DETAILS DETAILS: INTO THE GLOSS

Rock the high-shine trend in high-style by investing in a few key patent pieces.

From Calvin Klein and Dior to Rag & Bone and Edun, one of the most conspicuous fall 2015 trends–from boots and bags to skirts and coats–is look-at-me patent leather, be it real or faux. There’s a reason why both stylish mods and fashion-forward punk rock rebels embraced all things patent–the high-shine finish is as attention-grabbing and versatile as it is durable on the dancefloor (or in the mosh-pit).

To get the look and take the trend by storm, invest in a few key pieces that let you rock the trend from day to night, office to off-the-clock. Whether you opt for a stiletto, a block heel, or anything in between, a black patent ankle bootie is the ultimate accessory to add to your ensemble to max out the trend. No matter what heel style you settle for, patent booties will look just as chic and sophisticated paired with dark jeans and a moto jacket by day as they will with a mini-dress and overcoat by night. Whether you’re headed to the office or en route to the cocktail bar, you can’t go wrong by throwing on an over-the-shoulder black patent bag to add extra lustre to the look.

 

 

Real Stella York Bride: Lauren + Anthony

From the destination to the amazing dessert bar, Real Bride, Lauren’s, wedding day was a family affair! She looked absolutely glowing in her Stella York strapless lace wedding dress, and she and her husband could not look more in love in their photos taken by photographer,Rebecca O’Grady.

From the bride: I just loved every bit about our wedding day! Marrying my best friend with all our closest friends and family there to celebrate with us. I wish I could do it all over again.

We had our wedding at Seaforth beach. My grandparents live there, so we had the ceremony overlooking the beach and then the reception in a beautiful, silk-lined marquee in their front yard. My mum and I planned most of it ourselves. We had a massive dessert bar, mostly made by friends and family. My husband rides dirt bikes so we had photos with the bikes which was fun.

I absolutely loved my Stella York wedding dress and received so many compliments on it.

Cheers to Lauren + Anthony!

Store of the Week: Bel Fiore Bridal in Marietta, Georgia

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Bel Fiore Bridal prides itself, and their success, on the personal relationships formed with brides. By treating and caring for each bride like she is part of the family, they are able to provide their customers with a unique experience, and help them find the best wedding dress style possible.  

 

We asked the ladies of Bel Fiore Bridal all about their Marietta bridal shop and what’s currently trending in the Georgia bridal market:

What wedding dress trends are hot right now in your area?

Brides are getting on board with the #teamexit trend! They’re loving wedding dresses with pretty backs, whether it’s a sheer illusion back, or a plunging low back.

What’s the number one thing your brides are asking for?

Lace has been our most asked-for detail on a wedding dress recently. Lace is great because it conveys “classic bride” and can bring about a vintage feel, but still be very updated, modern and sexy. Straps are also on the rise and will probably continue to be, which is great because not everyone wants strapless!

How do you make the bride’s experience memorable?

We believe that being engaged is one of the most exciting times, so wedding dress shopping should be equally as exciting! We have a fitting room prepared especially for each bride and her  bridal party, complete with a personalized welcome sign and mirrors that she won’t have to share with anyone else. Making the experience personal is a big way we try to make sure each bride feels special, and gets the attention she deserves.

What’s the most surprising request you’ve ever gotten from a bride?

Some brides want to stand out from the crowd and express their individuality.  We had one bride dye her wedding dress purple ombre.  Another bride requested our seamstress add black lace accents all over a gown.  They both came out looking fabulous!

What’s your favorite wedding story from one of your brides?

It’s hard to choose favorites, but we once helped a military bride who was planning her wedding in 10 days!  Her fiancé had just returned from boot camp and proposed to her, and they didn’t have a moment to spare. We found her perfect wedding dress, and as soon as she put it on we all knew this was the dress for her. Everyone’s eyes (including ours) filled with tears!

What is the best advice you would give a bride as she is shopping for her wedding gown?

Bring an excited attitude! You get to pick out the prettiest dress you’ll ever wear, and what is more exciting than that?  Also, remember to eat and drink, because shopping with low blood sugar is no fun. Bridal shopping is an experience all in itself and for once in your life, it’s all about you.  You’ll want to enjoy this special time!

9 Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue

Next to your wedding dress, choosing a wedding venue is one of the more important – and most expensive – wedding decisions you will make. Here are a few things to consider before booking your wedding venue.

1. Budget

Dancing the night away doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Simply start with a budget in mind and be open to options. For example, you can save money on multiple rental fees if you host your wedding and reception at the same place. (Keep in mind that a traditional religious ceremony may have to take place in a church; be sure to ask up front.) You also may want to consider getting married off-season. Many wedding venues offer discounts to brides and grooms who skip the summer reception.

2. Size

Make sure the venue’s size matches your guest list. A too-big venue means wasted space – and wasted money. On the flip side, a too-small venue will create overcrowding. Ask the event coordinator about the venue’s capacity number and aim to be just slightly under the capacity limit.

3. Style

Your wedding venue should match your personality. If you’re more traditional, go with a more traditional option, like a ballroom or reception hall. If you’re more creative, you may want to consider something out-of-the-box like the following:

• A Bridge: Yes, you heard it right. The U.S. is filled with beautiful (and no-longer-in-service) wooden bridges set atop babbling brooks and lush lands. If you’re considering an outdoor celebration, why not make the most of these retired rustics? (Just make sure to call your city’s Division of Public Services for permission first.)
• A Museum: Museums offer bold atriums and vast halls that can comfortably accommodate hundreds. Find a museum that matches your unique style, and check the museum’s website for details on rental policies.
• A Vineyard: In addition to serving (you guessed it) great wine, vineyards offer beautiful vistas of rolling, grape-accented hills. They’re the perfect spot to make memories with your friends and family.
• A Zoo: Lions, tigers and bears – oh, my! Zoos are a wonderfully unique place to celebrate your union. (As long as you don’t mind the occasional roar of a lion during the toast.) They’re naturally designed to offer open spaces, shade areas, and interesting conversations throughout the night.

4. Season

Just like style, you probably have a season that best matches your personality. If you and yours are free-spirited, consider an outdoor celebration during the late spring, early summer months. (Make sure to have an indoor back-up bad weather plan.) If you’re more traditional, consider an indoor winter wedding.

5. Food Quality

If your venue of choice provides in-house catering, sample their menu before paying the facility deposit. If you’re employing an off-site caterer, ask your venue to provide detailed information on how it handles food setup, presentation and service. You’ll also want to make sure your caterer can use the venue’s kitchen facilities.

6. Customer Service

Even the most perfect of places can be soured by bad service. If you’re skeptical about the venue’s response times, enthusiasm or customer service, trust your gut and move on to another venue.

7. Rules and Regulations

Venues have strict policies regarding alcohol, smoking and noise. If you want to serve alcohol at your reception, make sure your venue is licensed to serve. Also, make sure guests are aware of where they can and cannot smoke.

8. Accessibility

If seniors or individuals with disabilities are on your guest list, make sure your venue offers accommodations that meet their needs.

9. Fine Print

Don’t forget to get a confirmation of the cost, date, time and additional details in your final contract. Don’t sign your name on the dotted line until you fully understand what’s included and excluded.

What We’re Packing For Newport Folk Festival

Come Thursday, Natalie and I will be headed north to Rhode Island for Newport Folk Festival. The last time I had to pack for a festival seems like ages ago. SXSW back in March was the last major festival I attended, so I’m excited to get my suitcase back out for another trip! I’ve never been to this fest, or Rhode Island for that matter, so all new experiences are on the horizon. We’ll be exploring the town, hanging out with Free People Providence, and enjoying the music. Situated against Newport Harbor, I’ve heard you never run out of pretty things to feast your eyes on while dancing and moving about the festival grounds. Keep an eye out for us, as we’ll be capturing all of our favorite festival looks on Friday! As for our wardrobes, summer layering is what we have in mind. Shorts, tanks and tees during the day, but still remembering a sweater to cozy up with in the evening. Here’s what we’re taking with us:

What To Wear To Australia’s Favorite Festival!

A distinct aesthetic has been emerging from Splendour in the Grass over the fourteen years the festival has been running, with a healthy douse of neutral hues and earthy textures, eclecticism is in. The name of the game is more, more, more! The thing I love about Splendour is the style evolves year after year. More recently we’ve noticed the diversion away from flower crowns to a more Western-inspired aesthetic. Think denim overalls, bandanas and cowboy boots with a clean and modern twist.

There are a few non-negotiables for Splendour style though, including your trusty pair of comfortable boots for stomping your way across the festival site. The more beat up, the better! Next are your statement sunglasses, mountains of turquoise and coin jewelry and a cute cross body bag.

Here are four looks we can’t wait to rock at Splendour this year!

Bestival: What We’re Packing for This UK Festival

Next weekend I will be hopping, skipping, jumping to the Isle of Wight, a small island just off England’s southern coast, for a final farewell to both summer and the season’s final festival. Bestival has long been on my festi-wishlist; I have only ever heard good things about it, and especially loved its implementation of a party theme! Needless to say, when I heard that this year’s was marked as the ‘Summer of Love,’ I had to go in celebration of Free People’s essence!

When announcing “Summer of Love,” Bestival summed it up beautifully. “It’s about positivity, peace & love and bananas, not guns. We want all people, all sexes, all ages, all cultures to come together and to share the good times, to celebrate the simple joy of unity, to feel the unparalleled pleasures of dancing shoulder to shoulder with wonderful strangers and loving every second. We want the greatest party of all time”.

I couldn’t be more excited! And to help be inspired for Bestival, in true Summer of Love style, I called upon three of my favourite British boho babes, who live everyday like it’s 1967! These gals ooze the free spirit of this beautiful era, and were happy to offer outfit tips from the FP rails on how to unleash my inner hippie! Keep an eye out for me, as I’ll be snapping all of my favorite festival looks throughout the weekend.

I’ll leave you with Sara, Imogen and Leigh… I’m off to pack!

Sarah
Keeping in mind the Summer of Love theme, I was drawn to light colours, florals, pinks and creams. I love the beautiful bell sleeves on this vintage-inspired lace dress – so 70s and perfect for twirling and dancing at Bestival.