A favorite of mine, Gianna Rose Atelier soaps and gifts make the perfect hostess gift or guest giveaway. Their beautiful soaps not only look like a piece of art on a countertop, but smell devine!

Lara McCulloch-Carter
Author of the Special Event blog ready2spark
Director of Marketing – Regal Tent Productions
President – ISES Toronto
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Lara McCulloch-Carter
Author of the Special Event blog ready2spark
Director of Marketing – Regal Tent Productions
President – ISES Toronto
. Follow me on Twitter
. Connect with me on LinkedIn
. Become my Peep at EventPeeps
. Befriend me at Events Network

2009 might be the year of the Ox, but it’s hope and change that will, fingers crossed, dominate. Although the planning for the Spring/Summer 2009 collections began well before the ‘global crisis’, fashions were anything but dull and depressing. Patterns reigned supreme on the catwalks and bold & eclectic palettes popped up here, there and everywhere.

InStyle made their predictions for the top fashion trends for 2009, but my 4 favorite interpretations were…

All of these styles would translate beautifully to event decor…and especially linens. Below are some beautiful and on-trend options.

I’ve been tagged a few times in the past week. Most recently by Kim Vallee. Kim has asked me to share my beauty secrets and insights. Now I don’t profess to be a beauty expert – and, who knows, if you see me you may wonder why I’m sharing my insights…but hey, here goes.

My Mascara: I believe in playing up your assets – face included. I always go for a stronger eye and my mascara is very important to me. I’m loving L’Oreal Paris’ Telescopic mascara in carbon black. Nothing gives me length and thickness like this product…without the clumping.

Day Cream: First, I have to say that I’m very wary about skin lotions and creams. Yes, I believe there’s a difference between good and bad quality, but I don’t think it’s as easy as looking at the packaging or watching the ads on t.v. to decipher the difference. Yonka is a line of products that I absolutely adore…and can’t live without. They use plant and marine based ingredients and affiliate themselves with professional estheticians who can assess your skin and recommend the best skin care program for you. I have combination skin, so my esthetician recommended Yonka’s Creme 93. It’s light, moisturizing, smells wonderful and controls oil.

My Essential Beauty Product: J’adore my Dior Addict Ultrashine lipstick in shade 612. It’s such a natural color and it has the look of a colored gloss (it’s super shiny) but lasts a lot longer (oh, and you don’t have to worry about windy days – those of you with long hair will get that one).

My Perfume: I like changing up my perfume every month or so – frankly, I just get sick of smelling the same scent for too long. When my mother & father came back from their trip to Africa, they gave me the most wonderful fragrance oil from Egypt. Made from the pure essence of flowers, it’s so delicate and pretty. And I love that a little dab will do me all day and night.

Woman with the Best Sense of Style: There are so many women to choose from, but I have to say that I love the elegant and sophisticated new Katie Holmes. For whatever reason, she hasn’t become a fashion icon in North America, but I think she’s heads and tails above the rest. Perhaps it’s all the time she’s spent in Europe – whatever it is, it’s working. I have to add that generally speaking, urban Italian and French women inspire me. Italian women for their focus on quality and French women for their attention to detail and ability to look totally put together even when dressed down. I’m a big believer in personal branding. And I believe in putting your best foot forward at all times.

My Ultimate Dream: To grow old gracefully with my best friend, have 2 wonderful, intelligent and respectful children, live comfortably and travel well.

How Do I Define Womanhood: I’ve never really defined how I live my life by being a woman. I believe in being the best person you can be and bringing out the best in everyone around you.

A big ‘ol thank you to everyone who voted for which veil style I should wear on my wedding day. It was a landslide…with most of you voting for the chic flyaway birdcage veil! I’ve convo’d my absolutely favorite designer, the ever fabulous Myra Callan of Etsy fame, who will be creating the veil as well as the flower I’ll be wearing during the reception.

So, from a fashion standpoint, it’s all coming together. The only things left to purchase are the shoes. I’m planning a trip to NY and have my eye on a pair of Jimmy Choos. So, stay tuned…

Sometimes just the right affair calls for just the right hair accessory. Whether your hair is long or short and irregarless of whether you’re wearing it in a chignon or a Katie Holmes insired bob, Colette Malouf has the perfect hair jewelry. Her stunning Black Label line is clean, sophisticated and organic.