Bridemaids Shades of Grey

Sooo, to my suprise and for the firstime in my 30+ years I was asked by my BIL to be a bridesmaid in his wedding! Ha...a little scared and excited I was inspired to do a do's and don'ts for brides to understand these days it's about  re-wearable style when it comes to brides maid dresses. Most BM Dresses average $100-$185 and in todays economy that's a hefty investment for a one time wear. Searching the internet I found so many do's, def. some don'ts but I've chosen a pretty shade of grey for a Wintery color pallet. Here's a few tips when choosing the BM Dresses 1) Body Types: If you have an array of body types the best thing to do is choose a color or shade of color and just allow the girls to be comfortable searching for a dress that fits your style and their body types. 2) Color: Bubble gum pink should stay in a lollipop not on a satin bridesmaid dress..eww yuke. Pink is my favorite color but only in pretty shades of mauve or dusty rose not bubble gum, save it for the candy station. 3) Age: You may not think is not a factor but trust me a 30somthing bridesmaid does not want to wear the same cutesy floral print mini dress that the 19year old cousin is wearing. One style, one color, one length preferably right above the knee or long to the floor, strapless or one shoulder has been the trendiest way to bring it alllll together. For more inspiration check out a few of my favorite wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, and the Brides Cafe. Most of all have a ball, create memories and love, love, love one another. Crossing my fingers for a cute BM Dress...pics to follow.
Your's Truly,
Love...Nina

Vintabulously Oscar!

This

post was inspired by my thrift store find of a beautiful white Oscar de la Renta dress in perfect condition, "Insane" I will be posting pictures of the dress for sale as I think it's the perfect dress for a Spring Vintage Wedding size medium. I'm so proud but I'm willing to share. I'm now on the hunt for fabulous Vintage Designer pieces that will be available exclusively on my new website...Coming Soon.

In the mean time here's a little history about the designer himself.

    

THE HERITAGE

1932

Oscar de la Renta is born on July 22nd in the Dominican Republic’s vibrant capital city, Santo Domingo. His childhood spent in this tropical island, filled with color, flowers, and sunshine, has and continues to inspire his bright palette and beautiful designs. 

"My great strength is knowing who I am and where I come from – my island.”finedTHE ARTIST

1950

At age 18, Oscar heads to Spain to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While living there, he becomes captivated by Spanish culture, from the music and art, to the bullfights and flamenco, to of course… the fashion. 

Oscar’s interest in the world of design grows and he begins sketching for Spain’s leading fashion houses. He soon lands a coveted apprenticeship with Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Working there, Oscar becomes immersed in his craft – observing the sample rooms, studying the clothes, learning the techniques. 

THE COUTURIER

1960

With the belief that you should start at the top then scale your way down, Oscar takes the next step in his career and travels to Paris. There he joins Antonio Castillo at the prominent house of Lanvin as a couture assistant. He continues with his sketching, while further absorbing the extravagant world of haute-couture – the lavish fabrics, over the top feathers, exquisite jewels, and ornate trims. The influences of these extraordinary years spent in Paris are still seen in Oscar’s beautifully embellished designs. 

"Working for incredible talents like Balenciaga and Antonio Castillo, I learned about the immense skill and creativity involved in couture work. Today, I apply some of that same detailing and artistry in my own designs.”

THE DESIGNER

1963

In the midst of the extravagant Paris scene, Oscar begins to realize that the future of fashion lay not in haute couture, but in ready-to-wear – so he sets off for America. Once in New York, however, at the advice of Diana Vreeland, then Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, he returns to couture designing Elizabeth Arden’s custom-made clothing line. Because Arden is predominantly known for beauty, not fashion, she promotes Oscar’s name on the label and he is able to gain further public recognition… paving the way for what will be his own groundbreaking venture just two years down the road. 

Truly Inspiring...

Love...Nina

Guest Post: Jenn Of Arcadian Light Blog

Hi! I'm Jenn and I'm one of the lucky writers at Arcadian Lighting, an e-commerce website that specializes in top lighting trends across the globe. I've been a fan of home decor since I was little, and now my husband and I are moving into our first home, meaning I'm fixated on home accessories, shabby chic bedding, modern light fixtures, and more. Every day I look for inspiring blogs like Love... Nina, who gets my creativity flowing - thank you for letting me guest post here today Ebony. It's so exciting!

Shabby chic in shades of gray are always a great option for any room. On the walls, in delicate bedding patterns, and even painted on furniture, gray is a soothing neutral hue that goes with any style, whether it's traditional or contemporary. Throw in a great lighting fixture and a room becomes a moody gray oasis. Here are eight spaces that are shabby chic in shades of gray.

A clean palette

Dusty gray, white, and glass come together beautifully in this serene space - the ceiling light chandelier adds a dash of sumptuousness.

A stylish note

This refurbished antique desk is stately in gray, and the chair cover with delicate ruffles creates some softness in this nook.

A powerful combo

Shabby chic in shades of gray looks great accented with bright yellow - this living room has a few retro-inspired pieces as well as mod ceiling lights that infuse the space with personality.

An elegant eatery

Gray walls lend some luxe to this shabby chic dining room, while the dated wood chairs offer a touch of hominess.

Slate gray

Subtle grays may be soothing but a deeper slate gray can pack a stylish punch, particularly when mixed with crisp white mouldings.

Rooftop chic

This casual loft sitting room has an interesting gray-whitewashed accent wall , which is accentuated by the high slat-wood ceiling.

A whisper of colour

The great thing about shabby chic shades of gray is that it's a neutral colour that can "calm" bolder patterns down a bit, like in this retro-inspired room.

Animals and grays

The rich gray walls of this nature-loving room are attractive, however the latticework ceiling, floor lamp as well as the plaster animal art put this space over the top.

For more shabby chic ideas and interiors, check out the Arcadian Lighting blog and make sure to check out some of the lighting products from wall sconces to chandeliers at affordable prices.

Images ( 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ).

Top 5 Fall Must-Haves

Nina Fleurina's Top 5 Fall Must Haves

Cardigans
Chai TEA
FireplacesScarves
BOOTS!!!

Growing up I use to love Summers, I'm a native California Girl and the sunshine was my life...fast forward 10 years, and a hormonal imbalance issue, which brought on night sweats and extreme fatigue, I actually borderline hate being hot...urgh so as much as I don't mind a lemonade filled hot summer day or two. I'm looking forward cool breezes, bring on the boots, cardigans and scarves! Leggo!

Love'n the new Season, Nina

Bohemian Spirit Jewelry Guest Appearance

I had the pleasure of being a guest feature in my friend Myisha's Fall Photoshoot. She's the Creative Designer by the coveted Bohemian Spirit Jewelry which I am a big fan. Ilove the way she pairs, bright beautiful baubles with earth tone beads and inspirational charms.

This was a fun shoot. I used to model waaaay back in the day but these days I enjoy being behind the camera.

It's was my pleasure to be a small part of the Bohemian Spirit Jewelry Brand. Myisha creates timeless universally styled pieces, perfect for a gift, or personal treat. Stop by her online store and browse all the wonderful creations she has to offer. She's also a fellow blogger, a fan of Nina Fleurina and a great friend.

I love surrounding myself with creative people.

Love Nina,

Summer/Fall Transitional Fashions

photo source: Ruche.com,Anthropologie.com, FreePeople.com
If you live anywhere on the West Coast like I do in So Cal then you truly understand the need for transitional attire. Yes it's officially the end of Summer and yes Fall is here but don't be so quick to pull out your peacoats and parkas just yet...I mean it was no less then 100 degrees today and 104 yesterday. I've been looking for the lightest piece of clothing I could find short of walking around like the guys do with no shirt on. So in my quest to make the change, I surfed the web of my three favorite stores to see what was new (besides my beloved Nina Fleurina)...here you go!

Love...Nina

A Nina Fleurina kind of Summer

I had a very "Active" Summer...I've never been so busy before in my life. Between photo shoots, (featured in Inland Empire Magazine) running Nina Fleurina Lifestyle Boutique, Styling/Planning Weddings, Styling Bridal Showers, Launch Parties, sourcing vintage furnishings, helping my husband run our other business (car dealership) and spending time with my friends it's no wonder I can't believe Summer is officially Over. Awe...I love Summer, it's a time of freedom, free from the layers of clothing we wear during the winter to keep us warm, free to discover and free to love. I'm so excited about what Fall has for me, the expansion of Nina Fleurina wedding styling and more fabulous parties.

You'll notice more wedding inspiration, vintage furnishings and stylish decor. The fashion will continue It can never stop...it's in my blood, it's who I am...it's what I Love.

There so much more in store...

Love

Nina