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Just when you think reality TV's skeeviest bachelor can't get any skeevier... he joins the Chippendales all-male revue in Las Vegas. Former Bachelor, Bachelor Pad, and Dancing With The Stars alum Jake Pavelka won't strip down with the tuxedo-collared dancers, but, starting in late February, Pavelka will host the show for four weeks.
"You know, I've always loved the idea of a live audience," Pavelka told The Hollywood Reporter. "I look at this opportunity to stretch my limits as a performer. I don't want to limit myself based on fear of backlash. Hosting a live show is something I have always dreamed of doing and now I get to."
Unfortunately for the hoards of bachelorette parties that will undoubtedly flock to the show, Pavelka is adamant that he's leaving the pec popping and bun locking to the professionals—unlike The Vow star Channing Tatum, whose former exotic dancing career inspired Steven Soderbergh's forthcoming film Magic Mike, in which Tatum co-stars with Matt Bomer and Matthew McConaughey.
We'll be skipping Pavelka's turn as a Chippendale, but any movie with three shirtless A-listers requires our immediate attendance. Like, pre-paid tickets to the midnight screening immediate attendance. See you there!
—Phillip B. Crook
Photo: Getty Images
How does it feel to be Camila Alves wearing an engagement ring from Matthew McConaughey? "It feels so great," Alves said in an interview with Us Weekly. "It's a rose cut. It's a beautiful ring."
Known for her modeling and tv-hosting careers, Alves showed off her ring for the first time at QVC's New York Fashion Week show yesterday. She walked the red carpet to promote her Muxo handbag line, which comes in at a close second as the most exciting development in the 29-year-old's life.
Topping the list, of course, is her engagement to McConaughey, who proposed Christmas morning and then tweeted the good news to his fans: "Just asked Camila to marry me, #MerryChristmas." The couple have been together for five years and have two children together—Levi, 3, and Vida, 1.
See more of our favorite celebrity engagement rings and wedding bands.
—Phillip B. Crook
Photo: Courtesy of Kay Jewelers
1. The cut of a diamond is most important of the four C's, as it determines the brilliancy. Even the cleanest and whitest diamond can look dull if its not well cut. (Note: Cut is not to be confused with the shape of a diamond, which refers to round, pear or marquise).
2. The cuts that best disguise duller diamonds are those with many facets, such as princess and brilliant cuts. Emerald cuts are hardest to disguise, as they have fewer, more elongated facets.
3. Clarity is more valuable than size. A smaller diamond with better clarity will always be more expensive than a larger, duller diamond.
4. Want to find out if a diamond has been perfectly cut? Look for the Hearts and Arrows effect. When viewed under special magnification, a diamond that releases its ultimate brilliance will show an optical illusion of hearts and arrows.
5. Don't be shy. Make sure to ask questions about the diamond - as many as you need. The job of a jeweler or retailer is to help customers become experts on their engagement rings, understanding their every detail. Obtain a certificate for the ring, which comes from a gemological laboratory and ensures the diamond's grade and cut.
Jean Paul Tolkowsky recently partnered with Kay Jewelers to offer the Tolkowsky modern Princess Ideal Cut Diamond.
Photo: Cassandra Stubbs
Photo: Via Ciao, Chessa!
Photo: Via I Suwannee
Photo: Courtesy of CAKE Vintage
—Rosie Purdy
Photo: Via The Paradime
Before Sid and Nancy became Sid and Nancy, they were just a couple of punks in love—a fact we're reminded of by a rediscovered list from 1978 penned by the 20-year-old Sid Vicious detailing Nancy Spungen's best qualities. Or, as Sid puts it, "What Makes Nancy So Great."
The list includes such affectionate observations as "makes extremely interesting conversation" and "even has sexy feet," but it was Sid's comment that Nancy "has fab taste in clothes" that got us thinking. What if the ill-fated lovers hadn't been so ill-fated? What would they have worn to get married?
Photos: Conde Nast Digital Studio (dress); courtesy of the vendors (others)
White dress or not, Nancy was never one to neglect leather. Her bridal ensemble wouldn't have been complete without a bitchin' motorcycle jacket paired with a roughed-up wedding gown and an iconic flash of animal print. Torn between the hard-edged cool of chain jewelry and the unapologetic glamour of rhinestones, Nancy was a devotee to statement accessories—so, obviously, as a bride she'd need to make a bold statement. Paint on a daring red lip and Nancy would be set to rock down the aisle.
Wedding gown, Anne Barge; Jacket, $47, H&M; Rhinestone earrings, $300, Dannijo; Bionda Castana shoes, $705, Browns; Lion collar necklace, $24, Miss Selfridge; Lipstick, $16, Topshop
Photos: Conde Nast Digital Studio (suit); courtesy of the vendors (others)
Not to be outdone by his bride, Sid Vicious might have pulled the ultimate shocker on his wedding day and actually worn a shirt. And maybe even a suit! But not just any suit, of course—a suit with a dark, Tim Burton-esque aesthetic that he could have paired with studded leather boots and heavy-metal jewelry. (Sid was famous for his silver lock chocker necklace.) No rock star is complete without his all-import 00004000 ant shades and a generous dose of hair product—although in the case of this spike-coiffed Sex Pistols bassist, make that the entire bottle.
Suit, Alexander McQueen; Boots, $53.72, ASOS; Mosley Tribes sunglasses, $107.99, Zappos; Balenciaga necklace, $445, Barneys; Got 2b gel, $5.99, Drugstore.com
—Phillip B. Crook
Photo: This Modern Life
Visit our Real Weddings gallery to see more of Sarah and Beth's Colorado farm wedding.
Photos: Courtesy of PSA Essentials
There comes a moment in every newlywed's life when you think, If I have to write my address on one more Thank You note... And that's when you reach for your self-inking custom stamp from PSA Essentials—also useful for creating DIY save-the-dates, invites, table numbers, and favors.
Based in Bluffton, SC, PSA Essentials offers a variety of personalized stamp styles with interchangeable border and center options. The company's peel-and-stick technology has a patent pending, but, imagine the polymer stamp plate as a sticky, clear relief of your design and you've basically got it.
Available in a variety of tones including a vibrant lime-and-pink combo, the stamp sports an easy-to-fill ink cartridge that allows for up to 10,000 impressions. There's even a nifty how-to video for anyone still confused by the refill instructions. Look for PSA Essentials' products in national retailers like Hallmark, as well as online at Amazon.com.
And find more ideas on our Invites & Stationery page.
—Phillip B. Crook
Just in time for Valentine's Day on Tuesday, I put together a roundup of my 10 favorite Valentine's Day cards—send one your sweetheart! See them all after the jump.
Photos: Courtesy of Lovely Bride
From the West Village to the West Coast, NYC's loveliest bridal salon is expanding to cities across the US, staring with the Feb. 14 opening of its new LA location. Seemingly destined for California's indie vibe, Lovely Bride caters to women whose independent spirit aligns them with designers such as Ivy & Aster, Carol Hannah, and Nicole Miller—all collections that will be carried in the new store, along with accessories by Untamed Petals, Twigs & Honey, and Lo Boheme.
Tucked away in a garden courtyard on North Robertson Blvd., the salon will host a larger celebration in April but is already taking appointments for its Valentine's Day opening. Visit Lovely Bride online for more information.
—Phillip B. Crook
Photo: Courtesy of Wedding Paper Divas
If you're hosting your wedding at a restaurant, like our featured couple Jill and Daniel, I like this simple invitation design from Wedding Paper Divas called "On the Menu." The pictured design is actually for a rehearsal dinner, but the text can be modified. It's a great, affordable choice (just $1.34 each for 100) for a more casual restaurant wedding celebration.
See more invitation designs in our Invites Gallery and find a stationer near you in our local vendor listings.
If you have a wedding invitation you'd like to submit for the blog, please email photos and a brief description to Heather Lee at contact@brides.com.
—Heather Lee
Photo: Love and Olive Oil and originally pinned by Natalie Goel
When we spotted this powdered sugar-dusted chocolate cake on Pinterest today, our first thought was "YUM!," immediately followed by the realization that the idea could also totally work as a DIY table number project. When displayed on reception tables, the stenciled cake first functions to help guests find their seat; then later, after dinner, guests can slice into each cake for dessert! (Granted, though, this type of display works best in cooler climates and at smaller receptions.)
Follow BRIDES on Pinterest to see more of our favorite wedding cakes and desserts and find out out what else our editors are repinning right now.
Photo: Samuel Lippke Studios
Today's featured couple Jill and Daniel hosted their wedding at an intimate restaurant in San Diego. For dessert, guests enjoyed slices of wedding cake, which was simply decorated with a sugar anenome flower. The popular wedding bloom, with its graphic black-and-white center, is such a striking cake decoration choice. You can even use fresh anemones, like this cake here (created by pastry chefs at the Montage Beverly Hills); when paired with a piped-icing monogram and branch motif, the overall design takes on a more rustic look.
See a close-up photo of the anenome wedding cake topper after the jump.
Video: Via YouTube
You'll need to give it a bit to get going, but, oh man, is this couple's first dance number worth watching...
—Phillip B. Crook
Photo: Courtesy of the vendors
Van Gogh Dutch Tea
4 oz. Numi Chocolate Puerh Tea
2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 oz. Heavy Cream
Sugar
Cocoa powder (for garnish)
Steep 1 Numi Chocolate Pu-erh tea bag at normal strength with freshly boiled water for 3 minutes, then remove bag. Add Vodka and stir. Whip cream with a little sugar and float on top. Dust with Powdered Cocoa to garnish.
Patrón Minty Cocoa
2 oz. Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa
.5 oz. white créme de menthe
1 oz. cream
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with fresh mint.
For more delicious cocktail ideas, check out our Food and Drinks gallery.
—Rosie Purdy
