Wedding Wednesdays: From Ms. to Mrs.

One semi-challenging task after tying the knot is changing your last name (if you choose to). This is something that isn't really done automatically. Critical thinking is involved when you go from Ms. to Mrs. because your new name needs to be changed on just about everything. Here are the best steps to get you there!

1. Get your marriage license
Before you can change your name, you'll need the original (or certified) marriage license with the raised seal and of course your new last name on it. Call the clerk's office where your license was filed to get copies if one wasn't automatically sent to you.

2. Change your Social Security card
Visit the Social Security Administration's website and fill out the application for a new Social Security card. You'll keep the same number but you'll need to update your name. Mail in your application to the local Social Security Administration office. You should get your new card within 10 business days (hopefully!).

3. Change your license at the DMV
This is the unfortunate part. Take a trip to the local Department of Motor Vehicles office to get a new license with your new last name. Bring every form of identification you can get your hands on; your old license, your certified marriage license and most importantly, your new Social Security card (whenever that arrives). Make sure you have enough dedicated time to spend at the DMV because we all know it takes a long time to get through that line!

4. Change your bank accounts
This one's a biggie, especially if you're setting up a joint bank account, or if you have one already set up. The fastest way to change your name at your bank is to go into a branch location. You'll need to bring your new driver's license and your marriage license. You should request new checks and debit and credit cards on top of changing the name attached to your accounts. Make sure to do this as soon as you can so that you can have access to your money.

5. Fill in the blanks - What else is left to change?
Once you have a social security card and driver's license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some places only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or social security card. Be sure to notify:

• Employers/payroll
• Post office
• Electric and other utility companies
• Credit card companies
• Schools and alumni associations
• Landlord or mortgage company
• Insurance companies (auto, home, life)
• Doctors' offices
• Voter registration office
• Investment account providers
• Your attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)
• Passport office

6. Do it the easy way
There is an easier way to officially change your name. Go to Hitchswitch Name Change through The Knot and choose your option. It costs $25-$50, but it's worth it since all you actually have to do is fill out one single form that will basically update your whole life. Even though this is convenient, I would still double-check on everything that needs to be changed.

Now that you've got all of this knowledge, you can devour the details of going from Ms. to Mrs. with ease! Enjoy showing off your new last name!

Tom Ford

Wildly popular in many rap songs, top fashion designer Tom Ford is making waves across the globe. What draws my attention to this? Well, following fashion trends is something I truly enjoy especially when accompanied with some type of event, like runway shows. I am a very visual person, so seeing new designs at these extraordinary fashion events is very appealing. Which brings me to this update from BizBash! On Oscar weekend, Tom Ford presented his fall 2015 collection in Los Angeles (for the first time), drawing the fashion world and Hollywood names to see his latest.

Just two days before the Academy Awards, Tom Ford turned heads by hosting his fall 2015 women’s runway show in Los Angeles. It was the first time the designer has ever shown on the West Coast, a decision driven partly by the first day of London Fashion Week. The February 20 outing at Milk Studios also served to marry the designer’s dual passions of film and fashion. Milk Studios stands at the crossroads of the fashion, music, photography, and film worlds. A media company based out of New York and Los Angeles, it spans contemporary culture and is a hub for nurturing creativity and supporting partnerships with some of the industry's most visionary talent and innovative brands. A truly unique venue for a fashion show but totally fitting for Tom Ford's grand designs.

Onto my favorite part, the specs and logistics! The 8,200-square-foot show space required leveling, so 4- by 8-foot steel deck modules were brought in, with each of the 200-plus module’s legs individually shimmed in order to create the final even surface. Ford’s team accessed Milk Studios six days prior to the event and worked in 24-hour shifts until Friday, the day of the show. In total, it took 150 hours to complete the set. On show night, the 3,000 square feet of exterior entranceways of Milk Studios were transformed into pavilions for arrivals, with areas carved out for a step-and-repeat and, on the other side, ample spaces for guests to receive their seat cards and relax alfresco.

The show venue, however, had no traces of Malibu sun and surf. A total of 18 “suites” lined both sides of the two-row runway seating, each boasting custom 12-foot walls, gray velvet draping, and gray carpeting. The smoky, sexy vibe is classic Ford and a further nod to his newest men’s fragrance, Noir Extreme, which was in the gift bag. The custom soundtrack, meanwhile, featured a playlist that included remixed songs by Jay Z, Marina featuring Charli XCX, Poe, Naughty Boy featuring Emile Sande, and Abel Korzeniowski.

In most scenarios, coordinating such a multifaceted affair involving so many moving parts would be a daunting task. But Ford’s show, from start to finish, offered a refreshing change of pace, maintaining a calm elegance and approachable atmosphere where editors, society types, and bold-faced starlets all intermingled. It is always inspiring to see someone devour the details to make their dreams come true. We tip our hats to you, Mr. Tom Ford. I look forward to seeing your next collection!

Uncork Your Next Date Night

I love being signed up for Gilt City Boston. They always send the most interesting deals that can make any ordinary date night into an even more memorable one. Today they are featuring a wine pairing and dinner for two at CLINK., the Liberty Hotel's fantastic restaurant. Why is this such a good deal? Well, for one, if you've never been to the Liberty Hotel, you will want to go for the historic aspect and two, your meal will be prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Bradford Rainville and his talented team.

The evening starts off with a reception where you can mingle with guests and sample flavorful canapés. Then you will sit down for dinner. Courses will range from morbier with charred carrots and nutmeg toast to braised brisket with fermented onions and espresso. Throughout each course, Chef Rainville and a guest winemaker will explain the pairings, not only satisfying your hunger but educating you in the art of creating the perfect, balanced meal. The pairings will feature blends from the most historic wine regions in the world. By blending grapes of complementary flavors, winemakers are able to create a more complex and enjoyable wine that enhances the flavor, texture, body and finish. Winemakers who have mastered the art of blending are able to meld the finest qualities of each grape, adjusting the acid, fruit, tannin and even alcohol level to create a wine that is superior to its counterparts.
Executive Chef Bradford Rainville combines international flavors with locally sourced meats, fish and produce. His menu showcases his refined cooking techniques, which earned him a nod from Boston Magazine as one of the city’s “Best Young Chefs.” CLINK. has such an unique atmosphere—complete with tables tucked away in former jail cells—making it the perfect setting for an out-of-the-ordinary date night. The Liberty Hotel has been called one of “The Sexiest Hotels in America” by ForbesTraveler.com, and The Improper Bostonian ranked it as Boston’s best “place to see and be seen.” The wine pairing and dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 6:30pm. The voucher is $158 and selling out fast, so secure your spot today!