Last spring, I had the chance to work on a project for El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara, alongside a super fabulous talented team: Jen Huang, 1011 Makeup and Anna Le Pley Taylor. One of the elements we worked on styling was a surprise birthday party, which we are so excited to share with you today! More to come from this super fun collaboration!
Photography: Jen Huang // Styling: Summer Watkins // Hair and Makeup: 1011 Makeup // Flowers: Anna Le Pley Taylor
“At my own engagement party a year ago, I asked my stylist to do a bow bun. I love bows; I love buns. So the “bow” bun was clearly my up-do of choice!” says photographer, Jen Huang. We decided to combing our love for Jen, and bow buns, and share this tutorial with you, shot by Jen! There are many different versions online, so we can’t take credit for the idea, but here’s how to do it:
1. Curl your hair for volume and have plenty of hairspray at the ready
2. Pull your hair up into a pony tail, but when you’re pulling your hair through the loop the last time, only pull it through halfway, leaving a little tail
3. Split the ponytail “poof” in half and loop the “tail” over the split to create the “center” of the bow
4. Secure with bobbies or hair spray and spread the two sides of the bow for maximum effect. Thanks to the beautiful Brie for modeling in Costa Rica.
(What’s that? You wanted to see Jen’s gorgeous engagement party and her own bow bun? We thought so. Head here!)
Vendors: Photography: Jen Huang // Model: Brie // Shot on Fuji 160S and processed/scanned by RichardPhotoLab
The absolute romance of our newest Grey Collective discovery–January Rose Bridal–is likely to take your breath away. We are utterly smitten with their line of veils and exquisite accessories for the bride–so much so that we’ve insisted they giveaway something to one lucky reader! But first, we’ll need to tempt you with a few images of their finery, thanks to Desi Baytan Photography and florals by Oak & The Owl with gowns by Leanne Marshall.
In order to enter, all you need to do is like our facebook page and comment on or share today’s giveaway post. We’ll randomly select an entrant who will have their choice of one of the three items shown below: the Crystal and Lace Knots Bridal Headpiece, the Lace and Silk Flower Headband, or the Birdcage Veil with Hand Beaded Lace.
Photography: Desi Baytan Photography // Floral Design: Oak & The Owl // Gowns: Leanne Marshall // Sponsored by January Rose Bridal
As couples become more and more aware of the impact their choices have on a global scale, we’ve begun to see a trend toward hand selecting jewelry designers based on their ethical standards for harvesting and manufacturing. Today, we wanted to highlight three designers that we think are answering that call in a profound way–each with a unique approach to making a difference in their industry.
First up, is Uneek, who produces incredibly…you guessed it…unique rings. But in addition to that, each piece is produced in the United States at a warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles, which bolsters the locally economy by producing jobs and generating tax revenue. By manufacturing rings locally Uneek chooses to invest in a sustainable future for the local economy rather than outsourcing their labor to a developing country in order to cut production cost. We love this just about as much as we love their rings and especially the new Silhouette Collection, with gorgeous curvy designs.
Natalie K is a jewelry designer focused on the global impact of harvesting their diamonds. The Natalie K’s Forevermark Collection carries a promise that each diamond has been harvested in a responsible and sustainable fashion from the earth and the proceeds from the sale of the diamonds end up helping the community where the diamond mine is located and not funding any para-military rebel groups.
Danhov is an award winning designer of handmade engagement rings with a focus on the nature of their production process. Each piece is assembled completely by hand while avoiding many of the harsh chemicals and large machinery commonly employed in jewelry manufacturing today. This eco-friendly approach to sustainable jewelry manufacturing is becoming an increasingly popular trend as many potential engagement ring buyers are gaining an increased awareness of their own ecological impact. You can read more about Danhov’s story here and check out some of our favorites from their collection below.
Grey is all about making sure you are your absolute most gorgeous self as you walk down the aisle. Today we’re sharing a little round up of products you should always have room for in your purse (or even your clutch) which will keep you shining, glamorous, and ready for the big day.
Here’s our list of on-the-go beauty must-haves:
1. First up are Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit, which come in tiny little packages that make it easy for you to work on that smile while on the go.
2. Speaking of smile, we can’t resist a fabulous red tint on those lips to show off your smile…especially when your teeth are bright and glowing! Our fave brand is Face Stockholm (nary a wear goes by without several compliments!).
3. We love Concrete Perfume from Anthropologie. It isn’t messy, doesn’t melt, and is a great way to stay fresh throughout the day! (We’re still waiting for this one to become available again!).
4. Still Standing Spray—keep your feet happy in heels with this spray that uses a tingling sensation to soften the aches and pains your stilettos like to cause. Every clutch needs this!
5. Last but not least, we always keep a vintage pair of earrings on the ready just in case we need to glam up a pair of jeans for last minute cocktail hour! A little extra glam goes a long way! Ours were found during a hunt on Etsy. Someone nab this pair before Lady Grey gets a chance.
In collaboration with Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit, we’re giving away a full set to a lucky reader, plus, a coupon so you can receive $2 off any Crest 3D White Whitestrips purchase! Leave a comment and let us know some of your on-the-go beauty products you keep in YOUR clutch!
Images above by Katie McGihon of Max and Poppy, Gorete Ferreira and Connie Lyu.
Compensation for this post was provided by Crest via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crest or AOL.
