The Seductive Appeal of Agent Provocateur

We all know the intense draw we women feel towards exceptionally beautiful and fragile things... something about the french lace, the blindfolds, the naughty but delicate fluidity that we ourselves possess as well... and something about companies that are equally able to capture that essence and continuously deliver a product that we cannot imagine ourselves living without!

Welcome my darlings to the magical world of Agent Provocateur! A land of pin-ups, dominatrix vixens and flirtatious nymphs are all waiting to be discovered... a brand sugarcoated in to-die-for sex.

Not only are their styles and cuts impeccable, but the quality is pretty hard to top (Vivienne Westwood taught her son (one of the brand's owners and creators) right)!

I am now the owner of multiple AP bras, bustiers, nipple pasties and knickers and they all most definitely top my lingerie list. They make you feel like a doll... all dressed up in her best apparel, and well, I would be lying if I said that my boyfriend doesn't appreciate it ;).

Be sure to check out their summer collection and swimsuits (and stay tuned in for their sales - mega worth it)! If you're getting married, their bridal lingerie is TO DIE FOR!

Now go - spread the word my lovelies!

xox

Fashionista 514

Your Dream Gown

I find that the reality of your dream gown and what you can afford are usually 2 different things. A friend of mine just told me that she spent $2000 on a gown, and it was definitely a steal of deal! But maybe because I'm surrounded by the industry, I think that's a great price. Most people don't see it as such.
They think, why would I spend that much on my wedding day - sure it's a valid point, but that's how much they cost.

So what's your dream gown - is there a designer you've always loved but know it's out of the price range? For me it's Pnina Tornai - exclusive designer at Kleinfeld's and just an amazing talent!
Although I don't have a dress picked out from Pnina, I always envisioned it to be something like:

Stunning, isn't it? Her dresses usually range in the $7000 + category, so really.... it's a dream dress not a "gonna pick it up" dress.

Let me know what your DREAM DRESS IS! Who's your favourite designer, what are you dreams when it comes to the perfect wedding dress?

Have a great weekend,

Valerie

How to avoid becoming a Bridezilla

Alright, now I have a bone to pick... ladies, why do some of you get SO obsessed with your weddings as to go to the point of turning into a total and utter Bridezilla?!?

Does it really matter if the the napkin shades are off a tad? Do you need to bring out the attitude just because you spotted one dirty glass? I'm not sure I will ever understand the fascination behind the obsession, but here are a few tips to avoid terrorizing everyone involved in your bridal party...

• Don't be a control freak. Yes you want to get what you pay for, but be realistic. Some things will always be out of your control and last minute - don't let these things get to you and ruin your day as well as others.
  
  

• Remember what the day is really about. It's not about the cake having the perfect amount of flowers, the dress upstaging everyone else's or any of the material things surrounding you. It is about you committing to someone else for the rest of your life and promising to always be there for them. Start being the significant other that can handle reality from day one.
  
  

• Leave your ego at the door please. Yes, this day is about you... no, you are not God. Just because you will be the center of attention does not give you the right to step on other people or belittle them. Keep your head grounded no many how many wishes, congrats and compliments you may receive. Being humble is strongly underrated.
  
  

Hope these tips and tricks help you walk down the aisle with class and grace on your big day... nobody wants to be the bride everyone remembered as



BRIDEZILLA.... (ahhhhhhhhh!)



xox



Fashionista 514

Your Summer time Fragrance, Sex and the City Inspired!

So I've been seeing this scent everywhere lately, and that's no surprise at the Sex and the City 2 is coming THIS WEEK! (Some of the amazing ladies from Maddy K are attending the preview, including myself!! Yes, I'll blog about it!!!)

Sarah Jessica Parker explains the scent here:

"A large part of the inspiration was what I now understand to be people's impressions of seeing Carrie Bradshaw walk down the street and what feelings that evokes for her and for them -- a real sense of freedom and possibilities, a love for the city around her and, of course, fashion, but the most surprising aspect [of SJP NYC] is the strawberry note that looms nicely at the top of the fragrance," Parker continued. "The reason it surprises me is because I have this idea in my head that strawberry is very youthful and juvenile, but this fragrance doesn't smell candy sweet. It amazes me that this essence of strawberry mixes so beautifully with the more sophisticated floral notes and the musks that I love and will always have as part of my fragrances. In a million years I would never think, 'Let's work around strawberry.'"

It's just fabulous as a daily scent and definitely something that's great as a little gift for one of your best girlfriends or... .bridesmaids! :)

Liv-Chic Boudoir Furniture

I recently stumbled upon liv-chic interiors and vintage inspired boudoir furniture, and I must say... all I want to do is completely redesign my place with all these goodies!!! Albeit the hefty price tags, these stunning pieces can turn a regular flat into a Queens quarter!

Their complete interior design looks like something right out of Carrie's redone place in Sex and the City... vivid and fresh colors, sexy prints and luxurious textiles all come together for a textured and refined modern look.

Want the same look for less? Invest in an interestingly shaped antique love seat or armchair, have it re-upholstered in the luxe fabric of your choice and spray paint the wooden areas something both girly and funky (think white, silver, gold or black for dramatization).

It's really amazing what a small can of spray paint can do for you... freshen up old drab dressers, lamps, bookshelves... you name it! Details and personality can be easily added with stencils and Sharpies... so really you have no excuse!

Get out there and glamorize your living space!

Every goddess needs her castle...
Live it. Love it.

xox

Fashionista 514

The 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair will be taking place at.....

This year's Bridal Boudoir Affair will be taking place at the beautiful and historic Just for Laughs Museum.

The Just for Laughs Museum, located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles on trendy St. Laurent Boulevard, is the place to go to go see anything from hilarious comedy shows, great contemporary art exhibitions to amazing musical concerts, and now the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair will take the Just for Laughs Museum by storm!

The Entire team simply can't wait to show you what we have in store... but you'll have to wait till December 5th 2010.

Something Blue

Now I was never one to dream about my wedding when I was a little girl. Never one to fantasize about the dress, plan out who I would invite or ponder bridesmaids... but there are four particular things that I am going to be very particular about when the day does come...

Wedding dresses I don't care much for. I see them mostly as an impractical splurge that could have been well spent elsewhere. I figure I would still do the wedding dress thing with something vintage or easy to wear after for a party or special event (It must shine again)! But the shoes... oh... the shoes... now they must have the blue soles and be Louboutin. This is a must, not a want... an actual wedding NEED!

Brides from all around have been shedding tears because Louboutin no longer releases the blue soled beauties it once did... but I have a little secret to tip you all off on...


If you order your shoes through their boutiques, you can put in a custom order for any shoe style you want! Yes ladies, you heard right - they will make your order specially for YOU! Now, if that is not the ultimate in indulgences... I really don't know what is! Just think of how amazingly this would add to your wardrobe (think jeans and a beautiful blouse)...

Second on my list of marriage "must haves" is the ring. Aye, for the fashionista something that is a permanent staple in her look must do her justice! My ring must be freakin' spectacular (my babe has been forewarned and knows the rules of my game) :P.

It is a reminder (when times are tough) of the love you have for each other and the sacrifice of salary he made to have you by his side for the rest of eternity (I think it's amazingly romantic).

Third and fourth on the docket for my nuptual necessities are the party itself. It must be only our closest friends and family, ridiculously small and at a glamorous, very Parisian restaurant. A very "steak frite"type of surrounding! No set menu, just lots of champagne, good food and even greater company :).

The most important to me though, above any material satisfaction is the vows. They must be from the heart and shared in private. For my actual ceremony I am a strong believer that a couple's love is nobody else's business but their own. When I confess my love to my future husband it will be in complete privacy (with the exception of whoever will actually be marrying us). A secret promise only meant for the two of us to know.

What are your marriage "must-haves"?

xox

Fashionista 514