Of Brides and Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas

Here come the brides. No, not us ("us," did I just say us about me and Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas??), but all the lucky brides-to-be that will be attending the Pre-Wedding Bridal Party tonight at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase co-sponsored by Lifetime show "Get Married." The show's co-host DeAnna Pappas will be in the store from 6 to 8 to sign autographs and cheer on the brides as they plan for their own storybook wedding, meet vendors, enter contests and enjoy appetizers. In case you don't remember, DeAnna appeared in "The Bachelor" where she had a less-than-happy ending with "Brad." Then most recently, she chose "Jesse" over the single-dad "Jason" in "The Bachelorette." Though my mom still can't believe she'd jilt Jason for Jesse, the heart has a mind of its own, and apparently, a will to go on. Though her own romance with Jesse didn't work out,  she still believes in true love and looks forward to the day she will be again planning a wedding. I had a sit-down with DeAnna earlier today at her hotel (where I also got to meet her dad, Greg Pappas). She says she started hosting "Get Married" last December when she was engaged: "I was completely consumed with it and very excited for this new part of my life." DeAnna says the "party and planning and fashion and food and all of that stuff that really intrigues me." 

Biggest trend:

"Destination weddings - even with this economy. Instead of doing the huge church and all the flowers, have a small intimate ceremony with close friends and family, then come back and have a party."

On wedding planners:

DeAnna says with all the resources available to them like GetMarried.com, brides can do it all themselves.  But she says,  "Planners are geniuses. That's why they're wedding planners. If you can afford it and don't want to be stressed out on your wedding day, hire a wedding planner...They can figure out what your wants and needs are and present you with different options."

What most brides want:

"The perfect memory. What you'll remember 20 years later is the moment you said 'I do,' the moment you became husband and wife."

Most unique wedding:

"A Japanese-themed wedding, where everyone wore Japanese themed attire. And they requested that the guests wore Japanese-themed clothing as well." (ME: "Were they Japanese?'

DP: "No, they weren't.")

Fashion trends:

"Everyone's really getting into the 'mermaid' gown where it's really fitted and then flows out at the bottom. Strapless never goes out of style; they tend to be absolutely stunning."

Important advice: 

"Don't stress out. Remember it's your day. You're surrounded by family and friends and love. Enjoy it. Take it all in."

On being the Bachelorette and now the host of "Get Married":

"My life has been a whirlwind the last few years...But this is what I live for. Who doesn't want to fall madly in love, get married and have a family?"

MoCo Paused

I admit it. I've flown the coop. I've been enjoying the gorgeous state of New Mexico and just need to share with you some of the sights of Santa Fe. Years ago, when I first came to the capital city, it was nothing more than a traditional plaza surrounded by simple stores for tourists offering not much more than beaded belts and kachina dolls. By now it has exploded into an arts and tourists' mecca drawing an international crowd to its summer festivals, markets and renowned outdoor opera. Here are a few sights from around town. I'll be back in MoCo tomorrow night and will hit the ground running to get you all caught up on exciting, upcoming events.

Sculpture on Canyon Road

Folkloric art in the park

The fabulous painted glass windows surrounding a door at La Fonda Hotel

Folk art

Segways heading toward the Cathedral

Little faces beckon from a window

Fashion meets art

When artist Maggie O'Neill was painting outside Ginger boutique last week it looked like a scene from Montmartre. Finished paintings surrounded the artist busy at work while her mother handed out brochures to curious passersby. Usually found at her Kensington decorative painting company, O'Neill Studios, Maggie made an appearance during Bethesda Lane's Front Row events to display the art she says is her "real love." Her brightly colored paintings with names like "Girls Night Out" are on display at Ginger for another month. Check out more portraits and paintings by Maggie on her website: www.oneillstudiosfineart.com.

Dreaming of La Dolce Vita

Last week during the slew of events on Bethesda Avenue, cookbook author Maria Liberati made an appearance in Bella Italia, a gem of a store featuring all things belleza from Italy. Maria, a former model, signed her book, The Basic Art of Italian Cooking, and talked about her passion for Italy, the wonders of simple, good Italian cooking, and the pleasures of eating. Her passion was catching and the beautiful atmosphere of Bella Italia made me want to book a flight right away and start picking fresh tomatoes for my own spaghettata (spaghetti party). Luckily for us, store owners Suzy and Bill Menard bought a historic farmhouse in Cannara, near Assisi, they're willing to share (rentals by the week) with us Diane Lane wannabes. Also check out the fab trips: In July attend a jazz fest and in October sample drippingly fresh olive oil during the Umbrian Food and Wine Tour.

Falling in love with Max

Am I already thinking fall? Yes. I. Am. Especially because Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase now carries MaxMara, best known for their wonderfully tailored coats in cashmere, alpaca and camel hair. Luscious. Included in the fall collections are pencil skirts and blazers to layer underneath just in case you must take off the coat. But don't overlook the fabulous dresses like this elegant silk print to wear right now. A long, cool drink to beat the heat. www.bloomingdales.com

Hair transformation

I've been thinking about a "hairstyle" lately, going from layered, mid-length hair to something structured that would act as an accessory to an outfit rather than a tired distraction. After seeing Craig Miller of Salon Cielo dress the models' tresses before Bethesda's recent fashion show, I decided to give him a whirl. Why not? He's in the neighborhood and the salon frequently offers specials. Anyway...I asked him if he could do anything to my forlorn locks, what would he do? The first thing he said was "give it a base" in other words soften the color (he's a specialist in color, and though I've had highlights, I've never colored my hair) add a subtle touch of "sun" up top and then shape my unruly grown-out layers into a basic cut. Presto! Miraculous. For my readers: here's the before and aft. The rest can just go on thinking it's so naturally me.

Sweet sights of summer

I recently chatted with Mauro Farinelli, former owner of Bethesda's Denim Bar, now owner of Farinelli's in Clarendon who says he's trying his hardest to improve the landscape of the DC area fashion scene but is feeling a little dejected. The fashion-forward Farinelli wants women to please break out of the knit-dress-khaki-capri box and try some clothes that say summer in a fresh, new way. And he's got the goods on hand. Let's throw him a bone and check out a few of his faves--especially because he's having a Memorial Day sale with reductions of up to 40 percent. I like the peachy Chelsea bohemian froth with a touch of rhinestone glitz. And what says summer like navy blue and white stripes? Catherine Holstein's tailored jumpsuit is classic. (Oh, and by the way, he says the menswear is flying out of the shop. Are we going to let them actually beat us at shopping?) Above : Chelsea dress.



Bowtie dress by Francis

Georgette dress by Chelsea


Jumpsuit by Catherine Holstein