Monday, October 3, 2011

New Beginnings

Hello Gorgeous,

My name is Janaile and in an effort to find my place in life I decided to start this blog and provide tips/advice for those seeking help on the fashion and style front.

I was born, raised and still live in Texas. I work in Advertising and recently married the love of my life. Growing up, I always had an eye for fashion and felt it to be my creative calling in life.

My friends and family have often asked me to shop with them, re-organize their closets, plan for events which I enjoy doing, but hopefully with this blog I can bring it to the masses (wink).

I don't want to design clothes, but love to play and imagine around all things fashion. Dress up is my favorite game, especially if it brings a smile to someone's face.

Share with me my experiences and watch me evolve! Also, if you have any advice and/or want help let me know!

Love,

Janaile

Monday, September 19, 2011

Tick, Tock

I can't believe how fast time is passing. I have less than 2 months to go until our wedding and already feel like everything is coming all at once. The wedding planning is fun and manageable, but I feel like every other aspect of my life is going crazy. I knew this time of year would be a struggle especially with work, since we are beginning to work on ads for the Holiday season already. It just seems harder to manage every day life more and more.

I guess I just have to adjust the way I manage stress, because it doesn't seem to be as effective anymore. I feel it in my body, my head and find it hard to sleep. Is this something that comes with age? I know I'm not old, but I think it's all catching up and constantly reminding me that I am not as strong as I used to be.

This is the home stretch, I feel. This month all comes down to finalizing the reception, finalizing the guest list and securing my passport (long overdue). Wish me luck!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

New Sweetness




A new bakery just opened up around the corner from my office (bad idea) called Petite Sweets.  I have been fighting the urge to go inside, but my curiosity got the best of me and I ended up taking some co-workers to try it out today. A strawberry macaroni and a mini chocolate cupcake are sitting on my desk taunting me. I am trying to hold out until the end of the day to indulge or maybe just take home and share with my mom. My wedding dress better watch out.

Monday, August 22, 2011

In Love



I am in love with this short tiered tulle dress from (eh-um) David's Bridal. This place gives me a stomach ache and I try to stay away, but now I may change my attitude after finding this dress. This would be a great reception dress for Houston and Las Vegas except that it's out of my budget right now. Going to see if I can try and put aside some money and maybe purchase this gem later, especially since I may be getting 2 wears out of it. Might be worth it. Cross fingers.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Whole Lotta Stuff

Whew! As you can tell from the lack of posts, I am busy. Busy planning this wedding. Busy planning other events and everything else.

This past weekend I had my bachelorette party in Austin, TX and have to say it was amazing. I was surprised at how mellow I was the entire trip. I think it's because I have been going full speed for a while and haven't had time to rest. My girlfriends are awesome and put so much effort into this trip and truly made it memorable.

On the wedding front, we have received over 80 RSVPs thus officially making this a full fledged event. It has me re-thinking our cocktail reception, because this isn't exactly going to be as intimate as we first thought, but I am happy to see so many people coming to our big day.Thankfully, we have 3 months to go and everything major is done. Just awaiting the 2-month mark to start finalizing and taking care of the small tasks (like buying a bridcage veil I cannot find).

I am also planning my cousin's bachelorette party next month, who is getting married on September 23rd and having a party to celebrate the big day at my parent's house. I have also been asked by her mother (my aunt) to decorate which has me buzzing around looking for ideas (country chic, anyone?).

This week we have our retreat at St. Anne's as a last step in the marriage prep process and hopefully we can meet with the priest who will be marrying us soon. I am a mess in my head right now. Hopefully my afternoon workout will ease all of this and provide some clarity.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Revelations

There are things I often think about and wish I'd new earlier on in life. I don't think they are regrets, but more like "oh yeah" moments. Growing up I was such a fighter and always put my guard up because I was let down by so many people. Now the fight isn't worth it anymore and I have found myself much happier focusing on the things that bring me joy.

I wonder if I would have had this philosophy at a much younger age, would I still be so guarded? I am very cautious and analyze my every move because I want to be prepared, but I want to give everything a chance. Anxiety is something I struggle with because of these emotions and is difficult for me to manage. I feel like the way I used to be was mean in a way and can't help but want to mend the broken friendships/relationships that suffered along the way.

I know things happen for a reason and that paths sometimes go in different directions, but there are things I would do different if I could.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Fierce


Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looks amazingly fierce in this ensemble while promoting the upcoming Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Love the look of a good pair of tailored, bell-bottom dress pants.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Feeling Crafty


While on the hunt for everything wedding, I kept thinking that I need to find a great hairpiece for my bridesmaids. I want a red rose with some sort of feathers, but this seems to be a difficult find. After going to several different department stores and searching online I finally just did a quick search on YouTube and decided that I am going to make them myself.

Seems easy and I even went to Hobby Lobby and bought the materials needed for only 11 bucks. I'll attempt to create these hair pieces this weekend if I have time and post pics soon afterwards to show my effort.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Love Songs


Heard this song on the way back from lunch and the lyrics caught my attention. The song is about a man expressing his love for his fiancee and how much he can't wait to be married to her. Tugs on the heart strings especially when he mentions all the things he loves about her. Swoon.

Wedding Watch

GOING TO THE CHAPEL
 photo | Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo have long since been one of my favorite celebrity couples. I have been anxiously waiting for the day they announced their engagement and was happy when it happened around the time I myself got engaged. This couple seems so made for each other and People recently posted pictures from their wedding shower. They are a gorgeous match and can't wait to see the wedding pictures! 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Wedding Updates


I've been busy as you can tell from the lack of posts, but in a good way. Our invitations are printing tomorrow and the calligrapher (aka: my girlfriend) has already begun addressing the envelopes. Everything is moving smoothly and anticipate sending out by end of week depending on when I can sit down and complete. Once this huge task is done I can rest a little or at least enjoy the eventful weekends we continue to have.

This past weekend my best friend and I decided on the bridesmaids dresses after a long search. I am truly happy with this decision because it is what I envisioned but could not find and thought I would have to settle. My last resort was a David's Bridal gown and it made my stomach hurt just going into that place, but thankfully we found the dress and for a steal on the clearance rack!

This weekend is my 10 year reunion (joy) and my fiance's cousin is coming down from the Dallas area to take our engagement photos. I have no idea what to do about wardrobe and/or what kind of shots we should take. Struggling for examples because I don't want to do the norm. She's seems pretty creative, so I am up for anything.

Then next weekend, my parents are hosting a family shower at one of our favorite restaurants in my hometown. So glad we decided not to have it at my parents house. My father recently tore his ACL and is having surgery this week, so hopefully he will be well enough to enjoy himself.

Other than that we're still busy and slowly looking for our first home in the Houston area. Not going to stress over it much and might just wait until after the wedding to prevent rushing into something. Meanwhile, the boxes of presents are stacking up at my parents house...

Love it


In love with this amazing look that Janet Jackson wore to Cannes this past weekend. I automatically love a gown with pockets, but the colors are beautiful and the material looks so comfy and cool.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

InStyle's Best Wedding Dresses



InStyle has a list of their 50 Favorite Celebrity Wedding Dresses of All Time. Most of my recent choices are on the list. Looking at these images makes me want my dress even more. It still has not come in yet even though it was promised last month. I don't know if I should be worried or if I should give it until June and then ring the alarm. I'll be patient.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Stuck in My Head

Wedding Dress Moments









Dress Double


Wow. Marie Osmond recently re-married her first husband in Las Vegas. For her nuptuals, she wore the original gown that she found 5 days before boxed away in her garage . It's amazing that she still fits into it and that it's in such good condition after nearly 25 years. Congrats!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Classic Beauty


I didn't wake up early to watch the Royal wedding because I knew it would be all over the news. I did wake up a little earlier than usual to get a glimpse of the most important element; her dress. Once I saw it I immediately though of Grace Kelly. It's no surprise that she chose such a classic design from an amazing designer, but it's amazing how similar these dresses appear. Good choice, Kate.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Damn.


Heather Morris. This white girl can dance and has a killer body I can only dream about.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Updates

I have been busy these past couple weeks and honestly feel like my year has started and will end this way. We have my family Easter celebration this weekend and my fiancee's family in town to celebrate his cousin's new home and recent engagement.

I have kept up with my Zumba, am still eating healthy and have lost over 10 pounds and several inches since January. Next month is my 10 year reunion and have to admit that I want to look my best, so I plan on adding an addtional workout to my weekly routine.

This same weekend we are taking our engagement pictures (finally) in downtown Houston, which is the site where my fiancee proposed. I want to take bridal portraits, but am wondering if I'll have the time. My dress was supposed to be ready this month, but have been notified that it will be more like May after it goes through customs. I still need to pick out bridesmaid dresses. I only have 2 bridesmaids, but our schedules have not been meshing well together to do so.

My mother and I made a impromtu trip and purchased her MOB dress and she is extremely happy with her choice. My dad is still in stiker-shock, but hey your only daughter's getting married!

We have been having issues with trying to secure the reception site and have it down as our main priority for this month. Hopefully we can have this major items checked off before the summer starts, so I can focus on the little stuff.

Everything else is coming along fine and I have to remind myself to take it all in and remain calm about the whole planning process. I want this to be a happy memory for us and to look back with no regrets.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Inviting Ways



Having issues deciding which path to take in determining our invitation design. I have been searching and am struggling to envision what I might want my invite to look like. I know exactly what I don't want and it's to not look like any other invitation I have seen. I think the end result will be a combination of all the visual elements I love.

My fiance is no help, because he is giving me the "whatever you like" response to everything. My mom has expressed that she wants it to be a reflection of our personalities and nothing less. I am sure I am over-stressing this process, but very much care about elements such as these. I am sure my mind will be right when I see what lovely ideas are to come my way. So excited!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Oh-My



I love everything about her. Her music, her style, her presence.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Pretty Pieces



I am on the hunt for an amazing head piece to compliment my dress. Feathers are a must and of course a hint of bling. These are lovely and are exactly the style I have been looking for.  

Monday, April 4, 2011

Shower with Love











The future mom-in-law is planning my first shower for my family and we are going with a Spring motif. I am looking for inspiration everywhere and really wish I had the time to stay home and do some DIY bridal shower things, but I can only dream. I am in love with this tea party theme and the beautiful pastels. Also, anything with cupcakes is sure to win my heart. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wedding Milestones


These past few weeks we have been able to check some big things off our wedding list. I split our to-do list items up and every week I have been giving my fiancee priorities for him to handle. He is very good at getting things done and am happy that he is helping me get things moving. So far, we've paid for the church in Houston and paid for the ceremony in Vegas. I secured a wedding photographer for our nuptials in town and planned our couples shower for June.

Together we finally registered for gifts which literally took all day to manage. I lost interest half way into the registering process and had no idea how much there is to consider. Very overwhelming process! Right now we are trying to secure the reception in Vegas, think about invitations and get our flights and rooms reserved before it's too late. My girls are handling the bachelorette and our moms are planning showers. It's been crazy, but hopefully I will have it all done by the Summer. Wish me luck!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Hanging

What do you do when you try and try and get nothing when it comes to friendship? I hate seeing a close bond disappear for no reason, but I can't force it. I have tried numerous attempts to keep the closeness, but get the cold shoulder. I have no reason to back up the behavior and want to keep our amazing relationship intact.

I cherish my friends, because I don't have many that I claim. It's very important for me to keep them in my life and feel the need to reach out and speak up, but fear the response. What if it's nothing and then I just created this all in my head? I want to grow old and experience many more of life's wonderful moments with this person, but fear the worst.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Exhausted

I have been so swamped lately with everything going on in my life. Work is getting busier and I feel like I can't get to a point where I have everything organized and can effectively engage myself in all my projects. I feel pulled in every direction, but it seems to be the norm in the Advertising business. I am hard on myself and it bothers me that I can't do everything and be everywhere.

It's been hard trying to manage work and trying to plan a wedding. I should have more done, but I can't seem to find the time to do it all especially when I'm tired all the time. Working out keeps me sane and it's honestly the only thing I look forward to all day. Urgh, all I want to do is sleep right now, but gotta get back to work.   

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Balls Out Crazy


Ok, so I thought that balls on the back of a pick-up truck were ridiculous, but this is actually kinda funny.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Wedding Blogging

Janaile & Mark

I started a wedding blog to keep my friends and family informed of all things wedding since they already are booking and asking questions. Hopefully this will make it easier than sending out a bunch of emails.

We also talked about getting the registry out the way next week. Didn't realize we'd have to do this task already but from what our friends are saying it's apparently supposed to be already done by now. Oops.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Bleck

Woke up sick this morning. Don't know how or why, but my head feels horrible and I can't seem to stop sneezing. Hopefully this won't ruin my weekend plans.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Week 9/10

I am still doing Zumba 3-4 times a week and eating as I should with the occasional cupcake every 3 weeks.  My goal is not to lose weight, but to feel better and be healthy. I never monitored what I ate and it was catching up to me. I also was not very active and felt it was important seeing that I was was having anxiety issues more frequently. Exercise helps greatly in trying to overcome anxiety and so far it has worked. I don't rely on my meds and my sciatic has not bothered me once.

I've noticed my pants are baggy and I have gone down a pant size which is a great motivator.  I try to weigh myself every 2 weeks to track progress and since January I have lost 9 pounds. I would love to be my high school weight again, but I will settle for just being healthy and happy.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Cat-tographer

Cat-tographer

My cat would not be amused.

Going Green


Came across this while looking for a new toothbrush yesterday. It's a recycled toothbrush made out of yogurt cups. Even the packaging is designed to allow you to submit your old toothbrush for recycling. I didn't buy it, but it definitely grabbed my attention. Maybe next time.