Guess Who’s Back…

Hello! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Celine- The Shoe Girl. I’m back to blogging after taking over a year and a half off. Wanna know what the heck I’ve been up to??

Ok, so… last time we spoke I was packing up my shoes and moving to LA (all my old blog posts are linked to this blog if you wanna play catch up). I moved in with my sweet friend Jena in the cutest warmest apartment in the coolest area. I had to downsize my shoe closet to a shoe wall, but it was totally worth it.

Jena and I were roomies for about a year and had lots of fun girly adventures. She and I met when we both worked at Titan Industries seven years earlier, designing shoes and traveling to China together. Jena is now the owner of her own businesses, a sometimes jewelry designer, and a celebrity stylist too! So much talent in one cute tiny package.

In between girly adventures with Jena, I was being swept off my feet by the most wonderful human being I’ve ever come across- my now fiancee, Jonathan. We met either online or through a mutual friend, depending on who’s asking. I was living in Orange County when we met but after only a few months of “long distance” dating, I made the move to LA to sink my claws into him and seal the deal. Er, I mean to broaden my horizons and try something new… yeah, thats it.

Jon and I have gone on so many fun trips and crazy romantic dates that I could dedicate a whole second blog to that, but I don’t want to be responsible for cleaning up all that puke from cuteness overload! ;) From Skiing in Tahoe to sunbathing in Mexico; visiting wineries in Napa to long drives up the coast- Jon really made me feel special. We have so much fun together and I love seeing new places with him. Of all our trips my favorite of course was the trip where we spent time with my family in Morocco and then left them to go to Paris…

Not only did I get a killer tan, I got the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen!! And a shiny new fiancee! It was so romantic and wonderful and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. Jon is such an amazing guy and has brought me so much happiness and love, I really feel like the luckiest girl on Earth. He comes with an incredibly warm and loving family- they’re the icing on the cake for sure. Jon loves me and loves and respects my love for shoes, which may sound silly but it really is pretty amazing. I mean can you imagine being a guy and walking into a girls apartment for the first time and seeing a whole room full of shoes?! That’s enough to scare a lot of guys away. I remember his reaction when he saw my shoe room for the first time.

“Whoa… thats amazing!” Ding ding ding! We have a winner! ;)

So we came home from Paris and a few weeks later I packed up my little shoe wall, headed to my storage unit and got the rest of my babies and we all moved in! Poor Jon was invaded by boxes upon boxes of shoes.

A whole room for my shoes again. I missed them!!

So now It’s about seven months later and I’m all settled in our home, designing shoes for Titan and planning our wedding. All that was missing was my shoe blog so I decided to give her a little revamp and take a swing at blogging again.

I’ve missed blogging but feel like I’m so out of the loop. I’m on a new format and getting used to all the changes with the help of my web designer Rachael (thanks Rach!) and trying to figure out what I want to say and where I fit in. It’s crazy to think I started blogging so many years ago, when there really weren’t many shoe or fashion blogs. Then a few years later there were bloggers at runway shows, writing books, designing shoe and clothing lines, and on reality shows! It’s a whole different world from where I started.

I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to reach out to me via my Instagram or through email to tell me that you’ve missed my blog. It means more to me that you could know and I hope that you enjoy this next chapter of The Shoe Girl’s Blog. Don’t hesitate to comment with any suggestions on content or with any feedback you have. I really love you guys!

Totally obsessed with Fendi’s Resort collection

So I’m totally obsessed with Fendi’s Resort collection. Jon and I were shopping this past weekend and I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw their window on Rodeo. I love polka dots, along with anything super girly and cute – but I don’t love the price tag of Fendi’s ready to wear. So don’t mind me while I show you a little roundup of cute polka dot finds I curated for you (thats fancy blogger talk for put together). Yay!

1. Dotted Top with Contrast Cuff – Zara

2. Polka Dot A-Line Skirt – Red Valentino

3. Large Polka Dot Patterend Tights – Hue

4. Polka Dot Sandals – Steele

5. Mini Crossbody Bag – Kate Spade NY

6. Fit and Flare Polka Dot Midi Dress – Donna Morgan

7. Polka Dot Mesh Flat- French Sole

8. Crop Top/ Pencil Skirt – ASOS

9. Harmony Heeled Sandal – ASOS

10. Chiffon Polka Dot Blouse – Forever 21

11. Mika Pump – Sophia Webster

My Top 10 Favorite Oscar Dresses…

So I’m not really an awards show person. I find them boring and too long and I generally don’t care. What I DO care about are the red carpets before the awards. And the red carpet of all red carpets? Well the Oscars of course! So here’s a little list of some of my favorite Oscar red carpet moments…

Last year’s red carpet was pretty awesome. I remember Lupita Nyong’o walking down in that BEAUTIFUL blue Prada dress and my jaw just dropped! That color! The way it moved… the headband! It was perfection. Her whole red carpet season was flawless in my opinion but this dress makes my top 10 for sure. Cinderella come to life.

Kate Hudson in Versase was another perfect look for me. Her hair, makeup and that body… YES. I especially love the bold shoulder and the little cape action. I’m a sucker for a back moment.

In 2011 came two more of my favorites, both in beautiful pastel hues and both stunning for different reasons.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy? Yes please. This dress got a lot of mixed opinions but I love everything about it. The pop of neon against the most perfect pinkish lilac and the intricacy of the beading detail make me swoon. That edgy sculpted shoulder juxtiposed against the pleated flowy fabric is that touch of badass that takes this dress to the next level.

Now Mila Kunis in Elie Saab is another story. Girly flirty sexy feminine perfection. Showing skin in such a sexy yet sophisticated way… I just love this dress. Romantic is an understatement.

In 2010 I LOVED another dress that got mixed reviews- Zoe Saldana in Givenchy. The ruffled purple ombre was UH-Mazing and that glittery top sent me to girly heaven! I loved it and was really surprised that lots of people hated it. Like, whaaaaa??

Ah, and Sandra Bullock in that perfect Marchesa number. She looked like a beautiful glittery Oscar. She looked like a goddess. And this was the year she won the Oscar for best actress and made a beautiful speech (ok sometimes I watch the speeches- I’m a sucker for a good cry) and then her disgusting cheater husband smiled at her lovingly while she thanked him. YUCK. …but I digress. She was stunning and I loved her in that moment.

These two favorites have two things in common. 1- they were both from 2007 and 2- they were worn by two women that have slept with Tom Cruise. Eek.

Nicole Kidman’s red Balenciaga was all about that bow… well that and the fact that she’s a clothes hanger on legs. No seriously, I love the simplicity of this dress paired with a perfect fit and the super cute super perfect bow.

Penelope Cruze is wearing what would be my wedding dress if I could afford Atelier Versace. So yea, it’s a top 10 for sure. Feathery and structured and beauuuutiful!

Michelle Williams in Vera Wang in 2006 might be my favorite Oscar look of all time. Serious. That color dress with the red lip and her perfect skin and hair and that necklace that mimics the color detail and oh my gosh! I don’t know why exactly but this is just the best for me. It’s old Hollywood glam done exactly right.

Finishing off my top 10 list is Hillary Swank in Guy Larcohe. It was ten years ago (yikes!) but I still remember my reaction to this navy perfection. “Wow!” The fit, the draping, that back detail (are you seeing a pattern here?) And ten years later I’d still want to wear this as much as when I first drooled over it… classic!

Annnnnd for fun, my honorable mentions…

Cher for being effing Cher in a mostly see-through Macky masterpiece that should have been tacky but magically wasn’t (imo), and Angie for looking like an idiot with that weird leg thing she was doing all night and making a beautiful Atelier Versace look, well… tacky when it shouldn’t have.

Enjoy your Oscar parties! Cant wait to see what comes down the carpet Sunday!! If you’re in the LA area check out my friend’s studio for some pre-Oscar fabulousness.

Hooray for glamour!!

All Eyes On You: Eyelash Trend

2015 is the time to lash out with this ultra-feminine, modern and whimsical top beauty trend. Your wedding makeup should borrow inspiration from the re-emergence of the bold doll-like eyelash adored in the 1960s. This doe-eyed flutter brings the focus back to the eyes and we know there is nothing more dramatic, magical, and transformative in eye makeup than false eyelashes.

Whether the bridal gown you choose is a romantic vintage wedding dress or that show stopper sexy wedding dress… this wedding makeup trend is for everyone! Lush Lashes never looked more beautiful or glamorous. Live a little and try stacking two lashes on top of each other and adding a bottom lash like MODEL ROCK Lashes Angel Tipsor House of Lashes Precious for full blown glamour.

Worn with any wedding hairstyles in your hairstylist’s repertoire, you will capture every adoring eye in the room with this modern take on this year’s best bridal beauty trend.

Here are my top 3 lash go to brands when it comes to adding that extra sparkle for your special EYE-DO’s!

1. MODELROCK Lashes – Smokey Velvet, My Marilyns,Twiggy Double, 241’s short
2. Hudabeauty – Coco Jo, Samantha, Monique, Giselle
3. House of Lashes – Temptress Wispy, Siren, Fairy Noir, Bambi, Precious bottom lashes

Here are a few key techniques you will need to know with this step-by-step application guide for applying lashes.

1.    Always curl your upper lash prior to applying your liner or eye makeup. Always apply the top lash first. I always dry fit any false lash to the eye first just in case I may need to trim them. Trim with small scissors or a pair of sterile nail clippers. Always trim the outer edge of a false lash when fitting the eye. Make sure you place the outer edge of the lash in line with the sweep up of your lower eye. An eyelash too far over your actual eye line will make you look tired and drag the eye down.
2.  After ensuring your eye makeup and liner is complete, add a little glue to the end of your tweezers and swipe your tweezer across the base of the bottom false lash. This controls the amount of glue applied. Add a little more glue to either end of your false lash this helps adhere to the outer edges of your eye where there is the most movement when you smile etc. Wait until the glue is a little tacky to the touch. Then you are ready to start application.
3.  Looking straight at the mirror, take either end of your lash with tweezers and start placing it at the base of your eyelash where the skin connects. Try to adhere the middle of the lash to the centre of the base of your upper eye first then you can release one end and lightly press that end onto the skin on the eye. Repeat with the other end of the lash. Ensure the entire lash is adhered to your skin. Wait for the glue to dry. Try not to move your eye around too much while the lash glue is drying.
4.  Add some extra mascara by using your mascara wand vertically. That way you have more control of the amount of mascara you use and also less chance of irritating smudges around your eye. Using the tip of the wand vertically will help adhere your stray lashes to the false lash as there is more mascara on the tip and this acts like glue and seals your lash onto the false lash.
5.  Then apply your liner lightly to the glue on the base of your lash to make sure it blends with your lash line.

Tips For Your Wedding Dress Fitting

Congratulations! There is nothing more exciting than the moment when you have found the wedding dress of your dreams. The next best thing is working with your seamstress until it fits you perfectly. You may be surprised to find out there is more to wedding dress fittings than just showing up and trying it on. Follow our tips to make sure you get the most out of your experience.

Eat. You might think skipping lunch will help make the dress feel just right, but the last thing you (or your tailor!) want is a fainting bride-to-be.

Bring your shoes. If you’ve already purchased the shoes you are going to wear for your big day, make sure to bring them along to the fitting. Doing so will ensure that the alterations will be precisely the length you want, depending on your heel height. If you plan on switching shoes for the reception, make sure to bring those along as well.

Do your hair. That way, you can get the overall picture of what you will look like on your big day. You might have an idea of a hairstyle that you love, but you may totally change your mind once you see how it looks with your wedding dress.

Go natural. We recommend wearing as little makeup and products as you’re comfortable with. Some makeup such as foundation and concealer, or even a spray tan, can stain your wedding dress. We also advise wearing streak-free or clear deodorant to avoid any mishaps.

Wear your undergarments. Some bridal salons may sell them, or you might have to bring your own. Some gowns require a full corset, where others may be built in. Either way, you want to make sure your wedding dress will fit exactly how you plan to wear it the day of.

Bring a friend. If you need to bustle your dress, you’ll need someone to help you do so. Whether it’s your Mom or maid of honor, make sure someone knows how to bustle your gown. Check with your seamstress to see which fitting they need to attend.

Decide on your veil and accessories. If possible, try on veils, head pieces, and accessories while you are wearing your wedding dress. Capturing the whole ensemble beforehand will ensure there won’t be any surprises on your big day.

Relax. These fittings are all about you, so remember to enjoy yourself!

Store of the Week: Uptown Bridal & Boutique in Chandler, Arizona

Identical twins Nicole and Tonia both got married in 2005. After shopping for their own wedding dresses, they decided to team up with their dream-chasing Mom to create an upscale, charming, affordable, and customer-service focused bridal boutique. They opened their doors to Phoenix metro area brides-to-be in 2007, housed in historic downtown Chandler, Arizona.

We asked the lovely ladies of Uptown Bridal all about their Chandler bridal shop, and what’s currently trending in the Arizona bridal market:

What wedding dress trends are hot right now in your area?

Chic-Southwestern continues to capture the hearts of many Arizonian brides… after all we are the “Wild Wild West”.  Brides are blending contemporary trends, such as succulents, with touches of country flair like boots with a lace wedding dress.

What’s the number one thing your brides are asking for?

Sleeves… straps… anything with a low back.

How do you make the bride’s experience memorable?

The Uptown Bridal experience is like nothing else offered in our area.  Brides mention that the difference can be seen and felt just by walking in the door.  It is our sincere promise to please the bride from the moment she walks in our bridal shop until the moment she walks down the aisle.  We have a team of incredible bridal consultants that aim to not only please, but WOW our guests.  From the big picture – like our exceptional designers, spacious and inviting showroom, and guest service focus – to the tiny details like pink tissues for happy tears, a presentation of a fun bachelorette veil gift when purchasing, and notes in the mail days before the wedding with a lucky penny enclosed, our brides receive an experience, not just a wedding dress!

What’s the most surprising request you’ve ever gotten from a bride?

The most surprising request we’ve ever received was from a groom… or rather a groom-to-be.  A couple came in to “look around” and possibly set up an appointment.  The groom snuck away while the bride was browsing the selection and revealed that he’d love to propose on the same day she shopped for the gown.  He felt that they had waited long enough and she was so excited to start shopping that he wanted to make the day extra special.  During a few secret visits to the boutique, we planned the perfect proposal including a surprise arrival of both sets of parents to distract the bride while the groom perfectly positioned himself down on one knee in our gorgeous foyer.  We had a photographer on staff capture every moment then assisted the newly-engaged gal in finding the perfect Essense of Australia wedding gown.

What’s your favorite wedding story from one of your brides?

We honestly don’t think we can choose just one! We have the joy of listening to love stories each and every day.  All so unique and different, making us laugh, or cry, or both!  We love servicemen and women that return to their loves for the big day.  We love high school sweethearts that promise forever and friends that have reconnected after years.  We adore nurses and doctors that meet in the ER and those that have a chance rendezvous at the dog park.  We love that we get to be a chapter in our couples’ love stories.

What is the best advice you would give a bride as she is shopping for her wedding gown?

Enjoy the process.  Research your local bridal boutiques before making appointments.  Make your day more about quality than quantity. Share the day with the ones you love the most… and save the surprise of the wedding gown for everyone else!