Not Your Traditional Wedding Dress Guide

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Wedding season!! It’s summer and weddings are in full bloom. In the months to come if you’re not a bride yourself chances are you are attending a wedding  – maybe your even secretly (or not so) hoping to become one next year.

More and more brides are opting out of the idea of walking down the aisle in the “traditional” white wedding dress, choosing ones in various lengths and colors. I’ve put together a list of not-so-traditional dresses for those brides yearning to infuse a little more of their personality into that special dress worn once in a life time (one hopes).

Not only are these dresses unique and beautiful they are a God send to brides on a budget. They are every bit as special as dresses costing thousands more, and can still make her feel like one-in-a million!! Which is just as it should be!!

Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth And James Silk-Chiffon Dress $495.00 www.netaporter.com, ALC Isadora Dress $395.00 www.forwardforward.com, Tadash Shoji Lace V-Neck Dress $348.00 www.neimanmarcus.com, Yazhi Sequined Gown $1100.00 www.dvf.com, Rachel Zoe Nico Strapless Bow Dress $350.00 on sale for $122.oo www.bergdorfgoodman.com, Evie Dress In Silk Chiffon $350.00 www.jcrew.com, Bottega Veneta Bustier Dress $1580.00 on sale for $949.00 www.barneys.com, Maria Pryor White Sleeveless Dress $865.00 www.openingcermony.com.

Get The Look For Less — Charlize Theron In New York

When does this woman not look utterly gorgeous and dashing. After swinging by the Today show, she hit the N.Y.C. streets looking very Manhattan chic wearing head-to-toe black – a basic Dior dress, Donna Karan sandals and big shades. With a price tag that’s well over $1000.00 not many can afford to wear this stunningly stylish dress and sandals. And you don’t have to, I divided the look into a top and skirt; between the Spanx knit sleeveless t-neck top and the Isda & Co ponte knit pencil skirt you can rock Charlize’s look for much less – they ring in under $165.00. Add the Elizabeth & James wedge sandals — on sale for $144.00, and the fantastic knock off sun glasses by Fantas-Eyes for $26.00.

Check out my picks to get Charlize’s look for less, much, much less!!

Clockwise from top left: Spanx Sleeveless Turtleneck Top $88.00 www.barenecessities.com, Isda & Co. Stretch Ponte Pencil Skirt $110.00 on sale for $75.00 www.lastcall.com, Fantas-Eyes Oversized Sunglasses $26.00 www.amazon.com, Elizabeth and James Wedge Sandal $ 320.00 on sale for $144.00 www.outnet.com.

Flower Power – Springs New Print Trend

Flower power is back! This season there is a growing passion for all things floral (prints). There was a time when the trend  conjured up images of Laura Ashley prints and little-girl smock dresses. But this season’s crop of floral prints embodies a freshness and modern sophistication.

You can wear them head to toe — the  pajama look is a great way to sport this — or give your jeans and tee a splash of color with floral printed accessories. Whether in cool pleasing pastels or vibrant spirited hue, florals are packing a punch. To get your bouquet started I’ve curated my picks of the best of the trend.

Clockwise from top left: Tucker Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Dress $370.00 www.netaporter.com, Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral-Print Silk Jacket $395.00 www.nordstroms.com, Qupid Ceduce Wedge Sandal $34.94 www.dsw.com, Paige Floral Skinny Jeans $198.00 www.nordstroms.com, Warehouse Flower & Bird Print Dress $80.57 www.asos.com, Dsquared2 Flower Print top $155.00 www.yoox.com.

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By kristin

The Cropped Jean

I have always loved to wear cropped pants so I am super excited that cropped jeans are a major trend. Actually, to me,  the cropped ankle length has never gone out of style and wears like a classic. I’m zeroing in on jeans because so many of us live in them, but the cropped ankle length looks great in any pant.

For all of you on the shorter side that succumb to the belief that cropped pants make you look shorter -I believe, if the pant hits right at the ankle and is a slim fit they won’t – I included a pair of striped, cropped Current Elliot’s that elongate the leg making you seem taller. This Spring/Summer they come in a plethora of colors and a variety of rinses to fit everyone’s palette preferences.

If you are a little nervous about investing in the cropped jean, there are many jeans out there at reasonable and low price points – Express, For Ever 21, The Gap, Lucky Brand etc.. Another great way to teat drive the cropped jean is to cuff a pair of skinny jeans to the ankle or above, or  cut off a pair you already own (I’ve done this to older styles of mine) and not be out-of-pocket.

Happy Shopping!!!

Clockwise from top left: Hudson Nelson Marilyn Cropped Jean $189.00 on sale for $139.00 www.lastcallcom, Elizabeth and James Deb Cropped jeans $194.00 on sale for $88.00 www.lastcall.com, Mih Paris Cropped Slim Leg Jeans $174.00 www.shopbop.com, Current:Elliot Stiletto Mid Rise Cropped Skinny Jeans $200.00 www.netaporter.com , Shelly Sofia Capri J $99.00 www.luckybrand .com, BDG Ankle Cigarette Mid-Rise Jean $59.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com

Trend Report – Parkas

With mercury starting to inch its way down and people remembering the brutal cold front that haunted us last winter, we’re excited that designers got practical this fall/winter. Parkas were paraded down the runway that were not only wearable but super-luxe statement pieces. Luxe enough to wear with this season’s evening dress code.

Joseph Altuzarro topped off many of his ensembles with utilitarian style outerwear, mainly the parka. His combo of an ultra sleek white-as-snow parka topping off a crystal beaded evening dress looked as natural as if she were wearing a fur, only chicer. When asked about the change of direction his fall/winter collection took, he replied,  “I wanted something longer and looser, something sensual and feminine, but utilitarian at the same time”. The pictures that inspired him: old photos of Kate Moss wearing parkas over her evening dresses, in the days when her accessory of choice was Johnny Depp.

Many others tapped into the overcoat theme with Alexander Wang, Barbara Boi and Mulberry all garnishing off a good portion of their exits with outerwear, again the coat of choice was the parka. When Emma Hill, creative director of Mulberry, described their customer she was quoted saying, “She’s got a dilapidated, stately home. She’s got her long party dress on and she throws on a duffel coat.” And who could forget Thankoon’s red and royal blue check Masai number? Perfect for the girl who doesn’t waver from attention.

Who new practicality could be so chic! This is one trend we wouldn’t mind having a bit of longevity!!

Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth & James Faux Fur Parka $1050 www.cusp.com, Steve Madden Faux Fur Parka www.nordstroms.com, Free People Sweater Lined Parka $248.00 www.nordstroms.com, Dark Khaki Long Waxed Parka $196.00 www.topshop.com, ASOS Oversize Hood Tencel Parka $122.22 www.asos.com, Burberry Metallic Finish Parka $795.00 www.burberry.com

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By Kristin

Dree Hemingway, pictured here at the Brant Foundation Luncheon on June 19, 2011, rocked a t-shirt and high-waisted column skirt from Johan Lindeberg’s new line BLK DNA. This season the midi and mini skirt’s are soaking up most of the attention, but the maxi is still going strong.

My new obsession in maxi skirts is the high-waisted column maxi. Not only can it make a simple white t-shirt look chic but can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. The version Dree is wearing by BLK DNA has a fish tail so if accessorized correctly can be worn quite dressy.

What also makes the long column siloheute fabulous is it’s slenderizing properties and the fact that it makes your legs look crazy long. Who doesn’t love that!

Clockwise from top left: Helmet Lang Drape Long Skirt $230.00 www.barneys.com, Amanda Wakeley Silk-Satin maxi Skirt $695.00 www.netaporter.com, Basic Maxi Skirt $36.00 www.topshop.com, Ella Moss Long Skirt $98.00 www.barneys.com, Elizabeth & James Fine Knit Maxi Skirt $265.00  www.netaporter.com, Rugby Stripe Skirt $78.00 www.freepeople.com.

Pre Fall You Can Buy & Wear Now

Summer is here, the temperatures are soaring and almost all this season’s clothing are now on sale. As sales become picked over and shopping for summer clothes becomes impossible…ugh! What is a girl supposed to do?

Pre-Fall is the answer to our dilemma. It’s all new to quench our desire for something fresh to hang in our closet . There are many items that make perfect transitional choices for September – it’s technically fall but the weather is still warm.  And if you can’t have a new item in your closet for that long unworn, much of Pre-Fall is wearable now.

Hurry to your favorite stores, whether they’re standing or online – the great pieces will go fast. Here are some of our favorites!

Clockwise from top left; Diane Von Furstenberg Kneema Top in Apricot Beige $198.00 www.dvf.com, Dolce&Gabbana Lace Overlay Tank $355.00 www.shopstyle.com,Vero Moda Embroidered Bell Sleve Top $60.34 www.asos.com, Diane Von Furstenberg Olivia Dress in Apricot Beige/Marmalade $325.oo www.dvf.com, Elizabeth & James Rebecca Silk Chiffon Dress  $365.00 www.netaporter.com, Tibi Belted Scarf Print Silk Dress $495.00 www.nordstroms.com.

Get The Look For Less – Love Struck Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester, the face behind Vera Wang’s newest fragrance Lovestruck, attended the perfume’s launch yesterday, June 9th at Harrods in London looking quite ravishing. Dressed head to toe in Vera Wang, the contrast of her blush flute pleated silk blouse against the black leather leggings reminds one of a modern day Shakespearean heroine.

The campaign for Lovestruck, which is due out in August, tells the story of a contemporary romance set in New York City, and features Leighton posing over a balcony – in her very own Romeo and Juliet setting. She is dressed in a heart stopping plum couture Vera Wang gown (of course), similar to those we see her adorned in on the red carpet.

 Our version of Leighton Meester’s launch outfit, while not light on the pocket-book, is certainly less than the $2000 original ensemble.

From Left To Right: Plush Faux Leather Liquid leggings $72.00 www.singer22.com, Elizabeth and James Salvia Blouse $272.00 www.saksfithavenue, Miz Mooz Kay Plarform Wedge $132.00 www.piperlime.com

Mad For Plaid

Left to Right: Gwen Stefani, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jennifer Carpenter

Celebrities went mad for plaid this winter and the trend will continue to evolve even as the temperatures rise. If you want to get in on the trend yet fear it might be a fad, think again, because plaid is here to stay- plaid will continue it’s reign into Fall/Winter 2011 with designers Rag & Bone, Theyskens for Theory and Thakoon, to name a few, having featured it.

Plaid was first worn in the 1500′s by Scottish knights whose padded armor with vertical seams gave the appearance of pleats. Plaid garments have evolved in every area of fashion since the 1500′s, however, ironically, the  one thing that you don’t see very often is the kilt-unless, of course, you’re in Scotland!

To play it safe, invest in a classically tailored medium weight button-down that can be layered for cold or the sleeves can be rolled up on warmer days.  A long plaid tunic is perfect with leggings and can be belted to add more of a feminine touch or worn with motorcycle boots for more of an edge.

Clockwise from top left; Plaid Carrie Shirt $125.00 Chelsea brentwood (310) 471-4770, Button Plaid Dress, $19.90 www.forever21.com, Elizabeth and James “Schoolboy” Plaid Shirt, Orig $225.00 on sale for $75.00 http://www.bloomingdales.com, Burberry Plaid Swim Suit $200.00 http://www.bluefly.com