Its here again, my favorite show, the Elie Saab couture show, which never fails to enchant. A show filled with floating, floor-sweeping gowns of chiffon and organza, strewn in sparkling beads and delicate pearls. It is, as always, a MAGICAL fairytale . . . Among the fifty outfits that chinked and tinkled their way down the chandelier lined catwalk, there wasn’t one day look. Ultimately, many of these dresses are destined to be ordered in white: the painstaking attention to back details and long trains suggested that weddings are where Saab does most of his business.
Back stage, models puckered their pillowy pink lips against his cheeks in congratulation while somehow simultaneously posing and looking gorgeous for the photographers’ lenses. Everyone looked very happy, like princesses straight out of a fashion fairytale.
“My signature look is a combination of glamorous silhouette and feminine details.”
— Elie Saab
Today was another STUNNINGLY beautiful summer day. It’s that time of year again, where the 78 degree weather along the coast of sunny San Diego, justifies the insanely high rent prices that we begrudgingly pay each month. The sun-dappled terraces beckon and it’s impossible to stay indoors. The day brings sunshine that kisses your skin with warmth and nights filled with cool ocean breezes. Having this week off of work, I am making every effort to soak in the sunshine and enjoy this beautiful place that I live in and so often take for granted.
So, I’m wishing you a beautiful day wherever you are, with a reminder to enjoy the world that surrounds you. Wether that’s rolling hills, city architecture, sandy beaches, or mountains with flowers and streams… Don’t get so busy that you miss the beauty that’s all around you. For God’s creation is truly a masterpiece.
xo
I thought I’d start out this week with a little romance, which begs the question, ladies, is your tiara on straight? You never know when prince charming might sweep you off those Christian Louboutins and change your world forever… But until then, keep dreaming, never lose hope and wear beautiful dresses and accessories that make you feel like the gorgeous princess you are 🙂
Wishing you a magical week filled with beauty.
xo
Katy
These bathrooms are retreats of beauty and peace, let them inspire you to decorate your home with little touches that can turn a room from plain to pretty. Notice all the small details — the glass jars that hold everyday items while making the space look polished and glamorous, fresh florals, candles, oversized mirrors, folded towels and glittering chandeliers — all creating beautiful ambiance and style. Albert Hadley once said, “Decorating is not making stage sets, it’s not about making pretty pictures for the magazines; it’s really about creating a quality of life, a beauty that nourishes the soul.” Fresh flowers, candlelight, bits of gold and a lovely lingering scent are daily inspirations that make life a little sweeter.
We all need our beauty sleep. A well rested face is the first key to looking fabulous, so anything you can do to make your nights more restful is a great start. A self-proclaimed sheet snob, I have done a lot of research on what makes sheets quality and luxurious. Diving into the sheet world was rather complicated at first, long-staple vs short staple, cross weave, fabric mixtures, etc… It was overwhelming. As I began to understand it better, I was able to start buying the best quality sheets at great values because I now understood what made a sheet set truly luxurious. Below are the basics in a very easy to understand language so that you too, can understand what to look for when shopping for quality sheets.
Is thread count that important?
Yes and no. Thread count is often used as the barometer of a sheets smoothness and durability. However, this measurement– which should refer to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric– isn’t always reliable. High thread count is a factor, but the type of fabric is much more significant.
What is the best fabric?
Cotton Cotton Cotton!!!! Any other fabric or mixture of fabrics aren’t breathable. Top of the line is 100 percent Egyptian cotton. Second best is 100 percent pima cotton, also known by the trade supima cotton. If a label says simply “100 percent cotton,” assume that it’s American upland cotton, a rough and less expensive variety (no good.) Egyptian cotton’s long fibers produce sheets that are thin and sumptuous yet extremely strong and long-lasting. (The shorter fibers in upland cotton, by contrast, can poke out of the weave, leading to coarse and weaker fabric.) Pima cotton is also soft and less likely to pill than upland cotton. You can find a good queen set of pima sheets for less than $200. If you want the best, you’ll invest about $200-500 in an Egyptian cotton set in percale or sateen — both clean, classic weaves.
What is the difference between percale and sateen? Which is better?
Neither. It’s a matter of taste. Percale is a plain matte weave that has a crisp cool feel, so it may be sensible for people who tend to get overheated when they sleep. Sateen is slightly heavier and very soft, with a lustrous, smooth finish that’s almost satiny — hence the name. If you’re not sure which fabric you prefer, look for fabric swatches on display for a touch test.
In conclusion:
— Egyptian cotton is the best, and cotton is the only fabric that you should consider when buying sheets. Fabric mixtures such as cotton and polyester or any other fabric besides cotton (no matter how soft it might feel) is going to be hot and unbreathable, a great example, satin sheets.
— Long staple weave is the best. Short staple is going to be rough to the touch.
— If you have 100 percent Egyptian or Supima cotton, then thread count can be as low as 400 and still be very luxurious, obviously the higher the count the softer the sheet. But remember, those 1000 thread count sheets that are American upland cotton are going to be rougher and less durable than a pair of 200 thread count long-staple cotton sheets.
I hope this makes the sheet buying process easier to understand and that you can wrap yourself in luxury, giving you the best beauty sleep possible.
Wishing you the sweetest dreams. xo
Couture Makeup Blog - Makeup Artist Serving San Diego and Orange County. 
