{Images: Style.com}
{Images: photos by Jamie Beck, further credits here; found via Sarah Klassen Haute Design blog}
In one of the most anticipated fashion events of the decade, Kate's unveiling of her royal wedding gown was nothing short of spectacular. Designed by the fashion house of the late designer Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton created a stunning gown with delicate Chantilly lace sleeves and the white and ivory skirt designed to resemble an opening of a flower. Reminiscent of the iconic Grace Kelly gown, I am completely in love with her choice. Perfectly understated and simply elegant--just what a young royal should represent. What a magical event!
{Image: bakersfieldnow.com}
Good morning! Today we are answering a Weddings Fresh reader question. Here is what bride-to-be Charmaine had to ask: I'm getting married in beautiful old colonial park this July, and it is Chinese tradition for the bride to have 3 outfit changes - a wedding dress, an evening dress (typically something cheerful and colorful), and a traditional Chinese qipao. I've found my other two dresses, but I've been looking for an evening gown for the past few months and can't seem to find options that are affordable and fit the bill for a garden wedding. Most brides wear floor-sweeping evening gowns in silks and jewel-tones, but that doesn't quite fit the aesthetic of an outdoor party. I'm having trouble finding an appropriate style that's floaty, light, and fun to dance in! I've considered shorter styles, but because I'm very petite (5"1), I'm worried that they might look very nondescript (and too informal) on me. On the other hand, the only floor-length styles I've liked (in terms of print/colour/material/
Three dresses in one day?! Girl, that sounds like a dream! But I understand the dilemma. Trying to find a formal gown that fits the less traditional atmosphere of a garden wedding, as well as looking elegant, sophisticated and chic all in a tiny 5'1" frame. I'm going to preface all of suggestions with this: get a tailor. Or at least have one on standby. To ensure the best fit and look for your petite figure without sacrificing style, it will be in your best interest to use a tailor to finish off your look. Perhaps even working with a local designer to create a dress just for you would be helpful as well. I'm not sure if you live here in Portland, but I would recommend Sarah Seven for a custom design.
With that said, here is what I have found: I would choose a longer dress to stay true to the formality of the evening. It will help add elegance and sophistication. As far as the fit of the dress, focus on defining the smallest part of your body: your waist. Adding a fitted bodice will also keep the dress from looking like it's swallowing you up! As for as the skirt, I am loving flowy chiffon or silk. Dresses in these fabrics are absolutely ideal for your garden setting and so very chic this summer. These enchanting dresses look perfectly dreamy in the twilight breeze and are airy enough to get your groove on until the late night. The first 4 dresses are a little more on the glam side of things. Malene Birger, Antik Batik, Rachel Gilbert & Marc Jacobs all are show-stopping choices but if your budget doesn't include a designer price tag then perhaps not the choice for you. But that doesn't mean there aren't more dresses! As I searched through a ton of online stores and designers, I chose mostly from the Spring 2012 Amsale bridesmaid collection. I know, I know, it may seem unconventional to use a bridesmaid dress but what I have found is, it offers the unique balance between respecting the formal tradition of a wedding and the need to look chic and youthful. The silk chiffon fabric is stunning and the movement of the collection is breathtaking. Not to mention, Amsale offers a gorgeous array of colors that will fit your creamy sorbet color pallet!
{Bridesmaids Only who provided the gowns, makeup artist Megan Vaughan, hair stylist Emma Attenborough, florist Clementine Posy and model Aley Greenblo} Navy: Jim Hjelm with Summerblossom hair pins. Peach: Lisa Brown Coral: Bari Jay Purple: Jim Hjelm Occasions Yellow: Bari Jay
Good morning! In my search of some new wedding gowns this week I came across one of the first offerings of the Spring 2012 season! I am so ready to see what the coming designs and trends will be for 2012!! As for today, we have Matthew Christopher. Combining modern-day elegance with classic Hollywood glamour he creates gowns with sophistication and flare. Love the dress above with the embroidered belt at the natural waist and the tea-length bell skirt number at the very end!
Check out Melissa Sweet's Fall 2011 collection. Always feminine. Always playful. Always chic. And I love the short and sweet dress above. I don't know about a wedding dress but it would be fun for a bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner!
{Images: Martha Stewart Weddings}
As I pine for spring (yesterday there was a tremendous hail storm that battered through parts of the greater Portland area--oh my!), I can't help but dream over the 2011 spring collection from Alberta Ferretti. Blossoming flowers and fantasy-like draping and fabrics create a stunning feminine perfect for spring-time...if only it would arrive!
{Images: Millionlooks.com}
