All posts tagged Princess

Kate Middleton’s Chic Sweater Dress

by Lauren Sebastian on January 6, 2012 in Fashion

While thinking about a celebrity look to focus on fresh off the Holidays, I sifted through images of glam New Years Eve looks, nearly blinded by all of the Kardashians in sequins. When I regained my vision I decided that all of those sequin frocks had been tossed to the ground (or eBay) soon after the ball dropped at midnight on December 31st, no matter how fabulous they were. And most of us Non-Kardashians had done the same with our respective dresses, and won’t see sparkle unless a weekend in Sin City is on our 2012 forecast.

With that revelation, I opted to delve into a more classic look worn a week prior to the New Year by America’s favorite new accidental “celebrity” and Style Icon in the making, Kate Middleton. Kate’s look can be worn in any winter month and to venues that don’t serve liquor by the bottle and toss confetti at guests. And it’s timeless, so you won’t have to toss it out the door after 2012. So here’s how to get Kate’s look, and how to get it for less. If your new years resolution is to turn heads, look classic and to save money, Ready, Set, Shop.

Photo, Dress and Boot Identification Credit Glamour.com

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Long Sleeve Turtleneck Dress SALE$199

Marvin K Rumba Weatherproof Boot Sold Out

Ralph Lauren Suede Square Buckle Belt SALE $34.99

Style Stealer:

The major rule to Stealing Kate’s Style for less is to still keep the pieces simple with minimal embellishment and the colors rich but fairly neutral. Keep your hair and makeup simple – I may need back-up for that one. You can switch the suede out for leather and black out for brown, but be sure it doesn’t look inexpensive – Even if you get things right and it is.

Merino Ruched Turtleneck Sweater Dress $39.99

Annie Shoes Cardi Boot $52.37

Ralph Lauren Square Suede Buckle Belt SALE $34.99

Throw on some basic black tights or Spanxx and hit the road, looking like a fashion princess.

Visit BigBlondeHair.com to check out who’s wearing what in the world of Reality Television and more fabulous fashion!

The Little Mermaid – San Francisco Ballet

by Joe Fashion on May 10, 2011 in Events, Local, Review

MODEbayarea, recently had the privilege of attending another brilliant performance, courtesy of the San Francisco Ballet. The 2011 production of John Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid was both beautiful and entertaining from start to finish.

This was our first experience seeing The Little Mermaid production (my wife and I) and even though we come from vastly different understandings and backgrounds when it comes to dance (she was a dancer growing up – I have two left feet) we were both equally impressed by the set pieces, melodic music accompaniment, and of course breathtaking dancing.

What most people are unaware of is that the original story for The Little Mermaid was actually written as a ballet, and then adapted to various media – the most famous of which is Disney’s 1989 animated film.

Suffice it to say you won’t find signing crabs, eels, and seagulls in the 2011 production of The Little Mermaid ; what you will find however is a dramatic, true to form story of a young poet who’s grief and longing for his dear friend, Edvard, takes the form of a little mermaid.

(For a full story synopsis head over to Odettes Ordeal)

Coupled with this compelling story line, were incredible performances – most notably by principal dancer Yuan Yuan Tan. There are not enough words to describe how captivating her performance truly was. From her dancing, which was effortless and graceful – to her facial expressions and stage presence; we often found ourselves forgetting that this was merely a production, and instead were swept away into the heart, mind and soul of the dancer and character of the mermaid herself.

Other notable performances that night included Davit Karapetyan (the Sea Witch) – my personal favorite character from the production (incredibly terrifying and mystical), as well as Tiit Helimets (the Prince) and Sarah Van Patten (the Princess) were wonderful as well.

Along with the great story, and great choreography, there were remarkable set pieces and costumes which told a story of their own. The whimsical and often times flamboyant costumes did well in contrasting the underlying pain and agony experienced through the mermaids sorrow and dilemma.

There is so much more that could be said of the production, from the Naval Officers, and sailors (which were hilarious), as well as Bridesmaids, Nuns (extremely hilarious), Wedding guests, and Passengers – every aspect of the production came together to create a wonderful night of memories and fascinating entertainment.

I cannot stress enough how the San Francisco Ballet is not only a terrific outlet for those who are appreciative of the arts – but also an AMAZING place to take your significant other.

So if you are looking to have a night to remember and an unforgettable experience with those you love – make sure to have the San Francisco Ballet on the top of your list of places to go!

To Reserve your tickets for the 2012 season – head over to: http://www.sfballet.org/

We hope to see you there!

Westfield Valley Fair- Mother’s Day Gifts

by Hasti Kashfia on May 6, 2011 in Local

Yesterday I headed into one of my favorite malls to get my Mother’s Day Shopping done, and make a wish list for myself too. I know a lot of people are looking for deals and bargains so I put together a list with options at every price point. I think they’re all things that any Mom would love to have!

4 Ginger favorites, all in one great set for Mom.
Includes:
Ginger Souffle™ Whipped body cream net wt. 7 oz./200 ml
Incredible Spreadable™ Smoothing ginger body scrub 3.4 fl. oz./100 ml
Ginger Burst™ Savory body wash 3.4 fl. oz./100 ml
Ginger Essence™ Intensified Fragrance Rollerball 0.14 fl. oz./4 ml

Great lip colors, sets in all kinds of color pallets from $20-$40!

Totally in love with anything J. Crew. Especially these necklaces for under $40–it comes in gold and the silver. It’s the perfect design and looks great with a little black dress or the perfect T’s from J. Crew [20% off now]!

Nordstrom has great hair accessories. And you might be surprised to know that they start at $12 [that includes the wrapping] and they’re high quality, on trend pieces that are the perfect Mother’s Day Gift for any fashionable Mom.

If you want to give Mom jewelry but are on a budget get her one of these statement rings! One is more beautiful than the next and they’re the perfect addition to any Spring or Summer wardrobe. Mom is sure to love any of these! I really loved the Princess Diana inspired ring–and only $38!

Arm Candy! These sexy beautiful cuffs will dress up any wardrobe and are sure to be a hit with Mom. Tasha is also a great line, as is Tarnish–both lines start at great prices and have pieces in gold, silver, and combined metallics too.

One of the perfect places to pick up things for Mom on a budget is LUSH. Lush carries some of the most creative and relaxing gifts. They have the cutest flowers and vases made of bubble bath soap, and all kinds of goodies. The body tints, face washes, fresh masks sitting on ice are all great gift options! Many starting at under $10!

Ann Taylor LOFT has all kinds of great deals going on this weekend. Pick Mom up a light, colorful outfit to wear this Summer. Throw in a trip to the beach and you’re sure to have a hit on your hands!

These are the MOST amazing work out pants! Part workout pant and part lounge pant, gStretch strikes the perfect balance. This pair features a comfy, relaxed fit that’s ideal for everyday activities.

High-quality Perform fabric.
Wicking: pulls moisture away from skin to keep you dry.
Two-way stretch: provides comfort and mobility with engineered gusset.
Flat lock seams: create smooth lines and no chafing.
Black spandex: no sheen and is fade resistant with rich color.
Low rise.
Fitted through the hip.
Straight through the leg.
Built-in pockets for valuables.

For the shopper looking for a bargain don’t skip over GAP’s sale racks! Dresses that were $59.95 are now $15!

Brooke Stone has great options for the woman that loves to rest and relax! Massages, blankets, slippers, pillows, and even candy machines for the Mom with a sweet tooth.

These are just a few personal faves. With the opening of the Michael Kors store everyone has KORS on the brain. On top of my wish list this year is a Michael Kors watch. Nordstrom has some on sale for $134 and there are others at the regular price. The Michael KORS store has the largest selection I’ve seen in a long time. These two dresses follow the season’s hottest trends- Maxi dress and Nautical theme. Use them as an inspiration and check out Forever 21, The Limited, and Express for the same look at a different price.

And what Mom doesn’t need coffee! William Sonoma has these AMAZING coffee machine for under a $100! This is the gift that will keep giving back all year long.

Don’t forget to “like” MODE Bay Area for a chance to win a $500 Gift Card to TART Collections!

Aruna Seth-A Curtsey to Heels

by Franci Gire on April 28, 2011 in Bay Area Brides, Designer

We all know by now that the royal wedding is almost here. What we don’t know is what Kate Middleton will be wearing.

What’s more important than the wedding itself-the dress or even arguably the shoes! Aruna Seth is said to be in the running for top choice of shoes the soon to be princess might be wearing for her special day.

I checked them out online and the shoes are amazing. Fit for a princess but available to the rest of us commoners. The bridal selection ranges from heels (one features white Chantilly lace), ballerinas (my preference),wedges and unique to Aruna Seth London designs only, butterfly heels. The butterfly heels come in many looks and colors and are widely loved by celebrities rocking them at red carpets, white,ivory,pink,gold,peacock blue,red all adorned with a swavorski crystal butterfly brooch on the toe of the heel. Just gorgeous. I have to have the Tiffany Blue butterfly heel, but I don’t think I’m alone, blue shoes are a still a big trend and a dream to have on your wedding day or really any day. Take a moment to swoon at these shoes and let’s wait and see what kind of heels Kate actually wears for her royal nuptials.