On of the gals in my book club is planning a wedding in another state, and last night we were chatting about wedding planners.  She had gotten frustrated and overwhelmed planning her big day from afar, so after much contention from her husband-to-be, they hired someone to help handle all the details.

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Most of us agreed right away that the money spent toward a wedding planner would be well worth it in her situation.  But, how do you feel about hiring one when you’re getting hitched in your own county?

There’s a huge push for brides to be ultra DIY these days, and as much as I love that, I also think it’s a little unfair.  Many elements of our wedding were done by us, but during the course of our engagement, I had three 6-week chunks of time off from school/work/life where I was able to turn the wedding into my full time job.  (I also had a ton of help from my mom!)  Had that not been the case, planning my wedding would have been nearly impossible without a wedding planner of some kind.

Planners have relationships with vendors that can save you a lot of time searching on Yelp or asking other brides for their opinions.  They have enough experience to guide you through the timeline of your reception so that guests don’t get bored and you don’t feel too rushed.  They take a lot of the stress out of planning your wedding, but I can see how they could take some of the fun out of it, too.

Since our wedding was held at my parents house, we hired a day-of coordinator.  She didn’t plan the wedding, but she made all of the little details run smoothly on the big day.  I’m SO glad we had her— she was a huge help, but all of the decisions were still up to Travis and me.

I really don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to plan your wedding— there are pros and cons to doing everything yourself versus hiring some help.  But I’m dying to know what you would choose!

How do you feel about hiring a wedding planner?  Would you feel nervous turning over the decision-making to a third party?  Would you feel relieved?!  Do you consider yourself a DIY bride?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

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If you’re hesitant to mix different patterns with one look, take a cue from this fashion-forward ensemble and start by keeping everything monochromatic.  Worn by Kristen Stewart in her photoshoot for Jalouse Magazine to promote the upcoming adaptation of On The Road, this outfit is Beetlejuice-punk mixed with high street brands. You can recreate it, however, with just $70 and one trip to trusty Forever 21.

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Try the bow back dotted dress ($11.50) for matching polka dots plus a sexy surprise cut-out in the back:

Power clash with a striped jacket ($22.80) that will make the dress more modern:

Pair with shoes that look a little bit menswear inspired ($29.80), and you’re almost there!

Finish off this look with a pair of retro sunnies ($5.80) and some bedhead and you’ve officially got the look!

What do you think of this look? Do you like mixing different patterns in one ensemble?  Will you see On The Road? Share in the comments!

P.S.- Get Jessica Alba’s look for less, or check out Scarlett Johansson’s.

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We’ve chatted about chalkboard paint, but have you heard of primer that makes your walls magnetic?!  It goes on like regular primer and you can paint any regular wall color over it, so you get the look you want, but your walls will have some extra pizzaz! You can stick photos, to-do lists, and love notes to the wall and then change ‘em out on a whim.

Check out some of these cool ideas:

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Cool right?!  I think this would be especially fun in a kid’s room or an office.  If you like the idea, you can pick up some magnetic paint here.

Have you heard of magnetic paint or primer?  Do you love the idea as much as I do?!  Does anyone have a magnetic wall in their home?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Happy Friday, my sweets!  I want to start off by wishing my mother-in-law a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This weekend is going to be fab.  Trav and I are going to a Giants game tonight (we scored tickets 7 rows behind home plate!)  I could not be more excited.  Then, we’re headed out of the city to visit the fam and relax.  Just what I need.  I haven’t had a day off in nearly two months!

Let’s be silly this weekend, like this sweet little guy:

Have you seen the photos of this baby elephant playing at the beach?!

This is SO TRUE.

Love this easy, adorable headband tutorial.

Need cute party supplies?  (Don’t we all?)

Fairy tale cottages.

Gorgeous mom & baby photos taken by our beloved engagement photographer, Judy Pak.

I can’t believe we get to go here in 4 1/2 months!!

Love this sweet ring.

Purdy.

My favorite sneakpeeq item of the week.

What are you up to this weekend?  Got any big plans?  Staying mellow?  Got any fun links of your own?  Share in the comments!

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Magazines and makeup counters alike are raving about the latest beauty phenomenon, BB Cream. It may not be a miracle worker but it will save you a lot of time (and money!) while benefitting your skin in the process.

BB cream, otherwise known as “beauty balm” or “blemish balm,” is a multi-purpose wonder that combines products you’re probably already using – moisturizer, skincare, primer, foundation, and SPF. Somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a medium-coverage foundation, these balms incorporate skin-saving ingredients like botanical antioxidants, luminous pearl extracts, or hydrating hyaluronic acid.

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You can apply this all-in-one package alone for sheer coverage or under liquid or powder foundations (including mineral) for more coverage and longer-lasting makeup. So, if you’re looking for some versatility in your beauty routine, BB cream might just be your new go-to product.

Here are three that, while similar in some ways, target different skin concerns and preferences.

For great oil control: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream (Available in five shades)

This BB cream glides on smooth and evens out skin tone without feeling heavy. It has an uncharacteristically high SPF for makeup—a 35—so you can feel confident that your skin is protected. Smashbox’s formula also helps control oil without looking chalky. In fact, emollients and pearl pigments hydrate skin, giving a natural glow rather than a flat, chalky finish. The big bonus? It’s fragrance-free, dermatologist tested, and non-acnegenic, so all skin types (even the acne-prone, oily, or sensitive) may just fall in love with it.

For a dewy, luminous finish: Too Faced Beauty Balm (Available in four shades)

When it comes to this one, don’t confuse “dewy” with oily. Light diffusing pigments—not oil—give skin a radiance from within, and a multi-mineral complex provides long-term anti-aging benefits, antioxidant protection, and increases skin’s elasticity over time. With a chemical-free SPF 20, hydrating vitamin E, and soothing chamomile, sensitive skin folks need not bat an eye. I found that when I tried different BB creams on clients, the color range of this one seemed to fill in the gaps of Smashbox’s color selection. So if Smashbox doesn’t make the right shade for you, try this one.

For hydration and treatment: Dr. Jart’s Water Fuse Beauty Balm (Available in one shade)

This oil-free, 50% water-based BB cream is a burst of hydration for your skin with a combination of glacial and deep ocean water, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed extract. Additional skincare benefits include aloe that will, of course, soothe irritation and redness and a porous powder that absorbs oil. Listed as a “blemish balm”on Dr. Jart’s website, it may actually cover up blemishes and help lighten dark spots. The high water content gives a cooling sensation when applied, maintains healthy moisture levels, and enhances your natural glow without being greasy. Now, that’s one happy, healthy (and hydrated) face!

These are just a sampling of many beauty balms available. Other brands to check out include MAC, Stila, Boscia, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Dior. Happy hunting!

Have you tried a BB Cream? What’s been your experience? Tell us what you loved (or didn’t love)!

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