{#Photo Highlights} from @WeddingSalon New York City #BridalTradeshow {#WordlessWednesday} Don't miss the November Show!

Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow/Expo, New York City

Bridal Tradeshows are NOT just for Brides ladies! This summer I got a chance to the attend the Wedding Salon Bridal Tradeshow in New York City, the show comes back to NYC again this November, in a different venue and whether you are #TeamSummer or #TeamWinterWhite Wedding, the Wedding Salon Expo has a little something for everyone!

Here are my Photo Highlights:

Above: As soon as you enter, you see amazing dresses!

Above: The lace detail, the stunning exposed back, the pink lighting! This is super 'girly girliness' in all it's bridal glory!

Above: A violinist! She is the first person you see when you get off the elevator to the event, such a wonderful way to be greeted.

Above: OK I had to resist the urge to nip in the top part so the mannequin wouldn't have that 'saggy boob' look but I was afraid to touch anything!

Above: Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses look good 'coming and going' right? (Maybe it's a trick of the lighting and the way the dress falls, but I see a heart shape and a bit of 'butterflyesque' wings too!)

Above: I promise there are other dresses in addition to Nicole Miller, I took pictures in the order I proceeded through each room.

Above: You guessed it, another Nicole Miller!

Above: I got to meet the team from Glamour Closet who sell Designer Wedding Gowns up to 75% Off Retail - it's like a sample sale everyday! I got a close up on the price tags on both of the above gowns for you so you could see the savings for yourself! Left: Carolina Herrera Sample Gown from Glamour Closet and Right: I am living for this Lazaro Sample Gown!

Above: For Brides on a Budget who still want to knock em dead with a gorgeous designer gown, but only pay a fraction of the cost for it, Glamour Closet is definitely for YOU! This is a close up of the price of the dress on the left side of the dual dress photo! This Carolina Herrera Sample Gown is literally a STEAL!

Above: This is the price on the dress on the right. I was particularly fond of this Lazaro Sample Gown, now all I need is a Fiance! ROFLMAO

Above: She's a bit more 'frou frou' than my usual, but a mermaid style is super flattering!

Above: Needless to say that the Diamond Dust Portraits by Park Slope Press immediately caught my eye (and everyone else too!), I was born in April, and the birthstone for April is 'Diamond' - A Diamond Dust Portrait? FABULOUS (picture me yelling Fabulous in my best Oprah at Christmas Holiday Voice!) I WANT one of these. Heck I want one of me and my mom too, I think this would make a beautiful Mother's Day or 'anytime' gift for that matter, not just weddings!

Above: It's Alessandro's warm, bright smile and sunny disposition that drew me to his exhibitor booth, I Know You Can Dance offers Dance Lessons for the couple and can also craft father/daughter or mother/son dances either in a studio or at your residence!

Above: Gotta love those 'instagramable' moments (please don't use this tag now, I'm sure the contest is over!)

Above: DanielaRodriguezNYC Bridal Hair&Makeup was on hand to offer makeup touchups, be sure to check out her online portfolio of Beautiful Brides!

Above: Mid-way there was a musician switch!

Above: Honeymoon and Destination Wedding resorts are a very popular choice, and there was a ton of resort and tourism boards to choose from, The Royal Hideaway Playacar Hotel definitely had a pretty set up!

Above: Athena Entertainment definitely turned heads with a living 'Champagne Diva', and this is just some of what they can do for your next bash - wedding or any type of event or party for that matter! Seriously check out their 'Strolling Tables', Greeters, Face and Body Art as well as Specialty Acts, I'm sure you will be blown away!

Above: I have to confess I have yet to visit Sandals Resorts, looks like I am going to need to get on that and get out there as soon as possible, I'm overdue for some fun in the sun since I worked through the summer!

Above: I am sure most of you are familiar with Carlo's Bakery home of the Cake Boss, Buddy Velastro.  They cater, and they put together a really delicious assortment of just some of what they can do. Most people went back several times to enjoy the delectable array of cakes and sweets, myself included!

Above: Not to be outdone was La Maison Du Chocolat with a delicious spread of chocolate and macaroons!

Above: Ben & Jerry was in attendance and that ice cream line was LONG, the struggle is REAL! LOL Some of the New Jersey Ben & Jerry Franchisers were there to promote #benjerryweddings

Above: And for that 'something blue' the folks at Fratelli Saraceni have got you covered with 'BLUMOND' - the Italian Blue Sparkling Wine made from Prosecco grapes with an added flavor of fresh, sweet Peach. We also got to sample Splendia - Matilde - an Italian Sweet Sparkling Wine made from Merlot Grapes with an added hint of strawberry. Perfect companion to a Spa Day as well as your big day in my opinion.

Above: Joyce Kutty Designs - Her backstory is truly an awesome one - In 2011 Joyce realized her passion and artistic vision could also touch lives. During her studies at Rhode Island College she became aware of neutropenia, and abnormally low count of white blood cells - common among oncology patients going through chemotherapy treatment. These patients cannot have real flowers because of the bacteria in the flowers that are detrimental to a patients health, particularly during chemo. She explored the traditional Japanese art-form of origami (the art of folding) and with her background in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design she began creating origami floral arrangements. They reference real flowers as inspiration and any patient can have these in their room. When I read her backstory it truly touched me, during my Medical Crisis in 2011 I could not have flowers in my room. I remember visiting the Nurse's Station to see them enjoying my flowers (often times not even telling me they were there!) I wish I had heard about Joyce Kutty Designs sooner! All patients should experience the joy of a beautiful bouquet, and now they can! (passing you a tissue, I know you want one - isn't this the most touching backstory for a brand you have read in awhile?) With every order over $100, Joyce Kutty Designs donates a Bouquet to a patient at Rhode Island Hospital.

Above: Last but certainly NOT least is Maps by A.JAFFE - They are definitely a 'save the best for last' moment in this recap, These Jewelry Maps allow you to honor the places you hold dear, each custom made piece can be engraved with any location in the world and a Diamond marks the spot of a favorite memory. They resonated with me on so many levels I don't know where to start. At heart I am and always will be a Gypsy, a Nomad, a Wanderer. Stillness feels like death to me. I love to travel and roam, I love the idea of being able to capture the map of a favorite place and wear it as a necklace near my heart forever. I was born in April, us April babies are lucky enough to call Diamonds our 'birthrights' - ahem I mean 'birthstone'. So the fact that instead of an 'X' on the map you can commemorate a special place with a Diamond as the marker is just so, well...ME!!!!

MY TAKE: 

Butterflies, I presented a mere fraction of what was there, it was a full house and many times I couldn't get solid exhibitor booth shots, there were quite a few other tourism boards there, including one that holds a special place in my heart, Puerto Rico, but I couldn't get a booth shot of them.

While I work on creating my own Pinterest Board for the event, I will point you to Wedding Salon's Pinterest Board for this event, which can be found HERE (their board includes photos of the ginormous Gift Bag that you get on the way out!) and for a list of upcoming Bridal Shows you can attend, click HERE.

BLOGGERS: Leave us a comment with a link to your Wordless Wednesday posts so we can check out your photography too! (just no giveaway linkies here please, Wordless Wednesday Only)

Which brand featured above caught your eye? Are you single and ready to mingle, engaged or married?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I received Press Passes to the Wedding Salon Bridal Expo/Tradeshow for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} @CarvelIceCream Carvel Ice Cream Cake anyone? (Yes that's an @IGIGI Dress I'm wearing!) {#Photo}

What I'm wearing: Dress: Igigi, Pendant: Macy's, Handbag: Nicole Miller, Cake: Carvel Ice Cream Cake taken during Mom 2.0 Summit in Atlanta, Georgia!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Bloggers link us to your WW post as a comment below! (No Giveaway links!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Valentine's Day - How I style it! #Fashion #Polyvore #Curvy #handbags #shoes with @IGIGI @NicoleMillerNYC @EarthiesUSA

IGIGI Ambrosia Dress - How I styled it

IGIGI 'Ambrosia' Plus size black dress
Available for Purchase at www.igigi.com

Earthies platform wedge
Available for Purchase at http://www.earthbrands.com/earthies

Nicole Miller Clutch
Available for Purchase at www.nicolemiller.com

Van Cleef Arpels pins jewelry

As we start to approach Valentine's Day I thought I'd share some buying recommendations from what to wear, jewelry, accessories and more!

 

I got so inspired by my first finds that I thought I'd create a cute polyvore set to highlight them all! The folks at IGIGI sent me the Ambrosia Dress, and that started a chain reaction! I already had the great clutch (which you may recall from our last Nicole Miller Giveaway HERE), and I also already had the shoes), I think together these make a killer combo and are perfect for a night on the town no matter where your town may be. As for me, I'm in New York City, the City that Never Sleeps, and which favors the color black! It's been New York Fashion Week Insanity all week.

 

The seductive Ambrosia Dress is cut from all-season stretch jersey and hugs, smoothes, & enhances the contour of your curves. Whether in rich blue or black add some bright gems, a colorful clutch and strappy pumps for head turning style.

 

The Ambrosia Dress couldn't be more perfect for Love Day, not just because of the perfect for Valentine's Day name, but it's made to flatter your curves, accentuate what you want to accentuate and helps you hide what you need to hide because of the fantastic ruching!

 

And because despite Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of an early Spring this year, it's still FREEZING in the Northeast, but there is no way I was going to put this super cute dress under my puffer jacket, I was so happy when IGIGI sent over their Hanna Coat! It's a perfect compliment to the dress, and a stylish outwear option for us curvy girls!

 

 

I of course went with Black again, but this coat literally goes with everything, and I couldn't love it more! I have to add some photos of myself wearing everything (model photos are above)!

 

My Take:

 

Both the Ambrosia Dress and Hanna Coat are not just 'figure-friendly' but 'figure-flattering', as they are cut for curvy girls, their sizes tend to run bigger, so if you are ordering for the first time, refer to their size charts to ensure the best fit! (Although you should really do that anyway if you are ordering via internet or mail order for the first time with any brand!)

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like IGIGI on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @IGIGI on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow IGIGI's Boards on Pinterest too!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And don't forget to subscribe to their channel on YouTube

In fact you'll be super happy you are following them across their channels, as they are hosting a giveaway via their facebook page and pinterest page right NOW! What you are waiting for butterfly, get in on the fun and a chance to win an IGIGI gift card of your own!

Butterfly, What are YOU wearing for Valentine's Day this year?

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FTC Disclosure: The Ambrosia Dress and Hanna Coat were sent to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration, however all opinions are 100% my own.

Nicole Miller Addison Crossbody Handbag Giveaway!

Nicole Miller Logo

Monthly Featured Handbag In The Spotlight Is Back! 

Butterflies my apologies, this is one of our longest standing regular Features (monthly since 2009) and because of my back-to-back hospitalizations the feature took a hiatus during the summer this year and this is the longest time that has ever elapsed without us featuring a new Handbag of the Month. I am super excited to be bringing this feature back! A HUGE Thank You to Nicole Miller, the bags sent to me for review arrived quite awhile ago, but with me being in the hospital I had to push back the Feature, so I thank them AND YOU so much for your respective patience.

I can tell you that it is going to be so worth the wait! Nicole Miller's team totally surprised me, when they sent me not one, but 5 bags! And because I made you guys wait so long, I'm giving you the Featured Bag which you will see after the review bags. Here is what I received:

Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch:

Top Left: Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Black closed, Top Right: Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Black Open to show organizational components and strap. Above: Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Teal - Don't you just love the rouching detail?

As a public transportation commuter here in New York City, I have always featured crossbody handbags and owned no clutches. I normally carry so much with me that clutches have never been truly practical for my lifestyle. But now as a blogger with many event invites and many of them cocktail evening events, I had been needing a clutch and was in the market for one when the amazing package arrived from Nicole Miller. The Lexi Techno Metal Clutches are fantastic, they have the chain strap which allows me to have my hands free when I need to, and they have a sophisticated styling that allows them to be paired with almost any evening outfit in your closet. A good clutch really is an Accessories Wardrobe Staple. Oddly enough my Grandmother and Mom both have an assortment of great clutches, and it's one thing I didn't have in my wardrobe until now. And I think Nicole Miller may have created a Monster, because now I find myself seriously looking at clutches!

The Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch is a Structured techno metal box clutch with rouching detail and an 18” drop down chain shoulder strap, distressed nickel hardware finish and a Clasp Closure.

Product Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.6" x 4" x 1.8"

Strap Drop Length: 18"

Weight: 13 oz

Material: Fabric/Polyester/Metallic Nylon/Elastane

Warranty: This manufacturer does not have a warranty

Linear Inches: 12.40"

SKU: NM200T

Catalog Number: CT38-208519

Nicole Miller Lexi Sting Ray Clutch

Lexi Stingray Clutch in Black and bronze, Top: Inner Organizational Lining

Black Stingray with Black Lamb Leather, It is a structured Box Clutch with Optional Drop Down Jewelry Shoulder Strap, this super snazzy clutch is all blinged out for evening! It’s the one you wear when you are making a statement with not only your Fashion Tastes but your Fashion Accessories as well. If any clutch can call itself ‘A Statement Clutch’, Nicole Miller’s Lexi Sting Ray Clutch certainly can.

And if you think it’s pretty in Black, check her out in Bronze!

Isn't  she a total chic showoff? ;)

The girl with no clutches, now has 4, and not just any four, four amazing wardrobe boosters in the Nicole Miller Lexi! Both the Lexi Techno Metal Clutch and the Lexi Stingray have received numerous compliments when I’ve worn them out on the town. I’m partial to the Techno Metal Clutch in the Teal, and while I love the Stingray in both colors, the Bronze really does stand out a bit more. And since my wardrobe does have a lot of dark colors, having the clutch in black is almost an essential.

Nicole Miller Handbags Addison Mini Crossbody 

Collage of Nicole Miller Addison Mini Crossbody bag with Bicycle Chain

  

And now, it’s time for YOU, I am giving you the bag that when Nicole Miller was asked about what are the hottest accessories shoes and bags of the season, she answered ‘My bicycle chain bags. I love them and they look really new.”

I have to admit I highly agree, there is something so punk and unexpected about the Addison Mini Crossbody bicycle chain handbag, it's that detail on the mixed strap, part bike chain, part leather, and it an almost silver and bronze color to the bag, it’s tough meets city chic in a way that totally works, it literally just ups the cool factor of your outfit 100%

Product Features:

• 25" shoulder drop.
• Bike chain crossbody strap.
• Magnetic closure.
• Distressed nickel hardware finish.
• Interior lining
• Inside features multipurpose slide pocket, slide cell phone pocket, and large zip pocket
• Mini embossed hamovey leather crossbody with bike chain strap detail

Product Specifications

Dimensions:

9" x 5.63" x 1"

Strap Drop Length:

25"

Weight:

1 lb, 3 oz

Material:

Leather Hamovey Embossed

Warranty:

This manufacturer does not have a warranty

Linear Inches:

15.6250"

SKU:

NM104B

Catalog Number:

CT38-208514

She asked us to share the Addison Bag with our readers which leaves me with the clutch bags. The ones way out of my comfort zone. But I have been rocking them at events lately and getting tons of compliments about them! This has totally re-shaped my attitude on the clutch style! I think 2013 will be me with more clutch style bags! (even if I have to carry a little less to pull it off!)

My Take:

I have greatly enjoyed being able to try out a wide variety of Nicole Miller handbag styles, they are fashion forward, well-designed and super stylish! I know you are going to love your bag as much as I do mine! You can check out all the photos in full size on our pinterest page HERE (and feel free to re-forward the giveaway graphic by pinning it to your wall for another extra credit by leaving us the link to your pin here as a comment, see pinterest board for full details on how to get a Pinterest method of extra credit for this giveaway)

You Can Win the Addison Bicycle Chain Crossbody by Nicole Miller in the Center!

Win It:

Follow the directions carefully in the Rafflecopter Widget below to gain entry. The main entry is super simple, make sure you are following via Google Friends Direct on the upper right hand side of the page and leave your Google Friends name and your email in the widget, easy peasy! That's the only mandatory entry, then we provide some fun and simple extra credits as a way of gaining more entries! You can actually tweet twice a day, but the widget will only let you write one tweet, so you can leave the second tweet as a comment entry! For those doing the vote extra credit, in case you have trouble clicking over to the page where you need to go vote, press HERE, then come back and leave the name you commented under and how much the vote went up to after you voted.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway, the sponsor, Nicole Miller, has provided handbags for review as well as providing a handbag for the giveaway. However, all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own!