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Milly Tropical Floral Smocked Dress: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:00:22 -0700

No, it's not Pocahontas, it's Milly. What do you think about this Milly Tropical Floral Smocked Dress ($421)? The sequined floral embellishments are a flirty touch but the silky brown, suede-like texture and tiered skirt are a little too granola for my taste. But you never know, someone out there might be loving Michelle Smith's latest confection - is it you?

Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

New York Fashion Week, Spring 2010: Proenza Schouler

FabSugarUK — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:00:07 -0700

I have completely fallen for the gorgeous colour palette at Proenza Schouler where tropical blues and greens were the order of the day. There were plenty of fun dresses in neon shades adorned with fringing and feathers. The bright shades were contrasted against beach blonde hair. The Spring line was a development of the resort collection which was Tahiti-inspired. There was a lot of energy overall which created excitement for the new year and the design duo even admitted to deliberately editing down the line to leave people wanting more! Despite the use of tie dye, the clothing ended up being more rave than boho, possibly owing to the cut of the frocks which were subtly sexy. What do you think of the collection?

For more images from the collection, just read more.

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10 Reasons to Love DVF Spring '10

FabSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:22 -0700

I have to admit: I kinda always love DVF's Spring collections more than her Fall ones. The woman knows how to warm-weather dress like no other. This was evident in her exotic-fused collection. I'm sure the famous front row of Blake Lively, Mariska Hargitay, Peaches Geldof, Shenae Grimes, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Rachel Zoe were envisioning her goods on a tropical getaway. That makes one more of us. It's a tough job, but I narrowed her Spring collection down to 10 Fab looks. From beaded frocks to asymmetrical vivid prints to a sleek black and white graphic one-piece, DVF's got island fever.

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Are You Excited For The Launch Of Katie Holmes' Collection?

FabSugarUK — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Katie Holmes is sure building an impressive CV. It has just been revealed that this singer, dancer, actress, wife and mother can now add clothing designer to her list of duties, as she and her stylist Jeanne Yang are gearing up to launch their first ever clothing collection together this Autumn called Holmes & Yang.

If you remember, last August, I told you that Katie had designed the navy dress that she wore to her hubby's Los Angeles Premiere of Tropic Thunder. At the time, she claimed it was just a one-off item, however, it seems that after being exposed to such incredible fashions as of late, she's decided to give designing a go.

The duo is set to launch a full collection for women and girls that will be sold at Maxfield department store in LA. I can't wait to feast my eyes on these goods. If I had to take a guess, I'd bet the pieces will include sexy, yet reserved, well constructed, well tailored basics. What are you expecting?

What Would You Serve?

YumSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:50:38 -0700

Entertaining at home is one of my favorite activities of all time, but as with all hobbies, it requires lots of thinking ahead and decision-making, from planning a prep schedule to coordinating the menu. In this series, I'll present a dish and ask you to share what you'd serve alongside it.

Here's the scenario: You're having some old friends over this weekend to soak up the Summer sun over a laid-back lunch in your backyard. You know the star course for your meal will be a Cuban sandwich, made with roast pork, ham, provolone cheese, and pickles, and spread with a layer of mustard. What would you feed your guests to accompany it? See what I'd make when you read more.

I'd take my guests on a tropical-Latin staycation by placing a lemonade mojito in each of their hands. To start off the lunch, we'd enjoy a cilantro-dressed hearts of palm salad. I'd serve the sandwich next, alongside crispy plantain chips. The meal would end on a high note with coconut flan for dessert.

What would your menu include?

Casa Interview: Destination Wedding Planner Alison Hotchkiss (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:00:47 -0700

Alison Hotchkiss, the creative director of Alison Events and the author of Destination Wedding Planner, has plenty of smart advice on planning destination weddings. If you, or a couple you know, are planning a destination wedding, I highly recommend Alison's new book to lend a guiding hand in your planning process. You can read the first half of the interview here. Alison has more great advice in the second half of this interview.

CasaSugar: When you plan a destination wedding, do you try to use local artisans, caterers, and other services?

Alison Hotchkiss: I definitely try to use as much local support as possible. It’s cost-effective, puts money back into the community, and is a positive way to support the area. I will sometimes hire a local planner to serve as my eyes and ears locally, and then I have someone to help us when we’re there. Especially in smaller beach communities, a lot of negotiations and contracts are over a handshake, not a formal agreement, so it’s important to respect the way that the local community does business.

To see Alison's advice on everything from wedding favors to organizing activities, read more.

CasaSugar: What’s your take on wedding favors? Have there been any that have stood out? Have there been any alternatives that were creative or impressive?

Alison Hotchkiss: One of my favorite favors was from my Costa Rica wedding. All of the guests were given Holga cameras preloaded with film, so everyone was able to take photos throughout the ceremony. There was a big beautiful glass bin where everyone could drop their film and they could reload throughout the evening. At the end of the evening the bride took all of the film, processed it, and put it on the Pictage website, so everyone could see all of the photos that were taken.

Another trend I’ve been seeing is people paying it forward by offsetting people’s carbon footprint for travel. This is often seen on the bottom of the menu or program. Other couples have donated to schools or children’s community shelters. I’ve seen a lot more of that than people purchasing favors. I think it’s a waste of money to do a favor these days when there are so many other things you can put your money towards.

CasaSugar: How do you deal with gifts at a destination wedding?

Alison Hotchkiss: I rarely see gifts at a destination wedding. Most people know to not bring gifts and to ship them in advance. If somebody were to get gifts they’d have to pack them and bring them back. You’d have to arrange for shipping, and oftentimes if you’re staying at a hotel that’s something they can execute for you.

One other great story is that some of my clients, in lieu of wedding gifts, the client included a notecard in the invitation asking everyone in lieu of gifts to “pay it forward” and do something for someone else, be it a family or an organization in their name, and then to write it on the notecard. Then, when people got to the wedding, the guests had the same card that had their name and their table numbers on it, so they replaced the name cards with the pay it forward card, and we had this really awesome display of what people had done to pay it forward. They ranged from deep, meaningful stories to really silly stories, such as “Oh, I paid for the person’s toll behind you,” and someone else said, “I rescued a bird off the side of the road.” That was a really cute idea and a great way to say, Let’s not focus so much on material gifts, and focus more on giving back to the world.

CasaSugar: Once guests get to the destination, have you found a fun way to organize activities? Do you let guests know a schedule beforehand, or spring it on them as a fun surprise? How would you say is the best way to organize this?

Alison Hotchkiss: I’d say the majority of people these days are creating their own wedding websites, which is the best way to communicate all of the information that can happen. It can have directions, wedding activities, local things to do and see, all of that. Or, rather than asking people to sign up beforehand on the web-site you can have people, during the rehearsal dinner, sign up for the following day’s tours. We have used a chalkboard so it was more fun than writing it on a 8.5x11 piece of paper. Different activities we have done are a snorkeling adventure, massage, or horseback riding. It’s nice to not have to determine things so far in advance.

CasaSugar: Given the economic climate right now, if you were going to recommend one area where guests can squeeze their budget, what can be downsized?

Alison Hotchkiss: I’d say music. We always tell people to go with a DJ vs. band, it’s thousands and thousands of dollars for a band. A band can run from $2,000 to $10,000. That’s one area. Another is limiting favors. You can also choose beer and wine instead of an open bar, or limiting the time of the open bar. Pick your battles and consider what’s most important.

Another area is the flowers. Instead of doing flowers, consider using a combination of herbs, flowers, succulents, and fruits. We did a wedding recently in the tropics and cut bougainvillea petals from the local branches and made a carpeted aisle for the ceremony. It was so vibrant and so colorful, and it was free. Use what you have locally.

CasaSugar: What would you have at your destination wedding?

Alison Hotchkiss: All I know is I want it to be somewhere tropical (with good surf), laid back, and I would be totally happy with fish tacos, a DJ, and local beer, Oh and I think I am going to wear a short dress and lose the shoes!

CasaSugar: That sounds excellent.

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How-To: Leighton Meester's Copper-Toned Glow

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:54:59 -0700

Looks like Leighton got the memo, as she's matched her lipstick to her dress at last night's Chloé opening in LA. The actress chose to stick to a more toned-down feel, opting for muted orange cheeks and lips to match her dress.

Wearing makeup tones in the same color family creates a cohesive, natural look. By wearing just a touch of shimmering shadow on the lids, Leighton takes the look to nighttime glamour without overdoing it. If you'd like to try out this luxe copper-toned style, check out my tips on re-creating her cinnamon look when you read more.

Cheeks: Give yourself a burst of glowing color on the cheeks with a creamy-textured blush. I like Avon Be Blushed Cheek Color in Tropical Peach ($6).
Lips: Add a little spice to your lips with a soft, warm shade with orange undertones. Try Stila Lip Glaze in Cinnamon ($22) or CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lip Gloss in Tangerine Splash ($5).
Eyes: Apply a glittery or shimmery copper shadow to the lids, such as Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Chopper ($16). Next, apply a rich brown shadow to the crease and blend, using this same shade to lightly line around the eyes for emphasis. Try L'Oreal Wear Infinite Single Eye Shadow in Deep Mocha ($4.25). Add a little brownish-black mascara, and you'll be good to go.

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Fab Finding Followup: Tea Time!

FabSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:50:22 -0700

I don't consider myself a girlie girl, but I do enjoy the occasional tea party. Last weekend, my friend graciously hosted one at her place and all I needed to do was arrive looking as fresh as the scones. The festivities took place outdoors in her beautiful garden, so I wanted to look polished but not stuffy. I asked you to think modern day, not Stepford wife.

I started you off with this Lauren Merkin Eve Leopard Clutch ($165) because I love the Springy leopard print. Let's see what you conjured up!

Look #1, created by Brielle, incorporates fun Spring hues - I adore the yellow dress and coral heels!

St. John Knits�-� Coral Strand Bracelet	Sergio Rossi Suede platform sandals�\|�NET-A-PORTER.COM
kate spade enamel daisy ring	3.1 Phillip Lim Embellished mini dress	Lauren Merkin Eve Leopard Clutch ($165)

To see the rest, read more.

Look #2, created by hil34, is simplistically sassy. I can never resist white jeans.

BCBGirls "Mirelle"	Bop Bijoux Golden Wrap Bracelet / Necklace
Ali Ro Blouse	Paige Denim Bundy Wide Leg Jeans	Lauren Merkin Eve Leopard Clutch ($165)

Look #3, created by EllaB, evokes tropical thoughts. Those shoes are amazing!

JANIS BY JANIS SAVITT Chain Bracelet	Mawi Double strand necklace
Cone Heel Strappy Platform Shoes by Philosophy di Alberta Fe	Rebecca Taylor - Ruffled Silk Dress	Lauren Merkin Eve Leopard Clutch ($165)

Who Wore It Better? Herve Leger Coral Striped Dress

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:00:22 -0700

Coral is a color we rarely spot on the red carpet, but both Lily Collins and Kristen Stewart made sure to change that. Lily first experimented with the tropical hue via her Herve Leger striped dress at New York Fashion Week in February. Then, Kristen donned the same dress to the LA premiere of Adventureland last night. Lily covered her legs with black opaque tights while Kristen kept hers bare. Both are babes, but who wore it better?

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Tom Brady Suits Up While Gisele Strips Down

PopSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:30:05 -0800

Gisele Bundchen showed off her toned legs in denim cutoffs on Sunday as she stepped out in LA to grab lunch with a friend. Yesterday she wore a tiny diamond ring as she headed to an office building with her new husband Tom Brady, who was looking particularly dressed up for a business meeting. A long romantic honeymoon will have to wait, but these two have so much experience with steamy tropical getaways that we're sure they'll have no problem doing it right when they can find the time in their busy schedules.

More of Tom and Gisele if you just read more.

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