It’s no secret that a wedding day is all about the bride (and groom… I guess… hehe), but that doesn’t mean wedding guests should feel the need to take liberties on their appearences simply out of spite. In fact, unless instructed otherwise by the bride, there are several do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing for a wedding, and it’s important that those in attendence are aware.
Why? You may ask.
Well, we all know that fashion – to oh so many people – is a form of expressive art. Everyone from the goth gurus and boho chic chickies to the prep-tastic pretties and casual cuties knows a thing or two about showing the world who they are through clothing. Fashion, after all, can be a truly powerful thing.
But with great power, comes great responsibility, which is precisely why I’ve assembled the following photographic collage (shown below) to assist you in using that power. You may think all eyes are on the bride… but not when heinously clad guests choose to use their powers for evil, instead of good. So, unless given the direct go-ahead from the future Mr. and Mrs. themselves, it’s safe to say the following DON’Ts should be advised and executed accrdingly:
1. DON’T (try to) Upstage the Bride. You could end up looking like an idiot. Just ask Fergie’s daughters. Yikes.
Whatever you do, don’t try to pull off what the daughters of Prince Andrew and Fergie did during their "look-at-me" arrival for the Royal Wedding. I mean, really?!? What I can’t understand is they are both girls; so, why didn't at least one of them think to ask, "How do I look?" before leaving the safety of their homes? Not good, ladies, not good at all. (photo courtesy of people.com)
2. DON’T Wear White. Because “pure” will be the last thing anyone thinks of you… unless that pure is followed by an evil. Just saying.
Let the bride have her day, and stray away from white. Don’t see how it could be a distraction? Well, just ask Jane Fonda when she looked all kinds of ridiculous as JLo’s mother in law in 2005’s ‘Monster in Law.’ 5 syllables: In-uh-pro-pre-ate. (photo courtesy of wwwcinemastyle.blogspot.com)
3. DON’T Sport Wardrobes that may Malfunction. Because I don’t care how HAWT-to-trot you are (or think you are), no one needs it trotting in their faces.
Chances are there will be some down and dirty, reception dancing, and regardless of how down or dirty you’re planning on getting, you don’t need to wear something that would reveal either. Nobody wants to be caught on Facebook or YouTube pulling off their best Janet Jackson impression – eek! (photo courtesy of bizofshowbiz.com)
4. DON’T do anything Lady Gaga would Do. Trust me. She’s the only one who could pull it off, and sometimes – just sometimes – I’m not 100% convinced even she can…
Back! Get back, evil doer! Between the Kermit the Frog get up and the one you could literally ‘pop’ to this ^^ disaster, I think it's pretty safe to say that "statement" fashion should be left to Lady Gaga and the red carpet... Not your cousin's wedding. (photo courtesy of deepbottle.com)
And last, but ceratinly not least — in fact, this beaut should be the #1 don’t…
5. DON’T get too Drunk & think You’re ‘Somebody’. Over intoxication looks good on no one, no matter what outfit its accessorizing.
I mean, who wants to be the person talked about in past tense? ‘And to think I USED to have a crush on her… My, my, my, wasn’t she like the cutest thing ONCE?’ I’m all for having a good time, but outta control, hot mess should never be the way one goes about it. Right, Linds? (photo courtesy of picpiggy.com)
June 16, 2011
Well then, look no further than the latest obsession to invade my couture taste pallet: ModCloth.com! (cont’d below)
photo courtesy of ModCloth.com
With retro mod and vintage glam being at the top of everyone’s fashion list these days, ModCloth makes it easier than ever to find your perfectly sleek, impeccably chic rehearsal or wedding guest dress!
They have every neckline from square cut and sleeves to sweetheart and strapless. There are prints for maxis and plaids for tea lengths. In fact, everything is mixed and matched beautifully throughout their entire line, which also includes all the retro-riffic accessories your heart could possibly desire!
Whether you’re into to frilly ruffles in flowing chiffon or dramatic drapes in shimmery satin, this one stop shop is like Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket for grown up, girly girls! Even the dress names are a delight! Hello?!?! How can you resist “Whether you Lilac It or Not” or “Thelma and Blue-ise?” Too cute, right?
And, with their price points ranging from Under $50 to Over $500 – with most locating themselves under the $100 radar, there is surely something in the mix for all pocket books to indulge in.
The hardest part will be narrowing down your selection. Trust me. I had stuff in (and out) of my shopping cart for weeks before settling on one. Here are some of my faves ModCloth.com has to offer:
(from top left to bottom right: Delicate Flower Dress ($72.99), Beachland Ballroom Dress ($124.99), A Little Bit Indie Rock Dress ($69.99), Mystifying Maven Dress ($79.99), Whether You Lilac It or Not Dress ($99.99), Two Tickets to Paradise Dress ($64.99), Silver and Bold Dress ($107.99), The Best Time Dress ($89.99), Scene of the Crimson Dress ($77.99))
July 26, 2010
The delicious, Cary Grant (photo courtesy of Google Images)
For serious. Look to your left. (Go ahead. Take your time.) Can anyone else say, yummy? (You’re still looking, aren’t you?)
As one of the most – if not THEE most – swoonworthy leading men to ever rock the silver screen, Cary Grant epitomized old Hollywood glamour and refined masculinity. With his unreal, shake-what-cha-mama-gave-ya, good looks and overtly debonair demeanor, he might as well of wrote the book on men’s fashion during the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
But his timeless style didn’t just define the Golden Age of Hollywood – oh no, my lovely brides-to-be-, it lives on today, which is exactly why he’s the quintessential male to consider when stylizing grooms.
Regardless of the time of year you’re planning on saying “I do” to your boo or the level of formality you’re planning to capture, take it from me and take note from the man who did it best… Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, the many looks of Cary Grant:
*all photos courtesy of Google Images
Summer Style for Grooms
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Who says only brides get to wear white? For summer weddings, let your groom channel his inner Cary Grant with light colored suits and colorfully dramatic ties. Top off his look with a fetching fedora, and you’ll easily go ga-ga over his breezy, bold style.
Fall Fashion for Grooms
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Fall weddings are all about warmth, which is exactly why grooms will want to look ultra in HOTT in dark pinstripes, layers and classic lines. Maybe you don’t want your man smoking a pipe (understandable), but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with heavier fabrics and deeper, neutral shades.
Winter Wardrobe for Grooms
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Won’t he look dashing in a tailored suit or tuxedo? For winter weddings, try a more custom look with richer tones. Here, Cary Grant pairs his uber sophisticated suit with a long trench and gentleman’s cap… ideal for weddings looking to be chilled to perfection. (Pun intended – haha!)
Spring Sexiness for Grooms
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It’s all about a fresh sense of style for springtime weddings, which is exactly why grooms can delight in lighter fabrics and softer shades, while still maintaining a crisp look that only men in suits can have. Feel free to try pocketless, grey suits with bright boutonnieres!
Groom’s Look for Informal / Mid-morning / Wedded Courthouse Contracts
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Hello, Mr. Casual! For mid-morning or courthouse weddings, there’s no need for all the fuss. Let your man feel comfortable in a tailored pair of slacks and a dress shirt, which can be paired with a sleek pullover in colder months.
Groom’s Look for Semiformal Afternoon Nuptials
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For those of you looking for something a little dressier than a backyard BBQ, suave suits are a must! Weddings don’t have to be about tuxedos; so, for semiformal, afternoon nuptials, let your groom dazzle in tailored look without all the hullabaloo. Don’t worry about bulking him up with layers; just let him shine in clean lines and a well, styled tie.
Groom’s Look for Formal Afternoon Nuptials
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One word for this look. Roar. Grooms will ooze sex appeal and distinction in a contemporary suit or tux for afternoon “I do’s” looking to get a little fancier. Complete the look with distinguished cuff links and a snazzy pocket square, and you’ll see why your man is such a catch!
Groom’s Look for Formal Evening I do’s
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Oh, Mr. Grant, you are one dashing, dashing man… For formal, evening weddings, grooms should be dressed to the nines. Think James Bond on his most debonair, 007 day or Brad Pitt in his finest red carpet wardrobe!
Groom’s Look for Very Formal / Black Tie-the-Knot’s
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Not everything sank on the Titanic, ladies. For instance, for super formal, black tie weddings… simply shut your eyes and picture Leonardo DiCaprio waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs… ahhh, delicious. Black tie affairs are all about the glitz; so, don’t be afraid to let your man get super fanci-fied in a top hat and tails!
And there you have it… Cary Grant inspiring generations nearly two decades since his last suit! R.I.P, Senior Cary, and thanks for being such a stud!
July 14, 2010
