Dressing for a Wedding

Wedding season is upon us, and chances are good you've got at least one to attend this year. I actually enjoy putting together an outfit for a wedding but I completely understand why the task can be a little daunting. In fact, if you remember, I enlisted your opinion when choosing an outfit for a wedding in October. There is one hard and fast fashion rule when you are a guest at a wedding: Do no wear white unless you are the bride. Some might say that you shouldn't wear black to a wedding, but it's for superstitious reasons- some say it's bad luck. Fashion-wise there is no faux pas associated with wearing black to a wedding.

Not having rules to follow can actually make dressing for a wedding even more difficult. But there are always guidelines to follow. Consider the following when selecting your attire:

- What time of day is the wedding?
- Where is the wedding/reception located?
- Has the couple specified attire in the invitation?

Obviously, an afternoon wedding that takes place in an outdoor setting will be more casual than an evening wedding at a posh hotel or restaurant. Black tie or white tie specified in the invitation is very clear for men, but can still be confusing for women. And what about the beach front wedding followed by a reception at a yacht club- is it casual or formal?

Hopefully if you have been invited to the wedding, you know the couple pretty well and if the question of casual vs. dressy exists, you should probably be able to figure out which direction the couple would go in. If however, it's a distant cousin you don't know too well, then the task is a little more difficult. For the sake of this blog post, let's assume you have a good idea of the type of wedding you are attending. No matter what the style of the wedding, the most important accessory you will choose is your shoes. Weddings are long events, often culminating in much dancing, so you want shoes that won't kill your feet from the start. For beautiful shoes that are also comfortable I must recommend Nina Shoes. I use these all the time for the performers at AMT because they are durable, elegant and comfortable. I often find them at heavily discounted prices at places like SYMS, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's and TJ Maxx.

So now that you know about the most important part, let's get on to the outfits!

Casual, outdoor wedding:

Dress: Anthropologie, $158

Flats: Nina, $79.95

Straw Clutch: Michael Kors, $106.99

A casual, outdoor wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear a fun print- just make sure the dress has dressy feel to it. Even though it's a casual wedding, it's still a wedding, so "casual" doesn't have the exact same meaning as it does in "casual cookout" or "casual date." You still need to bring it just a little bit.

In-between wedding:

Dress: Modcloth, $53.99

Clutch: G by Guess, $20

Shoes: Nina, $79.95

For the in-between wedding, it's best to err on the side of being little dressier, but have fun with your outfit. The bright green shoes add a fun punch of color and the grey clutch is a nice change from the traditional black evening bag.

Formal, evening wedding:

Dress: Sung Boutique, $108

Clutch: Emitations, $75

Shoes: Nina, $99.95

For a formal wedding (black or white tie), you really do need to wear full evening attire. It's up to you if you want to go long or short on the dress, but I find that short is always best for two reasons. First, with a long formal gown, you run the risk of looking like you're there to accept an Academy Award. And second, if you absolutely must kick of your shoes to shake your booty, the hem won't get shredded by the end of the night if you go short.

As with any outfit, use the accessories to add some personality to your look. It will help set you apart from the countless other guests at the reception. I once attended a wedding where I was literally the only 20-something who wasn't wearing an LBD and I was quite proud of myself for standing out in the crowd. If you must wear an LBD, be sure to spice it up with great accessories.

And please, refrain from doing the Chicken Dance. No one looks good doing the Chicken Dance.

Fashion Phrases and Terms: Ombre

Ombre is a type of dye or coloring technique in which two or more colors gradually fade or graduate into each other. The effect can be very elegant, as in this Guess by Marciano gown:

Other times, the colors can actually appear almost as stripes, like in this metallic-finish dress from Promgirl:

I adore ombre, especially when it is done well, as it is in these pieces:

Ralph Lauren Swimsuit, Macy's, $69

Ombre Jersey Tie-Tunic, Neiman Marcus, $60

Ombre Dress, Casual Living, $39.99

Adrianna Papell Ombre Chiffon Dress, Nordstrom, $198

Ombre Pencil Skirt, Bloomingdale's $373.50

While ombre is often beautiful, depending on how it is used, it can be difficult to wear. For example, if the transition from one color to the next is very crisp as opposed to gradual, it can be a little harsh especially if the "print" is horizontal. Remember what everyone says about horizontal stripes making you look wider? This can definitely be the case with the wrong ombre dress. It can even happen if the transition is gradual, but falls at an unflattering spot, like with this dress:

Anne Klein Sleeveless Ombre Dress, Macy's $49.99

Notice how the darker part of the dress begins right at the widest part of the hips? This draws the eye to the hips, which is not always a good thing. If you are the kind of girl who doesn't have hips, this dress would be great for you. But if you're like me, the last thing you want is to have people looking down there. If the darker part of the dress extended up to the waistline, this would not be nearly as noticeable. Also, if there was a bit of the darker color at the shoulders fading into the neckline, that would help create a more balanced ombre effect (kind of like the Casual Living dress above). These jeans are another good example of how NOT to wear ombre:

Ombre Wash Flared Jeans, Hot Topic, $29.99

Once again, the ombre effect draws attention to the widest part of the body, or even worse in this case, to the wearer's crotch. Never a good thing, my friends, never a good thing.

Basically, you should think of ombre as a type of print, because it kind of is a print of sorts. In all situations concerning printed garments, the key is to make sure you are wearing the right proportion of that particular print. If you are petite, then an ombre that fades very gradually to another similar color will probably be the best choice. For example, this dress:

Phoebe Couture Strapless Ombre Organza Dress, Neiman Marcus, $350

And if you are trying to find an ombre dress that will produce a slimming effect, go for one that is diagonal or even vertical like this gorgeous evening gown from Faviana:

Faviana Green Ombre Dress, French Novelty, $317.99

I hope this explanation of ombre has been informative and useful! If you have any questions about ombre that I haven't answered in this post, leave a comment and I'll be sure to get back to you. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Let them wear statement necklaces!

I've admitted on the blog before that I watch the Housewives and I suppose this post will be more evidence of my guilty pleasure. My friend Andrea says you have to watch each episode twice- the first time it's for the drama, the second time it's for the accessories. Seeing as how there are SO many housewives (Orange County, New York, Atlanta, New Jersey), I don't always have time. Although, with the conclusion of LOST tonight, my Tuesdays will be a little more free for frivolous television. And with DVR, the possibilities are endless, I suppose.
Andrea is right about the fashion, though. The housewives may be catty, spiteful, shallow, and perfect for all sorts of other made-for-tv drama, but they (mostly) know how to dress. Even the opening credits are chock-full of fabulous dresses. I hate the narration, though, especially LuAnn's "I never feel guilty about being priveleged." She may as well have said, "Let them eat cake!" But today's focus is on the housewives' fashions, not their mantras.

One thing Andrea and I have been dying over for the entire Real Housewives of NYC season are LuAnn's statement necklaces. You know from this post that statement necklaces have been a hugely popular accessory since the new year, but LuAnn has taken it to another level. It's almost as if she pairs her necklaces with the drama of the show- the bigger her necklace, the more explosive the episode! I have not been able to find a photo of my favorite ones she's worn, but they can only be described as "Flintstone-esque." LuAnn is an absolutely stunning woman, and she's got the height to pull off such large accessories. Unfortunately, not everyone is as statuesque as the lovely Countess, so if you love the statement necklace trend as much as LuAnn, make sure you select ones that don't overwhelm you.

If you want to create drama with your accessories through a statement necklace, but you lack the height the Countess is blessed with, then wear a necklace that is at once a large statement piece and delicately intricate. This Bebe necklace is a great example of what I mean:

It has a long, dramatic drape, but the pieces making it up are all very delicate- from the thin gold rings to the tiny turquoise beads, overall it is a large necklace, but it doens't appear heavy because the pieces making it up are all light and delicate. If what you love about LuAnn's statement necklaces is the fact that they are made up of oversized beads and medallions, then the Bebe necklace might not be enough for you. In that case, avoid the Flintstone-effect by choosing a necklace with large jeweled and faceted beads rather than stone, wood or anything entirely opaque. Choose a necklace with pieces that are translucent or even transparent, or that reflect the light. This will also have a "lightening" effect. Many perfect examples can be found on Etsy:

By the Silver Moonlight Necklace, Etsy, $45

Pearly Pleasures Necklace, Etsy, $132

Clearly Chunky Classy Necklace, Etsy, $29.99

Finally, another "lightening" method is to find a statement necklace that mixes large pieces with more delicate, "empty" spaces like these:

Crystal Quartz Statement Necklace, Etsy, $55

Purple Seaweed Necklace, Etsy, $65

But if you really want to wear an over-the-top statement necklace a-la the Countess, who am I to tell you not to? Just be prepared to spend beaucoup bucks on them! Here are some really incredible statement necklaces that are over-the-top in their style AND price tag:

Devon Leigh Three-Tier Chalcedony Necklace, Neiman Marcus, $775

Vera Wang Sequin and Crystal Necklace, Neiman Marcus, $495

Oscar de la Renta Braided Silk Necklace, Neiman Marcus, $890

Ok, I admit it- not ALL giant statement necklaces will be over-the-top in price. Here are some more affordable ones:

Sindelar Necklace, Aldo, $25

Faceted Beaded Bib Necklace, Forever 21, $9.80

Gold Disc Statement Necklace, Guess, $32

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go watch another epic meltdown on the Housewives. Maybe this time I'll be able to notice the fashions through the drama.

LOST inspired outfits

One thing you are all most likely learning about me as you read this blog is that I watch far too much TV. And I don't just like certain shows- I obsess over them. My Project Runway obsession is already apparent to anyone who's been reading this blog with any regularity. Another of my absolute favorite shows is LOST. I am not one of the crazy die-hards who sits up on message boards and chat rooms discussing all the minutiae of each episode. I just really love the show- the story, the mysteries of the island- I love it all. Desmond is my constant.Oh snap!

In honor of the Final Season Premiere tonight, I present to you two LOST-inspired outfits. Enjoy!

First, nothing says "jungle" like a chic safari dress. This one from Guess is available in two colors and is currently on sale for $59.95:

Somehow, it's vaguely reminiscent of the Dharma Initiative's khaki jumpsuits, but I think this would be worn in the Dharma spa station I've dubbed "The Fountain." It's on the same side of the island as The Temple station, for obvious reasons. If only Ben had scheduled a weekly massage therapy there, things might have turned out differently. But I digress... Layer it over a pair of jeans, tights or leggings if you live someplace where it's actually winter and accessorize it with these:

Wooden Cuff Bracelet, Ten Thousand Villages, $12.00

Aqua Open Weave Scarf, Ten Thousand Villages, $24.00

Jessica Simpson Jonas Boot, Endless, $119.23

Or if you live somewhere warm, these instead:

Pour La Victoire Pascale Platform Sandal, Endless, $181.47

One of my all time favorite characters is Charlie. I admit, I cried when he drowned in the Looking Glass station. I loved his rocker style, so this next outfit is in his honor.

Start with these Gap Distressed Boyfriend Jeans as your base ($69.50 or free if you actually take them from your boyfriend):

Next, pull out an old fitted graphic tee from your closet like this one from American Eagle ($19.50 or a lot less if you're smart and shop vintage or thrift stores. Just make sure you wash before you wear if it's second hand):

Keep it girly and glam without losing the edge with a pair of super high cage sandals like these from Urban Original ($21.50):

Next, no rocker look is complete without the right accessories:

Alice & Olivia Leather Cuff, Shopbop, $58

Sparkling Cross Chain, Forever 21, $5.80

Grungette Hoop Earrings (the name says it all), Forever 21, $5.80

And of course, no Charlie-inspired outfit would be complete without some type of large metallic ring reminiscent of his "DS" ring:

 

Steam Gear Ring, Etsy, $165

It may not have letters like Charlie's but somehow this Steampunk-style ring reminds me not only of his ring, but also of the wheel Ben turned to "move the island" and the various Dharma symbols seen throughout the series.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed my LOST-inspired outfits. I can't wait to watch the premiere tonight! Whoo-hoo!