Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Wedding What-to-Wear
No, I haven't been on a long, warm, sunny vacation without a computer. I've been hard at work planning and picking for a styled wedding shoot coming up in a few days with this cat:
And the second, but clearly second to none, is a gorgeous blush gown called "Jubilee" by Austin Scarlett. The tiered organza skirt on this is insane. It makes me want to renew my vows for our seven-year anniversary. In the words of a dear friend, this dress "brings the fance!"
What about short? Here's one that I love. And more than the cut, I really love the berry color. I just want to eat it!
Mother of the Bride: This look can be so tricky. A lot of times "mother of the bride" dresses are very motherly looking, which doesn't always fit the personality of the young or young at heart mother. Occasionally, you get a mother of the bride that looks like she's headed to prom after, which is something I'm sure (actually, not sure) most mothers would rather not attend again. So, let's take a look at a moderate choice:
Oh, it's formal? No worries. This gorgeous red dress by Giambattista Valli is just inspiration for you, given there is only one left. You can see why. It's amazing!
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| www.sheradeehurstphotography.com |
A couple of months back, this lovely lady photog, Sheradee Hurst, came to me with a dream of conquering a styled wedding shoot together. I say conquering because this is no project for the weary. A joint venture and vision was born. We had been toying with the idea of working together for awhile, so this is the first big step in a wonderful partnership! Since then, an amazing list of vendors have generously joined the party. From location & floral design to cake and the overall bridal look (makeup, nails, hair & jewelry), everyone is in place and ready to rock this shoot!
My initial inspiration Page for the shoot: Rustic Glam
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| Where the rustic and the glamorous collide...styled wedding shoot 2014 |
But since I'm not at liberty to divulge anything specific about the shoot, let's look at what to wear to a wedding, all female parts played out here.
The main attraction: It's the bride everyone is waiting with excitement to see. This is why picking the dress is typically accomplished at the very beginning of planning. Other than date and venue, it's the most important piece on the big day. (FYI, that's how it goes for styled wedding shoots too!) I'd die twice to wear one of these gowns if I had it to do all over again (with my beloved Patrick, of course).
The first is the loveliest work of art with it's silk white embroidered tulle. It's the "Illusion" gown by Monique Lhuillier. I swear she's floating in this gown.
And the second, but clearly second to none, is a gorgeous blush gown called "Jubilee" by Austin Scarlett. The tiered organza skirt on this is insane. It makes me want to renew my vows for our seven-year anniversary. In the words of a dear friend, this dress "brings the fance!"
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| Austin Scarlett Dress |
The Jenny Yoo "Annabelle" dress is gorgeous and perfectly compliments a romantic-looking wedding gown. And even though every bride says it, but it's only sometimes true, this style is a great choice for all the bridesmaids because it can be styled 15 different ways with the coordinating sash that blends into the long skirt. Each bridesmaid can add their own twist to this look by switching up the sash. It's offered in nine different colors, and can be found at www.bhldn.com.
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| BHLDN |
What about short? Here's one that I love. And more than the cut, I really love the berry color. I just want to eat it!
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| Donna Morgan dress at www.nordstrom.com |
Please do have a taupe bridesmaid dress, but if you just can't, this also comes in black.
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| Adrianna Papell bridesmaid dress from www.nordstrom.com |
Mother of the Bride: This look can be so tricky. A lot of times "mother of the bride" dresses are very motherly looking, which doesn't always fit the personality of the young or young at heart mother. Occasionally, you get a mother of the bride that looks like she's headed to prom after, which is something I'm sure (actually, not sure) most mothers would rather not attend again. So, let's take a look at a moderate choice:
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| Tadashi Shoji dress at Nordstrom |
I love this asymmetrical gown from Tadashi Shoji. It's stylish and modest, and it has a beautiful and fun neckline. A major plus, too, is that it has some great ruching for those moms desiring a midsection disguise. It's a gorgeous and classic indigo blue and the true icing on the cake is that it can absolutely be worn again. This is great for any formal event (gala, charity dinner/auction, etc), any season. This dress can look a lot fancier with the right jewels and shoes for extra pizazz.
Perhaps the only possible trump card in the princess processional is the flower girl, capable of (and likely to) stealing the show. Her princess dress (along with the sheer will and mind power of moms, grandmas and guests alike) plays a major part in instilling confidence and fueling excitement and hopefully focus for getting her down the aisle without any tears, pit stops or mishaps.
This might seem a little over-the-top to some, but if you've chosen the Austin Scarlett dress above, and it's your dream in life for your flower girl to be somewhat of a mini-me, then this is a great fit:
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| www.burnettsboards.com |
For the little darlings who you know will be unstoppable on the dance floor at the reception, perhaps something equally lovely, but a little more manageable, is in order:
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| lightinthebox |
Wedding Guest: The guests have it the easiest on the big day. Dress up, show up (a little early, please) and enjoy the show that has been the heart and soul, blood, sweat and definitely tears of the lovely bride for the past year or so.
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| Ted Baker dress at www.nordstrom.com |
This DKNY scuba fit and flare dress is so cute! Picture it with black sandals and a smile. You can find it at Saks.
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| DKNY dress at www.saksfifthavenue.com |
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| Jason Wu sandals at www.saksfifthavenue.com |
Oh, it's formal? No worries. This gorgeous red dress by Giambattista Valli is just inspiration for you, given there is only one left. You can see why. It's amazing!
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| Giambattista Valli dress from www.shopbop.com |
Okay, so that about wraps it up. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone, but the major girl players are covered. Until next time, have a ball getting dressed!
Esteemed vendor list for the styled wedding shoot:
Gorgeous floral design by: Trochta’s Flowers-Floral Design
We said yes to the dress at: JJ Kelly-Dress
The amazing venue: The McGranahan Barn-Venue
The table setup: Linens, & Chairs
The glamorous jewels: Mitchener Farrand-Jewelry
YUMMY Cake: Cake-Amy Cakes
It will be forever preserved by: Videography-Little Big Films
Invitations, place cards, menus: Stationery-myheartcreative
I can't wait to work with these amazingly talented ladies on the overall bridal look:
Makeup: Make-Up-Toni Marlo
Model: Abby Davis
Friday, March 7, 2014
Day 7: Spring Dream
Sunday: Church & Brunch
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| Zara Dress, Mui Mui Cracked Leather Tote, Alexander Wang Ankle-Strap Pumps |
Monday: Morning Coffee
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| Rag & Bone Denim Capris, TIBI Crepe Top, Chloe Messenger Bag, Gucci Fringe Sandals |
Tuesday: Trunk Show
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| Chanel Iconic Sunglasses, Gianvito Rossi Suede Sandals, Zara Dress, Makena Pendant Necklace |
Wednesday: Lunch with Friends & Client Consultation
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| Lauren Ralph Lauren Trouser Jeans, Oscar de la Renta Peplum Blouse, Tod's Leather Tote, Alexander McQueen Peep-Toe Sandals |
Thursday: Shopping & Lunch with Quin
Friday: Sushi at an Outside Table With My Family
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| TOPSHOP Skinny Tailored Blazer, EQUIPMENT Camisole Top, Kelly Wearstler Hampstead Ring, Ray-Ban Large Aviator, Jimmy Choo Rosalie Leather Bag, Giuseppe Zanotti Caged Bootie |
Saturday: Opera
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| Alice + Olivia Colorblock Maxi Skirt, Majestic Paris for Neiman Marcus Scoop Neck Tank, Marni Snap Lock Clutch, , Alexander McQueen Skull Peep-Toe Court |
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Day 6: Patterns & Prints
I have to admit, I love a good polkadot or stripe. I don't often get more adventurous than that when it comes to patterns and prints. I would like too, though. Here are some great pieces to get you thinking in that direction.
These shorts are cute, but not nearly as cute as when they are paired with the red blouse (am I obsessed with red blouses?) below. I can also see these with a denim button down or a silky black button down.
Oh yellow sweater, I have a crush on you. This floral patterned sweater is so cute! And I love it with these white shorts. It will also be great with dark denim skinnies, a full skirt or even the first pic on this post (plaid pants), if you're feeling brave enough to mix prints! Just do it.
It's a super cute, big stripe dress. What's not to love? I like it with wedge sandals or flat sandals. You could even wear this with flip-flops if you're going super casual.
I have too many favorites in this post because I really want to urge you to buy this dress too. It's drinks with the girls and brunch on Sunday. In fact, just sleep in it. love, love, love! The simple necklace it's styled with is just icing on top of this perfection cake.
So that's it for patterns and prints. I hope you feel inspired to infuse some prints into your wardrobe this spring. Everything in this post can transition right into summer. Can't believe this was day six. Fastest week ever. Until tomorrow, my friends.
These pants are fantastic with their big, bold plaid. The options for tops are endless, but I keep picturing them with a silky red button down like the one below. (pants are cotton, polyester, elastane in case you were wondering)
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| MOTHER Crop Zip Muse Plaid Skinny Pants visit www.nordstrom.com |
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| Trouvé silk Blouse visit www.nordstrom.com |
What a fun top! I love the splatter of blues on white. The frilly sleeve and hem add adorable detail. I think this will be so cute with blush denim and booties, like the picture below.
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| ZARA Top With Frilly Sleeve visit www.zara.com |
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| rag & bone / JEAN Jeans - The Skinny in Distressed Blush visit www.bloomingdales.com |
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| Kate Spade Saturday Pocket Shorts in Strata Stripes visit www.saturday.com |
This is an easy pick. It's just so comfy, yet super pulled-together looking. The options for shoes that would go with this are endless. Throw a cardigan over this until it warms up, but go ahead and purchase.
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| Tart Surplice Bodice A-Line Jersey Wrap Dress visit www.nordstrom.com |
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| Barcley Sweater visit www.katespade.com |
It's a super cute, big stripe dress. What's not to love? I like it with wedge sandals or flat sandals. You could even wear this with flip-flops if you're going super casual.
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| Cecile Big Stripe Dress visit www.shopbop.com |
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| Double Layer Dress visit www.BCBGeneration.com |
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Day 5: Amazing Lace
With all the lace new spring lines have to offer, how could you choose just one? I remember when I was pregnant with my first daughter and my mother-in-law, who only had boys, innocently asked me, "How many days can she wear pink?" I said, "Everyday." I feel similarly about lace.
I love this sky blue lace top from Zara. How gorgeous would it be under the navy blazer below? I know it's a lace post, but I had to show this blazer because it's so adorable with gathered shoulders and gold buttons on the sleeves (also from Zara).
Let's talk about wearing patterns tomorrow. It will be so much fun!
I love this sky blue lace top from Zara. How gorgeous would it be under the navy blazer below? I know it's a lace post, but I had to show this blazer because it's so adorable with gathered shoulders and gold buttons on the sleeves (also from Zara).
This Heysham tee from Jack Wills is touted as "the cutest tee on the block." I tend to agree. Also comes in "vintage white."
Red for spring is just lovely. I love this Silk Peplum Veranda top with delicate lace insets from Madewell. They have it styled with denim, which is perfect, but this top will also go amazing with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants.
Look at the sleeves on this Pretty Skater dress from ASOS. This easy, comfy look will be so cute with booties right now and adorable with sandals later.
This Isabel Top from Tory Burch is another goody! They styled it with a button-down underneath, which looks fab. It will be great by itself too, with slacks, denim or a skirt.
Look at the adorable polkadot organza lace on this fit-and-flare dress from Red Valentino. Too cute and perfect for any special occasion. Find it at Nordstrom.
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The amazing neckline on this BCBG Little Red Lace Dress is so exciting! Switch it up. Wear red instead of black to your next cocktail party!
The gorgeous citron color of this Heavy Lace Bambolina Dress by Valentino is so yummy. It reminds of me of key lime pie. The scalloped neckline, sleeves and hem are beautiful. And I love the natural waist and tulip skirt. Perfection. Find this dress at Neiman Marcus.
I chose this Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress because of the rich color, the beautiful high, boat neckline and the sleeve length.
It was proving harder than I thought to find a lace swing dress I loved. Then, I stumbled upon this Sleeveless Baby Doll Dress by Nina Ricci. It's great because most of the lace dresses are fit-and-flare or sheath. The hemline is my favorite part...it totally makes the dress! Find it at Neiman Marcus.
Let's talk about wearing patterns tomorrow. It will be so much fun!
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