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: Wardrobe for Wedding Season!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

As Summer is fast approaching and wedding season is in full swing, it is crucial to have the perfect wedding attire all ready in your closet.  And whether you’re on the guest list for beachside, backyard or black tie ceremonies this summer, you’re likely wondering exactly what you should wear to those nuptials. I mean lets face it, just because it isn’t your big day doesn’t mean you cant look glamorous too! Dressing for a Summer wedding allows for a lot more fun, especially if it is an afternoon wedding!! Lets also keep in mind that just because it is a Summer wedding doesn’t mean you can show up in t-shirts and shorts by any means, even if it is a backyard wedding.  Also if you find that you have way to many weddings to attend over the next 3 months you could save some money by renting a dress! Rent the Runway has an incredible selection of designer dresses to choose from at any length for any type of occasion!  Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts when picking out the perfect wedding attire for a Summer wedding as well as a few great wardrobe picks:

From left to right clockwise; Cache, Badgley Mischka from Rent The Runway, J Crew, J Crew, Allison Paris from Rent The Runway, Express, Express, J Crew

Do’s

• Dress for time and place: Afternoon ceremonies tend to be more casual than evening soirees, so first take into account what time the event is taking place. At noon, it’s perfectly appropriate to wear a summer sundress or pastel skirt, while at six, it’s more fitting to wear a satin or chiffon cocktail dress. Many weddings nowadays call for a wardrobe change between a low-key ceremony and fancy reception. Determine how much to dress up or down according to the time and venue of the event.
• Color: The best way to show up to a Summer celebration is in color, especially if the affair is in the afternoon. We love Summer colors like turquoise, melon, strawberry and Kelly green. We recommend both J Crew and Express this season for the perfect colored gown. We even love the idea of a pastel colored floor length gown for a black tie affair, be bold!
• Floral: Wear a floral print if the wedding is taking place in either a backyard or a garden! Be careful with what shoes you select, you don’t want your heels digging into the grass!
• Length: With temperatures scorching we understand why the hemline might come up a little bit more then normal. Make sure your dress is always tasteful and not to short, knee length is perfect!
• LBD: Every girl needs her safety line in the back of the closet. Make sure you ALWAYS have a little black dress on hand since you never know when you might need it. Even though we love the idea of wearing color to a Summer wedding, you really cant go wrong with a black dress, especially at night.

Don’t:

• White: No matter what time of year it is, but more so in the Summer, never wear white! Unless the bride requests her guests to wear white, you definitely do not want to be that girl that everyone is talking about!
• Black: If you are going to an afternoon wedding, don’t wear black. This means it is a lot less formal and thi could be the perfect time to throw in some color.
• Short: Whether we are talking about wearing shorts you would go golfing in or the actual length of your dress being too short, their both unacceptable attire!
• Neckline: You don’t want to get your clubbing attire mixed up with your wedding attire. Avoid plunging and low cut necklines, you can wear them the next weekend when you are going out.

Now that you have an idea of exactly should be in your closet for Wedding Season all you need to do is play up your accessories and shoes! This could be the best part, especially with jewelry because it can give you that little extra pop of color. Share with us your favorite picks to wear this wedding season by writing on our Facebook page, replying to this post or tweeting us!!

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: 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)

Fashion Fever: Covered Up

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

Image courtesy of Carolina Herrera

 

For years now, going strapless has been overwhelmingly the trend adopted by most brides.  However, since Kate Middleton donned her full-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown to the royal wedding, sleeves have been making their way back to the altar in a big way.  This spring, both necklines and sleeves will creep up for a sexy but still covered up look that brings a vintage feel to bridal gowns.

Clockwise from top left: Marchesa, Liancarlo, Elie Saab for Pronovias, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Theia, Jenny Packham, and Reem Acra

Bridal designers are embracing a high neckline this season and pairing it with either a sleeveless look or a variety of shorter sleeve lengths, from cap to elbow-length options.  The look is high in drama and sophistication, bringing to mind the stunning neckline of Grace Kelly’s demure wedding gown.  As seen in our collage above, the interpretations of this trend are all similar, but very much their own unique look as well.

Oscar de la Renta chose to go for a more avant garde look, with a high turtleneck and a dramatically full, though simple in detail, skirt.  Jenny Packham, on the other hand, takes the trend in a very modern direction with a dress that clings close to the figure with stunning embellishments and ruched, elbow-length sleeves.  My personal favorite? A sleeveless look from Theia, with head to toe lace and a gorgeous jeweled belt that has an understated, antique feel and a modern silhouette.

If higher necklines aren’t for you but you still love the look of being a bit more covered up, try something with a boat neck that skims the shoulders while leaving your neck bare or even an off-the-shoulder style that still conceals your arms a bit.  The trend can also work quite beautifully on bridesmaids!  How would you incorporate the high neck look into your special day?  Let us know with a comment or on our Facebook page!!

Fashion Fever: Emerald Elegance

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

Image courtesy of Society Bride

Each year, Pantone, color authority extraordinaire, names a “Color of the Year” that inevitably becomes the preferred hue in fashion, home decor, and even weddings!  This year’s chosen color is emerald green.  This stunning jewel tone can be used throughout your wedding, however, it is perhaps most lovely when worn by you or your bridesmaids.

Clockwise from top left: After Six, Green Bride Guide, Elva Fields, Kate Headley Photography, Romona Keveza, White Wall Photography

There are so many different ways to incorporate emerald into your wedding ensemble.  Here are some of our favorites, from subtler options to bold statements!

• BOLD: If you want to go for a light touch of emerald, try a pair of earrings in the hue.  The necklace above, from Elva Fields, is the perfect pairing of sophistication and bold color.
• BOLDER: Dress your bridesmaids in emerald.  Floor length emerald gowns like the ones in our collage are dramatic and elegant.  By slightly varying the shade, it can work for any wedding – no matter what season it is!  For yourself, try a pretty satin pump or sandal in emerald to add a kicky punch to your wedding day ensemble.
• BOLDEST: With brides constantly exploring new colors for their wedding gowns, why not try the year’s hottest color for your own?  Traditionally, emeralds are meant to be a gem that preserves love.  It signifies hope, wisdom, and fidelity.  This meaningful color is a wonderful choice to ring in your marriage and start your life with your significant other on the right note!

Fashion Fever: Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau   With winter wedding season in full swing and the air chillier than ever, brides will need a little something extra to keep warm and in style on their wedding day.  Luckily, there are plenty …

What to Wear: Formal/Black Tie Optional Wedding

Fashion Fever by Lauren Ricciardelli

Ah, the formal or Black Tie Optional wedding!  Black Tie is rather self-explanatory but the “optional” part always seems to stump people.  So what to do? First things first, take a look at the invitation.  Notice it’s style, the weight of the paper, and any extra embellishments.  Is the invite letter pressed?  That’s usually a flashing neon sign for BLACK TIE/SUPER FORMAL WEDDING.  Second Clue: the venue and time of the reception.  Is it in a ballroom? A large loft space? Taking place during the evening?  Also hints that you may want to break out your fancy dress.

Traditionally, formal wear for women meant that the length of the dress should be below the knee. And it’s true, especially for a black tie optional wedding that women should wear a long dress.  You can still be sexy without showing too much leg!   The key for formal wear is to pay attention to fabric; satin, silk, lace and chiffon are all great formal and black tie optional options.  Avoid cotton or polyester blends and jersey fabric.  Save those for the beach weddings.  A few of my favorite go-tos for formal dresses are Cache, Bloomingdales and Rent The Runway.  (LOVE renting a couture dress – it makes me feel like a princess!)

For guys – sorry, fewer options on this one.  For Black Tie Optional, what most people really mean is that they’d prefer you to wear a tux.  But you can get away with wearing a full dark suit (navy, black or charcoal grey).  Yes, that includes tie, cufflinks, and tux shoes pocket square if you have it.  Sorry gentlemen, hopefully the great band will make up for the penguin suit!