Celebrity Style: Halo Engagement
A stunning engagement ring style, the halo is a remarkable setting characterized by a center stone encircled by smaller gemstones, which enhances and extends the look of the center stone. Gemvara takes the style and maximizes its beauty by offering the ability to customize the center, halo and band accents in up to 29 gemstone selections along with your choice of precious metals. (Can someone say “dazzling”?). With some incredible new arrivals expanding our handcrafted halo engagement ring selection, we were inspired by the ultimate in celebrity engagements for this alluring style. So no matter your personality, be it subtly chic or larger than life, our halos offer an aesthetic for every type.
Photo Credits: peoplestylewatch.com, instyle.com, fashionindie.com
Demure yet Distinct – Natalie Portman
Portman’s halo engagement style reflects a romantic, “vintage” feel with a round cut stone and double halo styling. It inspired us to create the same sentiment in our new style, the Eloise Ring. Customizing with rose gold evokes a feeling of a bygone era.
Pretty in Pink – Mariah Carey
There is no way anyone could miss Carey’s 15-plus carat stunner. An emerald cut in a light shade of pink perfectly reflects the diva’s over-the-top style and we had fun creating a similar look with our Olivia Ring in pink sapphire and pink tourmaline (and think Mariah would approve).
Timeless Tradition – Kate Middleton
Royal Family heirloom? Check. A serious sapphire? Check. Timelessness and tradition at its finest? Always. Kate Middleton’s halo engagement ring could arguably be the best celebrity engagement ring ever, and our Princess Kate Ring in blue sapphire, diamond and platinum brings a sigh every time we hit the “done customizing” button.
Romantic Inspiration, Annabel Tollman’s Valentine’s Creations
Stylist Annabel Tollman has worked with celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Mariah Carey, so who better to share romantically-inspired gift ideas for Valentine’s Day? From earrings with delicate details to modern pendants that spell “LOVE”, explore Annabel’s ideas to create the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
One Piece, Three Ways: Studded Hercules Knot Ring
When looking for an investment piece of jewelry, you want to make sure that you will be able to wear it frequently and minimize the piece’s cost per wear. The Studded Hercules Knot Ring is a great piece for that because it is a mid-range price in a classic style. This ring will never go out of style, and if you customize it with gems in the colors you always wear with a metal that is complimentary to your skin tone, you are sure to wear it all the time. This particular ring is created with 14K yellow gold, and alternating tanzanite and iolite gemstones. Here, we have styled it with three outfits, a formal event, a focused day at the library, and at work. What do you think about this ring? How would you customize the ring and style it?
Top 6 Rustic Wedding Trends from MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com
Summer is upon us, as are weddings with a bit (or more) informality. While the traditional fairytale wedding will always be alive and well, today’s open-minded approach of nearly anything goes has broadened horizons to include unique venues and product choices unheard of only a few years ago. Rustic weddings–including rural venues and country style decor–are one such trend. While the overall look can vary dramatically from one event to the next, there are several themes that tend to appear over and over again in these fun weddings. Six of these are below, along with links to topical pin boards from my Pinterest account and other resources.
The Great Outdoors. Every type of large outdoor space has probably been used for a wedding. Favorites for a rustic flair are farms, ranches, wineries, open fields, and back yards overlooking the countryside. All can add a unique ambiance and incredible backdrops for photos. Get more inspiration here, from my Outdoor Wedding Ideas board on Pinterest.
Barns. If you have lived in urban areas your entire life, you probably picture a barn as messy and smelly. For the most part, this is not so. Clear it out, sweep the floor, and you have a perfect venue for a good time.
Some of the most beautiful wedding receptions are held in barns. This is because a barn’s structure naturally provides many places to hang decorations and lighting from both the rafters and walls. Take a look at the Barn Weddings pinboard and you will see what I mean.
Mason Jars. Originally created for canning foods in the mid-1800s, the mason jar is now a decorating staple in some circles. In fact, my daughter and I recently finished a new mason jar brainstorming section on MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com. There is a video plus nine different centerpiece looks to help get the “creative juices” flowing. Also, you can check out the Mason Jar Wedding pinboard here.
Chalkboards. These are no longer relegated to only the classroom. For a rustic sign, add a distressed frame and handwritten note. A modern day version–chalkboard paint –is even more popular. Spray or brush it onto anything from wine glasses to boards or plywood. After drying, you have your own custom sign surface on which to write anything you would like, such as directions, seating charts, or menus. See what others have done here.
Cowboy Boots for the Girls. Country singing star Miranda Lambert wore them in her wedding to Blake Shelton, as did her bridesmaids, but they weren’t the first. This is a trend that has been quietly building over the last couple of years and is continuing to be popular for country-rustic nuptials. Miranda chose white for herself and brown for the rest of the wedding party. Other brides have worn brown boots, with non-matching colored boots for the bridesmaids or some other variation. Take a look here for ideas.
Burlap. The first time I heard of burlap as a decorating material I was befuddled. The stuff potato sacks are made from? Yes, that stuff! It turns out the material is surprisingly versatile and attractive. You can dress it up with lace, pair it with wildflowers and twine for a “down home country” look, or anything in between. Favors, bouquets, table cloths, centerpieces, and chair covers are a few of the ways burlap is making an appearance in weddings. (Many real life ideas are here) The best way to purchase the fabric by the bolt or roll is through an online store. You can find several options–including dyed burlap–here.
I hope these suggestions have inspired several ideas for your own rustic wedding. Happy planning!
Looking for wedding bands? Customize your own on Gemvara.com
About the Author
Bobette Kyle is MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com owner and publisher. The Website helps create dream weddings on do-it-yourself budgets and includes tips, tutorials, and videos.
The site also contains products from hundreds of merchants, ranging in size from well-known department stores to niche boutiques. Shoppers on MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com can find offers and products in several ways, including current offers and deal from hundreds of merchants, here.
Dare to DIY: Jewelry Holders
Ever find yourself struggling to untangle your favorite necklace from its matching bracelet, a pair of dangly earrings or a random hair accessory? Well struggle no more! With these amazing DIY jewelry holders, your favorite baubles will be beautifully organized. Plus, they’re all so cool, you’ll love showing them off as part of your overall room decor.
The details:
1.Mr. Kate brings us this adorable framed lace jewelry display that’s perfect for the girly girl in you.
2. This bright red beauty is inspired by a piece from Pottery Barn and can be yours for around $4, according to Cat on a Limb!
3. This one comes with a great title- “Dew” It Yourself Jewelry Stand and is made out of Mountain Dew bottles. How cool is that?
4. Any wine lovers out there? If so, this Frame Wine Cork Jewelry Display, also from Mr. Kate, is the perfect excuse to open up another bottle of merlot. It’s for DIY purposes, i.e. the greater good, right?
Which DIY will you choose?
Gemerous Nails
Take your mani to the next level with these three fun and oh-so-gemerous looks!
Caviar Cravings- the caviar mani has been extremely popular and differs from the typical manicure by adding texture. Unfortunately, the popular brand ciaté is constantly sold out. I don’t recommend DIYing this trend (check out the disastrous results from She Finds), so until the caviar nail kits get restocked, you can check out this video how-to (photo source).
Dipped in Glitter- I touched on this trend in my inaugural Gemvara post (How to: Create the Perfect, Long Lasting Manicure) and feel that it’s truly gemerous. For an update on the typical french manicure, why not dip your tips in glitter? It’s like the (sparkly) icing on the cake (photo source).
Sparkle Statement- I’m all about making a statement, which is why I love this look. Keep four nails neutral (in design, not necessarily in color!) and jazz up the fifth with glitter- it’s simply gemerous (photo source)!
Which gemerous nail trend will you try?
Entertaining By Candlelight
(This is part of our guest series posts by Amy McLaughlin – celeb stylist and wedding planner)
When you think of planning an event, what comes to mind first are most often the flowers, music, food, and cocktails. Most overlooked and sorely underestimated is the lighting. Whether it is a back-yard barbeque or a lavish black-tie wedding, lighting sets the tone and creates the atmosphere. And…what most people don’t know is that the right lighting can save you bundles on your overall décor design when it’s utilized correctly.
Frist, consider the time of day that you’d like for your event to take place. Sundown (or dusk) is, by far, the best time of day for lighting. Shadows are muted, warm tomes of red, orange and yellow are more pronounced and there is an overall easiness on the eyes. Best of all, this is when candlelight can have the most dramatic impact. If you have the option of starting your event at this time, by all means do so.
Insider tip: When you choose your event date, look it up on the Farmer’s Almanac to find out what time sun-down is then plan to start your event about 30 minutes prior to this time.
Now it’s time to wow your guests is by candlelight…and lots of it! You can start at the entrance with tiki-torches, votives in paper bags, jack ‘o lanterns or pillar candles in hurricane vases lining stairs or a pathway. This will set the stage for your guests and let them know that they are in for a special evening.
Within the event space itself there are countless candlelit options…for a more elegant affair, you may opt for tall sterling candelabras on your tables to compliment elaborate centerpieces. If your party is more low-key you can stick with votives on in the center of the tables and the trick here is the more the merrier! A good rule of thumb is to put as many votives on each table as there are seats. If you have an eight-top, then use eight votives at that table. These smaller scale candles work well in conjunction with centerpieces and are often a great way to scale back on the actual size of the centerpiece. Pillar candles set in glass cylinders of varying heights also make for lovely table-scapes and can sometimes even take the place of flowers. One budget-friendly option is a scattering of rose-petals on the table flanked by three or four pillars of different heights.
When decorating with candles, always consider the lighting source of the room if your event is indoors. The worst mistake I’ve seen people make is having loads of beautiful candles to light a room yet there is overhead lighting that is much too bright to get the desired effect of the candles. Most venues will have dimmer switches for their ceiling light fixtures. Make sure they are turned down 80% of the way.
Last but not least, it’s wise to invest in a few trustworthy lighters and to keep them on hand for the duration of your event so you can quickly re-light any candles that accidentally get blown out! – Amy McLaughlin
For more help planning your next event, you may contact Amy McLaughlin Lifestyles – Unique Wedding Planning and Event Design
How to Wear it: High/Low Hems
High/low hems (sometimes called mullet hems) are a fun trend that can be worn in various ways. When executed correctly, a high/low hem can be worn at the office, on a date or in a casual setting.
At the Office: Pair a high/low top (like #4) with a high waisted pencil skirt or pants, just make sure that your midriff isn’t showing. A high/low blouse is a great way to expose fun details on the top of your pants or skirt. Some other fun options are a high/low dress (like #2) or skirt (like #5), as long as the “low” part doesn’t expose too much leg. You can figure out how much skin is too much skin based on your office’s culture, what others wear and your own comfort level. In most cases, I’d recommend keeping your hem at or below the knee.
For a Date: Opt for a fun colored dress (like #3) and pair it with some fabulous strappy sandals (for a fancy to-do) or a pair of flat, greek inspired sandals (for a more casual date). Experiment with different sized jewelry to create tons of different looks, and maybe throw on a light cardigan in case it gets cold.
For a Casual Look: Whether you’re spending the day drinking lemonade by the pool or running errands, you’ll want to be comfortable and cute. Find a lightweight high/low t-shirt (like #1) that can be paired with cropped pants or shorts. Looking for something super comfy? Pieces like #6 are the sweatpants of high/low skirts and look great with a colorful tank or t-shirt.
How will you try the high/low trend?
Dare to DIY: Fashionable Camera Accessories
Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply like taking pictures of your family and friends, there’s no reason to sacrifice fashion for function. Check out these stylish DIYs to add a little flair to your photo gear:
1. DIY Camera Purse/Bag- buying a fashionable camera bag can be tough, but this DIY turns your favorite purse into one in just a few steps!
2. Silk Scarf Strap- leave it to the amazingly creative people behind photo JoJo to come up with a tutorial for reworking a favorite accessory.
3. Ruched Camera Strap Slip Cover- because sometimes you can’t choose just one pattern, this project lets you create multiple removable covers for your camera strap.
4. Painted Camera Strap- this simple DIY is fast (45 minutes!) and requires minimal sewing-definitely a win in my book.
So go ahead, try one of these fabulous DIYs- we dare you!
The Push Present
I am four months pregnant with a baby girl and am in utter amazement of how much my pending motherhood has already changed my life. For one, I have always been on the thin side and am now settling into this new, rather voluptuous figure of mine. I am also slowly coming to the realization that all of the funds which were once allocated to Louboutins and Gucci bags are now going to be going straight towards Ralph Lauren Layette and Bugaboos. Funny how it doesn’t seem to bother me in the least because now it’s all about my daughter having nothing but the best and her Mommy is just fine with making do with what she already has. (Luckily I’ve been pretty good to myself over the years and my classic taste in clothing will pay off being that I will need to make it work until the little peanut is married off!)
In order to soften this blow, I have become rather fixated on the “Push Present”. For those of you that don’t know what this…and you need to know if you ever plan on becoming a Mommy so you won’t miss out…it’s the gift that your hubby buys you when the baby is born. Its meaning is to say “thank you” for carrying my child for nine long months, for enduring the morning sickness, sore boobs, headaches, insomnia, hemorrhoids, blow up like a balloon, THEN push something the size of a watermelon out of your hoo-ha! When you really think about it, this better be a darned good gift! Shall we say….jewelry?!
If you are somewhat of a control freak like me or you love your hubby to death but his taste is questionable, then do yourself a giant favor and pick out your own push present well before your due date. Often Moms-to-be will opt for a piece that’s engraved with their baby’s name and/or contains their little one’s birthstone.
Here’s what’s on my wish list: ( Listed clockwise)
Skylight Disc Gem Pendant – With Baby’s birthstone and engraved name!
Solo Ring - With Baby’s birthstone and engraved name!
Heartbeat Band - 14K White Gold Ring with Diamond
Margarita Earrings – Round Smoky Quartz 14K Yellow Gold Earrings with Diamond
By, Amy McLaughlin – Lifestyle Designer
www.amymclaughlin.com