Filed under: Bridal Beauty Tips & Tricks
courtesy of convertiblewrapdress.com
So, I had the grand fortune of attending a beautiful wedding this weekend (shout out to the now Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan!) and the even grander fortune of getting an insider prospective of everything as the day unfolded. Because I met the entire bridal party early in the am for makeup duty, I was able to be there from start to finish. (And yes, I totally do hair makeup for special occasions too… just a woman of many talents, haha!)
As I was dolling all the ladies up, I couldn’t help but ask the usual questions: How do you know the couple? Are you married yourself? Any children? What looks do you prefer? Blah, blah, blah. But as the morning progressed and things started to wrap up, each of the girl started stepping into and heading out in their dresses. And as they did, I couldn’t help but “ooh and aww” at the unique style and shape each girl seemed to feature.
They were all the same material, and they were all the same color… and yet, they were all so incredibly different that it took me a minute to take them all in. Some were strapless. Some were one shoulder. Some were snug halters; while others were flowing, dual-sleeved gowns. There was one wrapped in a Grecian style with a rope-like filament connecting the neck to the waist, and still another that that celebrated sharper cuts with a modern flare.
It was a too cute conundrum I had to know more about! So, when I finally, I asked Gwen – the beautiful bride! – where she got these fabulous bridesmaids dresses that seemed handmade for each girl., she happily shared that she found them online at convertiblewrapdress.com. Both affordable ($70 / piece) and adaptable, these gowns truly had that wow factor. After Gwen picked out the tee-length style and steely gray color, each girl was in charge of creating her own shape… making them each tailor made and flattering to each figure.
While the idea of the convertible dress is by no means a new one, it was still one that DEF caught my attention for bridal parties, especially for groups with several shapes and sizes!
Made of a ultra soft blend that is 92% Rayon and 8% Spandex, these dresses literally looked chic, tailored and polished on each and every girl and body type. Check out below some of the testimonial images from Convertible Wrap Dress’ gallery page:
The short, steely gray look:
courtesy of convertiblewrapdress.com
The long, flowing, blush look:
courtesy of convertiblewrapdress.com
The short, lady in red look:
courtesy of convertiblewrapdress.com
& finally the pretty in plum look:
courtesy of convertiblewrapdress.com
May 21, 2013
courtesy of greentreephotography.net
For many years – and I know this to be true because before I worked here, I worked at a wedding dress shop – but for many years, it seemed as though brides looking for could never find anything to purchase that wasn’t strapless… Alas, a far cry from our mothers and grandmothers’ “I do” days where NOTHING was strapless.
And for a woman who was maybe more traditional or simply not comfortable in something so open, her options were almost immediately diminished to next to nothing. Not fun or fair for any bride-to-be.
But every cloud has a silver lining and following the Royal Wedding Explosion of Prince William and Kate Middleton two years ago, the Duchess of Cambridge’s Alexander McQueen dream dress – designed by Sarah Burton – had haute couture designers in awe. Middleton’s now famous dress, composed of silk gazer and hand-tatted lace intricately comprised with shapes representing the countries of the UK, is considered the Rolls-Royce of wedding wear.
courtesy of vogue.com
The knock out gown also featured a 9 foot train and several bling-tastic accessories. And with inspiration like that, designers got the message loud and clear that ALL necklines and sleeve lengths are high fashion… and make for dream come true pieces on and off the runway.
While strapless dresses are still ever present and popular, there has definitely been a shift in designers gowns towards the more demure and traditional. There’s just something to be said for the subtle sexiness; like how most non-strapless gowns somehow incorporate a surprise ooh la la factor… which hands down, has to be my favorite part!
Often times, women feel like the more covered up they are, the dowdier and less sexy they are… but this couldn’t be further from the truth with today’s designers’ modern spin on the traditional wedding dress, the potential is nothing short of extraordinary. With their illusion necklines, backless bodices and figure hugging shapes, I would put some of these gowns against the sexiest styles in existence.
Check out below and see what I mean :)
from Claire Pettibone’s An Earthly Paradise collection…
courtesy of clairepettibone.com
from Tara Keely’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Badgley Mischka’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of badgleymischka.com
from Alfred Angelo’s Disney Fairy Tale collection…
courtesy of alfredangelo.com
from Alvina Valenta’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Maggie Sottero’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of maggiesottero.com
from Lazaro’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Morilee’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of morilee.com
from Jim Hjelm’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Sophia Tolli’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of sophiatolli.com
from Amsale’s Fall 2013 collection…
courtesy of amsale.com
and finally, from Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2014 collection! (that’s right ladies, this look is DEF here to stay!)…
courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com
May 16, 2013
photos courtesy of confettidaydreams.com
Ahhh, lace. A fixture in the wedding world since the dawning of “I do,” this intricate overlay is not only a detail with staying power, but it’s practically the signature for bridal royalty and vintage couture everywhere.
But in 2013, it’s proving to be one of the biggest go-to’s for bridal fashion and wedding design just about everywhere! According to Erika Pitera of borrowedandbleu.com – an online resource for one of a kind brides looking for one of a kind weddings – there is nothing more lovely than lace for the 2013 bride. In a recent interview with The Top 100 Wedding Blogs, she stated:
In my opinion, we are going to see a lot of lace in 2013. Lace has been a mainstay in bridal fashion for centuries, but it seems to be making a huge a comeback righ now with modern brides. From full on lace dresses to just a touch here and there to accent a dress, lace has already started to appear all over the runway. (Pitera, weddingblogs100.com)
And we all know nothing gets noticed faster than when it has a presence within the designer district of haute couture. Pitera continues:
Many designers will be showcasing classic wedding gown with lace details like lacy cap sleeves, illusion necklines, contrasting color lace and more in the Spring 2013 collections. (Pitera, weddingblogs100.com)
Her favorite thing about lace – and I think I’d have to agree – is that it doesn’t just have to be for the dress. It can be applied to the everything from your invites and wedding cake to your centerpieces and bouquets. In fact, it’s the versatility of lace that is what has given it such a powerful place in weddings for years. Check out below for some of the of the most fashion forward – not to mention some of my FAVES! – lace wedding gown from famed wedding dress designers 2013 Spring & Fall Collections:
from the Alvina Valenta 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Jim Hjelm 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Lazaro 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Maggie Sottero Bridal Gown Collection.
courtesy of maggiesottero.com
from the Monique Lhuillier 2013 Fall Collection.
courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com
from the Sophia Tolli Bridal Gown Collection.
courtesy of sophiatolli.com
from the Vera Wang 2013 Fall Collection.
courtesy of verawang.com
May 9, 2013
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
If – in fact – a wedding day is the happiest day of a young woman’s life, she’ll no doubt be smiling from ear to ear from start to finish. So, she’ll for sure want to be sporting nothing but a beautifully bright, beautifully white set of chompers whilst doing so!
While photographers have tools, such as Photoshop (thank the good Lord!) that can most certainly enhance even the least envious to most envious, they won’t have access to everyone’s film and surely not to your actual teeth (weird!) the day of!
So, what’s a bride to do when her whites aren’t at their brightest coming wedding time? Well, I’m so glad you asked!
Sure, there are the over-the-counter Crest (or otherwise) white strips available at pretty much every local and national drug store chain, and yes, while these work like a dream – just ask my bf, Bre, and her almost glowing, not-in-the-least-bit pearly, ultra white smile…
Bre (left, clearly!) and me in Vegas for a girl’s trip :)
…they can get pricey and aren’t always suitable for sensitive teeth. Take me, for instance, I have SUPER sensitive teeth and have never been able to use any of the dentally supported, store bought products. For cereal, both times I’ve tried, it ended up feeling like screaming in my mouth. Not pretty and not fun :(
However, I still – like every other woman on the planet – would like to smile bright in shining white, but because of my toothy rejection to whitening remedies, always fell a little short. Boo. In the past, I was forced to where red lipstick (yes! that TOTALLY helps!) or simply smile with less teeth showing. Double boo.
But I’m happy to report, this is no longer the case!
Below are two Teeth Whitening Remedies that I know from personal experience work FAMOUSLY for even the most sensitive teeth, and cost next to nothing! Feel free to pick your best fit, ladies, and be fully dressed with the brightest, whitest smile on your wedding day celebration!
Teeth Whitening Remedy #1
courtesy of Christina Lovelace Nair via pinterest.com
What you’ll need:
- Toothpaste (of your choice!)
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Water
- & Toothbrush
What you’ll do:
- In a small cup, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and half a teaspoon of water. Put in a tiny bit of toothpaste for flavoring and mix until completely dissolved.
- Then, brush your teeth for two (2) minutes using the mixture in its entirety.
- Do once (1) a week until personal level of whiteness is reached. Then, limit to using treatment once a month or once every other month.
Teeth Whitening Remedy #2
This was given by Dr. Oz on one of his DIY, self-health shows.
What you’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice (from an actual lemon!)
What you’ll do:
- Using 1/4 cup of baking soda, squeeze the juice from half a lemon and mix thoroughly. The solution will begin to bubble.
- Dip a cotton ball or Q-Tip into the mixture and apply all over teeth and let it sit for around one (1) minute.
- Brush your teeth to remove acid. Rinse. & Enjoy!
Hope these help save you money and give your brightest, whitest wedding smile ever :)
April 25, 2013
courtesy of Blush via jlmcouture.com
Now I know at least one pretty lady (wad up, Carolyn – our fearless MK leader) who won’t be happy about this trend, but I gotta admit, I kind of dig it :)
Sure, it’s not traditional in the least, and it would take just the right bride to pull it off… but some of the colorful results are nothing short of spectacular! According to Brides Fashion Director, Rachel Leonard, “You don’t have to wear a white wedding dress anymore, but it still has to look like a wedding dress. The trick is to find a color that’s flattering on your skin tone, and not everyone looks good in white.” (brides.com)
I mean, heeeellllooooo?!?! It seems so simple. Sure, tradition would have every bride pinned in white, but what tradition doesn’t understand is that some ladies simply don’t feel sexy in it. And shouldn’t every bride get to feel beautiful on her big day? I think YES!
So, bring on the colorfully carefree bridal gowns and see how some of today’s biggest designers put a more vibrant pallette to work!
Vera Wang. While her entire Fall 2013 bridal line is chalk full of deep blush tones and black, her Spring 2013 line is filled with color in HD!
courtesy of verawang.com
Oscar de la Renta. It’s all about ice blues and red hots in Oscar’s 2013 Spring Bridal Collection, and looking at these pups strut, I can see why!
courtesy of oscardelarenta.com
Demetrios. Lavender blue dilly dilly dilly, lavender green… and all the other pastel colors in between can be seen in Demetrios’ bridal line!
courtesy of demetriosbride.com
Douglas Hannant. And don’t forget about patterns… they’re no longer just for bridesmaids as Douglas Hannant’s Spring 2013 Collection shows!
courtesy of douglashannant.com
May 3, 2012
courtesy of habitatevents.com
Forget the diamonds and pearls. You can keep your tulle and lace… because brides everywhere are flocking to flowers when it comes to finishing their looks, and the result is nothing short of stunning.
Breathtaking baby’s breath. Powerful peonies. Radiant roses. Delicate daisies. Lovely lilies and greens of grandeur all come together in one of this spring’s hottest trends: Flower Crowns!
Their popularity can really only be defined by their versatility. Sure, it’s easy to picture your happily clad, hippie friend or a Boho-chic beauty when you think of these blossoming toppers, but just below the surface of the obvious, there’s a whole new audience delightfully delving into this Mother Nature inspired trend.
Because the crowns can be anything from avant garde and over-the-top to softly serene and ethereal, they really are something every bride can adjust to her particular taste. Not to mention, they can make for an incredibly easy and fun DIY wedding project! Check out below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from left to right, top to bottom) lexiebeauty.blogspot.com, myfavouritecolourisshiny.wordpress.com, peoniesandpearls.co.uk, allyritchie.com, onewed.com, bridalmusings.com, lovelybride.com, engagedandinspired.com, portender.com, c-h-c-h-e-r-r-y-b-o-m-b.tumblr.com, engagedandinspired.com, etsy.com, wolfeyebrows.wordpress.com and chicvintagebrides.com
May 1, 2012
Kirsten Dunst as Betty Warren in 2003's Mona Lisa Smile. (courtesy of blue-ray.com)
So, I must confess I thought about this budding re-trend while flipping through the channels last night after coming across the wedding scene from 2003′s Mona Lisa Smile. Starring Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst, the movie itself is mediocre at best, but the wedding scene is undeniably amazeballs.
Kirsten Dunst, who plays Betty Warren — a viciously rotten, wanna-punch-her-in-the-face type character – has an uncanny way of looking incredibly breathtaking while remaining painfully irritating. Even though her character’s a real hoe’s beast, Dunst still looks fiercely fabulous in her bridal best… but how could this be?? How could such a hard personality create such a soft silhouette??
Well, with an illusion neckline, of course!!
Like any good fashion trend, I’m referencing this one as a “re-trend” because it’s already had a killer past… currently has a fantastic present and will undoubtedly continue with an incredible future. Hence why this trendtastic retro rewind has become one of my faves! And there’s no area I love to see a fave trend embraced more than (drum roll, please)… the wedding gown!!! Duh!
Because the illusion neckline creates a sort of subtle drama, it’s perfect for bridal royalty… and I mean that for seriously too! Several Princesses – including but not limited to – Grace Kelly, Princess Consort of Monaco; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway in Disney’s The Princess Diaries), Princess of Genovia, haha, used this trend impeccably while they dishing out the ‘I do’s'! Even celebrity royalty like Ivanka Trump, Princess of the man with serious hair issues, couldn’t resist a sheer neckline to celebrate her nuptial debut :)
from top, Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, Ivanka Trump and Anne Hathaway (courtesy of whiteweddingdresses.onsugar.com, 100worldnews.blogspot.com, the-weddingdresses.com and hotflick.net)
All these princesses knew the importance of creating a killer illusion, and it’s no wonder why so many designers are jumping on board this bridal trend. Check out below and see some of my faves from their 2012 Spring and Fall Collections!
courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) Alita Graham, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Alvina Valenta (inset), Elizabeth Fillmore, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lhuillier (one shoulder), Alvina Valenta (inset), Lela Rose, Reem Acra and Marchesa via brides.com
December 29, 2011
courtesy of w-weddinggowns.com
After co-worker (what it do, Jessi!) forwarded me on an email this morning, I knew I couldn’t pass up posting its brilliant notion to the masses.
Black is BACK, and it’s in your wedding! Not that black was ever was gone, of course, but this season, it’s taking the wedding market by storm… and in new, uber cute ways. Mayhaps the biggest way is through the bridal gown. Sure, anyone can accent their wedding day with the tuxedo colored canvas, but what about doing your whole dress in it???
You heard me.
The bridal gown – perhaps the epitome of a little girl’s wedding day dreams – has always been the epicenter for wedding plans. When that big day rolls around, it legitimately is all about the dress. And with brides taking on all kinds of trends in order to better suit them, it was only a matter of time before the standard ‘little black dress’ became the I-gotta-have-it-can’t-live-without-it bridal gown blowout! Just check out these incredible creations from etsy.com:
photos courtesy of etsy.com from vendors (left to right, top to bottom) LOVEKARLAK, CoralieBeatrix, Chabri (inset), hollystalder, CobarCollection, hollystalder and herlbd
But if tradition still tugs at your heart strings and you can’t bear to wear a dress made entirely of black… why not try accenting it with a fabulous sash and still get your kick of ooh la la!
photos courtesy of etsy.com from vendors (left to right, top to bottom) elitewomen, SammysBridalShop, finkshop, VenustBridal, VenustBridal, BridalShoppe, SomethingIvory, BCGirls and icing101
November 3, 2011
courtesy of alfredangelo.com
And no, I’m not referencing one of my favorite movies ever! I’m talking about princess styled brides – duh! And not only are they back, but they are completely redefined!
No longer are the princess brides of too much tulle and over the top headpieces – yes, I’m talking about you Celine Dion…
courtesy of ivillage.com
& you, crazy inflatable Barbie with too much… everything! I mean, really? Who let you say yes to the mess… I mean dress :)
courtesy of wedinator.com and tackyweddings.com
Now are the days of the redefined princess bride. One that can be found in a more figure flattering, curve hugging gown, statement-worthy headwear and vintage jewels. Think long fishtail-styled trains, tastefully modified tiaras (yes, tiaras!) and cathedral length veils. Consider turning in that old Cinderella ball gown for a body skimming dress bedecked in all things that dazzle.
And while the glass slippers may also have to go, the fairytale *twinkle* can stay! Let the sparkles dance throughout the entire ensemble by adding in sequin and crystal bling to all your big day details. Imagine everything from your dress and bouquet to the centerpieces and cake sprinkled in pixie dust! It’ll be avant garde glitter at its best! As long as the fairy tale wedding is done right – avoiding all things Exhibit A and B ^^ encompass - I’d say you’re well tuned for one of the happiest happily ever afters ever! See below and start wishing…
Arm yourself with frocked in layers and chandelier earrings and see how ooh your la la can be!
courtesy of jlmcouture.com/Lazaro
Modernize the traditional tiara and show how fab regal can be!
courtesy of jlmcouture.com/Alvina-Valenta
Wow ‘em at the wedding with a cathedral length veil and round it up for the reception… it’s a win / win for princesses everywhere!
courtesy of etsy.com and jessikafeltz.com
October 20, 2011
You put the lime in the coconut and drink ‘em both up!!
Okay, so maybe you’re not a fan of limes (or coconuts for that matter), but you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who won’t go gaga over a wedding inspired by summertime favorites: citrus fruits!!
Bright, fresh and fun, citrus colored weddings can be a photographer’s dream! Everything from sunshine-y yellows and exuberant oranges to lovely limes and tantalizing tangerines create eye-popping images you’ll surely love to look at… over and over again… after putting the lime in the coconut – ahhh! Can’t stop singing it! Check out below and see what I mean :)
Look-at-Me Lemon.
courtesy of labellebride.com
courtesy of bollea.com
courtesy of weddingandcakes.com
courtesy of blog.dcnearlyweds.com
courtesy of breguetpm.com
courtesy of prettychicky.com
Oh my Darlin’ Clementine.
courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com
courtesy of loveolio.com
courtesy of weddingaces.com
courtesy of contemporarybride.com
courtesy of cameroningalls.com
courtesy of w-weddingflowers.com
In Love with Limes.
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
courtesy of handmadebymeda.blogspot.com
courtesy of projectwedding.com
courtesy of peacefulcake.blogspot.com
courtesy of oncewed.com
courtesy of redphotoco.com
Go Gaga for Grapefruits.
courtesy of onlineweddingdresses.net
courtesy of rebekahwestover.com
courtesy of stylemepretty.com
courtesy of alohaislandweddings.com
courtesy of blondeblueblog.com
courtesy of pinkbridesmaiddresses.org
June 2, 2011
Previous page
