When featured on The Smart Planner, I admitted that hemorrhoid cream was a must have in my 911 kits at weddings.  I have had people ask me what else I have in that monstrosity of a Emergency Kit that might be unconventional.  As I mentioned before, a lot of this came from competing in pageant circuits where quick fixes are a must.

The infamous hemorrhoid cream– This not only helps for those hard earned dark under eye circles from partying all night at the bachelorette party, but also for reducing the appearance of cellulite under unforgiving fabrics. 

Vaseline– This is an oldie but goodie.  File this under the "gross but works" category.  Slip a little on your teeth and it helps you to keep smiling during all of your pictures.  It also helps for not getting your lips stuck on your teeth during the shoot as well.

Apple Cider Vinegar– Take a tablespoon or two before eating (and you must eat…not a heavy meal, but eat something!) to reduce bloating.  Also good for sunburn (We get a lot of bridesmaids and brides who lay out at their resorts or at the beach and consequently burn).

Duct tape– Ugly as it is, Hollywood Tape has NOTHING on duct tape.  I’ve created the so many perfect angles and lines by sculpting a body with duct tape…and can secure speaker cords with the same roll.

Hollisters Medical Adhesive – Typically used to adhere prosthetic body parts, perfect for adhering dresses to the body (think of the infamous Jennifer Lopez Grammys dress, which is, in my opinion, the best dress EVER). 

Vapon No Tape– Used to adhere lace front wigs for stage productions and Glamzillas, perfect for attaching (flawlessly) bandaids or cushions to tough shoes that cause burns on the back of the heels or on toes.  Also good for affixing rhinestones to the body and face.

Bronzing powder– To create the illusion of slight or deep cleavage .

Dermablend body makeup– Perfect for covering up tattoos, deep blemishes and bruises.  (Note to you: it might take a combination of shades to get a perfect match).

White Eyeliner– For the corner of the eyes– makes them pop and look bigger in pictures.

Visine– It gets the red out! Not only out of eyes, but also out of pimples. Helps making the concealing process a lot easier.

Other tips:

• If you are wearing pantyhose, get a good quality brand and soak them in salt water prior to wearing them. This will decrease the odds of them running.
• When you stand, angle your hips so that you can elongate the body.  It will look beautiful in pictures.
• Don’t wear shoes the same color as your dress (if it is short)– it will make you look stumpy.
• Avoid big necklaces that will compete with your face.

{Photo:  Source}

Your bridesmaids have spent mucho dollars to come to your wedding– the airline tickets, the hotel stay, the gifts, the dress, the hair and makeup, the jewelry….I could go on, but we both know, I don’t have to.  It’s not that often that your gal pals can get together at a gorgeous spot, all decked out and have an awesome photographer to document it all. Arrange with your photographer to snap a few shots of your girls alone and give those pictures to your maids as a gift. If you have an awesome photographer like Scarlett, George, Mark, Jasmine, Chris, or Spencer– these will be ones that they cherish!

But let’s dish first–If you decide to do this, you want to make sure it is something your girls can appreciate and you feel are worth the investment. 

What to consider:

Everyone wants to look good in photos– especially really good photos. If you have hired a stellar photojournalist, this is the next best thing to having a fashion photographer build a portfolio.  So you want to make sure that you are picking something flattering.  Because I love you, I’ll share this with you:

1.) Consider your girlfriends’ coloring when selecting their dress color– some colors don’t look good on fair girlfriends, other colors make our olive and sepia toned girlfriends look sallow.  Remember, you can pull a Jenna Bush, and have each girl wear a varying shades of a color. This adds dimension and style. Just please don’t copy Barbara’s wreath. 

2.)  Consider your girlfriends’ shape when selecting their dress– this is so crucial.  I have seen weddings where the bride chose a nice merlot colored strapless number that was probably gorgeous on the model, but "notsomuch" in real life.  What did it was that the bride had girlfriends in varying shapes and sizes; some were a size 0, some were a size twenty.  As a former well endowed woman, strapless dresses can make even the most demure damsel curse like a sailor, and at times, depending on the cut of the dress, it just doesn’t look flattering.   Again, find a dress that will flatter all shapes, or really– don’t be afraid to give your event some personality.  Let each bridesmaid choose their own dress (or you could pick for them).  You want them to feel and look like rockstars, not miserable clones.

PSA:  You shouldn’t discount anyone that you love from being in your bridal party based on size or coloring.  These are people, not Barbie and Midge.  But you’re not that petty. That was for those "other" brides.  Moving on…

3.)  Consider the shoes– If you have shorter girlfriends, avoid putting them in shoes the same color as their dress. This immediately shortens the leg.  Choose a nude or clear shoe to elongate the leg.  Make sure they are a comfortable height and design. 

4.)  Hair and Makeup– I have seen some bridesmaids have an actual wedding uniform. All of the women in the bridal party that had to have the same hair, nails, makeup, dress, jewelry and shoes. That’s taking it to an extreme that could quite possibly leave you friendless at the stroke of midnight on your wedding.  It’s not fun to have your personality and style taken away from you– but most friends will do it because they love you and it’s your day. 

Ok, here are some tips you might want to pass along to your girls to help them prepare for their "shoot". Remember, they won’t have a lot of time, but if you set this up with your photographer ahead of time, it should go smoothly (provided you get started a little earlier and can go right into your pre-wedding shots).  They will love you and thank you for it!

{Photo: Source}

You really  have so many options when it comes to showcasing your bling up the aisle.  This is yet another way where you can display your event’s personality and your exquisite taste.  Remember, there are several things that you can just "cheap it" with (buy the Wal-Mart or Michael’s version or even DIY it), this being included.  The key, however, is to make it serve a dual functional purpose. 

It doesn’t have to be white:

You can incorporate your color inexpensively like this beautiful tiffany blue pillow.  It’s bright, it’s colorful, and fun!  You can also use a colored bow inexpensively for an alternate effect.

It doesn’t have to be a pillow:

This beauty coming from Etsy is a popular among our brides– the moss ring pillow.  There are several variations like this au natural moss basket built in a nest which is perfect to accompany some of the bird and branch themes that have been peaking through this season.  Or even these beautiful pillows made of green mums (Huckleberry Karen).

Tie it altogether:

Now, if you want to get all matchy— you could shoot for the coordinating guest book, pen, pillow and flower girl basket.  Or you could throw caution and the Invitations by Dawn catalog out the window and tie your concept together in a more round about way.  For example– got  a beach theme?  Have your little guy carry a conch shell down the aisle with fauxbulous rings attached (tie them to a weight, and slip it inside the shell).  You can even try for a large starfish as well. 

Barbara Banks Photography

Go for Baroque:

Another non-traditional option would be to think way out of the box;  well perhaps in the box….the jewelry box.  Options like this gorgeous silver etrog baroque box (left) or the luxe glass boxes from Marietas Glass.  Just make sure your carrier is responsible and able to carry it.

Full Florals:

Take a Consider using a composite bouquet as your alternative to a ring pillow.  You could go your own route like this great DIY creation from Martha Stewart.

No matter what you choose, make sure it reflects you and what you want your guests to feel about your event.

Looking for something that your maids can wear again, and actually enjoy it?  Check out Beyonce’s House of Dereon.  The styles are trendy, form flattering and indicative of an after five event.  They are  about the same price as a regular bridesmaid’s gown, but I promise you, they will get more wear out of them!

Check the site for more styles!

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE linens!

Nothing can make an event experiential by starting with a great linen base.  Wildflower Linens has some of the best specialty linens on the market today.  From overlays to liners to runners, napkins and chair backs, and more, their selections are beautiful.  They’ve been featured in some of my favorite wedding glossies and have laid the groundwork for many a Fabuluxe event!

Visit them at www.wildflowerlinens.com

Happy Monday! 

I have the strongest epiphanies when I’m doing manual labor…but all the same, this thought came to me, and stuck with me all week.

This week, two parts of my world collided and moved on to a better place.

Yves Saint Laurent died earlier this week, as did the musician’s musician, Bo Diddley. I have loved YSL since I was about 12. I was probably the only “tween” and early teen reading Harper’s Bazaar and drooling over his exquisite collections and dreaming of how I would walk in them when I became a model. His signature was divine, his work was innovating and his presence was inspiring. YSL came from the “House of Dior” and created a new look, a new design, all his own. Simply Beautiful, as my friend Letetia Nicole would say.

Bo Diddley…wow, what can you say? The man singlehandedly created what Rolling Stone magazine called the most copied blues tune ever….(you know the one, “I got the blues….da da…da da….). He started off at home, with a homemade square guitar…and he just did what he loved. He was a groundbreaker and innovator. He inspired so many present and “heyday” musicians. When John Lennon arrived in the States during the Beatles’ “American Invasion”, they asked who would he liked to meet…he said Bo Diddley.

As CNN (did you think I’d be watching anything else? Poor Scarlett asked me if I saw the SATC movie. I’ve never seen an episode of the show! Let CNN come out with a movie. I’m there. Twice) talked about how Diddley played into the early nineties; he said it was because he “had to. Music contracts were written so that musicians were able to collect little royalties on the songs and music they created”. My heart felt sad, but it didn’t break until he said, “You know, I held the door open for a lot of people. And they ran right past me and left me holding the knob”.

I swear, because I am a waterbaby, I cried.

How ungrateful are we!? How ungrateful am I?! Don’t pretend by any means that you are where you are solely because of your grit, tenacity, cuteness and what my great grandfather called, your “get-a-long”. Build a bridge, and get over it. Someone paved the way for you. Did you say thank you? Did you help them when they needed it? Did you run right past them and leave them holding the knob? Fast forward a few years, a few months even…who will run right past you? Who will take all they need from you, simply remix it and leave you behind with no financial or emotional royalties? From your past actions, do you deserve any better? Better yet, instead of holding the door open, are you leaning against it, thinking you are keeping “the competition” out?

Think about it. It could be your mom, your dad, your boss, your local grocer, I don’t know. But someone allowed you to stand on their shoulders so that you could reach your full potential. Thank them.

Soooo…..My acceptance speech.

I’m nowhere where I want to be, but I’m nowhere where I used to be, and I thank God for that. I thank Him for His grace and His blessings, and the gifts of my children that He bestowed upon me.

I thank my wonderful husband for going the extra-mile, when the road was sometimes dark, scary and almost off the map. Thank you for always wanting better for me and our family and being willing to give it. Thank you to my three beautiful children who inspire me every single day to be a better person.

To my parents– thank you for my life. For everything that that means and everything it does not. You have given me life on so many occasions, and it would take me at least ten to repay you.

To Mattie and Precious, thank you for being the sisters I always needed. You tell me when I’m wrong, agree with me when I’m right, and are always there to support me. If you were any item of clothing, you’d be a really good bra

Thank you to Liene…for everything. You know exactly what I’m thinking without me saying it, and have inspired me so much1 Every time you reach your rockstar status, you always kneel down from your cloud, extend a hand and pull me up with you with your advice, your grace and your friendship. You’re the best, and I mean that. If you ever need a kidney, call me. I know a guy. (LOL).

Thank you to Linnyette, Mark, Carolyn, Saundra, Preston, Marcy, Nancy, Mindy, and the countless others “who have come before me”. This industry is tough. It’s what you make of it, and it’s not for the weak. But it is a little bit easier because you have excelled at your craft and raised the bar for all of us. You’ve made the road easier to travel because of your hard work and gifts to this profession. On behalf of everyone who owes you a debt of gratitude, I say thank you.

Kim, Scarlett, Tabitha, Laura, Randi, M.E., Jasmine, Kawania, Katasha, Andria, Khris, and so many more…Thank you for allowing me to be in your space and pick your brains. Thank you for sharing yourselves with me and allowing me full and unbridled access to your personalities, your creativity, and your savvy.

I hope you are never left holding the knob…but holding my hand as we experience this life….together!

I’m sharing some discount codes with you, luxelings! Enjoy!

	Beaucoup is giving free shipping for orders $125 and above.  Enter code FREESHIP to get it!
	Victoria’s Secret is giving away free shipping from now until July 11 for orders $50 and above.  Perfect time to get your bridesmaids’ gifts, items for your trousseau, or honeymoon goodies!
	Frederick’s is taking up to $40 off their Heavenly Corset.  PERFECT for under your wedding dress.  Ask me how I know.
	White House/Black Market is giving you (yes, you) 20% off with code 8583.
	Macy’s has free shipping for orders of $100 or more.  This is perfect for those of you wanting to get off the rack bridesmaids dresses.  TESTSITE
	Save 10% off your purchase at The Knot with code SAVECASH
	RMN10 gets you 10% off your entire order at Wedding Paper Divas
	Get 20% off any order at Illuminations with 999201318
	Free shipping on all orders over $50 SHIPPING50
	Create a registry and a 10% coupon will be sent to you in two weeks

Today was one of those pensive days…

The fabutots and I had a great weekend and were just winding down.  Throughout the day, I had been checking in on the Puerto Rican primary, and was amazed at how they said PR has about 2 million voters in one particular area.  I thought, "Wow, I’m just one person…"

I grilled for the kids today, and as  I heard the rumble of thunder in the distance, I remembered that I had forgotten to put the cover back on the grill (Captain America, don’t have a heart attack! It’s back on!).  I waited outside for a bit, smelling the rain in the air; hearing cracking of thunder, and the wind whisper in the trees.  I looked up at the sky and saw how wide and open it was– the different shades of blue and grey, with disgruntled clouds moving quickly through the sea of blue.  The longer I looked, the bigger the sky looked, and I felt so small.  There are so many things going on in the world today– politics, racism, sexism, natural disasters, global warming, wars, terrorism….Just one person…a tiny person, no significance…another number in the vast majority of world. 

Then I walked into the house and my kids jumped on me as if they hadn’t seen me in years.  Shrieking of excitement to tell me about some very minor detail (but was huge to them), they clamored over me and commanded my attention so they could share. As the night grew on and we all huddled to watch one of our favorite movies (Pirates of the Caribbean 2), my daughter clung to me as if I would disappear.

And I felt big.

Small in the world, but three little people’s everything.  Not just another number, but number one in the lives of my children.

There are times when we think that our problems are the only thing that are in our lives at that season.  That we are our current circumstances.  One of my favorite sayings is, "Stop telling God how big your situation is, and tell your situation how big your God is".  But there is more to it as well.  Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, we let so many things encompass us and speed up our lives….instead of taking the time to realize what’s really important, or just enjoy small moments like smelling the rain…or being tackled and smothered in kisses by small children.

There’s a saying, "To the world you might be just one person, but to one person, you might be the world".

If  you ever need a pick me up or reality check, walk outside…and walk back in to those who love you.

Who’s saying what and where?

We’ve got the scoop!

• Men’s Style talked about the most stylish destinations….Grab your passport!
• My twin Liene of The Smart Planner interviewed Philly’s best since Rocky, Mark Kingsdorf
• YumSugar shared their recipe for a Tartini…..could make a great siggy for your next party, luxelings!  Also check out their yummy grilled desserts….cocktail hour, anyone?
• Penelope Cruz looked gorgeous in Cannes.  Well not just gorgeous, but completely weddingsexy! All the lines were there, the fabric flowed perfectly and her makeup was exquisite.  Her look was almost bridal, so you have to check it out!
• Miss Capitol Hill blogged about the beautiful Kate Landry Bow Frame Clutch.  If there was ever an indulgence that you must have, make this one of them.
• BeautySnob shared her boobjob™  with us.  Nuff said.  Take a looksie.
• Southern Wedding Style posted one of the most beautifully photographed and designed weddings….Adele + Chris

And are your microstalking me?  If not, you should be.  Follow me on twitter!  You’d be amazed completely unsurprised at what comes out of my mouth!