Bling Bling

Did I mention I was married 12 years ago? – Because the funny thing is that it is only now that I am researching and buying my engagement ring! Well things can be a tad disordered like that in life, extenuating circumstances and all that. Here’s why:

As stated in a previous post, at the time that I was actually engaged I saw myself as funky and alternative. I wasn’t convinced that the ring was entirely necessary in order to prove our love. Surely that was a daggy tradition. Plus let’s be really honest gorgeous rings with divine unfeasibly shiny and desirable diamonds, rubies or sapphires cost a BOMB! At the time we had between us 3 young children aged 5-7 yrs. We thought of their education, their years of needs and of the fab family holidays we would have to sacrifice if we blew all our dosh on a bit of bling. But secretly I envied the flashy brilliance of the gleaming sparkly rings on the fingers of co-workers, girlfriends, even my Mum!! (one shouldn’t envy one’s Mum!)

Imagine the shock and delirious delight when my husband suggested that after 12 years he was going to get me “the ring”! He’d always felt a bit bad about not doing it and here it was our anniversary. He didn’t trust himself to choose it - or rather he did but he considered that such an outlay of $ should really meet the wearer’s requirements! Wow! Now we can go ring shopping. I am like a newly engaged gal – flipping through the magazines, sketching the ideas. Should we have it specially made or should we just find one and buy it? Such massive decisions to be made. It’s as tricky as couture v off their rack. Style wise I have little fingers so it can’t be too “Liz Taylorish” in magnitude. (for those who don’t know, the multi-married Liz had a penchant for HUGE rocks!). It must be delicate and pretty and fabulous. Isn’t this fun? Just an aside to readers who are looking for a ring – how glorious are they?? Diamonds really do sparkle more beautifully than anything. Now I know why so many have to have a diamond. All those different cuts – princess cut, brilliant cut etc and the diamond weight, the carats – the clarity (that’s how pure the diamond is). This is all new and fascinating info! Then what about the setting - white gold, pave (a cluster of diamonds), bezel, claw – it sounds like a scary movie but you need to learn all the lingo. Precious stones are an option and can be gorgeous. Styles are varied. You can choose Art deco, antique Victorian or cutting edge modern.
This will take time but I am loving it!! Why did I think it was daggy?

Kirstie!

School of Chic

Of course there is the school of chic and the “less is more” type. Slim line is less likely to date . Less fussy is more relaxed in keeping with the more casual weddings. However glamour is still high on most girls’ lists.

The sumptuous fabrics that are a part of the dream - lace, silk, duchess satin, organza, taffeta, georgette, chiffon – floaty, slinky, sensuous, divine. A dress made just for you is such a luxury. For fashion lovers couture is the bomb!

These days there are so many gorgeous options for the special day and a wide range of brides – most hoping for something really different and unusual but in the end most really want to be like me ie: v.pretty etc. but somewhat breathtaking – ie: big gasp as she enters!

The wedding day for most is a life-affirming and ceremonious occasion. As there is not much ceremony left in our society there is lots of excitement about planning the big moment when you commit formally to each other and although it sounds shallow it ‘s also all about the dress!! It isn’t exactly shallow though as expressing yourself through your clothes is creative. The gown says something. The mood of the day – the look you want – at the wedding it is so meaningful and a reflection of your personality.

Our sense of style is who we are. You really want your whole style type encapsulated when you walk toward the one you love on that day & you promise to stay together. You want them (and everyone else) to go – Wow! How magnificent she is – star for the day, “in love” and feeling impossibly gorgeous!

Kirstie :)

My fashionable life...

My life is all about bridal fashion. As the fashion editor on BRIDE Magazine most days are spent looking at or thinking about wedding gowns. Either I pour over real life weddings, or I am arranging to showcase beautiful bridal couture in our fashion shoots or on our catwalk. For a lover of clothes (that’s me!), being able to immerse myself in outfits that dreams are made of – it’s a dream job.

There is nothing like a wedding gown to make a fantastic statement. The sheer quality of bridal fashion - so intricately and skilfully made and the use of superb fabric, expert design plus the cut and line of the dress - so sophisticated and superior to everyday wear. It’s thrilling to envisage and my privilege to inspire girls in the lucky position to choose a gown.

I came to publishing and bridal fashion by a strange route having worked for many years as an actor, a radio announcer, a singer, dabbling in PR & writing.

Everything I have ever done though was somehow connected to fashion & style and my obsession with clothes, accessories, make up – frivolous girlie delights - but even at my own wedding day – (12 years ago now) – choosing a wedding gown was a BIG DEAL! Even though I thought I was groovy and alternative therefore not one to get all fired up about a wedding dress, once I had the excuse to get one it was a major excitement. All contemporary style notions were out the window -this was special. It was almost overwhelming to think of making the final decision on such an important outfit. This included accessories and flowers – the whole look it was just so vital to do it right. I wanted to be pretty, glamorous, stylish, timeless – an endless stream of adjectives. Never has the question loomed so large - What will I wear??

In my work as a performer in a big Latin band I had already enjoyed some pretty massive and impressive costumes (check out my white satin with black lace ensemble to above!) especially made for me so it wasn’t the first time I got to come up with a design concept and wear it (and get attention) but the emotion that comes with your wedding style is the difference.

I opted for silk taffeta slimline with a dash of pretty femininity – lace & chiffon.

The fact that I had done opulent before in a costume for the stage is possibly why I didn’t opt for the big gown. I totally understand girls who do. Why not? When will you ever be able to wear something as extravagant? The days of big fancy balls have long gone so your wedding is the only time to feel a bit royal or like a ***Hollywood*** star.

Kirstie