Best Dresses for a Summer Wedding

Summer brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and...wedding season! If you're like us you have at least one wedding to go to this summer and most likely a lot more than that! With bridal showers, bachelorette parties and gifts, wedding season can really eat in to your savings! We have a few key rules (well two) when it comes to what to wear for a summer wedding - 1) Get one new look for a day/casual wedding, 2) Get one new look for an evening/formal wedding.  It's that simple! You do not need a new dress for each wedding, we promise you! Choose one great dress and then alter the hair and accessories to give it a different feel with every new 'I Do' you attend! here are some of our absolute FAVORITES!

This is one of our FAVORITES! It's actually one of our two dresses we bought for wedding season! By Nicole Miller it can be used for both a formal and a casual wedding.  Dress it up with heels and statement jewelry, dress it down with cute sandals, hair down and minimal jewelry.

This dress by BCBG Generation is perfect for a more casual wedding or a less formal evening wedding!  We love this look because the front is simple and clean, and then the back adds a little flair!

The back of the BCBG Generation dress - because every fashion statement needs an exclamation!

A great day wedding dress is this gorgeous ruffle bloom dress by Jessica Simpson. We like it because you will not only look fantastic in it for the wedding, but you can also wear it to brunch with friends, on a fun date, etc.  It's versatile so adding it to your closet serves a lot of purposes!

Maxi Dresses: Still a Trend and We Couldn’t be Happier!

If there’s one piece that you must have in your wardrobe this spring and summer, it’s the maxi dress. Long, flowy and oh so comfortable, these dresses continue to be a season favorite year after year!

There are so many looks to choose from so whatever shape or size you are, you’re bound to find something that fits your style and personality! 

A long, brightly patterned dress is a perfect look for those sunny days. Stand out from the crowd with abstract designs.

You can’t go wrong pairing these dresses with gladiator sandals either!

Celebs have been spotted rocking various versions of this spring favorite!  Dressed up or down, it works for almost every occasion...even if that occasion is the red carpet!

Rihanna Wears Asos Jersey Maxi Dress

And the absolute best part about maxi dresses? They’re so budget-friendly!  Grab more than one while you have the chance!

Wet Seal - $24.50

Forever 21 - $14.90

Trend Alert: Color of the Season - Orange! Wear it loud, Wear it proud!

What's hot this summer? Orange! And we don't mean the fruit!!  The color of the season is bright Orange in any of its many variations - coral, melon, cantaloupe, or papaya - no matter how it's labeled this is the shade of the season!

If wearing the color most associated with Halloween outside of October has you turning your nose up, keep reading on because we're about to expand your thinking of this underrated and fashion statement of a color!

First, stop thinking pumpkin orange, we're talking about shades of this vibrant color that work on almost everyone.  They can add a pop of color under a black business suit, jazz up feet with a colorful pair of espadrilles, or go bold with a gorgeous coral dress paired with gold jewelry and a freshly sun kissed tan! However you wear it, wear it loud and proud this summer!

Fly The Skies In Style!

We've all been there.  Delayed flights, long layovers and sold out seats. Traveling can be a real pain; but things are changing!  Check out what some airlines are doing to give us the VIP treatment!

Virgin America
First, we LOVE Sir Richard Branson,  CEO of the Virgin Group.  For years we looked forward to international trips to Europe, just so we could fly Virgin Atlantic - we actually looked forward to traveling!!  And then a few years ago he was kind enough to bring the amazing airline that is his empire, stateside, and a new thought in travel emerged for all Americans - one that is enjoyable and where you are actually treated well.... Oh Sir Richard Branson, why can't all airlines be yours...

Here are some of the reasons why we love Virgin America!

Internet
You’re living in the 21st century. Isn’t it time to fly like it? Hop on a brand new Virgin America plane, discover that the future is now, and stay connected with in–flight WiFi!
 
Open Tab
Planning on having a few drinks or snacks or watching a few premium TV shows, and don’t want to swipe that card each time? When you purchase your first item you can open a tab, order as much as you want, and close it when you want!  And no having to ring a call bell to get the attention of the Steward, you place the order right from the screen in front of you!  Peruse snacks, meals, drinks - it's all there and literally at your finger tips!


Travel Plans Change?

Like everything they do, Virgin America makes it very easy if your travel plans suddenly change.  You can go directly to the website and change your flight!  The only fee is the difference in the price of the flights, it's simple, painless, and no waiting on hold forever or crazy charges.  Life happens....


Chat
Debrief with travel companions in other rows, mingle in a chat room, or wing it and strike up a chat with someone new. Go ahead; you know you want to.

Yes, the actual interior of a Virgin America plane...now you get where we're going with it - A-MA-ZING!!

Jet Blue
Pre-Virgin America, there was JetBlue, and they still hold a special place in our travel hearts for the following reasons:

Even More Legroom
For an extra $10, JetBlue now offers you the opportunity to purchase a seat with even more legroom. These seats are offered on the Airbus A320 fleet, and are located at the front of the airplane. The seats provide you with approximately 38 inches of legroom doesn't seem like much but it really makes a whole lot of difference!


Plus TV Plus TV is JetBlue's brand new TV network that features top rated shows and news programs. Jetblue is known for offering individual TV monitors to each traveler on board the plane. You can watch movies, play games and even interact with other people on board your flight!

Unlimited Snacks

Jet Blue gives out real snacks, like blue tortilla chips or animal crackers, and they don't care if you take one of five!  Hungry?  Just pop up and ask a flight attendant for another bag!  Thirsty? No problem! Flying can be very dehydrating so JetBlue has little bottles of water available throughout the flight!

Terminal 5
JetBlue's main hub is Terminal 5 at JFK airport in New York and holy...awesomeness...Incredible restaurants and ability to just relax and get work done from one of many work stations throughout the terminal where waiters bring food and drinks directly to your gate!  The best part of your trip may actually just be the time spent at the airport!

Another way airlines are making sure your travel is a little easier?

GOING MOBILE!
Mobile apps allow passengers to check fares, receive sale alerts, and get updated flight information which makes getting to and from the airport easier for everyone!  Most airlines have mobile features so check their websites and make sure you sign up for text alerts!  Go Green by having your boarding pass electronically - show your phone and get waived through - no need to print anything out!

Now are you ready to hit the clear blue skies? Get going!

Mother's Day: Remembering All the Women in Your Life!

Mother’s Day celebrates all the women in your life who have impacted you and, in turn, helped you become the Woman you are today!  Grandmothers, Godmothers, and even close female family friends are all remembered and celebrated on Mother’s Day!

Godmothers play a very important role in a child’s life. They serve as role models and children look up to them as a representation of how to live in faith. They not only support the child, but the parents as well. With that said, being a Godparent is an enormous responsibility!  This Mother’s Day, keep in mind all that your Godmother has done and probably continues to do for you and let her know you care!

Grandmothers are a source of knowledge. A source of healing. A source of strength. Especially when it comes to raising grandchildren. Remember when you had your first child? Who was at your side as you tried to keep your young family on track? And who gave up all of their work so that they could look after the children while you and your significant other were busy at work? Grandmothers are cool-headed, and supportive, and deserve all the celebration in the world!

At the end of the day, any female family member or close friend that is helpful with advice or helping others should be celebrated this Mother's Day! If they’ve made a positive difference in your life, why not show your appreciation? It’s tough being a woman, but somebody’s got to do it!  Celebrate all those 'body's' this Mother's Day!!

Mother's Day: Remembering Mom

Mark your calendars… May 8th is Mother’s Day! We know… it almost slipped your mind. Well, that’s what we’re here for!

So what do you get that special lady in your life? With Mother’s Day a few weeks away, we don’t want you scrambling at the last minute! Being a Mom is a full-time job, and it  is one of the hardest jobs to hold. Show your love and appreciation with something she will cherish forever and ever. Here are a few great gift ideas that are sure to make Mom’s day a little bit brighter!

1 Carat Ruby Sterling Silver Heart Pendant with Chain from www.Ice.com

Jewelry:  You can’t go wrong if you decide to get a piece of jewelry as a Mothers Day gift. Necklace and earring sets are perfect! Pearl sets are a favorite as well! You may also choose to go with a piece of fashion jewelry which is trendy and is easy on the pockets!

World's Freshet Flowers from www.KaBloom.com

Flowers:  No matter the distance that exists between you and your mother, the flowers you send will definitely find their way to her.  Choose the perfect flowers for your Mom and let her know where she lies in your heart.
 

Photo Frames: Gather the family and take a nice picture with your mother.  Then present it to her in a lovely frame on Mother's Day!  She'll love it so much that she will immediately find a spot on her wall to hang it up!  Better yet, get her a digital photo frame and you can constantly update a slideshow of photos for Mom to enjoy!

Digital Photo Frame

Personalized Gifts:  A customized piece of jewelry is unique and very special. Maybe a pendant with the names of her children engraved on them? Or a locket with a picture of her grandchildren. Is your Mom a fan of stationary?  Personalize writing pads with a poem or a picture.  Do remember that unlike cards and chocolate, personalized items will need a little bit more time to be delivered for the big day so plan accordingly!

Have we got the creative wheels churning?  GOOD!  Now get out and show Mom just how much you appreciate her!

Lady Di: The Princess. The Mom. The Icon.

Princess Diana has been, and is continuously looked at as the ultimate portrayal of class and grace. The “People’s Princess” was nothing short of a fashion icon and World humanitarian.  As we approach the wedding of her eldest son, Prince William, to Kate Middleton, we take a look back at the World's 'Candle in the Wind'.

As a fashion icon, Princess Diana gave a new look to royalty!  While married to Prince Charles, she was placed on the International Best Dressed List for two consecutive years (1991-1992)! Surprisingly, her fashion sense has not always been lauded. In 1982, she was listed as one of the “10 Worst Dressed Women” by a London newspaper. It’s even said that in the beginning, the royal family was so embarrassed by her fashion know-how, or lack thereof, that they sent people over from Vogue to help mold the Princess into a fashionista! She obviously took what she wanted from those “lessons” and made it all her own!

Combining young fashion with international glamour, Princess Di became an idol for many women around the world. Who didn’t want her hairstyle? And even if you never cared for hats, seeing the flair she brought to hat wear made you want to grab the most elaborate one you could find!  Even the soon-to-be Princess seems to still be channeling this tricky fashion trend.

With Prince William and Kate Middleton preparing to tie the knot very soon, the media has been comparing the styles of Lady Di and Kate. Will she be able to measure up to her late mother-in-law? Only time will tell, but the soon to be Princess of Wales is definitely on the right track. Kate was listed in The Daily Telegraph’s “Most Promising Newcomer” in 2006. She was also featured in People Magazine’s “Best Dressed List” for 2007 and 2010, and in 2008, Style.com selected her as its monthly beauty icon! In the same year, she was also included in Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List.

Who do you think is more of a trendsetter? Is Kate on her way to becoming a fashion icon?  Or are Princess Diana's shoes just too big to fill...