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Wedding Wednesday #2: Mix & Match Bridesmaids
As a wardrobe consultant, it’s my job to steer my clients towards silhouettes and cuts that are figure-flattering. As we all know, there’s no “one dress” style that works for every figure (I’ve yet to see one) – so I would be remiss if I ever forced a singular dress style onto a variety of body shapes and sizes.
A must-see in ACC’s book. Go. rent it. now.
The daunting task comes when choosing a bridesmaids dress that every bridesmaid will love. A shade that flatters one woman’s skin tone may be disastrous against another skin tone: likewise, one skirt style might slenderize one woman’s frame, while overwhelming another.
My solution?
1) Pick a color palette and length (short, long, etc.). Let your maids shop for and pick out their own dress, staying within the defined color scheme. This way, they can dictate the price, cut, silhouette and fabric. The pro? Each dress will reflect each individual bridesmaid’s style personality and preferences, but the group color scheme and length will be harmonious.
flowers & decor – Brocade/Hillary Robson – image via Skip Hopkins – styling & wedding design via A Chic Critique
image via google
image via Stephen Devries
2) Pick one designer – then pick one fabric, color and length. Let each girl choose the actual style & silhouette that she prefers. The result is a unified effect with varying styles.
image via pinterest
image via google – Jose Villa
If you’re the sort of bride who likes uniformity and wants to capture a sense of oneness amongst your maids, this idea might prove a little counter-intuitive or unappealing. Different strokes for different folks – the important thing is to do what makes YOU happy! Having all the maids wear the same matching dress is always a classic and beautiful choice.
Stay chic,
Annie
Going to the chapel, and I’m…
Going to get married!
In the midst of travels and a very busy holiday season, Santa managed to bring me a thrilling and heart-warming gift: an engagement ring! I couldn’t be happier to be engaged to such a kind, genuine, funny, and selfless man: one who, in just a few short months, I will have the honor of calling my husband. 2011 was sweet to me, indeed.
sweet note from pinterest – and so true.
In the midst of wedding details, I am going to be hosting a series of “Wedding Wednesday” posts every other Wednesday through April. I’ll chronicle my planning journey (without giving away all of my surprises), as well as make some wedding style tips and suggestions. I can’t wait to unveil my aesthetic and vision; planning a wedding is right up my creative and style-obsessed alley.
a gorgeous photo by the talented Elizabeth Messina
Regular ACC posts will resume next week, so stay tuned for winter and spring wardrobe and fashion entries. On Wednesday, January 18th: What’s Your Bridal Style?
Cheers to the new year, to pursuing what you love, and to staying chic!
Annie
Bridal Bliss
In honor of soon-to-be Princess Kate’s wedding tomorrow morning (counting down the hours), I’m going to share with you some of my favorite bridal gowns from various spring and summer 2012 collections.
The lovely couple. (image via US) Cue the royal trumpets!
You may remember this Reem Acra beauty from Spring 2008, seen worn by Olivia Wilde and Jessica Szohr here. It’s also worn by the bride in this wedding (swoon). Isn’t it divine? Sheer elegance. Much to my delight, Reem replicated the delicate, beaded cap sleeve once again (below) in her spring 2012 Bridal collection.
Reem Acra Spring/Summer 2012
Strapless silhouettes are ubiquitous; onto something new! It’s refreshing to see cap sleeves and off-the-shoulder designs once again – they’re unexpected and current. The beaded detail work in these caps is exquisite. I love this.
Off-the-shoulder sleeves are sexy, yet effortless, and this modified mermaid silhouette is stunning. (All Reem images via here)
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012
I love the simplicity of this design; it’s ethereal and modern. Sophisticated, yet unfussy. I’d style it with some beautiful, antique, chandelier-drop earrings. (image via here)
I don’t tend to gravitate towards lace; however, this gown is an exception. The lace is delicate and not overpowering, perfectly accentuating the trumpet silhouette. I find the bodice and subtle neckline eye-catching and charming. Do you see the built-in cups? Straps could easily be added to this, as could a beaded belt for a reception. (image via here)
Remember this post? I can’t wait to see what Kate wears – I’m sure she’ll be simply smashing. She’s already on the road to becoming a style icon. Will you be watching the royal nuptials with a mimosa in hand at 5 a.m. tomorrow?
Stay chic,
Annie
Meet BHLDN
For all of you Anthropologie lovers who love whimsy, rhymes, antique teacups, french lace and all things simple and sweet, you’ll be overjoyed to know Anthro has just debuted their new bridal line: BHLDN (pronounced, “beholden”). This long-awaited collection of drapey, bohemian frocks and vintage-inspired accessories might just be the unconventional bride’s dream. You’ll find over-sized tulle floral headpieces, flirty bridesmaids dresses, and a whole host of demure and dreamy (plus affordable) bridal gowns in their collection to inspire you and adore.
Introducing some favorites from BHLDN:
Ribboned Silk Gown, $1,600
Cascading Goddess Gown, $1,600
Savoy Dress, $220 (also available in raspberry)
Starburst Pleated Shift, $220 (available in purple, black, wheat & abstract floral print)
Botanical Garden Headband, $460
Languid Bow Headband, $220
As you can see, the artistic feel of the BHLDN wedding/bridal collection fits with the whimsical, free-spirit face of Anthropologie’s overall fashion brand. Just in time for wedding season!
Stay chic,
Annie
Wedding Makeup Preview
Cue Darlene Love (what you must listen to while reading this post). For those that grew up with “Father of the Bride“, you know there are certain songs that evoke those special bridal feelings.
One of my favorite moments as a stylist is being able to interact with brides as they anticipate their impending nuptials – the excitement, the nervous flush – all culminating in the moment they walk down the aisle and lock eyes with their groom. Surrounded with bridesmaids and sometimes the photographer, the bride meticulously prepares for the moment that will be her “unveiling”: pinning her hair in place, perhaps the veil, and of course, last-minute lipstick blots. Whether your makeup style is loose and ethereal, or glamorous and sexy, there’s a reason a bride always looks “blushing!”
Carla wanted a natural-looking palette, with the emphasis on the eyes. No ’smokey’ eye look – just soft pinks and raspberries with a subdued, brown eye, and a bit of shimmer for a fresh, “dewy” appearance.
Stunning.
Flowers and dresses and cake, oh my! Wedding season is just around the corner.
Stay chic,
Annie
1st four photos via Memories are Forever Photographers (St. Louis, MO); 2nd via Suzanne Thrower
A Royal Wedding
Depending on your age, you might have ‘grown up’ with the iconic, graceful and much beloved Princess Diana. Her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981 was internationally publicized and remains a day of remembrance.
Designed by Emmanuel, Diana’s dress was made of ivory taffeta and antique lace and featured a 25 ft. train – and note, this was considered very “haute couture” in the 80’s! (images via here)
In the 90’s, you might have swooned over Carolyn Bessette’s Narcisco Rodriguez silk crepe gown in her wedding to John F. Kennedy, Jr.
Now, in late 2010, those prone to be fashion & culture-obsessed are eagerly awaiting the impending nuptials of Kate Middelton to Princess Diana’s son – Prince William – in April, 2011. Kate, much like her late mother-in-law, is the epitome of effortless style & elegance: she defines “classic,” and always carries herself with grace. Italian, French, English, Spanish, and American designers alike are anticipating what wedding gown she might choose or have designed. Interested in seeing some of their proposed sketches? I thought so.
Below are some of my personal favorites for Kate (from some of most renowned modern designers):
“I admire the balance Kate Middleton strikes between elegant and contemporary with her unmistakable style. For her, I had in mind clean lines, soft shapes and classic touches such as the boat neckline and distinctive train.” — Frida Giannini, Gucci
“On the royal wedding day, I envision Kate Middleton in a fresh, modern silhouette emphasizing her elegance and beauty in a youthful way.” — Gilles Mendel, J.Mendel
As a side note, I am mildly (okay, ridiculously) obsessed with J. Mendel’s gowns. If my budget would provide, he would design MY wedding gown someday.
“I think that there will be so many comparisons to the late Princess Diana that her dress should almost be the opposite of what Diana’s was — modern, simple and very elegant.” — Tom Mora, vice president of wedding and special occasion, J. Crew
“We designed a ‘blossoming’ dress because we imagined her as a new Botticellian Venus.” — Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Valentino
“…The tradition of intricate hand-pieced lacework in the high-necked bodice with elbow-length sleeves, together with the voluminous skirt of a mixture of stiff and soft silk tulle, feels regal, yet poetic.” — Vera Wang
You can read the full article here – as I said above, more than 30 designers submitted their sketches of what they envisioned Ms. Middleton wearing on the royal wedding day. Which one is your favorite? What do you see Kate wearing?
Wedding season is just around the corner. Need help with your creative vision? A Chic Critique provides fashion styling and creative direction for your special day: let us help you shop, and dress you and your bridal party!
Stay chic,