How stunning is this photo? Mara Hoffman, a runway favorite for her exotic prints and wanderlusty designs, is offering a bridal collection that take the road less traveled for windswept wedding moment.
Not getting married anytime soon – or again? – many of the pieces from her “Devotion” (which I love) collection are totally appropriate for a beach vacation or sunnier days!
Here are a few favorites:
When planning a wedding I really thing the dress sets the tone. Some say it is the location (the beach, a ballroom, a bar – whatever). But, I disagree. When brides begin their planning in the back of their head they have a vision of what they will look like on their wedding day. The bride who sees herself as a princess, sophisticate, goddess will pick the setting to match their style.
I reviewed the Resort 2012 shows to find these looks and created mini inspiration boards to accompany them.
Images: Marchesa, Martha Stewart, Great Gatsby, Martha Stewart
How decadent is this style? Inspired by the Marchesa gowns, it’s elegant, bright, fresh and while attached to a vintage aesthetic it still feels completely modern.
Images: Naeem Khan, Pinterest, Bhldn, Pinterest
Naeem Khan, a favorite of Hollywood and the FLOTUS, this inspiration board feels well traveled, glamorous, and collected by your friend with the most admirable and enviable style.
Images: Badgely Mischka, Brides, OneReverie, WeddingBee
This style is for the playful bride – Hello! Polka Dots! – and yet it is still completely sophisticated and lovely for a wedding. Added to the playful nature this inspiration board picks up the theme of dots and color.
Images: Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella & Dot, Ruth Drennan Cakes, Rosebrook Meyer Stationary
This inspiration board, inspired by the Salvatore Ferragamo gowns, have a sprinkle of sparkle, a fluidity of movement and clean lines.
Images: Carolina Herrera, Oh So Beautiful Paper, The Velveteen Baker, Constanca Cabral, Christian Louboutin
This set inspired by Carolina Herrera is for the fun, retro inspired bride. It feels seasonless with the crisp black and white and the pop of red.
One night while we were in Mexico we walked on the beach past three weddings in various stages of preparation (set up – rehearsal – ceremony) and the following night a wedding was held at our hotel, and the hotel next door.
It is wedding season, and you are likely invited to one, somewhere.
After slipping that RSVP card into the mail, you might want to think about what to wear.
Is the wedding at a far off tropical destination, where the mood is tiki torch, hurricane candles and a mojito? (Invite me too, please!) Go full of color, light fabrics and manageable footwear!
Daytime Summer Wedding
Is your next wedding high atop the city on a swanky rooftop, dancing is the main event and the drink is a signature? Come prepared to party in bold colors and some skin!
Summer Wedding - Cocktail Attire
Is your next wedding bling or bust, with a splash of champagne and crystals dripping from the chandelier and centerpieces? Sounds mah-velous dahling! Go long or short, but don’t skimp on the sparkle – it is time to make a statement.
Summer Wedding - Black Tie
Okay, let’s be reasonable, the dress you wear isn’t the most important dress of the day, and in fairness it really shouldn’t be. However, I do think that as a guest it is your responsibility to rise to the occasion, without outshining anyone, and be festive and fabulous for your loved one’s special day.
Which outfit is your favorite?
If everything old is new again, we have to find inspiration somewhere. For Kate Middleton, there was no better inspiration than Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco.
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| Kate Middleton, April 29, 2011 – Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen |
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| Grace Kelly, April 19, 1956, Dress designed by MGM Costume designer, Helen Rose |
Posted in Her Weddings + Events, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Inspiration
Tagged grace kelley, inspiration, kate middleton, royal wedding, style, wedding, wedding dress
This past week was Bridal Market in New York, my invitation was lost in the mail but thanks to the various people I follow on Twitter and Brides.com I had a virtual front row seat. A few trends really stuck out to me, and the first was the presence of color in a sea of white.
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| Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Vera Wang – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Carolina Herrera – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Reem Acra – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Rivini – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
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| Watters – Spring 2012, via Brides.com |
When I reviewed Spring 2011 Fashion Week I touched on how the fashion cycle is a full season ahead; in the world of bridal it is a full year ahead. Brides are instructed to always have selected their wedding dress no less than six months prior to getting married. I bought my dress on June 6, 2009 – my wedding date was January 23, 2010 and you wouldn’t believe the shock from the store attendants.
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| Angel Sanchez |
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| Priscilla of Boston |
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| Jewel by Priscilla of Boston |
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| Angel Sanchez |
This is so classic bride. I love simple shape. P.S. what you don’t see is the intricate cut outs across the back.
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| Angel Sanchez |
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| Wtoo |
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| Monique Lhuillier |
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| Rivini |
In the world of couture wedding gowns, there is a name that stands above the rest, Vera Wang. In my mind Vera Wang is synonymous with her pin straight black hair, black leggings, and timeless bridal style. I have read that as a young girl she had ice skating aspirations and I can only assume that her time on the ice and in costume has informed her creativity.
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| Jessica Simpson in Vera Wang via People.com |
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| Ivanka Trump in Vera Wang, via People.com |
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| Chelsea Clinton in Vera Wang, via People.com |
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| Classic, elegant, with a modern touch in black |
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| Dramatic ballgown, with a romantic vibe |
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| Modern and Grecian bridal glam |
Vera for everyone, very nice!
Let me tell you a secret. Shh! I love evening wear. It’s worse… I actually look at evening gowns on sites like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. No, I don’t go try dresses on without reason, after working retail, I could never, but I do like to “Windows” browse.
A perennial favorite of mine in the evening wear world is David Meister – I own a black cocktail dress with a fitted silhouette and some pintuck ruching at the waist. It is a really classic style, that I could wear to any “dress-up” night and the fit is fabulous.
If I was wedding dress shopping again – I am not, but maybe future bride friends?? – I would definitely suggest a trip to the David Meister section of the bridal salon. Yes, my friends the designer of classic, flattering cocktail and evening dresses is walking down the aisle for Fall 2010.
This is a style I could see my sister wearing, if she were to take a wedding dress risk… one day!
This style is really far more me…
Can someone start planning a wedding?
The Daily Batch 
