Wedding Etiquette

When you receive that very special invitation in the mail, you take it for granted that you will be a gracious guest and that you'd be far from being one that is talked about after the wedding. You know ... those that we say to our friends, "remember that woman that wore white to the wedding?! What was she thinking?" or "Honey, should we or should we not ask her if her gift got lost in the mail or she just doesn't want to give us a gift?!".

First and foremost, as a guest, you should never be late. Fashionably late in this situation makes you very un-fabulous. No such thing. For weddings, arrive 15 minutes earlier than the invite states. Note that what is written on the invite is the ceremony start time, meaning you should already been seated and settled. Then there is the topic of bringing guests which I am shocked to know how a lot of people do not know about this ... do not bring a guest to the wedding unless your invite states "& guest" or "Mr. & Mrs.". Don't take it personally if the couple doesn't invite your significant other or your friend ... weddings cost a lot and most of the time, couples are forced to cut down their guestlist.

Gift giving ... many people ask me about gift giving and from personal experience, I've had my share of stories.

- If you've attended the couple's engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party ... etc, you still have to give a gift. Just because you feel you've showered them with enough gifts doesn't mean it's grounds for you to skip or skim on the wedding gifts. These are all separate occasions and they all require separate gifts. If you can't afford so much spending, regrettfully decline an invite to the bridal showwer or the engagement party. Instead, send a well-wishing card.

- If you are part of the bridal party, know that you have your own financial obligations which includes your dress, throwing a bridal shower and a bachelorette party and other wedding related expenses. Similar to the above, you just can't use "I've spent enough money for this wedding" as an excuse to skip or skim on the gift. If you know that you cannot afford such role, speak with the couple ahead of time and find out your options. But do not ask the couple to pay for your things ... a wedding isn't cheap to begin with.

- If the newly weds have asked for donations to charities in lieu of gifts, do not skim on your donation. If you would have spent $200 on the wedding gift to begin with, donate $200.

- Sentiments don't play a role in cases of weddings. You don't have to spend your sleepless nights thinking of creative items to get for the couple. Most couples have registries - purchase something off the registries. You know those are things they want and need. When in doubt, give cash. Cash/check is always appreciated.

Now, before you come screaming what to wear ... weddings are actually pretty easy. One golden rule. DO NOT WEAR WHITE. As a matter of fact, to be safe - don't wear cream or ivory. Don't ask, don't think ... just don't do it. If your invite doesn't state attire, keep in mind that day time weddings and Sunday weddings call for something more casual (by no means you should wear jeans and tees). Jackets & tie and flowy dresses are great for casual weddings. Evening weddings will call for suits and a bit more fancier dresses, such as cocktail dresses. And here is a refresher course on attire etiquette:

Black Tie / Formal = tux for men and gowns for ladies
Black Tie Optional = tux or suits for men and ladies ... it's free for all ... go as formal as you like
or as casual as cocktail dresses
Semi-Formal / Cocktail = suits for men and cocktail or knee-length dresses for the ladies

Keep in mind, never upstage the couple with what you wear. It's their day, not yours.

Puppy Love

Some of my dog-less friends think I'm obsessed. They'll never understand the love and the bond that can grow between a person and a dog. Dogs are called man's best friends for a reason. It's been close to four months since Charlie took his first plane ride from the breeder. In the last five months, the amount of research I've done on everything dog related amounts to a degree. I've had pet boutique owners and vets comment on my knowledge anywhere from dog food ingredients to training. (Charlie knows how to sit, stay, lay down, back off, high five, stand, wave and now in the process of teaching him to wave. But I won't take full credit, part of it is the breeder. Good breeders breed good dogs. I've been blessed with what my friend called, the "Einstein of all dogs".) With my research, here are some of the best dog products on the market, click on the name for more information on the products:

1. QuadBrush Pet Toothbrush: Brushing your dog's teeth is not the easiest task but it is so important. Here is something that will make your life easier. With bristles on all sides, you are brushing multiple areas at the same time.

2. Wellness Dog Food & Treats: Feeding your dog a healthy diet and premium diet will elongate your dog's life. Though premium quality food may cost a bit more, but you save hundreds and thousands on vet bills. Here is a company that puts thoughts in dogs' well being and nutrition through various approaches: holistic, grain-free ... etc. Remember, even though it seems fun to feed the dog table scarps, never do so as it throws their nutritional levels off, especially for dogs with a sensitive stomach.

3. Kwigy-Bo Carriers: Finding a stylish dog bag is not easy. Finding a stylish and functional dog bag is even harder. Kwigy-Bo has started making stylish and functional dog bags and they are flying out of stores across the country. In stylish designs, Kwigy-Bo bags are ultra comfortable for your little dogs and are all equipped with endless pockets for your personal items like wallets and cell phones! They are also airline friendly.

4. Dog Car Seat: Safety first! Our pets are as precious as a child, so if a child rides in a car seat, so should a dog. I've seen numerous dog owners drive with their dogs in their lap or on the passenger seat unsecured and it scares me to death. Do you know that in an accident, the impact from an airbag will instantly break a dog's neck? Airbags are made to save humans but not pets. Car seats comes in all colors, sizes and price points. Please be safe and invest in a car seat even if it's a short car ride.

Spring Trends 2009

BOHO CHIC
Embrace yourselves for bold jewelry, metal-adorned belts and shoes and flowy, diaphanous
skirts, the new crop of fashion offers a different approach to rich detail that may make you
feel more pulled together than looking like a gypsy, thought Gypsy Rose does play a role in
this. This Spring find tops that have loser bodice and bell sleeves. And don't forget the mini
floral prints.

COLOR BLOCKS
If Boho isn't your style, try color blocks like 1970's. Pair bold colors like neon green and red ...
use colors that normally wouldn't match. I did a TV segment the other day and put an
ensemble together like this: neon green fitted warp top with dark blue jeans and a patent
leather toy blue hobo bag (big hobo bags are in season as well!).

CHUCKIER SHOES
Think platforms (but don't go over board), thicker strap sandals and wider heels.