The Nail File: Bridal Nail Art Designs…

With two major weddings this year to attend (my mums in just over a week and my step-daughters in mid November) its certainly been wedding fever gallore within the Rees household. Bridesmaid dresses, outfits, sparkly accessories, hotels booked etc etc It really is all go. Having worked in the bridal industry a good few years ago it takes me back to some of the fun being involved in planning weddings – of course at the time I had a bridal shop and was working closely with a number of brides from all aspects of their outfits. However now I’ve moved on it’s great once again to get the opportunity to be creative with some other aspects of bridal designs – namely nails. This week I thought I’d showcase some of the fun and simple nail art I’ve been working on over the last few days, it may even inspire any brides-to-be readers. Sitting comfy? Then let’s take a peek…

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Simple French tip with an antique gold flower design 

A slightly unique twist on a classy bridal favourite – the French tip. This would also look stunning in silver or rose gold… alternatively it could be put into the same colour as your maids dresses. What a cute way to blend in perfectly!

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Lace effect matte nail in ‘Cake Pop’ pink

I must admit I’ve never been a fan of matte but I love the lace design against the backdrop of this beautiful opaque pink. This would also be equally stunning is a huge array of other colours too… I’m tempted to try it with a black and white design!

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Gold floral lace-effect stamp on nude gel base

Although I’m usually more creative on longer nails, it gives a really good impression of just how pretty shorter nails can look too. If you’re anything like me, long nails are a certainly bit of a challenge to work with… don’t even get me started on attempting to type with them! *rolls eyes*

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Bride-To-Be pink & white nail with single crystal & mermaid effect nail powder over white

I love this cute little design I spotted recently on Facebook, unfortunately I can’t remember the artists name to credit them but it really inspired me to give it a go myself! I adore the teeny necklace which adds such a fun yet simple elegant to the design.

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The Grooms Tux black & white nail design

Bit of a unique one – but super fun for any bride who fancies something a little different that will certainly catch the eye of her guests and look really playful in photographs too!

Do you have a favourite design featured above or any fun suggestions for future nail art projects? Whatever your thought’s I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by to say a quick howdy lovelies 

Cheerio Chums…

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HUGE Birthday Beauty Haul…

Hey Beauty Buddies…

Oooh it feels so darn good to be back filming, even if it was just a teeny one week break, I hate disrupting a great routine! However as promised on Monday’s post New Hair, A Shopping Trip & My First Ever MAC, I’ve gathered together the huuuuuge stash of beauty goodies I treated myself too for my Birthday to show you guys what I’ve up topped up my cosmetic cabinet & bathroom shelves with!

Have you had treated yourself to any exciting new beauty treats lately? What’s currently top of your wish-list? Do let me know in the comments below, otherwise don’t forget to say a quick hello 😉

Hope you enjoy the video chums…

Six Month Blogiversary *woo hoo*

Today is mini celebration here at Confetti & Curve HQ ladies, champagne corks are a’poppin as today is our 6 month Blogiversary! Yes indeedly, a whole 6 months from I hit ‘publish’ on my very 1st post… which you can take a trip back down memory lane by *clicking here*

Before I started this blogging expedition I had no idea what to expect. I was digitally venturing into a whole new genre of topics & features. My biggest apprehension was that I was entering into a community full of judgemental beauty experts that would cast a perfectly raised HD brow on my meagre offerings… how wrong I was, for instead I was warmly welcomed into a thriving online neighbourhood full of like minded make-up mavens, beauty buffs & lifestyle lovers. I had found my blogging niche & was having more fun than I could’ve imagined. So what’s been my highlights over the past six months?

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Becoming a blog mama

Creating my own little online haven and watching it grow has been one of the most exciting projects I could’ve imagined. Having a vision of how I wanted my little corner of the interweb to look and seeing it flourish into life has been such a great experience & something I’m incredibly proud off.

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Blog buddies

Networking with other bloggers regarding of how experienced (or inexperienced) they are has always been an integral part of blogging for me. From starting Confetti & Curves I made it my mission to interact with other like minded people as positively as I could. Through that I’ve met some of the nicest people from all over the globe, getting a peek into new cultures & creating great friendships with people I’ve never met but feel like I’ve known almost all of my life. Some of my most toughest days has been made a whole lot better by the encouraging & supportive words from you guys, and for that I’m super grateful.

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 Awards Gallore

(Almost) every week I get a little notification pop up that I’ve been nominated for yet another blogging award and I can’t tell you how happy these make me, whether or not I’ve been nominated before! Not only are they often a fun and light hearted way of getting to know each other, they’re a great way to meet new bloggers I’ve not yet stumbled across before.

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Behind The Blog

Back in November I launched (what was initially) a mini blog series called Behind The Blog. I was pretty convinced it would last a few weeks before fizzling into oblivion… five months later it’s going stronger than ever thanks to you guys. Most importantly it’s achieved it’s ultimate goal many times over – connecting new blog buddies. Yet none of it would be the success it is without the amazing bloggers who take the time to get involved. Getting to know you guys that little bit better has been bags of indescribable fun! We’re currently booked into June featuring two bloggers a week so if you want to get involved *click here* to find out more details, we’d love to have you feature!

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New Finds

Urban Decay Naked Palettes, Real Techniques brush sets, Garnier Micellar Water, Miss Dior, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, Clinique Chubby Sticks… these are just a few of my favourite products I’ve uncovered from reading a virtual mountain of your awesome reviews, monthly favourites & empties posts. You guys may have emptied my bank account but you’ve filled my vanity table with some of the best lotions and potions I’ve had the pleasure of revelling in!

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Great Opportunities

I’m not gonna lie ladies… every time an opportunity to collaborate with new & existing companies arise I get super excited at how flattered I am to have been approached but also getting the experience of working alongside some fantastic brands! Unfortunately though not all opportunities have been suitable or fitted the content of my blog,  however just being offered the chance to get involved is a huge compliment. Don’t forget if you want to add your name to my list of Sponsored Bloggers by potentially getting involved in upcoming opportunities *click here* to find out more info!

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 Featuring in Wedding Ideas

Confetti & Curves started 2015 with an exciting bang… having an article feature in one of my fav wedding magazines was a huge achievement for me. If you wanna check it out for yourselves ladies *click here* to be digitally whisked off to the Wedding Ideas website. Be prepared though, if you’re as obsessed with wedding gossip as what I am you could be on there quite some time! Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya 😉

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Giveaways Gallore

Not only did I win a gorgeous little box full of Benefit goodies from the lovely Melissa Claire Leslie but yesterday I was bestowed with the slightly sensational news  that I’d won a gorgeous Chanel lippy from Anne’s awesome blogiversary giveaway over at Doves & Roses!! I shall leave my squeals of excitement & frantic arm flailing vision to your imagination… what must the neighbours be thinking?!

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Building Confidence

As many of you know I consider myself to be a gal with all the wrong curves in all the wrong places… so not being a fan of having my picture taken at the best of times, blogging and reviewing products has really nudged me out of my comfort zone. However the ongoing support and encouragement from my little army of blog buddies has done me wonders. You guys have really been a pivotal part of helping me overcome some of my own personal anxieties & self-confidence fears!

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You Tube

This year I made a vow to take a (not just a step) but a huge leap out of my comfort zone by setting myself a challenge. As my blog continues to grow I think it’s important for my goals and aspirations to grow with it. Doing something new is always nerve wrecking but (for me) I don’t think there’s anything more terrifying than stepping out from behind a computer screen and putting myself on camera. However after I uploaded my 1st video the response was more than I could’ve ever wished for. So many of you left such kind messages of support & revelations that many of you also wanted to create a YouTube channel… a dream that is being suppressed by fear and lack of confidence. Without sounding like a walking cliche but I promise you, if I can do it – you can do it too! Life is way to short to sit on the bench and watch everyone else get involved in the games. Often our greatest critics is ourselves.

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So there you have it, my blogging highlights. Thank you so much to each and every one of you who continue to support Confetti & Curves each & every day. For those of you who hit the follow button, take the time to comment, like or even just drop by. You’ve made it one of my most gratifying projects ever, not to mention the amazing friendships that continue to flourish & grow as each week passes.

Here to another six months of fun filled blogging adventures *clink*

Cheerio chums…

Shopping For The Perfect Dress…

Shopping for any dress can be quite the task but when it comes to shopping for the most memorable dress you’ll probably ever wear it’s a whole new ball game girls! Having worked with hundreds of brides over the years and booked many (many) appointments, it’s safe to say I’m well aware of how exciting it can be for any blushing bride out browsing for her gorgeous gown. Yet in the midst of all the eager emotions it’s deceptively easy for things to get a little overwhelming. To keep things cool, calm and collected here’s a few of my tips when preparing to shop for that show stopping frock…

Okay ladies, it’s not all fun and games so let’s get the boring bit out of the way first – budget! It’s absolutely ESSENTIAL you do the maths before running riot in your local boutique. Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred pounds right up to thousands, and falling in love with a fancy frock before you’ve ascertained what your purse strings can stretch to is undoubtedly playing with fire. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than nursing a broken hearted bride on a budget! If your funds are limited let the consultant know in advance so she’s not under the assumption you have an open cheque book, otherwise it wastes both your time & hers… especially if you’re playing dress up in gowns you can’t afford to commit to rather than trying on the ones you can!

 
Believe it or not but here in the UK January-March is one of the busiest times for bridal boutiques so it’s only natural that diaries fill up fast. If you’re eager to secure a Saturday or late night appointment it’s vital you get in touch ASAP to avoid disappointment. However before you make plans on where to book always do your research by contacting the shop first to ask if they carry your size, confirm if they have any specific dress styles you’re on the hunt for and also what their price range is… there’s no point in making the effort to visit somewhere that doesn’t cater for your shopping needs!
Don’t solely rely on what their website states either as it may not have been updated in quite a while. I know a few retailers who aren’t sensational at keeping their websites or on-line presence updated, which only leads to disappointed and agitated customers.
When I was shopping for my dress (quite a few years ago *gasp*) I found a good way to test the customer service of a shop was by emailing a query. If they got back to me pronto and professionally I felt pretty confident the customer care was going to be positive, however if I received a late response without justification, or worse still none at all, it made me think long and hard about whether I wanted to spend a significant amount of money with a store that doesn’t seem to be making much effort with me.

If you’re quivering at the mere idea of trying on all those gorgeous gowns in front of a shop full of strangers, it’s probably best you opt for some of the smaller boutiques and/or those that offer one-on-one appointments instead of multiple bookings. That way you can bring along your nearest and dearest without the worry of having to feel too uncomfortable in a shop full of unfamiliar faces and other browsing brides. I’ve found many of the girls I’ve worked with in the past actually much prefer solitary appointments so they have time to look & try in complete privacy before choosing ‘the one’.
Quite a common yet personal issue that many brides face is often feeling conscious about stepping in and out of the gowns in front of the consultants. Just keep in mind they’re professionals that have worked with a small army of women who own an eclectic range of boobs, bums and tums! However, if you’d still prefer to step in and out of the dresses without assistance don’t be afraid to say so. Some brides are terrified at touching the gowns let alone putting them on single-handedly, whereas others are much more confident when left to their own devices and simply only want help to zip or lace them up.

A good way to help boost body confidence is by donning support wear that offers more coverage than just your undies… even something simple as a pair of tights can make you feel less exposed during those quick gown change overs!

Even if you’ve spent hours flicking through your favourite glossy magazines and top wedding websites it’s safe to say that many girls who fall in love with a dress on paper may find it surprisingly disappointing when they eventually try the shop sample on. However those gorgeous images you’re swooning over are indeed air-brushed, digitally perfected and the models chosen because of their seemingly appealing height & body shape – yes even the curvy girls!
However in the real world we come in a wonderful range of shapes and sizes. As beautiful as your favourite dress may look in the advertisement you need to be realistic that the sample may not look quite as amazing on you… a harsh pill to swallow but unfortunately it happens to us all *sigh*
Instead lean on the experience of your consultant – with any luck she will have worked with enough brides to advise on what materials, tones, shapes and silhouettes are going to compliment you best. Remember it’s her job to make you feel and look amazing!

 
This is your day, and like every other bride out there you’ll want it to be uniquely perfect. Never conform or agree to buying a gown you’re not 100% sure about, regardless of how much others try to convince you otherwise. A good bridal consultant will never make you feel cornered, pressured or uncomfortable – instead they’ll give you time to mull your decision over and respect that you may want to explore other options elsewhere.
The same applies when it comes to choosing who accompanies you on your dress shopping trip. Whatever you do don’t bring a whole bus load of onlookers as it will only add mass confusion to your shopping experience, particularly if you’re easily dented by others opinions!

I’ve witnessed quite a few brides fall in love with a gown only to be shattered when one of their many on-lookers blurts out ‘yeah, it’s amazing – but just not what I would personally pick.’ Arrrrghh! This often made my blood boil… it’s such a rude and pointless remark that unnecessarily scars judgement and could be very hurtful for a bride in love with the dress she’s standing in.
Those few simple words can break hearts and cause mass confusion, so if you’re bringing along additional friends or family for support keep it to a maximum of 2 people who have similar tastes, are open minded and fully understand what you want… not a self obsessed bridesmaid that only has eyes for herself or half a dozen huffy aunts that have very distinct tastes and no room for yours! Having positive leading ladies around you will make for a much more relaxed & productive experience for everyone involved.

Have you made your trip down the aisle yet? If so how was your shopping experience… did you love or loathe it? Have you any tips of your own to share? Or, if you’re yet to make the trip down the aisle are you looking forward to shopping for your perfect gown?

As always I’d love to read your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, whatever your relationship status!

Cheerio Chums…

Passionate for Purple?

Purple is by far one of my favourite wedding colour themes. It’s sassy, classy and full of visual flavour so it’s no surprise that in recent years it’s became one of the top requested colours by brides all over the world. From soft lilac hues to rich Cadbury tones – purple is an instant hit that can exquisitely compliment all four glorious seasons.

However as we’re all feeling a little festive now that December has arrived, I thought I’d put together a post of inspiration for all you lovely ladies out there who are either planning a trip down the aisle, dreaming of it, or just like me – done it but still swooning over the finer details!

So without further ado, I bring a purple coloured sprinkle of inspiration for all you like minded ladies who relish in the thought of combining this beautiful tone with such a cheery time of year…

The Dress

Firstly, if you’re planning a purple winter wonderland themed affair you’ll probably want a dress that suits the occasion. I found this amazing a-line gown by the award winning Sonsie range from Veromia. It boasts the most beautifully detailed bateau neckline that gives an elegant visual with the sweetheart effect, but as a curvy girl I like a little bit of coverage without being too smothered in fabric and this is the perfect compromise… how pretty is the bodice detailing? *sigh*

The one thing I love about Sonsie is the quality behind every gown – it’s exquisite. And as a responsible ex-retailer & supporter of local businesses make sure you visit their website to get a list of authorised stockists, rather than opting for an inferior internet copy that could potentially cost you heartache and money!

The Jewellery

If you’re opting for purple, why not incorporate hints of colours into your wedding accessories? This delicate lilac charm bracelet, necklace and earring range by Julieanne is the perfect way to playfully add your favourite shade into your ensemble. I love the range of purple tones and with prices starting from £19.50 for such beautifully crafted handmade items, they’re a must-have! Of course items like this can be worn time and time again after the big day so you’re able to always make use of your stunning accessories; rather than hiding them away in a jewellery cabinet for years to come.

The Shoes

Of course no outfit would be completely without a dazzling pair of party feet – and this isn’t the time to get all tootsie shy girls! A statement pair of coloured stilettos has been fast becoming the rage amongst brides for quite some time now, and with high street stores awash with so many lavish designs it’s not hard to find yourself feeling just as excited as the iconic Carrie Bradshaw would be. I’m personally in love with this designer pair from Alexander McQueen. I know, I know – you’re lost for words right?! *deep breaths*

The Maids

One of the things I love most about this sassy shade is the fact that’s is so darn versatile. Literally any shape, size, skin or hair tone can pull off purple with ease – unlike many of the other shades on a colour chart. Purple is incredibly flattering and with a multitude of seriously beautiful hues you’re never stuck for choice. It can look amazing teamed up with other vibrant shades such as fuscia, merged with dazzling metallics, or kept classy with mono-tones such as black or ivory. Take a peek at this gorgeous trio of purple clad lovelies also available from D’Zage by Veromia… the striking colour, soft dipped neckline and flattering bodice that is gathered by a side embellishment makes for the perfect maids gown, don’t you think?

The Venue

I must say in all my experience of working with brides the venue is something that can easily overwhelm, thankfully wedding planners and venue designers are much more affordable and easy to come by these days, so if you’re stuck for inspiration the best place to start for guidance is your venue who will more than likely have their own wedding co-ordinator on site. For me this wonderful Purple Winter décor is an absolute visual stunner – just look at the detail, it’s like something from a Disney movie. Again, it shows how incredibly well purple and winter go hand-in-hand!

The Little Details

As I was wading my way through images of inspiration, I came across this beautiful little picture of a table set with some cute clear/purple baubles that can also double as place settings. Aren’t they gorgeous? I’m also rather taken by the purple wine glass too – it’s all those fun little touches that bring the whole look together.

The Cake

Gone are the days of boring cake designs as the revolution of self taught bakers and cup-cake makers take over our social media news feeds and dominate our extra special occasions. However for me I still love the classic ivory cake finished off with just a pop of colour, and what better way to do this than with gorgeous purple sugar petals? Just look at how vibrant it sits against the traditionally classic cake. I’d happily renew my vows for this alone!! *hehe*

The bouquet

Brooch bouquets are one of my all time favourite bridal accessories and this one by the talented Noaki absolutely blows me away – it’s utterly breathtaking. The wonderful thing about a brooch bouquet is not only is it something you can keep forever as a sentimental heirloom, you can also incorporate any little treasures from loved ones who aren’t able to join you on your special day.

So there you have it, my little pearls of inspiration when it comes to planning a purple themed winter wedding – I hope you like all my top picks.

Is purple one of your favourite colours? What theme would you fall in love with? Whether you’re single, engaged or already hitched I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below…

*Please note this is not a sponsored post – all product choices & opinions are my own*

Moonrise Lingerie Gets Crafted For Curves…

 

I don’t know about the rest of you ladies but I find there’s a significant lack of fuller figured lingerie available in many of the boutiques and across the high street; especially when it comes to complimenting our curves for special occasions in something that’s just as pretty as the smaller ranges.

Don’t fret! I’m not about to climb aboard my soap box and rant over how hard-done-by us plus size girls are when it comes to sassy yet classy underwear choices, but having owned and managed two separate bridal suites (one being specifically dedicated to curvy brides) it wasn’t a huge secret that larger fitting lingerie options were in short supply yet big demand…

Hopefully all that’s beginning to change, as today I bring you tidings of joy *yippee* Whilst recently browsing through my copy of Attire, I noticed that Moonrise Lingerie have launched a fabulous new bra set that gives brides with bigger busts the option to indulge in quality bridal underwear that promises both luxury and support… yes, it raised an eyebrow with me too!

 

The Harmony set from Moonrise Lingerie is available in sizes 36DD-40H and is claiming to offer fabulous support as well as an excellent fit; and if that wasn’t enough to tempt your fashion taste buds, the beautiful soft Boselli satin under-wired cups are elegantly finished with decorative floral lace and a detailed bow that perfectly compliments the matching brief and thongs. Shockingly (unlike some other lingerie options) this little beauty is made right here in good old Blighty. You like? Me too!

Luckily for us, Moonrise has already put ‘The Harmony’ through its paces, having been tried and tested by other plus size women including the beautiful Elena Raouna, Moonrises very own plus size model. What a charmingly cheeky lady, don’t you agree girls?  *ahh-hemm*

 

 

As the sumptuous materials have been hand-picked from a supplier right here in the UK, you’re assured home grown quality that’s been crafted for curves right on your British back doorstep. If you like what you see why not pop over to their website and browse the beautiful underwear sets on offer? You can also chat online if you have any questions, I happened to make a quick visit yesterday and was speaking with the lovely Tanya (Hi T *waves eagerly*)

What do you think ladies? Whatever your shape or size do say hi & let us know your shopping habits, top tips or grumbles when it comes to purchasing special occasion underwear! As always, I love reading your feedback and thoughts in the comments below…

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Please note this is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

If The Shoe Fits…

We all love a gorgeous pair of shoes right? But when it comes to finding the perfect tootsie attire for your big day there’s so much more to think about than simply picking out a pretty pair of peep-toes. Considering you’ll be on your feet a good portion of the day and night, it takes an Academy Award Winning bride to smile rather than grimace over the pain of throbbing blisters *ouch* So before you dash into the nearest shoe boutique waving your credit card with excitement, take a few moments to contemplate what you desire before splashing the cash on those hot new heels…

Home or Away?

If (for example) you’re having a good old British winter wedding, you’ll probably want to scan the shelves for something a little more practical such as a cosy closed court or cute wedding boot. If on the other hand, you’re planning on jetting off into the sunset you’ll more than likely want to opt for something lighter such as sandals or flip-flops. However before you decide, double check where you’ll be getting married and what the terrain is. Sounds odd, but I’ve witnessed countless brides who have returned home with burnt and blistered feet due to the heat of the sand from beach weddings… not exactly the souvenir you hope to bring home!

How High?

My solid advice would be to wear what you’re normally comfortable with. If you’re often found dashing about in flats then spending an entire day in six inch stilettos might just leave you crawling on your hands and knees before you’ve even had a chance to cut the cake. Alternatively go with a kitten heel, which always gives a much better posture than flats. If indeed you’re a heel enthusiast, just keep in mind these two fundamentals: The height of your groom & the length of your dress. If your gown is scalloped or ornately edged it’s probably best to discuss bespoke length measurements with your bridal retailer to avoid potentially hefty alteration bills. Just ensure you stick to the heel height you were measured in when buying your shoes.

Matching Up:

If you’re trying to match the shade of ivory/white with your dress (and believe me there is A LOT of different shades out there) then you’re going to need a little swatch of gown material to take with you. Most bridal retailers will supply this on request, so you don’t have to stress about keeping the correct tone in your mind’s eye… which is literally impossible to do anyway. This little swatch will also come in handy for matching other items such as jewellery, hair accessories, invites, flowers etc. So if you can, ask for a few samples in case the original gets lost or is needed by one of your vendors.

Style:

Some brides prefer traditional bridal shoes to something a little off the wall in terms of colour or design, which is perfectly understandable – not all of us are fashion dare devils! If this sounds like you, I would highly recommend investing in a pair of wedding shoes from Rainbow Club who have a beautiful range of dyeable styles which are ideal for brides wanting to get the wear out of their shoes after the wedding. For those tempted to opt for something a little different, Irregular Choice shoes are incredibly popular amongst brides looking for something a little quirky and wildly unforgettable. Alternatively, for something more personal why not have your shoes hand painted? Check out the jaw-dropping designs by Figgie Shoes, possibly the most beautiful creations I’ve ever seen. It’s so darn hard to pick a favourite, her talent is amazing *swoon*

How beautiful are these designs by Figgie Shoes?

Comfort:

If like me, comfort is a top priority it’s probably better choosing a closed toe style that you can line with super-comfy/extra fluffy/beautifully bouncy insoles… and other foot-friendly paraphernalia that will ward off aches and pains for as long as possible! I also find wedges are much more comfortable than a stiletto heel, and surprisingly easy to walk in compared to balancing on a thinner heel. Above all, make sure you break those little beauties in by wearing them around the house as often as you can before the big day… I promise you, your feet will thank you for it.

Also ladies, don’t forget to treat yourself to a soothing pedicure that will help breakdown hard skin and calluses. If you suffer from verrucas or other fungal infections seek treatment ASAP to ensure nothing prevents you from feeling your best on the big day… you’ve a whole night of shuffling on that dance floor to look forward too!

Do you have any top tips when it comes to wearing heels or are you more of a play-it-safe in flats kinda gal? I’d love to read your thoughts, advice or views in the comments below…

Thanks for reading 🙂

10 Top Bridesmaid Gift Ideas…

For some brides, choosing a gift for their leading ladies can be a real struggle. Most of the time it boils down to simply over-thinking the options, especially if you’re buying for a gal who pretty much wants for nothing.

So before you end up turning yourself grey with stress, just remind yourself the gift doesn’t have to knock her sideways with shock; it’s simply a token of appreciation for helping you make it up the aisle in one piece. Keep it simple and just what it should be: a little something to say thanks.

To help inspire, I’ve compiled a list of ten cute gifts that are simple but effective when it comes to treating your merry maids…

• To Infinity & Beyond: These super cute infinity bracelets aren’t just a beautifully understated piece of jewellery, the meaning behind the symbol is in the name. What a better way to declare your never-ending friendship… best of all they can be individually personalised thanks to My Name Necklace.

• Lights, Camera, Action: For a gift that has a little more interaction, why not treat your ladies to tickets for an upcoming show or concert? It’s something fun to look forward to after the big day & a great chance to catch up… dinner & a cheeky pre-show cocktail could be factored in too! 😉

• Bag Lady: What girl wouldn’t love a brand new Ted Baker Make-Up Bag? These gorgeous cosmetic carriers will brighten up any maid’s makeup collection! Currently available at House Of Fraser…

• Full of Fizz: Lush has indeed some of the most scent-sational bath & body sets around. This stunning Bella Fruta box contains six scrumptuous smelling goodies that your maids will love, great for a relaxing pamper night after the big day. Click here to check out the full range of gorgeous gift goodies!

• Boxed Up: How beautiful are these personalised Maid of Honour/Bridesmaid jewellery boxes? Such a thoughtful keepsake, you could even pop a little bejewelled surprise in just to start her off. Just one of the lovely keepsakes available from The Gift Experience…

• Talented Talons: The Rio Professional Nail Artist ‘Ultimate Nail Art Collection’ set not only gets rave reviews, it contains virtually every nail tool she’ll ever need to keep her digits looking delightful. Check out the full range of fabulous nail & beauty treats available from Rio.

• Burn Baby Burn: Who doesn’t love the aroma of a good old Yankee Candle? The hardest thing about walking into that shop is trying not to spend a small fortune as they’re all so divine. If you can’t decide on a large jar you could always opt for a range of smaller candles and make your own little mini maid hamper! Visit the online store to view their amazing selection – just don’t be too surprised if a few additional little sneaky treats end up making their way into your virtual shopping bag!

• You’re A Star: I must admit, I love the idea of naming a star as a gift – especially when it comes with this cute little bear. In my humble opinion this is such a unique and sentimental token of appreciation for maids of all ages, especially if they’re proving a little difficult to buy for. Available from Star Listings International…

• Charmed: You can’t go wrong when it comes to picking a Pandora Charm as they’re all beautifully crafted and super sweet. However, how aptly appropriate is this little Champagne wedding charm?

• Sweet Tooth: Having most likely spent the last six months swapping creme eggs for carrot sticks, your maid may well be in need of a serious sugar fix and what better way to treat her taste buds than a huge choccie hamper from Lindt… is there anyone out there that doesn’t love those little red Lindt balls?

So there you have it, my top picks to keep your ladies feeling loved. If you have any unique suggestions for bridesmaid gifts or received something rather awesome yourself, I’d love to read about it in the comments below!