Featured Stylish Planner of the Week – January 14, 2010

Latrice Cushenberry, Nashville, Tennessee

Note from Jeannine: I first met Latrice Cushenberry about this time last year at the Southern Weddings Magazine Premiere Party here in Atlanta.  Latrice’s personality can best be summed up in one word: integrity.  Just listen to her talk about her clients, and you know they are receiving a level of customer service we often do not see today.  She has an amazing work ethic and intense focus that I really admire.  Latrice and I have very similar beliefs about looking and being your best in business and life.  I am genuinely blessed to call her my friend – she makes me want to be a better person.  Please enjoy getting to know Latrice and reading about her professional, savvy style!

Company Name: Bridal Opulence

Number of years in business: 3

Website: www.BridalOpulence.com

Blog: www.BridalOpulenceBlog.com

How would you describe your personal style?  That is a hard question because it depends on my mood.  I would say classic chic, with modern touches through accessories, I love chunky and fun jewelry and great scarves.  Accessories can make a simple outfit pop!  You must accessorize!

What is your “go-to” meeting attire?  When I schedule meetings through the week, its typically business casual, slacks & blouse with a kitten heel or unique flats,  On the weekends I tend to dress down for meetings wearing a wide leg denim trouser & trendy top with accessories.  {Get the trend…accessories!)

What is your “go-to” evening industry event attire? (i.e., associational meeting, vendor or venue open house, etc.)  Dress trousers with a dressy blouse or blazer.  I always try to have a conversation piece with my jewelry.  It sometimes breaks the ice especially when at networking events.  I have found that people will comment/compliment you on things that catch their eye, which in turn makes it easier for them to approach you and strike up a conversation.

What is your attire for wedding/event day set-up? For the day of the wedding, I typically wear all black.  I have some favorite wide leg black yoga pants, that really can be dressed up or down and they are super comfortable paired with a black t-shirt with simple jewelry.  My shoes are very important because many events its normal to work a 12 – 14 hour day, so I wear Cole Haan shoes because of their Nike Air cushion insoles.

What is your attire for actual wedding/event?  My typical attire for the wedding/event is black trousers & monogrammed company black blazer.  I try to jazz up the uniform with a bold necklace that compliments the wedding color palette.  Shoes – Cole Haan zebra print loafers or a patent leather black Cole Haan loafer.

What style and brand of shoes do you wear on wedding/event days?  See above – Cole Haan – I am very loyal!

What are your favorite jeans and why?  I have 2 favorites – Gap Long & Lean because I am a short and they really elongate my legs, especially with a great heel shoe.  I also like Seven jeans in dark denim trouser boot cut because they can be dressed up or down.

What are a few of your favorite cosmetic products?  I am very loyal to MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Foundation.  I am beginning to play up my eyes a lot more and am learning to do a smoky eye.  I am loving MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadows & also on the cost effective end, I have found E.L.F. Shadows are great along with their eyelash/eyebrow gel combo mascara.  L’Oreal Volume Shocking Mascara is a staple in my makeup case also!

What products are in your current skincare regimen?  I use an African Black Soap Bar to cleanse my face daily.  It has really helped to even out my skin tone.  I follow that with a Nutrimin C Reality Day Creme, SPF 8.  Every 8 weeks I try to have a microdermabrasion treatment.  In between the treatments, I create a scrub for my face using baking soda & water and it works as a great exfoliator.

Who is your favorite celebrity style icon and why?  I love First Lady Michelle Obama’s style.  She is classic & timeless with flair.  Also, Kimora Lee Simmons for how she wears her accessories.

Please share with us (in 50 words or less) your favorite beauty or style tip: Your personal style makes you unique, accessories create that WOW factor – don’t be afraid to be different!