Wedding Guest Attire for Summer 2011

Brides can be unpredictable once the actual wedding day rolls around. As a guest, it is best to steer clear of the hazard zone. This can be easily accomplished by following a simple fashion standard: do not wear white. If bridezilla awakens, you will safely be out of the line of fire.

white. If bridezilla awakens, you will safely be out of the line of fire.

Good news is that this season, the plethora of colorful dress options is breathtaking.

As a former member of a dress buying team in New York City, I can tell you that these seductive fabrics, stunning cuts and dazzling colors will be very memorable. Think ultra-feminine this wedding season, but you may want to forgo sky high stilettos for a bash on unpredictable ground. If you receive an invitation for a more casual outdoor wedding, think about investing in a platform wedge to protect your Louboutin heels, and not be overdressed. As wedding atmospheres continue to span farther and farther away from hotels and catering halls, as a guest, you may need to expand your wedding attire options. This style guide will offer you complete looks for various wedding environments for 2011.

Winery Wedding

TIBI's Anick Beading dress exquisitely captures the romantic essence of a winery wedding. The dainty capsleeve can be beautifully complimented with Stuart Weitzman Metallic Leather Espadrilles and a Hobo International Ivory Patent clutch to complete the look.

Wedding in a Park

Slip into Alice + Olivia's nature-inspired Kaitlyn Sequin Bust Dress for these free-spirited park nuptials. The sparkly chic look will come to life with Jimmy Choo's Metallic Slingback Espadrilles and Marc Jacobs Vanessa Simple Metallic Mini Bag.

Beach Wedding

With a sandy shore and crashing waves in front of a sunset, the exchanging of the vows becomes music to our ears. Express your natural beauty with DVF's Elalia Dress, effortlessly paired with Lilly Pulitzer's silver Glam Snake sandal. Decorate your arm with this bohemian chic Ippolita 5-stone bangle, and tightly grip this Nancy Gonzalez clutch.

More Dresses to Make You Drool

Dress magnate Sue Wong rocks the runway season after season with her innovative creations and brings a new dimension to wedding attire. Take a look at Sue Wong's Feather-Bottom Embroidered Dress and Strapless Lace Dress for sexy, yet perfectly elegant silhouettes.

Strapless Lace Dress for sexy, yet perfectly elegant silhouettes.

Strapless Lace Dress for sexy, yet perfectly elegant silhouettes.

 
Also check out DVF's Komotini Embellished dress. Depending on the chosen accessories, this can be appropriate for a day or evening affair.

For color inspirations, check out Alice + Olivia's turquoise Drina A-Line Skirt Dress, and Nicole Miller's Blouson Gown in cobalt and Water Washed Georgette Strapless Gown in coral.
 

Shoes to Make You Salivate

If you're in need of some eye candy, brace yourself for these gorgeous designs for 2011.

Christian Louboutin

Manolo Blahnik

Miu Miu

YSL

Summer 2011 Style Guide: Must-Have Vintage-Inspired Beach Accessories

Inspirations from our fashion's past shook the Spring 2011 runway shows. Loose-fitting drapery defines this season's sexy, while skin-tight silhouettes dwindle into a faint memory. Black and gray have taken a seasonal detour, as color, prints, and floral embellishments skyrocket to the top of 2011's must-have list.

The 60's and 70's comeback is now painting the tone of summertime apparel. From hats to sandals and everything in between, beach accessories continue this year's ode to the freedom of expression. The window of opportunity to liberate fashion boundaries and launch your self-discovered style is wide open, so leap through. Shoppers can now enjoy the long-awaited encore presentation from the most influential decades of fashion.

Coverup with unwavering style

Unearth your effortless flair for fashion by diving into airy, light-weight tunics bursting with vibrant color and tie-dye prints. To awaken sleeping sunbathers, slip on the eye-catching Vix France Vintage Tunic. Hit up the beach, and then head to happy hour in this easy-to-rock, versatile coverup.

Other styles to check out?

Photos from Molly Brown's Swimwear: http://mollybrownswimwear.com/

 

Circular sunglasses take shape

The 60's revolution is celebrated this summer with the homecoming of circular sunglasses. Oliver Peoples modernized this past trend with the stunning silhouette, Lipsofire. As an alternative for budget-savvy shoppers, Topshop designed a seamless look for less, Caramel 70's Round Sunglasses.

Oliver Peoples

Topshop

Other silhouettes to sport this summer?

Photos from Bloomingdale's

 

Hats off to extensive elegance

Summer 2011 will re-visit a time of sheer sophistication, so reveal your vintage flair with a version of the wide brim hat. The free-flowing bohemian elegance of a wide brim hat makes this beach season extra special. Molly Brown's Odabash Jemima Hat exudes grace and chic perfection.

Photo from Molly Brown's Swimwear: http://mollybrownswimwear.com/

Simplistic chic on your feet

Flat is the new black, so forgo sky high height, and unleash your down-to-earth bohemian side this summer. Give your feet a rest while you soak up the sun in fashion forward flats like this metallic leather Joie "Free Fallin" Flat Sandal in light gold. 

Color yourself in coral

Master your Summer 2011 beach look with the bright hue of coral. To maximize your tan, arm yourself with the Nylon Tory Tote by Tory Burch in Poppy Coral. Then to further dramatize your golden glow, try Essie Nail Polish in California Coral. The retro-chic shade will be an unforgettable contrast to your skin.

http://www.toryburch.com/Totes/accessories-handbags-totes,default,sc.html

http://www.essie.com/

Pulling it all together

Sexy is strong when combining simple with a statement, so accessorize tastefully. Evade being a spectacle, but take risks with color and prints, and confidently cross the threshold to fashion freedom.

Summer 2011 is just around the corner, so make a vivacious entrance.

Modern Day Dating - A Heartwarming Effort to Last Minute Cancelling

Today I’m taking a momentary detour from my usual suggestive fashion posts to analyze a trend in men.  I am awfully confused about the dating dilemmas faced by my friends recently.

Why is there such an incredible effort in texts, e-mails, bbms and possibly a phone call (haha, no not really a phone call - a Facebook message would happen sooner) to cancel date after date?

All of this energy is going into ‘avoidance’ techniques, and it just seems so odd.

As Miranda Hobbes so wonderfully discovered on Sex and the City (my immediate go-to reference for life issues), the concept of “he’s just not that into you,” has already penetrated the souls of women everywhere. That’s old news; the message was delivered years ago. 

Then why all the hype to cover up the fact that you don’t really want to go on a date? 

If you're married, then you're just plain screwed for any good karma, and girls in your address book are just unlucky.  If you're truly that busy, then stop making plans.  If you have another girl who you'd rather hang with, then stop trying to balance multiple women; you're obviously bad at it.

The most recent last minute date cancellation happened to a close friend yesterday.  This was already a second chance, as he had already cashed in on his first one last weekend.  

With an extremely dramatic, apologetic text accompanied by sad faces (the modern way to express emotion), he cancelled last weekend with an immediate invitation for dinner this weekend. He concluded his text with “I can’t wait!”

So, last night rolled around and two hours before the date (she had just gotten out of the shower and we obviously had her outfit planned for hours), he cancelled again due to a work obligation (on a Sunday night....?).

Hmm.

The surprising extra effort (or the future jab in the stomach) occurred when he practically begged her to grab drinks after this so-called 'meeting.'  

He then continued to state how badly he wants to take her to dinner tomorrow night (this now being tonight). 

Well, after no call last night (“I didn’t want to wake you”), what did she end up with tonight? 

Another cancellation text.


Cue "Sad Face."

http://bit.ly/hegdKP

Exact verbatim:

“I just finished a meeting and actually have to take the train to DC tonight.  Sorry I won’t make it for dinner…crazy day!!! =(  Will be in touch xoxoxo”

Okay, so as a positive cheerleader for my friends, I try to delay the sharing of any hateful feelings towards their new prospects until the third date.  However, this is an exception and deserved a blog post.

Feel free to comment!

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Spring Trends Around $50: Style Experts Roll Out VT Luxe with QVC

 

For fashionistas who have been feeling like recessionistas lately, a new line launched this week that will have your savvy self smiling.  

If you’ve been looking for a new accessory or a statement piece to glam up your wardrobe, QVC has shimmering solutions at unbelievable price points. 

QVC teamed up with styling masterminds, Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo to catapult these gorgeous pieces all over the fashion world.  This fashion-forward duo has been sharing their expertise with celebrities and high-end boutiques, and is now extending their creative eye and savoir faire to the style-hungry public salivating for fresh and affordable fashion.

With three published books under their belts, their vision comes to life with the emergence of VT Luxe; a mesmerizing collection of functional, luxurious pieces designed with perfection by the influential figures themselves.    

Sparkle your way into spring in this glittery slice of heaven.  This wrap-style vest can be easily dressed up or down (try with skinny jeans and wide leg jeans for a totally different look), and your sequins desires will be taken care of for a fraction of the typical designer price.

The Paillette Shimmer Scarf Vest by VT Luxe

$38.64

Go from brunch to afternoon drinks to dinner in this Four-in-One Glam Wrap.  The elegance and simplicity of this light-weight beauty will make it the most versatile piece in your wardrobe.  Wear multiple ways for a different look throughout the day and into the evening.

Four-in-One Glam Wrap by VT Luxe

$28.32

Stay warm, dry and chic in this fabulous military-style troncho.  The water-repellent fabric makes this a must-have item when traveling, and the silhouette keeps your sophisticated style day or night, rain or shine.

Water Repellent Troncho by VT Luxe

$69.50

 In need of some bohemian bling? Check out this stunning amber and peach jewelry collection.

Faceted Dome Ring by VT Luxe

$45.00

Modernist Earring Wardrobe by VT Luxe

$45.00

Mixed Media Leather Cord Necklace by VT Luxe

$58.74

You really can't go wrong with any of these selections so fabulously built by Jesse and Joe.  They are perfect for the uncertainty lingering in the economic air, while providing elements of style and quality that can normally only be found in designer boutiques. 

Want to continue your search for the best fashion pieces this spring? Check out my work on the Examiner for ideas on the latest trends and photos of what to wear this season.

http://www.examiner.com/fashion-in-los-angeles/melanie-kaspin

Shoe Trends for Spring: the Kitten Heel and the Platform Wedge

The revival of our fashion’s past has begun; pound on the pedal in your time machine, and enjoy the ride.

Ready-to-wear worldwide is exhibiting trends from decades that rocked the world; clearly the weight of fashion nostalgia was felt and acknowledged.  From Audrey Hepburn to Charlie’s Angels, the opportunity to adorn in the most yearned after styles has arrived. 

Wide-brimmed hats and silk scarves decorated runways; vintage-inspirations are the forefront of fashion.  Trending with these unforgettable accessories is the kitten heel and platform wedge.

Donna Karan Ankle-Wrap Platform Wedge

Manolo Blahnik 'Carolyne' Slingback Pump

 

The kitten heel is not a new way to step with style; we are simply re-visiting a fabulous comeback from the late 1950’s.  Decades ago, the kitten heel was viewed as a traditional, less-sexy alternative to the towering stilettos, and a safe, formal shoe option for young girls.  However, fast forward to the 80’s and 90’s, this heel was still stomping around the chic shoe market.   Now this year, top designers impress consumers with stunning, contemporary collections.  Age is irrelevant with this exclusive heel; smaller inches are back to grace all generations.

Jimmy Choo Kitten-Heel d'Orsay

Jimmy Choo Snake Kitten-Heel d'Orsay

Stuart Weitzman d'Orsay Pump

 Given that safety of color is out, and risk is in, try a pink, yellow or nude heel. Pair with capris or a knee-length skirt; the stellar shape of the kitten heel combined with a pop of striking color will have you runway worthy. 

Check out the works of art available at Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=kitten+heel&origin=keywordsearch

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=kitten+heel&_requestid=26115

Alongside the kitten heel, shoe heaven continues with the ultra-stylish, platform wedge.  Whether they are wooden or a bohemian chic espadrille wedge, let your coddled feet slip into the 70’s.

  

Lanvin Halter Sliced Wedge Sandal

Prada Peep-Toe Bow Wedge

Alexander McQueen Floral-Heel T-Strap Wedge

The platform wedge represents a decade about freedom, so liberate yourself.  Try the wedge paired with the ever-so-fashionable bell bottom jean, or take a gander at one of the darling maxi dresses out this spring. 

Theory ALDORA RELAXED Dress

Designing masterminds such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Valentino are stocking the floors of Neiman Marcus with ground-breaking styles this season. 

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jhtml?No=0&Ntt=wedge&_requestid=42146&N=0&pageSize=160

The wedge represents comfort and style; there’s no need to worry about toppling over during your day. 

Walk confidently from decades that moved fashion in a new direction.

Smile, and let your hair down this spring.  Enjoy the time warp.    

For more fashion tips and possible amusement, check out more of my work at the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/fashion-in-los-angeles/melanie-kaspin