It’s not just what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

I love looking at photos in magazines where you cancompare two celebrities wearing the same dress or outfit and see the poll results for who looked better. Sometimes it’s just about popularity, but I don’t think the exercise is totally frivolous. Usually both women are beautiful, fabulous bodies, highly styled, the whole nine yards. But the way each person wears it makes a difference, and I’m not just talking accessories. Here are some things to think about so that once you’ve got that gorgeous gown you make the most of it.

1) Posture: No need to be stiff and starchy, but try to stand up straight and hold your head up, keeping the shoulders back but relaxed. Think of keeping your torso open- you’ll look confident and also more welcoming to your guests. You’ll also look thinner if you have good posture, which we all want.

2) Alterations: I feel like I harp on this sometimes, but it is SO crucial. Make sure that gown is perfectly fitted, and you will look well put together with minimal effort in other areas. A poorly fitted gown, and you might as well put your hair in pigtails and thow on a hoodie over it- the effect is ruined.

3) Attitude: Everyone looks better when they smile. Even if you feel like pulling your hair out, or running and hiding from all the attention, try to keep a sense of humor and not sweat it. Reality TV is all very well, but in reality, no one wants to see an out of sorts bride. Do you want to be remembered as that bride who looked so stressed out, or that bride who looked so lovely and had a smile for everyone?

4) Focus on what matters: Once you are ready, do not look in a mirror again if you can avoid it. Do not fidget with your hair or your dress. Have a few people you really trust promise to let you know when you need to touch up, and then forget about how you look. Enjoy the day, be confident that you are looking good, and you absolutely will be.

5) Be yourself. This day is all about you and your sweetie, so don’t worry about what you should do or say or what’s expected. It’s your day, so just enjoy it!

Too Much Tea?

A customer I was working with the other day remarked on how sick she was of tea length dresses, that every wedding she had been to lately had tea or knee length gowns. It’s very true that tea length, knee length, and even above the knee gowns have been growing in popularity for some time, and while many brides still want floor length, more are going for a shorter length. This trend makes a lot of sense for financial reasons- tea length gowns will tend to be slightly less expensive, although there is still a range and designer and fabric determine the price more than length, and the likelihood of wearing a shorter dress again is always greater. But I wonder, is it now true that to be different, floor length is the way to go? It used to be that people had a hard time with shorter lengths, but now it’s almost the new standard. I don’t know if I’d say tea/knee length is overdone, because it works so well in so many contexts, but I’d be interested to hear what people think- is floor length the way to stand out from the crowd?

Bridesmen and Groomsladies!

Just in case you didn’t know, it is now totally acceptable to have members of the opposite sex stand up on either side. Really, everyone who is standing up as an attendant is there in support of both of you, so who cares if all the men or women are together or not? Just make sure the men are all in the same tux, and that the women are either in the same dress or very similar. I was even reading that it’s not necessary to have even numbers- gasp! It makes so much sense it’s almost scary- why not just have the people you really want to stand up with you, and not worry about numbers or evening everything out. You may have to get a little creative for pictures, but that’s a minor detail. Anyone have stories/thoughts about less traditional wedding parties/configurations? I’d love to hear from you!

How to Look Expensive

You don't need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Here are a few tips to help you up the ante of your ensemble even on a budget.

1) Wear ivory. It looks richer than white in most fabrics, and is also best for most skin tones. If you can't do an ivory, try diamond white - it's softer than white and most people cannot tell the difference unless it's next to a bright white.

2) Wear a dress with good lines that fits well. Most high-end designers’ gowns are fairly simple, so often less is more, and a flattering cut is the most important element of a gown.

3) Keep your hair simple and elegant. Skip the tiara and opt for a flower or clip headpiece worn to the side.

4) Wear a long, simple veil. It’s classic and gives you a lovely long line in the back.

5) For jewelry, either keep it simple and understated, or go for one or two great statement pieces, like a chunky necklace or cuff. In other words, classic, or couture. Vintage pieces are always great as well.

6) Have good posture- keep your shoulders back and your head up, and you'll instantly look more poised and set off whatever you're wearing. How you wear is just as important as what you wear.

Pick of the Week: Bill Levkoff Style 370

Here’s a link to a cute new style from Levkoff. Haven’t seen the sample in person yet, but this looks like a babydoll done right: the bust is nice and fitted with flattering drapes, the skirt is full but still has a lot of shape, and it has pockets!
Also, it's in Levkoff's Euro Satin which has a nice range of colof options.

I’d love to hear thoughts from anyone who tries it on in person.

http://www.billlevkoff.com/#/9/bill-levkoff-bridesmaid-dresses/bridesmaid-dress-style-370/1188/

Have a Ball... Gown!

Ball gowns are big this season (well, I guess they’re always technically big, but you know what I mean). In particular, ball gowns with a natural waist. It’s a classic shape that is fabulous, romantic, and has that “certain sort of something”, as they say.

Here are few styles to check out.

Mori Lee Style 2401: http://www.morilee.com/DressDetail.aspx?C=1&D=2401&P=1
Mori Lee Style 2415: http://www.morilee.com/DressDetail.aspx?C=1&D=2415&P=1
Eden Bridals Style 2320 (this one has pickups): http://www.edenbridals.com/2320-p-1443.html

Beautiful Bling!

Heavy beading is hot right now – it’s lavish and kicks up the “wow” factor of a dress.
Check out these styles:

DaVinci 8363
http://www.davincibridal.com/catalog.php?cat=22&im_id=8&page=4 (bottom right corner)
Impression 3005 : http://www.impressionbridal.com/catalog.php?cat=22&im_id=4&page=0 (bottom right corner)
Mary’s Bridal F09 7981
http://www.marysbridal.com/bridal/7981.htm