Trendy Wednesday: Mismatched Bridesmaids

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

Shopping for a wedding dress is like purchasing a new car. It has to be perfect, stunning, magnificent, and screaming your name from a mile away. Yes, you the bride are the center of attention, but your bridesmaids want dresses that make them feel just as stunning. Looking for the perfect bridesmaids dresses no longer needs to be a huge issue. Everyone has a difference of opinion, from what color looks best on them, to what cut flatters their figure, the list goes on and on.

When planning this big shopping day, approach it with an open mind. Give your bridesmaids options.

1. Pick a color scheme. Pick one color that you want the bridesmaids dresses to be and let them pick the best silhouette for themselves. If you really want to be daring and outlandish pick a color spectrum for the ladies to choose from.  Seeing different dress styles and colors can truly make a wedding come to life.  Not sure what colors go together?  Grab a couple paint swatches – they’ll give you variations on the color you want and you won’t have to worry about clashing!
2.  Different lengths are fun too! Shorter dresses a little above the knee have become quite popular. It’s more of a sophisticated-trendy look.
3. Play with pattern! Dresses that have touches of lace, stripes, and even embroidery can give your bridesmaids individuality that defines their personalities.
4.  If you don’t love the idea of having different bridesmaids dresses, try different colored shoes. Having the ladies pick their favorite shoes is a dream come true.

If you’re still not sold on the idea of mismatched bridesmaids, look for inspiration from the Sex and the City Wedding. How fabulous did those ladies look that day?!

Photo Credit: boards.weddingbee.com, rootedinloveweddings.wordpress.com, bellethemagazine.com, blogs.aexknows.com, weddingsbylily.com, beauxandbelles.net, blog.kristeenlabrotevents.com, feministe.us

Glass Slippers

Fashion Fever by Aly Dailey

The right shoes are an essential part of your wedding day fashion. After all, what was Cinderella without her glass slippers? Different ceremony settings and different dresses require different shoes. It’s important to have your shoes by your first dress fitting so that the seamstress can hem your gown accordingly. These cute options are great for starting your wedding off on the right foot.

Ballet Skimmers- These are great if your groom is a little shorter or if you’re simply not comfortable in heels

Peep Toe – Try something with feather or glitter detailing to spice it up a little

Thong Sandals – Great for an outdoor or beach wedding, then pack them for your honeymoon too

Ankle Wrap Heels – These whimsical heels are perfect with a simple wedding dress

Strappy Sandals– These are great for evening weddings and you can wear them again after the wedding

Classic Kitten Heels – This elegant option is a sure thing, dye them black after the wedding to get more wear out of them

Platform– These are great for some extra height but still easy to walk in

Wedge– Great for an outdoor wedding,  get some lift without your heels sinking in the ground

Remember, you don’t have to go with traditional white or nude. Make sure to have fun with your footwear! No matter what your preference, there is a shoe out there for you. Just make sure you can dance all night in them!

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Unveil Yourself!

Fashion Fever By Mallory Mayer

Shopping for wedding accessories can be one of the more fun parts of wedding planning, yet many times, it is over looked. The jewelry, the garter, the shoes, and of course, the veil are all pieces that can reveal your personality. Like a gorgeous bow, your veil completes the package. No other accessory is as dependent on your dress, your body type, and your personality. It’s the ultimate bridal accessory.

No bridal look is complete without hair accessories. Imagine a beautiful bride in her most stunning bridal gown and bridal jewels, but without accessorized hair! Surely, it would not express the perfect beauty of the bride; however, by including some stunning and sparkling hair accessories, whether it is a traditional veil, birdcage or just a little extra bling, a bride’s most attractive look is exposed!

If you’re looking to turn some heads with stylish wedding hair accents, take a look at a few of these lovely accessories that will surely add a little extra charm to your look for the big day!

 

Fashion Fever: Kitten Heels, Yay or Nay?

Fashion Fever by Zilia Munguia

One of the biggest controversies of this winter’s trends has been the kitten heel.  Do we like them or not?  Let’s review the pros and cons :

Vaneli, Zappos

Pros

1. No more excruciating walks in 4-inch heels!
2. Great for tall people who want to wear a heel but don’t want to tower over people.
3. No more dreadful sneakers or boots to commute to work that ruin the whole look of your outfit.
4. Gives a professional look for everyday use at the office.
5. Once again they’re comfortable!

Poetic License, Zappos

Cons

1. Too often linked with little girl shoes
2. Doesn’t provide the same cool sexy feel you have when wearing skyscraper heels.
3. Not enough extra height for the shorter crowd.
4. Not a dressy shoe appropriate for all events or parties.

Sigerson Morrison boot, Zappos

My final decision . . . Yay on kitten heels!!  Being 5’3 I love the boost I get from a 4-inch heel but I have to admit I’m excited not to dread walking or standing for a long period of time!  After searching shoe sites and stores I found very cool an exciting kitten heels that will make me feel fabulous without the extra inches.  It’s all about pairing them with the right outfit.   Try a black mini dress with a fitted blazer (sleeves rolled up of course!), fishnet design stockings, stud cuff bracelet, and a pair of ankle high boots with a kitten heel.   You’ll be looking fierce, hot and chic! Check out Aldo and Zappos for great and affordable kitten heels!

Fashion Fever: Bridesmaids=Fashionistas

Fashion Fever by Zilia Munguia

Brides let your bridesmaids show off their feisty side at your wedding with hints of animal prints in their attire!  Animal prints are a fun and fabulous way to show a great sense of style and keep up with this year’s hottest trend.  There’s no reason to stick with the typical matching bridesmaids dress, shoes, and clutch. By adding animal print accessories to a simple dress you’ll be making yours bridesmaids into fashionistas!  Here are some great pieces for the wedding day and everyday pieces!

 

left to right: Shoes, Jimmy Choo; Dress, Melissa Sweet; Clutch, Jimmy Choo; Belt, Saks 5th Avenue

 

A leopard print pump to a red or black above the knee bridesmaid dress will get the girls excited to walk down the aisle.  Jimmy Choo has a wonderful collection of leopard print shoes and bags if want to get yourself a special little gift.  If you’re looking for something a little bit more affordable check out Nordstrom where you’ll find leopard print shoes ranging in all different prices.   Now don’t just stop with the shoes look for belts, earrings or bracelets to complete the outfit.  A skinny leopard print belt like from Saks 5^th Ave will help complete your trendy look.

Just remember ladies confidence is the key to wearing animal print because with such bold prints you don’t want the animal print to be wearing you, but you to be wearing the animal prints!

 

Fashion Fever – One of a Kind

By Zilia Munguia

Walk down the streets of New York and you’ll pass a million and one people with amazing style and a personality that goes along with it. In the city where you can find everything and anything you want why not create your own signature pieces of jewelry, shoes, or clothing that will show people that you truly are one of kind person.

Shoes are my best friend, and ladies I’m sure that they are yours too! I love getting a brand new pair of shoes and stepping outside to show them off in the streets of New York.  What’s even more exciting is being able to go out in pair of shoes designed by you! Tupli is your place to go if you want to spend the extra money to get the perfect shoe.  Their mission is to make sure that women will be able to imagine and design the perfect shoe including everything from fashion to comfort.  Many magazines and celebrities have praised Tupli as one of the best places to get custom designed shoes and this is the perfect place if you decide to get some custom designed heels for your wedding!

 

Earrings by Femmegems

 

Femmegems is a cozy boutique that prides themselves on being different from other jewelry stores which is reflected in their collections and how involved their clientele get in the jewelry design process.   They have an amazing collection of their own unique jewelry designs that features bold, semi-precious stones like jade and turquoise that can be purchased online or in store.  If you’re looking for something that screams “You!” look no further, because you can design your own piece of jewelry at Femmegems!   You can visit one of their store locations in NYC or Connecticut and have a design session to discuss exactly what you want.  If you cant make it to the store they will even begin the design process through email.  Ready to throw away outdated and worn jewelry?  Don’t trash them yet because Femmegems will do a mini-makeover on your jewelry and send back a fabulous revamped piece. Like they say they will make your “trash” into treasure!

Remember brides–to-be that this a great place to get specially made pieces for your bridesmaids to show each one how near and dear they are to you.  Better yet throw a jewelry party at your bridal shower so everyone can make special pieces to wear at your wedding!

Private Receptions’ Brides have Fashion Fever!!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Our Brides are HOT HOT HOT, and there’s no cooling them down!  At Private Receptions we take pride in our unique style and chic designs but not only do we have Fashion Fever for décor, our brides have caught the Fashion Fever bug too—especially through their wedding day attire.  Since our newly update Private Receptions Facebook Fan Page and the recent upload of all 12 of our photo albums you get to see how much these brides are burning up!  You might have been checking out our photos and curious who’s the designer of our brides’ stellar pieces!  We’re about to let you in on their little secrets.

Your wedding dress is a signature piece on your special day.  Every element of the dress will parade your style, cut and texture.  Sarah Swan, one of our amazing June brides, went couture with a silk razmir strapless Oscar de la Renta gown.  The dress paired perfectly with her modern city wedding at her and her new husband’s alma mater, Columbia University.

top row l. r.: Sarah Swan, Oscar de la Renta dress, Ryan Brenizer Photography. Leah Kastury, J. Crew Bridesmaids, Alex Z Photography bottom row l. r. Laurie Small, Christian Louboutin, John Arcara Photography. Leah Kastury, J. Crew Bridesmaids, Alex Z Photography

Shoes can make or break your wedding day.  Being on your feet all day: starting early with photos before the ceremony till late night dancing at the reception, you need a well made heel that will be reliable and photo worthy.  Laurie Small rocked Christian Louboutin glitter peep toe sling backs on her big day.  These shoes were the ideal twist to her hometown wedding.

Finding 1 silhouette, 1 color, and 1 style that fits your entire bridal party is pretty impossible to do.  This is why Private Receptions recommends you discover the overall look you want your bridal party to achieve and then create it by choosing a color palette.  Check out Leah Kastury’s bridesmaids all in J.Crew.  These maids chose a strapless silk taffeta dress decorated with a bow in Barely Peach and Fawn.  This dress and pallets complimented her destination wedding beautifully!

Our brides are itching with Fashion Fever!

The Skinny on Beach Bridal Shoes

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Creating the most perfect beach wedding atmosphere can seem straightforward: pallets of whites and beiges, chiffon thin fabrics, and refreshing cocktails.  But beach-brides-to-be, let’s focus on a detail that’s got you stumped – SHOES!  With beach wedding season still in session and destination weddings right around the corner, we wanted to give you some insights to Private Receptions thoughts about beach bridal shoe wear.

Maybe your destination beach wedding ceremony has a white aisle runner carrying you to your soon to be hubby and you’re just not sure what to wear on your feet to get you there.  At PR we recommend a pretty sandal that compliments your dress and jewelry.   If you’re jewelry is silver based try Naughty Monkey Easy As Pie sandals or if you’re jeweled with gold try Civico sandals.  Both gladiator type sandals will look beautiful and feel great under your gown!

photo: top row l. r: Jewels by Jan, Civico, Aldo 2nd row l. r.: Urban Outfitters, Naught Monkey Easy As Pie 3rd row l. r.: Urban Outfitters, Aldo, Jewels by Jan

OR, maybe your aisle is runnerless and it’s just a path of sand walking you to your fiancé lined with square clear vases filled with sea glass.  Try barefoot sandals; they’re unique and weightless! Etsy has shops that offer different types of barefoot sandals.  Try Yasoknitting for more of a casual barefoot sandal, featured in gray and white hemp.  For more of an elegant looked beaded in Swarovski Pearls check out Jewels by Jan .  They even have a bridal collection of sole-less sandals.

• Tip:  Stay away from a sandal with a heel – it will have you sinking all night long!

Fashion Fever — Glamming Up Your Groom

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Ciao brides to be! In this Fashion Fever post we’re heating things up and glamming out your groom’s style to look as hot as yours!  We know this is the day you’ve been dreaming about since you were 5 and your imagination has always had a guy in a great tux next to you.  This means his accessories should be nothing short of timeless.

Entirely Ties When choosing groom’s wear incorporate the theme of your wedding without making it too matchy-matchy.  For example if your wedding theme is Eggplant and Marigold (Check out Jennifer Crone’s How To – Eggplant & Marigold Blog) incorporate shades of Eggplant with your tie choices for the groomsmen but have your groom wear a white or ivory tie accented by a Eggplant Calla Lillie boutonniere.  Check out Nordstrom’s tie selection, or if your fiancé is looking to splurge on some groomsmen gifts try Dolce & Gabbana tie’s at the Forzieri Shoppe.

Top row left to right: D&G, D&G, Tiffany & Co. bottom row left to right: Salvatore Feragamo, D&G

Cufflinks worth Coveting Cufflinks can give any tuxedo an immediate personality. Cufflinks can be very decorative, traditional, and even humorous.  PR Girls recommend that the cufflink be photo worthy on your wedding day.  We’re hot for Tiffany & Co. cufflinks!  They might be slightly costly, but they’re classic and unforgettable.  If Tiffany isn’t your style try Etsy for more of a unique or funnky look.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes Choosing the perfect pair of shoes is a big part of the wedding process.  They need to be comfortable, dance worthy, and stylish.  Here’s and idea: give your hubby a gift on your wedding day – great shoes to complete his trendy look.  Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoe options have something for any groom! If looking to save check out Calvin Klein;  they have great looking shoes for great prices!

Remember you want to enhance your groom’s look not change it!  You’re marrying him and his style so just improve his boyish taste!

Fashion Fever – What to Wear to a Wedding?

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

“What should I wear? Will I be over dressed? Underdressed?” Do you feel these three questions come up every time a wedding invitation comes in the mail?  Do you stand in front of your closet with a blank stare when searching for an appropriate outfit to wear to the wedding? No worries girlfriends! This Fashion Fever will help you discover the perfect summer wedding wardrobe.

Cool Colors This summer we’re all about the cool color pallet.  Aim for shades that imitate sea blues or rainforest greens for a hot look.  If you go with cool colors choose cool fabrics.  During these warm summer months avoid anything too heavy. Try silks and chiffons for a breezy feel.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! BCBG MAX AZRIA silk ombre one shoulder gown is the perfect combination of sea blues and elegance.   Pair this beautiful dress with frosty accessories like these Swarovski Dolce Pierced earrings and BCBG MAX AZARIA Mirna heels.

Cool Colors Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA silk ombre one shoulder gown Shoes: BCBGMAXZARIA Mirna heels Earrings: Swarovski Dolce Pierced earrings Textures Dress:Milly Mini Empire Shift dress Shoes: beehive Enzo Angiolini Bagles: Nadri coutout flower hinge bangle Cream: Dress: Milly Clarette ruffle mini dress Shoes: Tahari Adele heels Clutch: Amanda Pearl Samantha clutch

Tantalizing Textures We’re hot for classic looks with embellished details.  You want the details to emphasize the beauty of the dress not drown the silhouette.  Stay cool with a mini or sleeveless.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! Milly Mini Empire Shift dress is great look with embellished woven appliqué and unique straps.  Try a beehive Enzo Angiolini heel with a metallic Nadri coutout flower hinge bangle to complete the style.

Clean Creams As we know wearing white to a wedding is a faux pas NO NO!  But, with the hot summer sun and day weddings becoming more popular a light colored fabric seems like the flawless choice!  Pick creams and beiges to still reach a light color goal.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! Milly Clarette ruffle mini dress is fab with silk fabric and the cut is timeless for any summer day wedding.  Pair this great dress with Tahari Adele heels and an Amanda Pearl Samantha clutch for a perfected look.

Look fabulous – while staying cool during this warm summer season!