Opposites Attract

I have always been a "this and that", "Yin and Yang" kind of girl. Polar opposites are, more often than not, my favorite things. It is not always easy for those around me but that is who I am. Not surprising is that my favorite color is "black & white". When given the choice I will usually pick this combination above all others.

When looking at the replays of the Spring 2012 Fashion Week shows I was delighted to see so much of my favorite twosome in almost every collection. Black and White favorites are everywhere, beyond the catwalks and red carpets, they find their way into every part of my life. From nails to pets, I love these looks!

Probably one of the most beautiful and elegant gowns I have ever seen.

thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

A favorite sweet treat from my childhood, a cookie aptly named "Black and Whites".

smittenkitchen.com

My all time favorite "dotty" Cosmetic Bag

bathtubbuzz.com

Wouldn't you love to come home to one of these? What would I name him?

flickriver.com

Sophisticated and such a contrast.... my dream bedroom.

fantasticinterior.com

Slipping out of the bath and into this fabulous personalized waffle weave wrap. Can't help loving the personalization thing!

bathtubbuzz.com

On my list of  Spring "must haves"

beautymovesme.com

I must have these nails... what more is there to say?

fashion-byannie.blogspot.com

Talk soon,

Bizzie xoxo

It’s All About Me

I recently returned from my cousin’s wedding on Cape Cod loaded down with a number of gifts all of which were emblazoned with my initials. Bunny had a wonderful pre wedding spa-day for all the girls and what fun we had. Each of us received a Robe, Slippers and a matching Cosmetic Bag embroidered with a seashell and our monogram. The bride pranced around in a robe that read “The Future Mrs. Moore”…too cute. I can’t tell you how many compliments she got on her choice of gifts…so much better than some candle or wine glass.

The Happy Couple 

Just what is it that makes us so fascinated with something that is fashioned just for us? The futurist Faith Popcorn, who predicts and defines trends, refers to this as “Egonomics ”. Ms Popcorn (gotta love that name) says “to offset a depersonalized society consumers crave recognition of their individuality”. Maybe a little intellectual, but hey who doesn’t want to be thought of as an individual? Just which one of us doesn’t have a little bit of an ego?

Ugh, Now I'm hungry! 

Monograms are the earliest form of personal identification and go all the way back to Roman and Greek civilization. They were used as a way to identify a person or a family and often appeared on coins. Later in the Middle Ages artists, sculptors and furniture makers used them as a way to sign their work. Monarchs used them (and still do) as a form of royal signature. The Victorians used them to show their status in society. These monograms were very formal and were used on such things as bridal clothes, linens, stationery and luggage. There were many rules regarding how initials would appear in any monogram, the favored one being the three-lettered version. In this version the last name would appear in the middle with the first name to the left and the middle name to the right. (Yikes! What an ordeal)

From the 1900's!

Fast forward to the 21st century and find that we are still addicted to this outward expression of who we are. Just as they did back in the day, monograms conjure up a certain level of sophistication. However we have thrown the rules out the window. Today high tech embroidery machines make it possible to quickly and affordably stitch intricate monograms and designs. . We are no longer limited to a single block letter or the traditional three initials. Themes and modern fonts are the order of the day. We can add monkeys and fire trucks, rings or circus clowns. This outward expression of who we are, where went to school or what we are doing can be had on any item from bags to shoes. 

How did they get these on there?!

Who doesn’t like that? Personalized gifts are memorable and show that special touch, the idea that you took a little extra care. Next time you need a gift use a little imagination and consider some personalization. I guarantee that you will be rewarded with joy and thanks.
Me? I am on my way to my very own logo. I just got some slippers that say “Bizzie’s Left” and “Bizzie’s Right”.




Have Fun!







Have Fun!

DUM-DUM-DA-DUMMM (The Wedding March)

It's that time of the year... the weddings are coming. What were once simple affairs that took place at ones parent's house, are now major events that take months, if not years to plan. Did you know that the average couple spends an average of $25,000 on their wedding? The tradition of extravagant weddings really picked up steam with the marriage of Princess Di in 1981. Was there a girl in the world that didn't dream of the rustle of taffeta as she made her way up the aisle to her Prince Charming? OK, so maybe the marriage didn't work out so well, but it was one heck of a wedding.

Then last April, girls across the world, (myself included) got up in the middle of the night to watch another young woman, glorious in white lace, marry her Prince. I never saw a woman who personified the word 'Bride' more than the lovely Kate. The consensus (fingers crossed) is that this marriage is the real deal.

Now off I go, not up the aisle as a bride, but as a bridesmaid. Not once, not twice, but three times from May to September. The role of the bridesmaid goes back to Pagan Times when evil spirits were thought to be at weddings. The idea was if you surrounded the bride with 'look-a-likes' (or bridesmaids) the spirits would not be able to single out the bride as cast an evil spell. Unless your friends are into Pagan History, it is doubtful that they are too concerned about this and it is not the reason they had asked you to join their wedding party.

There is often so much negative chatter about being a 'Bridesmaid'. Even last year's movie did little to lift the role of attendant to heights I think it deserves. OK, I know the average cost of being a bridesmaid is pegged at about $1700, including the dress, the shoes, the alterations, the hair, the nails, the shower, and the gifts. But while I do harp on about the costs, there is really something very special about being a bridesmaid.

When you are asked to be a part of a wedding is like being included in the very sanctum of friendship. Only the bride and groom's closest pals and relatives are asked to be in the wedding party. It really is an honor.

I must say I look forward to all the conversations and the days that lead up to the big day. Events like these always create heartfelt, silly, and wonderful memories. It is during this lead up to the wedding that a strong bond is made between a bride and her maids. Of course sometimes all the stress can lead to some bruised feelings and spats, but rarely does being a bridesmaid lead to anything other than being a closer friend.

So I will do it all; wear the dress with ruffles, when I really hate ruffles. I will put my hair up, when I hate my hair up. Squeeze my feet into heels, the height of The Pyramids, and put a great big smile on my face. I will stand there and promise a commitment to a lifetime of support to a dear friend.

Best Wishes,

Bizzie Buzz