Elie Saab Fall 2009 RTW

Not sure how many of you check out the Fashion Show coverage and photos, but for Fall 2009 there are several trends peeking through.

Donna Karen Fall 2009 RTW

One trend I have definitely noticed, is the use of Blue hues as accent pieces, jackets, and dresses.  It’ll be interesting to see how this is carried through to bridesmaid dresses, evening gowns, and prom dresses for the year 2010.  One thing that is great about blue, is that almost every skin tone and hair color can find a blue that works well for them.  Blue has always been a popular accent color in wedding themes and decor, and carry through to the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen accessories.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 RTW

I have added some photos here of several different hues of blue that have been used by designers like Elie Saab, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, and Wunderkind who are at the forefront of trendsetting for all other markets.  Not everybody can afford these designer labels, but everybody would like something in their accessible market that follows the same trend.

Balenciaga Fall 2009 RTW

Getting married? Accessorize with silver jewelry and shoes.  Slip this sexy silver bra and panties beneath your party dress. Order silver handbags to go with your Bridesmaids’ dresses. 

Out on the town, celebrating the single life? Pair these fabulous boots with an all-over sequins dress. 

There is nothing too shiny or silver for this Holiday 2009 season! 

Don’t forget to check out this site for all of your evening gowns, special occasion dresses, bridesmaid dresses and bridal party and groomsmen accessories at direct from the manufacturer deals.

In NY last night (Monday June 15) designers and stars gathered in the Alice Tully Hall for the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards. Among the attendees were Kirstin Dunst, Clair Danes and Diane Kruger.

Everybody looked fabulous, showcasing their favorite designer’s looks.

Alexander Wang with Dree Hemingway

Alexander Wang picked up the Swarovski Award for Womenswear. He was with Dree Hemingway who was wearing one of his gowns.

Betsey Johnson was also at the event. She always looks so fun and doesn’t let her age get the better of her! Check out Betsy Johnson’s dress with the fuchsia sash. This is a great way to add a splash of color and infuse your personality into a style.

Betsey Johnson

Also among the winners were Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, who won Accessory Designer of the Year Award. Joining them is Mark Jacobs for Louis Vuitton taking home the International Award while Anna Sui accepted her Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jack McCoulough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler

It was a fabulous evening.

I really thought this article would be a great addition to our blog since we haven’t discussed Groomsmen accesories and how-to’s for the big day.  Don’t forget to visit this site and their accessory section to order all your groomsen accessories to MATCH any Bridal Party colors! The prices are unbeatable. If you want a little extra something, check out this style tie and pocket square in 20 colors!

Thank you to Gift_Girl and Wishpot Blog for allowing us to Re-Post this blog.

The left pocket square has been neglected for too long in my opinion. While some men prefer to put their glasses or business cards in it, others have totally neglected the use of their suit pocket altogether. It’s time to liberate the threads that shackle them to the suit. It’s time to decorate…with a pocket square.

Pocket squares have a utilitarian origin (not surprising). Men and women would use pocket squares to blow their noses or wipe sweat off their beaded brow. Then, one day some brilliant mind turned it into a piece of fashion.

There are a few reasons I would opt for a pocket square over the beloved and more traditional, boutonniere.

First, it’s much more versatile than a boutonniere. By creating different folds, you can actually change the look and feel of your outfit. Straight fold is more modern. Corner fold is more traditional. And, puff fold is very, very old school. Here’s a good video on how to fold pocket squares.

Second, there are so many playful combinations of colors and patterns. Sure. Blooms, ferns, fronds, occasionally feathers make its way into the boutonniere arrangement. But, you can be, at times, limited to what colors nature has provided. With a pocket square, you are sure to find one that perfectly matches your wedding color scheme.

pocket squares by sshih on Polyvore.com

Finally, pocket squares last beyond the wedding date. So, he can wear it (if he doesn’t lose it) for years to come. Want something extra special? Get it monogrammed with your wedding date.

Here’s a good tip to remember. Coordinate the colors of your pocket square and neckwear. If your tie has a hint of yellow, try to find a solid or patterned pocket square in a complementary, but not exact, shade of yellow. Whatever you do, don’t buy those matching tie and pocket square sets at the department store. Just don’t do it.

Remember any guy can be square.

If you have questions about your groom’s style, please contact me!           

Info@dresscodeformal.com

My Prom Makeover blog belongs to Shop4Prom.com which is a great resource for all you high-schoolers out there getting ready to graduate! Even if you aren’t going to Prom, you can ask their expert Gigi any questions you may have about styling, hair, shoes for any formal event coming up.  Don’t forget to get your perfect dress!

ORIGINAL POST: (http://my-prom-makeover.blogspot.com/2009/05/bridal-hairstyles_24.html)

Sunday, May 24, 2009

1. Some people would argue, but I believe there are actually 4 main, visible areas to accessorize: neck, wrists, shoulders, and the waist.  Think about all 4 areas while you contemplate your bridesmaid dress, evening gown, prom dress, or other special occasion outfit.

            - Theoretically, you can accessorize one or all of these areas, if you do it properly.  Do not forget to continue through all the accessorizing tips, to make sure you don’t overdo it.

2. Decide if your dress or outfit of choice is simple, elegant, fancy, flirtatious, embellished? Is it monochromatic or which colors make up your outfit? Where are you going? Take all of these mental notes to make sure you not only choose trendy accessories, but also appropriate accessories. 

            - Remember, even though feathers may be trendy, they may not be appropriate with your graduation dress.

3. Less is More. 

            -Once you have put on your matching tennis bracelet, your faux pearl necklace, your costume jewelry or faux gems, take a second and third overall look at your outfit and remember “Less is More”.  If you’re not a seasoned accessory-user, you can be certain that removing one item will be beneficial to your overall look. 

            - I always like to look at myself in the mirror as if I am a stranger and I ask myself “what would I think of that person?”  It takes practice, but it works!

4. If you are done with your bracelets, necklaces, and rings, you can move on to your shoes.  Shoes should always be comfortable and they should always look elegant.  Please leave your clear plastic platforms in the closet!

            -If you are wearing stockings, choose neutral or skin-tones for a formal affair. They should be subtle- no fishnets!

            -If you need an extra something, you can always create or buy some shoe clips. They are a cheaper alternative to buying new shoes, and really revamp your look.

5. Now we’re ready for a wrap or jacket.  This is usually the hardest part for people to get right.  If you purchase a bridesmaid dress with exposed shoulders, look for a company that offers a matching shawl.  Shawls and wraps are my favorite because they are the most inexpensive and easiest to store.  I tend to keep too many shawls because they don’t take up much room in my closet.  Just make sure whatever you are using as a cover up, that it matches in texture and color.  For example, if you are wearing a light, airy gown, you do not want to wear a leather or heavy satin jacket.

6. Carry a purse or small evening bag.  This bag can be matching fabric or beaded and can be used to add a lot of interest to your overall look.  Your purse or evening bag should be large enough to hold your keys, lip gloss, cash, and other small personals.

 

We all remember the bright neon colors, the dark punk accessories, the leg warmers and spandex tank-tops.  Well, if you were a fan of the 80′s then you’ll love the new trends inspired by the punk-rock, boy-band era!

Lopsided proportions, sequins and tassels, and edgy accessories are all trends you can work into your evening wear to create an 80′s inspired formal outfit. Whether you have a wedding to attend or a prom, you can find great styles and accessories at Dress Code Formal.

Photo Descriptions:  (Top) Dress Code Formal #4918, Jersey and Taffeta Dress, $109 (Bottom-from left) Dress Code Formal #4903, Sequin Dress, $99 and Dress Code Formal #4912, Jersey and washed Taffeta, $99

While the recession is heating up and worrying us all, the trends that have been hitting the runways have been bright and neon.  Colors that offer a bright side to our sour economic situation are hitting the market for Fall from all the top designers.  Even items that are supposed to be sophisticated and luxurious, are more appealing these days in bright, fun colors!

Whether it is your jewelry, your shoes, a hair comb, your leggings or your dress, be sure to liven up your look with some bright shaded hues this season.  Shop Dress Code Formal for all the latest trends–for less!

How much do we love how fashionable our new First Lady, Michelle Obama, is? She is unbelievable. I just love watching the President and First Lady; I love their warmth and mannerisms, their knowledge and ability to communicate their ideas, but now I also love the First Lady’s fashion sense. What a nice change! From drab to fab, the First Lady knows how to keep herself looking like a million bucks even during a recession.

While Michelle Obama spent time in France with Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, she wore some fabulous layered pieces including a floral silk jacquard printed coat over a knee-length dress of the inverse colors. Even Carla looked a little washed out next to the beautiful first lady. Maybe she could use some accessories from Dress Code Formal!

If you have already found your perfect prom dress, that’s great but the work doesn’t end with the selection of your dress. First, you’ll want a small purse or handbag for prom. Your overstuffed every day tote is not going to be appropriate or easy to pull-off. Your purse for prom only needs to be large enough to hold and emergency kit of: stockings, lipstick, cell phone, camera, and a few safety pins. Dress Code Formal’s selection of handbags can be ordered in 20 different colors to match your dress and complete your perfect look!

While fashion is important, the most important aspect of finding the perfect prom shoe is comfort. It doesn’t matter how great the shoe looks if you can’t dance in it or if it will leave you unable to walk for the following 2 weeks. Plus, you can always add a shoe clip from DCF’s accessory section to match your look, without buying a new pair of shoes! Heels are a wise choice for prom as they emphasize the shape of your legs and “force” you to use better posture. Just make sure they fit well and are comfortable.

Now that the biggies are out of the way you can concentrate on the small touches that make prom night special: your jewelry. You will want jewelry that matches the personal theme you are trying to set for the evening. DCF has something for everybody, whether it is elegance or fun that you are looking for. If you are going for elegance you will want understated simple jewelry, if you are going for a fun theme with bright colors you might want to find jewelry that is fun to match your mood. Most importantly, select jewelry that you will wear again at some point in your life. Your jewelry is the icing on your cake for the prom so you do not have to overdo it in order to make an impact. Plus, you won’t have to beg your parents for all that extra cash or your favorite necklace as a birthday gift. This time, with Dress Code Formal, everything becomes affordable!

If you feel a little exposed in your prom dress or are worried about a chill in the air as the night wears on, you can opt to wear a shawl or wrap that compliments your prom dress. This can be a beautiful addition to your prom attire, especially considering that it is not exactly appropriate to wear a jacket for warmth. Your shawl or wrap is an excellent choice for added modesty as well as warmth on your prom night. Be sure to check our accessory section often as it is currently under construction and will continue to have additions of handbags, vests, shoe clips and wraps/shrugs in the next couple of months!