Costume How-To: Black Swan

With the help of my most fabulous mother, this year I have coordinated a most fabulous costume.

While I decorate my home in the creepiest of fashions for this season, I tend to shy away from the creepy costumes. In the past few years, I’ve been Katy Perry (complete with hand make cupcakes, if you don’t mind me saying), corn on the cob, and a chicken. I like the sweet and comical. This year, however, I was inspired by a certain Oscar winning actress and decided to dress up as Black Swan.

No matter your costume (as long as it’s basic ballet and black), you can have the most impact with your make up. Here's what I did:

I pulled my hair into a simple ballet bun and pinned my feather crown atop.

My supplies were simple - basic facepaint from the drugstore and all the black and silver eye makeup I had on hand. Oh, and a deep burgundy lipstick that I just adore now that winter is approaching! 

I started by painting my face white. It was a bit hard to get it even so I used a make up brush to un-splotch, and dusted with face powder to get it to set.

I shaded my cheekbones with silver eye shadow to give definition.

I outlined the eye shape in black facepaint first - I used the movie posted as a guide. I filled in the edges with black face paint, leaving space around my eyes. I preferred to use eye make up around my lash line as opposed to the cheap stuff, so that I didn't end up with irritation.

After filling in the wings, I used black eye shadow and liner around my eyes and inside my lower lid. I then added "feathers" using white and silver.

The finishing touch were the dark lips.

The ballet suit was easy to put together - I wore nude tights underneath a nigh waisted bikini bottom I have and tucked in a simply H&M black tank. For the shoes I tied some simple black ribbon around my ankle and slipped a comfy pair of flats over top - perfect for a night on the dance floor!

I think my favourite detail was the feathered epaulettes I got from Etsy vendor Cat Sullivan's shop Faerie Dust & Frolics - they made my simple beater into a fabulous stage-worthy body suit. 

Put all these pieces together, and I'd say I made a fairly creepy Black Swan! Before you know it I'll be clipping my toenails too short and seeing my own face around every corner.

I hope this provides a bit of inspiration to you if you're running short on ideas this year - with a little make up and some simple pieces you may already have, you too can be a Black Swan for halloween! Make sure to play safe blogettes, and have a wonderful celebration!

Hallowe'en Inspiration

My dears, coming up shortly is one of the most important times of year, A time where we get dressed up, deck our halls, eat sweet treats and think about all thinks dark and creepy. Wait, what!?

That’s right – it’s almost Halloween! 

Second only to Christmas in my holiday hierarchy, Halloween is one of my favourite-most times of year. When else do you get to go all out on a theme and not get ridiculed?

Today I thought I would compile some Hallowe'en inspired wedding ideas - ranging in spectrum from subtle to obvious (because there's not only one type of tombstone in the graveyard, now is there?!).

Black Bridesmaids Dresses

from http://www.jerryghionis.com

Becoming more and more popular at every time of year is the black bridesmaids dress. In the appropriate setting, however (think fall leaves and autumnal colours), it can look a bit eerie - and that is exactly what we want!

Dark Nails

www.lovemaegan.com

The ever-popular dark fingernail can be a simple way to infuse a little goth into your day. If you are feeling a bit timid for the mani, opt for a deep plum pedi and you'll be sure to hit the nail in the coffin. This fabulous glittery option comes from one of my favourite blogs, www.lovemaegan.com 

Dark Flowers

www.wholeblossoms.com

Dark flowers are a surefire way to add some ghoul to your gala - done carefully they can look dramatic and elegant. Calla lilies, roses and dahlias are just a few of the blooms that are available in deep hues. Talk to your florist.

Masquerade

www.longwoodevents.com 

For those that are feeling particularily thematic, a masquerade ball is a way to keep the glamour and also infuse a bit of play. Guests can still wear their evening wear and dress up their look with a mask.

http://www.ellenmariedesign.blogspot.com

Love the idea of masquerade but want something a bit more subtle? A black birdcage veil will be sultry and dramatic, and will hint at the classic masquerade mask. 

Black Wedding Dresses

Vera Wang

Vera Wang, the goddess of wedding fashion, has come out with a wedding collection that has not-a-one white dress. The black confections were shocking and dramatic - and unexpected. If you still have your heart set on the white dress, opt for dark accents like a sash, clutch and shoes. Nothing like catching people a little off guard.

Vera Wang

If you're having an October wedding, these ideas can be playful and elegant at the same time - use a few and your guests will howl. Alright, my pretties, the cauldron is bubbling over - gotta fly!

Home At Last

After eight weeks of jetsetting across Canada; after two-week stints in a new city with a new hospital and a new health care system; after a new bed every half month; after countless video chats and under seasoned simple meals, I am home. 

My eight weeks of away time for fourth year have come and gone, as much as I worried about how difficult it would be, the time has passed and I get to sleep in my own bed! Dinners will no longer be set for one, I will be able to cook with a variety of spices, and I will be able to wear more than the four outfits I have in my suitcase. Hooray!

As homesick as I was, I had the most wonderful time and met the most wonderful people. I had the chance to work in some fabulous places, and solidified my love for emergency medicine too. At the end of November, my applications for residency will be due, and I will enter the match with 100% confidence in my love for what I’m applying for. Alas, the growth has continued.

Now that I’m back home and settling back into my routine I’ll be happier to blog away with confidence. So pleased to be back with you, blogging from a home base, planning away with all the utensils I need! Thanks for sticking with me as I’ve been all over – I love you readers!

Bisous bisous!

E-Shoot: Misha & Kurt

Hello my dears! Do I EVER have a treat for you! Today is Friday, and in celebration of the weekend let's look at some gorgeous pics together.

When I stumbled across this piece of amazingness I couldn't wait to share it with you - the couple is adorable, the scenery gorgeous, and the photography flawless (and not only that but it's in Victoria! Yay!). Nikki Jardine manages to capture the vibe of late summer perfectly - the sea breeze, the hum of crickets, and the warmth of the setting sun - it's all here. Kurt and Misha are a gorgeous couple who had a tough run at first - but realized more than ever that love makes you stronger than you may have thought. I'll let her tell you below. 

From the Bride: 

Our story is a serious case of love at second sight.  Kurt and I went to High School together.  Unfortunately for both of us he was going through his preppy/gym monkey stage, which I didn’t find attractive in the slightest.  However, when we happenstanced upon each other 8 years later sparks flew.  Unfortunately I was with someone at the time…so we waited.

Almost exactly 1 year to the day that we had run into each other…again… I had just returned from living in Kenya for two months and low and behold a certain carpenter/contractor was building a house a stones throw away from my home.  The best first date in history shortly ensued…

It wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops in the beginning.  The day that Kurt had asked me out on our first date was the day that he was diagnosed with cancer.  Our first year together was the toughest of our lives; Kurt had his surgery, I lost someone very important to me, I had a very serious health scare and we were in a deadly car accident.  A driver crossed the center line of the highway, into oncoming traffic, going 140 km an hour hitting us head on, our outcome was much more fortunate than his.

Our mentality is ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.  That first year for us solidified that we were meant to be.  Throughout it all our love for each other grew exponentially.  On New Years Eve, 6 months later, Kurt proposed at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa and Resort in Parksville, BC.

We now are happily engaged, have two furry babies, are both in the careers that we love and have strived for and are in our own home.  Our wedding will be taking place in Cabo San Lucas in January 2012.  Life is good.

All images from Nikki Jardine photography. Check out her facebook page here.

Sneak Peek: Victoria BC E-Sesh

I have a wonderful treat for you on Friday from the talented Nikki Jardine - be sure to come back for this lovely lovely post!

Buffet vs. Plated

Dessert Buffet by the talented Amy Atlas

Monday seems like a good day for a debate, does it not? Today on BeeBeeBisous we will weigh the pros and cons of the wedding dinner - namely, buffet vs. sit down.

So, my dear blogettes, be my Madame Moderator and let me know which way you sway once the points are made!

From PointsPlusLiving Blog

BUFFET: Pros
- guests eating at a buffet will have more choice in what they eat, since you can provide more dishes
- guests can determine their own portion sizes
- two words: action stations
- gives people the chance to get up and mingle with other tables
- more casual (depending on what you're going for)

PLATED: Pros
- more formal (depending on what you're going for)
- prettier presentation
- easier for children and elderly people who may need help with the buffet
- easy to calculate amount of food you'll need, and less waste

BUFFET: Cons
- line-ups (having more than one buffet table can cut down on this)
- waiting for your table to be called
- food getting cold
- no such thing as a "special order" - veggies can stay veggie and meaties can indulge to their hearts content (meaties? ew...)
- spillage
- requires more space
- end-of-the-line syndrome (like when there's nothing left but rolls and wilty lettuce)

Barlotta Catering

PLATED: Cons 
- potentially long wait times despite the lack of lines if staff is short (budget for one server for every two tables to avoid this problem!)
- picky eaters can't be as picky (but really, when you're a grown up you should get over being a picky eater already, so too bad for you Chum.)
- collecting meal choices on RSVPs can be a pain!

You may have noticed that I made no comment on cost. This is my reasoning - while buffets may seem like the cheaper option, often they work out to be about the same (or more) as seated dinners because you end up providing more food (God forbid if Auntie Marg didn't get any of the green bean salad!). When people are seated, you require more wait staff. Price variations really just depend on your vendors - it's worth having a chat with them and working it all out before you commit.

Still can't decide? There are more options, folks - you can have your cake and eat it too!

- do a buffet but have someone serve the wedding party and parents - otherwise they'll be too busy socializing to grab food!
- mix it up by starting out with guests seated to a salad, and then provide a small buffet for the main
- seated dinner, dessert buffet. Heaven...
- family style dinner - no one waits, everyone choose what and how much they have
- avoid the issue altogether and do a cocktail and dessert reception!

So, after all that, who wins the debate? Team Buffet Bounty, or Team Plated Pretty?

Dessert Buffet HEAVEN - by who else but Amy Atlas?

Wrap-Up

From Claire Pettibone

I realized a few things this morning. One, that it's Friday already, and two, that I haven't done a wrap-up in quite some time!

We've had a busy week on the runway as we went over the steps in choosing your dress. Be sure to check out these posts for must-know info before you shop!

{Monday} Happy Thanksgiving!
{Tuesday} Timeline of The Dress
{Wednesday} Preparing For Fittings
{Thursday} Saving Moolas on your dress. Because we all like to save moolas!

Well my dears, have a fabulous weekend. Can't wait to see you back next week!

Bisous bisous.

Save On Your Wedding Dress

I’ll be the first to admit that I am obsessed with clothing. Fashion is my passion – I really think of it as an art form. I ogle Oscar, I am mesmerized by Monique, I love Lhuillier. I honestly can’t get enough, and if I were working on a Kardashian sized budget, I’d be all over the designers I covet for my big day (honestly, Amsale is my ultimate dream).  Here’s the deal. I’m no Hilton, and there is no way I can remotely justify spending tens of thousands (or even under 10 multiples of a thousand) on something I will wear for one day. I know that your wedding is only one day, but it's only one day! Catch my drift?

Buy Used

There’s a fabulous site where you can find the dress of your dreams for a fraction of the price if you’re willing to share a bit – at preownedweddingdresses.com you can invest in a pre-loved gown. Here’s the deal – they are beyond rigorous at protecting buyers and sellers alike so you can be sure to get what is in the description. As a bonus, they've got a thorough section on style inspiration, cleaning and more. You can even sell it again once you’re done with it and make some of the moolas back. Just get that trash the dress photo session clear out of your mind (they’re a bit tacky anyway).

My tip for buying online would be to still hit the salons and find something you love. Get an idea of what size is closest to yours (but slightly bigger to leave room for alterations, as we discussed on Monday) and then look online. New listings are posted every day, so with a bit of patience and extra time yours may crop up. Though a picture is worth a thousand words, even the lengthiest description won't be the same as trying it on your shape and feeling the fabric in your hand. Think of it this way - you'll still get to have the salon experience that you will always remember. Just don't tell them what you're up to... 

Shop Smart

If you've always envisioned a Vera but can't afford couture, you're in luck. The talented designer has come out with a beautiful line for David's Bridal (in the USA only, I'm afraid, but may be worth the trip). The dresses start at $600 and don't go above $1500 - a fraction of the cost of the runway lines. It's definitely worth a look, because she has not sacrificed any part of her airy, feminine signature look except for the cost.  

White by Vera Wang - exclusive to David's Bridal

While you're on the website, check out the other designs available at David's Bridal - there are some beautiful ones. If you go to visit in person, don't expect a lot of frills on anything other than the fashion - but what is skimped in shi-shi setting goes directly into your back pocket, because you won't be paying an arm and a leg. 

No one will believe that this gorgeous Oleg Cassini
 is only $850... it'll be our little secret!
At David's Bridal

Rent

Okay, okay. I know this sounds weird - it does not have to be. If you're not set on having the dress after the party to store in your attic for your future potential daughter to inspect for her wedding day, rental might be a viable option for you. I have a friend who did this - for under $400 she got a gorgeous brand new dress tailored to her - the only caveat was that she had to give it back the day after. Renting doesn't even mean that you have to parade around in a dress that someone has worn before you - though if you snag one that's been pre-worn you'll save even more (and often have the option to buy if you can't part with it, too). An example of a site that does this is the aptly named http://rentaweddingdress.com. There are lots of local business that do this too, so check out your directory.

Re-Use

If you're lucky enough to have a mother whose style is timeless enough that you want to wear her dress, kudos to you! If, however, the wedding was in the 80s (when even the most fashionable ladies went wayward), there is still hope. With a good seamstress and a good imagination, some fabulous alterations can be made. Remove the sleeves, re-use the skirt, or even just use the fabric. 

Some things never go out of style - like Grace Kelly's
timeless lace dress that may look familiar if you've seen
another recent royal wedding!

Sample Sales

Some salons will offer sample-sales once or twice a year to clear out product and floor models. Get on shop e-mail lists to get the latest, or ask what season they tend to do this in to see if it works into your time frame. Usually these events are final sale - so be sure to check carefully for flaws or markings.

Avoid a #Wedding Dress

I'm sure that you've noticed that anything with wedding in the description tends to cost a lot more (those business folk know that you're likely to spend when it's such an emotional event). By shopping for a gorgeous white dress that isn't necessarily labelled with the big expensive W, you'll save bucket loads. BCBG has a killer selection, as does Nordstroms.

"Matilde" BCBG. $328.00 ladies. Can't be beat! 

Ahh, the dress. Hunting for what to wear on the day of your life when you will feel at your most radiant is hard to do, there's no doubt about that. Easing on the cost will take some of the pressure off and make the whole process a lot more fun!

What are your tips for saving on your dress?