Friday, April 29, 2011

Bridesmaids 2011 Movie Trailer



The official movie trailer for Bridesmaids from Universal Pictures. In Theatres on May 13.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

North Jersey Minister Goes To Times Square



Photo Credit: Veronica Yankowski, Chiarascuro Photography

ABOVE: Rev. Mitchell Maged of Oakland officiating at the wedding of Christina and Jason Allentoff in Spring Lake last year. In a televised stunt tied to the wedding coverage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Maged will preside over three consecutive weddings in New York City Friday, April 29.

Rev. Mitchell Maged is not your everyday knot-tyer.

"Mitch the Minister" - as he's known colloquially - said he has officiated at more than 1,200 weddings since becoming ordained on a whim at an interfaith ministry in Bound Brook 12 years ago.

It's an odyssey the former accountant said he never saw coming.

"Talk about a change of venue," said Maged, who has lived on Oneida Avenue in Oakland with his wife, Kathleen, and daughters, Patricia and Rachel, for almost 20 years.

But when it comes to venues, Maged is open to just about anything.

Museums, national parkland, a yacht on the Hudson River - even a hot-air balloon - Maged said he's done it all and that he considers himself a "mobile minister."

On Friday, April 29, Maged will officiate at three consecutive weddings at his biggest -or at least most visible - venue to date: Times Square in New York City.

The ceremonies are planned as part of the culmination of a week of programming The Learning Channel is broadcasting to celebrate the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton, which will happen simultaneously at Westminster Abbey in London.

The Times Square weddings will take place at 7:40 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. and will be broadcasted live on a JumboTron. Meanwhile, the royal wedding will be broadcasted live on a second JumboTron and on TLC beginning at 5 a.m.

The couples who will be married in Times Square were selected after undergoing an application and screening process that began in February, said TLC publicity coordinator Niki Kazakos. More than 45 couples applied, she said.

Among the couples are Marie Grace Singgo of Clifton and Jesse Chao of Jersey City. The other couples are from Connecticut and New York.

Kazakos said the perks include wedding cakes from Carlo's Bake Shop - of "Cake Boss" fame - in Hoboken and wedding gowns for the brides from Kleinfeld Bridal - of "Say Yes to the Dress" fame - in New York City.

Kazakos said Maged was selected to officiate at the weddings primarily because TLC, a cable TV network that caters to viewers interested in cooking, fashion, home design and parenting, had employed his services for "Four Weddings," a program that pits four brides against one another for the "honeymoon of their dreams."

Maged was the frontrunner for the project, Kazakos said, because he specializes in nondenominational weddings.

The genesis of Maged's compassion for interfaith couples was his own interfaith nuptials in 1985. On Oct. 20 of that year, Maged, who was born Jewish, married Kathleen, who is Roman Catholic.

In fact, according to Maged, if it wasn't for the trouble he and his future wife went through to find a wedding officiant, he wouldn't be one today.

Eventually, Maged said, the priest from Kathleen's parish agreed to preside over the wedding. But, he said, he and his future wife still had to find a rabbi in the telephone directory.

"Back then it was a rarity for two people of different faiths to get married without one of them converting or going to the mayor," Maged said. "When I heard about the opportunity [to become a minister], I knew the time was right to help couples going through the same aggravation I did."

As for the weddings on April 29, Maged confessed he may be the one with cold feet.

"I've done pretty good in front of large crowds," Maged said, "but the reality of being viewed by thousands of people is still setting in."

Article by Philip Devencentis, www.northjersey.com

(Newsfeed)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Royal Wedding May Spark More Traditional Ceremonies

Bridal media and marketing guru Leila Khalil of Be Inspired PR shares her thoughts on how Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming "I do's" will affect the wedding industry.

(Credit: AOL)

With all the hype and build-up surrounding the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, you'd think the royal wedding is the final event. But in reality, it's just the beginning. I have no doubt their wedding will influence the bridal industry for years to come in every possible way -- from design, fashion and customs. It will be the start of Kate's legacy as a trendsetter.

For the past few years, the industry has veered from the classic and luxe, experiencing a move towards vintage-inspired details and D.I.Y. weddings. We anticipate the regal affair will return our business to opulence, traditions and timeless fashions.

The British monarchy is rooted in ritual, and the royal wedding will inspire a new generation of brides to follow in their footsteps -- with more ceremonies held in churches, incorporating family heirlooms and traditional vow exchanges.

How The Royal Wedding Will Inspire Bridal Trends

From flowers to food, dresses to diamonds, this event will be imitated, replicated and reproduced for years. In my opinion, fashion will be most affected business aspect. Kate's dress, hair, makeup, accessories and bridesmaid dresses will surely spark new trends and renditions. She's already started fashion frenzies with her dapper stylistic choices -- from her classic Burberry trench coat to her silk sapphire-blue engagement dress by Issa, which sold out within 24 hours of her appearance! It's safe to say Kate's wedding look will launch her as a style icon, mirroring greats such as Jackie O., Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana.

In addition to ushering in new styles, their wedding will be a day that brings love into many people's hearts and lives, and will renew the world's hope in the sanctity of marriage.

Article by Leila Khalil, www.beinspiredpr.com

(Newsfeed)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Play on Curls

Fresh Waves for a New Generation on the Fall/Winter 2011 Bridal Runways

Amid all the anticipation surrounding how Kate Middleton will wear her hair on her big day with the Royal Wedding right around the corner, we wanted to share with you our own inspiring styles from Fall/Winter 2011 Bridal Fashion Week in New York City last week. These fresh styles can be interpreted to make any bride feel like a princess!

The Fall/Winter 2011 Bridal Fashion Week hairstyles took a fresh approach to embrace a modern, youthful bride. Redken Session Stylist Giovanni Giuntoli created the distinct looks at the Christos, Kenneth Pool, and Amsale collections, taking each in its own direction.

End-of-Day Waves – seen at Christos

“This season the traditionally preppy Christos look evolved for the next generation, and the hair embraces this edgier attitude,” Giuntoli said. “The look is down, when it is typically up, resulting in a youthful, casual after-wedding look that’s flattering and flirty.”

To achieve the look, prep hair to add texture and extra hold with Redken wool shake 08 gel-slush texturizer and then layer on spray starch 15 versatile ironing spray. Part the hair wherever it best reflects the face shape, whether it be left, right or center. Set the curls with a 1-inch curling iron and pin in place until dry. Let the curls out and pull until you have soft waves, finishing the style with fashion work 12 versatile working spray to achieve a silky matte finish. “These waves are not tight, they’re fresh. We’re trying to get away from the corkscrew,” Giuntoli explained.

Cutting Edge Pleat –seen at Kenneth Pool

"This up-do reflects the high-end Kenneth Pool look, with a luxury finish to the hair. This line is more avant-garde, more high-fashion, and so we created a striking, contemporary up-do that pushes the envelope,” Giuntoli said.

To create this look, prep the hair by blow-drying with aerate 08 bodifying cream-mousse, applying at the roots and through the ends for all-over body and texture. Then fold all of the hair except for the front section two inches from the crown into a pleat. Curl small sections of the front two inches with a one-inch barrel and pin each up in place atop the head. “The curls add a softer silhouette for height and a light, airy texture that you can almost see through.” Giuntoli said. For added shine and hold, finish the look with pure force 16 non-aerosol fixing spray.

Statement Pony – seen at Amsale

“This season of Amsale reflects another evolution and a new approach, with a natural, youthful ponytail with soft with volume at the crown for added glamour,” Giuntoli said.

Obtain this look by first sectioning off the hair at the crown, misting with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray and then back brushing for height. “Play with the shape and height at the crown to keep it tailored to your face shape,” Giuntoli explained. Next gather the hair into a pony and wrap a one-inch section around the elastic. Leave a natural wave in the pony tail and mist with shine flash 02 glistening mist for a glossy polish.

These fresh takes on waves reflected an edgier, younger bride and can guide you as you search to achieve the perfect look you need on the big day. When choosing your look, Giuntoli advises that you remember that your wedding day is all about you and it may take a few trials to find the right fit. Work with your Redken stylist to create a look that reflects your own personality and makes you feel your absolute best.

Submitted by Christy McCuaig, www.redken.com

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Royal Fashion

A New York Guide To Kate Middleton’s Style

By Julie Parise, CBSNewYork.com

We’re just a week away from the marriage of Prince William to longtime on-again, off-again girlfriend Kate Middleton – and our royal envy here in the States is in full force.

Something else we’re envious of? The future princess’ wardrobe. Middleton gained her position as an international fashion icon long before she claimed the title of fiancĂ©e to Prince William – she’s appeared on various “best dressed” lists since 2006. Here in New York City, becoming a princess is a fairy tale most of us can only dream of – but a royal wardrobe can easily become a reality. CBSNewYork staked out NYC to find you the pieces you’ll need to dress like Kate Middleton.

The Engagement Dress

Hours after Prince William and bride-to-be Kate Middleton announced their royal engagement on Nov. 16, the shimmery, navy blue Issa dress Kate wore to the occasion had sold out both online and in stores – and the Internet has been buzzing about the frock ever since.

“Since the announcement of the royal engagement we have been inundated with requests regarding Issa,” British retailer Harvey Nichols’ buying director Averyl Oates told Vogue UK.

Retailers can’t seem to make enough knock-offs of the number, which matched Middleton’s sapphire engagement ring. For a short time, Target even offered a $26 version of the dress, but they sold out quickly and are no longer available.

So what are the princesses of New York City to do? Saks Fifth Avenue carries the Issa line, but not this particular piece (yet). It is reported that online retailer Net-A-Porter.com will receive more stock of the dress later this month – check it out here. To grab a look-a-like dress for less, try Macy’s. They carry a strikingly similar piece by Evan Picone – for $89!

www.net-a-porter.com/product/109781
www.macys.com

Simplicity In Alice Temperley

When dressing for a Christmas gala to support the Teenage Cancer Trust in Fakenham, England, Kate donned a dress from British designer Alice Temperley’s 2009 collection (yes — the future princess wore something from last season – and she looked stunning). The current Temperley line features looks similar to Kate’s black and white silk chiffon Titan dress, though Kate’s nearly $1400 frock is no longer available. A clerk at the now-closed Temperley SoHo storefront wouldn’t dish on whether Kate’s ensemble had any impact on their sales. While the Broome Street Temperley London boutique is no longer open, the British designer will be setting up shop in a new NYC location later this year. In the meantime, shop online to steal the look.

www.temperleylondon.com

The Official Engagement Photos

For her official engagement photo, Kate once again reached into her own wardrobe, donning a Riess dress from the England-based designer’s 2009 line. Due to high demand, Reiss re-released the previously discontinued Nanette dress as a part of their Spring 2011 collection. Check out the SoHo storefront, where you can snag the frock for just under $400, or try on the Kara dress, a slightly simpler version, for $107 — also available online.

www.riessonline.com

Two Wardrobe Staples

Kate has made the suede black high-heeled boots she’s wearing here, at England’s Royal Military Academy, a staple of her wardrobe – and if we only take one piece of fashion advice from this future princess, it would be to do the same. Knee-high boots can make even the simplest jeans-and-t-shirt combination look sophisticated. Better yet, the look won’t ever go out of style, making boots a smart investment for the Big Apple fashonista. Luckily for us New York City girls, it won’t be too difficult to snag a boot that fits your princess-inspired style perfectly. Check out the Jess boot from Bandolino (For New York locations, click here) or the Steve Madden ‘Fabulus’ Over The Knee Boot available at Steve Madden (multiple NYC locations) or Nordstrom.

Kate’s outerwear is another example of a piece worth investing in – you can’t go wrong when you have a long, tailored coat in your closet. For one similar to Kate’s, check out New York & Company’s Red Label Wool Coat in red or Michael Kor’s double-breasted peacoat in the same color, currently in stock at the line’s NYC storefront. You can also check out this Michael Kors double-breasted collared coat from Macy’s for a version of the coat that’s a tad bit longer.

The Jewelry

Looking for the earrings Kate wore in her official engagement photos? You better act fast. The Hope Egg Earrings are made by Links of London, and between the two locations here in NYC, there’s only one pair left. The Park Avenue location has been sold out of the baubles, which will set you back close to $500, since the engagement photos were made public. And while a representative from the store told CBSNewYork that they’re expecting more of the dangly diamond duds, they’re not sure when they’ll be coming in.

A representative at the Madison Avenue storefront said Kate’s jewelry choice has had a significant effect on sales. “[The earrings] weren’t flying off the shelves before,” the clerk told us. The closest store to have them in stock is actually in Massachusetts, but you can have them shipped to the Big Apple directly.

www.linksoflondon.com

Oh, was it the engagement ring she’s rocking that you were looking to replicate? Well, if you don’t have a prince in your life to offer you an oversized sapphire, you can buy the CZ version here for about $50...

www.jewelrypayless.com/Kate-Middleton-Princess-Diana-CZ-Diamond-Sapphire-Engagement-Ring-P106899.html

( Newsfeed )