Sunday, March 30, 2008

Making Big Feet Look Smaller

The first thing you should know is that your feet probably do not look as big to others as they do to you.

For example, in US sizes, there is only about 1/3 of an inch difference between whole sizes. So if you wear a size 10 shoe, and wish you wore a size 8, look at what 2/3 of an inch looks like on a ruler -- does it look like that much of a difference to you? It probably doesn't to others either. So try not to be embarrassed about your shoe size - style is for everyone and every size, and most people probably aren't as critical of your feet as you are.

Where to Buy Large Sized Shoes

Having said all of that, if your feet are truly bigger than what is considered average, you probably have difficulty finding shoes that fit. I've compiled lists of online retailers that cater to men and women that need larger shoes. Armed with those resources and the following advice, you'll have flattering shoes that fit well in no time.

Tips for Making Big Feet Look Smaller

And, if after all I said above you're still convinced your feet look too big, here are a few tips for styles that will make them appear smaller. Interestingly (and problematically for people with long and wide feet), many of the styles that will make your feet look shorter, will also make them look wider. For the sake of this article, I'm concentrating on length, not width.

Heeled Shoes vs. Flat Shoes

While high heels may not be as good for your feet or body, they will make your feet look smaller. The good news is that chunky heels and wedges usually accomplish this better than stiletto heels, and they're typically much easier to wear.

The heel height doesn't factor in quite as much on men's shoes, since there isn't that much of a variance, but typically styles that show just a hint of sole around the upper of the shoe will make your feet look shorter.

Round Toes Instead of Pointy Toes

Pointy toed shoes can make even the daintiest of feet appear long. Since they're usually very close-fitting, they also make the foot look thinner.

Narrow shoe styles might be a good thing if you think your feet look too wide, but if it's the length of your feet that is keeping you up at night, you definitely want to steer clear of slim shoes with pointy toes. The same goes for guys, so bicycle toes should be avoided.

Dark Colored Shoes

Shoes in darker colors will make your feet appear smaller than shoes in light or pastel shades, but don't feel like you just have to stick to black. In addition to darker earth tones and grays, deeper versions of red, blue, purple and green will serve you better than their lighter-toned counterparts.

Avoid Skimpy Sandals

A strappy sandal that exposes a lot of the foot will make anyone's foot look larger, but showing a little bit of your foot can work to your advantage. To break the monotony of just wearing closed shoes, women can try peep-toes, D'Orsays or sling-backs.

Closed Shoes for Men and Women

As a general rule for closed shoes, the more material there is on top of your foot, the longer your foot will appear. A style with an opening that is closer to the toes will not look as big as a shoe in which the foot opening is very close to the front of your leg.

Accents Make Big Feet Look Smaller

For women, bows, buckles, lace overlays, and kiltie detailing will make feet appear more petite.

Big-Looking Shoes Will Make Your Feet Look Big

The tips above are good general rules, but since there are so many style factors in every shoe, there's really no way of describing which shoes will be perfect for your feet.

The best and easiest thing you can do is take a good look at the shoe before putting it on. A style that looks longer than others out of the box is going to look longer on your feet.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Artistic Inspiration in Fashion

Art can be a means of reconstructing experiences, communicating emotions or echoing the sentiments of individuals or the masses. From the ancient to the modern, artistic works have run the table from simple observations on life to biting social commentary. The growing segment of contemporary artists who bravely showcase their displeasure with the current state of affairs using creation as an inspiration for positive social change are turning up in the strangest of places, even the world of fashion. While the fashion industry is often viewed as an institution of pretentiousness, demand is still the driving force behind the successes and failures of it's resident elite. Just as consumability regularly forces the hand of design, or rather post runway re-design, growing discontentment and the desire to express the need for a higher social conscience is driving the union between revolutionary art and clothing. The fashion world is not unlike the music industry, where most are willingly force fed the flavor du jour while a much smaller segment of others will seek out what suits their individual tastes. Shopping mall entrenched retailers are the "contemporary hits" formatted radio stations of the fashion world, where the top ten play list is decided on long before anyone has a chance to consider the merit of the work for themselves. Individualism in society is testing the boundaries of this formula and the effect can be seen in the increased demand for apparel that not only separates itself esthetically, but progressively as well. As more segments of society begin to understand the power of clothing as a mechanism of expression, the natural merger between avant-garde art and fashion will continue to grow. With a great multitude of artists continuing to communicate the need for changes in the way we view ourselves, our relationships with each other and the environment we live in, it seems only natural that the canvas of the human body is next in line as the foremost bearer of this message.

[AuthorBio] --> Kingston writes for www.reformapparel.com you can also read more of his articles at re-formyourworld.blogspot.com

Fresh Fashions For Spring

Its a whole new season so why not kick start it with some fabulous fashion finds, a change in fragrance, and maybe even a new hairdo, and don’t forget to lighten up your makeup.

This season is full of wonderful fabrics and styles, from ultra feminine to the boldness of the ethnic prints. From short to long dress and skirt styles. From halters to cap sleeves. From tweed to pastel shades. Shoe styles vary from flip flops to wedges to stiletto heels. And be sure to check out the fabulous styles in casual and sporting sandal wear.

When choosing items for your spring wardrobe, first analyze your body shape and determine what styles will look best on you. Next decide what your favorite colors are for this season and determine what colors flatter you the most and which flatter you the least. Stay away from the colors and styles that don't flatter. Choose clothing that is most flattering, but also be sure to step out on the limb a little bit and choose a few items that are not a traditional style or color choices you would make. Dare to experiment a little bit. It’s always nice to add a little spice to your wardrobe.

This season there truly is something for everyone. We see skirts that go from mini to ankle length. Full skirts, pencil skirts, flared skirts - they are all in style. We've got great selection in summer tops from open back, to halter, to baby tee's, to strapless. And shorts are arriving on the scene in a variety of lengths from short shorts to knee length.

Your color choices are truly endless! The full spectrum of pastel shades is at your fingertips. But wait, so are the vibrant bright shades such as yellow, chartreuse, turquoise, and pink. Traditional white is still in the running and is very easy to dress up or down. This seasons’ jewelry is also large with something for everyone. We've got long dangles, full chandeliers, fun studs, large hoops, and more. There are plenty of rhinestones and crystals on the scene this season. And wait! Pearls have had a whole new facelift - now faux pearls are available in a wide variety of color and they don't just belong with your formal wear. This season pearls are ever so chic with your fave pair of jeans. Now that's progress!

Bangles are on the top of the fashion radar this season. Load your arm from top to bottom, wear a single, mix and match materials, sizes and styles.

Wood jewelry is the top pick to go with the ethnic prints of the season. There's some wonderful vintage pieces to be had for a reasonable price. The beauty about vintage is the exotic woods you can find which are no longer used today because of cost.

While you are busy uplifting your wardrobe and jewelry, why not uplift your body? Perhaps a new fragrance, a new hair cut or color, add some lighter shades to your makeup.

Remember to make your fashion statement you have to pamper the whole you! Spring is a time to rejuvenate, so take some time to rejuvenate not only your wardrobe but yourself.

Make your fashion statement!

About the Author

Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing estate jewely & costume jewelry for all occasions, as well as a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Fruity Fashion Tips & Tricks for Summer

Summer is here so it’s time to freshen up that wardrobe and make your fashion statement for the season. If you’ve had a look around the stores or boutiques you’ll notice some of the pretties clothes and accessories are displaying fruit. Very upbeat and refreshing after the winter blah. Well placed appliqués, amusing details, juicy colors make these articles of clothing girlish and flirty. The perfect look for weekends and casual days. We’ve got cherry print dresses, pineapple topped shirts, melon and kiwi print pants and host of other deliciously flavorable garments. If your wardrobe doesn’t consist of a lot of fruit why not added some fruit jewelry, Lemons, grapes, cherries – what ever your favorite you’ll be in style. Some of our favorite designer fashion fruit picks this month are: A cotton graphic T from J Crews selling for $28.00 Satin cropped fruited pants from D&G seliing for $365.00 available at Neiman Marcus stores A Silk cherry print skirt by Beth Bowley selling for $170.00 A cotton cherry print dress by Moschino Jeanna selling for $430 at Sloan Leather shoes with faux wood heal from Faryl-robin selling for $89.00 Rhinestone and Lucite lemon necklace from Alexis Bittar selling for $212 Straw hat with glass fruit charms from Hat Attack selling for $88 at Big Drop Canvas cherry wallet with strap from Louis Vuitton selling for $300

Yes my picks are designer picks and a little bit on the pricey side, but you will find similar garments for affordable pricing at your local shops. You’ll find affordable blouses, t tops, pants, skirts, and dresses that fit this seasons look. Affordable costume jewelry in the fruity theme can be found online at several different stores including us at Estate Jewelry International. The fruity jewelry dating from the 1950s is a wonderful new addition for this season

This season is a season of nostalgia because the last time we saw fruity patterns so popular was back in the 1950s. Fruity in moderation is the key to wearing these prints. Here’s a good rule of thumb – if it looks good on a 5 or 6 year old then it’s not for a grown women. If your in your 20s-30s you can choose one item that is a big and bold fruit to make your outfit standout. Don’t get carried away. One will make a statement. If your in your 40s fruity sweetness can quickly sour. Avoid big and bold, rather opting for mini fruit motifs. Small delicate non overpowering fruit is the key here If your 50+ then no more than a hint of fruit is for you. How about a cherry tote bag or a pineapple brooch pinned to your blouse, or some strawberries on your flip flops. Remember light is much tastier!

This season has a wonderful mix of cuts and styles, from tunics to fitted blouses, to convertible halter dresses. There are choices for all ages, shapes, and sizes. You’ll find fruity prints from head to toe, so enjoy and wear what feels right and looks good. Remember to you can always accessorize with fruity jewelry, belts, and shoes. Make your fashion statement!


About the Author

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Earrings Make A Fashion Statement!

Earrings are an important part of every woman’s wardrobe, whether we are headed for a day at the beach, to the office, or to a wedding.

Your earrings give a subtle hint about your personality. You can change the entire look and feel of your wardrobe by adding the right earrings. You can bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication, or elegance. For both men and women, today earrings are a definite fashion statement.

Earrings have been a part of human culture since 3000 BC. In past times, earrings actually established your position in society, because only royalty and very wealthy were able to afford expensive jewelry. Fine jewelry was worn by only the wealthy. The rest of the population also wore earrings to decorate their body, but they were replicas of high society jewelry. There are many styles of earrings. There are quite literally thousands of choices. There is an earring style for every personality.

Fine jewelry remains popular with precious stones such as sapphire and emeralds. Semi precious stones are also very popular. But even more popular are the costume jewelry earrings. These are affordable, look great, and are great for staying trendy and in style. From dangles, to chandeliers, to droplets, to hoops, to studs. The choices and styles are never ending. If you don’t have pierced ears, no worries! These days there is a terrific selection or clip on earrings available. You can be dazzling, subtle, glamorous, sexy. You can be highly refined, professional, high classed, or fun and funky, and trendy! You can never have enough earrings. Your earrings can add the finishing touches your outfit. Change your earrings and you can change the entire appearance of your look.

Think about that little black dress you own. Add a pair of sapphire studs and you’ll be highly refined. Add a pair of large chandelier rhinestones and you’ll be Hollywood glamour. Add a pair of wood dangles, and a pair of flip flops and you’ll look fun and funky. Add a pair of red button earrings with a red bead necklace and you’ll be “so sexy.” It’s amazing what a pair of earrings can do to your look!

So keep a good selection of earrings on hand to meet all your fashion needs. Earrings are the most important wardrobe accessory you can own. You’ll get great value from your earrings. Choose earrings that meet your life style, your personality, and your tastes. There is no point in buying a pair of trendy earrings that you’ll never wear because they don’t feel like “you.” Earrings also make a great gift as they can be very personalized. Choose a style to meet their personality. From gemstones to beads, you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. The gift recipient will be thrilled that you were so thoughtful as to buy such a personal gift.

Use your earrings to make a lasting impression, from the board room to the beach. Be sure people remember who you are. It’s important to always Make Your Fashion Statement!


About the Author

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Enhance Fashion with Silver

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about having fun with style. We think silver is the perfect compliment to your wardrobe’s style. Yes, a great way for even the most conservative to move safely into the unsafe style zone! Silver pieces hold their style and a zany piece can be forever trendy.

Silver jewelry accessories are used as a form of an individual’s personal expression and fashion art. When thinking of personal expression styles we tend to look at clothing, hair styling, and jewelry accessories. The almighty Silver being a key jewelry accessory, adding flare and creative artistry. Now compare Silver’s cost effectiveness to both clothing and hair. Clothing has to be replaced periodically, and your hair has to be cut and styled. Ahh…but buying an artistic silver jewelry accessory is a one time expense, but a gift to yourself that keeps on giving over time.

Silver is flexible and appropriate for both daytime and evening wear. It is often used to accent casual fashions, sportswear, and elegant ware. It is the simple elegance of silver, this elegance gaining great favor in the worldwide fashion industry. In the winter worn with navy, black, and other dark colors, silver stands out and accents the winter wardrobe well. As well in the summer, worn with open and light-weight clothing, silver looks great and is comfortable against the bare skin.

Silver is known for its shiny bright hue when used in its polished state, but has gained extreme popularity in a duller matte finish or a combination of the polished and matte. Silver possesses working qualities similar to copper and gold, but enjoys greater reflectivity and can achieve a brilliant polish and shine. To make it durable for jewelry, however, pure silver (99% fineness) is alloyed together with small quantities of copper and other metals. In many countries, (92.5% silver, 7.5% other) is the standard for sterling silver.

However, silver is often mixed with a variety of alloys. The added alloy gives the silver hardness, durability, and uniqueness. Without the alloy, the silver piece would be too soft to wear. The mix toughens the silver and makes it possible to use silver for odd shaped jewelry, silverware, picture frames, and more.

Silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. So, when in fashion do as the fashion-what-its do, use Silver in its many forms to forego dowdy formalities to keep your style unique, fresh, and captivating.


About the Author

Stuart Glasure [Designer, Fashion Artist and creator of the Zany Wearables Collection: http://www.ZanyGiftware.com. A wine enthusiast and publishing member of the wine source: http://www.WineDefinitions.com.]

Full Figured Fashion

Fashion is not just for skinny people. The fashion caste system that separated people into “those who can” (skinny and rich) and “those who can’t” (everyone else) created by snobby designers and power hungry fashion editors (who, by the way, are often plus sized themselves) is crumbling and a fashion utopia is emerging where fashionistas can look fabulous regardless of size. Take that Kate Moss!

The Rules

Now, there are few rules you need to follow in order to stay in fashion. In this diet-obsessed, waif-model culture, designers still gear their creations towards a size four (shout out to all of the skinny fashionistas- we love you too!) and their version of plus size is to just make a bigger size four. Commit these size rules to heart and watch your style quotient rise. 1. Dress monochromatically. Dressing in one color de-emphasizes your problem areas by creating one long silhouette.

2. Break out the Heels. Heels elongate your legs, making you look slimmer in the process. Stores like Zappos.comhave a huge selection of pumps and heels.

3. Low-rise is not an option. Very few people, regardless of size, can wear low-rise pants. Just because it is in style, doesn’t mean it will work for you.

4. Avoid crop jackets. Crop jackets draw attention to your waist and butt. Purchase well structured jackets that hit you right below your bottom. This season, tweed is very hot, so pick up a cute tweed or velvet jacket. Check out Loehmanns@smartbargains.com

5. Please don’t abuse the Lycra. Lycra is a privilege, not a fashion right.

6. Purchase boot cut pants. One of the season’s biggest trends is the pencil leg pant, which emphasize big butts. Stick with pants that have a slight flare at the bottom, to create a more balanced look. Again, tryLoehmanns@smartbargains.com

7. Find a great tailor. Don’t throw out those great fitting pants because they are too long. A great tailor will be able to hem the pants to your desired length for less than $20.


So where can you buy these clothes?

Smartbargains.com. Smart Bargains has a designer plus size fashions from Liz Claiborne, ABS, and more.

Newport News. Newport News has cheap, trendy fashions up to size 28. Almost all of the sizes you see on their size 2 models are also made in larger sizes.

La Redoute.com. The Parisian online retailer, La Redoute.com, has some of the best plus size fashions on the web. They are hip, trendy, and extremely affordable.

Kiyonna. This little website features sophisticated styles for fashionistas who wear a size 12 or higher. We are pretty big fans of their dresses.

Oldnavy.com. Owned by the GAP, Old Navy has cheaper, lower quality versions of the fashions seen at the GAP, up to size 20/XXL. It is great place to stock up on tees, tanks, and other items you may buy in bulk.

Overstock.com. This is the best online outlet and a great place to pick up cheap designer items. The plus size section tends to be a little boring for our taste, but sometimes you can find deals like a Dana Buchman top for up to 80% off retail.

Target.com. Stop by for toilet paper and leave with an outfit. Too bad the Isaac Mizrahi line only goes up to a size 16.

Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s new George line is hot! Where else could you score this season’s hottest style - the bouclé jacket - for $26.00 bucks? More items are being added each day!


Remember that you can be a fashionista regardless of your size. Don’t let pop culture’s ridiculous fashion caste system dictate what you can and can’t wear. Arm yourself with a heaping dose of self- confidence, a purse full of common sense and the rules above and head to your favorite store and shop!


About the Author

Kathryn “The Budget Fashionista” Finney is the founder and Chief Shopping Officer of TheBudgetFashionista.com (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com), a popular website that provides realistic fashion advice, shopping tips and sale event information to budget conscious consumers. Known as “the stylist to the cheap,” Kathryn has been around the world searching for the perfect bargain on designer goods and is willing to get the bargain by any (legal) means necessary.

Make A Fashion Statement At The Beach.

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sun rays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations.

If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover?

Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.

If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air.

If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear.

Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body.

I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace.

Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!


About the Author

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at www.estatejewelryinternational.com

Planning to Get Married Overseas?

If you're getting married overseas, there are a few extra considerations when it comes to looking good. It's time to start planning your 'princess for the day' look!

Your wedding attire there are two main considerations when planning your outfit for a wedding abroad. You need to find something that you will be comfortable wearing, especially if you're getting married in the sunshine, and you also need to choose something that you can transport relatively easily.

If the temperature on your wedding day is likely to be very cool, a 'floaty' beach dress probably isn't the perfect choice. Look for something that will suit the environment - more of a traditional ball gown-style wedding gown, for example. Equally, consider accessories such as shoes. Pretty beach sandals aren’t the thing for walking around the castle grounds. Instead consider a high heel shoe.

What you wear for your wedding is entirely up to you and there are no real dress rules if you are marrying in the grounds of your hotel. However, if you have arranged for a religious service in a chapel or church you will most likely be expected to respect local custom and cover your head and shoulders. Also in some Eastern countries, such as Thailand there is a specific dress code. Your wedding coordinator or the relevant embassy will advise you.

Transporting and caring for your outfits when you choose your perfect dress, speak to the designer or store about how best to transport it. It may pack well with plenty of tissue paper, or could be better kept in a dress bag.

Check with your airline for advice on transporting your wedding outfits. Some recommend that they should be boxed or packed into separate suitcases. They will then be placed into the hold. Others suggest that you use suit carriers and, space permitting, they will be hung in the cabin of the aircraft. Outfits can always be carried as hand luggage but this will restrict you to keeping the rest of your hand luggage to a minimum.

As soon as you arrive at your hotel, unpack your wedding outfits and hang them up. A warm and humid tropical climate should allow creases to fall out naturally. However, your hotel or your wedding coordinator can normally arrange for your outfits to be steamed if necessary. Alternatively, hang clothes in a steam-filled bathroom which will help the creases drop out.

Hair and beauty Hair and beauty treatments can be arranged when you arrive at your hotel, or you might even decide to book things before you arrive. If your hotel does not have these facilities, ask whether there is somewhere you can visit nearby. For total peace of mind, practice styling your own hair and make-up before setting off.

You're likely to want to have a healthy tan on your wedding day, but basking in the sun before the wedding isn't a good idea. As well as damaging your skin, you run the risk of looking more like a lobster than a sun-kissed bride. Pace your sunbathing on the run-up to your wedding or help nature along with a good quality fake tan. If you're doing your own fake tan, be sure to practise well in advance.




About the Author

Pamela Stevenson is founder and owner of www.AmberleyRose.co.uk which is a UK Wedding Coordination service, specialising in UK Destination Weddings. Their packages include ‘Fairytale Castle Weddings’ and London’s finest locations.