Spring 2013’s Trend: Long Live The Party Dress! @RenttheRunway

Dream Spring 2013 Closet  

Being a self proclaimed "Party Girl turned Party Planner" means I wear  lots of dresses. Since I don't have a closet the size of Oprah's yet, I try to save money & space by finding new ways to look the part. Now that wedding season & summer parties are quickly approaching I thought it would be good to share  one of my favorite go-to spots to find inspirations & trends for my style, Rent the Runway!

Rent the Runway is a company with a mission – to democratize fashion and empower women to feel beautiful every day. And every time I have worn a dress from this online closet on the go I have received tons of compliments.

The online retailer just released a some great Spring 2013 Trends for dresses and accessories for any guest of a wedding or special event leading to the big day such as the Engagement Party, Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner & Honeymoon Looks To Love!

Read RTR's Here Comes the Guest

“Go Green” Vivian Wynter’s Eco Friendly Makeup Picks

“Go Green” Vivian Wynter’s Eco Friendly Makeup Picks

Hola Beauties!   Does the thought of “going green” seem to be this huge debacle that feels bigger than you.  Do you feel like you want to make a difference, but don’t know where to start?  These days, it feels like everyone (and everything) is getting an eco makeover. Celebs are even swapping their Porches for Priuses, and of you haven’t noticed, plastic bags have become virtually obsolete in grocery stores.  Going green has become a huge trend in Fashion and Beauty as well, because it is the easiest step one can take towards making a difference. 

As this trend emerges, tons of cosmetic companies have fled the market with promises of products that are eco-friendly.  As a Makeup Artist, I am concerned with the quality of the products that I recommend to clients, be them drugstore or department store.  Here is my Top 5 list of approved Eco-friendly cosmetic brands that are both easy on the environment and beautiful on the face!

          Physician's Formula

1.)  The Physician’s Formula “Organic Wear” makeup line is 100% organic, from the internal product to the packaging. Each package is made of recycled paper instead of plastic, and products such as the Natural Organic Tinted Moisturizer and the Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara contain 100% certified organic ingredients.  

                                                                                 Drugstore Diva Find

 

 

 

         Origins

2.)  Origins is a makeup brand dedicated to being Eco-friendly. The makeup packaging is made up of 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified paperboard and 50% post-consumer recycled fiber. Origins sell everything from skincare products to bath and body products. The “All and Nothing” sheer pressed powder is one the company’s bestseller.

 Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

    Almay

3.)  “Almay Wake-Up Hydrating Makeup SPF 13”, a powdered mineral-based makeup.  Just be careful of the application.  Beware-Mineral makeup does contain titanium dioxide, which is technically a carcinogen, so it can be harmful if inhaled.  BUT NO WORRIES.. .It's quite ok to use topically on your skin since it doesn’t absorb through the skin. I recommend mixing the mineral makeup with your day cream, and applying it on your face with your fingers. You will get incredible coverage, that won’t appear chalky.

Drugstore Diva Find

 

 

             CargoPlantLove

4.)  The environmentally conscious “PlantLove” line from edgy makeup master and popular brand Cargo is leading the way in easily accessible, eco-friendly beauty. From the 100% natural ingredients to the biodegradable packaging, PlantLove is environmentally smart and stylish. With so many fabulous products, where’s a girl to start? The Baked Illuminator -which combines blush, bronzer and highlighter in one easy compact, is a fan favorite, as is the Eye Liner. 

 Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

 

 

  

        JosieMaran

5.)  Iconic model and recent Dancing with the Stars contestant, Josie Maran, launched her own cosmetics line in 2006 and teamed up with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in order to bypass harmful ingredients.   Josie is as committed to quality and luxury as she is to the environment which is a win-win for the environmentally savvy girl on the go. The whole line is gorgeous, but the two products that have generated the most buzz are her all-purpose palette of four “Color Finger Paints” and her mascara. 

Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

 

Breakfast at Tiffany's Themed Bridal Shower

vanna

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog about the Breakfast at Tiffany's decor I (I = myself and 3 other girls lol) made for a Bridal Shower I co-hosted. We finally had the shower last week and it turned out AMAZING! The Bride loved the decor and had a lot of fun. Below are a few pictures from the event.

 

table decor

The Shower was a brunch, so we served bagels, muffins, danishes, cheese and crackers, cake pops, cookies, cupcakes, etc...

cake pops

The Cake pops were made by Save Room Desserts. They looked and tasted amazing!

flowers

 

IMG_0940

Along with the Tiffany's boxes we printed out Audrey Hepburn quotes, framed them and placed them all on the tables.

keepsake box

The Keepsake box was handcrafted for the bride.

i do

All the decor was handmade. Although it took awhile we had a great time making everything and everything looked great!

You're Invited: Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY 2013

style to the aisle flyer Don't miss THE premiere bridal fashion event of 2013 produced by Memorable Moments Event Planning Co.!

WHO: You! Plus Press, Event Planners, Trendsetters & the Sophisticated Fashionista Bride.

WHAT: Romance comes back to rip the runway for a 3rd season with an all NEW look to give brides that much needed "fashion for thought" as she prepares for her big debut down the white carpet. Come enjoy an uber-chic bridal experience, get inspired and celebrate your engagement in style.

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2013 | 3pm-7pm

WHERE: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC

If you've been to countless bridal expos but have left overwhelmed & uninspired, you're in for a real treat! Unlike any other, this event is unique & lavish; its a place where an elite & diverse collection of some of the hottest trends from the region's best designers & bridal boutiques in bridal fashion and accessories come to the catwalk. Come enjoy a great afternoon of mingling with your entourage, sip complimentary champagne/cocktails provided by Chambord, enjoy tasty hors d' oeuvres & win some fabulous prizes. Meet some of the best beauty experts, receive onsite beauty treatments in our exclusive "Style Lounge" and some amazing swag for the first 100 guests.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/303133

Spa in a Jar for Inclement Weather

homemade sugar scrub Our skin hates the colder weather in the #DMV. So if you’re stuck inside try to make the best of your time with a homemade body scrub.

Here’s How:

1. All you need is sugar, oil, and fragrance. (We suggest using regular sugar for fine exfoliation).

2. Find your container (old baby food jar and jam jars work great).

3. Use a 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to oil. So, if you are using a half a cup of sugar in your container add 1/4 cup of oil. Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil (warmed in microwave to make liquid) work best in my opinion.

4. Stir the two together.

5. Then add your favorite scent, whether it is peppermint oil for the holidays (great for headache relief), lavender for relaxation, or citrus for invigoration your skin will enjoy this spa day at home.

Source: Tip Junkie

Get Your Keys Organized During #Snowquester

Color code keys 1.) Color Your Keys

Hate taking forever to find your house, car, office keys when its snowing? Take 5 Minutes while indoors to color code your keys with nail polish to save time and get organized.

Here’s how:

1. Remove your keys from their chain.

2. Select your nail polish colors and decide which key should be paired with each color. You can even try some clever color associations. Is your front door red? Paint your house key cherry. Have a garden shed? Paint it green for your garden. Pool key? Blue for water!

3. Paint a layer of nail polish over the top portion of your keys. If you go over an outline by accident, use a toothpick to remove any excess polish.

4. Let your nail polish completely dry and then apply a second coat until you can’t see the metal of the key underneath.

5. Once the keys are dry, put them back to your keychain, and that’s it!

Source: BrightNest 

Yep There's an App for That! Apps for the Bride to be!

wedding apps

Apps for smart phones and tablets have become a staple in everyone's lives. Whether you use them to pay bills, social media, shop, or play games there is definately an app to make every aspect of your life easier and weddings are no exception. If you type weddings into the Apple App store, over 1,900 different applications come up. Everything from balancing your budget, a brides checklist, seating charts, finding the perfect dress, and sharing wedding photos is in the app store. I was shocked at all of the different options. Below are a few that I thought were pretty amazing and would be helpful to any bride to be.

1. Wedding Party: Collect wedding photos from all of your guests in one place.

2. WeddingHappy: Asks your anticipated wedding date. Then it builds you a customized to-do checklist with suggested due dates

3.Wedding Dress Look Book by The Knot: On-the-go shopping source for the hottest wedding dresses. You'll get listings of wedding dress salons that carry that wedding dress you've been dying to try on.

4. The Married App for Wedding guests: Live photo sharing, photo booth, event info and directions, song requests, schedule, and much more!

5. Wedding Countdown: A highly customizable countdown app to your big day

Have you used any of the apps listed above or any wedding apps period? Tell us which ones are your favorite!

You're Invited: Desire to Aspire: A Women's History Month Brunch Celebration

Desire to Aspire

The month of March is recognized throughout the United States as Women’s History Month, due to the anniversary of the Woman Suffrage Parade that took place here in Washington in March of 1913. The Pesante Media Group, KNPR + Marketing, and Favored by Yodit will bring together young professional women from an array of industries across the D.C. area to honor three female leaders in their respective fields and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement.

Those women are:

Melanie Roussell

National Press Secretary, Democratic National Committee

Helena Andrews

Journalist, Contributing Editor of The Root, and Author of Bitch Is The New Black

Karen Richardson

Director, The White House Office on Public Engagement

Join us as we celebrate these fearless leaders who are ascending in their fields!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

St. Gregory Hotel M Street Bar and Grill

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 Event Host Committee

Women's Information Network

The Fab Empire

The YFF Experience

 Music by DJ Eskada

 #desiretoaspire

Buy tickets here:

http://desiretoaspirewhm.eventbrite.com/

 

4 Ways To Get Ready For Wedding Season

bridal-holding-bouquet

Wedding Season is rapidly approaching and if you are like me, you have at least two weddings to get ready for. This time is obviously stressful for the bride, but it can be just as stressful for the serial wedding goers. I compiled a list that should help ease and anxiety that may be creeping up.

1. Plan ahead: As soon as you get a wedding invite, start to figure out your travel arrangements. If the wedding is out of town and you have to fly, set an alert on your favorite travel sites. The more time you give yourself, the more opportunities you will have to purchase a reasonable plane ticket. Also check prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, plane tickets tend to go down on those days.

2. Sales aren’t just for shoes and clothes: Department Stores always have sales on holidays and typically household items are included. Before you hit the shoe department for a little retail therapy, print out the couple’s registry and head to the home goods section. That waffle maker or pot and pan set the bride has to have may be on sale and you can get their perfect gift at a discount.

3. It takes more than a week to lose weight: Everyone wants to look great at a wedding. You know the groom has an attractive single groomsman that you are hoping to get paired up with down the soul train line lol. Ladies, unfortunately cutting out the cookies, and going hard in the gym a week before the wedding isn’t going to cut it. Hit the gym NOW! It is the perfect time to start a new healthy lifestyle so you can look super sexy in your summer time attire.

4. Relax: This wedding experience will only happen once…ENJOY IT! Take a lot of pictures, dance until your feet hurt, and bask in the ambiance of love. The bride and groom invited you because they value your relationship with them. Their wedding day will be a day that they will never forget, so don’t stress have fun with them!

Favored Intern’s Corner: The Intern Experience

Favored by Yodit green logo Hey! So this is my very first blogging week as a FAVORED intern! Whoop! I’m excited to say that I have successfully completed my first month! *insert brief Harlem Shake here* Upon applying, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I have learned so much in a short period of time.

Yodit has been amazing, showing me everything from how to style a photo shoot to establishing the foundation of a business. I’m learning not only what it takes to be successful in this business but how to be successful PERIOD. Can you believe that my interview was a photo shoot…talk about pressure! Thankfully I didn’t embarrass myself and I was able to show that I am not completely useless lol. We were able to complete seven looks in seven hours which had the potential to be a stressful day, but everyone was so helpful and efficient that it didn’t even feel like work. I met some incredibly talented female entrepreneurs (which are all on our FAVORED list here) that I am excited to work with in the future.  Our first official event will be the launch party and I can’t wait to share with you everything else I learn here, so stay tuned!

Life as a Bridesmaid: Bridal Shower Addition

  iDO and tiffany boxes

When I was a little girl planning my dream wedding and helping my friends plan theirs. Making sure everything was perfect and that all we needed to do was to *insert groom here*, I had no idea I would be doing arts and crafts lol. However, here I am painting boxes for my sister’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired Bridal Shower.

I found the idea for some really cute centerpieces on Pinterest aka God’s gift to planners and thought this would be so easy to do myself! Of course when I say myself I mean me and my artsy friends. So I rounded up the troops and we went to work! The plan was to make Tiffany’s boxes to place on the dessert table and to collect the bride’s gift cards. We purchased everything from Michael’s and it took us about five hours to finish. Below you will find a list of everything we purchased as well as a few pictures. After the shower I will be sure to post follow up pictures so you can see how the décor turned out.

We at Favored love DIY projects. What did you make for a bridal shower? What was the theme or inspiration? Send us your pictures we would love to see them!

Materials:

  • Paper Mache Boxes set of 5
  • Celebrate it Ribbon 2 ½ in X 10 yards
  • Celebrate ir Ribbon 1 ½ in X 4 yards
  • Americana Acrylic Paint: Bahama Blue
  • Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
  • Brushes
  • Plastic or Trash Bags
  • Paper plates (to put the paint on)

 

supplies

You're Invited: 5th Annual Gemini Pediatric Charity Dinner Gala

Gemini Health Care Group's 5th Annual Fundraiser You're Invited to attend the 5th Annual Gemini Pediatric Dinner Gala for their hospital in Addis Ababa.

The fundraiser will be held to raise money for what will be the first children's hospital in Ethiopia.

Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013

Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00pm

Location: Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Virginia

For further information visit Gemini Health Care Group at www.ghcg.org

Favored by Yodit Event Planning is a proud event partner!

Are You The {Color Wedding} Type?

Color Weddings: Favored By Yodit - Socially Designed Events Having a colorful wedding color palette is a good way to express all your creativity and to surprise your guests. Its perfect for couples who want to be daring yet fun and consider their wedding just a real big party!

If your looking to make light of the seriousness of marriage, incorporating fun colorful décor and design elements will make your special day a bit less formal than other weddings.

Can you imagine having a colorful wedding now?

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Every Day is a Chance to Share Love

Susan G Komen Love Campaign

Since February is the month of love, show your love to women fighting breast cancer by donating to help them win their battle. When you donate, spread your love even further by sending a special Love Note to a treasured person in your life.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is a great organization that was founded in love. They strive to share this love every day by helping provide research, education and life-saving treatment to women fighting their own personal battle with breast cancer.

Join in the fight to end breast cancer forever — and then send a special Love Note to a loved one in your life.

For more information click here

You're Invited: Engaged! in Washington D.C. | Sunday, March 3rd

Engaged! Wedding Event

You're invited to attend the 4th Annual Engaged! Washington Event

Date: Sunday, March 3, 2013

Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Get Tickets Here: http://engageddc2013-eorg.eventbrite.com

General Admission: $65 / Vendor Tables: $100

Begin your wedding planning journey at this amazing annual bridal event which whisks guests away in limo buses to three fabulous wedding venues to experience an extraordinary bridal event.

 Prizes: The first 300 brides/grooms will receive a fabulous goodie bag! 

For more information click here: http://www.engagedmagazine.com

 

Oscar Watch Party Ideas

Oscar Party Inspiration  

Roll out your red carpet and get set to be a winning Academy Award Party host with some of our favorite ideas to hosting an Oscar Party! With a little planning, small details and a touch of sparkle, get ready to surprise your guest. In the end, it's all about having fun and celebrating the films that have brought us joy and inspiration during the past year.

Oscar Bingo

Download Bingo cards (pictured above) and play along as you watch the show! (Nine different cards available) Download

Oscar Ballots

Predict the winners using these downloadable Oscar ballots. Coming soon! Download

Cocktails

Leave your guests speechless by serving a champagne punch or cocktail – ideas provided by Moët & Chandon, the exclusive champagne of the Oscars.

We have you covered with cocktails, food, games and decorating ideas. And the award winning party goes to... you. Enjoy!

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You're Invited: 6th Annual ARTINI Fundraiser & Gala on Friday, March 22nd

Artini 2013 Banner Very honored to to be apart of the Host Committee for this year’s 1869 Society ARTINI, in conjunction with The Corcoran Gallery of Art. Tickets for the 6th Annual ARTINI fundraiser and gala on Friday, March 22nd are now officially on sale!

 

Event Details:

Date: Friday, March 22 

Time: 8:30pm-12:00am Midnight

Place: Corcoran Gallery of Art.

If you're interested in purchasing tickets please note they tend to sell out 2-3 weeks before the event. So make sure to plan accordingly. 

GET ARTINI TICKETS HERE:  http://bit.ly/Artini2013
(please select my name; Yodit Gebreyes as the person who referred you)

Please feel free to forward to friends. Look forward to seeing you and your guest there!

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Welcome to the Favored Blog!

Favored by Yodit Logo I hope this blog can give inspiration to future couples, event planners, designers and lovers of all things #eventplanning #diy #weddings #trends and much more! Were always looking for new, fresh ideas so make sure to connect with Favored by Yodit on FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagram.

Special thank you to my amazing best friend, Andy who pushes me to follow my dreams even when I did not think my dream could be REAL! You are truly the reason why I am able to give so much love to everything I do! And for that I am eternally grateful! Love you baby.

To my parents, Rebecca & Birhanu, who always make me feel like a superstar & that I can take over the world. What you have sacrificed for me in these past 27 years of my life brings me to tears. God couldn't have blessed me more than to be birthed by the two most loving people on earth. In this age you don't find many couples that still dance, hug, or show affection like you both! Thanks to you, I know what real love looks like and for that I love you more than life!

And to all of you who are taking the time to read this blog right now. I simply say Thank You! Thank you for your time, thank you for your support & thank you for your referrals. Thanks to you I am able to do work that I love!

So please comment on posts, submit entries and always be Favored!

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