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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

BRIDAL GIFTS: Something Special For Your Groom


The thought of these lovely necklaces brought a few tears to my eyes. Such a simple way to say "I Love You." The "I've Found My Piece" necklaces would make a great gift for your groom. Find a quiet moment after your ceremony and give it to him. Available at BOiS.

Monday, August 22, 2011

DC-AREA BRIDES: WIN A DREAM WEDDING ON FASHION'S NIGHT OUT


"Get Hitched in Georgetown" Dream Wedding Being Given Away During Fashion's Night Out Georgetown Includes Wedding Dress, Reception, Invitations and More


As part of Fashion's Night Out Georgetown on 9/8, couples will face-off in a friendly yet fierce competition to win the ultimate dream wedding in Georgetown from 20+ merchants

Georgetown is DC's premier location to host a dream wedding, and for one lucky couple that dream will soon become a [free] reality. Fashion's Night Out Georgetown will offer 90+ neighborhood shopping celebrations and a whole night of excitement on September 8, 2011 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., but one of the evening's highlights will be the incredible "Get Hitched in Georgetown" wedding contest and giveaway, where DC-area couples will compete in several entertaining, must-watch activities, for a chance to win the ultimate Georgetown wedding.

More than 20 Georgetown merchants have teamed up to create the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" wedding package. The grand prize includes all the ingredients to a truly unforgettable wedding day such as a designer wedding gown, tiered cake, five-star wedding suite, custom invitations and even a waterfront reception. On Fashion's Night Out, one lucky engaged couple will walk away with the wedding of their dreams.

Of course, winning the dream wedding will not be that easy. The 'Get Hitched in Georgetown' contest is open to 50 sets of engaged couples*, who can enter the contest on the Fashion's Night Out Georgetown web site. Entrants must complete and submit the online application which will open on Friday, August 19 at noon and close on Friday, September 2 at noon. The Georgetown BID, who is coordinating the event with the 20 merchants, will then accept the first 50 completed applications (along with five alternates) that meet the eligibility requirements. The 50 semi-finalists will then participate in the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" event during Fashion's Night Out activities on September 8.

On September 8, the 50 couples will designate their "better halves" to participate in an unforgettable wedding-themed showdown featuring three fun rounds of competition which will be announced at the start of the event. Emceed by ABC Channel 7's Alison Starling, the competition will take place at 8:30 p.m. at TD Bank, which will be transformed for the evening by Syzygy Event Productions while local nine-year-old DJ sensation, DJ Beauty and the Beatz will be providing the tunes. And for those with no plans to walk down the aisle anytime soon, spectators are welcome to watch the participants vie for the wedding of their dreams.

Here is what the winning couple scores when they "Get Hitched in Georgetown":

Bridal Gown: Hitched Salon: DC's highly personal, full-service bridal boutique and wedding resource center is donating one custom designer gown for the bride's walk down the aisle. Tailored to meet the desires and tastes of today's brides, Hitched carries a unique selection of gowns for brides and bridesmaids as well as the many accessories that allow a bride to express herself on her wedding day.

Wedding Reception: Sequoia: One of Georgetown's most coveted wedding reception locations, Sequoia at Washington Harbour is generously offering up its gorgeous waterfront setting and offering a $15,000 daytime wedding reception for up to 100 people (subject to availability). Sequoia's panoramic view of the Potomac and Kennedy Center paired with an outdoor mesquite grill, eclectic cuisine, great drinks and the lively River Bar make Sequoia the premiere DC destination.

Wedding Cake: Patisserie Poupon: One of Georgetown's oldest and most delicious French bakeries, Patisserie Poupon, will provide a wedding cake for up to 100 people. The neighborhood gem serves up gourmet baked goods and innovative sandwiches and salads to its devoted clientele in a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Wedding Suite: Four Seasons Hotel: Georgetown's Four Seasons Hotel is the only five-diamond, five-star hotel in the Capital region, and they are offering a one night wedding suite and complimentary parking for the newlyweds. Unequalled attentiveness and gracious service attract business and leisure guests, dignitaries and celebrities alike to this legendary Pennsylvania Avenue retreat in Georgetown.

Invitations: Dandelion Patch: DC's premier shop for wedding invitations, stationary and other printing and paper needs, Dandelion Patch is offering the lucky couple a $1,000 gift certificate toward their wedding invitations.

Attire for the Groom: Huge & Crye: Ensuring that the groom looks as stylish as possible on the big day, Huge & Crye is making sure "the shirt fits" and offering a $100 gift certificate towards menswear. Hugh & Crye is a men's apparel company based in Washington, DC, with a specific focus on the online sales of men's dress shirts. The shirts are designed to solve a common problem men have with the fit of most readymade shirts, by introducing a new sizing system designed for specific body types.

Wedding Day Up-Do: ILO Salon: L'Oreal Professional has collaborated with Salon ILO, DC's premier hair salon and day spa, to offer a full bridal beauty plan including consultation, cut, INOA color treatment, Kerastase treatments, up-do, nails, makeup, and waxing, to keep the bride looking flawless on her special day. In the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown, Salon ILO has been delivering sleek, sophisticated style to everyone from power brokers and media mavens to politicos and busy professionals for over 30 years.

Guest Favors: Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates: The new Georgetown gourmet chocolate shop is sending guests home with a little something sweet, offering 4-piece boxes of its delicious chocolate for up to 100 guests. Fleurir makes each piece of chocolate by hand and uses only fresh, high-quality and natural ingredients to ensure a clean, balanced and awesomely delicious flavor with every piece.

Bridesmaid Gifts: The Phoenix: One of Georgetown's most treasured shops is offering an "after hours" visit to The Phoenix for the bride and bridal party to select custom designed earrings for up to five bridesmaids (total retail value up to $500). Since 1955, Washingtonians have looked to The Phoenix for the best in women's fashion and unique objects for the home.

Flower Girl Outfit: The Magic Wardrobe: One of DC's most adorable specialty children's boutiques, The Magic Wardrobe is providing a dress for the flower girl from their private collection. The Magic Wardrobe offers exquisite garments, designed according to their specifications, in a selection of superior fabrics. Combining luxury and tradition and crafted with attention to detail, The Magic Wardrobe's distinctive line of clothing is innovative and full of life.

Bridal Shower Cupcakes: Sprinkles Cupcakes: DC's newest cupcake shop, Sprinkles istreating bridal shower guests to some of their famed baked sweets, providing five dozen cupcakes along with two towers for the wedding shower. Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients including sweet cream butter, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, real, fresh fruits and natural citrus zests.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: Mie N Yu: Exotic Georgetown dining and drinks spot Mie N Yu is helping the bachelor or bachelorette celebrate their last night of singlehood with a round of drinks and appetizers for up to eight guests at their VIP table, The Birdcage.Mie N Yu is truly a unique experience, and a wonderful social experiment. Guests from all corners of the globe have been intrigued by the oasis of enjoyment in the heart of historic Georgetown.

"Something Old": TARI Boutique: Georgetown's newest, elegant vintage boutique is helping the bride fulfill her "something old" requirement with $100 in one-of-a-kind accessories. TARI offers something for all - everything from couture pieces to rare vintage finds that no one else owns, to a variety of everyday wear at an affordable price.

Wine Tasting for the Wedding Party: Bacchus Wine Cellar: There's no better way to celebrate a wedding than with a toast to the happy couple, and Bacchus Wine Cellar is offering a private in-store wine tasting for the bride and groom and their wedding party of up to 10 people. Bacchus is a warmly accented boutique in Georgetown, carrying wine and spirits ranging from artisanal, unknown estates to the most coveted chateaux - offering something for every budget and palate.

Rehearsal Dress: Urban Chic: It's just as important to look stylish at the rehearsal dinner as the wedding day, and luckily Urban Chic is offering a private shopping party for the winner and bridal party with champagne, treats, and storewide discount, plus a $50 gift card and gift bag for the bride.Urban Chic brings an edge to conservative DC, mixing in pieces from established brands with newer trends from up-and-coming designers.

Post-Wedding Brunch for the Bride & Groom: Clyde's of Georgetown: Brunch with great friends and family is the perfect way to recover after a long wedding night, and Clyde's of Georgetown is offering a post-wedding brunch for up to eight guests. Clyde's of Georgetown is the original, opening back in 1963 on M St. as an immediate sensation, and its distinctive signature style evokes "the good life" of a bygone era.

Honeymoon Lingerie: Jaryam: Georgetown's exclusive purveyor of fine lingerie, Jaryam is offering the bride a romantic honeymoon lingerie set for the special post-wedding getaway. The charming boutique also offers the finest selection of corsetry, hosiery, swimwear, sleepwear and clothing.

Tuxedo for the Groom: Lost Boys: The ultimate resource for men with style, Lost Boys will ensure that the groom is well-dressed for the big day. Owner and fashion expert Kelly Muccio will offer a classic tuxedo and private styling session for the groom-to-be.
Welcome Gifts for Guests: Georgetown Cupcake: Greet out-of-town guests in the sweetest way possible- with custom cupcakes from the famous Georgetown Cupcake. Georgetown Cupcake is providing 100 individually boxed cupcakes with custom fondant.

Honeymoon Wardrobe: J. Crew: Looking stylish doesn't just stop on the night of the wedding, so J. Crew is offering a $500 gift card for the bride to be styled for her honeymoon by J. Crew Wedding Specialist Shannon. J.Crew offers the highest quality men's and women's clothing as well as children's clothing including cashmere, sweaters, women's dresses and shoes, men's shirts and ties, accessories and much more.

Fashion's Night Out Georgetown will transform the neighborhood into a fashion playground as over 90 Georgetown stores, restaurants and salons come together to host an extraordinary evening of shopping, entertainment and neighborhood-wide fashion events during the global shopping celebration. From roaming dancers and a fashion flash mob, a stylish pop-up shoppers' lounge, the epic Georgetown wedding competition, an FNO hot air balloon, and even an old-school haberdashery for the gents, Georgetown's Fashion's Night Out promises shoppers the most memorable fashion industry celebration DC has ever seen for the second year in a row.

*Participating couples must also meet a set of criteria (be at least 21 years of age, live in DC/MD/VA, be engaged to be married, etc.) to be considered as a participant. The full list of rules and regulations can be found here: www.fashionsnightoutgeorgetowndc.com.

For more details about Fashion's Night Out Georgetown and the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" contest, please visit our website at www.fashionsnightoutgeorgetowndc.com, Facebook at FNO Georgetown (www.facebook.com/pages/Fashions-Night-Out-Georgetown-DC) and Georgetown, DC (www.facebook.com/OfficialGeorgetownDC) and Twitter at FNO Georgetown (www.twitter.com/fnogeorgetown - @FNOgeorgetown) and Georgetown, DC (www.twitter.com/GeorgetownDC - @georgetowndc).


About the Georgetown Business Improvement District
The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the accessibility, attractiveness and overall appeal of Georgetown. Established in 1999 by its property owners and merchants, the Georgetown BID has more than 1,000 members. The organization is located in the heart of Georgetown in Washington, D.C and sets a standard of excellence in preserving historic charm while meeting contemporary needs. From marketing and special events, to transportation and streetscape, the Georgetown BID contributes to the vitality and quality of life in Georgetown. For more information please visit georgetowndc.com. Also connect with Georgetown on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GeorgetownDC, Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialGeorgetownDC and YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/GeorgetownDCTV.

About Fashion's Night Out
Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry's economy during the recession. On September 8, 2011, in response to overwhelming demand, Fashion's Night Out will return to New York City and over 100 cities nationwide to highlight fashion and support retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. For more information visit www.fashionsnightout.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@fnonyc, #FNO).

Friday, August 19, 2011

EDITOR'S NOTES: A LOVELY LUNCH WITH PRESTON BAILEY


You know that there are times in your life when you just can't believe that what is happening is really happening. You know, you pinch yourself just so that you know that you are not dreaming. You know that feeling, right?

Well, I met my fellow members of the B-List this week to sit down to an amazing lunch with the legendary event planner, Preston Bailey and his team. What a memorable experience. As I walked off the elevator, I was immediately greeted by the man himself. He was so welcoming and made me feel very comfortable. I tried very hard to hide my nervousness. But trust me, I was a wreck inside.

After the exchange of pleasantries with the group, we sat down for what would prove to be one fantastic meal. I am not exaggerating. But I will tell you why later. To kickoff our lunch, Preston asked us to put our creative sides to work by taking the gorgeous flowers in our napkins and creating a floral centerpiece for the table. We were to remove the petals and carefully place each one around the bowl of water until it was filled with petals. Once the bowl was full, we took one of the flowers (removed from its stem), pulled it open slightly and placed it in the center of the petals. What a fab idea! What a simple way to make a table look so elegant.


After a wonderful flower arrangement lesson, lunch was served. As the meals were being placed, Preston talked very candidly about how changing his diet to eating primarily raw foods had changed his life. He spoke about the increase in his energy levels and his overall feeling of wellness. I had never considered eating raw foods. Seriously, raw foods have an image problem. It just doesn't seem appetizing when you hear those words. But that could not be further from the truth.


Enter Jana Keith-Jennings, Bailey's personal chef and the one responsible for making sure that he adheres to his raw foods diet. Our plates were a mix of steamed and raw food combinations that I would have never thought to put together. Jana made a watermelon and tomato salad, a fresh summer corn salad and mini raw mushroom pizzas. So delish. Who knew?!? But the best was yet to come.



There was a pair of beautifully beaded drapes that withheld a lovely surprise. Behind the curtain was the quintessential Preston Bailey design on display. It was full of Jana's delectable desserts. The table was filled with cookies, brownies, tarts, and chocolate truffles. I had a chance to speak with Jana and I was totally inspired by her passion for raw foods. Jana does not use processed anything! No processed flours, processed sugars, gluten, animal or dairy products or genetically modified additives. When she does have to use heat, she prefers steaming as her low-heat cooking method as it ensures that vital nutrients are not burned off as it may happen during conventional cooking methods. She really moved me to reconsider my eating habits. If I can eat meals like this everyday, count me in on this movement.

I was very thankful to have attended this fabulous wedding blogger's luncheon with the man who can take an empty space and turn it into something spectacular and very memorable. Many thanks to Preston Bailey and the entire Preston Bailey team for your graciousness and kindness. It will be an experience that I will never forget.

What's New at Preston Bailey

Bridal lovelies, just so you know. Preston Bailey and his team have worked very hard to create some useful tools to help you with your wedding planning. You have the What's Your Story? Color Palette Picker which allows you to choose some signature colors, tell him a little about your event, and he will add the "Preston factor" to your palette to give you an idea of how that wow factor can be realized.

There's also the Design Your Tablecloth tool. With this tool, you can create your ideal tablecloth. It will help you to narrow down your choices so that you can really see its impact on your table design.

You can also check out his Bride Ideas blog where you can discover fab ideas and wedding inspiration that can help to make your day very special.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

BRIDAL SHOES: SEEING RED WITH NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

With all that white and off-white you will be wearing, you need a pop of color. Red is always a fab choice. Just in case you haven't heard, that are quite a few fab shoe designers besides Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. Nicholas Kirkwood is one of my favorite shoe designers. So head on over to Kirna Zabete and get this gorgeous pair of red peep-toe slingbacks. You will be happy that you did!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

BRIDAL JEWELRY: Art Deco Meets Modern

This is a fabulous art deco style necklace by Roberta Chiarella. It is very elegant and would be perfect with your strapless dress. For a limited time, get 20% off with promo code SW82011.


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

RECEPTION DECOR: Sign Your Names & Lead The Way

Love, love, love this fabulous wedding sign by Sweet Wedding Details. So charming. It will totally add that unique touch to your wedding reception.


Monday, August 08, 2011

WEDDING DRESSES: Easy Breezy by Amour Sans Anguish


Amour Sans Anguish brings you the "Easy To Love You" dress. The top is made with elegantly disheveled chiffons, lace, and ruffles with bits. Totally something different for the bride who dances to the beat of her own little drummer.

WEDDING SHOES: Nina Brings You Wedges


I just love a wedge heel. Now you can have a wedge with your wedding dress. This would be the perfect option for shorter dresses. The Eterna by Nina Shoes.