Sugar Rush Events is owned by Kristen Jensen. Kristen’s love of planning, passion and spirit is evident at every event. Her creativity and ingenuity make her stand out among the rest. She is always staying on top of the latest trends and allowing her client’s visions to come to life. Her laid back demeanor and easy going attitude make planning fun. Kristen is able to give her clients peace of mind on their wedding day…and that is the greatest gift a bride could ask for. Sugar Rush Events is run by a team of experienced event planners. Each planner shares the same love, and expertise as Kristen, so whether you are working with Kristen or one of her highly skilled team members; your experience will always be sweet and thrilling!

So how about that name? “Well, people ask where we came up with the name Sugar Rush Events. A Sugar Rush is thrilling! It’s full of energy and life. When planning an event, you get an incredible high, and have the time of your life while doing it. Events, just like sugar rushes, are exhilarating!”

When asked what she wants people to walk away with after planning their wedding she says, “I would want people to say that they had FUN planning their wedding with me. That the wedding planning experience was stress free, relaxed and an experience they will always remember. I would want clients to say that I am creative and design out of the box, but always keeping their budget, needs and wishes in mind. I would like brides to say that I am professional, reliable, and quick to respond to their needs. I would want all my past brides to say that they will pass my name along to all their single and engaged friends, and that I am a must-have in their wedding planning process.” Well, to that I say most Brides and Grooms would agree; since Kristen has gotten started she has won a handful of awards, including ‘The Knots’ Best of Weddings for 2010 and KRON ‘Best of the Bay’ event planner in 2009!

I always ask my entrepreneurs where they see themselves in ten years, to this she replies, “In 10 years I see myself first and foremost still raising my family and enjoying time with my husband. Family is always number one in my life. My second love in life is Sugar Rush and I see myself growing my business and expanding. I would love to hire more event planners over the next few years, and really take over the Bay Area market. I work with amazing event venues in this area and have built solid, trusting relationships with them. I would love to be the name they refer to all the brides that walk in the door. It is so thrilling to me to see what I can do now; I can’t wait to see what I can do over the next 10 years.”

I wish Kristen good luck in the years to come; I know she will be a success! Sugar Rush can be found at www.sugarrushevents.com, and can be seen featured on Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Modern Bride, and Today’s Bride.

Special thank you to: Imagesbylori.com, Trendz Salon, Mindi Boni for NARS Cosmetics, J’aime Bridal Pleasanton for contributing to this article.

A Lot to Say, Inc. was founded by two sisters. They grew up locally and both are California at Berkeley graduates. Having successful first careers, they wanted to do something outside of their primary businesses; something that they could not only do together, but something that was fresh and timely that would inspire them, as well others. So Allison packed up her family and moved back to her hometown in New York, to be with Jennifer and spearhead their idea.

They came up with a concept for a green t-shirt line that utilized the power of the written word. They gave their idea a voice and a place in the world. That voice was smart, provocative, factual and easy to understand, and the message was informative and empowering.

Their environmentally-friendly clothing line is, in addition to everything else, also super cute—something imperative to the sisters. All of their shirts are made of environmentally-respectful materials and organic fabrics, and they’re made in the USA, which means no sweatshop labor.

But the sisters had more work to do before their line would be all they could make it. They uncovered a true, but startling fact: it took an average of 15-25 gallons of water to traditionally dye just one t-shirt—to them, that was15 -25 gallons too many. They educated themselves further, not only about the statistics concerning global water supplies but also about the challenge of California’s strict water conservation policy over the next five years. That, paired with the issues of toxic dyes and the fact that bamboo and cottons aren’t all that healthy for the planet (they require a lot of processing to make them soft and therefore are not so environmentally-friendly) they sought to be pioneers of the ultimate sustainable, environmental shirt.

Their journey paid off as they found an amazingly soft material, the best part being that this cozy fabric was made entirely of RECYCLED BOTTLES. The materials, saved from not having to grow, harvest and process the raw materials, helps conserve our planet’s limited resources. At the same time, it also played a huge part in removing non-biodegradable materials from landfills.

After only one year, their shirts are being sold at Barney’s, and more recently were named “the most environmentally and progressive line of message apparel and lifestyle products on the market in the US today.”

A win-win anyway you look at it. These ladies really do have “A lot to say” and if you think they’re going to stop anytime soon, you’re in for quite a surprise!

To purchase A Lot to Say clothing and accessories, go to http://shop.alottosay.com/.

At the Golden Globes, all the celebs were rocking this color. Chloe Sevigny owned it in a flowing Valentino number and in the most bittersweet moment of the night winning an award for her performance on Big Love and having that gorgeous dress stepped on by her escort. Also giving the color a whirl were Nicole Kidman, Monique, and Drew Barrymore. Then we saw it again at the Oscars on Miley Cyrus and Anna Kendrick. Anna did take a bit of criticism for her choice though because it was too close to her skin color and washed her out. Which brings me to my warning about these shades—be careful when choosing a nude. With Darker skin you can go light, but if you’re already fair, like Anna and me, pick something a little darker.

Now all of these examples I’m giving you are gowns, but I’m sure you’re asking yourself, “Where can I wear this when it’s not award season?” Well, this color also works great casually. I saw it in the windows at both Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. And here are two great pieces one from OLIVE Boutique in Danville, and one from Micheal Stars in Walnut Creek.

And for spring/summer 2010 nothing looks more chic than a classic nude or neutral paired with an electric blue. This dress “Oscar the Third, $198” Dress is a perfect example of the blue I’m talking about.

Twisted Silver jewelry is the brainchild of East Bay local Deb Mitchell. Doing jewelry her own way, “perfectly imperfect” she likes to say, with earthy base metals, recycled and vintage asymmetry throughout. This distinctive and edgy indie line thumbs an irreverent nose at conventional jewelry rules.

A frequent participant in the GRAMMY galas and other prominent events as well as a recurring contributor to Julie Kenney’s company and yet another outstanding local business, Jewels and Pinstripes gift bags; www.jewelsandpinstripes.com. Twisted Silver adorns numerous distinctive celebrities including Maria Shriver, Nicolette Sheridan, American Idol’s Kara DioGuardi, and most recently Twisted Silver received a call from Sheryl Crow, all of whom are head-over-heals for these personality-amplifying designs. But it doesn’t stop there, young fashion mavens to soccer moms embrace Twisted. Featured in a variety of style publications, and often spotted on both TV and runway Twisted has Main Street to the uber hip Hollywood elite energetic about her line.

Rocker Earth Necklace $70.00

Peace Love Earrings $50.00 Vibe Ring $40.00

Justice Cuff $100.00

Wanna Get Twisted??
Visit www.twisted-silver.com to purchase online or visit a local Twisted retailer to touch, feel, try on and fall desperately in love. Available at

Now I know what you’re thinking: “Wow Marissa—stripes—I’m so glad I have your article to tell me something so mundane and monotonous.” OK, OK, stripes may be “regular,” but your approach to them doesn’t have to be.

Take a cue from the French—they’ve been all about the striped boat neck for decades, and what do we immediately think of when we think of French woman? One word: Fashionable!

Besides shirts, I’m seeing stripes on shoes and hair clips and dresses, oh my! Anthropologie even has a whole striped section on their website right now, www.anthropologie.com.

Here is a super cute pair of Sam Edelman wedges that you can get on the site, along with this strapless number that I’m totally crushing on right now!!!

Lastly, I know that most woman think that nothing good can come from wearing horizontal stripes below the belt, but I’m taking a stand and saying, “Yes you can!” Pleasure Doing Business is making a killing on this fact. Pictured is Aubrey O’Day wearing one of the many styles PDB has to offer. Others who have been seen sporting these flattering stripes are Rihanna, Heidi Klum, and Kristen Cavallari, and for under a hundred bucks, you can too! www.boutiquetoyou.com has all the styles of this awesome must have.

You may have seen the likes of Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna going WAY overboard with this trend.

But there is a classy way to wear this look without being too Working Girl.

Urban Outfitter and some local boutiques have an array of adorable, affordable shirts and dresses with shoulder pads that won’t have you looking like a Star Trek extra. Adding a little lift but a lot of edge!

Here is a cute Fur Shrug (faux), by Prairie Underground available at Eco-Friendly Boutique Olive for $198.

Here are some celebrities who got it just right.

Unlike her friend in the biz Rihanna, Ciara is taking a little less risk and nailing the trend.

The always-amazing Beyonce gets an A+ for this form fitting dress.

And one of my personal fashion icons, Mary-Kate Olsen, looks stunning in this LBD.

Fashionbly Yours, Marissa Sullivan
I welcome your comments at marissa@aliveeastbay.com