ASK THE EXPERT: How to get Perfect, Luscious Lashes

Hi ladies,

My current favorite mascara at the moment is MAX Factor volume couture. It comes in waterproof (just in case) for your very special day. The brush is flexible and has very small teeth to comb into each individual lash while keeping the curl, and adding a thick luscious coat of product without looking clumpy.

First, curl your lashes with a lash curler by Shu Uemura. Then use your index finger to lift the eyelid, applying the product starting on the root of the lash, next to the skin under the eye. Brush the mascara all the way through to the end. This creates a fuller and thicker lash line, and distributes the product evenly throughout each lash.

If you want a really full, thick lash angle the wand vertically and use the tip of the brush on the ends of the lashes to add extra volume. If you feel that you added too much product or want to tone it down, use a clean mascara wand (sold at most drugstores) to comb through the lash.

For the ultimate lash that will open up the eye and make them pop in photos, have your makeup artist apply individual fake lashes using waterproof glue by DUO, (sold at Ricky's in New York and other beauty supply stores).

Cheers,
Laura

Presenting STELLINA EVENTS BY AMANDA DIAMONDSTEIN-CIEPLINSKA

I am thrilled to announce that the website for STELLINA EVENTS, my wedding design and special events consultancy is now up and running for all of you to see. Please go to the site, wander around, and let me know your thoughts.

http://www.stellinaevents.com/

On the website, there is a Contact Us page if you are interested in speaking with me about planning your upcoming nuptials or special event.

We offer free consultations for anyone planning a wedding or event, so do go ahead and contact me. I would be happy to help!

Or you could always just drop me an email at:
amanda.diamondstein-cieplinska@stellinaevents.com

I look forward to speaking with you. :)

Happy Planning!!!

xoxo,
Amanda

A beautiful bridal bouquet for winter: Black & white gerbera daisies

Last week I was at Claridge's, a hotel in London, enjoying afternoon tea with a friend to say goodbye before I relocate from London to New York next week. When exiting the foyer, I saw the most beautiful flower arrangement that would make for an outstanding bouquet or centerpiece for a black and white themed wedding.

The bouquet was a tight bunch of white gerbera daisies similar to the photo above. It might sound simple but it was beguiling - just gorgeous and made me stop in my tracks to take note.

Whilst winter is still months away, this bouquet had me picturing snowfall and a winter wedding. Maybe it was the stark contrast between the winter white petals and the dark insides. Or maybe it was just the essence of the gerberas, which usually tend to look modern to me but these had a look all their own - one that could work in many locations from a modern loft setting to a country estate covered in snow.

So for all you winter brides out there, here is a bit of inspiration…

How to welcome autumn? With a new color palette of course…

While many of us are sad to see summer go, why not embrace the crisp air, the clear sunny skies and the cooler breezes? When I think of autumn, I think of a tradition we have here in the US northeast called Fall Foliage where we drive to the countryside to see the changing of the colors of leaves on the trees from the vivid summer greens to the warmer shades of red, orange and yellow. The colors are so beautiful and during those trips we also throw in some apple picking to make fresh home baked apple pies when we arrive back home.

On that note, a color scheme that I love for the autumn is based on neutral tones with accents of bright apple red. The shade of red I am referring to is like a ripe, juicy Macintosh apple. It has zest and pops against the neutrals.

The key to this color palette is to keep it simple. Keep it earthy. Whether you get married inside an old barn, transform a loft into an earthy space, or your reception is in the middle of a field - keep the linens neutral (light beige or crème tones) and add natural wooden chairs (in a darker brown or a country honey tone).

For centerpieces you could use red gerbera daisies like you see in the gorgeous wedding photos above taken by Nashan Photographers at the 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Another option is to embrace the season and go au natural with an assortment of apples in glass bowls either with leaves (if you want some green accents) or with trees branches (to stick with the neutral palette).

While you wear your beautiful white wedding gown, your bridesmaids could wear neutral crème or tan tones, maybe even with a hint of a gold or bronze shimmer. If you want to add some color to your gown, then go ahead and carry a bouquet of bright red gerberas or another red flower that you love. Or if you want to be a bit more classic, while you carry your white bouquet, your bridesmaids could carry bright red flowers and your groomsmen could wear the matching boutonnières.

Feel free to sprinkle red around your wedding. Why not add your red flowers or petals to a simple white tiered cake? Or tie a red string around each napkin to act as a napkin ring. The possibilities are endless. Just be sure to not overdo it – keep the red as an accent so that it is unique and surprises guests whenever they see it appear in the details.

This is a color palette that is a bit modern, a bit country, and definitely says “Hello autumn! We are happy to see you.”

So for all of you getting married in autumn 2010 or 2011, take a moment to consider whether this color palette could be a good match for your wedding vision.

And for all brides getting married in the spring or summertime, feel free to play around with this color palette to make it more appropriate for those seasons. For example, rather than going with a bright apple red, for summer I recommend heading more towards a hot tomato red or an orangey red (see Essie’s Clam Bake nail polish for the perfect shade) or for spring, try a red poppy color or the color of a fresh red chili. These colors will definitely add some spice to your wedding (pun attended!).

If you like the photos above then go to Nashan Photographers for more information:
http://www.nashan.com/

If you like the wedding venue seen in the photographs, then check out:
http://www.320ranch.com/gatherings/private-wedding.php

Jenny Yoo 2010 Collection Fashion Show: Tribeca Rooftop, September 29, 2009 6-9pm

Attention all brides-to-be looking for gorgeous bridesmaid dresses and gowns, now is your chance to reserve your ticket to the upcoming fashion shows for Jenny Yoo’s 2010 Collection.

As you know, I am a big fan of Jenny Yoo’s bridal party dresses – there are so many different designs to choose from and beautiful colors that deciding which dress is the right one with your bridesmaids will be hard just because there are loads of great options!

I love the sophisticated and stylish green dresses in the photo above so if you, like me, would consider buying one just because you want it (even though you aren’t a bridesmaid) then definitely book your spot on the runway now for this event.

The event will also have other wedding vendors for you to take a look at and meet. In fact, the list of contributors includes Jo Malone and Neuhaus – brilliant bath products and scrumptious Belgian chocolates will definitely make your time at the event that much more enjoyable! After all, what girl could resist watching a fashion show whilst nibbling on gourmet chocolates?

Here is the info you need to buy your ticket, which includes a ticket for your BFF or best family member to join you in your search for the perfect bridesmaid dress:

Event name: Unveiled - A Bridal Soirée

Date: September 29, 2009 from 6-9pm

Location: Tribeca Rooftop, 2 Debrosses Street, New York

Admission: $20 (Bride and 1 guest)

RSVP by September 25th by calling: 212-645-0823

There is also a form to fill out that you can find at the following link:
http://www.jennyyoo.com/soiree-nyc.html



If you are based in CHICAGO and wish you could go to the event, don’t fret. There will be a Jenny Yoo Fashion Show and a Champagne Cocktail Reception in Chicago. Here are the details:

Event name: Unveiled - A Bridal Soirée

Date: October 8th, 2009 from 6-8pm

Location: Lumen, 839 West Fulton Market, Chicago

Admission: complimentary (Bride and 1 guest)

RSVP to the Chicago event by October 2nd by calling: 312-642-2327.

The RSVP form and additional information on the reception can be found at:
http://www.jennyyoo.com/soiree-chicago.html



For more info on both of the events, please go to:
http://www.jennyyoo.com/soiree.html


Please note: Space is limited so do give them a call sooner rather than later to book your place at the event.

The Kleinfeld’s September Sample Sale is coming! - Sunday, September 13, 2009

Ladies, one of the famous Kleinfeld’s sample sales is upon us. During the sale you can save up to a whopping 70% off select sample gowns. This is an event that is so well known, it was even featured on an episode of Friends where Monica fought with a woman over her wedding gown, though this event is not as frightening since brides-to-be each have their own appointment. Definitely not to be missed if you are in the NYC area and are in the market for a gorgeous designer gown (for a much friendlier price). Happy hunting!!!

Here are some sample sale highlights:

• Save up to 70% on select sample gowns from top bridal designers

• Designers include: Alvina Valenta, Amalia Carrara, Amarilidine, Amsale, Amy Michelson, Anne Barge, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, Christos, Claire Pettibone, Danielle Caprese, Edgardo Bonilla, Eve of Milady, Henry Roth, Ian Stuart, Jim Hjelm, Judd Waddell, Justina McCaffrey, Kenneth Pool, Lazaro, Liancarlo, Marisa, Melissa Sweet, Michelle Roth, Monique Lhuillier, Peter Langner, Pnina Tornai, Priscilla of Boston, Reem Acra, Rivini, Romona Keveza, Stephen Yearick, Tara Keeley, and many other famous Kleinfeld exclusive European designers!

• Plus, receive up to 50% off a select group of accessories!
  

To make an appointment for the event (one is needed to attend), please call 1-646-633-4300.

For more information on Kleinfeld’s go to:
http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/index.cfm