In just two weeks I’m heading off to sunny Puerto Rico for a destination wedding I’m in of one of my oldest friend’s. She’s getting married at the stunning El San Juan Resort & Casino, which means a fun-filled week of celebrating is on the agenda!

Of course, this means I’m already fretting about what to pack for my vacation. Because this isn’t just any vacation, it’s packing for a tropical vacation, and packing for a destination wedding. Two totally different animals with plenty of activities to think about.

The Rehearsal

We’re wearing our fun Bridesmaid shirts for the rehearsal and doing a casual night for dinner. So some sandals and a fun summer skirt are what I’m thinking for a tropical-meets-bridesmaid look.

The Beach

Well, we can’t go on a tropical island without spending at least some time at the pool, right? While I’ll be hiding under an umbrella, coverup, hat and big sunglasses, I can at least do so in style. I’m all for “laying out” with a cocktail in hand, as long as the sun isn’t on me. I’m a total maniac about keeping my skin away from the sun because just like everyone preaches, it’s the first thing to age you. Speaking of, I’ll be packing plenty of this:

Sun Protection

Aveeno Sun Hydrosport , Eugenia Kim oversize hat, Gucci sunglasses, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer

Those are just a few of my favorite travel beauty products. If I weren’t donning a bridesmaid gown, I’d be shopping for a fun dress to wear to the wedding. Here’s some ideas:

The Wedding

For more bridal bliss, check out my Behind the Veil bridal video series and Wedding Wednesdays. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, too!

Hello StyleSizzle readers! My name is Hawlie Ohe, and I’m the editor and creator of the lifestyle blog, Fab Housewife, which is all about staying you, even after saying “I do.” Last week, Marlene asked me to attend Rent the Runway’s first-ever pop-up shop here in Los Angeles in her place, then report back to all of you. Of course, I was thrilled to do it!

In case you’re not familiar with Rent the Runway, here’s the gist: The site is a one-stop-shop for renting designer fashions that you otherwise might not be able to afford. Rental costs run 10% to 15% of retail prices, so a $500 dress would cost $50 to rent. It’s ideal for events like weddings, black tie affairs, or the occasional red carpet (if you live in my neck of the woods) and don’t want to spend a small fortune on another outfit you’ll only wear once. We’re talking high end designers like Nicole Miller and Hervé Leger…and really high end designers like Reem Acra and Proenza Schouler. It’s like being BFFs with Paris Hilton and getting access to her delicious closet!

To be honest, I’ve never rented from Rent the Runway because I was unsure of how the dresses would fit. I’m the sort of girl who has to try on  everything because the clothes never look the same on my body as they do on the model’s, which is a whole other issue in and of itself, but I digress. The pop-up shop was the first time Rent the Runway customers could actually try on dresses before renting them.

I brought along my friend Rocio because everything is better with a girlfriend, obviously. I also got to finally squeeze my hiney into an Hervé dress, which I’ve been just dying to do, but have refrained because of the hefty price tag. The dress was like a full-body Spanx. I felt so hot, I contemplated running out and paying the $1,450 retail to make it mine forever. But since that would also mean the hubs would never let me buy another piece of clothing for the next year, I decided this was an example of the benefits of renting vs. buying.

Rocio tried on a sparkly one-shoulder number that gave her curves in all the right places and emphasized her teeny tiny waist. There’s something magical in the way donning sparkles can instantly transform a girl’s spirits. Suddenly, we ached to try more. So we did. Several more. And we didn’t stop at the dresses.

Once we’d found our favorite outfit, Rent the Runway’s talented stylists accessorized our looks. I would have never paired these vintage jade and crystal earings by Gerard Yosca with a black lace dress, but the result was jaw-dropping. I definitely learned a thing or two about incorporating unexpected pops of color with traditional black lace.

Then it was off to hair and make-up, courtesy of Lancôme and Privé salon. We had a fabulous time sipping cocktails and being pampered like princesses- such a rarity in the worlds of busy housewives!

We emerged looking and feeling like superstars, ready to walk the red carpet. And would you know, Rent the Runway already had one set up for us! Of course we had to take dozens of photos, posing with props and our super-hot make-up artist, Darais.

Though the first Rent the Runway pop-up shop was exclusive to L.A., word has it, the company is looking to host more  down the road, so keep your eyes peeled!

In the meantime, I’d like to invite you to try out the site for yourself, and I’ll leave you with a parting gift: 20% OFF your Rent the Runway order, and FREE SHIPPING! Just enter code GIFTFORYOU at checkout. You’re welcome!

I love a good sample sale. But really, it’s more of a love-hate thing. There’s anxiety, heart palpitations, excitement, stress and did I mention, anxiety? Yup, I’ve even blogged before about the six stages of sample sale site shopping.

This year, I just can’t take it anymore. Sure, I love RueLaLa, Gilt Groupe, ideeli, Hautelook, etc. etc. etc. But my inbox does not. My eyes have had enough!

So I’ve decided to set myself free. Yes….unsubscribe.

It’s a new thing I’m trying out for 2012 because really, if I’m looking for something I can always just visit the sites on my own. I don’t need 20 different sites emailing me fabulous deals that I might need because if I needed them, I would have gone looking for them myself! And yes, of course I’m one of those “well, it’s is a great deal” kind of shoppers (which is dangerous, for obvious reasons.)

It’s also because I’ve discovered this other awesome site, SampleSaleSites.com. In short, they cull and post ALL the deals for you. So I don’t need to open 20 emails, I can just go to their website and see all the deals and where they’re available! Can’t get much easier than that.

If going to the website is also too much work, you can follow SampleSaleSites on Twitter, too. But I promise, the website is super easy to navigate and features the daily deals from all the top sites, new sample sale sites, news and of course, plenty of invite links. Trust, you should add this to your Bookmarks!

Satin white clutches with pearly centers seen at bridal stores totally remind me of Dyeables. Is that really what we’re still pushing these days?

Ever since clutches came back in style as The bag size to be carrying around, there are tons of fabulous ones to choose from that don’t look like you’re a teen going to Prom. I say, think outside the box when shopping for your wedding clutch. Here’s a few.

Something Sparkly

Something Blue

Something Simple 

And yes, that last batch of photos is of white/ivory clutches. But they are hardly the satin and boring kind! A little bit of texture and layering goes a long way, ladies.Will you be carrying a non-traditional bridal clutch?

Today, Arizona is celebrating its centennial. And though I may pick on AZ at times (hey, we all pick on our loved ones, right?) it’s been my home for almost my whole life and I couldn’t be more proud.

Arizona has the best sunsets

It sucks to travel the world and meet those who have little understanding of how beautiful our state is and how amazing the people are. The media just loves to perpetuate stereotypes that I’m not even going to get into, this is a fashion blog, after all. But, there are definitely some fabulous things about living in Arizona that the rest of the country should be jealous about.

1. We Love Style

120 degree weather and heat waves be damned, there is totally a hot shopping scene around here! Prada and Stuart Weitzman just opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square not to mention, we recently welcomed a Barney’s New York too. But it isn’t just high-end shopping that’s a plenty; there’s tons of independent boutiques too. Tempe is chock-full of fast-fashions for the college set and Downtown Phoenix has its own burgeoning fashion scene too. Forget shorts and tanks, there’s definitely desert style around here.

2. We Love Food Festivals

The majority of the year, it’s absolutely beautiful out. Which is probably why there are so many great outdoor food festivals. One of my favorites, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, is just around the corner. And did you know there is also Arizona Cocktail Week, multiple Arizona Beer festivals, Arizona Restaurant Weeks and more? There is plenty to fill up on to keep us busy year round.

3. We Love Pool Parties

Hotel Valley Ho pool

There are pool parties and then there are Arizona pool parties and let’s just be honest, we’ve got tons of practice on how to do it right. If you’re thinking of hitting the pool this spring, check out this list of some of Arizona’s Best Swimsuit Shops.

4. We Love Spring Training

Scottsdale Stadium

Speaking of spring, did I mention Spring Training? I may not be a baseball fan myself, but the Valley is overrun from tourists spanning the entire country to catch a few games for a reason. The weather, the entertainment and all is just lovely.

5. We Love Our Neighbors

Sin City, Baby!

It’s a quick 5-hour or less drive to sunny Los Angeles, San Diego beaches or dancing the night away in Sin City. Seriously, could we ask for any better neighbors than this? (Speaking of Sin City, check out this guide on What to Wear to Las Vegas if you’re planning a trip.)

6. We Love the Outdoors

Conquering Camelback

While I’m personally not a hiker, it would be a lie to say Arizona isn’t known for and absolutely loved for the beautiful weather and chance to go exploring the outdoors. From a Saturday morning Camelback Mountain hike to horseback riding, running the canals and more, outdoor adrenaline junkies can easily get their fix here.

Really, the list could go on.

By the way, if you’re looking for some cute memorabilia to show your love for Arizona, check out Jaimee Rose’s blog for some cute picks today.

What’s your favorite part about living in Arizona?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Toe Cleavage.

It’s not like camel toe. But it isn’t like breast cleavage either. In fact, there are usually people who are either totally for toe cleavage and call it “sexy”(that’s why, my friends, Louboutins are so narrow in the toe) and those that think it’s just so totally gross.

What got me thinking about all this? The visible side-toe cleavage on Alicia Keys at the 2012 Grammys last night.

Alicia Keys at the 2012 Grammys

I’m O.K. with a bit of toe cleavage, it’s like a sexy “peek-a-boo” in a nice pair of pumps. Here’s some Blake Lively toe cleavage I can handle.

Blake Lively toe cleavage

What I can’t handle, however, is all out my-poor-toes-are-stuffed-into-these-shoes-like-sausages toe cleavage. Poor things look like they are crying out for help.

Thinking, just a little too much toe cleavage...

What say you? Are you into toe cleavage or does it totally freak you out?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Pinterest.

You’re engaged, you shop for and buy the dress of your dreams! You have your beautiful Big Day and the next day, a photo shoot with a professional photographer capturing moments of you rolling around in the mud/sand/water/whatever destroying your wedding dress.

Yes, “Trash the Dress”, “Rock the Frock” or whatever you wanna call it is apparently a huge growing trend. Forgive me for saying this but, am I the only one who just doesn’t get it?

Why, under any circumstances, would I want to don the Most Beautiful Dress and probably most expensive dress I will wear in my life for what’s likely to be one of the Best Moments in my life ever and then have someone take pictures of me destroying it. I mean, really?

The idea is to wear your dress “one last time” and do something that shows off your personality. That and to get magazine-like editorial photos of you in a stunning dress and an odd locale. Maybe I’m the odd one out, but I have a few issues with this.

1. It feels a little narcissistic

Look, I’m probably as narcissitic, vain and self-involved as they come. I’m an only child. I have a blog. Really, the list could go on. But even I can recognize that when I actually sit down to think about it, what the heck am I going to do with a bunch of pictures of myself in a pool with a wedding dress on? It isn’t the kind of thing you can really frame 10 photos of and put around your house. You’ll have your actual wedding photos, for one, and eventually family photos which will far supercede these and most any wedding pictures anyway.

2. It feels kinda greedy

O.K. The odds of you wearing the dress again are nill. And the odds that your daughter or other family member will want to wear it are pretty slim also. That’s fair. Who would want a dress sitting around collecting dust? But ya know, there are other things you could do with it. Really, if you have thousands to drop on a wedding dress and another thousand or so to spare to have a day-after photo shoot, wouldn’t it be a much better deed to donate the dress to someone in need who isn’t as fortunate to be able to have these things? Just something to think about…

3. It feels kinda disrespectful

Call me old fashioned, but I feel like at least some things should be sacred. Again, you don’t have to box the dress and hide it, but finding a better use for it than tearing it apart may be an idea worth exploring. And speaking of better use…

4. It feels like you could use it for something else

Like say, your first child’s christening gown. Maybe somehow incorporated into your future daughter’s wedding dress or Prom dress. Even selling the dress on sites like eBay or RecycledBride.com seem like a much better option.

Images: 1/2/3/4/Barcroft Photography

What do you think? Are you feeling the Trash the Dress/Rock the Frock photography trend?

For more bridal bliss, check out my Behind the Veil bridal video series and Wedding Wednesdays. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, too.

I’ve never been huge on wearing red for Valentine’s Day. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I pass. Other times I wake up feeling like, “who the heck decided I should wear red or pink today like everyone else anyway?!”

But whether you choose to do just a small accessory or keep it hidden (with some lingerie, of course) one thing is true: Men Love Red. Love.

Classic red dresses and lingerie are always a win

For a fancy night out, keep things classic with a plunging red dress or this sassy lace one. Don’t forget about flirty undergarments–that’s more than half the fun!

Pretty in pink

For something a bit more demure yet romantic, I like to keep things pretty in pink. And for those that can never see themselves in allover pink, an accessory works great. I love the nude look above with the pretty pink clutch as an accent. And as far as gift ideas go guys, that pink leather card holder or Marc by Marc Jacobs pink bracelet are two can’t-go-wrong options.

Bold, tough accessories in red are always fun

Red can be tough too, like in these gold-accented accessories or paired with a slick leather jacket. It’s a different way to wear the color that’s funky and powerful.

What do you think? Will you be wearing a bit of red or pink this Valentine’s Day?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

I hate that people hate Mondays. (Not saying I’m not included on occasion.)

Thing is, Monday is like a clean slate, every week! Or if you really wanna go far, like another New Year’s day. It’s the perfect time to plan the week, reasses your goals and make it your Best Week Ever.

This weekend was a bit mellow over here. We spent some time with the family on Saturday night and did not even pretend to watch the Super Bowl. We did, however, get to watch Madonna’s half time show, wasn’t it amazing??

Yes, let's Vogue.

I also finally got around to getting into a little Martha Stewart DIY project I stumbled upon online. You all know that I have about zero skills when it comes to anything DIY. But this looked easy enough to take at least baby steps.

We have been growing a bunch of herbs on our balcony and I wanted to spruce up our planters a bit. Here’s a few pics of what the finished project should look like:

Cute, right?

Super cute, right? It’s literally just chalkboard spray paint, which you can pick up at just about any hardware store. If I can do this DIY project, that means anyone can. And by me, I of course mean washing the pots, taking them downstairs and handing the fiancé a can of spray paint.

Work in progress!

Friday nights have also turned into new recipe nights around here. And when it comes to cooking, that’s not something we take baby steps about. This Friday, we dove right in by making a paella with no recipe. We literally just drank some wine, threw some ingredients together and watched the thing cook for what seemed like forever. Did I mention we drank some wine while we did this? (Paella’s take about a million years to cook.)

I’m not going to lie, especially for our first time and considering we didn’t use a recipe, the paella was pretty good. With some refinements and a little more practice, I’ll be sure to share some Paella highlights on a future Foodie Friday!

Anyway, here are some good must-reads for your Monday reading pleasure:

Mashable: 3 Shoe Brands Kicking Butt with Social Media

Refinery 29: How to Dress for a 6-Figure Job on a Normal Person’s Budget

Hubspot: How to Effectively Use Pinterst for your Business Marketing

Did you do anything fun this weekend? What’s on your agenda for the week??

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

I love a good salmon salad. It’s simple, refreshing and so easy to make. It’s one of my go-to foods when I feel like I should be eating healthier, without feeling like I need to compromise on flavor. (Hello, wedding diet!) Plus, anything I can throw together in under 10 minutes is a win-win.

What you’ll need:

4 ingredients for a simple salmon salad

Tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, some spinach (or other greens) and a can of pink salmon is all you’ll need. I’ll occasionally use red onions too, if I happen to have some around. For canned salmon, the Bear & Wolf brand (pictured) has good, premium chunks that aren’t very fatty. You can pick up a case at Costco for pretty cheap.

Dice the tomatoes and eggs, chop the spinach and toss together. For dressing, keep it simple with salt, pepper and olive oil–that’s it! You’ll have a delicious, simple salmon salad that’s ready to go in just a few minutes.

Simple, healthy and delicious

I’ve also served this salad as part of a main dish with lots of chunks of salmon and a side of white rice and black beans–yum!

What are you having for dinner tonight?

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