Events

Diary of a Middle Aged Bride!

Well, this Cincinnista is done for a while with the local fashion and local beauty posts, as I count down to 6 days until my wedding!

I am lucky enough to have found the man of my dreams, especially the second time around…so big check off on that item!

The follow items continue:

With my second (and last) wedding, we didn’t want to make it a big complicated affair but still, yes, a nice, intimate event. Our ceremony is basically a total of 8 people in our lovely, landscaped fountain courtyard. However, after that, we have nearly 50 in attendance at our reception.

The fact remains, whether you event is 50 people or 500, many details have to be addressed. From your attire to the food and drink, to the flowers and furnishings….myself as an aesthetically perfectionistic Cincinnista wants everything to be…well…Perfect!

A few notes:

-Dress and shoes taken care of months ago: White Milly cocktail dress from Neiman Marcus and much used and loved shoes by Jimmy Choo,

-Food: Beth O’Leary Catering out of Newton for the buffet dinner and appetizers. As usual, Dutch’s for an amazing cheese and meat plate to add to the dining palate.

-Flowers by Del Apgar: A mix of colored arrangements with white palettes to go with our color scheme. Del is always a master of talent and creativity. And yes, my daughter Elle and I have matching white bouquets!

-Server and bartender: My old friend Lou Mann and Ray. Been with me for years with parties and can never go wrong with their hard work and amazing personalities!

-Valet service: Prestige Valet. Used then over the years for parties at the office and have never gone wrong!

That’s it for now. This Cincinnista is extremely busy between work, kids and an upcoming wedding. Stay tuned for the final pics and updates.

Cheers!

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June: The Time of the Summer Sale!

Ok ladies, according to my research there is no Cincinnati Boutique Sale yet this summer. Bummer! However, while I hate to search outside of Cincinnati for products, the time to grab the best sale merchandise is now. High end department stores are offering even bigger discounts on already sale merchandise to make way for fall. For example, check out Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus…both offering deep discounts. The other plus? Both stores have no locations in Ohio…so tax free shopping! Other deals? I just returned from Chicago for business (with a little time for shopping:) and even high end boutiques such as Prada and Gucci are offering up to 50% off on select items. Check them out but hurry! The good stuff goes fast!

FullSizeRender — Picked this guilty pleasure up at the Prada store in Chicago. Not quite as guilty at 50% off! I know, more camel!!

NMTB914_mu — Love this Alice and Olivia dress I ordered online from Neiman Marcus. Comfy yet sexy at the same time. Got for 70% off!

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Peek of Chic: Stylish Meets Elegant

So In my quest for the perfect outfit on my wedding day, I had to find a pair of “wow” earrings right? My dress is very simple and off the shoulder, hence I’ve decided to wear some large scale dangling earrings to work with my hair styled upward. After many unsuccessful trips to other stores, I just couldn’t find the creative, yet elegant look I wanted. So…this Cincinnista popped in to Peek of Chic on Hyde Park Square.

I found several beautiful options and settled on a tiered long set of mother of pearls encrusted in gold and black crystals: quite the statement. I can even wear them after the wedding! Imagine that?:)

Peek of Chic has been a destination jewelry and accessory store in Hyde Park Square for over 3 1/2 years and been around even longer. Founded by Kerry Mock, the store focuses on women who want higher end, unique jewelry and home accessories with a flair. They even now carry amazing shoes! Check them out during your next trip to the square….I’m certainly glad I did!

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The Co-Op on Camargo!

Well here’s to another great Cincinnista find! The Co-Op on Camargo in downtown Madiera houses three independently owned womens’ boutiques in one great location.

You can find all your fashion needs under one roof. Kennedy’s offers beautiful custom and vintage clothing and accessories. Bling Boutique, owned by Rachael Hamilton has fashion forward staple pieces as well as fabulous jewelry and accessories. JH Shoes, owned by Jill Haney, offers fun, bold, styles that every Cincinnista will covet.

The Co-Op on Camargo is your one stop shop for high fashion and great style at irresistible prices!

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Spring Showers bring in Hip Rainboots!

If you are a typical Cincinnista like me, you have kids playing “god knows what” sports in the rain. While one day is perfect for sandals, the next day can be a sloppy, outdoor mess. That’s why I highly recommend that if you are going to be “stuck in the mud,” why not splurge on a comfy, yet hip pair of rain boots? I bought my pair of rock stud black Valentino rainboots over 2 years ago….and I have more than made my ROI. Still a classic top seller, they go with everything and look hip from messy fields and, yes, to a rainy, casual day of work. Not into Valentino studs? Check out the Burberry check and Gucci’s logo styles. While summer flip fops are around the corner…you will be rocking these boots this spring and in to the fall!

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My White Dress Dilemma

Well, I’m sorry to say that this Cincinnista has little advice to impart on this post….but more of a complaint! As many of you know, I am getting remarried in July to my amazing fiancee, Tom. As many of us know from experience, with the second time around, so much less emphasis is put on the whole wedding “hoopla” right? I mean who wants a complicated, time consuming, costly event that only a 20 something has the time and energy for! Anyway, still being a very aesthetically oriented, visual person, I want to look great on our special day.

Which brings me to the dress: I refuse to wear a long white gown. We are not getting married in a church, but feel like something summery and white (ish?) would be appropriate. Lord knows I have plenty of black but on my wedding day? Hmmmmmm. My fiancee Tom says I have a great poppy colored cocktail dress that should fit the bill, however, I just still can’t get the need to wear white out of my head. Hence, I’ve been looking for white (or off white) cocktail dresses that would be elegant, yet a bit sexy. My waist line might not be tiny but my legs are still trim so I want at least show them off! So far, I’m having no luck. I did order a light pink lace number online from Neiman Marcus only to look like a bridesmaid from the 80’s. So that round was returned. I google women’s white dresses only to find they are either boring, too long, or too lacy….sorry just not in to this white lace thing.

Well, here’s my final shot: a trendy white off the shoulder dress my Milly. Definitely not your typical wedding dress. But have I ever been typical? Anyway, it’s in the mail now and let’s pray it works! Cheers!

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Where have I been?

So this Cincinnista has been a bit AWOL the past few weeks….my bad! I’ve been crazy busy with work not to mention recently moved in to an amazing condo in Hyde Park with my

Yes, pure entertainment! Our outdoor sofa didn't fit through the door as expected. Our crafty movers devised this fun pulley system. Ahh..the joy of physics! — Yes, pure entertainment! Our outdoor sofa didn’t fit through the door as expected. Our crafty movers devised this fun pulley system. Ahh..the joy of physics!

fiancee, Tom. While I know this blog isn’t about moving…let me tell you, ladies…haven’t had any time nor money with this move to shop or look good! After merging my past place with two kids, Tom’s place, and some key items from the showroom (yes, our place is much bigger now…so have needed more stuff!), I’m finally settling in with still details not to spare. Our place was in great condition, just not our personal style. We’ve repainted every wall, molding and ceiling and added much needed overhead lighting to the space. While it’s looking great, we still have several furnishing items coming in…so patience is a virtue, right? When it’s completed, it will be professionally photographed and added to the Amy Youngblood Interiors website portfolio. Stay tuned as it is going to look great!

Before: Our main living room. Blank as a canvas and painted vanilla all over.

After: Our main living room...just about done:) — After: Our main living room…just about done:) professionally photographed and added to the Amy Youngblood Interiors website portfolio. Can’t wait! In the meanwhile, here is a sneak peak….

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Valentines Day Anyone? Check out Jewels by Jules Boutique!

Owner, Julie Lyon, with her beautiful jewelry on display

Yes, it’s my beautiful engagement ring. Absolutely love it!

So, many of your know that I recently got engaged to my amazing boyfriend (well now fiancee, Tom:). We were looking for something beautiful yet fitting for both our second, and yes…last and forever marriage. We decided on an emerald stone as it was different and we both love the color green! Not an easy find when most newlyweds are looking for a diamond. Hence, we turned to my experienced, long-time friend Julie Lyon, owner of Jewels by Jules diamond boutique in the heart of Montgomery.

Founded in 2011, Jewels by Jules specializes in everything from high end, sophisticated engagement rings to fun, affordable costume jewelry….with the caveat that everything is high quality, yet fairly priced. While Julie didn’t have in stock at the time what we wanted, her connections are tremendous and was able to bring in within days several beautiful emerald ring options. The experience was both easy and fun!

And lastly, I cannot forget that Jewels by Jules Boutique was the recipient of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year 2015” award. Need I say more? Have the man in your life check them out..especially with Valentines day around the corner!

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