Up or Down?

To wear your hair up or down is a big wedding day question for brides-to-be.  I know I struggled with that question a lot myself.  Your mom wants you to wear it up, you know your fiance' would like it better down, it might be windy or hot, you don't want a prom 'do, you don't want an everyday 'do, etc. etc. etc...

How you wear your hair should ultimately be the bride's decision based on what makes her most feel pretty and like a bride.  It also depends on if you have a good stylist.  I always thought I couldn't wear my hair down because it is fine and I didn't think it would hold up.  But my amazing stylist (shout out to Rachael at Flawless Faces, holla!) showed me during my second hair trial that not only could it hold up, but it would look amazing.  I ultimately decided on wearing it down, but collected some great up-do photos, including my plan B up-do style.  Here is my inspiration and my stylist's interpretation of that inspiration:

I mean, if I could have Amanda Seyfried's hair every day I would trade her in a second, but for an up-do, I especially loved this look.

And here it is on me, a person with way less hair and a much finer texture.  But I still loved it.... I just loved it down more, and knew my husband would too.

Did anyone else find this to be a tough decision?

Chanel Inspired Bridal Shower: The Fashion

One of my favorite parts of this shoot is the fashion!  I fell in love with the bridal gown first, from Dolly Couture.  The shoot was first meant to be a wedding shoot, but then we came up with a bridal shower idea, which was different and we hadn't seen done.  But we loved that dress so much we found a way to incorporate it anyway.  If you are into short wedding dresses, Dolly Couture is the place for you.  They have so many adorable ones to choose from.  And if you are in the LA area you can see visit the salon by appointment.

The 'bridesmaids' wore their own black dresses.  Jewelry was provided by All Things Tinsel, Angel Black Designs, and Renee Pawele Bride.  All of the gorgeous hair pieces were made by Lo Boheme.  And the flawless hair and makeup was done by Flawless Faces, Inc (who also did all the hair and makeup on my wedding day, and I can tell you from personal experience that they are fab).

All images from Jasmine Star

Best of the Oscars: My top 10

Though not exactly wedding related, Oscar fashions, accessories, and hair and makeup styles can   definitely inspire wedding trends.  Here are my pics for the best dressed women at the 2010 Oscars:

My favorite by far was Rachel McAdams in this beautiful watercolor gown by Elie Saab.  Her dress, earrings, hair, and makeup were absolute perfection.

Elizabeth Banks' grey gown by Versace was my second favorite look, along with her accessories, hair, and makeup.  Love the headband!

Although I'm not normally a fan of hers, I thought Miley Cyrus looked beautiful in this champagne Jenny Packham gown.  It would make a gorgeous wedding gown as well.

For me, Amanda Seyfried can do no wrong and this time was no different.  This Armani Prive' gown, her hair, makeup, and jewelry were just lovely.

I thought Meryl Streep looked hot in this simple and chic gown by Project Runway alum Chris March!

Cameron Diaz rocked this Oscar de la Renta gown, and her hair looked polished and effortless.  

I love the softness and color of Anna Kendrick's Elie Saab gown.  It also has a vintage feel that I'm drawn to, although I think some color on Anna's lips would have been even better.

I was slower to warm up to this Marchesa gown at first, but I think that the color combined with the beautiful Vera Farmiga wearing it sold it for me.  It is so interesting and is my "couture" pick.

I think this navy Monique Lhullier gown worn by Kristen Stewart was a wonderful departure from all of the golds, nudes, and muted colors we saw on the red carpet.  It was also a nice change to see Kristen Stewart dressed up and looking more like the beautiful girl she is.

Penelope Cruz always looks beautiful and has worn some of my favorite Oscar gowns.  I love this one as well, although it reminds me a little too much of another Oscar favorite, Keira Knightly's Vera Wang gown from 2006 (to be seen on tomorrow's post).

Honorable mentions go to Nicole Richie for her retro Reem Acra gown, Carrie Mulligan in Prada, and Sandra Bullock for looking beautiful even if your dress wasn't my favorite (it was a little too ice dancer for me).

Who topped your best dress list?  Check tomorrow's post for my favorite Oscar dresses of all time!

All images by Getty Images, ImageWire, and AP.