Posts in "Occasions"

Non-Cookie Cutter Brides, Meet the Rania Hatoum Collection

Rania Hatoum Bridal Collection

We are so delighted to present to you the newest addition to our roster of designer bridal couture, Rania Hatoum Collection. This luxury brand, with its designer (in photo below) as its namesake, boasts of a perfect mix of “refinement and sensuality” expressed through the use of luxurious fabrics and through intricate embellishments.

Don’t get us wrong though, this brand may be all about class, but you’ll notice, as we have, how each of its pieces yell out individuality and uniqueness. Its designs are not cookie-cutter for sure.

We would absolutely recommend this brand to brides who prefer to make a statement of their personality through their wedding dress. So brides who are edgy or whimsical or minimalist or uber romantic, meet the Rania Hatoum Collection:

The piece above is LUMIERE. It showcases a bodice with Swarovski crystal embellishments and a tulle ball gown skirt.

RADIANCE features a V-neckline and scoop back. What we love about it is how it is intricately beaded throughout, with the beads embroidered to form geometric patterns.

REGAL has deconstructed French Alecon lace applique covering its bodice. It is made of charming crinkle silk organza and adorned with pearls throughout. Its mermaid skirt ends with a train having scalloped hemline.

PROMENADE is a lovely tea-length tulle piece with a dainty uneven hemline. It showcases a French Guipure lace top with cap sleeves.

DUNROBIN is a silk duchess satin and organza ball gown with a sheer top covering a sexy sweetheart neckline. The cap sleeves and organza band are embellished with silver appliques and beads.

This fashion forward bridal piece is COLETTE. It is a body skimming trumpet shape gown made of silk satin sheath in ivory. The freshest thing about it is the silk crinkle cape made of chiffon which is long enough to serve as a train, and is detachable.

For more of the collection, visit MissesDressy.com.

Source: raniahatoum.com

Think Pink for Prom

Pink Prom | Sherri Hill 11023

According to Seventeen magazine: “For the ultimate girly-girl, rose-colored dresses will make for a perfectly pretty Prom night!” Blush, fuchsia, salmon, coral, rose, carnation, neon — for Prom, think PINK! Why not? Pink is the color that flatters most skin tones. Also, it is flirty yet sweet; and it pops out from a sea of colors. Not to mention, it’s the new favorite color of stylish Hollywood. It’s the color that famous rebellious brides like Gwen Stefani, Jessica Biel, and Anne Hathaway have gone for; they have incorporated pink on, guess what –their wedding dress!

Whether a subtle touch of pink in pastel, or a playful pink in neon, it will surely allow you to hint sweet and romantic and fun –never boring. So go for it. Below are just some of the newest pink pieces in our vast designer collection. Pick one, and you will surely have a perfectly pretty Prom night.

Sherri Hill 11023

Sherri Hill 21021

Sherri Hill 8508

Sherri Hill 1906

Sherri Hill 2984

Alyce Designs 6003

Alyce Designs 35505

Alyce Designs 6046

Alyce Designs 6032

For more hot and new pink dresses, visit MissesDressy.com.

 

What Women Want: 10 Hot Holiday Gifts For Her

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Guys– I’m gonna keep this introduction short and simple because I know many of you are rushing to buy your ladyloves their holiday presents. Listed below are a number of gift ideas that your woman will love you for. Enjoy and good luck shopping!

A special scent perfect for special occasions, the Hermes 24 Faubourg Perfume for Women ($140) has a rich and regal feel to it. A magnificent mix with hints of florals and vanilla, this perfume is easily an instant classic that she’ll treasure for a long time.

Some ladies may admit it while some won’t, but there will always be something about makeup that make us girls get all giddy. If your woman has a collection, the NARS Andy Warhol Silver Factory Set ($200) is a great addition; if she doesn’t, this is the perfect start because it’s an eye-cheek-lip set with brushes. As a bonus, it comes in an Andy Warhol-themed pouch.

The classic cat eye sunglasses made a big splash back into fashion this year. She will love these Tom Ford Cat Eye Sunglasses ($380) for its timeless chicness.

Protect your girl’s toy, er, gadget with the Tory Burch Coated Poplin E-Tablet Sleeve ($95). Comes in two cute patterns and fits all iPads.

Give your fashionable femme a hot closet staple: the leather biker jacket (Zara, $249). As pictured above, she can make a hot outfit by pairing it with a strapless cocktail dress like the Sherri Hill 2836. Perfect for a New Year’s eve bash!

Let you lovely lady keep warm in style with the UGG Australia ‘Classic’ Genuine Shearling Gloves ($160). These babies come in 4 trendy colors that are perfect to match her outfits this holiday season.

Get her a year’s supply of her favorite magazine(s). May it be about fashion, lifestyle, politics, business, gadgets, sports–your woman will greatly appreciate this! That way she won’t have to pick them up at the newsstand. She’ll love you more for it– trust me.

Let her channel this year’s best dressed woman, Kate Middleton with an elegant walking coat. You’ll feel like a prince walking beside a woman dressed in one of these.

Left: Via Spiga Stand Collar Walking Coat ($248); right: Via Spiga ‘Dora’ Pickstitch Detail Wool Blend Coat ($178)

Bridal or Red Carpet? Reem Acra Pre-Spring 2013

Reem Acra Resort 2013

For pre-Spring 2013, topnotch designer, Reem Acra presents a collection more than worthy of the walk down the aisle AND the red carpet. This outstanding designer has fully transcended from Bridal to Hollywood. And this time she seems to be drawing in the younger crowd again. We imagine, with the colored-lace short dresses, the fluid caftans, the flowy and embellished tulle gowns, she will  attract the likes of Selena Gomez, Lea Michele, Dianna Agron, Vanessa Hudgens, Anna Kendrick, Emma Roberts, who not to mention, have already worn her creations.

Acra’s palette includes ivory and champagne, sugary pastels (peach and mint green), and jewel tones. Her pleating plus layering to make full skirts is genius. She perfectly balances pretty and polished, romantic and unique with her strategic positioning of lace and beads.

We’re neither a bride nor a soon-to-be Prom queen, but we’re loving on these dresses! We particularly love the ivory dress with sheer-laced sleeves (first row), nude dress with sheer-beaded sleeves and ruffles in the skirt (third row), and the peach dress with lace from bodice to skirt (fourth row). Which is your favorite?

Sources: style.comfrillsandthrills.blogspot.com

Ask the MD Staff: What Are You Thankful For?

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After 364 hectic, fantastic, indifferent, and manic days we’re more than excited that Thanksgiving is almost here. Even if for just a few hours we’ll all get to pause for a bit and enjoy a break from the everyday madness (only briefly though– Black Friday shortly follows). As we wind down around the office it’s hard not to reflect on the year that’s nearly over and all that’s been jammed into it. In the spirit of holiday cheer the MissesDressy crew decided to sit down and mull over what exactly we appreciate most nowadays. From soy milk to democracy to toothpaste find out what we’re thankful for and perhaps think through the warm and fuzzy things that bring a smile to your face. Have a wonderful holiday :)

 

 

 

“I am mostly thankful for my family and friends and the never ending love and support I get from them. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work for Misses Dressy, doing what I love best: immersing myself in the fashion world. Lastly, I am thankful for an overall good year this year 2012.”Ainslee

“I’m thankful for toothpaste. I really don’t know how we would communicate and form loving relationships without it. The world would shine a little less (and smell much more) without this minty goo. and something a little less obvious than toothpaste.. i’m always thankful for my family <333″ - Nicole

“I’m Thankful for life opportunities , thankful for new friends and for having a fabulous family.”Elaine

“I am thankful for democracy and to live in a world where my choice can make a difference.” - Janina

“I’m thankful for my family and friends, getting support from your close ones are very important and knowing that there’s always somebody there to listen to what you have to say is all I need.  I’m also thankful for all the opportunities given to me whether it’s in the past or present and being able to wake up to a new day, spending each day meeting new challenges and meeting new people.” – Meekay

“I thank God for the 180-degree turn, mind-blowing surprises, and funny miracles. I’m grateful to Him for “happy meals” and “meaningful conversations”. He’s pretty amazing in encountering me through the people and relationships that He ever so cleverly puts in my life: the husband who spoils me rotten, outrageous friends, and the crazy-loud family. He’s mighty grand in setting up these testings and celebrations, which usually leave me laughing in bewilderment. I mean, how could He be so mindful of me?   Lastly, big thanks to Him for making me wait as He teaches me that waiting has a purpose, and for making me brave as ever; He sure is the God of hope, and faith, and love.” – Cristina

“This year I am thankful for my family and my friends, for down comforters and for soy milk. I am thankful that my little sister is having a great semester in Prague, and even more so that she is coming home very soon!”Anna

“I am thankful for having a great job after a year of searching, my health, and my loved ones. Just being able to wake up everyday is a blessing.”Kevina

“After what’s been a truly phenomenal year and just off the heels of Sandy (and a bizarre November blizzard– egh), more than ever I’m thankful for having a cozy apartment, a warm pair of boots, and a web of beautiful people constantly supporting and motivating me. I’m also thankful for candy corn, my thinning but sustained level of sanity, and the fact that Jersey Shore is on its last season.” – Nalissa

 

 

 

 

Image Sources: 1, 2

 

Get Prepped For the Holiday: 3 Fab Thanksgiving Looks

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Thanksgiving is right on our heels, which can only mean one thing– stress, and lots of it! Not necessarily because you’re weary about the stuffing recipe you Googled or dreading the visit to your beloved in-laws, but because you don’t know what in world to wear? As with any holiday event choosing the right outfit is an added headache, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve compiled a foolproof guide to looking fabulous whether your hosting your own Turkey day dinner party, house hopping around town, or taking a trip! You’re covered on all ends– unless of course you decide to order takeout and watch TV specials for the day. In that case, you’re already set.

 

Playing Holiday Hostess

If you’ve decided to have the holiday festivities at your house this year, kuddos to you! Gatherings are fun but when they’re at your own abode you’ve got to stay on your toes. Aside from keeping an eye on both the oven and an army of toddlers, you can look chic while entertaining. Think comfort, but don’t run to the over-sized t-shirt and jeans! Try a fun trouser and sweater or a knee-length dress in a comfortable fabric.

Aqua Cashmere poncho, $154.11 ZARA lace trousers, $89.90

Eve Franco graphic print dress, $320 Eve Franco striped dress, $345

House Hopping Around Town

If you plan to bounce around to a few houses, choosing what to wear can either be easy or tough. You have tons of options! Whatever you wear make sure its something you’ll definitely feel good in all day. Try a colored pant and blouse or a long dress and jacket– trust us, you’ll need the wiggle room around house #3.

Three Dots draped tunic turtleneck, $96 Express brushed sateen legging, $79.90

Nasty Gal Siobhan maxi dress, $148 Zara studded biker jacket, $129

Holiday Traveling

Oh the wonderful fun of visiting extended family or catching up with friends for the holidays! This is an opportunity to jazz up your dinner attire and have some fun. Most likely the folks at your destination haven’t seen you in a while, so why not spice things up? Think fun but practical. Try a short embellished dress or even go for a jumpsuit/jacket combo!

Urban Outfitters Ecote chiffon fringe dress, $$ 

ZARA wool herringbon jacket, $99.90 - Jessica Simpson strapless jumpsuit, $126

The Rebellious Bride: Top 8 Bridal Dress Trends for 2013

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The 21st century bride no longer abides to customs and traditions of old, well at least, in terms of style. We see that she asserts herself, speaking her mind through fashion, and daring to show who she is by telling her story through unconventional styling. With that in mind, our trusty designers put twists to bridal gown designs to convey the differing personalities of their ultimate muse: the rebellious bride.

Here are our top 8 bridal dress trends, perfect for the modern brides.

1. Rouged, etc. Brides just wanna have fun; and fun they find in cheery colours: red, pink, blush, even greens and blues. The fierce fearless bride wouldn’t settle for white, and instead, would choose to be bright and beautiful in a coloured wedding dress.

Vera Wang

Mark Zunino

Douglas Hannant

Oscar Dela Renta

2. But wait ’til you see the back. For a quirky surprise and sexy drama, especially for the long walk down the aisle and the pictorial, brides put attention to the back part of the dress with beautiful lace, intricate embroideries, bold peekaboo, and detailed embellishments.

Claire Pettibone

Elizabeth Fillmore

Marchesa

3. High Fashion Neckline. Extremely high and low necklines are favored by the rogue brides to frame their face to perfection. It is also a great way to balance the amount of skin they want to show-off.

Badgely Mischka

Oscar Dela Renta

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

4. One-Shoulder Treatment. The Ms. Independent bride would most likely go for the one-shoulder design for it gives that structured geometric aesthetic while baring some sexy skin.

Amsale

Douglas Hannant

Marchesa

Monique Lhuillier

5. Lace, Lace, Lace. The classic and timeless lace gets an edgy upgrade due to its head-to-toe usage in most of the current designs. Uberly romantic brides can add a touch of whimsy to their styling with these pieces.

Yumi Katsura

Monique Lhuillier

Marchesa

Amsale

6. Trick and Treat. Illusion details in dresses are for the brides who want to give a hint of skin while staying covered up with the use of sheer materials. These also create additional graceful movements and allow a more unpredictable placement of accents like applique, sequins, lace, and beads.

Reem Acra

Rafael Cennamo

Monique Lhuillier

Marchesa

7. Flattering Peplum. Clever and courageous brides opt for this haute detail to define the waist and create a vavavoom silhuoette.

Ines Di Santo

Amsale

Alfred Angelo

Junko Yoshioka

8. Transform. The smart convertible dresses are for the brides who want to make an impact on her walk down the aisle, then be able to dance without any constraint at the reception dinner. These are dresses with removable skirts, capes, and trains. Genius, right?

Oscar Dela Renta

Monique Lhuillier

Ines Di Santo

Reem Acra

Quirky, zany, edgy, mysterious, sensual, artsy, whimsical, old-soul, whichever type of rebellious bride you are, we are absolutely certain that there is a perfect wedding dress for you. For more options, check out our vast collection of bridal dresses here.

 

Sources: flash-screen.comwhitebowevents.combrides.combridalguide.comonewed.combridalmusings.com

Lace Dresses (and Pockets!) at Houghton Bride 2013

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New York International Bridal Week ran from October 13th-15th and showcased a plethora of gowns from designers all over the globe. With bridal wear in every style and fabric even the most steadfast anti-nuptial spectators couldn’t help fantasizing about strolling down the aisle. The Houghton Bride FW 2013 collection definitely got our wedding gears going with modern design and delicate textures. Among the floral print and ostrich feather trims, we deemed a clear favorite: lace. Nearly each look included lace (imported from Paris), illustrating the fabrics utility and vast versatility. It was worked into full gowns, separates (yes separates– I’m strongly considering tying the proverbial knot in a sleek pant suit now), and cascading veils. But what really made this collection distinct was the ease of each garment. Houghton Bride created classic beauty in every piece and tied in more than a few sneaky little pockets! As a lover of hidden pockets (one can never have too much storage space), this line was made all the more chic because of them. Take a look at some of our favorite looks.

Lending to Houghton Bride’s lace detailing, Allure Bridals Couture also creates fresh elegant silhouettes by way of the fabric. With styles including sweetheart necklines, v-neck backs, and stunning headpieces the image of a bride is anything but typical.

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Allure even has a sneaky hidden pocket or two in their Bridal Romance collection. We may have a small obsession…

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Images Courtesy of Houghton Bride.

Top 10 Celebrity Halloween Costumes

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It’s almost here! That’s right, the ultimate people watching, party throwing, candy chugging night is right around the corner– Halloween! To cap off all the fun you’ll be having, the perfect costume is essential. Sure you could go for the princess, policewoman, or devil suits but gosh they’re getting a bit routine, aren’t they? To provide a bit of inspiration as you channel your muse for the holiday, we’re counting down the top 10 best celebrity costumes! Stars like Lea Michelle, Kathy Lee Gifford, and Heidi Klum (the obvi Queen of Halloween) put the run of the mill catsuit to shame.

10. Beyonce as a Bumble Bee

Perhaps she could have been a bit more creative, but the choice was too easy for “Mrs. Bey”.

9. Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne, George Kotsiopoulos, and Giuliana Rancic as Suri Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Victoria Beckham

In usual fashion, E! network’s Fashion Police summed up the latest in pop culture, fabulously. Only Joan Rivers could make the Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes break-up this funny.

8. Brooke Shields as Uncle Fester from The Addams Family

Super cute family idea that actually seems pretty easy to make. We just might steal this one.

7. Lea Michele as the Swan Queen from Black Swan

Our guess is this costume will definitely be a popular one (again) this year. Lea Michele looks good enough to be in the film.

6. Matt Lauer and Anne Curry as Prince William and Kate Middleton

These former co-hosts pulled off a great replica of the royal wedding.

5. Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

These much talked about outfits are also a great royal duo costume to mimic this Halloween. Finding those hats is the hard part…

4. Fergie as Honey Boo Boo

Without a doubt the tiny sensation, Honey Boo Boo, will be the most worn costume this year. It’s just too darn easy. Grab a frilly dress and a crown and you’re just about there. Fergie added a nice touch with the teddy bear and socks.

3. Kelly Ripa and Nick Lachey as Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

Accurate and hilarious!

2. Heidi Klum as a skinless corpse

Now this is how you commit to a Halloween costume! Heidi Klum never fails to surprise us.

1. Heidi Klum as Indian god Shiva

Honestly, we’re not trying to show favoritism here but no celeb does Halloween like Heidi!

 

Are you feeling inspired yet? Let us know what you think! Or head over to our Halloween dresses post if you’re going glam this year instead!

 

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

Colour Trend Thursdays: Top 3 Favourite Lemon Zesty Weddings

Lemon Zest

Ooooh yah, it’s Thursday! And, we are so excited to perk up the week with our colour trend feature: Lemon Zest! Bursting with sunshine and feel good vibes, this PANTONE® colour for Spring 2013 won’t stop at  inspiring lovers of style to come up with fun and cheery things. Check-out our Yellow Belle post last July which featured happy yellow dresses, and these two design sketches featuring the hue.

Bright and lovely, aren’t day? These two outfit sketches, particularly, remind us of romantic styling, perfect for a lady honeymooner we picture strolling on the streets of Paris or Tuscany with her darling, unmindful of much, but drawing attention because of her glow from love, and of course, her dress.

Since when has yellow been a colour of love? Perhaps, since folks felt its whimsical yet uplifting effects — so much like love. And many bride and grooms have opted to use the colour to convey their love story on their wedding, may it be on the invitation, the bridesmaid dresses, the flowers, the decors, and even the cake. For our Colour Trend Thursday series, we decided to feature our favorite yellow-themed weddings so far. See our top 3 below.

1. RETRO 1950′S WEDDING WITH COMIC BOOK GRAPHICS: KATIE + MARK

This wedding according to Green Wedding Shoes, is “a true reflection of them – fun, clever, gorgeous + artistic“. We especially love the comic book graphic details on the invitation which featured the colour, yellow.

2. A BEAR AND BEE WEDDING: DEBRA + BEAU

Debra + Beau based their entire wedding around their nicknames – his is “bear” and hers is “bee.” They have little bear + bee cartoons of each other that they’ve drawn for years, so they used them in their wedding stationary and as the cake topper. The color palette for the day was black + yellow – so all of the groomsmen wore black tuxes (with black and yellow striped socks) and the bridesmaids wore yellow dresses. The bridal party was transported in a black + yellow school bus and did a choreographed dance to “Black and Yellow” during the reception. They had honey jars as favors and one of the cutest details – the flower girl was dressed up like a bee and the ring bearer like a bear! So cute!” ~Green Wedding Shoes

3. A WHIMSICAL DIY WEDDING: ANCA + MARC

On planning for a wedding, the bride says, “Don’t settle for a ”cookie cutter” wedding! Every love story is unique, so should your wedding. A lot of things can go wrong or in different ways you would have wanted, but it’s important to remember the most important thing is love, so relax and have fun planning your wedding because regardless of details, you will be marrying the love of your life.” This whimsical wedding is done on a budget, but the photos would show otherwise. The yellow DIY details on this wedding gave it a happy jolt, much like the bride and groom’s feelings that day.

These weddings are featured on our favourite wedding blog, Green Wedding Shoes. See the full article when you click on the titles. Cheerio!

 

 

Sources: etsy.com, animondays.blogspot.compantone.comgreenweddingshoes.com