Alvina Valenta - Wedding Gown Designer Du Jour

I explored a designer's site today that I am totally in love with! It is Alvina Valenta by Victoria McMillan and she has to be one of the best I have seen in years. Her approach is fresh, fashionable, couture, and absolutely beautiful. The detailing of her bridal gowns and bridesmaid gowns are superb!

I am just gushing after exploring her website. You all have to check it out. The hues that she uses such as pale pink and blue is unexpected but very bridal at the same time. Her silhouettes are modern yet can be very flattering to many different figures. Her styling is very inspirational.

Alvina Valenta by Victoria McMillan is part of JLM Couture Family (Jim Hjelm) who was the designer for one of my most recent brides, who I absolutely adore also. Their take on bridal fashions is just so forward looking and like Vera and Monique, they are setting the standards for other bridal down designers.

So if you have not discovered Alvina Valenta by Victoria McMillan yet, make sure to take a look at their Website. You won't be disappointed. For your brides, look at their bridesmaids collection there are some awesome, jaw dropping looks that will make your maids look fabulous and really highlight you as the bride!

-Percy

Photos from Alvina Valenta by Victoria McMillan

The Women - The New Girls of Fashion

I finally saw the remake of The Women last night at the Ojai Playhouse with Mary Steenburgen sitting one row in front of me; she is an Ojai resident along with hubby Ted Danson. At any rate, this movie is a must see for you fashionistas, I am not sure why it got bad ratings because I found it thoroughly enjoyable, just as Tanya's (Debi Mazar) Jungle Red nail polish.

Saks (Fifth Avenue) was the store focus, but you got an eyeful of fashions from Chanel, Christian Laboutin, Prada, Marc Jacobs, and other noted designers.

The acting was superb, especially Annette Bening's character, Sylvie. Jada Pinkett Smith (Alex Fisher) and the cameo by Bette Midler (Leah Miller) were also very memorable. Meg Ryan was outstanding in her role as Mary Haines. It was nice to see Debra Messing (Edie Cohen) not play a "Grace" character and Eva Mendez, in the Joan Crawford part as Crystal Allen, was diva-ish to the max.

The only thing missing was a wedding scene, but overall, there were some outstanding moments and even more fabulous everyday fashions! I laughed so hard in some parts that I almost peed in my pants. So if you have not had the opportunity to see it...go do so ASAP. Being a big Sex and the City fan, I have to say that this is what SATC could have been if they did it right...did I just say that out load? Hit me with your Manolo's and call me Mary.

So ladies, or even gentlemen into "chick" flicks, this is a winner...even as good if not better than the original 1939 version. I also have to say kudos to Cloris Leachman (Maggie) and Candice Bergen (Catherine Frazier) for their contributions to this remake. It was also nice that they kept the concept of not having any men in the movie, just like the original.

-Percy

Photo from IMDb

Alternative $700 Billion Bail Out Plan - Tax Payer Friendly

I have had these same thoughts about the $700 billion bail out plan...well actually I've been thinking about it since we received our stimulus checks over the summer, but these people actually put it in writing, so I am glad others are thinking like I am. Here's the gist...and a brilliant way of jump starting the economy, but in reality their calculation is wrong. If in fact they divided the $700 billion by the estimated 305 million people in the US, that would amount to only $2,333/per person, but I would take it and pay off some bills! But if they only gave the money to the "tax" paying citizens, then we would get a lot more. This is from an email I received this morning:

"This plan took us all of about 10 minutes to come up with. Instead of using $700 BILLION to bail out the mismanaged corrupt institutions that put our economy where it is right now, why don't we bailout YOU, ME, and every other taxpayer in the country.

If we were to divide $700 billion by the 300 million citizens it would amount to roughly $230,000 each! We say that instead of bailing out the big financial institutions that we give this directly to the Citizens who pay the taxes, and let them bail themselves out!

If they use the windfall to pay off outstanding debt, then the lending institutions will stay afloat. Any money left over could be spent, invested or saved, depending on what the individual decides to do. Not only would it keep the economy going, it would make it thrive. In addition, it will take away the ability of more corrupt convoluted bureaucracy thieves to rip us off even more! Amen!

Ponder this over and send it to your email list if you think it may have merit. If not simply stick with the status quo and do nothing. Send this to everyone you know! Every Congressman and representative in the Land. The current Bail out does nothing for you and I."

Now I think this is a plan that can work for everyone. When Bush first offered the stimulus plan the beginning of the year, I thought to myself, well that's ridiculous! If they want to a boost in the economy, they are going to have to give all tax payers more than $300 to do that. I was thinking $10,000 was a good round number, that way people can really make a dent in their ability to pay off debt, or what ever they wanted to do with it. But if we all received $2,333 from the government, some people can really use that to get back on track. I really think that the bailout should go to the citizens, who will use that money to help themselves and help boost the economy.

Anyway, that's my political blog of the month. Exercise your right...VOTE on Tuesday, November 4, 2008!

-Percy

Music to Our Ears

I often am asked what songs should be played for certain elements of a wedding reception, so I have compiled my Top 5 Songs for the below categories. Hope this helps in choosing just the right song for you. Even though I am suggesting these songs, there is nothing better than choosing your own play list that reflects you as a couple. Additionally, by choosing meaningful songs, it really helps to play up the uniqueness of your special day.

Bride and Groom Grand Entrance:

1. Now That We Found Love - Heavy D and the Boyz
2. Crazy In Love - Beyonce
3. The Look of Love - ABC
4. Everlasting Love - Gloria Estefan
5. Love and Pride - King

First Dance Songs:

1. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
2. One In A Million You - Larry Graham
3. The Time of My Life - David Cook
4. Kiss of Life - Sade
5. One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey

Father/Daughter Dance:

1. I Loved Her First - Heartland
2. Dance With My Father - Celine Dion
3. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
4. Through the Years - Kenny Rogers
5. My Wish - Rascal Flatts

Mother/Son Dance:

1. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Rod Stewart
2. Mama - Il Divo
3. I Wish You Love - Dionne Warwick
4. Baby Mine - Bette Midler
5. A Place In My Heart - Sounds of Blackness

Cake Cutting:

1. Sugar Sugar - The Archies
2. Kiss Me - Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy
3. How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
4. Beautiful Day - U2
5. Love You Madly - Cake

Bouquet Toss:

1. Gonna Catch You - Lonnie Gordon
2. Labels or Love - Fergie
3. Point of No Return - Expose
4. Lemme Get That - Rihanna
5. It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

Garter Removal and Toss:

1. Girls Girls Girls - Motley Crue
2. Foxy Foxy - Rob Zombie
3. SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
4. Give It Up To Me - Sean Paul
5. Go - Tones on Tails

This list was fun to compile, I could have listed my Top 10 in each category, but the list would have been to long. So for you brides and grooms out there I hope this list will inspire your own soundtrack. Have a great time!

-Percy

Photo by Gloria Plunkett

Say It Loud...Say it with Graffiti

Graffiti is becoming a popular way of customizing an event. No, not that graffiti...urban areas with random spray paint taggings or NYC street scene ala Keith Haring or Jean-Michel Basquiat, rather an elegant temporary surface decal to help you spice up the space.

Such vendors as Wonderful Graffiti Wedding is helping party throwers create a customized event with an eye popping display of cool graphics. Wonderful Graffiti Wedding states that their product is "very thin pieces of matte vinyl that look "printed" when applied to most smooth surfaces."

I mean you can literally put this on any smooth surface, such as walls, doors, windows, glasses, plates, or even a floor. It just adds a very personal touch to your event. It's easy to put on and even easier to take off and it does not harm the underlying surface.

What I love about this is that you can literally customize elements of your event to make it look personal. So what that your best friend used the same function space, with graffiti, you can make it look like the whole place was just made for you. You can use monograms, sayings, images, or whatever your heart desires.

For your next event, don't just look at the tables or hard objects, be creative and use surfaces to invoke your personality.

-Percy

Picture from Wonderful Graffiti Wedding

Bridal Show of All Bridal Shows this Monday 9/22 in Los Angeles

If there is one bridal show you must attend this year, it's The Wedding Salon Wedding Showcase. It's being held this Monday, September 22, 2008 from 4pm - 9pm at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

The cost of the is $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site.

Hope to see you Southern California Brides there!

-Percy

GUEST BLOGGER: Bonnie from BonitaJ (Bridal & Bridesmaid Jewelry)

Bonnie from BonitaJ, has some great bridal and bridesmaid jewelry on her site and I am so happy that she wanted to guest blog on my site. Thank you Bonnie for sharing the latest trends in bridal accessories!

- Percy

Different Styles for Different Bridesmaids

All bridesmaids were not created alike, and their accessories can reflect their own personalities in a variety of ways. Although it is now more common for brides to select a color scheme and have their bridesmaids select a different dress within that same exact color scheme, the trend of a variety of jewelry in the same color palette is becoming more popular.

We all have the loud and out going friend and we all have that shy and timid friend. We love them for who they are and how their uniqueness makes them special in our lives. Give your bridesmaids their own unique styles of jewelry to match those personalities.

Why not select big, bold earrings for that outgoing bride and choose a drop or linear style earring for the shy bridesmaid that doesn’t wear huge colorful jewelry. You can do this, coordinate their looks, and have it all look great together. A couple of tips to use when selecting your maids accessories is to keep the color combinations similar. If your color palette is a fall mix of copper, burgundy, and gold, then keep that color scheme throughout your entire jewelry selection.

There is an easy way to accomplish this task, find a jewelry designer that offers Swarovski crystals and pearls in their jewelry line. Swarovski creates a multitude of pearl and crystal color options so that matching your gowns and color palettes with your jewelry is easy. When you wear jewelry made with Swarovski crystals and pearls you are wearing a quality product that doesn’t scratch, has the truest colors and sparkles magnificently.

Whatever jewelry you decide to coordinate for your bridesmaids finished look, find pieces that they will love and cherish. The plus side is that every girl loves to receive jewelry and why not...it's the a gift she can wear repeatedly. Choose jewelry that reflects your most special friend’s personalities and they will love you for it.

http://www.bonitaj.com/
info@BonitaJ.com
888-430-2623

Percy Sales Events Readers:

Bonnie has graciously offered a one time use coupon with a 15% discount off your entire order to all Percy Sales Event readers on her jewelry. Use coupon code: PERCY. This is a one time use - no minimum order coupon. Take advantage of it folks, her jewelry is spectacular.

Visit the BonitaJ Website today!

Photos from BonitaJ.com

Fancy Feet

Okay ladies...you've always wanted your own name on a pair of cute shoes, well here's your chance! Julia Bornstein, president of Sandals4Events, has created a line of sandals that can be customized with whatever you want.

For you brides, this is a perfect gift for your bridesmaids or even the other women in your life. The heel tabs can be customized with your name or yours and your grooms with the day of your wedding. Additionally, if you are having a beach wedding, these would make a great favor gift for all your female guests upon arrival...we all know how heels are a big no no on the beach. You can put them out in baskets, separated by size, put into personalized satin bags that Sandals4Events also provides, to add to your customized, couture wedding.

These sandals come in four colors (silver, gold, black, and fuchsia) and a black with great Swarovski bling on it, making them neutral enough to match any wedding. Plus, I hear they are super comfortable.

These sandals can also make great shower gifts, girl's night out favors, or how about as invitations to your bachelorette party! At any rate, stop by Sandals4Events and dream up some spectacular way to use these great accessories for your next event.

-Percy

Photos from Sandals4Events

Sorry for Lack of Blogging

Sorry for the lack of blogging this month, it's been extremely busy and I have also been on vacation (Arizona and Las Vegas) and just got back yesterday! On my return, I found out that my website host is also down and I have not been able to get or send email and no one can go to my actual website. Trying to fix it now. I promise more posts to come. Hope everyone is doing well. If you need to email me, please use my alternate email percy_sales@yahoo.com (percy underscore sales at yahoo dot com)

Thanks

Percy

Photo taken by me in Sedona, AZ

Update: As of 9/17/08 Percy Sales Events Website is up and running again...whew. I am also able to get emails again at percy@percysales.com

Inspiration: Cuba

Cuba came to mind this week as Hurricane Gustav was wrecking havoc in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba is one of those countries that I want to explore...it's so mysterious and the images of the country being stuck in the 1950s is very intriguing to me.

I picture Cuba to have the old world charm that some cities in Europe offer and I can't wait for the borders to be opened so that Americans can re-discover the gem of the Caribbean that our ancestors got to experience before the Cuban Missle Crisis.

I am inspired by Cuban cuisine, Cubano Music, Salsa, Mojitos, Cuba Libre's, Guayberas, ruffles, lace, 57 Chevys, Babaloo, and of course Cuban Cigars.

My inspirations:
Wedding Gown: Lazaro
Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo
Guaybera and Cubavera Hat: My Cuban Store
Invitations: Natural Impressions
Music: Ybarra Music
Church: Havana Cathedral
City: Photo of Havana at Night
Cigar Rolling: ME Productions
Old Car Photo: Matthius Schack
Cuban Dinner: Versailles Cuban Restaurant
Flan Photo: Brides Club
Bouquet: Artistic Florals

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites