Venue

After getting engaged in January, I quickly became addicted to searching the web for wedding venues in Florida. Now that I'm living in Fort Lauderdale this summer, I've been to a few locations I thought were "the one" only to come away disappointed and discouraged.

This past week, I visited the Douglas Entrance in Coral Gables and was pleasantly surprised for the first time. It's a beautiful historic building that reminds me of paris...so romantic! It was the first venue I looked at and could picture our January, 2013 wedding day.

Here are some photos below (courtesy of ec-design studio in Coral Gables).







We would rent a beautiful, white draped tent for the ceremony with the gold chiavari chairs. If we start at around 6:15, the ceremony would take place as the sun sets.





After the ceremony, the cocktail hour would take place outside in a covered area in front of the venue.

This is the entrance to the ballroom. Imagine it candle lit. Amazing!




Finally, the reception would take place in the gold ballroom. It is hard to tell in these photos, but the ceiling is carved in gold, which assures me it's the right place (our colors are midnight blue and gold).








Now that I think I've found the venue, the fun stuff can start! Check back for decor ideas.

What do you think of the Douglas Entrance for our wedding?

.Vera wang WHITE Fall 2011.

The new Vera Wang WHITE collection at David's Bridal is finally here!

I have to admit, when the spring collection came to the David's in Austin, I was one of the first to make an appointment. After driving 2 hours to try one on, I wasn't sold on the quality. Let's hope the bridesmaid line has something I like more...after all, every girl needs a little Vera in her wedding!

(left to right from top): 

1. style VW351065 $1200

2. style VW351071 $800 

3. style VW351062 $1200 

4. style VW351027 $1200 

5. style VW351039 $600

6. style VW351044 $700

The line, which debuted in spring 2011 starts at $600 and has a significantly lower price point than the original Vera Wang bridal line. The fall 2011 collection, available at David's Bridal now, features design features ranging from silk and organza draped pieces, lace overlays, and taffeta mermaid fit. 

(left to right from top):
1. style VW360012 $198

2. style VW360013 $168

3. style VW360018 $158

4. style VW360004 $158

5. style VW360017 $158

6. style VW360027 $168

To add to the excitement, the WHITE collection of bridesmaids dresses and shoes has finally arrived, with seven dresses priced at under $200, and shoes under $100. 

.Summer Love.

.Estee Lauder.

.OPI.

"Conga line" 

$5.99

.Emanuella Passeri.

$140

.Brian Atwood.

 $420

So, I have to admit I'm having a slight love affair with the color coral! The vintage feel instantly reminds  me of Brigitte Bardot in the 70s. Give me an amazing pair of coral platform heels with a pair of indigo wide leg jeans and I'm in set! 

What's your favorite summer color right now?

.Building a Foundation.

So, ladies...
Here's the thing...I've wasted a ton of money experimenting with  foundations and many of them make my face break-out, are too shimmery, or just cake. So...I thought this would be a good topic to start with!

With all the wedding plans, thoughts of what foundation to wear on "the day" have definitely crossed my mind.

So, I want to put the discussion on the table and share what I've learned throughout the years.

Growing up, I had oily skin. As I've gotten older, my skin has dried up a bit. I know everyone's skin is different, so I've broken it down between oily and dry skin types....

.Oily/Acne Prone Skin.
It's important to remember that with oily skin, you have a built in shimmer. Therefore, you'll want to stay away from age-defying foundations that many times have tiny specks of glitter in their formula.

On the other hand, many people with oily skin (myself included) think they have to pile on powder to get rid of the oil, when in actuality, powdering your face can produce more oil throughout the day!

With that said, some good foundations to try are...

under $10

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

Target and Target.com 

$9.99

$10-20$

Calvin Klein Infinite Matte Oil Free Foundation Cream 

Amazon.com

 $15

$20-$40

MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation 

Sephora.com 

$34

$40-$50

Laura Mercier Oil- Free Foundation Liquid 

Sephora.com 

$42

$50+

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15 

Sephora.com 

$60

.Dry Skin.
While a good SPF is always important, for dry skin types, it's crucial! Sun exposure will only dry the skin more. For those with little to no time in the morning, a good tinted moisturizer combines an SPF with just enough color to smooth uneven skin tones. If you like more coverage than that, there are always full foundations with 25 SPF or higher. Check out these foundations below...

under $10

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Moisturizer 

Amazon.com 

$8.49

$10-$20

Sephora Collection Hydrating and Smoothing Foundation 

Sephora.com

$20

$20-$40

Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation 

Sephora.com 

$42

$40-$50

DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25 

Sephora.com 

$46

$50+

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 

Sephora.com 

$55

What's your favorite foundation?

"Abella" of the ball

I am currently interning in South Florida with Zimmerman Partners Advertising, and I have to say the fashion community down here is definitely not lacking. At least that's what 11 year-old designer and fashion prodigy, Christopher Abella would tell you.

Abella, who by age 9 was already studying with Miami Art and Design's, Tracy Ellyn, featured his gowns at Trio on the Bay in North Bay Village on June 17.

Take a look at these amazing pieces...

Remember the name, Christopher Abella. We will definitely be seeing him on the national fashion circuit soon. BTW, you can check out more photos and videos of Christopher on Facebook!

Tell me: Which one is your favorite gown?