As we all know by now, the Sex and the City II plot includes an outrageous, over-the-top girls' trip to Abu Dhabi (but actually filmed in Morrocco) where Carrie wears a multi-colored turban, as seen below.

Turbans were made popular in the 1940s by screen stars such as Hedy Lamarr. 

They were intended to add a little glamour to outdoor wear while protecting hair from the sun, but they evolved into statement-making evening wear when crafted out of more formal fabrics as Kate Moss demonstrates in the picture below.

Modern versions of the turban can be worn with casual styles.  I prefer hair to be worn down with the turban.  It gives it a less formal feeling for daytime wear.  To keep the retro vibe going, pair with either cut-off jean shorts or high-waisted jeans and a floral top and interesting, but not overwhelming, rings and necklaces.  You can also try a sweet floral dress in a vintage cut.

The style of this turban is ideal since it doesn't sit too high on the head, but I would choose either an ivory for brunettes or a navy for blondes instead of this sky blue.

If you are too shy about going all out and wearing an actual turban, you can still rock the trend, but with a turban-inspired headband as seen on Ashley (and Mary-Kate, I think).

This is an easier look to pull off, but it is also much more casual when the fabric is less formal, as it is below.  Only wear this while doing errands, sitting by the pool, or going to an uber casual lunch.  Pair with a simple sundress and gladiator flats for a flirty look.  H&M was carrying a headband very similar to the one pictured below at 1/10th of the price (although Gold Saturn did design Carrie's turban, so this is a must for all Bradshaw-wannabes!).

So, what's the verdict?  Will you be trying out the turban or the turban-inspired headband this summer? 

The night before your wedding should be all about relaxing, which I realize is almost totally impossible.  I have included some items below that can hopefully help you get the beauty rest you need before your big day.

First and foremost, make sure you wear a button down shirt so that you don't ruin your hair and makeup.  The pajamas and robe below are casual and modest enough to be worn during the preparation process if you get ready at home or in your hotel room. 

If you are going to be wearing a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown, do NOT wear a bra as it can leave red marks on your skin.  Choose comfy underwear such as those featured below.

The smell of lavender is so soothing and will lull you into a deep sleep.  How cute is this candle?  Of course you can always pick up a Yankee version for a fraction of this price, but I just loved the label on this one.

You want your skin to look flawless and healthy on your wedding day, so moisturize the night before and the morning of with a non-sticky, lightly-scented lotion.  I recommend this one from Avon.  Skin So Soft makes my skin look radiant without leaving behind icky residue.

Take your mind off of issues that may arise the next day and indulge your girly side with an old-fashion rom-com like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes featuring the ever fabulous Marilyn Monroe.  It will most definitely put you in a glamorous state of mind.

If you are going to a salon for your hair and makeup, slip on a simple button-down and linen pants.  Since you will be wearing heels the entire day, throw on a pair of flats.  And since you should always be glamorous, even at the hair salon, add a touch of gold with the casual feather necklace.

To all you brides out there - please try to relax and not worry on your wedding day.  You only get married once (hopefully) and you want to remember it as an exciting and happy time, not one wrought with worry and nerves.  I know its easier said than done, but everything turns out well in the end, so remember - imperfections are what make life interesting!

Sorry for the delay in posting.  I have been having a busy couple of weeks with weekend trips to Miami (gorgeous) and Orange County, VA (so fun) to celebrate the birthdays of one of my best friends and myself!  I love birthdays and I will continue to celebrate mine for the entire month of May, even though the actual date is May 3rd.  I just wanted to say thank you to my wonderful friends for making this past weekend so incredibly fun and fabulous!!  Now onto the fashion...

This post is meant for the bride, but this look would be appropriate for anyone. The rehearsal dinner is an important pre-wedding event where lots of pictures will be taken, so you want to create the perfect silhouette.  To me, this means accentuating your waist and creating a long leg line. This skirt is perfect because it has a tie waist with interesting draping that can make the outfit look less uptight and more casual and flirty.  

I decided to feature a skirt/top combo as opposed to a dress because, as the bride, you will be wearing a dress the next day, so it would be nice to change it up a bit.  Tuck this flowy top into the skirt and blouse it just a pinch for an effortless, chic look.  Navy is an almost universally flattering color.  

To create a longer leg line, I always go with a nude shoe.  These nude sandals are perfect and can be paired with most outfits.

These earrings and bracelet accentuate the green and navy from the skirt.  I LOVE these earrings!

Adding a clutch in an entirely new color adds a fashionable edge to the ensemble. 

Creating chic looks for events leading up to your big day are such an important part of the planning process, so don't forget to make time to plan them out!  Keep your eye out for deals on necessary pieces - many of these items can be found at discount prices if you look hard enough.

The bachlorette party is the night the bridesmaids look forward to the most (and the brides, the least) as it will most likely be a long series of embarassing moments for the soon-to-be Mrs.  It is the perfect night to let your hair down and wear your most "escanduloso" outfit as most of the attention will be focused on the bride and her ridiculous sashes and crowns.  Just remember the cardinal rule - short OR low-cut - NOT both.  Let's get to it!

This top is festive, but not over-worked and the saturated purple color suits most complexions and hair colors.

Pair the longer top with super skinny black pants with ankle zippers for a rocker (and kinda Jersey) look.  (P.S. As a native New Jerseyan, I am totally not dissing the Garden State, but celebrating its unique and quickly identifiable style that happens to be perfect for an all night party extravaganza.)

My best advice that I always share with others - if you are going to do heels when going out - ALWAYS wear ones with at least a half inch platform.  They are so much more comfortable than stilettos-sans-support.  These purple ones with the studding contribute to the edgy vibe we've got going and are an appropriate height for some walking and dancing.

I would skip the necklace since the top has so much going on around the neckline.  You never want your style to compete with itself because then nobody wins.  Complete the ensemble with a cuff and some dangly earrings.

To add an element of interest to this otherwise standard outfit, I added an over-the-top (and most likely out-of-the-budget) clutch.  I like that this clutch is a little larger so that you can store your survival kit (see below) in it.

Bachlorette parties are more like marathons than sprints with many hours spent getting ready, going to dinner, gabbing over cocktails, making fun of the bride, dancing, and more dancing.  It is essential that you come prepared, so I have put together a list of necessities for the big night out.

A bridal shower is one of the girliest events you will ever step foot in, so why not go with it and pull out the florals!?!  The JCrew dress below has a tranquil pattern and a flattering, modern cut.  

 If the shower is outside, grab a floppy hat to keep the sun off your face.

Nude sandals elongate the leg and *BONUS* these Nine West ones are on sale! 

Pearl earrings in a vintage style contribute a classic element to the style.

The pearl, bubble ring has a modern and playful feel.

One of my favorite parts of this ensemble is the clutch.  beegee bags has the cutest collection of bags that would make perfect presents for bridesmaids (hint, hint all you brides out there!).

REMINDER - in this post I featured a look that would be perfect for a wedding shower, but don't forget to keep searching or those deals!  Let us do the hard work for you and pick out an amazing ensemble for your next event while staying within that budget!