Prost to the Host

Feature :: Gilt Groupe

Alysia — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:15:17 +0000

Gilt Groupe is a showcase of designer duds and dresses for deeply discounted prices. Say that 5x fast. From the 12th through the 14th of March, you are cordially invited to attend Gilt’s Wedding Weekend. Wedding dresses from the esteemed Carolina Herrera ($4000+) or Angel Sanchez (usually ranging in $4000+) will be offered at a steal (around 70% off!). Other offerings will include bridal party attire, wedding accessories and honeymoon destinations.

To join Gilt, it is free. Happy guilt-free shopping!

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Find Your Bridal Style

Alysia — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:54:17 +0000

In the quest to find the dress, it can be a daunting task to figure out which style best suits you. Once you find the style, it can help determine the silhouette, type of fabric, formality of the design etc. Take a quick quiz on to determine your style of wedding dress and see which of the following may best fit your style.

Are you…..

Classic: Traditional necklines like the bateau neckline is a timeless option. Lines of lace run the length of the bodice, creating a contrasting detail of lace and silk. Elegant silhouettes and classic details like fabric covered buttons make this style classically beautiful. {Priscilla of Boston; $4700}

Beach Casual: This breezy chiffon dress is lightweight and represents a stylish bride who wants to say her I Dos with her toes in the sand. Floral accents cascade down the shoulder and spill across the bodice. {J Crew; $895}

Bohemian: Champagne tone dress with lace overlay shows off the craftsmanship of the dress. The v neckline and fitted bodice shows of the upper body, while the swinging mermaid shirt allows the bride to get down. Simple, earthy and free spirited is a bohemian bride. {Sue Wong; $498}

Romantic: Swirls of Chantilly lace dance with fans of pleated organza around the voluminous skirt. A crisp black sash made of horsehair and organza tie the mounds of whipping cream-like fabric at the waist. Making any romantic bride go gaga over this gown. {Vera Wang; TBD (Fall 2010 line)}

Glamorous: Layers of pleated satin shimmy down the body. Satin fleurs ring around the top of the skirt to break up the pleated bodice and free flowing skirt. Remove the skirt after the ceremony to which makes this dress a fabulous frock for the gal who wants a two-dress-kind-of-wedding. {David Tutera by Faviana; $1250}

Modern: What the dress lacks in intriciate details, makes up for it in the minimalistic and trendy silhouette. This svelte and streamline dress shows off a fitted bodice and features a silk shantung peplum. {Melissa Sweet; $2700}

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Celebrations :: Oscar Inspired Dinner

Alysia — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:05:01 +0000

The Oscars are coming! The Oscars are coming! Low key and casual, will make for a fun Sunday celebration with your closest friends. Nom on this mouthwatering menu and tune into see which nominations will make headlines. Themed dishes incorporate the season’s best films and can easily be made into a potluck style party.

Pre-Show

District 9 – Grilled Prawns

Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire – Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting {Picture Source}

The Messenger – Fortune Cookies

Up in the Air – Roasted peanuts and pretzels {not pictured}

Up – Airpopped Popcorn

An Education – Champagne

Avatar – Cool Blue Martini {not pictured)

Main Feature

Inglorious Bastards – Green salad with Vinaigrette

Blind Side – Bacon Potato Salad

Lovely Bones – The Lovely Bone-less Chicken Strips

Encore

Print off ballots, so your guests can predict the winners

Hit up an award shop and pick up some Oscar trophies for your guests or make your own trophy cookies a la Bakerella

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Sheer Straps

Alysia — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:49:04 +0000

This week’s WDW collection features six dresses with a sheer straps. Sheer straps provide the support without having heavy fabrics and thick straps covering up your body’s nicest features, your neck and shoulders. Sheer straps are matched with various silhouettes for a surprisingly fresh twist on the tradional strap.

Wedding Belle: Voluminous pleated ruffles canopy over the tulle ballgown skirt. The loose diaphanous wrap can be removed for the reception to allow freedom on the dance floor. {Eugenia Couture; $3000+}

Crystal Clear: The ethereal silk chiffon dress glides across the floor. Exquisite beading emphasizes the plunging décolleté. {Jenny Packham; $3000+}

Sheer Beauty: Embroidery and beading pepper the bodice. The intricate details drip to the hip and a glittery brooch cinches the fabric. The sweetheart neckline has an overlay of chiffon to create a halter neckline. {Impression; $750}

Whispy Confection: Vaporous layers of chiffon are gathered at the natural waistline for a pleated skirt. The decorative brooch adds a hard texture in this otherwise soft and whispy gown. {Pronovias; $1700+}

Swept Away: Ruffled sheer sleeves will flutter with the gentlest of breezes making it a perfect destination dress. The shirred bodice distracts the eyes busy from a potential problem area, while the deep cut neckline shows off the bustline. {Dessy; $350}

Streamline Svelte: The sheer lace straps have flourishes of beading that cascasde to the rest of the dress. Swarovski crystals, covered buttons and scalloped hemline are just a few details in this consumate wedding dress. {Mon Cheri; $1000}

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Cotton

Alysia — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:03:29 +0000

This week’s collection of fanciful frocks share a common material. Cotton. Natural, pure, and comfortable cotton. Cotton is often seen as a casual fabric, but with with the right cut and embellishments it can be a dress fit for a queen. As the saying goes, cotton is the fabric of our lives. Why not wear it on one of the biggest days of your life?

Eye for an Eye: Secretive structure provides support without being restrictive. Strapless cotton eyelet dress paired with an empire silhouette, the empire bustline is highlighted with trim under the bust. {Aria; $225}

The Cotton Belt: French Alencon cotton lace adorns the hem of the dress. The fold-over bodice plays nicely into an empire silhouette. English Cotton Tulle floats over the silk chiffon and flows freely from the bustline. {Cotton Bride; $3000+}

Sweet Tea: Cotton lace shows off the bride’s legs and sense of style. Silk shantung sash is available in a variety of colors to help coordinate with a specific color scheme. A soft sweetheart neckline is fitting for an angelic, yet sassy bride {Siri; $225}

Call a Halt: Evocative of warm summers past, this sundress like silhouette is darn sweet. Silk Cotton faille has a natural ribbed texture for sensory appeal. Don’t forget about the pockets!{Vineyard; $2400}

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Celebrations :: Mardi Gras

Alysia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:52:08 +0000

Fat Tuesday is here! A celebration that marks the beginning of Lenten Season. Invite your closest friends and get roudy with some sparkly beads and soothing soul food worthy of Fat Tuesday!

MENU

Red Beans & Rice: Hearty and satisfying, this red beans and rice dish is essential for a Mardi Gras themed dinner. Omit the sausage for a vegetarian friendly dish.

Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo: This one pot wonder make a stellar main dish. Adjust the spices for your preferred level of spice and heat.

Beignets: Light and crispy mini donuts make for a sweet finish.

Grilled Shrimp with Remoulade: Quick and easy, but makes for a great presentation. Spice rubbed shrimp and a a healthy remix-remoulade will be a crowd pleaser.

King’s Cake: Traditional dessert served during the festivities. Be sure to add a little baby in the mix to determine who will host next year (or make up another rule). Once the cake has been removed from the oven, insert plastic baby into cake.

What is Fat Tuesday without a Hurricane? Mix in large quantities!

Cheers to you!

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Update :: One Year Anniversary

Alysia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:18:50 +0000

Yesterday was my Blogaversary. It has been one year since I’ve started blogging. Has it really been a year? Here is a quick peek at the numbers.

Comments: 426
Posts: 171
Busiest Day: October 9, 2009 with 481 unique IP visits
Total Visits: 53,928

Number of 1/2 started posts: 12 (ha)

Let’ see if I can post more than 171 posts in the coming year.

A prost to you! May this year be a year filled with memory-making milestones and fabulous fetes.

See you later!

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: A Novel Romance Fashion Show Part Deux

Alysia — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:08:29 +0000

This week’s WDW is a continuation of the frothy concoctions that floated down the runaway during the English Department’s Novel Romance Fashion Show. Elizabeth’s attention to detail makes her dresses truly one of a kind. Detailed bodices and embellishments enchant onlookers. Feminine silhouettes create an alluring outlines and accentuates the body’s natural curves. With prices to meet almost any budget, you can afford to wear fabulous couture for the day you marry your love.

Oysters & Pearls: Delicious and feathery chiffon ruffles cover the bodice and delicate vintage pearl are nestled in the chiffon. The ethereal and free-flowing chiffon skirt contrasts with the somewhat structured bodice. {Elizabeth Dye; $900+ dependent on length}

Persuasion: The empire silhouette is paired with a structured lace embellished sweetheart neckline. Tiers of English tulle float over Silk shantung adds a bit of flounce to the hem. {Elizabeth Dye; $950}

Feathers & Lace: A slight sweetheart neckline connects with thin straps. Full length alencon lace sweeps over the body with a sweep train trailing behind. {Elizabeth Dye}

{Photos by Lisa Warninger Photography}

For more pictures that are obviously WAY better than my P&S digital camera. Head over to the fashion show’s photo gallery to see all the dresses featured.

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Giveaway :: Tissue Poms at Spearmint Baby

Alysia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:28:50 +0000

Spearmint Baby is blog that features all things stylish & baby. You will find inside tips on the latest baby wares. They are offering a kit of 5 Tissue Poms from my Tissue Pom Shop (http://prosttothehost.etsy.com). Enter to win today!

{light pink, smoke, icicle and white}

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Celebrations :: Valentine’s Day DIY Tablescape

Alysia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:59 +0000

What do can do you do with crepe paper and candy? Make an easy colorful diy table setting, of course! Kelly Oshiro and The City Sage joined forces to create this punchy place setting for two. Check out the details at The City Sage’s Blog.

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