Pretty Maids

Isn’t Spring a great time to shop?!! I can’t help myself when the weather warms up. As soon as there’s a bit of sun – you’re dying to get out of black. (or if you don’t live in Melbourne then the darker heavier colours you have been layering all winter). Suddenly you want a pretty spring frock and they are everywhere this year. It’s a great season for dress shopping. This advice is based on my expert trawling about that has been taking up a lot of my time lately! There are so many gorgeous ladylike floral prints, vintage lace, embroidery and everything from cute “Alice In Wonderland” styles to soft, feminine shift shapes. What a great year for bridesmaid’s frocks!

In my shopping frenzy I have been snapping up pretty prints and lacey detailed pieces and I keep seeing girlie frills, great colours and sweet fabrics that would work brilliantly for the wedding party amongst the racks. There’s some excellent colours around too - vibrant and appealing like turquoise and purple as well as lots of cream & white and those muted tones of antique cream, pink and latte.
Long gone are the pastel full-length sheaths that were ubiquitous once at a wedding. These days the trend is toward great dresses that can be worn again by the bridesmaid – a big bonus if you have to pay for this dress, which is the norm. If it’s a fab frock then it’s perfect for the races or a party or another wedding!! Also even better you can choose a style that suits you. I think it looks great when all the girls wear something that really flatters their body shape even if the outfits are a bit different. If the colours or the fabric matches then it still works for the wedding theme but it’s a more modern look. Very stylish! It’s a win win for bride and maid!

Check these pics of very spunky frocks from designer Jenny Bannister in Melbourne’s current season and a couple from Thurley’s catwalk show. Below are some other links to my very favourite local designers. I LOVE all these labels so check them out for your special bridal attendants as I think they could work. Enjoy your shopping…. I am.

http://www.roseandruby.com/

http://www.mossandspy.com.au

http://www.whitesuede.com

http://www.fleurwood.com/collection/spring08/index.html

Less is more

No matter how simple your tastes may be in everyday life, there seems to be something about choosing a wedding gown that frequently makes a girl crave a small degree of ornamentation. It’s understandable! As even though chic is all about simplicity and those words “less is more” may echo in your head there’s another voice there saying “but it’s my wedding!!!” You can be chic any old time but weddings conjure up dreams of lace, beads, diamante bling, floaty bits of chiffon or georgette.. you get the gist. Maybe not the kind of style you normally go for.
Don’t be perturbed you can still be simply elegant yet satisfy this urge with a tasteful hint of the trimmings you’re dreaming of. There’s so many fabulous ways to get subtle decorative detail. For a few years there’s been quite a trend toward sparkly diamante in either brooches or even in the straps of the gown and is an extravagant touch that lifts a dead simple frock (very Versace 2005!). Another beautiful feminine touch is a layer of gorgeous lace or a touch of appliqué in the bodice - nothing too busy but it lifts the totally plain look to something a little bit more special. Beading can be amazing too – you don’t have to go to “Bollywood” extremes – just a pretty little scatter combined with lace appliqué is divine. Also think sashes and ties (always romantic), chiffon trains, silk flowers (so pretty) or even hand painting fabric. Images here are to give you inspiration. You don’t want to be disappointed later and think I had the chance to look all “bridey” and I blew it! Unless of course seriously simple is totally you in which case follow your style and don’t be swayed! I am only speaking to those who have a hankering for adornment like me.

It’s worth remembering that the less full on you go, the more your pictures will stay unembarrassing for future generations! Another pearl of wisdom is: too much embellishment can ruin a stunning gown. Mind you there’s always the bride who thinks “stuff that” and will go the whole hog. Princess More Is More. That’s ok - It’s a personal thing.

Spring is in the air so enjoy your bridal shopping.

Kirstie