Fashion Fever: Men’s Warehouse

Fashion Fever by Demi Bourous

Everyone knows on the day of the wedding all eyes are on the bride! But hey, what about the guy waiting for her at the end of the aisle?!  After all, he is half the reason why everyone gathers on such a momentous day. Standing next to a well dressed man will just maximize the brides’ beauty. But the question is where do you go to find a tuxedo for your personal James Bond? This is no 007 matter; solve the problem by checking out Men’s Wearhouse.

Men’s Wearhouse has suits and tuxedos for any occasion. Color, size or style, you name it, they have it. Men’s Wearhouse carries an array of brands from Michael Kors to Calvin Klein. This summer they purchased Joseph Abbound, their mens- wear designer clothing brand. This was a great buy for Men’s Wearhouse but it’s even better for all you men out there. While there are more great options to choose from, it also makes it a little bit harder for you to decide on a look.

The good news is, you can find these designer suits at a reasonable price, if your man wants to keep his tux.  Most men don’t want to purchase a tuxedo, so there is always the option to rent. Renting a tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse is so simple; just go to their website under the rentals and select your preference from there. You even have the option to build a rental tux. This is completely controlled by you and you may even have fun doing it. Yes, ladies I did say fun, even your fiance will enjoy himself! In the build a tux you are able to customize the male figure from head to toe. You pick everything from his coat, shirt, shoes, tie, vest;  everything down to his accessories! It is interactive, affordable, and so much better than dragging him to a million stores. Enjoy the comfort of shopping with your man in your own home!

Fashion Fever: Radiant Orchid Bridesmaids

Fashion Fever by Demi Bourous
There are so many questions  and options when it comes to bridesmaid dresses; style, length, and most importantly color. Fortunately, Pantone’s Color of 2014 makes at least one of those decisions a little bit easier! Radiant Orchid is a fun and fresh pink color that’s sure to please and easy to incorporate into any season.  If you recall,  2012’s was Tangerine Tango,  and 2013 was Emerald Green both of which are beautiful but often difficult for certain skin tones to pull off.  This years color is much more universally flattering so if you’re looking at bridesmaid dresses then this should be your go to color! Remember, we’re brides that love our friends and want them to be just as comfortable and beautiful as we are on our wedding day; after all, pictures (and good friends) last a lifetime.  Allowing them to help pick out their dress style is a great “bonding” experience and will make them feel special and confident on the wedding day.  **Special Tip: It’s best to do this one on one so you aren’t overwhelmed with competing opinions…a la SYTTD Bridesmaids

You can find a beautiful selections of bridesmaid dresses at many bridal stores and boutiques. Our favorites stores include Bridal Reflections (NYC), Bella Bridesmaid (locations across US) and Henkaa for those amazing wrap dresses. Be sure to check out the Alvina Valenta, Allure Bridals, Bill Levkoff, and Eden Bridals collections for the perfect dress.  Radiant Orchid is a great color to carry throughout the wedding too, as it’s a natural occurring color in flowers (hello orchids!) and easy to incorporate into decor and stationary.  Stumped on how to pair it?  Here are our favorite color combos:

radiant orchid with lavender, navy, plu, & smoke grey

Radiant Orchid & Navy

Radiant Orchid & Plum

Radiant Orchid & Smoke Grey

Radiant Orchid & Lavender

Fashion Fever: Oscar Trends

Fashion Fever by Lauren Ricciardelli

With the Oscars airing last evening, everyone is talking about the Best and Worst Dressed.  And with those critiques, we of course see emerging trends for dresses for wedding season.  Here are our favorite picks from last night (in no particular order) and the trends for those upcoming weddings.

1. Sandra Bullock (& Amy Adams) – First, these are two of my personal favorite actresses.  I’d totally love to be friends with them.  Second, you can’t get much more classic than a navy, fit and flare dress.  While I did like Sandra’s Alexander McQueen pick (the neckline, the draping!) over Amy’s Gucci, both are timeless, sophisticated with just the right touch of sexy.  Trend: Navy is the new black

2. Lupita Nyong’O – Everyone is talking about the Best Supporting Actress winner and her impeccable Prada gown.  Seriously, can I take it home NOW?  The color is fresh and sweet without being overpowering (so it’s great for both maids and wedding guests since it won’t upstage the bride).  Trend: Plunge neckline, fresh pastels

3. Kate Hudson – O.M.G. I think she looked absolutely impeccable in her Atelier Versace gown.  The dress dripped Old Hollywood glamour with it’s plunging neckline, elegant draped cape and intricate beading detail.  And the train! This is another dress I want to take home immediately; it’s sheer perfection. (Where am I getting this cash?) Kate had two wins as she swapped her Versace for a Zuhair Murad dress for the after party and continued to wow. Trend: Plunge Neckline, Low Back, Old Hollywood glam

4. Charlize Theron – I read somewhere that this dress was compared to the portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent.  I immediately thought, “YES”! Ms. Theron’s dress of course had an updated look with illusion straps, and a fun sheer skirt; this dress absolutely sizzled.  Not to mention she had the perfect necklace to accentuate the plunge neckline.  Far from your average black dress! Trend: Plunge Neckline, Illusion/Sheer Details (skirt and straps)

5. Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Ryan Seacrest:  Have to give a nod to the gentlemen as well and these three brought it with their white hot tuxes.  (Also if you know me personally, you’ll know I’ve had ginormous crush on McConaughey for years) Seeing these dapper men made me want to rewind to my wedding and put Eric in a white jacket.  There’s something so sexy and a little bit James Bond about the white jacket.  Keep it sharp with black tux pants and vest or waistcoat.  (Aside: I just really need Jared to cut his hair)

Fashion Fever: Gorgeously Gatsby

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With the latest film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” right around the corner, the idea of showing up to your wedding looking like a 1920s film star is surely a popular one. Today, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fashion details taken right from the grand Gatsby tradition.

Clockwise, from top left: Glamour and Grace, Style Me Pretty, YolanCris, Style Me Pretty, Johanna Johnson, Michael Segal

1. Feathers – Opulent and dreamy, some stunning plumage really brings that vintage elegance to a wedding day ensemble. Whether at the bottom of a snug mermaid gown or as a beautiful element for a headpiece, they are a great way to incorporate a 1920s theme.

2. Headpieces – The more intricate, the better as far as headpieces go. A lace cap really brings to mind that quintessential Flapper style while an intricate headband is a bit more Daisy Buchanan.

3. Beading – A dress that skims close to the sides while simply dripping in elegant beading transports you back to the lavish parties at Gatsby’s home.

4. Dropped Waists – A dropped waist is the perfect silhouette for a 20’s look.

5. Bold Makeup – Dark, smoky eyes, wispy lashes, and a bold crimson lip add to the sultry intrigue of the 1920s woman.

These are just a few of the 1920s details we adore! Stay tuned for our latest project, a beautiful 1920s, Gatsby-esque inspiration shoot. Here is a sneak peek from the shoot, featuring our beautiful model, Alexis Monnie:

While you wait for the photos to drop, be sure to check out the amazing vendors we partnered up with for the shoot: Violet and Verde for florals, SB Beauty for hair and makeup, Hushed Commotion for the amazing headpieces, Saucy by Nature for catering, Cake Alchemy for the cake, Cloth Connection for linens, Little Vintage Rentals for amazing props and tableware, Angelique Bridal and Nearly Newlywed for the fabulous fashion, The Green Building for our lovely venue, and the amazing Moss & Isaac, whose photography brought it all together!!

Fashion Fever: Blooming Boutonnieres

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring in the air and daffodils peeking out in everyone’s gardens, I just can’t help but have flowers on the brain!! However, these lovely blooms aren’t just for the bride. The perfect boutonnieres for the groom and his ushers can really tie together a lovely Spring or Summer wedding ensemble.

In the collage above, you’ll see some of our favorite boutonnière trends of late. A lot of the looks really do echo current wedding and bridal trends and can thus be the icing on the cake for your event.

As we all know, mint has been one of Spring’s hottest colors. Though at first you may think there’s no way to incorporate it into your guy’s look, using succulents in the boutonnière is really a great way to achieve this. Succulents are growing in popularity and have a masculine edge for the groom who doesn’t want to don a flower.

Daisies, peonies, and brightly colored roses are more feminine favorites for the warmer seasons. However, when paired with lavender, berries, or astilbe, they better serve the masculine aesthetic and make a great boutonnière option.

If your groom really doesn’t want a flower, try a mix of feathers or maybe even a paper bloom. To make the look even more personal, write him a letter and have it folded into his boutonnière. After the wedding, he can take it apart and read it. It’s a keepsake that looks awesome and lasts forever!!

What are your favorite boutonnière ideas for Spring and Summer?

Fashion Fever: Spring Chill Jackets!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

Just because your having your wedding on a beautiful spring day doesn’t mean you wont need a little warmth, and no were not talking about pashminas! Designers have created fresh new options for wrapping yourself up in style for Spring 2013. These looks will for sure get rid of those chattering teeth and goose bumps at the alter. Compared to current fall wrap trends, which are extremely heavy with the use of fur and knits, the spring cover ups are extremely light and airy. In order to keep the edge off a slight spring breeze yet also add drama, Designers are using light organza, lace and tulle toppers.  There are many different styles in which you can pick to make the spring air tolerable such as jackets, shawls, capes, shrugs, wraps and now toppers. We love the look of a lace topper over a sleeveless gown to add that extra POW! Contrary to popular belief, shawls or wraps worn over wedding dresses will neither detract from the style of the dress, nor will it hide the beauty of a carefully chosen gown. Another tip to keep in mind is that your wrap doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy with your dress. Consider adding another element to your look if your gown is on the simple side, like color or a cluster of crystals. Try a piece that adds drama to a clean moment or a quiet piece.

Amsale,(Images from top left to right) Oscar De La Renta, Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Alfred Angelo, Ines Di Santo, Amsale,

Let us know which style you would fight the cold in on your wedding day by writing on our blog, Facebook or even tweet to us!

 

Fashion Fever: Say Hello to the High-Low

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring on its way and weather very slowly getting warmer, hemlines are sure to be creeping up as well!  There’s no better way to welcome Spring than with the latest bridal trend, the high low wedding dress.  High low hemlines became popular in women’s wear last year and the trend is now making its way through the wedding world, too!

 

For brides who can’t seem to choose between the drama of a full length gown and the flirtiness of a shorter look, the high low hemline is the perfect compromise.  Cut short in the front and full length in the back, it is truly the best of both worlds.  As an added bonus, this fun fusion hemline allows you to show off your wedding shoes and your fancy footwork as you dance at your reception.

Designers have taken this trend and run wild with it.  From sexy to dramatic to a little bit boho, there is an interpretation of this unique hemline for every bride’s fashion preferences.  Pnina Tornai, in her trademark sexy style, created an over the top silhouette with a corseted bodice, plenty of bling, and a full skirt that makes you want to spin.  Claire Pettibone, on the other hand, took the trend in a more subtle direction with a vintage vibe.  She paired a slim, yet flowing skirt with a retro illusion neckline for an understated glamour that really speaks to her aesthetic as a designer.  Jim Hjelm’s take on the style is a bit more princess-y with a sweeping full train and feminine embellishments at the waist.

We’re really loving the high low trend for spring and can’t wait to see how brides interpret it on their special days.  Would you say hello to high low for your wedding?

Fashion Fever: 3D Flowers

Fashion Fever: By Alyssa Aiola

Flowers on your wedding day are a given. It’s a tradition that even dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, the bride and groom wore a garland around their necks, symbolizing new life, hope and fertility. Traditional Celtic bouquets included ivy, thistle and heather. The garland was not made of flowers but of strong-smelling herbs and spices. The strong-smells were thought to have mystical powers and meant to keep away evil spirits. In ancient China, orange blossoms were used to represent purity, chastity and innocence, while Sarcasen brides carried them as symbol of eternal love and fidelity.

         Now lets fast forward to the most recent bridal shows we saw this year in 2013. All over the runway designers are showcasing styles that reveal a new take on this time less idea: the 3D Flower.  These exaggerated floral details that appear to be in full bloom are popping up everywhere on trims, bodices, and even entire skirts.  You can find this trend all over the runway  in all different styles from slim modern looks to full blown over the top gowns.

 (Left To Right) Liancarlo, Kenneth Pool,  Kevin Hall,  Judd Waddell, Claire Pettibone 

Liancarlos dress looks like a piece of artwork and with a blush shade keeps things feminine and glamourous. This elaborate Kenneth Pool gown takes the trend to a whole new level with a full skirt of flowers, and the fitted, beaded bodice keeps it from coming overwhelming. This dreamy halter gown by Kevin Hall is light and airy and would be the perfect fit for the demure, romantic bride while Judd Waddell takes more of a modern approach to the 3D flower.Claire Pettibone’s whimsical dress looks like it can be worn by the Queen of the Fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Let us know what you think of the 3D trend and if you would ever be bold enough to try it!

Fashion Fever: Background Check

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring right around the corner, brides are looking to shed some layers and show some skin.  This season’s designer looks are offering a sexy yet sophisticated way to do just that!  The latest trend?  The backless wedding dress.

Clockwise from top left: Catherine Deane for BHLDN, Casablanca Bridal, Claire Pettibone, Robert Rodriguez, Elie Saab, Laure de Sagazan, Jenny Packham, and Rosa Clara

 

Whether you want to bare it all with something totally backless or are simply looking for an interesting detail to add interest as people watch you make your way to the altar, there is sure to be a backless style to suit your fancy.

For the bohemian chic bride, Claire Pettibone‘s gowns are simply amazing.  Claire’s dresses are masterpieces of intricate detail and stunning bits of embellishment that a photo simply cannot do justice.  With each dress, she pays as much attention to the back as to the front, leading to collections full of stunning open and illusion backs with gorgeous appliques, vines, and all sorts of details.

For a more tailored look, Rosa Clara‘s Ballet gown accents an open back with tidy bows that are both polished and demure. This piece encapsulates the retro glamour of the 1950’s.  If you’re not feeling vintage and want a modern style, try Robert Rodriguez‘s Cutout gown that has a sleek silhouette and architectural details.

The fun part about a backless dress is that it’s all in the way you wear it!  Draping a long necklace down your back is a beautiful way to accessorize this type of gown, just like Jennifer Lawrence did with her Oscars ensemble.  For a bit more coverage, try a sheer cape or simply a layer of tulle to keep you feeling more modest.  Choose a veil or headpiece that complements your open-backed gown.  A short veil can really show off this beautiful detail while a flower or brooch in the back of your hair can draw the eye up so you don’t feel too bare.

Would you be brave enough to try a backless dress on your big day?  Let us know!

Fashion Fever: Peplums!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

When it comes to showing off your silhouette, there is no look that is more versatile then the peplum! It has been one of the fastest growing trends that has taken the fashion world by storm this season by showing up on the runways in blazers, jackets, shirts, tops, dresses and now wedding dresses. It is amazing to watch this trend unfold yet again since it was the biggest fad in the 1940’s as women wore peplums to give wartime outfits more excitement during strict fabric rations. The definition of peplum is a “short overskirt” but we would like to think of it more as an abbreviated flared fabric that adds dimension to any waistline and skirt. Whether or not you are daring enough to try this new trend, there is a peplum dress out there that is perfectly tailored to your body shape and style.  The key to finding the perfect peplum dress is in finding the right proportions for you in either a more oversized and asymmetrical look, a sleek and simple approach or a cropped and airy feel.  Here are a few of our favorite peplum looks from designers 2013 fashion shows. Let us know what you think and if you have been successful in finding the perfect peplum dress for your big day!

From top left clockwise ( Carolina Herrera, Christos,  David Tutera, Amsale, Sassi Holford, Davids Bridal)