Fashion Friday: Bridal Edition - Finding the Perfect Dress

With weddings still on the forefront of my mind I wanted to share with you my tips on finding the perfect wedding dress. When choosing your dress think about what you want before you venture out to the bridal boutiques. Before you even start looking at shops, think about your budget and the maximum amount you want to spend. Once you know what you are working with write out a list of optional stores in your area you want to check out.

Next think about your style. A full skirted ball gown might not be the choice for you if you are generally drawn to slim fitting maxi skirts. Do you like glitter/sequins, lace; how about bead work? Should the dress be shiny or matte? Do you want a train? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself.

Beadwork on my wedding gown.

Don't forget about accessories, if you are set on a floor length veil keep that in mind while looking. These are all aspects you need to consider in starting out your search for the dress.

It's easier to focus and not be overwhelmed when you know what you don't want. If you know you are against glitter and satin entirely, don't waste your time. Maybe look at one in person, then move on. Otherwise you will be in there for hours sifting through dresses.

Spinning in my gorgeous wedding dress.

To be in line with the trends just look to the styles on the street and think more over the top. My dress was like a fancy bohemian fitted maxi dress with lace. I absolutely loved my dress and wish I could have worn it for more than just a few hours.

If you've already went through the process that is wedding planning do you have any tips for other brides when picking out their perfect dress?

Self Tanning "Life Hack"

The older I get, the more cautious I try to be about the sun and its skin-damaging rays. I have skin cancer in my family, (who doesn't it seems) so I really need to be careful and there's no excuse not to wear sunscreen. However, I still want that sun-kissed look in the summer so thank goodness for self-tanner and powdered bronzer.

Last summer I bought the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse and only used it twice. It gave me great color, but it was streaky, and my hands were stained for days even if I immediately washed them after applying it. I was frustrated and disappointed and pushed it to the back of my cabinet. As we are creeping back up to sundress weather, I felt the need to try the foam again. Like I said the color was great, I've since found out I was applying it wrong.

I searched for tanning tips online and found my lifesaver. If you don't feel like spending money on a tanning mitt, place a plastic bag over your hand and then put a sock over that. It worked like gold! The result was a no streak tan with even color, and my hands were not orange at all thanks to the plastic bag.

Other Tanning Tips I've Learned:

• Exfoliate and shave before self-tanning.
• Wait for the color to fully develop (the bottle should tell you how long it takes) before adding another coat, you don't want to end up looking too dark. There is such a thing as being too dark!
  
• Apply lotion at least an hour before using self-tanner. You don't want your elbows and knees to be darker than the rest of you, but you also don't want to dilute the tanner with having lotion sitting wet on your skin.
• Start from the tops of your feet and work your way up.
• Moisturize! The next day and going forward be sure you are moisturizing to make the tan last longer, this goes for actual sun tanning too!
• If you must tan in the sun use SPF more than 15 please, 30 or more would really be better.
• Beach umbrellas are a must if you are going to be out for more than an hour. With a surfing husband, we can be at the beach for a couple hours if the waves are good.
• Reapply your sunscreen! Even if it's waterproof, I try to reapply after going in the water, or at least once an hour.
• Tanning beds, just say no!! I'm guilty of using them in the past too but let's not be ignorant of the facts and think, "oh well by the time I'm older they will have a cure for that." Just say no!

I am not a skincare professional; these are just my opinions from what I've learned through experience.

What is your favorite self-tanner? Do you have any tips for an even tan and making it last?

Refreshing your Roost

Looking for a little change in your living area but not ready for a major purchase like a new couch or a time consuming paint job? It's amazing what a new set of throw pillows will do for your space.

All pillows are from Target and under $25 each!

Once you get some new pillows, go ahead and move around some of your home's decor too. Take some pieces from your bedroom and switch them out with items in the kitchen, living room, and vice versa. It's truly a breath of fresh air to have a bit of change in your home and mix things up.

Do you have any tips to refresh your roost on a budget?