FOUR THINGS RIGHT NOW

(Or, to be precise, four things earlier today. I'm in the harbour right now.)

I like to give myself a little extra bit of weekend; take another Sunday morning those Mondays that I'm going to the evening shift. And so I did today - made a grat breakfast (soured whole milk (viili) and blue berries are such a good combination that right now I can't think of anything better!), took it easy, resulting in having to rush and stress like crazy later on in order to get done what needed to be done before work. Sigh.


The more the better - I burlesqified these heels for our new routine. And four more pairs. (It was fun the first two-and-a-half-pairs, the rest more painful. But, still more to come; more to be done!)


One of Kerttu's photos, with us Itty-Bitties swimming, is on the cover of 6degress. The article is about burlesque and the upcoming festival.


Meanwhile, the dog is smoking in the blue room.

Beautiful Strapless Wedding Dress from Chiffon

Beautiful Strapless Wedding Dress from Chiffon

The Column Wedding Dress for 2011 Trend

The Column Wedding Dress for 2011 Trend

Royal Wedding , The Movie

You read that right: even before the wedding has happened, a plan for the royal wedding movie is already in the works, reports People.com.

The Lifetime Network has announced that a made-for-TV movie called "Will & Kate" is currently int he works and will likely air the week before the actual wedding on April 29. The lead role of Prince William goes to newcomer Nico Evers Swindell, while Star Trek's Ben Cross will play Prince Charles. But here's the catch -- the role for Kate Middleton is reportedly still up for grabs!

There are definitely some A-list choices we can think of -- Anne Hathaway, Katie Holmes, maybe even Emma Watson or Natalie Portman could pull off the role -- and her accent. (In reality, since William is a newcomer, Kate probably will be too.)

Who do you think should play the role in the Lifetime flick?

Images via Sharenator, TheHollywood Gossip, SciFiCool, NewHairstyles.tk, and DailyMail.

Direct from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, comes a real (and lavish!) wedding. Reality star Cynthia Bailey has tied the knot with her beau of 3 1/2 years, Peter Thomas, reports Extra TV.

The bride, 43, wore a custom silver gown created by Rubin Singer and carrying a cascading bouquet of white orchids. The two were married in front of 200 of their friends and family at the Fernback Museum of Natural History. Fellow housewives NeNe Leakes, Kim Zolciak and Sheree Whitfield were all in attendance, but it doesn't look like there was much drama to be had. "It was an incredibly emotional day," Cynthia says. "It was exactly the day I wanted, and we couldn't be happier!" The wedding will air as part of the season finale on Bravo on Jan. 30.

Images via Life & Style.

Kate Hudson, Lady Gaga Engaged?

That's what the rumors are: Kate Hudson is engaged (and pregnant) by her boyfriend, rock star Matt Bellamy, according to the U.K.'s Sun, and Lady Gaga may be engaged to her off-again-on-again boyfriend, bartender Luc Carl, according to the U.K.'s Daily Star.

Kate Hudson reportedly hosted a family party in a London hotel on Monday after the two had celebrated in Los Angeles. Matt Bellamy, 32, who is the frontman for the rock group Muse, is also reportedly expecting a child with Kate, 31. Kate and Matt started dating shortly after Matt split from Italian psychologist, Gaia Polloni, in December 2009. The soon-to-be-in-laws reportedly met over Christmas and Matt's parents even stayed with Kate's family, including her stepdad Kurt Russell, in Santa Monica, CA. No word yet on when the wedding will be.

And Lady Gaga is reportedly engaged to 29-year-old NYC bartender Luc Carl. She began dating Luc after meeting him at St. Jerome's, a bar where he was pouring drinks after he failed to make it in a heavy metal band, Omaha. That was before Gaga made it big. Since then, the two have been hot and cold, but over Christmas, apparently, things became more serious. Says one insider, "[Lady Gaga] could have paid for Luc and his family to stay in a five-star hotel at Christmas but thought it was way more romantic to stay with him in the bedroom he had as a little boy. He's the only man she’s truly loved."

Be that as it may, not everyone seems to be excited about their engagement. One inside friend said that while Luc may have been the "only one who has ever stood up to her," he also "didn't respect a single thing she was trying to do musically." The insider went on, "More than that, he would publicly put ehr down and even cheated on her at least once with a girl who was a regular at St Jerome's."

Friends believe they could wait to announce their engagement until right before the release of her new album, "Born This Way," on Feb. 13. Another source also said that the two are in no rush to set a wedding date. And added that Gaga doesn't "even have a proper ring because he couldn't afford one."

Images via PopOnThePop.com and Hello Magazine.

Royals Receive Faxed Save-the-Dates, Plus Kate's Dress for Sale

In case you weren't aware, there's a royal wedding happening on April 29. And now there are save-the-dates to prove it. Senior royals and officials from around the world who are invited to Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials have received save-the-dates from Buckingham Palace via fax, reports People.com.

While most couples send their save-the-dates either in the mail, or even via email, I suppose when there's already been an international press conference to announce your wedding date, that a fax will probably suffice.

A spokesperson for King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece confirmed, "I cannot give you any further details other than that but they have received a sort of save the date fax." Their son, Prince Pavlos and his wife, Princess Marie-Chantal, will likely be attendance, along with their son, Konstantinos-Alexios, who is a god-child to William.

Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine of Serbia will also likely be in attendance, since they're already announced via their website that they are "delighted to attend."

And in other news, fashionistas hoping to steal a bit of Kate Middleton's wardrobe will soon have the chance. The gorgeous cream Reiss dress that Kate wore for her engagement portrait (above) is being re-issued by the company and will go on sale in the U.S. and online on Feb. 7, reports Stylelist.com. The dress will be the same style as Kate's, but will be made of silk crepe, a lighter material, to be part of their Spring-Summer collection. The dress will retail for $310 (which is actually a little less than the approx. $329 Kate paid for her version).

Similarly, the sold-out black velvet coat that Kate wore to a wedding recently is also going to be reissued. The high street label, Libelula, who makes the velvet-silk coat, reports that they have been inundated with requests and have seen their website traffic skyrocket "1000 percent," reports Vanity Fair. There's already a wait-list for the £310 coat, but they expect to have it back in stores in March.

Image via Look.co.uk and by Mario Testino.

Princess Diana's Chef Predicts Wedding Menu

Former royal chef, Darren McGrady, has prepared strawberries and cream for Fergie on her wedding day and Prince William's favorite meals for years, so he's got a pretty good idea of what might be on the royal wedding menu, reports People.com.

So what's his prediction? Similar to what experts have said about other parts of the wedding, Darren expects the menu will be a mix of old an new, tradition with a twist. Immediately following the 11 a.m. ceremony the newlyweds will join the Queen for a celebratory breakfast at Buckingham Palace. During this time, Darren says, they'll have champagne, canapes and heavy h'ors d'oeuvres, like smoked salmon and pate. Darren said he expected the menu would be somewhat simpler than Charles and Diana's wedding meal, "They will want to make it more modern," he tells People.com.

Later on in the evening, Prince Charles is scheduled to host a reception with dining and dancing for the couple. This is when the more substantial meal will take place, says Darren. "They like to showcase British food, so there might be Gaelic steaks with braised rice. But I wouldn't be surprised if cottage pie is somewhere on the menu," says Darren. Cottage pie, Darren notes, which is made with ground beef and topped with mashed potatoes and melted cheese, was "William's all-time favorite."

Image via People.com.

Jennifer Love Hewitt Has 3 Engagement Rings on Hold at Tiffany's

She may not be engaged just yet, but Jennifer Love Hewitt has already given plenty of thought to her engagement ring.

The star, who has never been married bu broke off her engagement to Ross McCall in early 2008, says she has 3 engagement rings already picked out at Tiffany's, just in case the moment comes up, reports Us magazine. Jennifer explained it all to Ellen DeGeneres on her daytime talk show on Tuesday. "Women are very confusing. We never know what we want and we're not very good at nailing that down for them. I feel like I don't want to be upset if he picks a bad ring," Jennifer said. (Side note: We're gonna go out on a limb here and say it's a little odd to have three engagement rings on hold before you've even had the marriage talk with your beau -- but what's even more upsetting is Jennifer's generalization that women "never know what [they] want.")

Anyway -- Jennifer explains it matter-of-factly, "If marriage comes up, I'm like, 'You know what's so weird. There is this store [Tiffany's] and there are three rings in it... And if you chose one of these three, I'm going to be really excited. And if you go off on your own, we can have an awful, awkward moment. So why would you want to do that?'" Why indeed.

Ellen suggested that it perhaps, could be a nice surprise if her boyfriend came up with a special design and surprised her with a ring, reports USA Today, to which Jennifer quipped, "Yeah, I never thought of it that way. Maybe that should be my growth for the New Year. To let the rings go."

What do you think? Would you put 3 rings on hold just in case?

Image via Us magazine.

Spice Girl Emma Bunton Engaged

For years Spice Girl Emma Bunton, has been singing about finding the perfect man, and it looks like Baby Spice has finally got her wish. The singer and TV/radio star announced her engagement to Jade Jones Friday via Twitter, reports the UK's Daily Mail. Jade, 31, who was once a member of the boyband Damage and now works as a chef, proposed on the pop star's 35th birthday.

The couple has been together for over a decade and have a three-year-old son together, Beau. Emma also announced in November that she was expecting their second child.

Not one to be shy, the Spice Girl spread the word on the U.K. version of "Dancing on Ice," where Emma serves as a judge. Host Phillip Schofield announced live on TV, "Breaking news! Emma has just announced her engagement!"

Bunton responded, showing off a large diamond ring, "I know! I'm a very very happy lady. It's amazing! Thank you so much."

by Ashley DeSimone

Images via Daily Mail and Twitter.

Kat Von D's Engagement Ring Details

They may not be saying much about their engagement, but Kat Von D isn't afraid to flash her new diamond engagement ring. And what a ring it is!

That tattoo artist, who announced her engagement to Jesse James on Thursday, is reportedly wearing a 4-carat sparkler designer by Neil Lane, reports Us magazine. The ring includes a four-carat center stone, plus other smaller stones around the edge in a delicate filigree pattern with scroll work. The ring is from Neil Lane's archival collection. Other sources are speculating that it's the same ring that Kat has been wearing on her ring finger for about the past four months, even though they only recently announced their engagement.

At the 16th Annual Los Angeles Art Show Opening Night Premiere Thursday night, Kat stayed tight-lipped about the engagement, but was willing to gush about her Jesse. "I feel really lucky," she told Us magazine. "I think in the past I thought I knew what love was. I think I am growing up a lot too and realizing the truth in a lot of things and feel really blessed now."

Image via Us magazine.

Jesse James and Kat Von D Engaged

It's a tattoo match made in heaven! Motorcycle king, Jesse James, has announced his engagement to tattoo guru Kat Von D, reports People.com.

Says Jesse, "You know sometimes the public and press gets it wrong. This is one of those times. 2010 was actually the best year of my life because I fell in love with my best friend. An amazing woman who stood behind me when the world turned their backs." Jesse James got divorced from actress Sandra Bullock last year after he was caught having an affair with another tattooed mistress. His divorce from Sandra was finalized last June, and Jesse and Kat Von D apparently have been dating since the summer.

"I have never met anyone so kind and loving and committed to making the world a better place every day. My love for her is beyond description... Growing old with her is going to be a f****n' blast!" Jesse, 41, tells People. Likewise, Kat, 28, seems to be totally smitten with her new fiance. "There is no one else for me. He's the one," the LA Ink star says to People.

No word yet on when the wedding will be (but we're no-so-secretly hoping matching tattoos and motorcycles are somehow involved).

THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL

The Helsinki Burlesque Festival 2011 started today with the opening of Kerttu Malinens burlesque themed photo exhibition. She has been taking pictures on and off stage, backstage and on various locations for a couple of years.


The exhibition is at Jukka Male museo in Kaapeli.


Lola Vanilla and Lola Vanilla.

Tinkerbell and Tinkerbell.

Fiona and Fiona.

Me and me! From this shoot.

Fiona and I were both wearing lots of glitter and sparkle.
And she was also wearing a hat of her own design, of course. I wore a vintage gold lamé dress that I got form my grandmother. And my sparkling shoes too, may I add. Like I said, lots of sparkle.

There are so many amazing photos, so I really recommend stopping by!
The exhibition is open from 30.1 to 27.2, nine to nine daily.

The master herself.

Romantic Wedding with White Lace Wedding Dress

Romantic Wedding with White Lace Wedding Dress

FOR THE BRIDE: Pearls With A Starfish Twist

This is so beautiful. Available at Kirakira Jewelry.

Help Us Help Dress for Success! You Could Win $500

Come on & Help The Bridal Wishlist win the Best Wedding Blog Award and DC Dress for Success! You could win $500!

We really need your support to help us win $500 for our favorite charity. Our favorite charity here in DC is Dress for Success. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

So vote for us at Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses and help us give Dress for Success a much needed $500! When you vote you will also be entered to win $500! One person will be selected at random to win! So we all win! We thank you in advance.

Lace Wedding Dress with A - line and Cathedral Train

Lace Wedding Dress with A - line and Cathedral Train

DRESS-DREAMING

Lately 've had a huge need to browse dresses online and a craving to buy everything I see, mostly those with big skirts, in patterns or floral prints. Blame it on the spring to be. Or just on my vanity.

There is but only one reason I don't buy all of the above for example, and it's the one that I still seem to have some sense of reality when it comes to dress shopping - I am very well aware of the fact that I can't fit all dresses I already have in my wardrobe. Sigh. (Wellfare country problem)

HOwever, I have been adding some items to my other blog, clothing you've seen here before. Not always easy, but that's the way it has to go. Most of yesterday's additions are sold by now, but there is more to come so check it out!

And, therefore I feel entitled to get something new now doesn't it?

I had a vintage dress orgie over at Hoochie Mama Jane some days ago, damn, why did all those dresses have to fit so well! They were fancy frocks in silk and sateen though, I was more thinking of getting myself something for everyday wear. Sigh, again, or then I guess I should just go to more parties...

Dresses above, in consideration, from the left to the right: Pinup Couture, Big Beautiful Barbara Brown, Tara Starlet, Bernie Dexter / ModCloth, Pinup Couture.

wedding cake

I'VE GOT STRIPES, STRIPES AROUND MY SHOULDERS. AGAIN.

I'm having a stripe-thing going on! I just can't get enough of stripes and I'm waiting to be able to wear striped tops with shorts, wicker bags and cropped jackets and bike around in the sunshine. Oh yes.

And, about the stuff; the following things in the picture are vintage: bag, chairs, table, lamp, beret

...and the following are not: top & cardigan (H&M), fridge (Smeg), shoes (last year's DinSko), skirt (Vivien of Holloway).

FOR THE BRIDE: Erin Gallagher's Deal of the Week

Okay. Erin Gallagher has lost her mind! This gorgeous necklace is $15.00. Get her special weekly deal on her web site.

FOR YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION: Je t'aime - Spreading the Love

I love the idea of leaving one of these notebooks on each of your reception tables so that your guests can write you congratulatory notes. It would be great to go back and read all of the well wishes. This adorable small notepad is available from Quotes and Notes.

Traditional Big Fat Gypsy Wedding Dress

Traditional Big Fat Gypsy Wedding Dress

We Need Your Support! Vote For Us In The Best Wedding Blog Contest!!!!

Come on & Help The Bridal Wishlist win the Best Wedding Blog Award and DC Dress for Success! You could win $500!

We really need your support to help us win $500 for their favorite charity. Our favorite charity here in DC is Dress for Success. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

So vote for us at Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses and help us give Dress for Success a much needed $500! When you vote you will also be entered to win $500! One person will be selected at random to win! So we all win! We thank you in advance.

FOR YOUR FLOWER GIRL: Cutesy Cutesy Flowery Headbands

This is beyond adorable. Isn't this the sweetest thing that you have ever seen. So just imagine how cute your flower girl would look in one of these fab headbands. Love it. Available at Something Sweet Bowtiq.

Big Gypsy Wedding Dress

Big Gypsy Wedding Dress

wedding cake

Latest Wedding Gown 2011

Latest Wedding Gown 2011. Wedding dress add to the beauty moment of marriage. No wonder the bridal gown has developed the idea of each year.

Wedding moments will always be remembered for two lovebirds who tie the sacred promise. Dress one of the beautifully stunning wedding elements which not only displays the beauty, but also the prestige of the bride.

Fashion trends wedding dresses or clothes more attractive and awaited. Now, design a wedding dress is so rich. A variety of design ideas, from traditional, modern, up to blend the two appear to beautify the happy moments. Proof of this, always enriching repertory wedding dress creations every year through bridal trends.

THE BEGINNING, THE END, AND EVERYTHING THERE IN BETWEEN

You know I'm a big fan of animations of different kind, especially stop motion.
I'm also intrigued by so called street art; big fan of Banksy.

This is by Blu, and it's amazing:


It's a little long, I know, but worth watching!
(And as usual thinking about the making of gives me a headache...)

Vintage Gypsy Wedding Dress

Vintage Gypsy Wedding Dress

SPARKLING LEGS

The shimmering fishnets in my previous post were give to The Itty-Bitty Tease Cabaret to try out and review by We Love Colours, you remember, where also the colourful socks Eddi got to try came from?

The lurex glitter fishnets are soft, stretchy but still durable so they work well for dancing. They sparkle in strong light which will be great for stage (and for one of our new numbers, soon!), but in other conditions the shimmer is more soft and all-over; you don't have to be a show girl to use them :)