I’ve been to enough weddings to know that circle tables can get boring after a while. After going through tons (and I’m talking A LOT here, people) of wedding blogs, I’ve come to the decision that long tables + beautiful detailing + marvelous centerpieces are the way to go. Having the feeling of  eating and talking to each other in a way where it’s just close and intimate is important to the feel of the wedding for me.

When it comes to details of our wedding, I won’t be giving too much away. I know this much though — that I want our wedding to have guests remember (1) how good & filling the food was (2) how the place looked & the detailing of the place (3) how much fun they had (4) how much love was felt. 

One of my favorite parts in the Sex & The City movie is when Carrie is offered the chance to try on a whole bunch of wedding dresses for a Vogue photospread. From great wedding designers such as Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin and of course, the dress that she wore on her wedding day to Big, Vivienna Westwood, it made me want to be her!

I’ll say this about my future wedding dress — I don’t want anything big. Or poofy. Or outrageous. I want something simple yet elegant; beautiful and sophisticated — something totally… me; but as much as I’m tempted to go wedding dress shopping and find that dress, there’s a part of me that makes me just want to skip it all and get a dress custom made.

For those looking for one, here are some tips that I suggest you follow when looking for the dress of your dreams that you’ll be marrying the man of your dreams in:

1. If you’ll be searching for a wedding dress, make sure you go with as few people as possible. Go with the ones who will give you an honest opinion on how you look, love you enough to hurt your feelings and will be there to tear (or even cry) when they see you coming out with the right dress.  The more people there are, the more (bullshit) opinions there are  — so make sure that the people who come with you to choose your dress are the ones who’s opinions count.

2. Be honest with yourself and make sure that it’s a dress that you’re comfortable in wearing. Y0u don’t want to be worried about the dress falling off you if it’s a strapless dress or showing off your boob if it’s a super cleavage-exposing dress.

3. Don’t “settle” for a dress. Much like a man (or even friends, for that matter), you shouldn’t get a dress that’s just okay. You need a dress that you’ll feel beautiful AND comfortable in. It’s YOUR day — don’t let anybody tell you any different. All eyes will be on you for most of the day (next to your groom, of course), so looking amazing is a MUST!

4. Make sure to always keep your opinions open. If you can’t find the right one right away, don’t stress to much about it — there are tons of places to look. From wedding dress sample sales, to clearance outlets, they are out there. Don’t forget to check out after-grad sales as well — some have pretty white dresses worth checking out! And if all else fails, get a dress made! There are tons of tailors/dressmakers out there who have an eye of making the perfect dress if you can’t find the one you want.

5. Butterflies. Tons of emotion. Tears. Finally feeling complete & beautiful. Those are the things you’ll be able to feel when you’re wearing the right dress; and when you do, that’s when you’ll know that you found the perfect wedding dress… for you.

Photo courtesy of this SOURCE

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It’s officially summer in Winnipeg. It’s been humid for the last few weeks, and will continue to be — that’s what I get for living in a city which is right smack dab in the middle of the country, let alone continent. Super cold winters usually means super hot summers. Oh well! I’ve been busy with a brand new job-bizzle, getting things organized for the up-coming nuptials with the mister (as if I don’t talk about that enough) and just enjoying the company of good folks. After buying some items I’ll be wearing consistently this summer (maxi dresses, jumpers, t-shirts of different colors), I finally broke out the racer-back tank tops — one of my favorite staple items for the summer — out of storage, along with shorts and the sandals. It feels good!

All I can say about this topic, is make sure you (a) have enough water to stay hydrated (b) sunscreen/spf to keep you from burning (c) dress accordingly! Have fun and enjoy the weather — I know I will.

I know that temperatures are soaring, the sun is shining and summer is right around the corner, but when cool nights invade, I will need to have this Rick Owen’s leather jacket in my life. Definitely droolworthy.

Perfect for the Summer, this Target Go International Mesh Dress at only $39.99 has not only wonderful detailing in the back, but a sweet cross back design as well. It has a flattering shape for almost all shapes, and the tier skirt is super cute. If you have the chance to get to a Target, head over to it now — this dress is definitely worth picking up. So droolworthy.

*photo courtesy of her blog: Garance Dore

I’m smitten with Garance Dore’s blog. Available both in English and French by this amazing illustrator / photographer / writer, she makes me want to take a trip to Paris, New York — and basically wherever she takes photos. She has a wonderful eye for fashion as well as knows beauty, inside and out. Pop by her site and see what I’m talking about — you definitely won’t be disappointed.

I’m definitely looking forward to going back to a city that has H&M some time soon — I’m in desperate need to get my hands on this beautiful, casual LBD. Although the retail cost puts this lovely dress at about $50, I have to say that it would definitely be worth it considering the fact that I would probably wear this all the time! This is droolworthy in my books, for sure.

I love how my Mom always knows how to make me smile — she is definitely one of the most thoughtful people I know. When I arrived home a few days ago, she picked up a set of cheeky tags for me to attach to my luggage, since she knows how much I love to travel. Even though the blurriness of this photo doesn’t really show it well, the pink is one of my favorite things that stand out about the tag. In any case, I’m really looking forward to using this on my next coming flight.

The perfect Spring/Summer purse to bring on flights to wherever life brings me, going to the beach, and just heading out with the girls for a Sunday brunch/shopping day. I love everything about this purse — from how it can change from this shape to an even bigger shape, to how colorful and huge it is. When it comes to purses, I always look for versatility: where I can wear it, when I can wear it, how many outfits it can go with. Thankfully, I know this one would work perfect for any occasion — well, except for those more formal ones.

I’m back with a brand new five. Last week was super busy with stuff that needed to get done that I totally forgot about it, and now with April soon approaching and full of promise, I know that I have to handle my business. So, after the jump, five of my favorite things that has gotten me through this week.

(1) Cassie feat.P.Diddy | Must Be Love MP3

Look, I don’t give a fuck if these two are really dating or not — all I have to say about them is that they made one HOT Spring/Summer song that I’ve been bumping in my car for the last week from getting from point a to point b. This song reminds me of Bad Boy back in the day when 112 and Faith Evans were on the radio and Lil’ Kim was rapping like a vicious beast — now she’s just dancing her ass off on Dancing With The Stars. In any case, click HERE to listen/download the song for yourself.

(2) EBAY.CA/EBAY.COM + PAYPAL = online shopping fun.

Together, they can rule the world — and it’s not a surprise that they probably are. This site was born to make me find stuff for cheap and then buy it, I swear. Being cooped up studying forces me to take my shopping online, leading me over to EBAY land. Paypal helps out with keeping my financial information safe — yay. Go me.

(3) Smart Food White Cheddar Cheese Flavored Popcorn

Seriously, one of the best studying snacks EVER. I don’t even care if there was a FIRE, this needs to be available and on hand every time I study. It’s gotten me through four papers, six projects and two presentations — along with countless blog posts & articles.

(4) Google Reader

This keeps me updated with any blog that I read on a daily basis. It’s a big help, especially since I’m able to find everything all in one place. I suggest you get on Google Reader if you haven’t been already.

(5) FLICKR | Group: Ghetto Fabulous Nails

This group is definitely one of my favorites. When I have a chance for down time (or just feel the need to procrastinate), chances are I’m looking at the latest in nail design. Getting my nails did is one of my favorite things to do — and is really relaxing.

Honorable mention: Twitter, of course! Random ramblings, things I want, places I’ve went to — when I wanted to procrastinate just a little bit more, that’s where I ran to.

Have a great weekend, lovelies.

My Blackberry Bold has been going through some rough and tough days lately, especially with the fact that I’ve been going through tons of papers, projects, presentations and, well, life. I’ve bought at least four different cases and who knows how many screen protectors for this thing.

It wasn’t until I some how found myself on Case Mate’s website that I saw these beauty of protectors. Priced at $19.99 and coming in four different colors (black, silver, red and purple), it was definitely worth the look.

On top of being very original when it comes to the skin design itself, this case covers the whole phone INCLUDING the keypad and screen. Most of the skins that I have had only protected the shell of the Blackberry, leaving the screen and keys exposed.

In any case, I’m definitely pumped to be seeing the red and black casing in the mail soon — and if you’re a Blackberry user like myself, this is definitely a case worth looking into getting!

If you haven’t already known, Audrey Tautou (famous for her rolls in ‘Amelie’ and ‘The Da Vinci Code) will be playing Coco Chanel in this bio-film about her early life. It will go through her rise as a designer, beginning with her as a seamstress & hat maker as well as the opening of her Paris boutique. The trailer itself is all in French, with no english subtitles — not yet at least. Enjoy!

… yum. In this Vanity Fair photoshoot, he is definitely dressed the part of one good looking male (although, he can’t compare to my fiance, of course ;D ) I had to e-mail/bbm/note my girls who are totally in love with him to see this. Definitely droolworthy! *swoons like a schoolgirl*

With the sun shining oh-so-brightly outside, and the weather finally deciding to subside (alright, just a tad from the -50C I’m so used to hearing here in good ol’ Winnipeg), I had to go looking for jumpsuits. What happens when I went to Net-A-Porter? I found theeee perfect little short jump suit avec RUFFLES!

This alldressedup’s twill playsuit is everything I wanted (and still want) in a jumpsuit to suit (1) my personality and (2) perfect for Spring. Definitely droolworthy!

Alexander McQueen has finally released his McQ line at Target as of last week. The designs are definitely in for the times and perfect for the recessionista. From solid zip leggings sold in black starting at $29.99 to the beautiful sleeveless harness dress in black /grey for $44.99, there’s something for every woman’s style. If you were one of the few to grab this gorgeous Zigzag-Print Gathered Dress in Grey/Black  for $69.99, know that I am VERY happy (and quite envious) of you.

With the clocks “sprung” one hour this past weekend, I’m even more excited to know that Spring is closer than ever; and with the new nail polish collection that Barielle provides, it’ll definitely put any girl in the mood. These six new colors each retail at $8 and are available online. My favorite color is the purple color called ‘Grape Escape’, and ‘Decadence’.

There have been, and are still, moments in my life where I question myself and feel frustrated with situations. When I saw this, it reminded me that things happen when they’re suppose to. The decisions that I make have ultimately happened because they were suppose to. With the amount of deja vu that I get, I know that I’m on the right path to where I’m supposed to be.

My favorite mixtapes that I have on repeat is what this week’s favorites consist of. I’ve had these on repeat for the last couple of weeks and I thought that it was about time I share them.

(1) GRAND GROOVE DJ’s present: Ol’ School R&B Flavas

I found it only appropriate to start this post with some Canadian content. Much love & big ups go to my homies in Toronto for doing this ill mixtape! Influenced by great DJ’s Neil Armstrong & G-Bo The Pro and Double R, it shines that classic old school that we all love. Definitely worth the download — yes, folks, this is FREE! Click the link to get your own copy: http://www.zshare.net/audio/56500773d8151592. To see more information on this amazing collaboration, visit Le Mode.

(2) CLIPSE | Play Cloths Presents: Road to Till The Casket Drops

Hands down one of my favorite mixtapes since November 2008, Clipse never fails to disappoint me. Released in the Winter of 2008 leading into 2009, Clipse kills on almost every track on this album. My favorite? ‘The Hater’s Wish’, of course. It’s the theme song for Le-Mode’s MySpace, the bass is ILL when played in any car and those trumpets are hard as hell. Not only that, but it definitely makes me more determined to do better for myself, as it states in the chorus — “Nothing gonna stop us now / you can’t stop us / whatcha gonna do now / you can’t front … ain’t nobody doin’ it like we do, oh no.” Did I mention that this is FREE? Download it now on the Complex website HERE.

(3) Marsha Ambrosius | Don Connon’s ‘Yours Truly’

I can’t even state how awesome his mixtape is. As a R&B lover, I have Floetry on the IPOD — so it wasn’t a surprise that I would love something that 1/2 of Floetry – which is Marsha Ambrosius – created. Her signature voice is showcased with songs like ‘Forget About You’, ‘Co-Star’ and my favorite, ‘Take Care’. Definitely worth bumping in the car on those bright, sunny days, this mixtape is a feel good one. Get your own copy at this link HERE.

(4) DJ Neil Armstrong – Sweet

I mentioned this mixtape in THIS POST because of several reasons — and as it states in that post. Still one of my favorites of all time, this never gets old. It could be because I was raised on this music with my family, or because I just love each song. Either way, this needs to be shared. So, luckily for you, here’s the link for you to DOWNLOAD the mixtape. Enjoy!

(5) Raphael Saadiq | DJ Uncle Q’s ‘Best of Raphael Saadiq’

Not surprising is another R&B mixtape that’s one of my favorites. Mixed with some of his hits with Tony! Toni! Tone! and with his other group, Lucy Pearl’, this amazing mixtape gets played at least a couple times during my work week. Get on it now at Pipomixes HERE.

Have a great weekend, lovelies.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen’s new line of clothing. Based on the names of their brother & sister, the Elizabeth & James line for this year’s Spring/Summer collection is full of flirty dresses mixed with masculine looks. This is definitely a line that I, myself would wear and would be happy to wear this coming spring.

I love both these looks that can be found on the Elizabeth & James website. The first look, above on the right, displays the Laurent Shirt, Triple Strand Bracelet and Scuba Pant. The outfit is perfect for lunch dates with the girls, shopping sessions with good friends, or even a night out for drinks after work. The second look, above on the left, can be found on ELUXURY.COM. Entitled the ‘Boudoir Dress’ and retailing at $465, this is the perfect ‘little black dress’ (or in this case, ‘first blush‘ on ELUXURY).

This is one of my favorite ad campaigns — maybe it’s because of the fact that the music is so adorable, or because of the fact that the dresses are so sweet. In any case, this Victoria Beckham Collection for Spring/Summer 2009 is adorable, and worth watching.