Would you fake an engagement?

I’m not going to lie. At one point, I totally faked our engagement before Addison officially popped the question. The reason? We wanted to go to a bridal show at one of the venues I was dying to see. They only held the show once a year so it was our only shot of seeing it at a reasonable time before we were engaged.

However, now some girls are faking engagements who are SINGLE– and no, it’s not because they’re trying to drive away the creepers with fake engagement rings.

Twilight fans everywhere are flocking to bridal salons for a shot to try on Bella’s wedding dress from Breaking Dawn, which has already been replicated for wedding season. Alfred Angelo designed the replica at the amazingly affordable price of $799, which is attracting many fans who are bride-to-bes. But with bridal salons putting up cardboard cutouts of dream fiance Edward Cullen, it’s no wonder fake brides are emerging everywhere as young as high school age.

I just hope the workers at such salons aren’t getting too frustrated with all their fake bridal appointments. I know I’d probably be a little peeved myself.

What do you think: Would you ever fake an engagement? What would your reason be?

Nikki

Don’t miss Engagement 101 Spring 2012 issue!

There’s something quite magical about the month of December. Maybe it’s the cold weather or the upcoming holiday season. Or maybe it could be how awesome the latest issue of Engagement 101 magazine is!

Starting next week, you’ll be able to order a copy online. The December issue will hit the stands on December 20th. That’s right– it’s the perfect early Christmas present for yourself!

But this issue isn’t just for you and your girlfriends. In fact, it could very well be the perfect early Christmas present for your man if you’re wanting to drop the hint hard *wink wink*. This month we’ll be featuring your guy’s guide to pulling off the perfect proposal. Whether he wants to tailor the big moment to reflect your lifestyles or if he wants to figure out how to master the trend of the video proposal– he’ll have everything he needs to take the pressure off popping the question.

And for the ladies, you’ll LOVE flipping through this issue. Learn how to style your engagement ring three different ways and read about the women who design the rings you covet the most. This issue also soothes the soul by addressing common worries regarding whether or not this is the right time for you and your honey to transition into married life. All your fears will be put to rest. There’s stories from real couples like you, so you’re not going to want to miss out!

Make sure you get your order in or run out to the newsstand as soon as you can! Then rush home and kick up your feet with a warm cup of cocoa. There’s nothing like reading Engagement 101 magazine to put you in the mood for a lovely winter season of love, laughter and hopefully a proposal in the near future.

Nikki

Anne Hathaway’s Engagement Ring

Anne Hathaway has been through a lot  in the past number of years. She knows the value of quality in everything, from her men to her engagement ring. Over the years we’ve seen that Anne’s taste is always classic and chic. She’s very reminiscent of the iconic celebrities like Grace Kelly. It’s no surprise that her classic sense of style translates easiily into her relationship and her ring.

She just moved in with her 3 year romance Adam Shulman a few weeks ago and now she’s sporting a timeless engagement ring, said to have been co-designed by her fiance and , the century old jewelry house Kwiat Heritage. The company is renowned for high quality diamonds and settings.

Anne’s 6 carat round brilliant-cut center diamond is set into a timeless platinum setting, chosen to symbolize the enduring nature of a relationship. An estimated value for a similar ring would be approximately $150,000.00. True to her ease of classic style the ring was spotted while she was out walking her chocolate lab in the park.

Michael O’Connor

Photo via Popsugar.com

A cute Thanksgiving Day proposal

Thanksgiving is such a great time to be around family. For those wanting to involve family in their proposal, turkey day could be the appropriate time. This fellow took advantage of the day of thankfulness when proposing to his girlfriend, Carissa Rae. Check out how Michael Alvarado worked in his proposal seamlessly into a family tradition of hers. My favorite line was, “This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for you.” And of course her response at the end saying, “You sneaky sneaky!”

And as if that wasn’t cute enough, the two happen to be musicians as well. You may recognize them from their viral 90s song melody on Youtube. But honestly, I LOVE their music video illustrating the frustrations of a long distance relationships the most. As I sit here with my own fiance miles away, I can definitely relate.

Congrats Michael and Carissa Rae! May you never have to be long distance EVER.

What do you think: Would you ever propose on a holiday?

Nikki

Your Love Note on a Billboard with Robbins Brothers!!

If you always dreamt to tell your partner how much you love him/her on a huge billboard, here is your opportunity. With a new Share The Love campaign to headline its holiday marketing endeavors, Robbins Brothers, The Engagement Ring Store gives couples a chance to publically express their love for each other on a 14’ x 48’ digital billboard that can be shared on social networks with family and friends. Anyone can create a personalized message for their significant other by accessing the company’s newly designed Share The Love Facebook application and submitting a romantic, silly, fun, serious, unique or even abstract message up to 75 characters.

Once the love message has been submitted, a virtual billboard will appear on the author’s screen immediately, and within 24 to 48 hours the message will appear on the digital billboard for a total of 8 seconds. A photo will be instantly taken with the camera attached to the billboard and emailed to the author, who can then share it with loved ones on Facebook, other social networks or by email.

The digital billboard love note concept was developed by Robbins Brothers’ creative agency G&M Plumbing who felt the campaign would resonate with those at every stage in a relationship. “Whether the couple just started dating a few weeks ago or has been married for over 10 years, this is a perfect way to let your loved one know how special they are to you,” said Glenn Miller, partner/co-creative director. “It literally takes just a few moments to create and it’s a really fun and unique experience to share with friends.”

Top 5 things to be thankful for while engaged

With all the wedding planning going on, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s so great about being engaged in the first place. Whether you’re not yet engaged or you’ve been engaged for what seems like forever, take a step back this holiday season and give thanks for the cool parts of your engagement. After all you’re only engaged once. Kick back, relax and remember that regardless of all the stress, you are still you and he is still him.

5. You can send cute engagement announcements or save-the-dates. Check out what this couple did. It’s short, sweet, and super cute.

4. Engagement photo shoots are the best way to showcase a couple’s personality. Check out this amazing photo story done for this unique couple’s engagement. Love conquers all, including zombie attacks.

3. Your proposal will be a an incredibly special memory regardless of how it went down. Check out this guy’s proposal to his long distance girlfriend after a high speed chase!

2. You get to wear a rock on your finger to represent your love. Have you checked out Engagement 101’s awesome gallery of rings yet? There’s a style and fit for every kind of bride. Whether your ring is custom made, a twist-tie, an heirloom, or something you won in a contest like mine, there’s no denying that the sparklies are awesome, and not just because of their beauty.

1. YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED TO THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE! That, of course, is the most important of all. So grab your fiance (or fiance-to-be) and let them know that you’re thankful for him or her.

What do you think: What are you most thankful for while being engaged?

Nikki

101 with Diamond in the Rough

Teegan Conti is the expert when it comes to a hot new trend, diamonds “in the rough”. Let’s discover what is so special about those diamonds.

Let’s start with basics, what is a “diamond in the rough”? How is it made? What colors are available?

Clients don’t usually realize that diamonds are actually born “in the rough” and change many hands while being cut, polished, and faceted thus producing the “shiny” diamond most people know. In history, maharajas and kings wore diamonds “in the rough,” feeling as if they were sacred and by altering them in anyway, they would lose their mystical powers. It wasn’t until the 14th century that diamonds began to be faceted and available to the general public.

At Diamond in the Rough, we’re committed to creating one of a kind pieces so brides-to-be and the fashion forward can wear diamonds as custom pieces of art. Selecting only those we believe are perfect without cutting, polishing or enhancing, we honor the different shapes and idiosyncrasies that create a rough diamond’s unique character.

Our designs are dictated by what natural shapes, colors, and sizes we discover. Colors include white, vivid yellow, black, green, cognac, pink, and red amongst others. Two of our most noteworthy finds were of rough diamonds in the shape of a heart and the Star of David. Unlike polished diamonds, which take on certain shapes once cut, these diamonds were inherently born encompassing their natural geometric shapes; no human hand altered them along the way. In terms of value, over90% of a polished diamond’s value is actually in the rough itself; 10% or less is in the labor of the cutter.

Who is the woman who choses DITR for her engagement ring?

The woman who chooses Diamond in the Rough for her engagement ring is fearless, a thoughtful individualist, and is effortlessly chic. Our customers appreciate the fact that no two rings are ever alike because each rough tells it’s own extraordinary story. Having their loved one present them with a rough diamond ring takes them away from looking at a diamond as a commodity and allows them to focus on telling their own distinctive love stories with a gift as unique as they are.

What is your favorite engagement ring in the collection and why?

It is so hard to pick a favorite from the collection; each has such a distinct character, and we truly believe that each ring finds its appropriate mate! One ring we love is our “Unity” ring with a cognac rough diamond set in platinum. The natural white color of the platinum allows the cognac rough to really pop and make a statement. The “Unity” setting beautifully incorporates branches of micro pave diamonds, which separate at the last moment to showcase the exquisite rough diamond.

You work with celebrities. What do they like about diamond in the rough?

We have had the unique opportunity to work with many of the world’s leading celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Alicia Keys, Emily Blunt, Kelly Osbourne and many more. Although each of these stars has their own unique style, they all love that our pieces are truly one of a kind, meaning no one will be able to fully replicate their red carpet look! While Jennifer, Hilary, and Kelly opted for our edgy “Iceberg” collection, Demi, Alicia, and Emily favored the classic design elements found in our “Champagne Bubbles” and “Covet” collections. Each rough diamond has it’s own distinct aura and looks for the woman who embodies the same qualities to create the perfect pairing.

Blake Lively is getting very serious with Ryan Reynolds. She would love DITR I am sure so which engagement ring would you pick for her?

I would have to pick our “Embrace” collection for Blake Lively, specifically our yellow gold and brilliant yellow ring. Our “Embrace” collection incorporates our signature “X” design, where bands of micro pavé diamonds embrace the rough diamond with love and beauty. As the new face of Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, Blake encompasses a mix of classic beauty with modern elegance, much like our “Embrace” engagement ring. The yellow gold setting is definitely a nod to classic style, but the brilliant yellow rough gives it a unique and modern look.

Are chocolate diamonds cool?

As a soon-to-be bride, I already have my diamond securely placed on my finger (thanks mainly to the awesomeness that is Simon G. Jewelry’s Perfect

Proposal Contest and my fiance, of course), but that doesn’t mean I still don’t eye the ads on television and in magazines.

But this week, I saw two commercials from two different jewelry retailers featuring something I had never heard: the chocolate diamond.

Translation: A diamond that is brown.

I didn’t get it. Sure, I’m among the many who love the new trend of different colored diamonds and even gemstones for engagement rings. I knew a girl who owned a pink diamond class ring,
and I too have oohed and awed over some of the canary diamonds many celebrities are flashing around these days. But a brown diamond? The more I look at it, I guess the prettier it seems. But it still doesn’t shout “BRIDAL” to me.

Maybe I’m just too used to my own piece of clear and rainbow sparkles.But I have to ask, does anyone own one of these new and trendy puppies? Would you want to? And even more importantly, would you have it be the symbol of your everlasting love?

Let me know what you think! I’m dying to hear real stories of chocolate diamond lovers!

So, chocolate diamonds: new, modern delicacy or lame way to pawn off less-than-perfect diamonds?

Nikki

Margherita Missoni is engaged!

The youngest child of the very fashionable Missoni family is getting hitched! 28-year-old Margherita is marrying 26-year-old Eugenio Amos, a race car driver. The engagement is slated to last less than a year with a possible June or May wedding, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

Being from a famous designer family and being a designer herself, Margherita’s engagement is spurring one main thought  in everyone’s mind: WHAT WILL SHE WEAR?

I know I’m among the many who can’t wait to see what her wedding dress will look like. I wonder if she’ll be feeling the pressure to wear something fabulous?

What do you think? Should someone pick their wedding dress based on the expectations of others?

Nikki

Find the perfect dress for your engagement party!

Looking for something to wear at your engagement party? Get inspired by Kirribilla cocktail dress collection.

Kirribilla was created in 2007 by childhood friends Amanda Thomas, Faye Davison Rexing and Phoebe Davison who craved dresses that turn everyone’s heads. This collections of feminine dresses are inspired by the many destinations the girls have visited from the glamour of southern France to the natural beauty of Hawaii. These faraway influences are combined with the free spirit of their native California to create eye-catching dresses that help women make the most out of every occasion.

Headquartered in the beautiful Marina neighborhood of San Francisco, Kirribilla produces dresses that are not only fashionable, but also sustainable. All garments are manufactured locally in the San Francisco Bay Area.