Monthly Archives: February 2012

Remembering St. Valentine

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For many years I thought Valentine’s Day was a Hallmark holiday, one that was manufactured so that greeting card companies and florists could make us buy things we didn’t need and candy sales would soar. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I came to know the history associated with this holiday and the legend behind all of the cards and flowers.

Folklore presents a tale of a priest named Valentine (later to become a martyred Saint), marrying lovers in secret, against the wishes of Roman Emperor Claudius II who ordained his soldiers remain single and celibate in order to maintain their focus. There is an additional modern embellishment to this story, provided by American Greetings to History.com, and widely repeated despite having no historical basis whatsoever. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first “valentine” card himself, addressed to the blind daughter of his jailor, Asterius, signing the card “From your Valentine.” From that point, ‘Valentines’ were sent in secret as expressions of love by those who could not openly proclaim their feelings for various reasons.

In elementary school, we exchange valentine card with everyone in the entire class, for those who are home-schooled- this is a fairly easy task. In middle school, students send lollipops or messages to friends and crushes either anyonymously or as a blatant show of affection. In high sc’hool it starts to get complicated and only the ‘couples’ really get into the celebration unless there is some really burning desire to use this as the day to come clean and profess your undying love. As we get older, Valentine’s Day becomes the day we send our loved ones greetings; mother, father, grandparents, dear friends, etc.

In the dating world, Valentine’s Day is the day to pull out all the stops and possibly pop the question. In fact, about 10% of all engagements occur on this holiday. More than that, many couples decide to get married on this holiday for a myriad of reasons: it is a very romantic day to join together in matrimony, there is a lot of history associated with this holiday, and it’s an easy date to remember.

For whatever reason you get engaged or married on this holiday, remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for someone they love, the ones who kept their love in secret and for those who could never join together for whatever reason. Openly express your love for those around you, show them you care with thoughts and actions, a homemade card, a diamond necklace or whatever speaks to you.

Happy Valentine’s Day

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Grammys Red Carpet Roundup

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There was a pall cast over the Grammys as the superstars of music gathered to celebrate their success and to mourn the death of one of the Grammy greats, the late Whitney Houston. It was hard to be excited and impossible to think of anything else, even the red carpet seemed somber, as if every artist was respectful of the delicate balance between life and death, fame and fortune. It was a lovely  (last minute) tribute to one of the most memorable voices of my lifetime.

The atmosphere picked up as the attendees and honorees began to arrive. The 360 cam ( one of my favorite pieces of technology and another which I barely understand) was fired up and the red carpet show was underway!  The fashions this year were particularly underwhelming, except for a few stand-outs and it was hard to find anything worth really talking about.

The amazing Adele kept it simple in a black beaded Armani gown, a little too simple. Although her  hair & makeup was A+, and the three quarter sleeve was nice,  I found it otherwise completely  boring.  You are spectacular and  no matter what Karl Lagerfeld says – size isn’t everything!

 

 Carrie Underwood wore an all-over sequined gown by Gomez-Garcia…. snooze.

 

 Katy Perry’s blue hair looked great with the color of this gown but, the Elie Saab couture gown bordered on frumpy. Sloped shoulders, the odd bra-less bustline, and the fabric that looked like a 3rd grade art project made of popcorn and sequins.

 

Fergie looked ridiculous in Jean Paul Gaultier. Maybe if the undergarments had been the same color, maybe if the outer layer hadn’t been international orange, I don’t have the answer.

 

Rihanna was off the charts spectacular in this gown she designed with the help of Georgio Armani. The right accessories in all the right places didn’t hurt one bit, either. The plain gold made this simple gown an elegant knockout!

 Cyndi Lauper looked more like her old ‘unusual’ self than she has in a long time. I loved it! She was funky, a bit older but funky. She is odd, over-done and looks like she stepped out of a Tim Burton movie – but it works for her, time after time!

 Robyn, you must have a lot of nerve to wear this monstrosity to the Grammys. A lot of nerve and really, really bad taste. There is just nothing favorable about this white satin mullet dress…. nothing. I don’t see any designers stepping up to take credit so I will assume that it was a bad Home Ec project.

 

 Kelly Osbourne’s sparkly gown by Tony Ward was gorgeous! LOVED this dress; the fit, the Grecian-inspired one shoulder and side drape. She should have changed her hair color since this was the only thing that clashed. Keep it pastel if you want, just not that shade.

 

 The Grammys were a fitting tribute to Whitney Houston, a glamorous affair that she once dominated. Her presence was felt at the Staples Center last night as  her music played, when Jennifer Hudson gave a moving tribute, and as musical talents across the board gave their heartfelt condolences and paused to appreciate a life cut short. Remembering Whitney at her finest:

 

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Does Music Influence Fashion – You Bet!

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Thinking back to my youth, I remember watching Elton John and Kiki Dee performing on a variety show, probably the Hudson Brothers (Kate Hudson’s dad and his brothers had a one hour weekly show with musical guests and comedy sketches). Kiki Dee was wearing light blue overalls and had her hair super straight. I wanted straight hair and light blue overalls so bad that I convinced my mother to let me learn how to sew so I could make a pair just like them…. and I did. It wasn’t until the late 1990’s that I was able to achieve the straight hair.  Several  years after the blue overall experience,  I saw Madonna in a bustier and fluffy skirt and that became my next must-have. I wore crazy skirts like Cyndi Luper, crimped my hair like Whitney Houston and would have tried to copy every one of Cher’s Bob Mackie gowns if I thought for a second I could get away with it. In case you can’t tell, I think music is a huge influence on fashion.

Oddly enough, the effect music has on fashion is a trickle up theory, of sorts. An artist wears something in concert or video, their fans go wild, begin to copy it, and then works it’s way up the generational ladder until it is mainstream fashion.  Gwen Stefani was a huge influence on fashion in the 1990’s bringing some glam to the grunge look. She was so successful that she even started her own clothing line, which is now the norm for many female artists. The grunge look was not my favorite but, looking back it had to be cost effective since cleanliness was definitely optional.

Yesterday, I returned home form the market to learn the sad news that Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48. Whitney Houston was one of the greatest vocal talents of my lifetime,  a powerhouse, a woman of heart and soul who shared her talent with the world and her style greatly influenced fashion.  Her inimitable style and talent will be missed as she enters the ranks of one more soul who left this world way too young.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Lights! Camera! Action! Behind The Scenes at a Bridal Expo Luxury Event

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If you missed last night’s Luxury Event in Oakbrook, I would like to take you on a journey of what you missed. A real, behind the scenes look at what goes on to make the show possible and a close encounter with one of the world’s premier Bridal Designers, Ines   Di Santo and her daughter, Veronica.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012,  4:10  p.m. I was supposed to be at the Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook, IL at 4:00 but, my son’s school bus was a little late and I have to wait for him to get home before I can leave… yeah, I am one of those moms. When I pulled into the parking lot there was not one empty spot except for valet and after fishing around for some singles in my pocket, I decided to park in one of the free spots farther away and hope I don’t get towed.  By now, I am scurrying into the building, the excitement and anticipation building as I approach the backstage area to prepare the designer gowns for the runway show at 8:00 pm.

As I get backstage I see that Kirsten, one of the members of the (fabulous) Bridal Expo Staff  has the gowns lined up, the steamer already filled with water and plugged in. She and Carol Tardi, the Fashion Director and onstage commentator, finish unpacking the last of the couture gowns that arrived from  Ines & Veronica Di Santo, who also arrived earlier in the day from Canada. I am able to start work immediately so my nerves are now a bit calmer.

As I gently pull the fabric top to bottom, right to left, I wonder if there is any silk left in Canada? Yards upon yards of carefully cut tulle, lace, shantung, chiffon, every imaginable kind of silk and embroidery available is crafted into gowns that can only be described as impressive.

After their red carpet photo shoot with some of our top vendors, Ines Di Santo and her daughter Veronica escorted by Bridal Expo Vice President, Jim Verraros, peer behind the curtain to oversee and assist with the care of their gowns. One of the gowns had a complicated lace drape in the back and Ines instructed me how to pin  this for maximum effect. I admit….. I would have done it wrong. Working (even just backstage) with Ines and her daughter is akin to taking art lessons from Leonardo Da Vinci. In reality, the mother/daughter design duo are delightful, soft-spoken, extremely talented women, not pretentious divas (as artists of this caliber are often portrayed).

The models begin arriving over an hour earlier than usual for hair and makeup to be done by professionals at Tamara Makeup & Artistry. Donning t-shirts and skinny jeans, nearly a dozen of Chicago’s top models wait patiently to begin the transformation from lovely ladies to beautiful brides, it is a short trip made easier by the pro’s.

The gowns are steamed, a few last minute checks to see if anything needs special attention. Not with this collection – everything is impeccably sewn and presented in pristine condition. As the models finish their hair and makeup, the staff readies for the show to begin. The dressers ( those of us who zip and get the models in their gowns for the runway) are lined up at the designated racks, Jim is poised at the control center where he will deliver the orders to models when it is their time to go onstage, Carol is standing by the entrance to the runway with microphone in hand. There is a  moment backstage, a breathless moment that borders on panic and exhilaration as Bill Brennan, CEO and President of Luxury Bridal Expo Chicago & Milwaukee, takes the stage to welcome the audience. The crowd goes silent as the lights dim and the show is about to begin.

Once the music begins and the models take the runway, the audience is transported to a dream world of luxurious fabrics, a magical land where only the most elegant and refined gowns exist. No one in the audience knows that there was a gown almost pinned wrong. No one suspects that there was almost a shortage of T-pins. No one cares that a certain gown should have had an a-line slip but went out with a full slip.

After the runway show ends, the models and makeup artists pack up and go home, we begin to carefully bag all of the gowns in the same sterile packaging as they came. The designers graciously thank the entire staff and are whisked away by Bill and Jim for some last minute mingling.

The evening was a huge success with careful planning, extensive preparation and exhausting work.  Please take this time to go to www.bridalexpochicago.com to get tickets to a luxury event in your area today, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Until then, take a moment to enjoy the glamour of some of the haute couture gowns from the Ines Di Santo collection at https://inesdisanto.com/

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

You Get What You Pay For

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Its true and we all know it. If you have your heart set on designer gown, buying a knock-off may seem the same but, it’s not. Not only the designer tag, some key elements may be missing. The same goes with jewelry, shoes, and just about everything else. Here is a look at  the pro’s and cons of the  real vs. fake argument.

Gown– Buying a less expensive copy of a designer gown is only a good idea if it is made well, made of quality fabric and has all the same elements that made you fall in love with the gown in the first place.

Headpiece– The same headpiece for less money made poorly is usually a disaster. Once your hair is done, having a headpiece that is poorly made can fall apart and will most likely destroy your hairstyle.

Eyelashes – Applied by a professional individually or even in strips is fine. Doing it yourself is probably a bad idea unless you have tons of practice. Otherwise, they will look like caterpillars stuck to your eyelids.

Hair – Even the best hair extensions can ruin your hair for a period of time. The good news it is rarely permanent damage but it does escalate permanent hair loss if you are already prone. Bad hair extensions look like hair plugs and can fall out in clumps at any time for no reason. If you decide on hair extensions for your wedding, make sure it is done professionally and short term only. 

Tan – Over exposure to the sun in tanning beds and in real life has a negative affect on your skin. Self spray tans have a distinct odor and can streak or come off on your clothes plus they usually come out looking orange. The best idea if you must tan before your wedding is a professional spray tan  no less than 5 days before the wedding. Exfoliate the day before your wedding to avoid discoloration of the gown.

Nails – Artificial nails, either gel or acrylic can look very natural so if you break a nail shortly before your wedding, this is an excellent option. Having extra long nails when you aren’t used to them makes things difficult to maneuver but, having extra long nails applied too long before the wedding runs the risk of  breaking one or more shortly before ( or during) the wedding.

Shoes – Knock off designer shoes are the absolute biggest mistake you can ever make. Your shoes should be comfortable, well-fitting and made of natural materials. Buying a copy of designer shoes in pleather is a mistake. Find the shoe that feels and fits the best on your foot without worrying about the label and you will never regret it.

Makeup – A lot of research and testing goes into cosmetics. Well, not all cosmetics. Although it may  possible to find less expensive makeup that does the same thing as a really great (probably expensive) foundation or Bare Minerals, the chances are you won’t.

At the end of the day what really matters is how you feel. If you are so bedazzled and bogged down with tips, extensions, weaves and spray tans that you are hardly recognizable or if you are so worried about designer names that the quality has become an after thought, it might be time to re-think your priorities. When it is all said and done spending a little more money for quality products may sometimes be the only option to avoid becoming a knock -off of yourself.

After all , you get what you pay for.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Music To Your Ears

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We all know that the musical score of a movie can have huge influence on our perception of  that movie. From the pulsating terror achieved in films like Psycho and Jaws, to the triumphant victories in Star Wars and Pirates of The Caribbean, it’s hard to think about a great film without also being influenced by that film’s score. Your movie is your wedding  and it needs to be carefully ‘scored’, paying close attention to the theme, time of day and number of guests.

Consider this:

There should be no point in time from the moment the first guest arrives until the last guest leaves where there is no music. As the guests arrive, have a harpist  gently playing at the front of the church.

Music is such an important aspect of life that it is impossible to over-emphasize it’s importance. If there is a lull in the music, guests can get fidgety and cranky.

During cocktail hour, have a string quartet playing near the bar. This way people will be  less likely to notice if there is a line at the bar or diminishing appetizers.

You can have a band and a DJ. Having both will give your guests an even wider array of listening pleasure and trading off can give the band a much needed break. However, if  you choose only the band make sure you have music playing while they take their break.

When you have your wedding video edited, make sure you have the proper ‘soundtrack’ as well.. Having just the right music and editing will make it more like an actual movie and less like a home movie.

Since the music is such an  important aspect of the day, don’t leave anything to chance, make sure you check the references and credentials of every music professional that you interview and ALWAYS have a backup plan just in case.  

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Covering Up For Comfort… and Style

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Bridesmaid gowns have gone crazy! Good crazy, that is.  Long or short, strapless or halter, chiffon or satin, there is a bridesmaid gown for every figure type and budget.  Designers are showing what brides have been asking to see for decades….. “SOMETHING YOU CAN WEAR AGAIN!” The best part is that many designers are offering fashionable options for bridesmaids who aren’t comfortable showing too much skin.

Cape – How about a nice little chiffon covering? If the gown you select doesn’t offer something like this, you can always have them made for you.

 

 

 

Shawl – Something to wrap around your neck or arms, it usually dresses up the gown and is definitely more formal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scarf – For a more fun, edgy look try adding a luxurious Pashmina or silk chiffon scarf in a totally different color than the gown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrap – Narrower than a shawl or scarf, this ‘wraps’ around the bodice to  give some shoulder coverage and is intended to be worn all night. 

 

 

Bolero – Of course there is always the bolero jacket like Princess Katherine wore with her reception gown last April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last, we come to the shrug, which is a short open-front ‘jacket’ with little or no sleeves.

 

You can have so much fun with scarves, wraps, shrugs and capes that the possiblities are endless. The perfect way to dress up a simple gown,  and allow the bridesmaids a little coverage.  

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Football Widows and Commercial Junkies

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 I admit it – I watch the Superbowl every year religiously, and yes…. I watch it for the commercials and the half-time show. I’m not a huge football fan and although I don’t apologize for that, I wish I could understand or even pretend to understand what goes on during the game. I also know that I am not alone. I am certainly not the only person (man or woman) who is left alone on Sundays during football season for hours on end and I am positive I am not the only person who looks forward to that time. After many years I can tell you a few things about being in a relationship with a sports fan.

Don’t make a big deal of it. If he loves football and you don’t – find something productive to do during the game and don’t complain about it. 

If your partner gets tickets to Superbowl and wants you to go… go. You can wear team colors and enjoy the spirit even if you don’t know the difference between a foul and a fumble. Don’t be a jerk about it, either. Just go and have a good time, and I guarantee you will. It’s the Superbowl for crying out loud!

If your spouse or fiance want to have a Superbowl party…. do it. Clean the house, load the table with traditional football fare; wings, nachos, brats (whatever) and plenty of  refreshments. Decorate the house in the team colors and invite all of your friends over.  Never, ever refuse an excuse to get together with your friends. If nothing else, it will give you a much needed  break from wedding planning.

Not having a fondness for football can be difficult from September to Superbowl but, just go with it and enjoy whatever comes along whether it is Sundays to yourself or a house filled with friends. Unless, of course, you are married to a super-fan or a face painter….then you are on your own.

Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Beware of Brides on a Crash Diet

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Crash dieting can cause an array of negative physical side effects, such as lethargy, extreme hunger, body aches, decreased bone density, a dampened immune system and reduced metabolism, which often leads to re-gaining weight later.  More importantly, it can cause you to be irritable, overly stressed, depressed  and have impaired decision making skills and places a lot of stress on your heart.  None of this sounds like the person you want to be – especially during the wedding planning process, does it?

I never understood why all of the major diet and exercise plans tell you to consult a physician before starting any weight loss plan. Then, I turned 50. Now it makes perfect sense. Your doctor can tell you if the weight loss plan you have selected is safe and that potentially dangerous medications are not being used with weight loss. Also patients with certain medical illnesses such as kidney disease may need to avoid certain diet plans such as diets that recommend high protein intake.  Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease should avoid diets high in salt. I know that sounds confusing but, all you need to know is  that it is important to talk to your doctor. He or she will provide much needed support.

Fad diets, extreme workouts, severe dietary restrictions are all ways that we torture ourselves when we want to lose a quick 20 lbs and although it may work short -term, the long term effects are brutal.  Few people can keep up this pace for their entire life and once the workouts and  food deprivation end, the weight comes back on… with a vengeance. Your best bet is to make small changes in your life, diet and exercise. Making small changes, one at a time, gives your body and mind time to adjust to each change and tend to lead to a more successful life plan. According to a study by the USDA, young adults who perpetually diet are 300% more likely to be obese later in life.

Starting out slow with a diet and exercies plan may not yield the quickest reults but it will be the most beneficial in the long run. If all else fails and you have no willpower for a diet and  no time or money for a personal trainer, try these few things and you may be surprised at the outcome:

– Drink as much water as possible.  

-Walk whenever  you can. Walk to work, to the store, anywhere.

-Eat several times a day. Sound hard? Not really. Just cut your meal in half. Eat 1/2 now and eat the other 1/2 in two hours, do this for every  meal. Your stomach is about the size of your fist – eating more than that is unneccessary.

-Eat breakfast every day, even just a  good cereal and a banana will help.

Most importantly, DO NOT deprive yourself f the things you love. It leads to rebound eating and subsequent weight gain. Just eat smaller portions.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Is Getting Engaged on Valentine’s Day Right For You?

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A whopping 10% of all engagements occur on Valentine’s Day. That translates into millions of couples across the U.S, a lot of diamond rings, a lot of romantic dinners and a lot of proposals.  The pressure of proposing on this particular holiday is unbelievable, which begs the question, “Why Valentine’s Day?” There are lot of pros and cons to consider before you decide this will be the anniversary of your proposal ….. as long as you both shall live.

Pro: Because so many people propose on Valentine’s Day, there are a wide variety of  ‘packages’ which remove a lot of the work from you.

Con: Some restaurants and florists hike up their prices for Valentine’s Day, and many special discounts are not available on that date.

Pro: It will be an easy date to remember, especially if you are both inclined to celebrate this holiday in really romantic fashion!

Con: Because so many couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day, you may feel that your engagement date is contrived.

Pro: No romantic gesture is too large for Valentine’s Day. You can pull out all the stops and go for it!

Con: If your partner is not used to this kind of grand gesture, you may be met with some cynicism.

The day you decide to propose is very personal and very special, it should reflect both of your personalities. If you decide to pop the question on this day when everyone is expressing their love, remember –  it doesn’t have to be public and it doesn’t have to be as historically significant as dropping the engagement ring in a champagne glass. It can be sweet, personal and very sentimental.  Valentine’s Day is a wonderful day to embrace the love you found with the person who makes you the happiest and if you add another layer to that (your engagement)  it is an even better reason to celebrate!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago