Seasonal Special-Occasion Style Picks: Wedding What to Wear Woes

Ad-vice Ad-lib: Weddings "Wearing" Down Your Wardrobe?

For a little while, I found it hard to keep up with my blog posts which I so love to write (and hopefully you so love to read).  Summer can be a time-consuming time period, what with vacations, family obligations, (my current job hunt), and of course, summer's favorite special occasion: the wedding.  My sister recently became one of the happily-ever-after husband-and-wife combos, and it was quite frankly one of the happiest days of my own life as well.  Nevertheless, it was also a very stressful time-consuming period of prep-work and I considered myself very lucky that I didn't have to plan that perfect get-up amidst dealing with all the other obligations in my life.  However, there have also been those weddings that I am invited to where wearing the ideal ensemble has become a problem I've had to ponder.  Lately, I have found many of my friends to be in similar situations in which weddings are piling up, but they are not those weddings in which one has the "luxury" of having bridesmaid dresses dictated to them.  If you, like myself, are at that age where it seems that everyone you know is getting married, it can be difficult to determine what to wear to these cheerful yet continuously copious celebrations of coupling-up.

This task, though troublesome, can also result in the exciting opportunity to strut that stylish look you've been dying to wear but haven't had a "reason."  After all, one of the best parts about a special occasion is the opportunity to wear something you otherwise wouldn't.  This article puts together a few looks to carry you from late summer through the rest of winter for a variety of different wedding styles.  Of course, no look is ever truly one size fits all; the looks below are just meant to be a variety of style suggestions for potential parties praising your friends' new pairings.  It's important to think about your own style when selecting a look, and even more important to think about the actual wedding you're attending.  Some bride-and-groom duos set a theme or suggest a look or certain colors for their special day.  Others just have personalities that pop with so much vibrance, you know wearing your standard LBD just won't be enough to pay proper homage to the holy matrimony to which you are in attendance.  Please also note that some of the style selections below are slightly more expensive than I usually choose to discuss due to the nature of the special occasion associated with wedding attendance.  The styles below are just suggestions that should be adapted to your own personal preference, price point and persona.  When picking that perfect piece, think about selecting an outfit that is apropos for the couple, the theme and yourself.  I went ahead and broke down the below sections by season for more nimble navigation.

Summer
As I mentioned before, my sister just got married herself.  She had a dress-as-fancy-as-you-want-style dress code and requested that people dress in colors of the night sky.  Her personality embodies that rock-a-billy edgy chic and I think the look below would have been a great style to incorporate her theme and her personality.

The lime cocktail dress brings a fun summer color that's still appropriate for a night-time engagement.  The dress includes attachable straps to make it more conservative (and dance-floor-proof) and the criss cross shape in the front emphasizes the waist and gives you an hourglass figure.  The Vena Cava dress was recently available on Gilt for $119 down from $295.  Pair this dress with the Helmut Lang jacket pictured to the right to help keep the look more conservative as well as give it some of that rocker edginess.  While still a splurge, this jacket is on sale now at Neiman Marcus for $417 down from $695.  The shoes are Casadei, one of my favorite high-end shoe brands, though lesser widely known than that infamous red-soled-shoe-guru. The crystal pyramid style is on Gilt for $550 (but originally $1100) which, while still quite pricey, is a bargain from the retail price. The black in the shoe keeps them an easy-to-"pair" shoe, while the AB two tone crystals add a fun edge to an otherwise traditional sandal style.  I love how the green in the dress brings out the green in the stones when paired together.  With all the color and edge going on, jewelry is best kept simple, so I'd top it all off with this Dannijo for Vena Cava "Naomi" collar necklace.  The necklace stays true to the overall street-inspired feeling of the look by providing a strong piece of jewelry able to project that "badass-I-don't-care-what-you-think" statement.  It also draws attention upward from the sweetheart neckline that prevents any potential busty-ness from being too inappropriate for someone else's wedding.  The necklace is available now at Shopbop for $120.40 down from $172.

Have an outdoor garden wedding coming up?  I love the look below for summer to late summer elegant-meets-outdoor style weddings.

The Tibi dress brings out the most beautiful botanical colors in the mint color shown above.  Available now on Shopbop for $231 down from its $330 retail price in the mint (or yelllow color) and $165 if you choose pink.  I would pair this with a long chain simple pendant like this Alexis Bittar stunner shown on the left I recently picked up on eBay for only $75 slightly used.  To keep the look fresh and free from unnecessary clutter, keep the shoes simple as well with a gold or nude strappy style like the Bebe Filamena shoes pictured above; recently available on Hautelook for only $49 at half of the retail price of $100.

If you still have some of those super summery beach-side or day-time weddings lined up, its not too late to get the last bit of wear out of the things we love most about the year's most sizzling season.  The look below says beach-bum beautiful without the bum, and more of the beauty.

The simplicity of the yellow dress keeps it casual-couture-comfortable while the bow details on the bust and waist elevate the ensemble and highlight the flattering parts of our figures.  This candy-colored creation by Erin Fetherston, one of my favorite fab female frock-makers (even more loved by me by her representation of the San Francisco Bay Area, having attended UC Berkeley before heading to Parsons in Paris).  The romance embodied in the dress, previously available on Hautelook for $85 and still possible to purchase on Piperlime for $146.97 (both prices a steal from the original $335), pairs perfectly with the whimsical style of these Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer "Harlequin" Earrings available on Shopbop for only $135.80 down from their retail $194.  I personally like to add a bold touch with the rest of the look being styled so simple and would include a fun vibrant cocktail ring.  The pop this asymmetrical cobalt piece by Rivka Friedman adds is the ideal icing on the (not-your) wedding cake and at 65% off its $139 starting price, this ring can be snatched up at Hautelook for only $49 today.

Fall
With fall rapidly approaching us, we turn to a slightly darker color-palate as per usual, that brings out the gradual fade-into-the-shade associated with the season.

If the occasion to which you are invited to calls for a more formal 'fit, the bold style below will keep you dazzling on the dance floor alongside the bride.  This is a more fashion-forward and eye-catching piece, so it's important to be sure that it is both appropriate for the formality of the occasion as well as the bride herself.  If it were my wedding, for example, I would want my girls to show up looking more like they're wearing disco balls than dresses... but that's just me.

This sparkling sensation uses red and silver sequins to create an overall liquid luxe look.  This Mark + James by Badgley Mischka Painted Sequin Dress was recently retailed on RueLaLa for 70% off of $375 for only $129.90.  Because the dress says so much on its own, its important to avoid the desire to over-accessorize. With the high-neckline on this glimmering garb, I would go with simple studs like the Jules Smith Cairo Pyramid rose gold earrings shown above and offered for purchase now on sale for $38.50 at Shopbop.  Combine with one bold detail like the Citrine by the Stones Pyrite Ring for $203 off the original retail of $290 on Shopbop.  I am loving the outburst of semi-precious stones like Pyrite and Druzy lately in the fashion world and this piece pairs with the look beautifully.  Bring it all together with a simple shoe like the Alejandro Ingelmo Jayne Criss Cross Pump ($166.80 down from $556 on Shopbop).  The patent nude does a good job of complimenting the sequin-covered-sheath without being over-the-top.

For a less-formal-more-cocktail-style wedding, the look below does a good job of transitioning into fall by using fall colors and themes, but still hanging on to details of summer in style and silhouette.

The heart-stopping olive-hued ruched dress by the always "haute" designer Halston Heritage is a form-flattering, figure-fitting fantasy offered up for sale on Shopbop at 30% off $395 for only $276.50.  The ruched design on the skirt creates curves we didn't even know we had without making one look fuller-formed than they actually are.  The slight v-neckline is contrasted by the more conservative cap-sleeve to keep the whole look from being too risque for a wedding.  The Alexis Bittar Orbiting earrings, also on Shopbop for the sale price of $157.50 draw attention upwards from the bust so as not to distract with the delicately-draped details of the dress.  The imperfect oval shape gives a chic fashion forward edge to the ensemble, all without upstaging the bride.  Flipping through the pages of my anxiously awaited and always amazing Vogue September Issue, I noticed much in the way of incorporation of animal prints into many designers' fall lines.  The above outfit offers the perfect opportunity to sport the trend.  The L.A.M.B. nude snakeskin "Idna" pump combines subtle snakeskin with the classic peep-toe pump shape allowing the outfit wearer to incorporate the animal fad without over-exaggeration.  The pumps are on sale now on Shopbop for 30% off $325 at $227.50.  The Foley & Corinna "Georgina" over-sized clutch in bronze metallic also uses subtle snakeskin and incorporates many of falls colors to pair perfectly with the overall look.  The clutch is poised for the picking on Gilt today for only $139 (retailed at $295).

Winter
Winter calls for even cooler colors and humbler hues, but often adds the opportunity for more fabulously formal fetes.  

My first winter wedding look uses a winter color-palate, but incorporates a little enchanting iridescence to create an ensemble that recalls the essence of old-Hollywood glam with a significantly modern twist.

This Vena Cava backless cap sleeve beaded dress is an absolute stunner, without being a scene-stealing number that might upset a bride.  Moreover, it makes good use of the lace trend that is being used in looks across the board in designers' upcoming lines.  The dress (for sale on Gilt for $279 from $595 original retail price) uses lace with subtle sparkling embellishments to make a look perfect for the more glamorous girl who likes her garb to bring others' thoughts back to the beautiful babes of the past.  I would go with a T-Strap style shoe for this look; the short hem and high neckline allows for a shoe that cuts at the ankle without shortening the leg.  The style also allows for the added bonus that the T-Strap is an iconicly vintage-inspired shoe, which melds with the overall outfit outstandingly well.  I personally love these Sam Edelman Scarlett pumps in egyptian gold, also on Gilt, for $109 down from $200.  The studded heel gives the whole look a modern twist to an old-world style, but if you prefer to keep it simple, go with these Steven Angels T-Strap pumps in blush available on Shopbop.  I also love the addition of this CC Skye Wristlet clutch which has includes the bonus of a pseudo-bracelet accessory at no additional charge.  The bag, also on Shopbop for $192.50 (original retail $275), meets somewhere in the middle between street chic and vintage vogue, and pairs well with the overall black and gold look of the dress (also a color-combination trend to be on the lookout for this fall).  Lastly, I'd keep the jewelry simple and wear nothing but these drop-dead-dazzling earrings by the Turkey-based designer behind Grand Bazaar-New York, on sale on Gilt for $148 from their original tag of $300.

My final fit suggestion for your wedding-what-to-wear-worries is to be used as an option if for some reason you are (lucky enough to be) invited to a black tie style gala.  I find myself consistently contemplating what I might wear if I ever get the chance to pull out my prom skills and dress to the nines.  The look below embodies my formal fantasies with a color palate still appropriate for a winter-wonderland.

I love gorgeous great-lengths gowns and this piece from the Badgley Mischka Collection is to die for in this lovely lavender shade with a sparkling sweetheart bust.  A steal for only $269 (down from the original whopping $860) on Gilt, this dress is a marveling masterpiece that remains muted enough to avoid improper upstaging.  I would pair it with these out-of-this-world-shoes-of-my-dreams by Casadei, also on Gilt (originally $820 and now only $249).  The sandals keep the look light with the strappy detailing at the front, while staying winter-appropriate in a simmering silver.  I would use the rest of the accessories to lighten up the look by incorporating some gold toned-hues.  The  mixture of silver and gold has the ability to exude timeless elegance, while warming up the colder silver, yet allowing the silver to keep the look more classic and winter appropriate.  I love the Alexis Bittar earrings pictured above, now $163.90 from $245 on Nordstrom's website, which do a great job of melding the more classic deco style shape of the jewels with Bittar's use of nuanced modern touches.  The minaudiere (I can never get enough minaudieres!) is a very popular formal clutch trend that additionally makes an incredibly contemporary statement still reminding us of more classic couture days.  This Rebecca Minkoff Gold Ostrich Embossed Minaudiere is to die for, even at its retail price of $325, now on both Shopbop and Rebecca Minkoff's own site.

The style-sets above are just some suggestions in an attempt to ease those figuring-out-which-formal-frock-to-wear-frustrations and the ideas behind them can be used to create looks for price-points and personalities all over the map.  Just remember to think about the best way to mix your chic-choices with the motifs of your soon-to-be-married mavens and you can't go wrong.

Making an Understated Statement: The Statement Necklace

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: The Statement Necklace

As a fellow fashionista, I try to make every outfit I leave the house in an outward expression of my personality, style and disposition of the day. However, not every event is appropriate for the wild and fashion-forward 'fits that we relish rocking.  There are times when we want to keep our clothes more conservative or even just need to wear something slightly less girls-night-out-glam.  However, it can be a troublesome task to resolve how to involve our sense of style when life requires a more minimalist ensemble.  After all, attire is a fashion-lover's most hankered-after-hobby and, if you're as outfit-obsessed as myself, one of the few things in life that make life worth living.  I hate the feeling when I'm attending a particular event that the garb I have donned is closer to a disguise than an expression of myself.  Even when I am, for example, trying to demonstrate my professional side, I don't believe that should require abandoning all sense of style I once had and becoming a miraculous manifestation of a frumpy full-time workaholic.  But walking the tight-rope between appropriately adorable and abysmally boring can be a perpetual problem for those of us who like to work hard, but want to work "it" as well.

Currently, I'm on the job-hunt and have found myself at numerous networking gatherings.  I want to make sure that I come off as a true professional without simultaneously smothering the exuberant and vibrant personality that makes me who I am.  After all, who wants to hire a dull, run of the mill, average-like-everyone-else coworker?  Don't we all want to spend the majority of our time with someone who we find not just smart but possessing inspiring intelligence? What about someone who isn't just averagely amusing but who's comical nature is completely captivating?  How do we demonstrate those quaint qualities that make us not just another rodent in the rat-race, but someone who brings a passionate personality that not only improves one's work product, but makes you the kind of person that others want to be around, when we're unable to do so through our usual means of a fashionably fun getup?  My recent answer to this clothing conundrum has been the oh-so-spectacular statement necklace.

A statement necklace lets you show that you know your style-related-stuff without requiring a compromise on demonstrating a professional perspective.  It is also always a great method of expressing a trend while wearing an outfit that is otherwise more-muted.  Have nothing to wear but a white sheath but want to rock the neon trend? You can incorporate that element with a bold and bright bauble like the necklace below.

This David Aubrey necklace sports several of this season's most coveted colors while at the same time  revealing a sense of refinement that discourages potential distraction from one's intended display of a more demure disposition.  This necklace is on sale today on Gilt for a steal at only $64 down from the original near twice-the-price fee of $120.  This necklace is easy to pair with any neutral color without overpowering your overall look.

If your style more accurately emphasizes an antiquated eloquence, but you want to avoid appearing actually ancient, a statement necklace that recalls retro royalty is a great piece to power-up an otherwise uninspired look.

This Kenneth Jay Lane Deco Swirl necklace, available on Ideeli today (for less than half the original price of $215 at $89.99), has the ability to take a bland black dress to a whole new level of chic.  The deco elements in the necklace give you that old-world-hollywood-glam from days-gone-by through understated elegance remniscent of awe-inspiring Audrey Hepburn.  I see this paired perfectly with a cap sleeve, form-fitting, career appropriate dress and nude pumps to make you a knock-out at your next networking night-out.  Or pair with a fitted navy tank and white jeans for a more casual approach.  Keep in mind that the perfect symmetry of this necklace will make it a better fit with a likewise symmetrical neckline in any outfit you decide to don.

There are other times when for no reason other than my exhaustion, I am unable to put together a completely polished head-to-toe look.  Nevertheless, I never want to leave the house looking so off-trend that people begin to question my curated-clothing capabilities.  A great way to prove your perpetually on-point is to throw on an accessory that intrinsically indicates your inner fashionista.   The necklace below is a signature staple from Nicole Richie's brand that is easy to throw on with everything from a modish maxi to a toned-down t-shirt and jeans combo.

Either color in this tantalizingly tribal inspired piece of jewelry helps take a tired outfit up a notch.  I'm personally a big fan of Nicole Richie's style and am a lover of her relatively affordable House of Harlow 1960 line.  You can buy the silver style of this classic necklace shown on the left by visiting the Nordstrom site and purchasing the piece at the retail price of $150.  Or you can try to track down a deal by visiting eBay where the blue version of the necklace displayed on the right is available for the "buy it now or best offer" price of $113.99.

I'm also one of those girls who responds like a moth to a flame when something sparkly enters my vicinity. I like to sparkle and shine as often as possible but sometimes a more casual approach is required.  In times such as those you can use a striking statement necklace to incorporate that element of glistening garb into a more informal ensemble.

I love that this piece makes sophistication sparkle by combining glimmering gems with a classy silhouette.  Many of Elizabeth Cole's necklaces are similar in style making her a favorite of mine in terms of jewelry design.  Her pieces appear often on Gilt and can be found be visiting her brand's listings on the site here.

If you want to combine a statement necklace with an outfit that is beautifully bold on its own, for instance a Pucci-style print dress or brightly-colored blazer, you can choose a necklace featuring a simple shape and color that doesn't overpower your already cleverly-crafted clothing.  The styles below are two options that work with wilder wardrobe selections.

The Belle Noel necklace on the right still makes a statement in size and style while retaining enough restraint through a simple shape and color that it can be paired with more adventurous attire.  This necklace is available on Shopbop for 30% off $190 at $133.00.  Kenneth Jay Lane's collar necklace on the left is a traditional yet tremendous style that can be worn with almost anything. This necklace is exciting economically as well at under $100 on Shopbop.

I'm always looking to make a statement and the key is learning how to make sure that the statement you're making is the right one for the environment you're in.  I believe that we fashion-forward females powering our way through the professional world shouldn't have to hide the inner vibrance that makes us who we are.  Combining a corporate or casual outfit with a statement staple allows for complete class without compromising your own curated couture clothing style.  The under-statement necklace is the perfect professional yet playful pop to help you break right through that glass-ceiling looking with graceful glamour.