Wedding Wednesday: Caesar's Palace Ceremony

The ceremony at Juno Garden, Caesar's Palace was exactly as I pictured it to be. It was a quiet garden tucked away in the corner of the pool area. The white stone benches, tall trees, pillars, and greenery were spectacular. For a destination wedding with absolutely no decorations, I think it looked fantastic!

We decided to come down the aisle to Capital Cities' "Safe and Sound" which is a song we both like, is fairly current, and upbeat. I knew if I walked down to Canon D or some other traditional song, I'd probably cry!

My maid of honour Erin wearing all Le Chateau.

The only time all day I was a bit nervous was right before my dad and I walked down the aisle. Erin left ahead of us, and once she was gone, I was a bit scared to go out in front of all those people.

Funny thing is, before the wedding I could easily get teary thinking about the emotions of the day, but once the day was finally upon us, I was too happy and excited to even think about crying!

My lips and my bouquet matched. That may have been on purpose...

Our officiant JJ  looked like a soap opera star, which added to the surrealness of the whole thing. My favourite thing he said was that marriage is a workshop. The man will work, the wife will shop. How did he know?!

All photos by Bently & Wilson Photography (Las Vegas)

Officially Mr and Mrs!

R's suit, shirt and tie were Le Chateau. His shoes were Aldo. His hat was from Chapel Hats in Las Vegas.
My dress was Pronovias from Chester & Felicity

Our recessional was Calvin Harris' "Feel So Close". Totally non-traditional, but again, another song that makes us happy and excited!

As 2014 comes to a close, I am so grateful to have had the fortune to find a partner as fabulous as R. We mean the world to each other and are looking forward to a happy 2015. Thanks for reading my post on the happiest day ever!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Green Christmas

I don't ever remember a Christmas so warm. Very strange to think that last year we had snow on the ground and this year we had temperatures that were more like May - with lots of rain! Boxing Day cooled down a bit, but it was beautiful and sunny.

Not one stitch of clothing was under the tree for me this year (besides socks, mittens, and a few accessories) - I really didn't need any!

My Boxing Day attire was full of oldies but goodies.

Details

Jacket: Danier

Jeans and Sunnies: Gap

Sweater: H&M

Tank: Smart Set

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Bag: Kate Spade

Hat: Le Chateau

Sneakers: Converse

I hope all of my blog readers had a nice holiday. Back to work for me today. I'm so jealous of those who have extended time off!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Little Loves Lately: 12/22/14

If you're scrambling for last-minute presents for someone who loves girly things, I have some ideas for you! It's been quite some time since I've shared the products that have been on high rotation in my routine.

Sephora VIP Pass Eyeshadow Palette

So, this is no longer available on-line, but I managed to find mine in-store a few weeks ago. Who knows if there are any left....

This was basically too cute to pass up for $12. It's tiny (smaller than my hand), lightweight (perfect for stashing in your purse when you need to change your look from day to night), and comes with eight neutral colors (most which have a bit of shimmer to them). I'd also never tried Sephora brand shadows, so it was a good way to give them a test.

I've used this palette three or four times since I bought it. Most of the colors have a bit too much shimmer for me to use them on a normal work-day, but I love the colors in this kit for a night out. The matte shades are definitely do-able for daylight too.  They seem to have good staying power and good pigmentation. A great mix of light and darker shades as well.

It would be worth stopping by your local Sephora to see if they have any of these left!

Make Up Forever HD Complexion Starter Kit

This was a purchase I made before the wedding. I wanted a "real" foundation for Vegas, as I normally just use BB creams. I'd heard a lot of really good things about this foundation, so I decided to give the complexion starter kit a try.

The kit comes with a full size foundation, a nice kabuki brush, a small primer, and a small powder. I love everything about this kit! Well, except for the price, but it actually is worth it. Used together (with some concealer - not an item included in the kit) these products can give a flawless face.

I think this would be a great kit for anyone looking to find an easy to use foundation. I think I'll buy a blender sponge soon or a nice foundation brush for applying the liquid as the kabuki included (a beautiful brush by the way!) is really just for the powder.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask

My skin has been described by estheticians as dehydrated. It's not dry or flaky, just prone to looking dull and tired... not a great look. I struggle with my fluid consumption, especially since getting my Invisalign braces.When I'm wearing them, I can't drink anything but plain water (which I don't love less it's super-cold).

On recommendation from one of the sales associates, I decided to try this mask. I got it half off (40% off sale plus my Love Your Body discount).

I've been using this once per week. I apply thin to medium layer at night, just like a moisturizer. You can tissue it off after a bit or leave it on (I leave it on). The next day, my skin is very noticeably softer and looks more plump and healthy. This got rid of my post-cold dry patches around my nose too!

Given the time of year, I think this would make a great addition to your skin weapons against winter.

Christmas is just around the corner... three more sleeps! I hope all of my blog readers have a wonderful holiday! I'll be taking about a week off from blogging and will return with some holiday outfit looks just in time for New Year's. 2015 should be an exciting style year as there are rumours of several fun stores coming to Halifax (Urban Outfitters, Zara, and Brandy Melville to name a few).

Merry Christmas!
XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Wedding Wednesday: Walk to the Garden

The last few minutes before leaving for the ceremony were actually pretty relaxing. My MOH and I had a few minutes to ourselves where we packed our bags (yes, bags were needed as we wouldn't be returning to the hotel room until the end of the night) and I gave her the thank-you-for-being-the best-MOH-ever-and-catering-to-me-all-day presents.

Hanger given to me by R's cousin (thanks J!)

Shoes: France Mode via John David Shoes (Halifax). Handbag: Call it Spring

My ring is from Fawcett's Fine Jewellery (Halifax) and R's is from People's

I met our photographer Todd, who was to arrive just before I was ready to put on the dress and kindly waited in the bathroom until I was actually into it!

My lovely MOH got her dress, belt, and shoes at Le Chateau

Dress: Pronovias "Laberne" from Chester & Felicity (Halifax)

My requisite Instagram upload prior to leaving!

 Walking through the hotel and pool area on the way to the garden was a fun experience! I had to arrive first, and once I was almost to the waiting area, R was allowed to leave the room he was getting ready in.

All photos by Bently & Wilson Photography (Las Vegas)

Stairs were my nemesis of the day.

Keep watching next week for more wedding photos!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Art & Sole

Just because we don't have an actual coffee table in our new place (yet), that doesn't mean we can't use a fashionable coffee table book! I think I've found a great resting spot for it in the meantime.

Before even opening the book, it is beautiful to look at. I love the striking red cover and the gold edging. There's a little red ribbon page marker too so you can find your favourite page quickly!

Created by Jane Gershon Weitzman (wife of shoe king, Stuart), the book is a collection of actual shoes that were created by various artists for the Stuart Weitzman's Madison Ave storefront. Inside you'll find photos of shoes fabricated with materials such as fresh flowers, corrugated cardboard, and feathers. As for wearing the shoes, probably not possible in most cases, but they are certainly fun to look at and definitely works of art!

Perhaps someday I will be lucky enough to own a pair of his shoes (the 50/50 boot if anyone is asking)...

This would be a fabulous Christmas gift for your favourite shoe-obsessed lady! Here's the Amazon link.

Thanks to Jane's PR group for the copy!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Strapless

Did you ever buy something for a specific purpose and then have it not work out? I decided to take the cross body strap off my new bag - and I sought out this bag completely wanting it to be a cross body. I questioned the narrowness of the strap when I made the purchase but I crossed my fingers hoping it would handle the weight of the bag. Nope.

Details

Jacket: Danier

Jeans and earrings: American Eagle

Sweater: Smart Set

Sneakers: Converse

Bag: Kate Spade

Snood: H&M

Turns out, I like the bag anyway. Even without the strap.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Wedding Wednesday: Getting Ready with Glam Squad

I knew begin a brief getting ready on the morning of the wedding would be a fun experience, but I didn't expect it to be quite so impressive. I was so happy with the business I chose!

Glam Squad was the company that came to the hotel room to prep me, my maid of honour, and the two moms. I picked them because they had really good reviews on The Knot. They were to arrive at 9:30 AM, and they were right on time. Two people came in and got to work. They said they liked to save the bride for the last so they began styling my mom and my MOH. Then two more people came. While one started on the third person, the other teamed up with another artist. Then there was ANOTHER knock on the door, and this guy had orders to start my hair by just curling it. The owner of the company was on the way to do most of my hairstyle.

I lost track of how many hair and makeup artists came in and out of the room, but it was at least ten! To do four people! James, the owner of Glam Squad was a true genius. My hair and make up turned out exactly how I pictured them to in my best wedding day dreams. James ended up staying to do the rest of my hair-do and all of my makeup. He was the nicest person ever, and a true pleasure to chat with. He made me feel so relaxed. It truly was one of the highlights of the day!

I showed James a photo of the hairstyle I wanted. When he was done, I asked for it to be loosened up a bit and it took him 10 seconds to pull a few curls out and relax the look. James was able to incorporate two of the three hair pieces I brought with me (hey, I wanted some options). The large feather piece in the back belonged to my friend Pam and the little flowers belonged to my friend Andrea.

For the makeup, I chose to have airbrush done as I'd heard it was really long lasting. The hardest part for me was getting the false lashes on. I have pretty sensitive eyes (think Rachel on Friends when she went to the eye doctor) and they kept tearing up.

Cool chair!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Glam Squad to any Vegas bride. The price was $185 for hair and airbrush makeup (including false lashes). It was fabulous to have them come to me instead of having to go out and get it done somewhere on the strip.

The finished look

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: November 2014

What a completely boring shopping month. I hesitated even doing a post, but it would be the first monthly shopping post I'd miss in a year and a half, so here it is!

My ONE tiny purchase this month that was clothing-related was this:

Bracelet: Banana Republic
Discounted from $35 to $11.
This is a pretty mixed metal bracelet. It's also really tiny so it fits my wrist without traveling up to my elbow.

Value of Items: $35
Price I Paid: $11

I saved 67%

That leaves me with $134 to spend in December. I will most likely be saving this for Boxing Day!

I actually have nothing at all on my wish-list for clothing wants right now. I do need to find myself a nice gold watch someday, but I will probably save that for the next time I'm in the US.

I've been buying a lot of things for the house lately - my lunch hours have been spent at Homesense and Target rather than the mall!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Big Black Bow Bloggers

What's a fashionista to do on Black Friday? Shop of course... that's a given. But what about when you're tired, hungry, thirsty, and need to re-charge?

If you're lucky, you get to hang out in the VIP lounge!

Halifax Shopping Centre generously invited some local bloggers to hang out in style last Friday evening. There were snacks (LOTS of them), various refreshing beverages, comfy couches, and a beautiful tree with a present under it for each of us!

Cupcakes from Layers.

Included amongst the shopping essentials and treats (lip balm, Red Bull, nail polish, and chocolate to name a few) was an HSC gift card. We were to hit the shops and pick out a great Black Friday deal. I had a really hard time choosing between a grey sweater at Banana Republic and the outfit I eventually purchased.

Details

Sweater: Hollister (c/o HSC)

Leggings: Smart Set (c/o HSC)

Boots: Aldo

Hat: Element
Watch: Guess
Scarf: Gap

In addition to the items noted above, I also bought a white layering tank from Smart Set. The total for three items was $52! I saved over 50% on my Black Friday deal.

A few of us bloggers: me, Kayla, Thanh, and Mo. 

Thanks HSC for the wonderful evening! I loved getting together with some of the other bloggers - we have few opportunities to hang out!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Baby One More Time

The best concerts are the ones where you know all the words to all the songs!

Britney Spears' Piece of Me concert experience in Las Vegas was so much fun! I went with three of my friends, and we had such a great time. The venue is quite small (4600) so I think any seat would be a good one. We had a relatively inexpensive seat and were glad we didn't pay more for a closer seat.

It was a really high energy show with lots of lights and special effects. Britney had a cute new haircut - a wavy bob. Made me almost want to cut my hair. Almost.

The version she did of "Baby, One More Time" was a lot less cutesy than the original. Britney wore black for it! It was cool, but part of me wished she would have came out in plaid and pigtails...

Details

Dress: Forever 21

Shoes: DKNY

Necklace: H&M

Bracelet: Stella & Dot

I was really comfortable in this dress all night long. Not bad for $17.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The Last Day as a Miss

Can you believe we forgot to take photos at our wedding rehearsal? It was one of the few times I actually wore heels and I have no evidence! This picture was taken later that evening after the heels were banished.

Details

Dress: Club Monaco

Bag: Coach

Sandals: TopShop

The rehearsal was quick and easy. My goal was to cry through the whole thing in hopes of getting it all out the day before, but I wasn't in the mood to cry. We met our ceremony coordinator and our officiant - both were so friendly and so good at what they do.

Stay tuned next week for some photos from the Britney Spears concert!

Have a great weekend!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Wedding Wednesday: The Shower

OK, I realize this post is way late! Better late than never though!

Back in early September, my mom-in-law and mom co-hosted a beautiful wedding shower for me. Here are a few of the photos from the afternoon.

Details

Dress and Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: DKNY

 There were actually people there, I promise! These photos were taken before and after the party.

This photo c/o Shannon Lynch Photography

A few weeks later my friends from forever threw me a really fun casual shower in my hometown. Thanks so much to everyone who helped me celebrate this exciting time! I do miss being a bride...

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Proof that Chucks Go With Anything

Situation: You're in Vegas. You've spent the day outlet shopping. Feet are begging for mercy. Beautiful booties you were going to wear have heels. Heels cannot happen.

Solution: Wear Chucks.

Details

Dress: Banana Republic

Bracelets: Stella & Dot

Sneakers: Converse

I wore this outfit to Ryan's bachelor party at Señor Frogs. The boys spent the afternoon at Las Vegas Speedway and then went to dinner at Carmine's. I had a lovely dinner at The Cheesecake Factory with my friends Amy and Shannon (thanks for the pics Shan!) before heading to the party. R and I have been saying how much we miss Vegas lately! It was such a fun time, and I'm sure we'll never have that many friends in Vegas together again... unless someone else gets married!

We have our wedding photos now! We have looked at about 300 of them, but there are around 3000 in total. Once we've seen them all, I will do a few wedding posts!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

TOMS for Target

Stylish and charitable - I adore the new Target collaboration!

On Nov. 16, Target and TOMS launched their line. I was stoked to go that morning, but life (and my life right now is cleaning and organizing) got in the way. Monday at lunch was when I was able to check it out.

For each item bought, a week of meals, a blanket, or shoes will be donated to someone in need. How could you possibly say no? It's like donating to charity and getting something great for free!

The hoodies are beautiful, but I just don't need another hoodie in my life right now. If you're in the market for one, you should definitely check them out! I tried on the lighter poncho but like every other poncho, it seemed to overwhelm me. If I can find the darker one at another store, I'll try it on. TOMS shoes are so cute, but they are always too wide for me. I love the black shiny ones from this collection!

Here's the link to the full collection: http://www.target.ca/en/whatsinstore/toms?lnk=content

I ended up choosing a pretty, casual, but feminine tee (shown below) that has rose gold lettering. For $16 and the charitable donation, it was a total steal. Since it was for charity, I'm not counting it towards my clothing budget for the quarter.

www.target.ca

Hurry to Target before this collection disappears!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl