Here Comes The Bride!

No, not me!  Been there girls, done that, and I'm set for life! :)  I have been captivated by pictures lately though.  I love feeling inspired by beautiful things.  And these photos I'm about to show you, definitely qualify as beautiful.  If you're lucky enough to get married in this new year, or have hopes for the future, or are already somebody's wife but still enjoy looking at wedding things from time to time, you will enjoy looking at this stunning editorial for Brides Magazine, starring Valerya, captured by Amber Gray and styled by Rachel Leonard.  Take a look:

Isn't the lighting throughout just breathtaking?  The makeup is done so beautifully and the gowns are beyond amazing! I think my favorite from the bunch, is the 3rd photo!  What about you?  Any favorites?  What do you think about these pictures?  Are any of you planning on a wedding this year?  If you could have your dream wedding, would you go all out or is a simpler and smaller wedding more your style?  Would you want to look enchanting?? 

I had a full puffy, completely strapless, princess-esque type wedding dress, and I loved every part of it!! 

What's your wedding style?

pictures: www.fashiongonerogue.com

Louis Vuitton

Hello lovelies!  How is your day doing so far?  I hope all is well! :)  Have any of you seen the photos from Louis Vuitton's cruise 2011 catalogue? It features Anne Vyalitsyna.  I love how Louis Vuitton dresses have been lately!  They have such a vintage feel to them.  A throw back to the day I would have loved to live during!

I"ll share some of my favorite ones with you, but be sure to check out the rest here.  

 I absolutely love the pinks throughout, and the girlieness to each and everyone of them!  And that black pants one where she's wearing the hat, is a gorgeous look, isn't it??  I wish I had a reason (and the money), to dress this way.  That's one of the reasons, I would have loved to live back around the 50's-60's.  It was so common for girls to always be in dresses, and more dressed up.  Now a days, most places you go, you'd be looked at funny, like you were overdressed, if you dressed this way!  Oh, how society has changed!  Some for the better, but in some ways for the worse.  If you had a choice would you want to live in today's world?  Or a previous decade?

I also, would love to live back in the late 1800's-early1900's when they got to attend balls, and when life was so much simpler.  Technology is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I wonder about how we get so caught up with technology, that we don't enjoy the world that's around us, and the beauty of simplistic things.  One of my new years resolutions, is along the lines of this.  To live simpler, and enjoy more. 

Any thoughts?

pictures: www.fashiongonerogue.com

Sweater Weather

Hello Girls!  I hope everyone has been having a fabulous week so far!  I have pictures to share with you from the vacation but I'm going to save that for another day.  Today I would like to get back to fashion!  This is indeed a fashion blog! Sometimes I get a little distracted! :)

Now, I don't know about you, but here in Indiana, the weather is bitter cold!  All I can think about is being bundled up in a warm sweater!  I'd like it even more if I never had to go outside this winter, and could just stay in curled up in a bulky sweater, with a good book, and a hot drink, like hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee, tea, pretty much anything hot at this point will do!  Doesn't that just sound lovely??  Sadly, work and life in general doesn't allow that, but a girl can dream anyway!

And although, I've gone on a shopping ban in the new year, I can still look at all the amazing comfy sweater options out there, and maybe help you girls find something you like!  So here it goes.  I've broken sweaters, for this time of year, into 3 categories

The first one being:

COMFY CARDIGANS:

Comfy Cardigans by DreamyGirl22 featuring merino cardigans

Free People Kitty Kat Cardi in Natural - as seen on Ashley Tisdale, $128
ALICE by Temperley Corinna zigzag cotton-blend cardigan, $158
Strickjacke, 119 EUR
MyShape - Karen Kane - Sequined Dolman-Sleeve Cardigan, $118
MERINO LONG CARDIGAN, 135 GBP
Chinti and Parker Cashmere cardigan, $258
Old Navy Womens Cable-Knit Tie-Belt Cardigans, $40
Natural Aran Cardigan, 140 GBP
Stella McCartney Chunky-knit wool cardigan, $1,137
SHORT SLEEVE CARDIGAN, 69,825 JPY
Ashley Tisdale[-.*Snickers.&.mars*.-]
Black Patent Mac Strip

.  

Oh I would love to be wrapped up in any of these right now!  My favorites are the center three, the light cream colored Natural Aran cardigan, the MyShape- Karen Kane-Sequined-Dolman-Sleeve Cardigan, and the Strickjacke, which is the one with the bow!  Aren't those amazing??!

Which ones are you eyeing?

Onto category #2:

BOLD PRINTED SWEATERS

Fun Sweaters by DreamyGirl22 featuring leopard sweaters

Wildfox Love Potion Crew Neck Sweater in Cream, $212
Wildfox Red Sparkle Heart Baggy Beach Jumper in Clean White, $113
Love Raglan by Illustrated**, $60
Sweater - Der kaiser, 67 EUR
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Cashmere intarsia sweater, $350
Bella Freud Dream wool-blend intarsia sweater, $175
Blue Leopard Print Sequin Long Sweater By Sister**, 95 GBP
Alexander mcqueen knitwear GREY, 320 GBP
Yellow Leopard Print Sequin Long Sweater By Sister**, 95 GBP
Cutie grey bow jumper, 24 GBP
Draped wool-blend sweater, $119
Sweater - Der kaiser, 67 EUR
MARBELLA - EMBELLISHED BOW ADHESIVE TATTOO, 75 EUR
Black Mac Strip

Taylor Swift has been seen sporting cute sweaters with fun bold prints on them!  I love the ones with the bows, as well as the Karl Lagerfield sweaters!  How fun!  Also the leopard print ones look so cute and comfy!  They would look great paired with leggings or tights, as well as skinny jeans!

The Last category, #3:
PATTERNED KNITS

Patterned Knit Sweaters by DreamyGirl22 featuring a chunky 

Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Blanket Sweater in Multi, $350
Knitted Navaho Cardigan, $125
ALICE by Temperley Chara cotton oversized cardigan, $198
ELLIOT ARGYLE SWEATER, 24,150 JPY
Missoni Seraphina crochet-knit cardigan, $1,035

Paul & Joe Sister Merino wool Fair Isle hooded cardigan 

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Reversible Navajo Blanket Sweater in many...Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent Blanket Sweater - rona - stylists' picks

 

I just love Blake Lively's twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Blanket Sweater!  I wouldn't mind wearing a "blanket" out in the cold, if it looked as stylish as that!  These, almost like tribal printed, knitted sweaters are everywhere this season, so be sure to find one that suits your style! 

So girls, will you be shopping for any sweaters that fall into these categories?  Anyone in particular catch your attention??  What have you been doing to get by during this dreadful weather??

Anyway, have a wonderful afternoon!!!

Check Out This Quick Link!

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Hey girls!  I hope all of you had a fabulous New Year's Eve!  I actually fell asleep before the ball dropped!  My husband and I both did.  Does that mean were old?!  Maybe! hehehe

Some of you might be a bit hungover?! lol I've gathered there were some pretty fun parties out there amongst all of you!

So now that the new year has begun, have you decided what you will be doing with 2011?  Any resolutions for this new year?  I'm still working on min'

Oh, be sure to check out this link to style.com below!  They've assembled their favorite pictures of the front row regulars from the hottest 2010 fashion shows!  There are some great ones!  Sorry they aren't just posted on here, my internet is acting weird when it comes to photos!

here's the link:  http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/12/front-row-report-the-2010-regulars/

Anyway, have a lovely day!  And I hope your New Year is off to a great start!

Happy New Year

Hello girls!  Sorry it's been almost a week since my last post!  I returned from the cruise late Wednesday night and have yet to fully get back into the swing of things.  The vacation was truly amazing!  There were 17 of us altogether, from my husband's side.  We had our own room, of course though on the ship.  I took some pictures and I will be sure to post them soon!  

I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas and our enjoying your New Year's!  Any New Year's resolutions?  I'd love to hear them.  I haven't quite figured mine out entirely, but when I do, I will
certianly share them.  

This past year has gone by incredibly fast!  Anyway, what's in your future for 2011???  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  : )
More to come!

Guest Post: SNOW BUNNY ATTIRE

Hello girls!  This is Tasha, but just for a brief moment!  I'm in Mexico as you read this!  But I have a lovely guest post from Laura who is the amazing blogger behind A La Mode et Plus!  Please enjoy!  As I'm sure you will, she has a great post on Snow Bunny Attire on here, and if your heading some where tropical her blog is offering a post on options today for that as well! 

Merry Christmas!!

Snow Bunny Attire!

Merry Christmas darlings! I hope you got everything your little heart desired and that you will share photos of your treasures soon. Though the festivities of the day may be over, the holiday season is still with us. So get a little more wear out of your sequins and glitter and rock those satiny red pumps with confidence before it is too late.

The Holidays are always a joyful time spent relaxing with family and friends and reflecting on all the blessings in our lives. For many of us, this time off will be spent vacating our every day lives and indulging in a little holiday trip! And what better place to relax than in a cozy cabin in the mountains where you can hit the slopes, lounge by a fire or party the night away. Whether you ski or board, or perhaps like me prefer to spectate, packing for a snowy excursion can pose difficulties. I know it may be tempting to just reach for your favorite worn-in sweats, hoodies and UGGS at the last minute and call it a day, but with all the stylish winter wear options available, a fashionista need not sacrifice her style for comfort! So my dears, eschew your last minute frantic packing routine and take a little time to plan some stand-out outfits this go around. I promise you won't be disappointed when you are a knockout little snow bunny on the slopes, by the fireplace and in the clubs!

I understand that as a fashionista you want to appear coiffed and très chic at all times, but when you are whizzing down those snow-capped mountains, warmth will be the main thing on your mind! To ensure that you achieve a cozy AND stylish look, employ an age old styling trick: layering. To keep your bum feeling toasty, a heavy duty pair of ski pants are essential. Lucky for you chicas, the industry offers you many fashion-conscious options. Check out the addidas by Stella McCartney line for the perfect combination of breathable weather protection and a form flattering silhouette. For added warmth (and an easy fashion transition once you leave the slopes) try layering your comfiest leggings under the ski pants. Ski wear for your upper body consists of three layers: the base layer, the middle layer and outerwear. I personally believe Under Armour ColdGear makes the best base layer available, particularly when you factor in the myriad of colors they now come in! For your middle layer, I suggest a fair isle sweater. It will both lock in heat and keep you stylish après ski when you are unbundle in the lounge. And finally, a puffy coat is a very on trend way to keep you hot, in all senses of the word, on the slopes. You will also need a sturdy pair of snow boots for the occasion, and remember this is not the time for heels or suede. Instead, opt for something lace-up or with faux fur lining as a way to display your fashion pride without sacrificing your toes to frostbite! To top off the perfect slopes-ready outfit, accessorize yourself with the winter essentials: scarf, gloves and a hat. Remember to balance practicality with fashion when shopping for vacation accessories. Save the trendy fingerless gloves for a coffee date and opt for the basic black water-proof variety while skiing. Be sure to throw in some color with your scarf and hat, though! Throw it all together and go hit those hills, dolls!

Ladies, I have a confession to make now. I actually hate skiing, but I LOVE ski trips! How can this be you may ask? Well, the sport itself just doesn't appeal to me but the ski culture certainly does. J'adore any opportunity to curl up by a fireplace with a good book or the latest magazine in one hand and a starbucks peppermint mocha in the other! That is basically paradise in my mind. And who doesn't look for an excuse to don comfy knit sweaters all day long? Whether you want to keep it completely cozy with an oversized seasonal sweater, leggings and fur lined flat boots, or you want to glam it up a notch with a more fitted sweater, skinny jeans and heeled suede boots, the above outfit ideas will leave you looking effortlessly chic for a day of ski lodge lounging! Added bonus: you will be totally cuddle-ready when your sweetie returns exhausted from a long day on the slopes! And don't forget to bedeck yourself with a few festive baubles ladies! Snowflake earrings or sunburst cocktail rings anyone?

One of the best parts of a vacation, besides the total guilt-free indulgence and no schedule, is getting all dressed up and experiencing the night life of a new area! Going out in the winter can be tricky though, since you need to cover up and still maintain your chic factor. Opt for a long sleeve dress for full coverage and pair it with your favorite pair of decorative tights. Add a sexy pair of knee high heeled boots, some bling and a classic clutch and you are ready for a night out on the (new) town!

Alright babes, you are now totally ready to transform yourself into the picture perfect snow bunny. Don't forget to share some photos of your adventures with us! If you want nothing more than to escape the cold this Christmas and plan on traveling to a tropical locale instead, click over to my blog to get tropically inspired! Bisous! -Laura

Guest Post from ANNIE!

Hello girls!  This will be the first of the guest posts done this next week as I am on vacation!  A holiday cruise to Mexico!   I'd love to share with you, a lovely blogger, named Annie from Makeup and Jeans Girl.  I know you will enjoy her guest post, as I always enjoy reading the posts she does!  Thank you Annie for being willing to help out while I'm on vacation!

Now onto the guest post!

Thank you Tasha for letting me do a guest post on The Hot Spot. I feel very honored and greatly appreciate that you are willing to share my ideas to your lovely readers whom I am eager to meet!

Hey Ladies!

I am Annie from Makeup and Jeans Girl, my fashion blog. I wanted to do a quick introduction, so we can feel a little more connected. So here are a few random facts, I love eye makeup the best, and wear minimal jewelry. I am a mother to a very busy toddler. I am married to an amazing man I love. Hobbies: Exercise, sewing, writing and cooking. Personality: I am very honest with how I feel.

So I had a very hard time deciding what I wanted to share with you that I felt would be worthy of being posted on THE HOT SPOT. I decided to just give you a piece of my heart. I love poetry, and I love the winter, and this is for you.

Winter Snow

Snow flakes soft dropping in clusters,

Bitter morning air, moody skies.

Sugar overkill in hot drinks held by mittens, steaming...

The refining process of presents

cherished time choosing perfection,

wrapping delicately, sprinkling with ribbon,

passing to eager hands.

Love and all it's body framework,

family and strangers.

Creations, both sewn and baked, both by man and God.

A tree disproportionately decorated

candy, glitter, glass.

Loneliness.

Condensed heat touching my lips.

Celebrating Christ, not religion.

Hearing "Merry Christmas" after someone was courteous.

New hairstyles on layered enriched Fasionistas.

Books and quivering candles.

Lotion on goosebumps

curled in a heavy downy comforter seeking peace.

So ladies, do you love the winter? What does Christmas mean to you? Do  you celebrate Christmas? What are the little things in life you  appreciate?