Love Notes

M.A.C. Bridal Beauty

After hearing about M.A.C.'s recent collaboration with the Parisian artist, Fafi, I had to pop into the store to take a peak at the dreamy new spring collection. When it comes to makeup, M.A.C. adheres to a client-focused philosophy, one that attracts the most desired artists and designers alike to their makeup counters. The evidence is in this outrageously colorful and vivid Fafi collection— just take a look at the fun packaging below! While this may be a little too daring for your wedding day, the pearly shades may inspire a more subtle look. How très chic!

While we are on the subject, check out M.A.C.'s bridal section on their site to further inspire your own wedding day look. I love the 'meet the brides' feature that showcases six beautiful styles (the Paper Cut Bride is pictured above). So very soft and elegant! Go Behind the Scenes to watch the entire creative process. xo Shaunna

Valentine's Day Sales!

That certain holiday is upon us and I can't help but notice all the lovely red and pink hues around me. The storefronts are brimming with chocolate hearts, flowy dresses and delicate jewelry, not to mention lots of sales! Tamara Catz Bridal is celebrating this Valentine's Day with a generous offering. Shop in the boutique from February 14 to February 22 and receive 15% off her line of bridal dresses. Tamara designs her gowns in her oceanfront studio on Maui's North Shore. Each style reflects the island perfectly— light, airy and naturally beautiful.

Maui Girl & Co. just received the 2008 Salinas swimwear collection and it is irresistible! The heart print, bandeau top Copas bikini is pure loveliness (pictured left). How precious are the heart ring accents on the side? The shop is having a great sale at the moment with bikini sets marked down to $30 each. I just may have to treat myself this Valentine's Day!   xo Shaunna

 

Beauty 101: Straight to Style

How do those girls with their oh-so-straight-n-shiny locks maintain their hair so effortlessly day after day? Yes, it has something to do with genetics but we believe in the power of beauty products!  FHI Heat offers the best in professional stying tools and the ultimate in straightening power. While some heated styling tools tend to damage already dry hair, FHI Heat features a variable tempature control and nano silver technology to remove any harmful chemicals. The slim design of the straightening iron is perfect for travel, too!

Aveda has a great straightening lotion to defy humidity and tame flyaways. Just smooth Hang Straight on damp hair before styling and then blow-dry straight. We like that Aveda has been taking an earth-friendly initiative since the beginning by using botanically based products that are good for the planet and most recently, they are manufacturing products with 100% certified wind power. Go green!

Maryjane Wedding Shoes

I have always loved maryjanes, so of course they are on my list of considerations for a memorable wedding shoe. Top designers Christian Louboutin, Chloé and Miu Miu have reinvented this classic "girly-girl" shoe that captures the attention of every female, whether she is three or forty-three. I took a quick tour of Nordstrom's website to come up with a short list for your review, if not for your own bridal shoes, then perhaps for your bridesmaids. I love Kate Spade's candy-colored, hot pink "katies". The creamy patent leather of Dolce Vita's pair with its immense gold button is another one of my favorites. The suede version in a rich eggplant hue with its leafy detail seems perfect for a Wine Country wedding. And ruby red may seem a little "Dorothy and Toto", but if they blend with your color scheme, why not? Linea's animal print (we admit:) is strictly for the bravest fashionatas… but they would be fun hidden under the layers of a wedding dress! While we may be pushing the envelope, rest assured that the iconic fashion of a maryjane will never go out of style.

Fashion Insider: Marchesa

Unfortunately, we could not attend the fashion shows all the way in New York this week, but we are still enjoying the up-to-the-minute online coverage! Did you notice Marchesa's stunning evening wear collection? While the young fashion label doesn't typically design with weddings in mind, their dramatic gowns and elegant frocks are perfectly romantic. British co-designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig somehow fuse an eclectic and funky style with European high fashion. Check out their beautifully crafted 2008 ready-to-wear collection. I love the muted palette! Images from style.com

Vogue exclusively covered the recent wedding of Marchesa co-founder Georgina to Harvey Weinstein at his waterfront estate in Connecticut that included a guest list of 300 fashion starlets. Of course the bride wore a glamorous dress that she designed herself. She describes the stunning gown as "a series of fans made of some 250 yards of pineapple-pleated tulle hand-embroidered in India with silver threads." Georgina tells Vogue in the story, "Awhile back I was asked to make a special occasion, one-off dress for a private client, and I designed several options. I always try on a dress to get an indication of how it is working, and when I put on this particular silhouette I said to myself, 'One day when I get married, this is what I am going to wear.' " The gown is truly beautiful! xo Shaunna

Uncommon Thread

We have all heard stories of the disastrous bridesmaid dress... enter NY stylist, Beth Blake. When she was faced with her first fashion dilemma and unable to find a suitable bridesmaid's dress for her sister's wedding, Beth and her friend Sophie did what any enterprising fashionata would do—they designed their own beautiful frocks for the occasion, and THREAD was born.

Beth knows a thing or two about design. She was a fashion editor at Vogue for three years prior to her work as a freelance stylist for Vanity Fair and INSTYLE. Working with designers like Versace, Narciso Rodriguez and Ralph Lauren certainly had a positive career influence. So, your bridesmaids will be forever grateful should you select a dress from the THREAD collection. We are particularly fond of Sarah—the striped chiffon ruching at the waist will flatter any figure, and the design is perfect for a destination wedding. The Scarlett bridal gown should also be added to your list of possibilities for a wedding away. And by the way, where do we find that adorable shirt the bicyclist is wearing?
Image by THREAD

Crown of Love

For most women, the wedding day presents the one shining moment in a lifetime— perhaps the only time— you will have reason to don a crown without reserve. On this precious occasion, why not indulge your girlish dreams to be a true princess for the day? Tiaras have been en vogue for centuries, and now more than ever brides have a marvelous array of choices. The key is finding just the right look perfectly suited to your gown and accessories. Pay particular attention to your hair style on the day of the wedding and be sure to schedule a trial appointment with your stylist to play around with different looks. In the photos above, Tara wears a Monsoon tiara by The Tiara Room (pictured left) and crystal and pearl diadem by Brides Head Revisited while Joelle wears plated brass headpieces for Las Coronas by Mary Beth McGowan. Hair and Makeup by Dan Sanchez and Jessica Waite. Pick up the White Issue to read the full story!

A lovely alternative for the down-to-earth bride is to wear a haku lei, a natural crown of colorful flowers and local foliage. One of our real wedding brides, Emily Robb was radiant in a lei po‘o made of fragrant tuberose and natural greenery. She also had her bridesmaids don matching haku lei in true island style! The traditonal Hawaiian head lei was made popular by both male and female hula performers and is typically worn in formal ceremonies. The word “haku” refers to a technique of lei-making where the flowers and greenery are braided to face out. A haku lei is wonderfully romantic and perfect for a seaside wedding!

xo Shaunna

All images by Christiaan Phleger + Lexi Mackenzie

 

 

Traveling Light, part II

Shaunna offered a quick addition to my last post on finding the perfect carry-on for your wedding trip. I agree that Elle magazine's recent list of first-class accessories bears repeating. For the traditionalist, they suggest the LV monogram cruiser bag--we love the boxy shape. For the collector, nothing but Gucci will do. Their white canvas duffel with the classic G logo in navy blue is our choice for a sporty girl with great taste. Shaunna's favorite is a (sassy red!) patent leather Marc by Marc Jacobs suitcase that you won't miss on the conveyor—but then again, who wants to part with something so precious? Checking this bag would be a (fashion) crime.

Traveling Light

A destination wedding is the perfect excuse to indulge in at least one new piece of adorable luggage. Check out Anthropologie's Here a Crab, There a Crab Weekend Wheelie. If you are headed to a seaside setting, it's the perfect carry-on. While you're at it, take a look at their online Travel Guide Book for tips on what to pack for tropical chic style on your honeymoon. If nothing else, you'll be temporarily transported to an exotic local like Costa Rica or Santorini.

Bon Voyage!

Buy the Book

Getting ready for a party is almost just as fun as the party itself. And sifting through the pages of The Evening Dress by Alexandra Black is almost like trying on countless frivilous gowns and cocktail dresses that women have treasured for centuries. If only we could have attended such wonderfully lavish parties! This beautifully illustrated tribute to fashion's highest art showcases the glamorous and festive attire that goes on after dark. Indulge your imagination when it comes time to find your wedding dress with these timeless photographs and sketches of exquisite gowns.

And since you're sure to love every page of this title, The Party Dress is guaranteed to inspire and bring out the girly girl in all of you! It is a lovely retrospective of the pleasures of dressing up. Enjoy!  xo Shaunna

Love is in the Air

Perfume is one of the most personal and thoughtful gifts that a woman can receive. Because a scent has the unmistakable ability to capture a feeling, a place and a time like no other, perfume is the luxurious token of romantics. If you dare to select a scent to gift each one of your bridesmaids to wear on your wedding day, you will certainly assure a moment to remember.

Most of my girlfriends are loyal to their favorite scent— a signature trademark of their unique personas. I like to mix it up depending on the season, the city or gala. My fashion friend in downtown Manhattan always wears Stella McCartney's Peony. Its blend of patchouli and amber is edgy yet feminine.  My sunny island girls opt for Marc Jacob's Daisy for its warm floral hints and playful flavor. It is sophisticated and alluring but not too grown-up and serious. And the bottle is too precious to resist!

Your wedding destination may determine your special selection at the fragrance counter or maybe you will choose a perfume to cleverly match your wedding flowers. Kai Fragrance is the preferred scent for a California bride with its light blend of natural essences and exotic aroma. The clean, fresh scent adds the perfect touch to a whimsical celebration. Whichever your preference, these timeless fragrances will surely fill the air with love!

xo Shaunna

Bright & Shiny Dresses!

J.Crew's Wedding Shop has the cutest party dresses this holiday season! We realize how difficult it is to find the perfect bridesmaid dress for each personality in your bridal party without breaking the bank. J.Crew gets it too, offering various styles to complement every body type. We love the bright, cheerful colors of the silk taffeta ballerina dress. Pair it with a floral sling-back heel and you are ready for an outdoor garden party!

Just a note— dress pockets may seem like a silly detail but actually come in handy to hold your tissue paper and lipstick during the ceremony.

xo Shaunna

Editor's Picks: Destination Gowns

The kind of girl who hosts a far-flung affair in an exotic locale is no stranger to the unconventional. She is no stranger to the latest fashions either.  We know the type all too well. Did you know that Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. were among the first sweethearts to tie the knot away from home? Carolyn wore an unexpected slipdress designed by Narcisco Rodriguez, reseting the standards for the traditional wedding gown.

It's nice to be considered the first in fashion, so we've selected this season's ideal gowns for a destination wedding. No typical dress will do! Keep in mind nature's elements— sun and sand, and of course, the pack-ability of your dress. Also, you have the difficult task of choosing a style that can easily go from day to night. A breeze, right?  xo Shaunna

3.1 Phillip Lim for the Modernist

Image at style.com

Tamara Catz for the Island Girl

Angel Sanchez for the Fashionista

Image at fashionweekdaily.com

Carolina Herrera for the Traditionalist

Image at fashionweekdaily.com

Vera Wang for the Girlie Girl

Lela Rose for the Romantic

Amsale for the Drama Queen

J.Crew for the Minimalist

Roberto Cavalli for the Jetsetter  (Think St. Tropez!)

A Milky Complexion

It was difficult to resist the urge to open this post with the famous Milk campaign— "Got Milk?" (Oops, I just did!) But really, in the case of FarmHouse Fresh, the slogan rings true. The country cosmeticians offer whimsical gift ideas inspired by their favorite childhood foods. Their Sweet Cream Body Milk was developed for supple skin, infused with such natural oils as Vitamin E, jajoba seed oil, almond, avocado and sesame. It feels creamy and smooth minus the thickness of traditional lotions. The corked glass cruet jar with glass stopper will add a decorative touch to your makeup shelf, or consider presenting this old-fashioned goodie to one of the many people who have assisted you with your wedding. The cute gift box reads, "Our Cows Eat Cookies". How delicious!

xo Shaunna

 

 

Island Girls

Every girl has a bit of hippie chic in her. Whether you are planning a visit to Hawaii or you are fortunate enough to live here, the islands call for a boho look. The jewelry designers of Wings Hawaii create alluring pieces inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds them on Maui's North Shore. Crafted from ornate gemstones, delicate coral, sterling silver and 14 karat gold, each piece is unique. All jewelry is handmade on Maui, making it the perfect gift for that island girl in all of us!  xo Shaunna

Bohemia Boutique!

Don't you just love the rush that comes from finding that rare bargain in a seamingly endless clothing bin? Most women would agree that the hunt is far more gratifying than the purchase. Bohemia Boutique satisfies the bargain hunter in all of us, especially us gals with a penchant for vintage. This little gem of a consignment boutique sits on the corner of N. Market and Vineyard Street in Maui's historic Wailuku Town. Owner Maggie (pictured above) stacks pieces from 50's Hawaiiana to sixties retro and even modern day wedding gowns. She says, "I am a slave to vintage, of course, and Hollywood Glamour is my muse!" Frilly cocktail hats and framed art adorn every spare inch of the charming space. Pop in for those last minute retro confections to complete your wedding look—  you may even find the perfect dress!

xo Shaunna

The Eyes Have it!

False eyelashes were once reserved for the flossy-flossy--no discerning girl would risk the chance of a lash gone astray, especially on her wedding day!  Now eyelash extensions have become the new eyeliner. According to stylist Jacque Rojas, when applied by an expert, lash extensions eliminate the need for both mascara and eyeliner. She says, "My clients wake up feeling beautiful, and most of them use less makeup." Even the sporty editors of PW give their official stamp of approval!

Classic American Style.

The House of Ralph Lauren's classic, elegant and essentially American style has reached its 40 year milestone! The Spring 2008 runway was simply stunning with everything in black and white~ dramatic hats, jackets, ruffles and polka dots to pefectly outfit an al fresco wedding. Ralphlauren.com offers up a lovely portrait of 40 looks from 40 years of American fashion. We want it all!  xo Shaunna

View more runway looks at style.com

We Heart Junebug Weddings

A girl of style can spot her kind from a mile away (a click away in computer land?). When we came across Christy of Junebug Weddings, we were delighted to find that the fashionista has a serious penchant for weddings. She lends her tasteful aesthetic to unexpected floral concepts and gorgeous bridal attire. As the lifestyle editor and resident blogger, Christy claims, "I'm an absolute fanatic about wedding planning, fashion, food, shopping, creativity and beauty of all kinds." Now who can relate to that??

xo Shaunna

Images by La Vie Photography, Cheri Pearl Photography +  la Storia foto. Sketch by Angel Sanchez.

If the Wedding Shoe Fits

If there is one guilty pleasure that all girls share it is shoes. There is no limit to the number of boots, flats, heels, and sandals we can squeeze into our closets. A wedding presents the perfect opportunity to give-in to that "Do I really need another pair of Manolo's?" moment. Yes you do, but your bridesmaids may opt for less flash. Direct them to anthropologie.com for the cutest selection of bright sandals and flats to express their personal style. We are loving the summer sale (a little too much)!

xo Shaunna

Wedding Style: Endless Summer

Make Your Wedding the Beginning of an Endless Summer with a vintage-style wedding cake inspired by a 1950s painting from Hawaii. Featured in issue no. 5 of Pacific WEDDINGS, the unforgettable cake is bedecked with whimsical his-and-her surf toppers and fondant tiers iced to reflect the Pacific Ocean.

Look radiant on your wedding day with Evolution Surf's Microdermabrasion Scrub. The bamboo has a relaxing and hydrating effect that will leave your skin flawless. Although the line of surf-inspired products is more than you might expect to pay, this is one well worth it!

Since this day is mostly about the bride, shouldn't the groom look absolutely smashing? The sleek style of Oliver People's PS-815 aviator shades will get her attention.

Pretty in Pink! Your bridemaids will love it when you announce you're trading in your Manolo's for a pair of comfy handpainted slippers. Let's face it, by the end of the evening, you and your betrothed will likely be dancing barefoot without a fashion care in the world!