Estimates of the cost of the wedding have ranged anywhere from 1.5 million dollars to 5 million dollars.  The venue alone is estimated to cost $200,000 in rental and the catering is rumored to be provided by Blue Ribbon Restaurants, St. Regis Hotels and celebrity chef Olivier Cheng to the tune of $750,000. Add flowers in the vicinity of $250,000, security weighing in at around $30,000 and a dress rumored  to cost between $10,000 and $25,000 and things can quickly add up well into the seven figures.

Chelsea’s wedding will clearly surpass her parent’s in both style and cost. The Clintons were married in a living room of a house they had recently purchased in front of 15 relatives. Hillary bought her dress off the rack at Dillard’s department store and after the ceremony they attended a reception given by friends with about 100 people in attendance.

Some controversy abounds as this wedding draws near. Two Norwegian journalists were arrested and charged with trespassing for snapping photos at the estate’s gate. Clinton acquaintances have gotten their feelings hurt because they have been left off the guest list and a  Brooklyn based school teacher whose wedding has been planned for two years is facing a  possible nightmare because she is getting married on the same day not more than five minutes from Chelsea.

Obviously the Clintons can afford this wedding and personally I feel it is their right to celebrate however they choose but there is some controversy regarding the cost of this wedding as you read around the internet. Of course some websites are going the political route and comparing it to Jenna Bush’s wedding which cost around $100,000.  I am wondering why that is even necessary? One has nothing to do with the other in my mind.

A total of $72 billion is spent on weddings annually in the U.S. $22,000 is the average amount spent on a traditional American wedding. What are your thoughts on Chelsea Clinton’s wedding? Is it excessive? Are the cost of weddings in the U.S. out of control? Can you even remember how much you spent on your own wedding? Share your thoughts.

Eight Easy Ways to Instantly Update Your Look for the Hottest Season (Literally!) This Year

Just because the temperature is rising, it doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to consist of flip flops and tank tops all summer long. Read on for eight easy ways to take your look from ho-hum to HOT this summer.

For most women, summer is the dreaded season of bathing suits and bare legs—a time when hiding behind your wardrobe isn’t an easy option. If you’re tired of your summer staples and want to heat up those balmy nights out with a look that screams summer, you’re in luck. The transition from bulkier cool-weather clothes to slim-downed summer sleek is easier than you think.

Many women are perplexed when it comes to summer style. They struggle to find the balance between staying cool while maintaining a look that is both classic and functional—and one that doesn’t consist of only flip flops!

In all actuality, summer is the perfect opportunity to blend classic pieces with trendier looks. And you don’t have to bare it all to do it. Read on for eight simple tips that will create lovely summer looks from now until Labor Day (and beyond):

Say hello to summer with sun-kissed skin. Nothing says summer like a sun-kissed glow. But relying on the harmful UV rays that come with sunbathing just isn’t smart. Embrace sunless tanning as an integral part of your summer look. Whether you pay a professional or use an at-home self-tanning product, there are plenty of options for every budget. I recommend using Neutrogena MicroMist or Jergens Natural Glow Foam. Both will give you a healthy glow and allow you to embrace your bare legs in short dresses and cropped pants.

It’s in the bag. Don’t just swap long sleeves for short; update your accessories as well. Trade in your black suede handbag for either a metallic, pale leather or neutral straw bag. A simple switch of your handbag can go a long way in summer-izing any outfit.

White hot. Say good-bye to winter white and hello to a pair of crisp white bottoms—a must for every summer wardrobe. Pairing almost anything with white bottoms creates a look that is very fresh for the season. Buy a pair of white jeans, cropped pants, shorts, or even a skirt. You’ll look crisp and fresh, and your tops will pop against the white base.

Make a little wiggle room. If your shoes are looking a little worse-for-the-wear after spring’s torrential downpours, worry no more! This season, you can switch out those restrictive closed-toe pumps and flats for open-toe shoes and sandals. But don’t forget to properly primp your toes! Pedicures are a must during the warmer-weather months. Think twice before you slide on sandals for work—not all offices deem open-toe as office-appropriate. Instead, try slipping a dressier pair in your handbag that you can slip on later before heading out to happy hour!

Polish it off. Summer is a great time to experiment with fun new shades of nail polish. Try a new bright pink or coral polish on your toes and consider a pale pink or nude shade for your fingertips. These cool colors will be sure to complement any summer outfit you throw on.

Lighten up. (Your locks, that is!) If you’ve been sporting a dark ‘do all winter, it may be time to try something new. If the darker hue of your hair is bringing you down, you may want to try to brighten your hair color for the season. Subtle highlights can pack a big punch and make you look like you’ve spent a weekend on the beach (and not a day in the salon!).

Minimize when you accessorize. For the summer months, it’s best to lighten up on your accessories. Choose lighter jewelry such as crystals and select other accessories in lighter hues to get you through the hot summer months. You’ll not only look better, you’ll feel much better in the hot sun!

Shop for one special top. Whether it is a cute t-shirt, flowing tunic, or a simple white shirt, choose something that will work with all of the bottoms you have from last season. Remembering the cute pieces you already own certainly makes updating your summer look easier.

The summer season is the perfect opportunity to try out new trends and flirty looks that you may otherwise shy away from. Embrace the attitude of summer: the vibrant colors, the relaxed atmosphere, and the buzzing excitement of those unforgettable summer nights. It will show on your face and in your attitude—and no matter what clothes you may wear, you’ll look and feel simply fabulous.

Marla Tomazin, Certified Image Consultant, established her image consulting business in 1990 with the goal of helping clients identify an authentic image and develop its effective expression.

Through her successful career in the fashion and retail industries, Marla has gained invaluable expertise in retail buying, merchandising, sales, and marketing. She began with May Company in Denver after earning a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Denver. Marla moved to New York where she worked with several well-known Seventh Avenue design firms. As she developed her business skills, Marla made a serendipitous discovery—an innate sense of style and facility for working with fabrics and colors to maximum advantage.

The progression to Certified Image Consultant was a natural transition. Marla utilizes her abilities in evaluating body shape, movement, and coloring as well as synthesizing optimal cuts, lines, colors, and textures. This results in balance and proportion that accentuate attributes and conceal flaws. Her clients include women, men, and corporations seeking external revitalization that mirrors their internal development.

She has lectured at The Learning Annex on “How to Become an Image Consultant” and at The American Women’s Economic Development Corporation on “What Does Your Image Say About You?”

For more information, please visit www.marlatomazin.com.

Kate Gosselin went to Target this week and set America’s tongues wagging. From their computer keyboards, millions clad in yoga pants (used to be called sweat pants back in the day) and t-shirts lined up to give their opinion on Ms. Gosselin’s ensemble.

Judgments ran the gamut:

-”What mom wears an outfit like that to Target?” (Have you noticed that that the naysayers frequently begin their diatribe against Kate’s fashion choices with the line “what mom?”)

-”The top and shorts were fine, but the shoes were just too much.”

-”Kate is in fabulous shape, why not show some skin?” 

And so on and so on.

What do you think? Personally, I think a pair of flats would have looked just as cute with the outfit (and been more comfortable), but they aren’t my feet and we all know Kate likes her heels.

On a side note, I’d like to register my gratitude that Kate hasn’t picked up on my least favorite fashion trend – wearing pajama bottoms out in public.

Most of us will search for good quality swimsuits that can keep our imperfections under wraps, are affordable and do not make us look like we were just transported here from the 1920’s by a DeLorean DMC-12 (although I always wanted to take that trip back to the past like Michael J Fox did in Back To The Future.) You don’t halve to have Brooklyn Decker’s body to look good in a swimsuit. I am pretty sure that none of us are going to be the next model on the front cover of the Sport’s Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Tankini

So where do we all start? The tankini seems like a good place. They are the more modest sister of the bikini.  It is a two-piece swimsuit that features a tank top, instead of the bra top common in bikini styles. They are popular because they may be purchased separately to accommodate different sizing needs for the upper and lower halves of the body. The tankini offers more coverage than any of the other types of swimwear yet is not so baggy that it looks unfashionable. Land’s End offers a good variety of tankinis and the quality is usually top notch. They have their swimwear on sale right now and are also offering free shipping.

Skirtini

The shortini and the skirtini are two other types of swimwear to consider if your figure imperfections include other areas.They are a perfect solution if you want to conceal the hips, upper legs and bottom. Both of these styles are youthful and fashionable and contain a little extra fabric, which may be just what you are looking for.

MiracleSuit

If your preference is a one-piece suit, you have the option of a suit that includes a built in control panel. The panel will give you just the right amount of control to look smooth and sleek and unlike the one piece suits of the past, these suits are modern and attractive. MiracleSuit swimwear is a great choice for a one -piece suit because it is designed to to make women look leaner and is made out of a innovative material that contours, slims and firms the body. The company claims that this suit can make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds. Hmmm…so if I wear this suit for 30 seconds will I  look 30 lbs lighter? Count me in!

It is also important to remember that solid dark colored swimwear such as dark brown, dark purple and dark navy blue are three fool-proof slimming colors. Other visually slimming details such as deep necklines, vertical prints and embellishments, etc. (anything that draws the eye up and down, instead of from left to right) are something to keep in mind when looking for suits that help you look your best. And when all else fails and you just don’t feel like you look your best, remember there are a great deal of fantastic looking cover-ups out there!

How about you? Do you have your summer swimwear purchased yet? What kind of suit do you like and do you have any recommendations?

I read an article today in the Wall Street Journal  that caused me to shake my head. Apparently, with the “recession lifting” (good to know - I don’t think everyone has gotten the memo), some women’s retailers – mall staples such as Talbots,  Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s and Ann Taylor are now carrying handbags that range in the $300-$450 range.

Is it just me or does anyone else consider this an exorbitant amount of money to spend on a purse?

I know I am not the type of consumer something like this is being marketed to. I am sure there are many middle class women who do spend this much on a handbag, but I am just not one of them.

Now, I have eyed an expensive leather handbag a time or two and spent a moment caressing the softness and admiring the craftsmanship, but that is as far as it has gone between the two of us! I can easily think of ten ways to spend $300 and none of them involve buying a new purse.  I am certainly not a cheapskate – I have my hair colored in a salon (could do it at home) and favor department store make-up over the drugstore. There is just something about spending triple digits on a purse, however, that seems ridiculous to me. The logical part of me says skipping the salon visits for six months would pay for a nice purse, but I am sooo not willing to do that!

I think we often bargain (ha!) with ourselves as to what is an acceptable expenditure and what is not. Handbags aren’t my thing – maybe they are yours. How much do you typically spend on a purse? Do you have many or do you have one or two dependable ones in black or gray?   

By the way, I got a great new purse today at Marshall’s – black (goes with everything) and a great deal – $20 bucks!

The Maxi-Dress made a come back about two years ago and appears to still be going strong in today’s fashion world. It’s being called the “dress of the summer.”  Jenifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Ritchie and Eva Mendes are a few celebrities who have recently been seen out and about town sporting this look.

The Maxi-Dress has become a staple of comfort regardless of size. It can be seen in all types of cuts, styles, colors, and lengths. It is a floor or ankle length informal dress and usually is form fitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom, cut to flow over the body. Not everyone can wear this look well and  depending on your height  it can sometimes alter the way your body looks, making tall people look shorter or women of average weight look heavy.

I remember these dresses being in style when I was twenty, and I found a picture of myself wearing one in1975.

I have a little bit of a Princess Diana thing going on there… in that you can see through my dress. Yikes! I guess I am pretty lucky I wasn’t being courted by Prince Charles at the time.

Would you wear a Maxi-Dress as you go about your regular day?  To work?  Do you own any of these dresses?

The question remains though, is it here to stay?

Is there something wrong with a little girl having a sense of style and personality at a young age? Would you let your toddlers wear heels and makeup for anything other than playing dress up?

Another season of Project Runway ended this week, with designer Seth Aaron Henderson taking top honors. (As an aside, he was my favorite of the designers left, not so much for his designs, which tended to be a little punky for me, but just based on personality.)

You can see the final three collections here. Seth Aaron’s final collection was actually a step up in sophistication from his previous work, while still retaining his rocker edge; I think that was a big factor in his winning. Emilio Sosa’s collection was nice as well (beautiful coats!), but a bit less fashion-forward than Seth Aaron’s (I liked Emilio’s work all season; his personality, not so much – he always seemed to have something negative to say about the other designers and their work). Mila Hermanovski’s work struck me as more of the same from her – lots of black/white/gray (and I wear a lot of black and gray myself, so I shouldn’t complain, but a designer should be able to show her ability to work with color), and a sort of faux-mod 60s feel. I never loved her work because her designs never seemed like they were really made for women’s bodies -they flattered stick-thin models but a lot of them seemed like they would look weird on anyone with curves. Her personality was also less-than-lovable – I think her occasional bitchiness (she rivaled Emilio for always having something condescending to say about other designers in interviews) paired with her sort of dry, low-energy presence made her hard to warm up to. (I should say that neither Emilio or Mila were that unlikable – on the Reality TV villain scale this season really ranked quite low, and that’s fine with me.)

I don’t consider myself a fashionista by any means, but it’s fun to watch a show like Project Runway and judge the designs (I didn’t always agree with the panel!), and I think it has made me a bit more sophisticated and intelligent about fashion.

Take a look at the final collections and tell us what you think! Any favorite pieces? Anything you wouldn’t be caught dead in?

By Jennie

Recently, IW wrote a piece about a new hair trend – hair “bling” called Hair Flairs. The company that makes this product (http://www.hairflairs.com/)  was kind enough to send me some samples, and I drafted my niece as a guinea pig (since I figured the style was a bit more suited to an 18-year-old girl than a 40-year-old woman).

Hair Flairs offers instructional videos on their site to help the novice in putting these in. Honestly, there was some trial and error putting involved (partly due to my own lack of manual dexterity, no doubt), and I’m not sure how easy it would be to do on your own hair.

On my first attempt the tinsel didn’t actually stay in the hair; I don’t think I had it knotted properly. After that the only problem I had (besides, again, my own incompetence; I think a third hand might have been helpful) was that I tied one too tight and it broke.

As it was, it took me about 30 minutes to tie five strands into Natasha’s hair. I think I got a bit better at it as I went along, but she was getting antsy and her back was starting to hurt (I had her sort of semi-reclined position for the process), so we stopped at five. (This picture taken on my i-Phone doesn’t do the look justice. Check out the website for a better idea of how the product can transform your hair).

I think these are a nice way of dressing up hair for a night out, particularly if you have the time and patience to put in a lot of strands. Fewer strands make for a more subtle, but still attractive effect. So far these have stayed in through a washing and several rounds of hair-straightening with a flat iron, so I do think they last a decent amount of time (at least enough to make the effort worthwhile) if you take reasonable care of them. Furthermore, they are inexpensive; a 60-strand pack (which I would imagine would last one a while) is $10 with free shipping.

All in all, a fun product that I’d recommend.