Archive for the ‘Wedding Fashion’ Category

Celine Bag                                                                Lorraine                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I I had the privilege to meet with my friend and stylist, Lorraine Winkler, recently.  Loraine has been a stylist and couture manager for Jacobson’s, Saks 5th Avenue and now Nordstrom.  She assists a vast amount of clients that are busy, professional and all with various styles.  Working with individuals for special occasions and events is one of her many fortes.

I asked Lorraine to give us an inside scoop on fashion and timeless style. She is the “go to” lady and may be reached at the Nordstrom in Naples, Florida at 239.325.6100. The beauty about working with Lorraine is that you can live anywhere in the world, shop with her by phone or email, get free shipping and be delighted!

First, we spoke about Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom.  Lorraine feels there are two very important strategies here.

1.  Get a dress you can wear again and do not upstage the bride.  When looking for your dress, it is best to go directly to the store’s personal shopper or stylist.  They always provide a complimentary service and know the store like the back of their hand.  Let them know your price point.  Don’t hedge, tell them!

2.  Determine what your priority is.  Do you want to go all out on the dress, the  shoes, the handbag or all of the above?

Lorraine feels some great designers are Adrianna Pappel, Suzy Wong Chinn, Marchesa, Badgley Mischka, Akris Panto, Reem Acra. Kay Unger and Vera Wang.  The average couture gown will be $2,500 while non couture could be $300.  One point to remember is that you do NOT have to match the colors of the bride’s colors in your dress, unless you want too.  Fashion colors this year lean toward dusty rose (Jessica’s, our lead designer that just got married wedding palette) and sapphire blue (Abbie’s, my son’s fiancée and now new wife, wedding’s palette). An example, Abbie’s colors were cornflower blue, powder blue and silver.  I wore coral.  I chose coral because it is a good shade to go with my coloring and complimented Abbie’s blue.  Abbie’s mom wore a silver grey and looked fabulous. Jessica’s mom wore navy that is a great neutral and looked great with Jessica’s wedding colors.

When you get your dress, go ahead and purchase the shoes and handbag too.  Complete the entire ensemble, instead of procrastinating.  For shoes you have one question: comfort or style????  Remember, you will have to wear them for a three hour minimum.  For couture it is hands dowon Jimmy Choo, Prada or Manola Blahnik.  Lorraine had a recent client that paid $198 for her dress, $700 for her Prada shoes.  Other shoes with a smaller price point would be J Renee, Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, Nine West.  It is totally up to you on where you will go….A nice clutch and nice earrings will complete your FABULOUS look.

I asked about tips for investment clothing too.  I really feel and have learned that buying 10 $9.99 shirts is not the “steal” that buying one good shirt is. My experience has been that I wear one investment piece far more times than a “bargain”.  Lorraine agrees, go for what you feel confident in and look great in.  Most of the time it isn’t going to be on the clearance rack. Look in your closet and look at what you repeatedly wear vs. your bargains……..Need we say more?

Don’t over accessorize.  If you love that statement necklace, don’t wear 10,000 bangles stacked. No fads on shoes either. Remember comfort, especially when you need to wear your shoes all day.  Always possess a  neutral colored shoe.  We think nude is a great investment along with navy and black.

Here are some of Lorraine’s insights: Choose one of spring/summer’s bright colors in a skirt or dress with a nude shoe will lengthen the leg. Print always will make you look heavier, whether it is a swimsuit, dress or pant. A printed top with a solid colored skirt or pant looks better.  Print will look better on a smaller frame too.  Black is always the “go to” color. It is timeless, just don’t overdo it. Your best investment colors are white, navy, black, grey and khaki, she claims.

For handbags, go with one you love! Go with one that will make you feel great and will work with a lot of your wardrobe.  Kid leather is softer and can tear compared to caviar leather (Chanel’s) or canvas (Louis Vuitton’s handbag fabric).  Think also about getting a handbag insert that holds all of your “goods” and can be removed quickly from one handbag to the next; making it easy to use ALL of your handbags, instead of the favorite few repeats. One of our favorites handbag inserts may be purchased at ETC for the Home in Bloomington. I purchased one there and use all of my handbags now….finally!  Lorraine’s favorite bags is the Chanel Grand Shopper.  Yes, this is an investment, but  you could carry it every day for 20 years and never go wrong.  Michael Kors, Valentino, Tory Burch and Coach are other bags Lorraine likes. Inside scoop: Celine is the newest couture bag that Lorraine claims EVERYONE wants. We’ve pictured the Trapeze style.

Remember, you always hear it here first!  We love fashion and we love you!  Make sure to let us know about your favorites too!

xoxo

Kim

As ladies we understand the prep time that goes into preparing for a big day. And I’m not talking about the bride- I’m talking about the bridesmaids. Even though the day is all about the bride, and rightfully so, we bridesmaids also have to look our best. The Plum Pretty Sugar bridesmaid’s robes are adorable and will make a great gift from the bride to her best ladies. Plum Pretty Sugar offers robe sets, making it easy to select a style for all bridesmaids.

Having the bridesmaids dressed alike during the prep time makes for adorable pictures. It also allows the bride to be able to stand out in her own special robe. One great thing about the Plum Pretty Sugar robes is the style. These robes can be worn again and again; the style doesn’t limit itself to wearing it for just one day. Take a look for yourself and visit their website for even more styles and apparel! http://store.plumprettysugar.com/

Love, Kathleen

Did you ever wish you were brave enough to go pursue your dream? Maybe a dream that wouldn’t be easy and others claimed was not attainable? Did you ever have a best friend that shared the same dream and wanted more for you than they did for themselves?

This is Jordan+Clark. Two dreamers that had fallen in love, long before they knew it, went throughout high school together, off to college- forget college, and off to NYC! Jordan+ Clark are dreamers and what is great is that they live their dreams and share them with those that they love. Jordan + Clark are brave creative and willing to sacrifice for a dream, a dream to work and succeed. They did and they have.

Jordan+ Clark met during the summer of their 8^th grade year.  Jordan’s cousin introduced them, they became friends and Jordan+Clark developed a BIG crush.  A crush that was bigger than church camp, and middle school days. Their crush led to them to dating throughout high school.  Little did Jordan know the second boy she ever kissed would be her husband.

After high school they went on to Purdue University, Lafayette, IN.  Jordan was a communications major and Clark is a construction management major, completing his degree. Jordan+Clark had BIG dreams to live in the Big Apple. They wanted to give it a whirl in NYC and they did.  It wasn’t easy in NYC. Remember, dreams never are. Prices were high, living conditions were small and the two had to struggle. They knew what they wanted, survived and succeeded.

The hills of Indiana kept calling them home and soon they were back at Purdue to complete their degrees and prepare for the biggest day of their lives; their wedding.

Their wedding couldn’t be the norm. That wasn’t them. It had to be beautiful, romantic and memorable like this couple. We chose Laurel Hall for its history, beauty and magic. What a romantic setting what a great story. Jordan wanted all the femininity of lace and flowers plus candles. She loved sheer pinks and pearls. We loved her decision and made sure everything was just as she wanted. An elegant vintage wedding with all of the timeless, classic details. Jordan’s dress was breathtaking and she looked gorgeous in it.  It was designed by Pronovias.  Clark’s tuxedo with black bow tie made for an elegant affair. Guests loved the rich woods, stained and leaded glass, plus private gardens of the estate. We loved the intimacy, character and romance of the day.

Funny, how things all happen at once.  Jordan could have graduated the day of her wedding and walked for her diploma.  She walked for an MRS instead and got the BA in the mail. What a joyous occasion.  Two people who had been in love forever were now walking down the aisle to happily ever after.

The newest arrival of fashion on Michigan Avenue is now NY based and acclaimed Henri Bendl.  Henri Bendl is a store founded for fashion and fun.  We loved visitng with Joshua Graham one of the store’s stylists.  He explained the signature pieces, the branding, the crystals and the service to us, all while we tried on bangle after bangle, c tiger striped crystal earrings and a few hand bags.  After our purchases were secured, we lwere wowed at seeing it wrapped in the chocolate and white striped packaging and grosgrain ribbons embellished with white polka dots.  Fun, fashion and fresh!  All of our words for Bendl.

image from http://fabgabblog.com/2010/04/henri-bendel/

By Kim

The big question “What do I wear to a wedding?”

 You want to look your best for the occasion yet not steal all of the bride’s glory.  First and foremost think about where the wedding is. Is it outside, inside, at a church, outdoors, on the beach or a country club? Will you be cold or warm?

For the Ladies

Depending upon what style of wedding, here are some
great suggestions.

If the wedding is during the day and informal, a short dress is perfectly acceptable. If in the evening a cute cocktail dress will be comfortable and allow you to dance the night away.

The little black dress is always a perfect selection. Don’t be afraid to add a little more glam or accessorize it.

If the wedding is formal or black-tie a long gown or dressy cocktail dress is perfect.

For an outdoor affair, a dressy sundress can be a great choice.

For the Gentlemen

Men, your wardrobe is very important too. Just like the ladies, depending on the location and time of year different outfits are considered appropriate.

In the summertime a light colored suit made of linen or seersucker not only looks sharp but is also light and comfortable.

During winter, wool suits, sweaters underneath blazers, and navy and charcoal are all very dressy and will impress guests.

Bow ties always add some fun to the wardrobe and are one of our favorites.

For informal weddings, a shirt, tie, dress pants and vests are acceptable; however, a blazer is also a good choice.

If you feel too dressed up you can easily remove the blazer.

Remember, weddings are the Bride and Groom’s  special day. They worked very hard and invested
a lot of time to make it just right! Be considerate in what you select to wear
and when in doubt, always take it up a step.

Quick tips:

Don’t wear white.

Save black for the evening.

No need to worry about coordinating your outfit with that of the colors of the wedding.

If the invitation says, Wear your best black”, be prepared to know it is a more formal occasion.

If the invitation says “black tie” be prepared to wear evening gowns, very dressy cocktail dresses and possibly a tux.

By Kim and Andrea

http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddingguests/a/guestattire.htm

http://fashion.about.com/cs/tipsadvice/a/weddingguest.htm

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2008/06/12/what-not-to-wear-to-a-wedding-and-what-to-wear-instead/

Pictures
from

www.wingslevel.com

www.chictopia.com

www.hugestore.com

www.weddinginthebox.com

Tyler and Nicole’s Southside Wedding was splendid in every way.  With an amazing palette of blush pink and champagne gold, our Trendsetting Team assisted Nicole in making her wedding a true Royal Occasion!  We loved the ceremony at the beautiful St. Roch Catholic Church.  Friends and family were beaming and teary eyed as they witnessed the beautiful Nicole and her handsome Groom, Tyler state their vows.  After the ceremony the wedding party was whisked away, for fun photos with Nathaniel Edmunds Photography and Jet Kaiser Films in Fountain Square and along the graffiti walls on Madison Avenue.  Guests, in the meantime, gathered at the magnificent Columbia Club on Monument Circle for the reception.  The ballroom was a breathtaking site of pink champagne and golden glimmer.  Our Trendsetting Team created a head table that was phenomenal; an arbor of gold with suspending candlelight and multitudes of floral and crystal glass. Guests loved  The Living Proof Band, as they danced the night away.  Special thanks to A.J. Ploughe  and staff, at the Columbia Club, for being the ultimate hosts!

Nicole & Tyler

Floral Design: Kim King Smith Events Floral Division http://www.kimkingsmithevents.com/

Venue:  Columbia Club http://www.columbia-club.org/

Church:  St. Roch Catholic Church http://www.strochindy.org/

Cake and Dessert Buffet: Ritz Charles http://www.ritzcharles.com/

Video:  Jet Kaiser Films http://jetkaiser.com/

Photography:  Nathaniel Edmunds Photography http://nathanieledmunds.com/

Band:  The Living Proof Band http://www.livingproofmusic.com/band.asp

Stationery:  Lemonseed and Co http://www.lemonseedandco.com/lemonseedandco./Welcome.html

Photo Location: Fountain Square http://www.discoverfountainsquare.com/

Gown:  Belle Vie Bridal Couture, Vera Wang http://www.belleviebridalcouture.com/

We just found this Mother of the Bride Dress from BCBG www.bcbg.com .  Now, not every mother may choose it, but for the ones that do, it is beautiful!  A soft blush pink with tiered layers of skirting, satin ribbon tie and flattering v neck.  We loved it and had to share.  You may find it at www.saksfifthavenue.com

by Kim

Looking to be a fashionista this summer? Try Misa! Misa Nail Lacquer has a vibrant new line of polish that will add a punch of color to any outfit this summer. They have Krystal Water for a bluesy day, Under My Sunbrella for those sun shiny days, Mega Margarita for a day out with the girls, and Summer Love for a night out with your man. Match them to your outfit or to your mood and you are sure to catch someone’s eye. You’ll love Misa so much you’ll be asking for more. No worries, they have a spectrum of colors for any season. For now, show your true colors this summer season with Misa Nail Lacquer!

By Ali

Photo courtesy of http://www.all-you-desire.com/2011/05/ready-for-summer.html

Enjoy a flirty and short style to make a trendy statement as you walk down the aisle! Check out some of these short and sweet mini wedding dresses that we have picked out as our favorites. This first dress has a plunging V-neckline and beautiful crystal beading, rhinestones, sequins and pearls at the natural waist. The layering from the waist down is a bubble-shaped dress was uniquely designed by Alfred Angelo. So cute!

Our next pick is an extraordinary two-piece mini dress that is not only perfect for walking down the aisle, but also for getting your groove on the dance floor all night long. With an ivory floral embellished corset paired on top of an ivory draped satin mini-skirt, this mini-dress is a stunning design by Monique Lhuillier.

At Kim King Smith Events, we just love the super glamorous gowns that Pnina Tornai makes every season. Her latest collection features an enchanting one-shouldered mini wedding dress that is the definition of glamour. This little beauty has a sparkly sweetheart neckline that flows down to a large ruffled asymmetrical skirt with just a touch of flair.

After sharing with you a few of our favorite short and chic styles, which one would you love to wear down the aisle for your wedding?

Thank you to Alfred Angelo, Monique Lhuillier and Pnina Tornai for these gorgeous designs and images.