity to one another will make the look a bit clunky. Also don’t be afraid to try wearing multiple bracelets on one arm. The simpler the dress the more avenues you have to play with your accessories. If your dress is more embellished then I would suggest just going with a gorgeous hair comb and/or earrings.

Elaborate Wedding Dress with Simple Earrings

SASsy: For brides interested in a more traditional look, how can they still look young and fresh while keeping with bridal traditions?

Citizen LMS: I think with a traditional look, the fit is super-important and you want to look for lace details done in an unexpected way. For example, Marchesa’s 2012 spring collection features some of the most gorgeous lace applications done over barely-there tulle. It’s a nod to vintage elements but done in a modern way.

 Marchesa Lace & Tulle Wedding Dress

For accessories I would say keep it simple and clean as to not compete with the elements of the gown. To help you look young, try make up that brings brightness to the eyes, blush that brings dewiness to the cheeks, and pink/nude lip that looks fresh, natural, and has a bit of shine.

SASsy: How can brides on budget  but wanting a super glam look achieve this without breaking the bank?

Citizen LMS: My two suggestions are secondhand/vintage shops and DIY.  Trying to find beautiful accessories can put a huge dent in your budget and one way to combat that is to check out secondhand/vintage shops for broaches, hair clips, and earrings. It’s a great way to find one-of-a-kind pieces at a fraction of the cost.

You could even raid your grandmother or mother’s jewelry box for pieces as well! If you still can’t find the items that catch your eye or if you come across something you love but the clasp is broken, try getting a few pin or bracelet/necklace closures from your local Michael's. Most of the time all you have to do is replace the jump-ring that attaches the broken closure to the jewelry with a new one. For more labor intensive project try perusing a few DIY Bridal blogs on the net.

SASsy: Traditionally, a bride should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  Accessories are a great way to get all of these!  What are your recommendations?

Citizen LMS: Accessories are a totally efficient way of covering those bases. Something borrowed and old could be a piece of jewelry from someone in your family and the something blue could be your garter.

SASsy: Final question, what is the best piece of advice you can offer brides, as they get ready for their big day?

Citizen LMS: The only advice I could give is to drink in every moment you can as you get ready for your big day. I’m sure its stressful and brutal dealing with the millions of balls you have to juggle but take some time out to just breathe and take it all in, a happy bride is a beautiful bride! Congrats to all you lovely brides to be and have a blast coming up with your wedding looks!!

I would like to give a huge thank you to L. Marissa Scott for contributing to this week's post.  Please be sure to stop by her blog, citizenlms.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter @CitizenLMS for the latest updates on her designs.

Coming Soon on The SASsy Report:

• Ask a Bride: Danielle- she had a beautiful wedding in Atlanta, GA and flawlessly pulled off 2 very different dresses
• Vendor Feature:  The Blessed Bride - full service wedding planning and event design company
• Ask a Bride: Ashley- A Memphis wedding with the perfect guest favors
• Bridal Salon Review: NYC
• Bridal Fashion Review
• What Bridesmaids Really Think About Their Dresses
• Ask a Groom- my own groom to be will be interviewed by a guest writer

Want to see your bridal questions answered on The SASsy Report?  Leave your questions in the comments below and I will answer them in next week's blog!


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Holiday Gift Guide: What Men and Women Really Want

Hello SASsy Friends, now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's time to think about gifts for others.  In this week's edition, I will tell you what gifts women and men really want this season.

What Women Want:

Men, women are relatively simple if you pick up on the hints we drop you.  If your lady has been asking your opinion on bags or shoes, that's probably what she wants.  Some of us even go as far as dropping brochures on the counter turned to a specific page or shopping for items we want on your computer so you get served ads for it.  (I just told on myself)

The Bag Lover


Tory Burch "Amanda" Belted Bag $495

The Shoe Lover

If your lady is a shoe lover, get her an amazing pair of boots like these:
LAMB $419 ( I saw these on ideeli.com yesterday for under $300)

Dolce Vita on sale $95

If all else fails, we will always love jewelry!  You should know her birthday so you can always go with a piece that has her birthstone in it or go big with diamonds!!  Here are a few options:


1/2 Carat Diamond Studs $379.99

Black and White Diamond Necklace $349:

What Men Want:

Ladies, men are just as easy to get gifts for.  They tend to talk about things they want all the time.  Most men like gadgets, iPads, Kindle Fire, Xbox or a laptops.  My policy is to get them what they really need and maybe something they want.  Get all the basics as stocking suffers like new underwear, socks and t-shirt and then put the main gift under the tree.  Here are a few gift options:


The Business Man:

Marc Jacobs Satchel $498

The Watch Lover:


Burberry Watch $595:

The Casual Man


Cashmere Sweater $145:

In next week's edition, I will have more great gift ideas based on personalities as well as gifts for the other special people in your life. Have a SASsy Week and happy shopping!

Designer Looks For Less: Shoe Edition

Hello SASsy friends! I am so sorry about not posting last week, I was traveling. This week's blog was inspired by my boyfriend's constant complaints about how much money I spend on shoes. True, I do love high end designer shoes, however I've found that you can find a similar shoe at a fraction of the price.

Here are some of my favorite designer shoes and comparable shoes for less online:

Look 1: Python Pumps

Designer Shoe: Christian Louboutin $1400 neimanmarcus.com

Compare To:  BCBG Python Pump $79 zappos.com

Look 2: Boots

Designer Shoe: Dior Boots $1400 http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/

Compare To: Jessica Simpson $210 dillards.com

Look 3: Studded Pumps

Designer Shoe: Brian Attwood Stud Pumps $1900 saksfifthavenue.com

Compare To: Sam Eldman Studded Pump on sale $169 lordandtaylor.com

Look 4: Glitter Pumps

Designer Shoe: Miu Miu Glitter Peep Toe Pumps $570 http://www.net-a-porter.com



Compare To:  Promiscuous Glitter Peep Toe Pumps $49 zappos.com



 Look 5: Animal Prints

Designer Shoe: Alexander McQueen Calf Hair Pumps $995 net-a-porter.com

Compare To: Michael Kors Calf Hair pumps $140 michaelkors.com

So ladies, the next time your boyfriend or husband complains about how much you spend on shoes, show him this blog and remind him you that you could be spending a lot more. :)

Have a great weekend!

Like the SASsy Report? Have suggestions for upcoming posts? I want to hear from you! Leave feedback and I will respond promptly. Follow me on twitter @MzSAS

Keeping the Winter Blues and Pounds Away

Hello SASsy friends, I hope everyone is having a great week.  Now that the weather is changing, it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to stay warm in comfy in the house all winter long.  During the winter months we like to trade in sweating at the gym for lounging in sweat pants, social activities for movie nights and salads for mac & cheese.  To avoid turning into and looking like a couch potato, follow these tips:

Tip 1: Keep it Moving

That's right keep it moving, not in the sense of getting rid of a guy/girl and moving on, but keep doing what you've been doing.  So what if you can't go to your favorite rooftop or dine outside, that doesn't mean you can't hang out with your friends.  Try organizing a girls night out, poker night for the fellas or a weekend getaway. Continue to be social, the more social you are, the more you will be able to ward off the winter blues.


Tip 2: Try Something New

Don't stop going to the gym just because it's cold outside and it's so much warmer in your bed. (We have all made that excuse, myself included.) Remember you can hide your fat with lots of layers in the winter, but when spring comes and the layers come off, you don't want extra fat and dimples to fall out.

When working out, try new exercises to keep yourself motivated.  This one is my favorite total body workouts.  I train 4-5 days a week and can only do 3-5 of these so don't feel bad if you can't knock out a ton the first few times you try it.

The ManMaker:

Get two dumbbells (db) of manageable size for rows/dumbbell squats (I use 5-10lbs, after one rep you will understand why)

1) Start in the push-up position with hands on db's, complete a push up

2) Row one of the db's after you're in the up position of the push-up, then place db back on the ground and do another push-up

3) Repeat step 2 with the opposite arm performing the row at up portion of push-up

4) Jump your feet near your hands

5) Bring db's to waist height and squat down until you can rest db's on deck slightly in front of your body.

6) Stand up from the squat while raising the db's over your head

6) Jump back into push up position and repeat

For a video demonstration follow this link:


ManMaker Demo


Tip 3: Shop, Shop Shop!

When all else fails, retail therapy always me beat the winter blues.  I love the feeling of new clothes on my back and shoes on my feet!  These are my favorites:

Nine West Nathania:

Burberry Nova Leather Boots

Laundry

Alica + Olivia

Elie Tahari

That's all for this week!

Like the SASsy Report?  Have suggestions for upcoming issues?  I want to hear from you! Leave comments and  feedback and I'll respond within 24 hrs.





Sassy and Sheek Fashion Week

Hello SASsy Friends, I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.  Summer is just about over and fall is quickly approaching and what better way to bring in the new season then by celebrating with Fashion Week!

If you are lucky enough to live in NYC, you will have a plethora of options for Fashion Week.  Every store, boutique and restaurant in the city will be buzzing with activities.  Here are a few tips to make sure you show up in style:



Tip 1: Chose the Right Outfit
There is nothing worse than going to an event in the wrong outfit. For all shows you should be sheek and trendy, but please at all cost avoid looking like you are having a  mid-life crisis or that girl who is desperate to get noticed and/or get a modeling contract.   Here are a few looks that are fashion show appropriate:

Tip 2: Get the Right Bag and Shoe

Going to a fashion even without the right shoe, jewelry and bag is a complete fashion no no! You must pull your look together.  If you are wearing a simple outfit in a solid color, wear a show stopper shoe, and a nice bag.  If your outfit has a lot of patterns or colors, keep bags and shoes simple Here are a few of my favorite bags and shoes that could stop a show!

Tip 3: Accessorize Wisely

Try using use colors and jewelry to accent your outfit. If you are wearing a bright colored accessory, be sure your base outfit isn't equally as bright.  When wearing big jewelry,  avoid over doing it with too many large pieces. Big earrings, a big necklace and a bunch of bracelets and rings will have you looking like Lady Gaga gone wrong! Chose one large piece and pair it with a smaller pieces of jewelry for a polished look   Here are some amazing accessories that will make your look stand out at fashion week:

Well that's all for this week's edition. I hope everyone enjoys Fashion Week 2011!

If you would like more information on the items shown in this blog, please leave a comment or send me a message.