Royal Wedding 2011

Kate Middleton is a vision in McQueen. She arrived at Westminster Abbey Friday afternoon wearing a sophisticated long-sleeved wedding dress with a Chantilly lace applique bodice, satin pleated skirt and a nine-foot train designed by Sarah Burton of the late Alexander McQueen.The dress seamlessly combined British tradition with McQueen’s signatures and Middleton’s own conservative, classic style.Her perfect bridal look was completed with a full veil, a cartier tiara borrowed from the Queen and a bouquet of assorted dainty white flowers. Kate's look was classic, elegant, timeless and beautiful all wrapped into one. 

Easter Inspiration

I just love the originality of this Easter inspired cake. Located in Washington D.C. Maggie Austin Cake offers a fresh take on exclusively custom cake and cookie designs. I absolutely love both the creativity and simplicity of this design. Check out the Maggie Austin Cake portfolio to see many other mazing couture cakes. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Easter! Enjoy this weekend with family and good friends. 

Love Japan

Last Friday Tory Burch appeared on The View where she showcased pieces from her new collection as well as announced her "Japan Relief T-Shirt." 100% of the net proceeds from every T-shirt sold from now until September 15, 2011 will go directly to the American Red Cross in support of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief efforts. T-shirts are now available at ToryBurch.com. 

Almost Black

Almost black nail polish is very cool because you usually have to look twice to catch the true color. Pictured here is one of my new faves- Suzi Skis the Pyrenees by OPI. It is from OPI's Spain collection which includes two other colors, a dark green and dark eggplant. I actually got my nails done in this color yesterday and it's kind of a dark charcoal or smokey blue/gray.

I am always looking for a new dark color to wear but can't seem to get away from the deep reds or purples. I love this shade and am excited that I found it, even if it is almost summer and most of my color choices from now on will probably be much lighter. What are your favorite shades? I am always looking for new amazing polishes!

Get Creative with a Crockenbush

Get creative at your next event with a Crockenbush. The crockenbush is a dessert tower made of doughnut-like cream puffs or macarons drizzled with liquid sugar. This classic French cake is not only delicious but very trendy and cool as well. Substitute a crockenbush for a traditional wedding or even birthday cake. 

The above was featured on The Knot-your complete guide to wedding planning, wedding ideas, wedding dresses, wedding engagement and much more. 

Blake Lively: Hollywood "It" Girl and Fashion Icon

Last Wednesday Gossip Girl star Blake Lively attended a dinner hosted by Chanel where she was introduced as the new face of their Mademoiselle handbag ad campaign. Wearing a white Chanel minidress the 23-year-old actress seemed in disbelief that she was the focal point of the room. “I was just having a conversation and I looked down and saw ‘Chanel: Dinner in Honor of Blake Lively’ ” she said, pointing to her menu. “It’s crazy.” Blake was handpicked for the Chanel campaign by the  house's designer Karl Lagerfeld. Apparently, Lagerfeld and Lively intend to replicate the New York introduction dinner during Paris Fashion Week at Coco Chanel's former home on the Rue Cambon.

Blake Lively has come a long way since her days on daytime TV soaps when her wardrobe consisted mostly of jeans and tank tops. After appearing in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and landing her role of socialite Serena van der Woodsen on the CW's Gossip Girl, it was a quick ascension to the top, especially in the fashion world. Blake is famously known for not having a stylist. She feels that having someone else dress her would be like them interpreting who she is and the truth is she says, "people don't really know me." As the youngest of five children, Blake credits her mother as the one who helped her to shape her fashion sensibilities. Her mother was a model, so she was always exposed to beautiful clothes. Blake Lively claims that confidence is the key to making an outfit work, even if critics don't approve, as long as she is being herself, she loves it. 

Her killer confidence may also be the reason that Blake was recently named the worlds most desirable woman by Askmen.com. She beat out celebrities such as actress Mila Kunis and Sofia Vergara, as well as supermodels Selita Ebanks and Miranda Kerr who all finished in the top five. Designer Christian Louboutin himself has also fallen in love with all things Blake. He recently released a shoe he specifically named after the actress. Talk about making your mark in the fashion world. "The Blake" will be available in the US and UK this month and will retail at about 635 British pounds (which is about 1035 US dollars) better start saving now! 

I guess it's a mix between her sophisticated style and sexy air of confidence that makes Blake the total package. “You can say she’s a California blonde, but she is very sophisticated and that’s a rare combo," says designer Michael Kors. I think it's easy to see why Blake Lively has quickly become one of Hollywood's newest "It" girls.  She is simply what stylish women around the world all want to look like, and who can blame them. Watch Blake on Gossip Girl which airs on the CW every Monday at 9 p.m Eastern. 

Real Housewives of Orange County Returning Tonight

Tonight the first ladies of Bravo are back. The Real Housewives of Orange County are returning for their 6th season. Is anyone else as excited about this as I am? Of course veteran Vicki Gunvalson will be returning this season, along with fellow blondes Tamra Barney, Gretchen Rossi and Alexis Bellino and tonight we will also be introduced to two new castmates. New OC cast members include Peggy Tanous, a 41-year-old former model and current stay-at-home mom and Fernanda Rocha, a 34-year-old lesbian fitness instructor. There are also rumors of fan favorite OC housewife Lauri Waring reappearing this season (we can only hope!) It sounds to me like this season could get interesting, and judging from the trailors recently released by Bravo, I think I may be onto something. I can't wait to see all the drama the ladies have in store for us this season- we all know Tamra and Gretchen in the same room is usually the perfect recipe for diaster!