If you’ve been reading my blog or following me on Instagram, you might have seen that I was recently a bridesmaid in my friend Tracy’s wedding. The bachelorette party was fab and I loved the bridesmaid dress, but I don’t think I ever told you guys what I got her for her bridal shower. I should have shared this very significant detail earlier because it’s a great idea for a bridal shower gift or even a bachelorette party favor.
I wanted to get her something fun and original. So I opted for an off registry gift – a Black Sequin and Pom Custom Floppy Sun Hat from the HatsByOlivia store on Etsy. Here she is sporting her custom “Just Married” sun hat on her honeymoon in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Her husband (who is also her Instagram husband) snapped this photo of her and of course I had to share it.
When it comes to weddings and bridal showers, I personally like to get an off registry gift for the shower and give something from the registry or cash at the wedding. This custom sun hat was an unexpected, yet welcome surprise and like love, I like my bridal shower gifts to be unexpected. It was so great to see her wear it on her honeymoon. If you’re planning on surprising a bride-to-be, a birthday girl or whoever, a custom floppy hat just might be the way to go!
As you might already know, I’m a bridesmaid in my friend Tracy’s wedding. I just came back from her amazing bachelorette party weekend in Long Beach Island, New Jersey! After the fab Memorial Day weekend I had with some wonderful ladies at the Jersey Shore, I can’t tell you how hard it was to go back to everyday life.
The house we rented in Barnegat Light was beautiful and we even had a private beach which on a holiday weekend is the way to go. Not only were we spoiled all weekend with delicious food (hello mini pop tarts) and cases of champagne, we also got some adorable bride squad swag including a Bling Ring Bottle Opener, Personalized Tumblers, Monogramed Tumblers and Cheers Bitches/Future Mrs. tank tops from Bachette (there are also similar ones on Etsy). We even stocked up on some personal accessories during a Pure Romance party. It really worked out well to have the two tumblers because we had one for alcohol and one for water when we went to the beach. To top off this perfect weekend, the bride-to-be also brought her little Yorkie Maaartin (yes, that’s three A’s)!
One of my best friends from college is getting married soon and I’m so excited to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. While I’m totally psyched about my latest gig as a blushing bridesmaid, there’s a ton of work and planning that needs to get done so I’m planning ahead as much as I can. Aside from helping make the shower and parties the best ever for the bride, getting my wedding day beauty routine down is also at the top of my list.
Since the bridesmaids are in almost every wedding photo, bridal beauty is just as important for the bridesmaids as it is for the bride. One of the foundations of a white wedding day is a picture perfect white smile. With the help of Crest 3D White Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips, I can officially check white smile off my list. In only two weeks, Crest 3D White Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips can whiten teeth just as well as a $500 laser treatment at a fraction of the cost and in the convenience of your own home. Plus they contain the same enamel-safe, teeth-whitening ingredients dentists use.
(I loved bridesmaid dress shopping with my newly whitened smile.)
What I loved most about Crest 3D White Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips was how easy they were to use. On my busy schedule, it would be tough to fit in a dentist appointment so it was great to be able to get a professional quality whitening on my own time. I also really liked that you only had to keep the strips on for an hour a day and not all night like other treatments. So if you wear a retainer at night as I do, you can still wear it no problem. These whitestrips are also incredibly affordable. They are available at most drugstores and major retailers nationwide for $64.99 per kit.
Ready to see the results firsthand? Here’s my smile before my two week treatment:
So whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid or just want a whiter smile, Crest 3D White Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips are the easiest and more affordable way to an even more beautiful you!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
You’ve always dreamed of your wedding day. So when it comes to the biggest day of your life, your makeup better be perfect. Follow these simple rules straight from a bridal makeup artist and your wedding day makeup is sure to be stunning.
DO have pictures to inspire your artist
Time and time again I get asked for a “smokey eye” or have people say “you’re the professional – you do what you think.” Everyone is so different, and rightly so (my job would be very boring if that weren’t so) but go Google “Smokey Eyes” and you will see my point – there are so many variations. So, get some inspiration pictures for your artist of looks you like. Even photos of something you don’t like can be helpful too.
DON’T use tons of under eye concealer
Some under eye concealer buffed out will be invisible and then a small amount of a slightly warmer than normal concealer applied to the very blue line under the eyes can help to hide those dark circles. You want it to be light though. Applying lots won’t hide dark circles, it will just make them more prominent.
DO use a mirror in good light
When checking your look do make sure you are in good light. Have a wander around your house and check your makeup in different rooms.
DON’T be afraid to say what you think
Your wedding artist will be used to tweaking looks and adapting them to suit each client. So speak up if you don’t like something . You are paying for her to be there and it’s better to do the fine tuning now than have you hate it later.
DO Be Yourself
If you are used to a strong makeup or a natural no makeup look on a day to day basis then be yourself and go with how you will feel comfortable. There are no rules to what you have to be. This is your day. So be yourself only better.
DON’T go all one color
A little color works in pictures and the last thing you want is your face to have disappeared when you get your photos back. Add in a hint of pink or peach lipstick or blush because once you are head to toe in a wedding gown the color can drain from you.
DO take your time
Once you’ve had your trial, be sure to take your makeup for a test drive before making the commitment for the wedding. Go out with your girlfriends or to dinner with your fiance (if you don’t mind him seeing it). Anything to get out and make sure you love it.
DON’T go crazy topping up
If you’ve picked a good artist, your makeup will last. Lipstick should be the only thing you really need to top up. Unnecessary touch ups will only ruin your look.
This guest post is by Clare Ardern of Harry Jon, a leading hair and makeup artist with over 10 years experience. As a specialist in wedding hair and makeup, Clare prides herself on her diverse skill and portfolio to suit every style.
I’m pleased to announce that I now have a legitimate reason to use Pinterest. One of my best friends and Pi Beta Phi little (it’s a sorority thing) Tracy has asked me to be her bridesmaid and I said “I Do”.
Being the amazing bride-to-be that she is, Tracy popped the question with this beautiful bridesmaid gift that I’m absolutely obsessed with. Way to go Tracy! A bride with this much taste is sure to pick out gorgeous bridesmaids dresses. So I’m even more excited to be there for my friend on the big day.
In anticipation for the wedding, I’ve started shopping for my favorite bridal gifts and accessories. Naturally, they’re all kate spade.
