Frederick's of Hollywood Blog

It’s the third week of our wedding series and we’re getting a little crafty. For the bride who’s into D.I.Y. planning a wedding can be an exciting time. Even if handmade isn’t really your thing, creating your own bouquet can be a great way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Photo via abeautfulmess.typepad.com

While making your own seems easy, there are some tips and tricks to getting it right. TheKnot has a pretty straight forward tutorial on creating a classic domed bouquet that will compliment most gowns. If you’re less of a traditional bride and want more fun options, Elsie from abeautifulmess, has created probably the easiest (and sweetest) set of instructions to make the most darling bouquet.  And if you’re feeling particularly inspired, you can check her D.I.Y. boutenierres here.

Photo via abeautifulmess.typepad.com

The basic supplies you will need:

*Variety of flowers in your color story

*Scissors

*Floral Wire

*Floral Tape

*Ribbon

*Glue Gun

1. Cut the flower stems to a 45 degree angle and begin to strip all the leaves or thorns from the stems and wrap each one in floral tape.
2. Pick your center flower and slowly work your way around the bouquet, adding one flower at a time until you’re satisfied with the size.
3. Wrap the stems in floral tape. Cover it the ribbon or lace of your choice.
4. Add any accents you’ve picked out like feathers, vintage brooches or other pieces that match your theme
5. The base of your bouquet is now ready to be wrapped in floral tape to finish it off. At this point you can add streamers of ribbon or lace if you’d like.

Of course, depending on how comfortable you are with crafting you don’t have to add any accents at all. It’s totally up to you and your comfort level!

Photo via abeautifulmess.typepad.com

It’s important to store your bouquet properly. Wrap the stems in tissue and keep it in the refrigerator to keep the flowers looking beautiful. Or, do a few practice runs until you feel at ease and make it the morning of your wedding for the absolute freshest bouquet.

Even though it might seem intimidating, there is nothing that could make your big day more you than a few personal touches. And nothing is lovelier than a beaming bride holding a bouquet of fresh flowers!

An iconic look no matter the season, bandage dresses never really go out of style—the bandage phenomenon is best likened to the LBD: always a classic and guaranteed to make you look your best. Proving this point beautifully is Rumer Willis. Seen below in a crème Herve Leger dress, she was in Miami to promote her new movie The Diary of Preston Plummer and delivered a simple yet stunning look. She kept her style minimal with black strappy sandals and short black nails, letting the dress take center stage.

 Rumer Willis at the premiere of The Diary of Preston Plummer. Photo via Getty Images.

Her look is easy to recreate for a night out for a fraction of the cost. Try pairing our Studded & Pleated Strapless Dress with the Amber Cutout Sandal for a premiere-worthy ensemble!

Studded & Pleated Strapless Dress. Available at fredericks.com

If you find wearing a full-on bandage dress a little daunting, there are still ways to work this trend into your wardrobe. Our Cross Banded Corset paired with denim and a blazer adds a dose of edginess without committing to a head-to-toe look.

Amber Cutout Sandal. Available at fredericks.com

Tell us how you feel about the bandage trend! A timeless classic or so not your style?

Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel about the newest additions to our beauty line! There were audible gasps of delight heard ‘round the office when the new nail wraps landed on our desks. Hitting all the big nail trends that debuted at the spring ’12 shows (including a staff favorite, leopard print) the strips are simply incredible. Mistake-proof, long-lasting and easy to apply, they make giving yourself a manicure less of headache if you’re lacking in nail-painting prowess. From vintage-inspired half-moons to racy lace and punked-up hearts, you can indulge all your nail art dreams!

Metallic lip foil, Blackgold Hearts, Lacy, Leopard and Metallic Half-Moon nail wrap. $13.50 fredericks.com 

We’re also introducing holographic lip foils! Like something straight out of The Capitol, these metallic foils are going to change the way you get ready. Simply apply the adhesive, stick on, peel off and you’re left with wildly shimmering lips. No smearing or lipstick smudges on your teeth? Sign us up. If this is the future of make-up we are so on board. Shop for all our new beauty products at fredericks.com.

We’re so excited to bring you a sneak peek of spring’s must-have trends we just couldn’t keep it under wraps any longer!
Here’s a look at our top three:

1. Natural Beauty

Marie Claire, South Africa. Photo via Fashionising.com

Spilling off the runways and calling out to our softer side, pretty pastels and beautiful blossoms convey a sensual, delicate femininity. Lush and pretty, these dreamy shades and dainty blooms are going to elevate your style to new levels of romance, inside the bedroom and out.

Spring 2012, London. Photo via fashionista.com

2. High Shine

Herve Leger by Max Azria. New York Fashion Week, Spring 2012. Photo via Getty Images

Always been attracted to shiny things? Then get ready to be dazzled! Created with an eye for the chic, statement-making sheen gives a sleek, sexy feel to these lustrous pieces. High-tech, edgy and incredibly hot, you’ll leave a lasting impression wherever you go! Not into head-to-toe shimmer? Simply pick up some high-shine accessories to make your look pop.

Diesel, Theysken’s Theory, Spring 2012. Photo via Glamour.com

3. Into The Hue

Sophie Theallet, Marc by Marc Jcobs, Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012. Photo via Glamour.com

This season’s awash in a juicy burst of colors! Playfully exuberant, these punchy brights will add pizzazz to even the most intimate details of your outfit. Have fun mixing and matching the sumptuous jewel tones into brilliantly clashing blocks or use them as accents to add a bold, notice-me-now dose of color to your look.

Issa, Jill Sanders and Max Mara, Spring 2012. Photo via Ithinkfashion.com

What spring trends are you most excited to wear?