Wedding Bliss

The Month of Love in America: February

By Diana Rohini La Vigne

Traditionally recognized for being the month of blissful love, February has arrived with the emergence of cupid and an abundance of heart-shaped chocolate sweets. This month brings along with it many high expectations and unknown surprises climaxing on Valentine's Day. February is well known in other ways by brides-in-waiting. This is the time to finalize many of the bride's wedding arrangements before the beginning of the ominous "Wedding Season."

Just a few years ago, brides looked at only a few select months in order to determine their wedding date. May, June, and September are still very popular, but the "Wedding Season" has burst out in all directions starting in March and ending in December, skipping only July and August. The average bride is engaged over 12 months and spends a shocking $20,000 on a wedding! Perhaps Fashion Forward can help you find innovative ways to spend this money. Skip the wedding cake, skip the garter toss, skip the stretch limousine and indulge in the wonderful luxuries offered right here in Boston.

Pamper is the first word that a bride (and groom) should try on for size. How about a Hot Stone treatment at your favorite salon? Smooth surfaced stones are steamed and placed on your sore, aching muscles. Next, a masseuse would use two stones to give you a deep muscle massage that leaves one relaxed and refreshed. This technique is not widely available at salons but promises to catch on quickly. Spas, beauty salons, and progressive health clubs offer more today than one can envision.

If you are planning a wedding and want to pamper yourself, try Mendi. It is trendy and traditional. It is an Indian ceremony of celebration. A Mendi artist paints a pattern with a Henna formula on your hands (and feet if desired). The process can take up to a few hours to dry completely, but the results are an auburn pattern on your hands that can last over a month. It is classic. This Henna is the same product used on hair.

You can turn your attention to your hair next by adding a splash of color in your hair with mascara. Hair mascara comes in all shades from metallic to bright colors that temporarily streak your hair for a dash of bright color to express yourself. This product can be easily washed out overnight and is found in most beauty supply shops. Hair mascara is grand for guys too!

Go from coloring your hair to coloring your nails, and try the latest glitter nail polish. It takes a few more layers to get a solid glitter base, but this nail polish will captivate everyone from children to seniors. Try red glitter for Valentine's Day!

Continue to spend your dowry by treating yourself to some of the international clothing found in and around Newbury Street. Remember the high school years when you tried so hard to be "one of the gang" without sticking out too much? Those days are long gone and replaced by a push for individual style — even if it means borrowing from a culture that is not your own.

Madonna, Erica Badu and Janet Jackson have been influenced by many different cultures. From the jeweled forehead symbol seen on a Hindu woman's head that indicates her material status to wrapping yourself in a hand designed batik sari, celebrities are seeking out more cultural influences to embrace. Find new ways to express yourself too. You can celebrate February, which is Black History month, with a bright colorful fabricated outfit. Total renewal of your mind and body are essential to keep the essence of your spirit alive!

Fashion is everywhere and has a huge influence in our everyday life. But Fashion is not just about clothing, it’s about one's style in life. Restaurants, accommodations, furniture, jewelry and even wine can tell you a lot about one's tastes, style and lifestyle. Fashion and your personal style should be celebrated on your special day and on each and every day! So throw caution to the wind, and learn to enjoy living in the "Season of Love."