September 2009 Archives

Fall's new bridesmaid accessories are full of gleam and texture. From rich, colored rings to dramatic earrings and big, bold statement bracelets, here's how to add a modern twist to your bridal party's big entrance.

 

Regal rings

Gleaming with rich, regal hues, Fall's new crop of accent rings add showstopping style to any bridesmaid's ensemble. From deep crimson to shades of emerald green, turquoise blue and blush pink, this season's costume rings are dripping with drama. One ravishing ring is all you need to make a rosy statement.

 

Best baubles

Fall's latest earring designs put the emphasis on bold, one-of-a-kind charm. Go with dangling earrings in a big, bold design. Opt for retro shapes and shades that dangle with rose quartz - one of this season's hottest gem stones. If a bridal party wears only one jewelry accent piece, here's the best bauble pick to do the job.

 

Wrist action

Dramatic signature bracelets are making a strong statement for Fall 09. From big, bold cuffs and intricately-woven bracelets bearing pretty floral designs, these key jewelry accents let any bridesmaid  gleam with perfect style.

 

Dessy Group is sponsoring a Pantone Wedding inspiration board design contest on WeddingChicks.com

To participate in the contest, go to www.dessy.com/PANTONE, create an account in two easy steps, and start designing your Style Board. Submit your final design to the submissions {@} weddingchicks.com . There will be a monthly winner for best design of a style board, and winners will receive three Dessy accessories for each bridesmaid in the bridal party, and three men's accessories for each of the groomsmen in the party. Winners also receive free PANTONE WEDDING swatch cards for each of their selected colors.

There will be a grand prize winner at the end of the year. The grand prize winner will receive free Dessy Group dresses and accessories from Dessy Collection, After Six or Alfred Sung bridesmaids.

For more details about the contest visit www.weddingchicks.com

Plus-size brides can flaunt their curves in this season's latest bridal gowns. From layers of lace to crisp silks and luxurious satins, these strategic tricks will make any style of wedding gown look made to order on your awesome form.

 

Bust basics

To minimize an ample bust opt for a strapless bodice. The interior boning provides good support to the large-chested bride. Also, details like beading and ruching on a dropped-waist bodice give the illusion of taking inches off the mid-section.

 

One final tip: Never cover up a large chest. The fabric that covers the entire area will actually make the chest look larger. Instead, opt for a scoop neck. Opening the neck and chest area will minimize the bust and elongate your overall look.

 

Hip, hip hooray!

When your lower body is large, it's best to choose a wedding gown designed with tulle or silk-crepe that floats away from the hips.

 

Choose a mermaid look to show off an hourglass shape. Go with a soft, circular skirt or an Empire-cut gown that skirts over any problem areas.

 

Finally, opt for a gown with a plunging V-neck. The dramatic look forces the eye up to your face, taking any attention away from trouble spots you'd rather hide.

 

Chic sleeves

If your arms are not your favorite feature, choose a wedding gown with short cap sleeves. That extra bit of fabric offers strategic upper-arm camouflage. The elegant touch also gives a feminine look that plays up a bride's beautiful face and neckline.

 

 

 

 

 

Think pink is the order of the day for fall's trend-setting brides. From gorgeous, pale pink wedding gowns to bridal accessories in stunning blush tones, here's how to add a rosy glow to your big day.

 

Retro rose

Bridal designers are taking a rosy walk down memory lane this season, finding inspiration in decades like the 1920s. Some of fall's best picks include retro-style, bias-cut bridal gowns in delicate tints of blush.

 

Empire-cut gowns, such as those from Oscar de la Renta, are also making news for their delicious, petal-pink hues and sheer layers of floral embroidered lace.

 

Finally, designers like Vera Wang are serving up frothy blush confections for Fall 09 decorated in billowing waves of pink tulle and bows.

 

A touch of blush

Adding a hint of this hot hue to your bridal ensemble is easy to do. Make a strong style statement in pale pink satin pumps. Go for a rosy glow with delicate rose quarts earrings or a semi-precious stone ring. Finally, add a dramatic touch of blush to your bridal ensemble with a luscious bouquet done in pale pink peonies or voluminous ranunculus flowers.

 

Fall brings new trends that every bride can scoop up for her big day. Big skirts, pastel hues...These five top looks will keep all eyes on you when you say "I do."

 

Bigger is better

Big, voluminous ballgowns are making a dramatic comeback this season. To really experience that "princess for a day" feel add extra crinolines under your skirt. The added touch pumps up the fashion volume, making any bride's wedding day entrance one to remember.

 

New hues

Bridal gowns a veering away from traditional palettes of white and cream. Look for spectacular new designer dresses in subtle shades of blush pink, pale mint green and delicate powder blue.

 

Big bling

Big, bold jewelry adds just the right touch to this season's  new ballgown-style bridal dresses. Think rich, royal-worthy necklaces decorated with oversized stones. The glamorous bridal day effect is impressive and unforgettable.

 

Tulle rules

Once used only for veils and underskirts, tulle is making a big bridal statement for Fall 09. Flowing playfully over ballgown skirts, this light, airy fabric gives a sheer sense of style and sophistication to any bride's dream dress.

 

Color confidential

Colorful sashes are making a stylish statement for Fall 09, adding a modern pop of color to the traditional white gown. From pink to blue, these hot new sashes define a bride's waist. The colorful little detail also creates the illusion of a perfect hourglass shape on any bride.

 

Grecian-inspired gowns and accessories are a strong focal point for Fall 09. Here's how to put a little Goddess of Love into your walk down the aisle.

 

White lightening

Updated from the classic designs of Ancient Greece and the 1930's looks created by French designer Madame Grès, today's contemporary goddess gowns look great in wall shades of white, ivory and cream.

 

Soft touch

Soft, flowing fabrics make this style of wedding dress come to life. Make sure folds of drapery cascade directly below the bust line. The effect gives a long, lean look that wafts with wonderful style.

 

Ancient accents

Paired with an embellished gladiator sandal or a bracelet or necklace decorated with laurel leaves, Grecian-accents in golden hues bring an air of timeless style and sophistication to any modern bride.

 

Fall's fresh new shimmering eyeshadows are the perfect finishing touch to any bridal day look. Sheer yet dramatic, these rich, intense hues will keep all eyes on you as you say "I do!"

 

Diamond dust

The perfect complement to a brand new diamond wedding band, this season's iridescent shades of platinum and gunmetal give the eyes a sweet, sophisticated touch of shine.  Dotted in the inner corner of the eyes, over the lid or under the brow, this shimmery effect gives any bride's gaze extra sparkle.

 

Green team

Rich, gem-tone shades of green are a strong beauty pick for Fall 09. But the trick to making this beauty statement work is to keep cheeks, lips and the overall finish to your face soft and neutral.  

 

Deep purple

This season's pretty, sophisticated shades of purple bring added intensity to all eye colors. From sheer washes of candy-purple to delicate dustings of rich violet, this bridal style pick packs loads of subtle punch.

 

Blue belle

Every bride should wear something blue on her wedding day. Fall's dramatic new blue eyeshadows bring a fresh dose of modernity to that tradition. Vastly different from what your mother once wore 2009's sheer, delicate hues of indigo, electric blue, deep navy and turquoise bring any beautiful bride's eyes to life.  

 

Every bride wants to look like a dream on her wedding day. But grooms, too, should look just as dreamy. These five head-to-toe tuxe tips give every groom the chance to indulge in great style.

 

Fit is it

Finding the perfect-fitting tuxedo might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. But good fit is always the hallmark of a wedding day winner. A properly fitted tuxedo jacket should lie smoothly from shoulder to shoulder across the back. There should also be enough room to move comfortably.

 

Shape it up

The right tuxedo jacket should taper slightly at the waist and drape comfortably to the hip. Grooms should button their jacket during a fitting to inspect the shape and check that lapels lie perfectly flat.

 

Pant perfection

Flat-front trousers with a slim cut through the leg are a great pick for men that are tall and slender. A heavier-set groom should opt for relaxed fit of a traditional pleated pant. In either case make sure that the pant crease crosses the middle of the knee and that the pants lie flat against the leg.

 

Shirts tales

Find the perfect dress shirt with this simple trick. Have your groom button the shirt to the top and then try to slip a forefinger between the shirt's collar and his neck. If he cannot squeeze a finger into the space the shirt is too small. If he can place two fingers between the fabric and his neck the shirt is too big.

 

Fab footwear

Great shoes are the finishing touch to a groom's wedding day look. Black shoes are the perfect match for black pants. Go for tan shoes with tan pants. Bring shoes to fittings to ensure the pants are altered to fall to just the right length.