Favorite Things from The Shop @ PSE: Hair Accessories

I am loving all the options for bridal hair accessories. I am so tired of having brides run out to buy tiaras! Ladies, the tiara is passe. Try something new, like this crystal encrusted Flamenco Comb found at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. There are some wonderful options to get your head in wedding mode and to wow your guests. Try different looks, headbands, combs, pins, or maybe even fresh flowers adoring the stylish coif!

Here are some of my other favorites hair adornments found at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

From clockwise from upper left: Gallery Hair Comb ($350/per set of three); Bellezza Crystal Mini Barrette ($28/each); Sunset Pearl and Crystal Barrette ($58/each); Chloe Satin and Crystal Headband ($125/each); The Flamenco Crystal Comb (above picture) is $217.50/each.

For more fabulous items, please visit The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

-Percy








Photos from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

TIPsy Tuesday: Hair Apparent

Brides and grooms need to take this tip seriously. For your special day you really need to make sure that your hair is part of your schedule. Not only will your coif make or break your look, but it's one of those things that people will be looking at...and unfortunately judging on your wedding day. You say no one judges how the brides and groom look? Think again! You don't want to be the topic of a friends or family member's blog.

For grooms, please go see your barber or hairstylist, at the latest, one week prior to your wedding day. This will give you the opportunity to have your hair grow out a bit and now look so "done this morning." The only time it is okay for you to see your stylist the same day is if you are shave your head completely bald.

For brides, make an appointment with your stylist one month prior to your wedding day and do a run through of your wedding hair. This will give you the opportunity to try several different styles before committing to one. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about cut and color should you need it. If you are doing any type of cut and color, make sure to get it done no later than one week prior to your big day. This will give you the opportunity to make any adjustments should you need to.

One piece of advice...PLEASE DO NOT TRY ANYTHING EXTREME for your wedding day. Grooms, if you have never done a certain haircut before, don't test it out for your wedding. I realize that faux hawks are cool for some, but you might end up looking like a chicken yourself. Brides, this goes for you too, especially with your cut and color, updos can be redone and so can curls, but colors, cuts, and God forbid...perms, are harder to repair. So wanting to be adventurous should be reserved for others days, not your wedding day.

Remember your hair is literally the topper to your look. Explore but stay true to yourself at the same time...this will make you look truly fantastic on your special day.

-Percy

Photo of Phil Spector from Synthstuff.com and Britney Spears from Ourweddingplus.com

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

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

Bling for Pocket Ca-ching?

If you have been watching WE TV lately, you probably have seen the latest Wedding Central episode Bling On The Bride. If you haven't...it is all about the BLING and the length some brides will go to have a blinged out wedding. I say...bling with moderation, but if you want it as sparkly as possible, but don't have the moola to do it, you might want to check out Glam For Less.

Glam For Less offers an array of rhinestone-encrusted pieces for the bride or female celebratant, including jewelry sets, tiaras, and hairpins, such as this My Fair Lady inspired chocker set. All with the sparkle factor that you would want for blinged out event. They even have the petite crown that I used as my cake topper at my commitment ceremony in 2005 for a lot less than I paid for it! At any rate, I wish I knew about this site back when.

So if you are insisting on having as much bling bling at your upcoming i do i do, check out Glam For Less before paying the higher prices. Alternatively, if you are a bride or someone just looking for a touch of sparkly - check out Glam For Less as well, they may have what you are just looking for to complete your look.

-Percy

Photos from Glam For Less

Inspiration: Spain

In planning my 40th Birthday getaway in March...I was inspired by the romance and the old world feel of Spain. When people think of Spain, they often picture the iconic flamenco dresses or the intrigue of Gaudi's influence in Barcelona. Additionally, there are some who confuse Spain with Mexico, but we all know there is a difference.

So I thought how fun would it be to do an inspiration board on Spain. Here are my inspirations for an old world, with a modern feel, Spanish themed wedding.

I'm inspired by lace and embroidery, wrought iron and flamenco combs, simple flowers embellished with religious ornamentation, and small churches with ornate details.

Details of my inspiration:

Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Church: El Presidio Church, Santa Barbara, California
Rhinestone Comb: Model Bride
Bridesmaids Dress: Nanette Lepore
Invitation: Lehr & Back
Cake: Nico Designs Santa Barbara
Wrought Iron Candlesticks: Saladotex
Flowers: Photo taken by Serena Grace Photo

I hope this inspires your inner Spaniard and the spirit of Ole!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

A Classic Twist

Bridal and red carpet hair is something I look forward to. It's always dramatic and oh so glamorous. It even looks more stunning when the right gown and hairstyle is paired together.

Lately we have been seeing a lot of loose, natural, unstructured approach to the cheveux de femmes, and though I love it on certain people, I think some people just need a little more control. I personally have always loved the glam of yesteryear...I am talking Grace Kelly, Maria Montez, Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth and Lena Horne, when the hair really made the woman.

One hairstyle that I absolutely love...and it almost looks wonderful on anyone is the Chignon, pronounced "sheen-yon." It's a fancy word for a bun. According to Wikipedia, "The word “chignon” comes from the French phrase “chignon du cou,” which means nape of the neck. Chignons are generally achieved by pinning the hair into a knot at the nape of the neck, but there are many different variations of the style. They are frequently worn for special occasions, like weddings and formal dances, but the basic chignon is also worn for everyday casual wear." I love this look because it has classic detailing and with the right hair accessory it can make a dramatic, but classic statement.

The Chignon looks especially wonderful with column or Grecian style dress or wedding gowns that have a french bustle that reflects the style of the hair. It's so clean looking and really highlights the woman's face and its not distracting by any means. You won't have anyone saying..."what was she thinking!" when you walk down the aisle or the red carpet. Sleek hair with a twist...now that's modern take on a classic!

So whatever style you choose for walking down that aisle, make sure your hair not only reflects you...but does not take away from you as well.

-Percy

Photo from dabblersupreme on Flickr