‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Dec 2008

Christmas again!! Time to spy those summer weddings on beaches and in parks! I must admit to having a big soft spot for the summer wedding as I had a 35-degree temperature for my own big day & loved it. I was always keen on the balmy summer wedding idea. It’s romantic, sensuous, and exotic – that ‘s what I thought anyway. However I was interested to read a fashion piece in the paper recently about how there are those who love summer and those who hate it! Too true! This seems to relate to age and body shape - all very relevant to bridal fashion decisions. The more comfortable one is with one’s body the skimpier the summer wedding frock can be. I think this is because of that age-old adage: “if you have got it flaunt it” and may I add you are quite happy to do so! This goes for bridesmaids and mother of the bride outfits too. A sexy summer look is excellent as long as one is happy to wear it.

However spare a thought for the summer haters – due to the exposure of problem areas such as arms, legs, midriff etc – they need to find a cool and flattering ensemble.
I am adamant that brides really shouldn’t be coerced to wear a style that they are not comfortable in just because they think this is de-rigueur for summer time. Take for instance either the strapless or the slinky look. If you have reservations about whether it suits you – don’t go there! You want to look and feel beautiful not self-conscious.


There are so many other options - cute soft sleeves, floaty fabrics. (See pic here from designer Rose Zurzolo).
The goddess look in summer is divine for brides and attendants eg: empire line so not clingy, usually a nice light natural fabric that will blow in the wind and look rather ethereally pretty. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that you can’t be traditional either by wearing a more structured gown to hold everything in and veils are always gorgeous in the summer light.


It’s the mother-of-the-bride that often has a real challenge to find the right outfit for the summer wedding too. Especially if they are a summer hater! (I told you about age being a factor in hating summer and there are exceptions to this rule but my word of mouth research tells me it’s a fact!). Looking and feeling cool and glamorous, dressed up but not too stiff and uncomfy. It’s a challenge no doubt. You may be attracted to a beautiful slip dress but think it’s not flattering but remember you can wear either a beautiful light jacket or a little shrug to cover the arms if that worries you.


Go for amazing fabric that you fall in love with. There are definitely lots of dresses with loose, gorgeous sleeves around this season and the glam caftan look is one of my faves. (see link below Camilla Franks in Sydney is the best!). Great local designers are worth checking out. They design for our climate! I have popped a few pics here from George Gross’ collection and I suggest some of the links below may be a great help to Mum:

http://www.camilla.com.au

http://www.leonaedmiston.com/

http://www.antheacrawford.com.au/

http://www.roseandruby.com/

http://www.agclothing.com

http://www.georgegross.com.au/catalogues/catalogue_gg.asp

Stay cool till next time.
Kirstie

Accessorise!! To veil or not to veil??

It’s a bit like the races, (I’ve kept my fashion eye on all that recently) - on your wedding day you have to something on your head!

That’s not a hard and fast rule but what I mean is that most gals are looking for that perfect bridal touch for their hair. Tiara's used to be the go but I have to be honest and say that I am so over them! They can look a bit “try hard” princess to me – Ok, don’t start emailing me! I apologise to all the girls who wore them on their big day – that includes me!! Mine was a little bizarre as it was made by a sculptor and was gold resin and fake pearl. It was fab at the time but every look has it’s day.

However I do like beautiful hairpieces (maybe some shiny bling) in the side or the back of the hair – that can look stunning with the right hairdo. Make sure though that you try it out with your hair stylist ahead of time and don’t spring it on them on the day. You want to make sure it sits right and won’t fall out.

Fascinators, according to one of my fashion stylists on the magazine, are no longer fascinating! He may have been referring to the races – but I still think they can be cute on the right person with the right style wedding gown. Maybe something a bit 1920’s inspired – slinky and sexy. Too many feathers and fluff though is a bit wrong for a bride in my opinion.
I personally love pretty lace veils (think Spanish senorita) or just fresh flowers in the hair. Both looks to me are classic and romantic and just really perfect with a cream or white gown. The tradition behind them is another reason that they hit the right note.


Unusual and gorgeous headbands and hairpieces are really appealing to me at the moment. Ok they may seem a bit out of fashion one day but I can’t help loving the look for now. A good example of creative genius for the bride - Milliner Richard Nylon in Melbourne is fabulous. (see pics with Gwendolynne gowns on the catwalk). Also check out Culture Shock if you live in Sydney as she has such unusual and divine veils and headpieces designed to go with her very original gown designs.

At the end of the day - It’s all up to your personal style.
Hope you enjoy the search for the perfect finishing touch!
Kirstie