Thursday, January 27, 2011

Introducing the arrival of the spring 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection at Northpark Center in Dallas tonight

Introducing the arrival of the Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection at Northpark Center in Dallas tonight


January 27, 2011 marks the arrival of the bridal collection at the Oscar de la Renta boutique at Northpark Center. Join lifestyle guru, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman for a book signing and Q&A to accompany the introduction of the new collection.

Much like de la Renta’s past collections, this one is sure to please brides and stylists alike. Staying true to de la Renta’s Dominican heritage, the Spring 2011 bridal collection provides sultry shapes and voluminous silhouettes. Combined with a hint of pastels, and numerous fabrics, de la Renta mixes classic bridal beauty with avant garde detailing. Taffeta, Tulle, silk organza, guipure, ostrich feather, and embroidered basketweave silk gazar are just some of the fabrics used in this spring 2011 bridal collection. A true artist can use multiple mediums, and this collection continues to illustrate the designer's range as a fashion innovator for the modern woman.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Burn baby burn...Are those sweet and savory candles breaking your bridal diet?

With scrumptious scents like warm vanilla sugar, winter candy apple, mint chocolate, homemade cookies and vanilla shortbread-it's hard to resist the urge to load up on your faves during Bath and Body Works' 75% off sales. However, for those of you who are trying to stay trim and slim for the New Year, you might want to think twice. Filling your home with the scent of homemade cookies doesn't exactly give you the motivation to put on your sneakers and head to the gym. We associate cookies, vanilla and chocolate with comfort foods and cozy surroundings. These scents can actually trick our brains into thinking that we are hungry and we are even more likely to give into our cravings for sweets. Just because you swoon over that scent in the store, doesn't mean that you should succumb to the naughty temptations and bring them home! Try to forgo the food-flavored scents and replace them with alternatives such as cool citrus basil, cotton blossom, black amethyst and orange sapphire. Aroma therapy scents such as eucalyptus and orange ginger are ideal for your pre-workout routine since they actually have invigorating qualities, while lavender will calm the nerves just before bed.
Can't resist that 75% off sale? Buy a couple of your favorite sweet scents and store them in a cool, dry place for when next year's holiday festivities are in full swing. You'll save a bundle buying now, and you can simply tuck them away till you're good and ready.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Esposita Tips for The Big Day: Assigning Tasks for those under-utilized, but greatly appreciated gals in your life!

Esposita Tips for The Big Day
Assigning Tasks:
It’s important to remember to give tasks to trusted helpers on the big day. Don’t forget about those loved ones who attend all of the festivities, but who don’t have a significant role. If they’ve expressed interest in assisting you or the wedding party, this is a great opportunity to give them a chance to do so.
Tweens and teens: These young ladies are a bit old for flower girl duties, and since you’ve opted to do without junior bridesmaids, they are squeezed out of the bridal party. Make them feel needed by asking them to be your ‘personal assistants’ during the rehearsal and pre-wedding preparations. They will be great help when you suddenly remember that you need to re-apply lipstick and your purse is in the other room!
The stepmother: She is a new person in your life, and hasn't been included in a great deal of the traditional motherly duties. It’s completely understandable since you have only known her for 2 years. Whatever the circumstances, it’s imperative that she feels needed on that big day. Remember that it is not only your day. The entire family is coming together to celebrate and it’s a great opportunity for some much-needed family bonding. Make your new stepmother feel needed by asking for some simple opinions on things such as flower placement, bustle options for your dress and even musical choices for the reception. Small details such as those will add up in the long run, and your relationship will certainly benefit.
Keeping the peace with all of the most important people in your life will make your big day even more special. Your wedding is only one day in your life, but your relationships with your family will last a lifetime.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Esposita Deals: Bridal party gifts and honeymoon getaways

The best bridal deals and steals of 2011...

Get your bridal party gifts they'll actually use! If your wedding color is hot pink, Esposita has a great gift for your bridesmaids. This clutch by BCBG can be found at Neiman Marcus Last Call for only $54. Right now, Neiman Marcus Last Call is offering an additional 25% off sitewide, which makes this fabulous clutch only $40! Retail $108.


Looking for awesome honeymoon deals to top rated resorts? SniqueAway.com provides deals for any kind of getaway imanginable, and newlyweds will love to take advantage of their fabulous prices! Snique Away is currently offering deals on romantic resorts in Bermuda and Lake Tahoe.
SniqueAway.com
 

Monday, January 3, 2011

Esposita Tips: Sharpen your style skills for 2011 with a complete closet makeover

 With the passing of the holidays, many of us are put into immediate spring cleaning mode. Out with the old and in with the new for 2011. But, not so fast…

Recent economic changes have left retailers in a bit of a tailspin; therefore they are slowing down on ordering excess inventory-which has a huge impact on consumer spending. Although this seems like a death sentence, this is actually great news for the fashionistas of the world. We can get the opportunity to sharpen our style skills by making out closets slimmer and trimmer for the 
New Year.

5 tips to get your closet into gear for 2011:
  1. Go pay a visit to your seamstress:  That fabulous red dress in the back of your closet that you purchased for 75% off has been waiting for you to take it to get the hem repaired. Now that 2011 has arrived, it’s time to get going and cross some things off our to-do lists. You’ll be so pleased when you actually get to show off that fabulous find at a cocktail party. It isn’t doing any good in the back of the closet.
  2. Replace your undergarments: If the wire is poking out of your nude bra-it’s time to trade up for a newer model. Believe it or not, that overused bra can actually be keeping you from reaching your full, fashion potential. Trading up for some fresh undergarments will give you a renewed sense of confidence to try out that sexy, silk top that you’ve been dying to wear!
  3. Host a clothing swap: Make a list of the 5 most fashionable ladies in your life, and send out an invite for “THE fashion event of the year”.  Have each of them bring 10-15 items that they wish to get rid of, and set up a boutique right in your living room. IKEA has a great collapsible clothing rack for only $19.99 that will be a great tool for your clothing swap and beyond.  Have your guests select prices for their items and treat the day like a leisurely boutique visit. Serve some champagne and hors d'oeuvres, and you’ll feel as if you’re attending a private sample sale downtown.  Not only will you be cleaning out your closet, you now have a great excuse to get together with the gals.
  4. Look to Ebay to make a little cash: some of the hot items on Ebay these days are; Coach, juicy Couture, bebe, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, just to name a few. Designer denim is also a huge seller, so don’t let those labels go to waste in the back of your closet just because you had a few too many goodies during the holidays. Either keep that resolution this year to get back into those skinny jeans, or just free up some space in your closet and start fresh for 2011.
  5. Donate, donate, donate: For local Goodwill donation centers, click here.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Esposita Tips: Getting bridal ready for 2011!

 The countdown begins for all of our spring/summer 2011 brides!

First on the list of to-do's for the 2011 brides:
Get back into the swing of things with a fresh, new you!
To many, it's a dirty word, but diet, diet, diet. Starting immediately will get you into a healthy lifestyle and will even improve your mood for these last few months leading up to the big day.

Top 5 ways to get in shape for your big day:

1. Make a plan and set goals:
Actually putting your goals in writing and in a visible place will get you more motivated. For example, putting your goal sheet on your vanity, refrigerator or near your computer will ensure that you'll stick to your goals.
2. Change your surroundings:
Be sure to consider your work environment when starting a work out regimen. Clean out all of the candy dishes and extra stash of snacks in your desk. Replacing them with fruit and nuts will keep you satisfied but will rid you of the sugary temptations. Oranges, apples and grapefruits will last the longest and the vibrant hues will even brighten up your office!
3. Get a workout buddy:
When enlisting a buddy, start with your sweetie. The two of you are in this together, and will be each others’ best allies. Even though they don’t exactly stress about their appearances-they are certainly concerned with looking great for the big day-just as you are. Make a commitment to eat right, and you’ll find that cooking as a team will bring you closer together as a couple.
In addition to cooking, make it a priority to make several trips to the gym together each week.
4. Mix it up:
Everyone knows that monotony will get you nowhere, especially when trying to get in shape! Be sure to include different activities in your workout plan. Make Monday your BIG workout day-lots and lots of cardio will help you rid yourself of some of the weekend fast food and margarita splurges. Tuesday- you should look for ‘video on demand’ workouts straight from your TV. You and your sweetie can do salsa dancing, yoga or pilates right in your living room! Wednesday-take the dog for a walk/run. Make the middle of the week your light workout day. It’s important that your body has a day to repair itself, so the middle of the week is a perfect time to repair and relax with a leisurely walk/run. You and your sweetie will have a nice opportunity to chat about your day and spend a little quality time together. Thursday- get back to the gym and sweat! Pull your hair back, get your tank top on and fill up you ipod with your favorite songs. Be sure to devote at least 45 minutes to a tough workout for Thursday. If you don’t feel that your heart rate is up, pick up the pace and get busy! Friday- The weekend is here, but you can’t lose focus. Before going out for dinner and drinks, make it a point to get on your workout gear and pull up and ‘video on demand’ workout at home. Just a 20 minute workout will keep you on track and focused on your goals. Saturday and Sunday- you can take a break, but be sure to stretch your muscles every morning and evening. Keeping your muscles limber will keep your body conditioned for the upcoming week of workouts. Believe it or not, stretching and light yoga will even keep your muscles tones and fit!
5. You are what you eat:
Keep away from the fast food temptations by arming yourself with snacks. When going to the grocery store, stock up on string cheese, grapes, apples, nuts and reduced fat wheat crackers. When leaving for work in the morning, make yourself a to-go bag filled with just enough snacks to keep you satisfied for the day. Your fast food temptations will diminish when armed with these nutritious goodies.