So, as you all know by now, Get Sexy week is all about making your fine self look even finer. And those ladies from the Fifties certainly knew a thing or two about getting themselves sexy. Fortunately for you, we have ourselves a lady who knows exactly how to gussy up and paint on that pout so how about giving Valentines Day a great big sassy red lip this year and trying this one out? Over to you Jenny!

Jenny gets Pin-up Sexy…

I thought it was about time I tried my hand at a make up tutorial for you all! The trend for 50’s weddings still runs strong and I regularly get asked for advice and tips on how to do Dita Von Teese/Marilyn Monroe type styles.

So, before we start, a few things to remember! This style of make up was based around war time, so women had very little money to buy luxuries like foundation and blusher. This look is all about the eye liner and the lips!

The Kit

1). Benefit eyeshadow ‘low profile’

2). Mac eyeshadow ‘rite of spring’

3). Fero eyeshadow ‘caramel’

4). Mac eyeshadow ‘folie’

5). Mac gel eyeliner in black

6). Clinique High Definition mascara in black

7). Girls aloud false lashes ‘Sarah’

8). Mac blusher ‘well dressed’

9). Loreal Touch Magique concealer

10). Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner ‘Red Diva’

11). Rimmel lasting finish lipstick ‘Bordeaux’

12). Mac Studio Fix powder in NC 25

The Eyes have it!

First, apply your base, and concealer. This only needs to be a very light dusting, as the focus is on the liner and lips

1. With a large brush apply the cream eyeshadow over your whole lid, right up to underneath the brow, then apply a shimmery/pearlescant colour to the lid, up to the socket line.

2. In the socket line with a small soft brush apply a caramel colour

3. Define the outer corners and outer socket of your eye with a darker brown shadow

4. Using a large blending brush, sweep the brush over your whole eye focusing on the socket and blending the colours evenly

5. Apply liquid/gel liner starting from the inner edge outwards. There’s a great tutorial on the Mac website for how to apply liquid/gel eyeliner

6. Apply mascara, making sure to get right into the root – maybe apply some black eyeliner to the inner upper lid to ensure there are no ‘bare’ sections

7. Eyebrows should be defined, and arched. Use an angled brush and some eyeshadow to fill in any gaps and give them the classic shape of the 50’s

8. To the apples of the cheeks, apply a light dusting of pink/peach coloured blusher. This only needs to be very lightly applied.

9. Apply your lashes – they should sit perfectly over the top of your liner and therefore blend nicely. If the seam shows up too much, use your angled brush and apply eyeliner over the top.

Get Lippy!

Different people have different tricks, I however use a bit of liquid foundation/concealer to apply to the lip as a primer.

Apply your red liner, it’s important to use a liner to prevent the lipstick from bleeding into the lines around your mouth. Remember to make quite a round looking pout line, the lips of the 50’s were extremely pouty and round – it wasn’t until the 80’s where it was fashionable for the cupids bow became more angular.

Apply your lipstick, using either a lipstick brush, or by applying it directly from the stick. Whichever works best for you – using a brush gives you better coverage and less room for errors! Remember to blot ladies….

Et Voila! My take on 50’s make up;
It’s a really easy and quick look to produce, and anyone can do it with practice.

Well, I know I won’t be the only one trying this at home! Let us know how you get on dear readers!

Contra and the one and only Jenny, of ‘What Jenny Did’ fame!
xoxo

Ding Dong! So it’s time for round 2.

I hope some of you reading this have tried out your new exercises and are ready to move below the belt. Although legs are seldom on show there are loads of benefits to getting the pins lithe and long – think honeymoon bikini shots! And most of these exercises will do double duty and tone that derriere for a fabulous rear view down the aisle – very important for the bride in a form fitting gown.

The Rules

We started with the rules last time and really nothing has changed but I wanted to highlight the importance of Cardio work.

Alongside these exercises you should be aiming to be doing 30-40 minutes cardio before you hit the weights or gym mat. Think 20 mins cross training or running plus some rowing, cycling or nautilus walking. Bottom line, whatever takes you fancy as long as you are hot, sweaty and out of breath!

I also want to remind you Brides to be muscle not only weighs more than fat but it also burns waaaaaay more calories, so if you are trying to loose a bit of weight, this is the metabolism boost you are looking for.

Embrace the Bosu Ball

Again, I’m going to try and make these exercises do-able at home for those of you without a gym membership, but if you do go to a gym or want to invest in some at home equipment, which is still far cheaper than a gym pass, the Bosu ball is one brilliant bit of kit.

The Bosu ball is basically half a swiss ball with a flat side. It can be used either way up in a variety of ways and once again squeezes every last bit of result out of your workout. If you don’t have access to one, all of these exercises can be done on level ground. So don’t let it stop you!

Exercise 1 – La Lunge!

1. Place the Bosu ball flat side down, (or just find a nice flat surface to work on,) and stand far enough behind the ball to take a large step forward and be able to place one foot in the middle of the ball.

2. Place your hands on your hips and take a step forward to place one foot squarely in the middle of the ball, as in the first picture.

*Images from Beginner Triathlete

3. Bending both knees, the back on at a right angle, lower yourself down as shown in the middle and right hand pictures. Keep your back straight and don’t let you knee touch the floor.

4. Slowly come up and take a step back again so both of your feet are back together and side by side.

5. Repeat. You should be aiming for about 15 reps of this for each leg, building up to 20 – more for the legs than the arms, as they are bigger muscles. These look easy, but the extra effort of keeping your self upright on a non flat surface makes all your supporting muscles kick in.

Exercise 2 – Sergeant Squat

It’s not pretty, but it works a treat and a few squats will shape up your bum like nothing you’ve ever done before!

1. Turn the Bosu ball upside down, so the flat side is facing uppermost, kind of like a space hopper.

2. Do this near a wall, to help you get on, as it’s bit tricky. (I won’t describe my own complete lack of co-ordination in attempting these as it verges on the utterly embarrassing, but I can say it gets much easier each time you do it!) You need to stand on the ball as shown below, feet an equal distance apart, and get your balance!

*Images from Beginner Triathlete

3. Next do your squat. It’s difficult to describe, and even more difficult to do, but as you bend the knee, you need to sit back, (whilst keeping your balance!) The natural tendency is to let the knees come forwards over your feet to retain your balance, but instead, place your arms out ahead of you to help balance, and sit back. Stick your bottom out – it’s the correct form and will really help you get results. (I find doing this one side on in front of the mirror helps you to watch that the knees don’t creep forwards.)

4. Again, come up to your starting position. You will find these very difficult at first due to the concentration required to keep your balance, but do them slowly and work up to 15 or 20 again. It does get easier .

I’m really not a fan of the leg work out, and I’m not going to talk about exercises here that I have no experience of, so that’s it for today. Don’t forget your cardio will help massively to trim up your legs too.

We’d love to hear about any exercises you love to do for your legs and bum though. Drop us a comment below and let us know if you’ve tried them or if you’ve got great results from something in particular – Charlotte and I will put them to the test!

Yours Truly,

Contra
xoxo

Yup, you guessed it, I’m talking about the part of the body most girls love to hate, Bingo wings.

Here at Rock My Wedding we know that getting into shape can be a massive weight (get it?!) on a Brides mind and whether you’re a svelte size 8 or at the far curvier end of the spectrum, who doesn’t want to look their best on Wedding day?

Now let me be clear, (ahem, *stern voice*). We are NOT here to tell you to lose weight. Oh no. The message here is far more along the lines of love the skin you’re in, but as we are all about making the best of what you’ve got and making you feel fabulous on your wedding day then read on for my tips on getting wedding day toned.

For those ladies looking for weight loss tips (and I will be controversial and brutally honest here… your newly toned muscles will only be able to shine if they aren’t too thickly covered in the post Christmas blubber,) then the only method of weight loss I can recommend is Weight Watchers. It isn’t something I did pre-wedding, but it is something I did post university – 6 years of a bl*ody good time takes it’s toll on a gal, and thank God I acted fast 3 years in!

Now that’s enough of that nasty subject .

Over the rest of the week you can expect to see a mini exercise program that I followed in the run up to my big day. Today we will cover arms then we have 2 more on legs/bums and finally, tums. I used mostly free weights in the gym, but where possible I will try and offer a gym free alternative for those of you saving the pennies for wedding day pieces of pretty.

And here’s the disclaimer. Rock My Wedding accepts no responsibility for any injuries sustained whilst trying to do these exercises. If you have any relevant health conditions please see your doctor before embarking upon an exercise regime and if it hurts when you attempt any of these exercises, stop and rest. (Thats a ‘bad’ hurt as opposed to the ‘good’ hurt I want you all to feel after doing these that says it’s working. And we accept full responsibility for any fabulous results you may achieve .)

The Rules

Ok, so I would be lying if I said this wasn’t going to take a bit of hard work. If you want to see results you need to be exercising 3 times a week and if you want to lose weight too then you will have to modify your diet one way or another.

Plan your week so you spend each one of the 3 sessions focusing on a muscle group, ie arms Monday, legs Wednesday and tums Friday. If you have a problem area, or one that positively strikes fear into your heart when you think about THE dress (this was arms for me – the only bit really on show) then try and do a bit of this every time you are there. So for example, you might do a full arms work out on Monday, legs on Wednesday with a set of tricep dips and bicep curls thrown in and tums on Friday with a set of lateral raises and Schwarzenegger specials on top. (Yes, as in Arnie, and no, you won’t end up looking like him!)

Exercise 1 – The lateral raise

I should start by saying, I am all about maximum result for minimum effort, and for that reason I recommend you do most exercises on the exercise ball, also known as a swiss ball. If you don’t have one, and they can be purchased for less than a fiver if you have the storage space, you can do it just as well standing on your own 2 feet, feet hips width apart. The swiss ball adds an extra dimension by ensuring your work your core when you are subconsciously trying not to fall off the ball.

1. Find a mirror so you can always check your form. Form (or ‘technique’ – the way you do the exercise,) is key to achieving results; There’s no point doing it badly. Find some free weights. Again these can be purchased for home use, or found in your gym. They need to feel heavy or they won’t do anything! As a rough guide if you have never used free weights before, maybe start with a 2kg weight in each hand. I use a 3kg weight and if you’re getting a bit panicky or the weights are starting to feel easier, move up a kg. Always push yourself!

*Images courtesy of iPosture.

2. Sitting on the swiss ball or standing with feet hips width apart, facing the mirror hold both arms down by your sides.

3. Raise both arms together slowly out sideways at 90 degrees to your body. Stop when your hands are level with your shoulders and then slowly move them back down to the starting position.

4. Repeat. How many times you repeat is up to you and your ability. Good amounts to aim for when starting are 8 or 12 repetitions and you can move on to 15 or 20 when you get stronger. Bear in mind that your form should not be compromised, even on the last one, but you should be struggling to get the last one out. And don’t over do it on the first set as you need to be doing 3 sets of each exercise.

Yep that’s 3 sets of 8 at least.

Exercise 2 – Biceps 7’s

There’s nothing new or cool about bicep curls, but please don’t avoid them because you think you will look silly or grow biceps like pop-eye! Women simply don’t have the ability to grow muscle mass like men, do not fear!

1. Again, either sat on the swiss ball or standing in front of the mirror hold a free weight in both hands. Place your arms by your sides and turn your grip so your palm is facing the mirror too.

2. Bend your arm up towards your shoulder in front of your body and release back down. Do it slowly and think about the muscle you are using – the bicep runs down the front of the arm between shoulder and elbow, in this position. Thinking about any muscle you are using will help you concentrate on doing the exercise properly. (Shown below left.)

3. Repeat 7 times.

*Images courtesy of Valerie Waters and Marie Claire.

4. For you next set of 7, only bend the arm to 90 degrees (shown above right,) then release. Repeat 7 times.

5. Repeat all 14 curls 3 times. If you can’t manage that, aim for 2 run throughs instead but make sure after a couple of weeks of building your strength you increase to 3.

Exercise 3 – Triceps Dips

Another one that is neither new nor fancy but works. Simple as. You can perform this exercise using a gym step (or step aerobics fame), the end of a gym bench, or at home of the edge of a chair.

1. Get into position. Sit on whatever item you will be doing the dips off and place the heels of your hands on the edge of the bench/chair. Get a good grip as they will be supporting your weight! stretch your legs out in front of you. You can keep them bent for an easier work out, or straight and crossed at the ankles for a more difficult dip.

2. Edge your bottom off the bench/chair until your weight is supported by your arms behind you.

*Images courtesy of FitSugar.

3. Bend your arms at the elbow and slowly lower your body until your elbows are at 90 degrees. (Keep the elbows parallel with each other.)

4. Push up using the triceps (NOT the legs,) which run along the back of the arm until you are back in your starting position. Do not put your bottom back on the bench between dips!

5. Repeat 8, or 12 times, for 3 sets again.

Exercise 4 – The Schwarzenegger Special!

This is a personal favourite of mine and I never miss an opportunity to get a set done. So named because apparently (says Mr Contra,) Arnie used to do them, they provide a wicked work out for the arms, shoulders and back – the perfect strapless dress exercise.

1. Get into position. Sit on the swiss ball with your weights. Lift your arms to the lateral raise position then flex the elbow to 90 degrees. (Yes, you should look like ‘He-man’!) Now turn your wrists so your palm faces the mirror. This is your starting position. (Below left)

*Images courtesy of iPosture.

2. Push the weights straight up, bringing them together in a slow controlled manner. There should be no banging of the weights bouncing off each other! (Above Right)

3. Bring the arms back down to your starting position.

4. Next, keeping the arms bent at 90 degrees, bring the forearms together in front of your face, keeping the forearm vertical). Squeeze the elbows together to really feel it along the triceps. (Sorry no picture for this – use your imagination!)

5. Return your arms to the starting position. This is one full repetition of the Schwarzenegger Special.

6. Repeat. This is a hard one so maybe aim for 8 first time, building up to 12 after a couple of weeks, and again you need to do 3 sets.

And thats all for this session ladies.

Get thyselves to the Gym or working out at home and kiss goodbye to Bingo Betty!
We’d love to know if you have any fail safe arm exercises or if getting toned is something you plan on doing for the big day. See you on Wednesday for leg and bum shapers…

Yours Truly,

Contra
xoxo

We don’t often talk about hair here on Rock My Wedding and I’m not quite sure why that is… maybe we overlook it as I know hair was never an issue for me, I knew what I wanted from day one. It must not be the same for all Brides though and I wonder if hair is something that you guys would like to see more of on Rock My Wedding?

We always struggle for great images to show you of Bridal hair too as all too often it can become a bridal disaster. So imagine my delight when James White dropped into my inbox offering to do a blog post on Bridal Hair… even better when I found that his images were perfect and his style impecable. As I’ve said before, we are just a little bit pernickety over here about what to show you guys and I feel very confident recommending James White Hair.

Read on for a little bit about James then his style predictions for 2010 and best of all a run down on how to get your hair into tip-top condition for W-day, and plan your look and Big day schedule.

I honed my skills in the hot house of the session world, working on photo shoots and fashion shows; fertile environments which inspire ideas and where all innovation is made. This is where I get my inspiration and ideas for hair styling and my product range.

Reward for what I love feels like cheating. I believe hair styles should be refined and allowed to evolve. I enjoy a non compromising attention to detail to make quality. My aim is the highest standard, customer service is included and I deliver!

“James’s wedding hair dressing is for a sophisticated and discerning client; one who appreciates style, wants the very best there is and wants to look stunning! James is known for his artistic eye, vision and creating signature hair styles.”

There is something special with having the privilege to be there on the most important day of someone’s life let alone being a part of it. I do Bridal Hair quite simply because it provides me with some much fulfillment that I can do what I love for someone else and make them feel incredible!

Now that you feel great about your hairstyle, what about those bridesmaids? A wedding is like a mini fashion show. One thing that helps fashion shows look so spectacular is that there is a common theme to all the models’ hair. For example Jessica Simpson’s wedding hair was romantic, so they chose a “wavy, romantic texture” for all of her bridesmaids, but styled them all differently to express their special uniqueness. Having this common element helps keep the look of the wedding chic and elegant.

Key 2010 bridal trends

A Romantic Look
If you’re marrying in a garden setting, a Victorian-style gown, or you just want to capture an ultra-romantic effect, try a more unstructured hairdo.

Up-and-down
Can’t decide if you want your hair up or down? Try a little of both! Pin up the front half of the head in a simple sweep or more elaborate loops, and let the rest hang down the back.

Chic vintage
Rocking with the vintage feel will require a beautiful and simple style. Try a highly polished chignon in the lower nape of your head or a classic bun.

French Twist
Love the Audrey Hepburn look? Try a classic French twist. Because this style works best with hair in tip-top condition, start deep-conditioning treatments well before the big day.

Red Carpet glam
A basic style can look very sophisticated. Simply work with a soft curl/wave through the hair. For a more glamorous look, create body with backcombing at the roots.

Wedding Hair Countdown!

Take it from me – it’s never too soon to start planning your wedding, especially when it comes to your hair
Make sure your hair looks its beautiful best on the big day by following our countdown and getting into good grooming habits now. A great cut and super condition are the ultimate wedding day accessories.

One year to go…
Always wash your hair with a shampoo formulated for your hair type and use a conditioner, particularly on the ends. Use an intensive conditioner once a week, wrapping hair in a warm towel for best results. Have your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks – even if you’re trying to grow it.

Three months to go…
You should have your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses by now. Take along some pictures from magazines and discuss styling choices with your hairdresser. Keep up the good work with the conditioners. Try a temporary colour-enhancing vegetable dye for extra shine.

Six weeks to go…
Have a trial run at the hair salon and try out a few styles so you can see what you feel most comfortable with. Tell the stylist whether you will be wearing headdresses, tiaras or flowers in your hair so they can take this into consideration when they’re designing your style. Book the stylist for the wedding day and allow plenty of time for the unexpected. Make appointments for your bridesmaids too.

Two weeks to go…
If you colour your hair, have it done now so it has time to settle, but not enough time for roots to grow through. Have a trim to tidy up the shape of your hair. Have a trial run of your wedding styles with your headdresses.

The day before…
Wash your hair. Newly washed hair is harder to work with and style, especially if you will be wearing it up. Grips and pins will stay put better in hair that isn’t squeaky clean.

On the day...
Enjoy your final hair appointment. Make sure your chief bridesmaid has an emergency kit with a small can of hairspray and a few hair pins to keep your hair under control all day long.

Brilliant advice James! Head on over to James site and blog for more of his portfolio.

What style are you having for your red-carpet moment?

Yours Truly,

Contra
xoxo

Kit Hall is back again with a whole heap of helpful tips and advice to help you achieve perfect make-up come W-day ( or any other day for that matter)

So go grab yourself 5 minutes along with a latte/diet coke/cup of tea/glass of wine ( delete as appropriate) and maybe even some hobnobs ( or maybe a big fat cake – my resolution is in fact to eat MORE cake as life’s too bloomin’ short)

Over to the uber cool Kit

Do: Consider the season, setting and style of your wedding when planning your makeup

Makeup can be heavier and more dramatic if you are having an evening reception or if it is going to be winter and you will mainly be inside – particularly if you are using candle light. Weddings held outdoor’s particuarly in bright summer sunshine will require a much softer look. Be open to altering your planned look slightly on the day to compensate for the amount of sunshine.

Don’t: Try a completely new makeup look which is totally removed from how you normally look

Wear makeup in a style that you are comfortable with and your groom is used to. If you are normally experiemental then it is fine to be bold on your wedding day but if you usually go for a natural look don’t suddenly opt for a bold colours or red lips. You won’t feel like yourself and other people, including the groom, will find it weird.

Do: Arrange your hair and makeup trial as close to the day as you are comfortable with

From my point of view a trial would ideally be three or four weeks before the wedding but brides often opt for three or four months or more. Keeping it close to the day as possible is better as the skin will be the approximate colour and in the same condition, you will have your veil, tiara or hair accessories and the hair will be a similar length to the wedding day. You are also less likely to change your mind about the hair style. If you chose a professional that has been recommended and is experienced have faith that they will be flexible and experienced enough to create exactly what you are looking for.

Don’t: Forget to analyse the condition of your skin well in advance of your big day and address any issues

There is a solution out there for all problem skin conditions. Even if you have good skin get it radiant by exfoliating reguarly and investing in a good moisturiser. This is the perfect excuse to banish bad habits for good. Always remove your makeup at the end of the day and don’t over use makeup wipes, cleanser is much better for your skin.

Do: Get advice if your planning on doing your own makeup

Arrange a lesson with a independent freelance makeup artist who will create a look for you and give impartial product advice or get your makeup done by a professional on a beauty counter – book with a couple of different brands before you purchase any products so you can pick and choose the best bits. Take a bridesmaid with you so they can observe and provide you with reminders on the day. Brushes are the key to a professional finish so if you haven’t got good ones invest!

Don’t: Try new products on your wedding day

Whether its skincare, purfume or cosmetics always test them on your skin before hand so you can ensure you won’t react

Do: Ask what products your makeup artist uses

A professional makeup artist should carry a variety of brands (consumer and professional) and their kit should be aspirational, be wary of someone that carries drug store brands!

Do: Make it last

The secret to creating makeup staying power is to use primer under your founation and setting your makeup with powder. This doesn’t have to be a cakey look, setting powder is lightweight and translucent.

Primers fill in open pores to smooth the surface of the skin and give the foundation something to ‘cling’ to. Specific primers are available to counteract redness or balance oily skin.

Don’t: Just go for the same old lip colour or pile on the gloss

Experiment with new shades. Pink is more flattering in pictures than nude, which can appear to brown. Create a lip base by lining and then filling in the whole lip with a pencil. A little gloss is nice for texture but don’t be too heavy handed, especially early in the day – you will be kissing a lot of people!

Don’t: Go crazy with highlighter

Products with a shimmery or glittery finish will produce glare in front of a camera flash. To emphasise cheekbones use a matt nude eyeshadow or paler shade of foundation

Do: Carry a touch up kit on the day

The essentials are a translucent pressed powder for shine and your lip colour for top up’s. You could also take an eyeliner if you want to add more drama to your look as day turns to night.

Don’t: Be scared if you feel more made up than normal

Firstly you are not wearing jeans and a top but the most expensive, glamorous dress you will probably ever wear and secondly a lot of people will be looking at you from a distance. Bridal makeup is all about balance.

Do: Practise different hairstlyes

Look at real like weddings in magazines and online. Tear out or print pictures of styles you like and show them to your stylist. They should be open to trying out a few different options. Be realistic about how much hair you have and how long it is, although a lot can be achevied with extra pieces and padding.

Don’t: Panic about problem skin

If you are using a professional on the day they will be more than used to covering blemishes and concealing redness or dark circles. That’s why your paying them!

For lots of images of Kit’s fantastic work please go visit her website at www.slap-artists.co.uk

Big flawless Love

Charlotte xxx