Welcome to P H A S S I O N ! PHASSION magazine is a publication dedicated to today's modern, style-conscious woman. Geared toward a cultured and multifaceted readership, the contents of each monthly issue draw upon aspects that define the PHASSION reader's lifestyle, entertainment, beauty, health and fitness. While lively editorials implement high-octane haute couture, the magazine provides readers with the tools they need to translate the looks of the runway to reality. PHASSION will keep you updated with current events, encouraging you to partake in cultural experiences and activities in everything from music to art. The pages of PHASSION magazine are filled with tips on how to amp up your style, while colorful editorials focuses on emerging trends, hair, makeup, entertainment, art, travel, fitness and nutrition. Patti Wooten-Thompson Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Thank you to all of the contributing writers, photographers, and designers

for this special issue!

Patti Wooten-Thompson, Design & Layout Lisa McAllister, Proofreader Vanessa Baez, Fashion Writer Monique McLaughlin, Hair & Makeup Phassion Models Phassion Photography & Editing

ADVERTISEMENT IN PHASSION MAGAZINE

All rates are per insertion and include FULL colors

(Additional fee to reserve page.)

CIRCULATION – Phassion Magazine is a national magazine based in the Tampa Bay Area. FREQUENCY – Phassion Magazine is published bi-monthly (every other month – 6 per year), with previous publications available. Advertisement available in weekly newsletter – be sure and subscribe @ phassionmagazine.com

*Discounts are given with purchase of 1-year contract.

OUR COVER

Aleksandra Malinska

Born and raised in Poland.

I spent most of my childhood swimming. For nine

years I competed and was very close to becoming part

of the Polish Olympics. Team training every day for

my goal taught me self discipline, hard work and

motivation.

I moved to the United States 7 years ago. It was a big

challenge for me not knowing how to speak English

and having no friends or family, but because of my past experiences, was able to face any obstacles. Now

I am pursuing another big challenge and also my big dream….modeling!!!!

I believe I was blessed with natural qualities and developed the right attitude to be successful in this

difficult field in whatever goals I set for myself! It takes a lot of hard work, sacrifices and determination,

but I love it - it is my passion!

Favorite foods: Polish pierogies, insalata caprese, fruit, and sushi.

Favorite movies: Pretty Woman and Black Swan.

Favorite quotes:

1) 'THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOMEONE FATTER OR SKINNIER, MORE BEAUTIFUL OR UGLY, TALLER OR SHORTER - BUT NO ONE WILL EVER BE YOU.”

2) “TRUE BEAUTY IS HAVING FAITH IN YOURSELF AND HAVING THE CONFIDENCE TO PRESENT YOURSELF AT YOUR BEST.”

3) LIFE IS TOO SHORT SO YOU HAVE TO GO FOR IT - YOU DONT WANT TO LOOK BACK AND SAY TO YOURSELF THAT YOU DIDNT TRY.”

Hair & Makeup by Monique McLaughlin - Photography by Miguel Angel Filomeno

Chef Ruwan Manjula Martinesz - The Ritz Carlton, Krabi, Thailand

Chef Ruwan Manjula Martinesz - The Ritz Carlton, Krabi, Thailand

Star's Jewels

Chic and glamorous custom designed and hand-crafted with the highest quality materials - unique European and Swarovski Crystals, top quality leather and specially designed components. Our extraordinary color combinations and special attention to detail make for a spectacular look every time.

We are located in Tampa, Florida and available for your personalized jewelry consulting needs.

Star Hassie, Owner www.starsjewelrybox.com

Fashions by Azucar

“IF YOU USE IT EVERY DAY, WHY NOT WEAR IT EVERY DAY!”

Azucar was born in Miami, Florida where he has developed his LATIN INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

for fashion. His designs are feminine and classy, daring but yet fashionably wearable.

Most recently, Azucar was awarded “Best Designer” in Atlanta.

Make Azucar your next fashion statement!

Models in this Collection are Arianna Barouk, Mayvic Serrano, Muriel Vilejas, Heidi Hernandez, Silvana Camargo, Jose Battista, Mitchael Hernandez, Nikolas Guevara, Joel Rod & Ahmed Camejo – Hair & Makeup by Marcelo &

Liz Mary of Hair Studio 61 – Assistant Ricky Espinoza

When music is expressed through love, hope and worth, hearts are automatically uplifted…

Sean Hill is doing just that. Hill brings the very best in today’s inspiration and popular music. Currently settled in Tampa Bay, this North Carolina native knows what it takes to make timeless music. There are many entertainers in the world, but Hill is sure that he has a voice that can appeal to the masses. From soul, R&B, classical, pop and jazz, you get the true experience of a multi-genre recording artist and songwriter. There are no secrets or hidden agendas, Hill’s message is very clear and straight from the heart to his listeners—the only mystery is what will he do next. Without a doubt, entertainment is one of the most powerful ways to get the public’s attention, and it’s clearly the best way to get a message through, according to the 6-foot-7 singer. And with so much happening, positive and negative, his mission is very simple and most effective. Hill writes and sings about life experiences and tries to bring a positive result in any case. “No matter who you are, as long as the world turns, fortunate and unfortunate, things will happen, but it’s how we respond and the decisions we make afterward that determine the outcome,” the singer explains. “When music can relate to your life and its current events, it becomes more than a song or entertainment. It becomes your story,” he says. We all have something in common and people are captivated because Hill isn’t above or beneath, he is right there with his listeners and this makes his music more enjoyable and relevant. As a solo artist, Hill released his first album “Balance” in 2006 and his second album “Adore,” was released this year. He is slowly earning recognition around the world and is a featured artist on the indie charts in the UK, Spain and Japan along with online radio and podcast stations. Along with his music career, he intends to add filmmaking, acting and directing to his list. Currently, Hill is working on his acting and cinematography skills to venture into the film industry, which has been a long-term goal. While Hill is keeping busy with his other endeavors, you can catch him performing concerts and filming videos from his latest album. He is also preparing to release several dance remixes to the album. To find out more about Sean Hill please visit www.sean-hill.net.

It’s time for bikinis, shorts and sarongs! How about your body? Will you be comfortable reaching the beach and exposing your flesh? Are you in the shape that you want to be? Well it’s about time to do something about it! Read on and discover how to get a leaner and fitter you just in time! Have a Plan! If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! It's that simple. I work with many clients that just decide to stop eating. This throws the body into starvation mode and slows down the metabolism. I keep track of my every day eating and exercise with my online meal planer and I make all of my clients use it! You can print it out and put it on you fridge - this way it will be the first thing you see! People who keep journals are more successful at losing weight and staying in shape. Mark down your weight and as your program develops you will have a visible record of it! You might not like the first numbers you see but believe me there is nothing better than reaching your goal! This is the healthiest way is to lose about 2 pounds a week! And remember, muscle is heavier than fat! Instead of worrying about your weight look in the mirror and ask yourself if your clothes feel looser. Don’t forget to set a goal! If you have one you are more likely stay focused! Water. Drink, Drink, Drink! It’s very simple however most of us don’t drink enough! Most people don’t even know that they are dehydrated. This is very bad since our bodies are composed 60% of water. Drinking more water will increase your metabolism! The basic rule is to drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day. Eat more! Yes you heard me! Eating more meals a day will help you lose weight! Start your day with a solid breakfast and eat 5-7 smaller meals through the day! Remember your body is like a fireplace! What happens when you put big chunks of wood into the fire? It will burn long but at the end that big chunk will be still there! If you put small wood in there it burns fast and, at the end, there will be nothing left but ashes! Same thing with food! If you eat big meals it will be stored as fat. If you keep feeding the fire in your body then you just keep burning it and there will be no fat stored. Say no to Sugar! Sugar enters your blood stream within minutes and has harmful effects! Weight gain, heart disease, and mood swings…sugar will definitely destroy your dream to a leaner you, especially around the waist! If you have a sweet tooth just try to switch to sweet tasting foods! And you can pick up your healthy sugar needs from fruits! Weights and cardio! If it’s possible, exercise in the morning! If you exercise in the morning you will burn calories and have more energy all day long! Just do a little resistance training and then some cardio like jogging, walking, running, or spinning! It will do miracles if your goal is to get leaner! Why is that? Because the body needs to burn through its sugar source first before it taps in to the fat! When you hit the weights you alert your muscles to trigger the proteins that churn through calories while your training. Try to aim for 30 minutes weights and 30 minutes intense cardio if you want to lose that flab! Don’t forget your warm up exercises for at least 10 minutes. Make small changes! You can’t jump in to the deep water if you don’t know how to swim, right? So take baby steps to be successful! Park your car further and walk more! Is that hard? Take stairs over elevator etc… walking stairs will activate your gluts, which lift your butt and make it firm! Don’t Diet! Don’t look at diets which tell you not to eat carbs, protein or fat, etc… You need everything! It’s part of you and you need it to maintain your weight and to stay healthy! You just have to choose the right one! Eat whole grain bread, rice and pasta over white. Don’t drink your calories! Limit your alcohol intake! Each shot of alcohol is about 150 calories and if you mix it with something its around 300-1200

calories per drink! If you limit this you will lose fat much easier! Eat more fish! It’s a great source for protein and Omega 3 oils! And fish is the best way to lower your leptin levels! Leptin decides whether your body will store the calories or burn them for fuel! Eat some fruits! They are very good for fiber! Fruits can help make your diet plan more effective! Grapefruit is one of the best super foods that is high in fiber with very few calories! It actually uses more calories to digest and it lowers the insulin levels in the body. This helps storing less sugar as fat. Foods you should stay away from: White bread, chips, white rice, pasta, chocolate, candy, sugar, fruit juices, salt… Just stick with carbs that are high in fiber! I know it’s hard for some people, but here is the thing - don’t buy it! If you don’t have them at home the less likely you will eat/drink them! Just remember….you are what you eat! If you eat crap you will look like crap! If you eat good you will look good…it’s that simple!

Daniel Nyiri http://www.itrainyoufl.com

Photography by Patti Wooten-Thompson

 

 

A PURPLE CARPET EVENT 

PARIS IN SPRINGTIME

ith benefit events, there is usually a story behind the cause and Phassion Magazine was there to bring you the back-story to The Paris in Springtime Fashion Show first annual fashion show

benefitting the Lupus Foundation of America.

WSet to take place on Mother’s Day weekend, the show was created in honor of Meilla Le’nor’s mother, Janice, who passed away after her battle with Lupus. When Meilla, a second generation model, designer and CEO of Essential Beauty International, began organizing the 1940’s Paris themed show, she put out a call for volunteers to help with the cause. Designers, models and makeup artists were readily willing to volunteer their services for the event. As the day grew closer to the show, the list of designers whose works would be shown included Jacka Designs, Roehm Couture, Gerro Art, and Le’nor Couture, Meilla’s own fashion line. Makeup artists included Neva ‘The Diva’ Durham, her assistant Brandy, and Michelle Barcia with me as her assistant.

The models began arriving at noon, and the carefully scheduled preparation steadily continued throughout the day as the designers arrived with their spring and summer lines. Work wrapped up just in time for the doors to open and for the guests to arrive. The attendees had the option of purchasing a VIP pass, which gave them front row seats to the show and went home with a gift-bag of items from various sponsors, such as salons, spas, photographers and designers. Before the show, hors d’oeuvres were set out for the guests and proved to be delicious at the rate that they disappeared. A runway was set up in the lobby of the Wingate Hotel, lined by seats for the audience. The models strolled down the catwalk in pace with the French music carrying on the theme. Photographers remained at one end of the runway to capture the beauty and colors of the new spring and summer designs. The show finished with all the designers coming out with exuberant smiles displaying the joy of a successful fashion show. After the show, guests mingled with everyone who had participated in creating this benefit for the Lupus Foundation of America.

But what is lupus? It is an auto-immune, chronic inflammatory disease where the body’s defense

systems misrecognize other body cells and attack as if they are a threat. The most common symptoms are fatigue, joint and muscle pain/swelling, skin rashes and hair loss. Some people may have all symptoms, and others only have a few. Lupus affects over one million people in the United States alone, but many don’t know that they have this life threatening disease because it is so difficult to diagnose. Most people

don’t know what Lupus is, which decreases the chances that treatment or a cure can ever be discovered. Benefits and walks raise awareness and the funds necessary for the research so desperately needed.

Creating one of these charity events is hard work. And with everyone working together, it all came together beautifully.

If you’d like more information about the 2nd Annual Paris in Springtime fashion benefit or any other future events involving Essential Beauty International, please contact them at essentialbeauty2@gmail.com. Meilla, CEO of the company hopes to travel as an ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America and raise awareness worldwide. More information on how to donate to the cause can be found at www.lupus.org.

By Venessa Baez

www.wix.com/enchantlee/homepage

Artistic Carpentry & Design, LLC  

 Artistic Carpentry & Design, LLC has taken art to the Extreme with Style. The company opened January 1st of 2011, and they have been pushing the limits of Carpentry with a twist of Art. Anastasia and Sean, a wife and husband team, collaborate on projects to create custom creations. The self taught artist of this team Anastasia Gresh, enjoys helping clients make their dreams come true. With works sold nationwide, in a variety of mediums, such as acrylics, wood, and metal, with various shapes and sizes. From wall hangings to 12x10 murals in private homes. At the same time creating durable and affordable art. While Anastasia’s other half Sean is the master of woodworking.

Sean Gresh is the Carpenter of this team, engraving, staining and creating high class craftsmanship. One of Sean’s favorite things to do is to take a space and transform it into a divine atmosphere. His portfolio ranges from simple pieces of furniture to wine cellars for restaurants, and cabinets. From simple residential projects to major commercial remodels. Their team motto is "If you can Dream, we can Create it." Anastasia & Sean Gresh partners in life and in business truly enjoy inventing new ways to create unique pieces of work. Their newest endeavor being textured metal, with the option of vibrant colors. These pieces have a holographic illusion, a piece of art that constantly changes. These metal surfaces come alive with movement and depth. This couple did not stop there, they have inserted the art in furniture, counter tops, ceilings, wall hangings, flooring, and back splashes.

From artwork, inlays, holographic images, wine cellars, cabinets, and more. Artistic Carpentry & Design, LLC can take your dream, and make them come true. Our company enjoys challenges, and creative ideas, from simple to Extreme. We guarantee a Fantastic end result.

Artistic Carpentry & Design, LLC

Anastasia & Sean Gresh

www.ArtisticCarpentryDesign.com

Office 813-412-8191

The Jewelry Studio

Anything but ordinary!

Do you have gold jewelry that you don't wear? Why let Grandma's diamond ring sit in a drawer? We can fashion it into a beautiful diamond pendant you can keep close to your heart! What better way to honor a special loved one? The same goes for your out-dated or broken jewelry. Of course, we pay top dollar for gold, but why not create something new instead? Bring it in with your own ideas or we can dream up something together! Your old jewelry (and imagination) will come to life at the Jewelry Studio! The Jewelry Studio is now located in New Tampa. We are a family owned and operated company. We relocated in early 2009 to better serve our loyal customers as well as our new neighbors! Stop in to see our dazzling jewelry by our talented designers. We work in white and yellow gold, platinum and sterling silver to compliment any style. Bring in your broken pieces to be made like new again (sometimes while you wait!), or just come by to have your jewelry cleaned and polished--always a complimentary service. When you visit, we encourage you to bring the jewelry you have. We can provide a professional appraisal, mend pieces in need of repair, buy your gold for cash, or trade it in towards something new! We are partnered with the North Tampa Art League. We offer a beautiful selection of fine art from around the world. Tim J. Carver, Owner

http://jewelrystudiotampa.com/

Visit the Jewelry Studio at our new location Pebble Creek Collection

19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

813-973-4601

Mélange Fashions Benefit Luncheon

‘TRAVEL IN STYLE’

On Tuesday, April 12th, the partners of Mélange Fashions premiered the Jana Kos Summer Fashions Collection at a luncheon at The Grape at International Plaza, Tampa. This exciting fashion show illustrated the secrets of packing light and traveling in style by planning a core wardrobe to take you anywhere!

Mélange Fashions Tampa partners, Cheryl Perotti, Myriam Castellano, and Sharon Drenner

Pam Cozene of The Grape Bistro and Wine Bar provided a three-course gourmet luncheon with wine for those who were lucky enough to secure a reservation for this intimate and informative event given to benefit Dress for Success of Tampa. Half of all proceeds went to this non-profit organization, as well as donations of clean, gently used business appropriate clothing collected at the door.

Sarina Fazan of ABC News and Pam Cozene of The Grape Bistro and Wine Bar

Executive Director, Katie McGill oversees the agency’s efforts to help women in our community re-enter the work force, many of them in unstable financial and family circumstances, by providing much needed emotional, career, and wardrobe assistance. Gift bags, prize drawings, and certificates valued at more than the ticket price were in store for attendees, courtesy of Mélange Fashions, The Grape Bistro and Wine, LaJoya Boutique, and other area businesses such as Clarity MedSpa, Tumi Luggage, Phassion Magazine, and Designer’s Shoe Warehouse. The show featured professional models wearing the incredibly beautiful and travel friendly Jana Kos spring and summer fashions, and jewelry and accessories from La Joya Boutique. Monique McLaughlin of Hair and Makeup by Monique donated her time to provide her talents for the models polished look.

Katie McGill, Executive Director, Dress For Success Tampa Bay Always stylish News Anchor, Sarina Fazan of WFTS Channel 10 Action News, provided commentary as models Aleksandra Malinska and Victoria Franz took the runway with rolling Tumi carry on luggage containing components for multiple travel wardrobe changeups. These lovely models generously donated their services courtesy of PhassionModels.com founder, Patti Wooten Thompson, who also donated her professional photography services. Victoria Frantz in the travel friendly and light weight, Cheetah Trench over the Miami Jersey Pant

This summer’s collection included the fresh, bright hues of watermelon, spring leaf green and clear aqua blue in groups one and two, offsetting the soft sunny earth tones and dramatically bold and crisp red-orange teamed with black for groups three and four. Designer Jana Kos knows exactly how to use each fabric for maximum style and wear ability in the finished piece.

Aleksandra Malinska, looking crisp in her Jana Kos White Stretch Sateen Capri’s and Heather Jersey Indigo and White Cardigan with matching Top

Using her design specifications, the fashions are manufactured with hand finished attention to detail in her workshop in New York City’s garment district! The ‘Made in America by Skilled Craftsmen label is a point of great pride for JK agencies and all who work with this growing fashion enterprise. Model Victoria Frantz looks stunning in the Jana Kos Amber Fantastic Twill Dress

Victoria Frantz seen here in the Ovals Silver The Jana Kos Shattered Blue Dress, Matching Jacket, and Black Jacket, Lux Twill Skirt, and Pebble Print Hand Knotted Scarf

The Jana Kos spring and summer collection was subsequently available for purchase during the Mélange Fashions Tampa Jana Kos Collection Trunk Show at La Joya Boutique, where the partners continue to show for two or more weeks each season by private appointment. Each new collection is available in sizes ranging from 0 to 16 or XS to XL. Be sure to secure your appointment to attend the 2011 Fall Collection Jana Kos Trunk Show which begins on July 28th and continues through August 8th by calling or emailing one of the Mélange Fashions partners:

Sharon Drenner 727.244.1927 Cheryl Perotti 813.417.9400 Myriam Castellano 813.833.0736

sharon@sharondrenner.com perotti@tampabay.rr.com lajoyaboutique@gmail.com

Mélange Fashions Tampa Jana Kos Collection Trunk Show at La Joya Boutique

Tampa, Florida http://www.MFashionsTampa.com

Angie Nicolas

“The Hot Spot 813” How do you get that Hollywood look? Just stop by The Hot Spot 813 in Ybor City or become a fan of the boutique on Facebook. Owner Angie Nicolas carries A-list designers at affordable prices, and that’s catching the attention of the fashion-forward crowd.

Some of her prestigious clients include Daphnee Duplaix from “One Life to Live” and Gwendolyn Osborn-Smith from “The Price Is Right.” Fashion blogger and columnist Tami Reed of “Talking With Tami” just ordered a dress to wear to an Essence magazine event. A VH1 reality TV show star contacted Angie to see if she can bring a camera crew into the shop later this year; the details are still being discussed. And after Kim Kardashian raved about the gorgeous LeilUna Collection dresses worn by the new British girl band, Miss Millionaire at the Grammys, The Hot Spot 813 sold out its supply!

“These people have style and everyone wants to be a part of that,” Angie laughs. “Backless, sleeveless dresses are hot right now, plus prom dresses, of course.”

The Hot Spot 813 carries the LeilUna Collection, Riva Designs, Terani Couture, Kimikal Couture and Savee Couture, another line loved by Kim Kardashian. The boutique also carries Chemical, a hip line that one of the New Jersey Housewives likes to wear. Angie had a customer drive two hours to find a dress she had seen on the show. Angie also offers non name-brand clothing, plus handbags, shoes and jewelry.

Her love, though, is for her own designer line, the Otulia Collection, which is named after Angie’s late grandmother. Discriminating shoppers can customize any of the 1,200 designs. Angie’s clients have placed orders from as far away as Great Britain and Paris, and she’s in discussions with the organizer of a Florida beauty pageant to dress the contestants with gowns from the collection.

“Women want to feel beautiful and they want to feel special,” Angie said. “They don’t want to walk into a room and realize somebody else is wearing the same dress they have on.”

Angie donates two percent of every Otulia design she sells to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, which is dedicated to fighting breast cancer. Giving back is important to Angie. She also donates to an orphanage through Kalos International, donates college scholarships to “Children with a Vision” in Tampa, and financially assists a family in Haiti. Angie was born in Haiti and moved to Miami with her family when she was a toddler. She owned a fashion boutique in Miami for several years before her family moved to Tampa. She opened The Hot Spot 813 in October and loves how it’s growing. She gives a lot of the credit to Facebook; customers like her page, then their friends like it, and then they start placing orders. It’s a fashionable twist to commerce. Plus, it’s just plain fun to see who’s wearing her fashions in Hollywood! By Beth Gaddis

THE HOT SPOT 813 - 1517 East 7th Avenue - Tampa, Fl 33605 (Ybor City) - www.thehotspot813.com

Wedding Planner

The Interview In the first flush of joy after your engagement, you’ll probably begin browsing magazines and wedding websites…and soon feel buried by a blizzard of checklists and a daunting array of decisions. That’s when you and your fiancé might want to think about hiring a professional wedding planner. Good idea. Depending on your budget and needs, you can contract: • A full-service planner to arrange every detail. • Someone to assist you only in choosing your wedding location and vendors. • A “Day-of Coordinator” (which really means 30 days before your wedding). NOTE: Many locations have in-house coordinators, but make sure you’re clear on exactly what level of service they provide. Venue coordinators usually just handle “day-of” issues and offer a list of their preferred vendors, so having your own planner may still be a great help. Even though hiring a planner is an added cost, they often end up saving you money in the long run. And no doubt about it—the right wedding planner can definitely save you time and stress (priceless!). Before interviewing potential wedding planners, you and your fiancé should have an idea of: • How much money you have in your budget • How many people you would like to invite • Your preferred wedding date • Your vision for your wedding (NOTE: If you aren’t sure yet don’t worry—getting help with this is one of the reasons why you’re hiring a wedding planner!) After each interview is complete, ask yourselves: • Did we feel heard? • Does the planner understand our vision? • Did we get a strong sense she will work with our budget? • Was there a good connection and did our personalities mesh well? Listen to your gut. If an interview doesn’t feel right, then maybe that person just isn’t a good fit for you. Your wedding planner is the vendor you’ll be spending the most time with, so it’s important to pick someone who’s compatible with you and your fiancé.

www.HereComesTheGuide.com

Wedding Rings

There are many styles and makes of wedding rings. There are solitaires, rows of diamonds, plain bands,

antique, engraved – brilliant cut, princess cut, emerald cut and many more. You want to make sure it fits your

budget and represents your style since it will be worn for a lifetime.

Wedding Gown Trends of 2011

From tiny ruffles and blooming flowers to color accents and bows, the romantic trend is very much

alive. Flowers are absolutely EVERYWHERE right now! Single oversize blossoms, fluttery petals

and tiny blooms are all popular trends for this season. Glamour, glamour, glamour! Gowns are

covered in pearls, Swarovski crystals, and sequins. New twists on these ever-popular trends include

necklines and belts created with these fun flourishes.

The wide range of trends for this year leaves a bride with lots of options. Just remember to go with

what works for you, while keeping some of the top trends in mind. No matter what you choose, you

are sure to be a beautiful bride!

The Stylish Tux Whether you go for a traditional or trendy look, you need to be able to carry them off. Proper fit is the key.

To determine the fit, try on the tuxedo, including the correct shirt and shoes. Place your arms at your sides,

fingers extended. The hem of the jacket should be no longer than your middle finger. The sleeve should grace

the top of your hand, and your shirt cuff should peek out from the jacket sleeve no more than half an inch.

Your trousers should skim the heel of your shoe in back and break slightly over the tops of your shoes in

front. Because the extra buttons on a double-breasted jacket draw the eye toward your midsection, that style

looks best on someone who's tall and slender. To create a more debonair silhouette, consider having some

extra padding put in the shoulders and the waist taken in a bit. With the many styles that are available, you

can’t go wrong with the classic tux….just think “Cary Grant!”

The Bridesmaid Dresses 

The dresses for spring 2011 are strapless, an elegant style that emphasizes the neck and shoulders in a classically feminine way. A strapless bridesmaid dress that has been properly fitted to its wearer is one of the most flattering styles around. Another trend growing in popularity is the one-shoulder look. Bridesmaid dresses that hang off one shoulder provide a unique shape and gives the bridal party a fashion forward bold look. The single strap is a sassy and urban look that can also be feminine and delicate.

In 2011 we are going to see a more body conscious look. Ruching, bows, and sashes are a popular trend to use in order to emphasize a natural waist line for classy look. You will be seeing bright colors like orange, yellow, fuchsia, apple green, emerald, and amethyst. Giving your bridesmaids a dress they love will make for a more enjoyable wedding for them and make the saying “always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” a little less depressing.

The Bridal Bouquet This is the most intimate floral arrangement for the wedding and if you can't afford many flowers, at least don't skimp on the bouquet! The bride's bouquet should be the largest and most spectacular bouquet in the wedding party. White is still traditionally the most popular color for the bride's bouquet, but many different colors are used in weddings today for the bride and bridesmaids from soft pastels such as pale pink through to rich, vibrant colors such as hot pink, burgundy and violets. Ultimately, the choice of flowers for the bouquet depend on what you want, the style of your dress, your height and your wedding theme. It is recommended that you don't finalize the bouquet until you have chosen your dress, because the two must match perfectly, and usually the larger the dress, the larger the bouquet.

www.thecakezone.com

www.thecakezone.com

Your Wedding Vows Wedding vows are promises that couples speak to each other before God and witnesses during a marriage ceremony. Wedding vows usually incorporate certain traditional elements when they are written or spoken. Promises of unconditional love and affection, faithfulness and permanence are included in most wedding vows. Wedding vows are derived from traditional religious ceremonies, though many times can be modified to fit the personalities and wishes of the participants. Love poems and music lyrics can often be changed into more traditional wedding vows. Though many choose traditional wedding vows, some people opt for non-traditional wedding vows or those that are personalized. Other types of wedding vows include remarriage, cultural and intercultural. For the more light-hearted, humorous wedding vows may be appropriate if done in good taste. Sometimes a little fun and silliness can break the gravity of the situation and put things into perspective. There are no rules - guidelines suggest that wedding vows be loving, respectful and put forth the message of caring and commitment. The most important thing to remember is that wedding vows are meant for the couple and no one else.

WEDDING 

Flowers You want your wedding to be memorable and the choice of flowers or arrangements should reflect the bride’s specific taste and personality. Her flowers should create a theme to make her wedding day special and provide the finishing touch to this very special day. Flowers are the splash of color, the ornamentation on top of many other already beautiful parts of a wedding. Good positioning and use of inexpensive foliage can create the sense that you have more floral arrangements than you actually do. Your florist must share your vision, or it's time to find one who does. When you visit the florist, you can discuss the extent of your budget and work from there. It's a good idea to keep some flowers on your "must-have" list and some on your "wish-list", so that if you do have to pare down, the wish-list flowers can go first without depleting the flowers that you must have. Just remember…all flowers are beautiful, whether they're cheap or expensive; the important thing is freshness and a price you can afford. You can give the impression that there are more flower by choosing stronger smelling flowers such as frangipani, lilies, hyacinths, jasmine, and sweet peas.

Aruba

BEST WEDDING LOCATIONS Aruba will provide a breathtaking backdrop for your destination wedding vacation package. The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad, is a bright Caribbean jewel with great architecture and pastel-colored buildings. Enjoy scuba diving, sailing, surfing, and more on the beautiful oceans - scuba divers are thrilled in crystal-clear waters where all types of marine life thrive. Costa Rica has many different things to do and Spirit Vacations has tickets to add to your complete Costa Rica vacation package. Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful with a wide array of plants, animals, geography and activities to take in. Sailing, whitewater rafting and kayaking are becoming more and more popular for all levels of expertise. With coastline on both oceans, surfers in Costa Rica have plenty of choice beaches to experience. Waves of all sizes can be found so that all levels of expertise can enjoy the breakers. Costa Rica vacationers find fantastic sport fishing opportunities in the Caribbean and the Pacific where tarpon, sailfish, and marlin are waiting for you. Inland lakes and rivers provide adventures for the freshwater anglers. The Amalfi Coast offers the most beautiful sights all abound and there is so much to do there you will have trouble figuring out where to start. If you like to cook, Mama Agata Cooking School gives you a first-hand experience inside a local kitchen and teaches you to cook and eat like the locals do. Spend a day at the Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano for some relaxation in the sun, or take a private tour of the area with Benevento Limos and Private Tours. No matter how you decide to spend your days on the Amalfi Coast, be sure to make it an even more personalized and unique experience by choosing to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel, and live like the locals with all of the privacy and space of your very own vacation home. For sophisticated travelers with discerning tastes, luxury cruises provide an unparalleled option for discovering the world’s most incredible destinations. Onboard, each and every detail brims with thoughtful consideration—from superb service, to ultra-luxurious amenities, to exquisite cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs, top-notch everything simply becomes the standard. Luxury cruises invite guest to indulge in life’s finer things and experience superior comfort as they take in marvelous panoramas of natural, historical and cultural splendor sailing by. And, by keeping guest counts low and remarkable itineraries full of exhilarating sites, each unforgettable experience remains intimate and inspiring.

CostaRica

AmalfiCoast