Beauty & Fitness

1. Take a wedding planning time-out

   Ok, maybe I didn't know about La Modista pre-wedding, but I did do a few things right. I picked a good man (most important!) and I knew all that wedding stress could get to him too. So amid compiling guest lists and cake tastings, it's good to schedule some fun and relaxing time together. I like the idea of a pampering couple's massage! ... read more

   October 11, 2007 9:45 PM

2. Take a wedding planning time-out

   Ok, maybe I didn't know about La Modista pre-wedding, but I did do a few things right. I picked a good man (most important!) and I knew all that wedding stress could get to him too. So amid compiling guest lists and cake tastings, it's good to schedule some fun and relaxing time together. I like the idea of a pampering couple's massage!... read more

   October 11, 2007 9:45 PM

3. Go strapless, be stress-free

   When it comes to strapless gowns (still one of the most popular and flattering wedding dress silhouettes around) Chicago designer Sam Kori George is a master. Inside his corsets, which he builds around a client's figure, he uses ultra flexible spiral boning that actually moves with you and never pokes—even when you're sitting down! His sleek Delaware Street studio houses his luxe ready-to-wear collection and gowns fit for galas but he does craft custom wedding dresses on the side. ... read more

   October 15, 2007 1:00 AM

4. Go strapless, be stress-free

   When it comes to strapless gowns (still one of the most popular and flattering wedding dress silhouettes around) Chicago designer Sam Kori George is a master. Inside his corsets, which he builds around a client's figure, he uses ultra flexible spiral boning that actually moves with you and never pokes—even when you're sitting down! His sleek Delaware Street studio houses his luxe ready-to-wear collection and gowns fit for galas but he does craft custom wedding dresses on the side.... read more

   October 15, 2007 1:00 AM

5. Ahhhhh... it's organic

   Speaking of going green, you may not notice the sustainable-bamboo-and-recycled-cork floors, the organic cotton towels or the fact that all the cleaning products used at the new Silken Tent spa in Glenview are organic.... read more

   October 22, 2007 7:17 PM

6. Ahhhhh... it's organic

   Speaking of going green, you may not notice the sustainable-bamboo-and-recycled-cork floors, the organic cotton towels or the fact that all the cleaning products used at the new Silken Tent spa in Glenview are organic.... read more

   October 22, 2007 7:17 PM

7. It's all about him

   You're a bride. It's your job to be pampered and pretty but what about your man? Maybe he'd like a touch up or two before the big day. If that's the case, Halo for Men may provide the perfect guys getaway. Instead of a waiting room, Halo's new location at 21 West Elm Street in Chicago's Gold Coast... read more

   November 14, 2007 10:00 AM

8. It's all about him

   You're a bride. It's your job to be pampered and pretty but what about your man? Maybe he'd like a touch up or two before the big day. If that's the case, Halo for Men may provide the perfect guys getaway. Instead of a waiting room, Halo's new location at 21 West Elm Street in Chicago's Gold Coast ... read more

   November 14, 2007 10:00 AM

9. Too much partying?

   If you're like me—I had such a great time at my rehearsal dinner I could have stayed all night and then was so excited and anxious I couldn't sleep—you might need a little help to look all bright-eyed and bridal the next day.... read more

   November 16, 2007 11:00 AM

10. Too much partying?

    If you're like me—I had such a great time at my rehearsal dinner I could have stayed all night and then was so excited and anxious I couldn't sleep—you might need a little help to look all bright-eyed and bridal the next day.... read more

    November 16, 2007 11:00 AM

11. For the cosmetically challenged

    Some women are naturally gifted when it comes to make-up application. Every feature seems perfectly accented, yet looks natural or flattering. Not so with me! This fair-skinned female overdosed on the lipstick the other night... read more

    November 22, 2007 10:00 AM

12. For the cosmetically challenged

    Some women are naturally gifted when it comes to make-up application. Every feature seems perfectly accented, yet looks natural or flattering. Not so with me! This fair-skinned female overdosed on the lipstick the other night... read more

    November 22, 2007 10:00 AM

13. Ohm in your home

    Your wedding day is your special day, but there is still a lot to handle—family, photos, friends, food—not to mention the actual getting married part. So to put you in the right frame of mind so you can float effortlessly (or at least look like it!) through the day, maybe an in-home yoga/meditation visit is the answer. ... read more

    November 26, 2007 10:04 AM

14. Ohm in your home

    Your wedding day is your special day, but there is still a lot to handle—family, photos, friends, food—not to mention the actual getting married part. So to put you in the right frame of mind so you can float effortlessly (or at least look like it!) through the day, maybe an in-home yoga/meditation visit is the answer.... read more

    November 26, 2007 10:04 AM

15. Don't feel the burn

    It goes with out saying. There's a lot to do before a wedding. Let's see, registering for gifts (should be fun), doing a tasting (even more fun!) booking your island honeymoon (can't wait!), getting a bikini wax (not so fun!) Well, to make your next trip to the waxer a little less intense, try No-Scream Cream, which contains 20 percent benzocaine, the highest percentage available without a prescription.... read more

    December 10, 2007 5:57 PM

16. Don't feel the burn

    It goes with out saying. There's a lot to do before a wedding. Let's see, registering for gifts (should be fun), doing a tasting (even more fun!) booking your island honeymoon (can't wait!), getting a bikini wax (not so fun!) Well, to make your next trip to the waxer a little less intense, try No-Scream Cream, which contains 20 percent benzocaine, the highest percentage available without a prescription.... read more

    December 10, 2007 5:57 PM

17. Makeup your way

    We're not sure what we think about theme weddings. There's always the chance you'll look back and say 'What was I thinking?" but then again, it may be the perfect extension of your personality. When we asked Beauty on Call about its most unusual bridal request, it was from a bride who wanted to resemble a character from "Lord of the Rings" since that was her wedding theme.... read more

    December 12, 2007 6:41 PM

18. Makeup your way

    We're not sure what we think about theme weddings. There's always the chance you'll look back and say 'What was I thinking?" but then again, it may be the perfect extension of your personality. When we asked Beauty on Call about its most unusual bridal request, it was from a bride who wanted to resemble a character from "Lord of the Rings" since that was her wedding theme.... read more

    December 12, 2007 6:41 PM

19. False lashes...friend or foe?

    Speaking of dialogue, I'm making false eye lashes the focus of this post to see if I can hear from some real women with some real stories. As we mentioned yesterday Beauty on Call said that's the one of the top trends in bridal makeup. ... read more

    December 13, 2007 6:51 PM

20. Brow power

    Brooke Shields, Jack Nicholson and Groucho Marx. They all have them—very distinctive brows. You might say they helped define Shields' look as a young model, not to mention how they continue to define Nicholson today. They also will help define your look as a new bride.... read more

    December 17, 2007 5:33 PM

21. Air-brush artistry

    When it comes to makeup artists, local cosmetic queen Jill Maltezos of Make Up First may possess a more interesting background than most... read more

    December 26, 2007 10:00 AM

22. Air-brush artistry

    When it comes to makeup artists, local cosmetic queen Jill Maltezos of Make Up First may possess a more interesting background than most... read more

    December 26, 2007 10:00 AM

23. Blister buster

    Last month we wrote about a product, No-Scream Cream, to help you survive the uncomfortable moments of a bikini wax. Well now, we're thinking about your feet. That same company which distributes No-Scream Cream appears to have a thing for rhymes (or almost rhymes) also sells "Save My Feet Blister Elixir" to help prevent blisters and irritation caused by those never-been-worn-before wedding shoes... read more

    January 2, 2008 9:18 PM

24. Fit and fantastic

    I don't know about you but this cold, blustery winter has not been my waistline's best friend. If you're like me and have spent more nights indoors, couch (or maybe computer) bound with a cup of hot chocolate, than sweating it up at the gym, maybe it's time to contact Coach Cassandra.... read more

    January 30, 2008 5:12 PM

25. Gotta do some research

    How about a day where you can hang out with your friends, enjoy a Mimosa, get a free makeup or hair trial and indulge in a chair massage—all in the name of research? Sounds like a good deal to us. That's all part of the free Bridal Beauty Day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Woodfield Wedding Center in Schaumburg.... read more

    February 15, 2008 10:48 PM

26. Feel good skin care

    So for the last few days, we've delved into an assortment of eco-friendly options for your wedding day and now here's some help for your skin. (Because although we're sure you're super zen, all that environmentally consciousness can get taxing.) Chicago's Exhale Spa recently launched GRN (grow.restore.nurture), an eco-conscious, paraben-free skin care line... read more

    March 14, 2008 6:20 PM

27. Beauty-on-the-go

    

    Let's be honest. When you're getting married, all eyes are on you. So it just makes sense to look your best. Unless you're a makeup aficionado and/or expert, (and I believe some of you out there are) bring in the pros. Chicago's R Bombshell Beauty, for instance, will travel to the location of your choice to help put your best wedding day face forward. ... read more

    May 1, 2008 9:20 AM

28. Get glowing!

    

    When you're getting married, it's easy to focus on all the stuff. You know, the dress, the flowers, the rings, the veil. We could go on. Amid all that, make sure you don't forget one of your best assets--your skin. Mireille's Studio on Chicago's Oak Street can help you enhance just that with a microdermabrasion facial that will help remove dead skin and get that glow going. ... read more

    May 20, 2008 9:20 AM

29. Hit the road

    

    Planning a girls' getaway to Lake Geneva has its advantages. It's close. It's not super expensive and it has that vacation vibe. And now there's the $1.5 million renovated Avani Spa at The Abbey Resort to provide further incentive. ... read more

    June 18, 2008 9:32 AM

30. Bobbi brown does bridal

    

    Bobbi Brown presents an ideal bridal kit complete with ivory eye shadow, black ink long-wear gel eyeliner with brush, black no-smudge mascara and pink sugar shimmer lip gloss, all contained in an attractive white cosmetic case retailing for $75. ... read more

    July 4, 2008 9:00 AM

31. Tricks of the trade

    

    Bobbi Brown, who gained acclaim as an international makeup artist before launching her own cosmetic line, knows what it takes to look good in the limelight. So who better to give you makeup tips for your special day in the spotlight?

    ... read more

    July 8, 2008 9:00 AM

32. Give me a break

    

    Sometimes you just need to get away. And mySpa, a hidden sanctuary in the Fairmont Hotel, has just the trick to get you back to your beautiful, balanced bride-to-be self.

    ... read more

    July 18, 2008 9:00 AM

33. Get that glow

    

    Maybe your skin lacks a little bit of that youthful glow. Well, one trip to the spa at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago can get you photo-ready in no time.

    ... read more

    July 22, 2008 9:00 AM