Weekly Gallery : Planning a gorgeous LAKE wedding!

This week’s gallery is really more of a collage.  I was inspired after speaking with my cousin earlier this week regarding her June 2013 wedding.  She’s getting married at a resort on the gorgeous Priest Lake in Idaho!  I am beyond excited because this location is one of the most magical places in the US!!  Her mother grew up vacationing on this lake, so it has special meaning to my cousin and her immediate family.  And, because it will be a summer wedding on the beach, she chose a bright color palette of orange and lime!  These bold colors will play will with the gorgeous natural background of the lake.  My favorite idea so far? The bride and groom are going to take photos on their wooden boat!!  With all this exciting wedding planning, I couldn’t help but make a collage!  I even included some pics of the resort where the wedding will be held ;) I am so thrilled for you, Liv, and you are going to be such a beautiful bride!

Have a great weekend, and stay warm!

~Annie K.

This Week’s Gallery: Summer Lovin’

If you can believe it, it’s going to be well below zero degrees this weekend here in MN.  Listen, I can handle winter and snow, but when things get this cold, I want to be anywhere but here!  Believe it or not, when I was younger, we would have cold days…not just snow days, but days where school was cancelled due to the chilly temperatures.  Crazy!! With temperatures as cold as this, even my favorite hot chocolate treat is no consolation.  And let’s be honest.  Though I wish I was able to be this winter goddess dressed in Burberry boots, a gorgeous Moncler jacket, and Chanel earmuffs, I’ll  most likely resemble this little guy to the right!  So for this week’s gallery it’s no surprise that I’m thinking summer.  I’m thinking beaches, bronzed skin, sunglasses, and the warm, warm sun!!

 

Hope everyone stays warm this weekend! ;)

~Annie K.

Red Carpet Recap!

Hollywood’s award season kicked off last night with the Golden Globes. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting the show, Lena Dunham’s two wins, and a surprise in the form of President Bill Clinton presenting the movie “Lincoln” were some of my favorite moments. And, the red carpet….stunning! All those new moms looking fabulous, (Claire Danes is ridiculous!) grown women in prom-like ballgowns, and enough skin to make Grandma blush. Yep, just another glamorous night in Hollywood!

Top Trends: All Black, B&W, Soft Colors, Red Carpet RED, Sparkle and Shine, and the classic Ballgown.

And, it was a tie for my favorite gown of the night!

~Annie K.

This Week’s Gallery: Black & White!

Black and white has been predicted a top trend of 2013, AND the fashion powers that be say we’ll be seeing a lot of it on the red carpet at this weekend’s Golden Globe Awards.  Black and white has always been a favorite style choice of mine.  Maybe it’s my blond hair and pale skin, who know’s.  But, I’ve always liked the color combo.  In fact, for my junior prom I wore all black look.  It was a Jessica McClintock two piece with a black tube top and a black fluted skirt.  And I had my hairstylist straighten my hair with a blow dryer because there wasn’t any straightners yet! (#darkages)  I modeled it after Gwyneth Paltrow’s 1999 Golden Globes look. (soooo avant garde back in ’99 when all the girls were wearing puffy pastels…haha) Then, for my senior prom I decided to go opposite and wear white.  Unfortunately I looked more like a child bride than the gorgeous Gwyneth..oops!  So here’s this week’s gallery.  In honor of the classic trend (yes, I do believe a trend can be classic) of Black and White.

Have a great weekend!

~Annie K.

 

 

 

 

The AKL Boudoir Accessories Collection is HERE!!

It’s official!  The Anne Kristine Lingerie Boudoir Accessories Collection is here!  The accessories are now sold at the AKL Etsy store!  These gorgeous lace masks are the PERFECT way to add a high fashion touch to any boudoir shoot, or costume!  And with bircage veils in 10+ colors, who wouldn’t want to wear one?  My favorite veil?  Hmmm….that’s touch, but I think the dotted tulle is amazing!

And to kick off this collection, I wanted to post some of the detail shots that you may or may not see at the store!

And here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at the mood boards that helped inspire the collection!

So please, check out the new Etsy store, and let me know what you think!

~Annie K.

The 6 Bras You MUST Have In Your Closet!

It’s now 2013!!  Can you believe it?!  I certainly can’t….but another year has passed.  People are already busy making resolutions about diet and exercise, eating more vegetables and drinking more water, and I am more dreading going to my (most likely packed) gym this week, (I don’t like being all sweaty and gross among hundreds of strangers). But, I thought I would join in the resolution fun.  Here’s my 2013 resolution challenge to everyone: ”2013 is the year I will clean out my lingerie drawer!”  This week’s goal is to organize your bras!  I know, this is a daunting task.  You might have to say good-bye to your favorite thin and worn out “sweatshirt” bra from 10 years ago.  And, yes, if a bra doesn’t fit you anymore (no matter how cute it is)…..get rid of it!!  I get it.  I’m one of those women who doesn’t “notice” my bra is old until the strap just rips out because it’s so disintegrated. (I know…epic confession)  So, to help us on our 2013 bra journey, I’ve come up with six bras that we MUST have in our closets (or drawer in my case). Click on the photos for where to buy info.

1.  The Strapless Bra  

This bra is not just for formal dances.  A strapless bra is perfect to wear under layering camisoles in the colder months, and can be worn under all sort of tops in the summer. And most (like this OnGossamer bra to the right, comes with convertible and adjustable straps!)

 

 

 

2. The Nude T-Shirt Bra

This one I like to call “the sensible nude bra”, but it’s a must because you can wear it under anything, especially a classic white tee, and look fabulous.  Bonus if it gives you a little push-up (like this Chantelle bra!)

 

 

3. The Basic Black Bra 

Except there’s nothing basic about it!  Make it a demi cup (like this Miss Studio by La Perla bra) to wear under sexy scoop neck tops and rock a little cleavage.  Even under a sweater, a black bra always adds a little sexiness to your day. ;)

 

 

 

4. The Lace Bra

It’s a must have bra because it’s so pretty. And, let’s be honest…sometimes you want a little lace to peek through.  And get your lace bra in a fun color for some variety (Like this Betsey Johnson one)!

 

 

 

5. The Full on Flirt Bra 

This is the bra that need to be seen!  It’s much too flirty to keep under your clothes ;)   So don’t worry about if it shows through, or the bows are too much…this is your full on flirt bra! (LOVE this bra by Maison Close.  It’s much to gorgeous to be hidden!)

 

 

 

6. The Trendy Bra                

This might be the least practical bra, but a girl’s gotta feel “on trend”, so why not wear a bra that says you know what’s going on in the fashion world?  Try leopard or neon! (These Mimi Holliday bras are prefect!!)

And, because I’m making you throw out your old, but comfy bras, here’s some replacements!

7. The Comfy Bra 

Perfect for lounging and relaxing. If you  must wear a bra, but want to be completely comfortable, try a Hanky Panky Signature Lace Bralette!

 

 

 

Happy 2013, and I wish everyone well as you organize your bras!!

~Annie K.

 

Weekly Gallery: Happy New Year’s!!

I can’t believe it’s already time to bid farewell to 2012?!  What. A. Year.  This week’s gallery is inspired by our annual tradition of sparkles, booze (champs anyone?), countdowns and kisses.  So here’s to wearing your sequin mini WITH your sparkly shoes AND a sparkly eye!  (and if you’ve got a sparkly clutch, bring it!!!) Girl, you have one night where there is no limit to how much you shine!!  (And, if you’re staying in this NYE, yummy cupcakes are totally worthy of ringing in 2013!)  CHEERS!!!

Have a lovely New Year’s and a fabulous 2013!!!

~Annie K.

7 Reasons This is the Most Wonderful Time of Year!

It’s the first “official” day of Winter! For this week’s gallery, it’s only appropriate to celebrate the best parts of the season. And this means:

1. Winter Sports (my faves are cross-country skiing and ice skating!)

2. Cute and Cozy Outfits (especially Nordic sweaters!)

3. A Snowy Central Park (Is there anything more romantic? I’ll answer that…no!)

4. Holiday Decorating (magical)

5. Reindeer (love them!)

6. Cuddling up by a fire (perfect winter date night!)

7. Hot Chocolate (#duh)

Have a lovely and ”wintery” weekend!!

~Annie K.

(To see more winter time photos, visit AKL’s “Winter Wonderland” pinterest board!)

A sneak peek at AKL’s New “Boudoir Accessories” Line!!

So…..great news!  Anne Kristine Lingerie is launching a new collection of accessories!!  Specifically lace masks, bird cage veils, and garters!  This new collection is designed to be a little sexier than your average bridal accessories.  Perfect for a boudoir shoot! 

I just couldn’t wait, so here’s a sneak peek at the GORGEOUS lace masks!! 

AKL’s “Boudoir Accessories” coming soon……….(!!!)

~Annie K.

A Few Good Reasons For A Winter Boudoir Shoot!

We had our first big snowfall this past weekend!  (Listen, that’s a big deal here…we take our snow very seriously…what’s worse than a Minnesota winter is a Minnesota winter without snow!!)  As the snowflakes started to fall, I couldn’t help but dream of a cozy ”snowed in” day.   Reality is bit different than my winter fantasies, however.  Snuggling by the fireplace is replaced with plowing and shoveling. (15″ adds up fast!)  BUT all this snow and wintertime goodness got me thinking about sexy winter boudoir shoots. (Naturally..isn’t that what everyone thinks of when looking out their window at over a foot of snow?)  And, why a winter boudoir shoot is perfect! 

Forget bikini bod ready…..a sexy sweater will do just fine, thank you!

 

(okay, maybe you need a bikini ready body for that last shot, but laying down does help…right!)

Or even wearing just a coat for a sexy twist.

And, what a fantastic way to incorporate this season’s trendiest blanket, the fur throw!

Or, a holiday theme might be fun.

And last, but not least…do we really need another excuse to add hot chocolate…yes!

So, as you can now clearly see, a cozy and wintery boudoir shoot is a fabulous idea!  

~Annie K.

Weekly Gallery: All Hail To The Princess

This week has been big for babies.  Shakira leaked an ultrasound photo, Gisele and Tom welcomed their baby girl, Vivienne, into the world, and the biggest new of all…….William and Kate are expecting!!!  It seems the mom-to-be is having a difficult first trimester, but according to my very scientific research (aka eonline.com) she has left the hospital.  Cheers! (with a non-alcoholic beverage of course….)

I spent some time wondering why we are so obsessed with the Royals.  (Not much time, don’t worry!) And decided for me it’s the fantasy.  Being a princess, come on!  When I was little, I’m pretty sure I actually got down on my knees and prayed that I would miraculously turn into She-Ra (otherwise known as the Princess of Power! ) and/or Princess Leia. (further proof)  But I would have been more than happy settling for just the regular old Princess of Wales, or Duchess, or whatever.  Though I can’t comment on my deluded 5 year old wishes, I can say that Kate makes a fabulous princess.  (Or rather will make…she’s not technically a princess yet, right?) She is always poised and elegant, with her glossy hair and immaculate wardrobe.  Where I would be running down the halls of Buckingham palace shouting out orders and demanding everyone to kneel in my presence. (not really, but I would be much less poised…I can tell you that!)

Back to today’s Gallery…It’s in honor of our princess fantasies.  Kate may be living it, but we can still dream!

~Annie K.