Government Bonus $$ (Should it go to couture??)

News stays a bit bleak on the economic front and I was thinking that if I were getting married now how would it affect me?

I have definitely been pondering the high cost of fashion even in my everyday wear! But I have always been a fan of couture at your wedding. It’s so special as an experience and one that is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity in today’s world. Having said that - there is no doubt that the cost is high. So is it too frivolous?? Well we have to weigh this up. With couture what you receive is a high quality product – beautiful fabric (probably more of it), a dress made from scratch to fit you perfectly – (that should mean amazing structure in the gown, bound to flatter you) and as previously stated in my blogs the whole experience of getting that gown made for you is luxurious and extraordinary in our disposable society.

This is not to say that there aren’t some amazing gowns out there that are “ready to wear”. Depends who makes them! There seems to be more couturiers empathising with this dollars dilemma for brides and are providing quite stunning ready to wear options as well as couture. Check these stunning images from Sydney designer Mira Mandic. Her Mira Mira range is Ready To Wear. The “Lana” gown pictured (left) is $950 versus her “Scarlette” couture gown $6500 (right).




















There is no doubt that the couture gown will include a lot more work and you’ll have many fittings, a choice in the design etc.

On the ready to wear side though, you can be confident that a gown designed and made by an experienced couturier is cut perfectly. They understand how to create a fabulous garment, they have access to some very fine fabrics and creative flair is their second nature. They are artists!
The decision is yours. Weigh it up: less guests and a couture experience? Or Ready To Wear gown and invite the whole extended family!! Either way why not spend that bonus (if you are due one) from Mr Rudd – stimulating the economy on a gorgeous frock!!

Here’s some clever designers to check out:

http://www.miramandic.com.au/

http://www.karenwillisholmes.com.au

http://www.bacciniandhill.com.au

http://www.marianahardwick.com.au

Hooray For Hollywood

There’s so much financial gloom and doom at the moment! It’s enough to make you want to panic and do everything on the cheap and yet amongst all this negative financial gloom, a touch of luxury or extravagance at one’s weddings is still desired. There was a telling article in the paper recently. A bride was interviewed about where she’s likely to cut the budget in this financial climate and it reinforced my instinct that the dress will be the last thing anyone will skimp on. This bride made it clear that she was looking at all aspects of the wedding carefully and would probably pull back in a few areas but the gown was not negotiable! Maybe fewer guests, a more boutique approach but looking exceptional, sumptuous and glamorous on the big day seems to still be paramount.

The recent Golden Globes Award ceremony featuring unfeasibly expensive designer gowns continue to thrill us average gals. Is it a depression mentality again like when Hollywood thrived back in the 30’s as it was so far from real life? Times have changed. Now the gossip mags show our celebrities at the supermarket without make up so we see that hair, make up and the right frock is transforming! There’s a feeling that we too could attain that look! - and It’s certain that design features from these couture frocks can also serve as a starting point for a bride’s gown ideas. The Oscar’s are coming up and that’s going to serve up even more inspiration. Not just gowns but hair and make up, classic hairstyles, beautiful flawless make up. I think that’s still what a lot of girls are after. At the wedding they are after all the star of the show! It makes sense to look to the crème de la crème for inspiration.So here’s my hot picks from The Globes – LOVE all the hair and LOVE this array of dresses. If you can’t afford the real deal then you can use your creative wiles to get the looks. Find someone who can help – a local gown designer in your price range, a hair and make up person you can trust. Knowing what you want is the key.

Finally what about this for a laugh – some wacky fictional Hollywood influence here – Top 10 wedding dresses from movies:
http://boxwish.com/features/view/164-top-t en-movie-wedding-dresses?page_number=1

What about Muriel?? Did you see any gowns you wanted??Enjoy the awards season.
Kirstie

Image source: Fairfax digital media
http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/