FCW Takes On DIY- Intro

One of my business goals for 2012 is to try out the fun DIY projects I spot online.  I have so much respect for those who live to do-it-themselves but I have to admit that most of the projects I see intimidate me.  I may be creative but crafty I am not.  I do love creative and personalized details in weddings and I always make sure my clients do a few test runs to see how much time, energy & expense is really needed.  And from that came my brilliant idea to try out these ideas first then post about it to let people know what they are getting themselves into- if I can master a DIY project, ANYONE can master it.  Here are a few that I've had my eye on, the first three are wedding projects and the last two are more fashion/ home decor.  Check back to see my progress aka keep me accountable, happy DIYing!

#1. Fringe Tassel Garland

#2. Straw Wreath

#3. Sunburst Mirror

#4. Neon Toe Shoes

#5. Pleated Lined Drapes

Lady In Red: Yay or Nay?

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Although there are very few rules left for wedding guests, the cardinal rule is to not steal the bride/couple's thunder on her/their big day.  Following that principle, I find it inappropriate to wear red to a wedding, as it is such an attention-grabbing color.  I recently went to a wedding where FOUR guests (all female) were wearing bright red dresses.  It made me wonder if guests believe there really are no rules for wedding attire.  I have noticed at client weddings that while the majority of guests are dressing appropriately, there have been a few instances of too short, too tight, too flashy, etc.  As often as women's fashion changes, maybe guests are taking on new rules for wedding attire too.  It used to be that black was too somber to wear to a wedding but now that is a top choice.  My main question is how are women deciding which, if any, rules to follow?  Is appropriate based on your color choice or dress style/length? your geographic region (west coast, midwest, east coast, deep south, etc.)? formality of the wedding? time of year? location of wedding?  

Thinking about all of this, of course yesterday I saw The Duchess of Cambridge wearing a red dress (with a red hat!) going a wedding this past weekend.  My head exploded with even more questions.  Does she get to where whatever she wants anywhere she goes because she is royalty now?  Do British people just wear crazier wedding attire (I'm looking at you, Princess Beatrice) all the time?  I know this a not a typical post wherein I discuss a topic with a definite guidelines.  Please leave your comments on this post to let me know what you think & have a great day!

What Brides Can Learn From Award Shows

The 68th Annual Golden Globes ceremony was last night in Beverly Hills, CA and as someone who has been watching since I was a little girl, last night did not disappoint.  The Golden Globes is the love child of the Emmys and Oscars, celebrating the best actors in both television and cinema, so the star power in the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday evening was quite electric.  Like most award show revelers, I know that the red carpet is a huge part of the appeal and I love to play critic to all the fashion since celebrities set the gold standard.  They have infinitely more experience with grand events than us mere mortals so there is a lot that brides can learn from the red carpet, both good & bad.  I'm about to give you my two cents for the top 5 red carpet rules that can be applied to weddings.

#1. Wear what fits you, always.  The biggest celebrity fashion mistakes are not due to fabric or accessory choice, they are always due to selection of attire.  Knowing your body measurements and shape is the best tool for normal clothes and for your wedding day.  Basically, your wedding day is NOT the day to pretend you don't have the hips/arms/legs/chest/etc that you really do have.  Per always, Eva Longoria makes the most of what she has and wears her beautiful gown with confidence.

 

Credit: Lionel Hahn/ABACA

#2. Stand up straight and smile, smile, smile.  I think we can all agree that Sandra Bullock is gorgeous but without a smile she does not shine the way she normally does.  And neither will you if you aren't smiling on your big day.  I know it seems a daunting task to smile for a full day but these pictures will last forever and you want your grandkids to see you enjoying your wedding day!

 

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

#3. Pick either statement earrings OR a necklace to focus on, don't clutter your yourself.  If you have a high neckline, wear the statement earrings and if you have a lot of decolletage showing (in a tastful way), showcase a great necklace.  The only way to do both is making sure there is a delicate balance, say diamond solitare earrings with the matching necklace or even a pearl set.  If you are not sure, ask your bridesmaids- they will tell you the truth.  Catherine Zeta Jones is always flawless and chose to showcase speactaular earrings with her amazing dress at the Globes.   

Credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage