Posts tagged Wedding dress

From Marchesa to Nicole Miller, designers are reminiscing over past dress trends, and I absolutely love it! 

Carolina Herrera

Marchesa

Nicole Miller

Alice Temperley

Looking for a more traditional or vintage wedding dress? Long sleeved lace is the way to go! It’s stylish, sophisticated and quite sexy. Just all-around lovely, isn’t it?

A lovely blend of elegance, romance, and natural beauty, the ivory floral motif flutters with touches of champagne.

(Source: zazzle.com)

Jim Hjelm is known for unique detailing and combining luxurious fabrics with delicate embroidery.

I don’t pay much attention to trends. Although one movement I do fully support is the shift towards individuality in weddings. Which is why I like the lovely Claire Pettibone collection. Her gowns offer brides an alternative to the strapless ball gown. It really warms my heart to see more and more brides confident in their personal style, and resisting the pressure to fit into a particular “bridal” mold.

Antique lace, illusion backs and floral embellishments… these are all things that stir my soul, but really, it’s not about a sleeve or a sash. Does this gown stir your soul and make you feel a bit overwhelmed (in a really good way)? Do you feel beautiful and so ready to meet your partner at the end of that aisle?

This season is about a dream-like goddess walking through rose petals (I guess it’s no secret I’m an unabashed romantic!).

Alma

This Paris Chiffon, slim A-line sheath captures the look and feel of a timeless romance.

 Carolina

A distinct, scalloped, illusion V-neckline and cap-sleeve bodice create an allure about this lacy gown that draws one in.

Dalton 

Sequined lace over satin with a hint of nostalgia this fit and flare gown features an illusion lace sweetheart neckline and long sleeves.

Fiona

Corded lace featuring Swarovski crystals and Luxe Chiffon partner in this simple sheath with just the right touch of glam.

Willow

A modern vision for a classic style, this tulle with corded lace ball gown features an illusion lace bodice with bateau neckline and full skirt, detailed with lace scallops and delicately beaded trim at the waist.

Windsor

Classic glamour in a traditional lace ball gown.

Lena

A soft tulle overlay lightly veils this delicate lace sheath creating an ethereal aesthetic, while a Swarovski crystal embellished motif glistens at the waistline.

Acapulco

Hollywood glamour is epitomized in this halter A-line silhouette gown.

Designer Sarah Janks has unveiled her beautiful 2013 collection! Featuring brand new fabrics- Italian coated laces, Italian shot taffeta, embroidered laces and accents of beaded lace and georgette roses.

Sarah was heavily influence by the 1950s with this collection. Keeping the softness, but structure that so many of the gowns in the fifties embodied, I love Sarah’s gorgeous sleeves and the way the gowns drape- almost as if they’re floating.

With this collection Sarah has introduced the “Something borrowed” by designing a beautiful range of veils, belts, wraps and shrugs which can be passed down from grandmother to grand daughter, mother to daughter, unlike a wedding dress which is often a little harder to pass through the generations.

From Marchesa to Nicole Miller, designers are reminiscing over past dress trends, and I absolutely love it!

Marchesa

Carolina Herrera

Nicole Miller

Alice Temperley

Wedding Attire?

Q. I am planning a destination wedding on the beach in the Caribbean and I am not sure what type of dress to wear. I want to go barefoot but also want to have a sophisticated look…any ideas how I can pull this off?

There’s nothing sexier than hosting a wedding barefoot in the sand, and a destination wedding dress should follow suit. Skip the heavy, overly bejeweled ballgown in favor of comfortable, lightweight silks that graze your skin, a loose, flowy silhouette, and perhaps just a hint of beading to mirror the sparkling ocean.

Here are some of my favorite breezy, lightweight gowns from Island Bridal which would be great for a casual to semi-formal wedding in the sand.

An elegant V-neck chiffon, with delicate shoulder bows covers you wherever life takes you. From the Calypso Collection 

With it’s strategically placed lace appliques, this sheer dress offers a bride a seductive allure. From the Angel Collection

Runway meets the aisle, in this fun, yet sophisticated satin gown, that twirls with your every movement. From the Angel Collection

A golden touch of delicate appliques exudes a heavenly sense of luxury. From the Angel Collection

Short Wedding Dress?

Q. I am getting married on the beach in San Diego next year. Since this will be a destination wedding for myself and most of my  bridal party I want to keep things simple. I am planning to wear a short colorful  knee length sundress but my future mom-in-law says I can’t as it isn’t dressy enough? This is my second marriage so I think a long white gown is too much. What do you think?

A. I think a knee length dress would be lovely for a casual beach wedding. How about something along the lines of this dress…..

This figure flattering dress has a swingy silhouette which makes it perfect for a wedding (even for your bridesmaids). This is the style dress you want to wear long after your wedding. From the Socialite Collection

Paying for Bridesmaids’ Expenses?

Q. I am getting married in Aruba next year and want to invite close friends and family.  Are we obligated to pay for our guests or subsidize any portion of their trip?

A. If you are able to pay any portion of your guests’ way, it is a nice gesture and they will certainly appreciate it. Couples usually go this route when there aren’t many affordable lodging options near their site. In general, though, it is not required that you cover any of your guests’ expenses. But aim for harmony regardless and choose a location that offers accommodation options in all price points. You know your guests best, so keep in mind what you think they’ll be willing and able to spend when you select your location.

Reception at Home After Destination Wedding?

Q. My fiance and I want to have a ceremony in the Caribbean with just our parents as guests. We would like to have a big reception for our friends and family when we return home. How can we do this without hurting feelings?

A. Well, first you have to face the fact that you very well might hurt feelings regardless of your tact: Some friends and relatives will surprised that they were not included in the ceremony. But you should also remember that it’s your wedding, and if you want an intimate ceremony on a beach, who can blame you? Explain to those who ask that this is your wedding dream, and that you’re looking forward to a big, celebratory bash with all your nearest and dearest when you get home.

If your heart is set on an intimate ceremony, follow your plans and don’t worry too much. Then when you get home, send out invitations to a party “celebrating your marriage” where you can show slides or photos of your ceremony. It will be as if they had all been there with you after all

Click Here to view more of the Justin Alexander 2013 collection

Shopping for your beautiful wedding dress can start out as one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding but can quickly turn into one of the most frustrating experiences of your life.

When shopping for your dress keep in mind that different styles can help you create a thinner, heavier, taller or shorter look. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bridal gown to flatter you figure.

If You’re Pear-Shaped

Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won’t cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.

A-Line, V-neck Wedding Dress available here

Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.

If You’re Plus-Sized

Look for: An Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.

A-line Empire Waist Wedding Dress available here

Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.

If You’re Apple-Shaped

Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A Line shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.

A-Line Wedding Dress available here 

Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.

If You’re Tall

Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you’re wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don’t want to look as if you’ve borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you. 

Sheath Halter Wedding Dress available here 

Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you’ll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.

If You’re Straight-Lined

Look for: A dress that will create curves where you don’t have them. Try a sheath dress in a wispy charmeuse that’s cut on the bias; the curving side seam will give you a va-va-va-voom silhouette. Or look for a ball gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, flowing floor-length skirt: It will capitalize on your slenderness and camouflage a lack of hips.

Ball Gown available here 

Keep in mind: If you have a small bust, look for a bodice with some ruching to create volume.

If You’re Petite

Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward. 

Sheath V-neck Wedding Dress available here

Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it’s easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.

If You’re Small-Chested

Look for: A ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick.

Sheath Wedding Dress available here

Keep in mind: The right bra will always provide a nice boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless, your undergarment options may be fairly limited. Instead, try self-adhesive silicone bra cups.

If You’re Busty

Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike). 

Scallop Edge Wedding Dress available here

Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that is ruched will have the same effect.

* A special thanks to Vogue Season for sharing their beautiful wedding gowns.

Living by the ocean most of my life I guess I can call myself a casual person. Ever since I was a little girl I have always dreamed of getting married on the beach in a dreamy flowing gown and being barefoot.  I admire exquisite fancy wedding gowns like everyone else; but I find my favorite gowns are usually the simpler ones. A few of my favorite styles lately are from the BHLDN Collection.

Kayleigh Gown  Click here to see more

Modern Mythology Gown  Click Here

Mikael  Click Here 

 Panes of Lace Click here

Pinwheel Tea Dress  Click Here

This tea length dress would be fun for an afternoon wedding.

(Source: zazzle.com)

Scam:  Bridal Shops Cut The Dress Manufacturer Labels Off Wedding Gowns

How the scam works: Some bridal dress shops remove the dress manufacturer’s label from wedding dresses on the racks to prevent you from comparison shopping with other stores. If you can’t tell which model of dress it is, then you are shopping blind. This wedding gown label removing scam is illegal and unethical, yet many shops who pull this scam on you will use all sorts of Jedi mind tricks to “prove” they are within their legal right, when of course they are not. Some bridal shops do it as a means to substitute cheaply made knock offs for the original higher priced custom made couture.

How to avoid the scam: If you walk into any bridal shop and you see this nonsense, just turn around and walk out. Any bridal store that thinks this low of you, with no regard to your legal rights and operates in this unethical mode, will surely pull other tricks on you later.