Weddingbee PRO

Wouldn't it be great if we all had a stylist to dress us everyday! Of course, mere mortals like us don't have room in our budget for that so I asked my stylist extraordinaire colleague, Allison Berlin from Style Made Simple, to give me some tricks of the trade. I watch women pile into these formal gowns every weekend and believe me it takes a village. Well, at least proper undergarments!

Trick or Treat?

I get a lot of requests to divulge my tricks of the trade. For example, what keeps the girls from peeking out of that low cut halter gown? How can I fill out that Vera Wang strapless number? What do I do when I get more deodorant on my shirt than under my arm? The answers to those burning fashion fix-it questions and more were reserved for closed sets until now!

Chicken Cutlets- that's what the pros call 'em! They're actually uplifting silicone bra inserts that help fill-out or even-out. I'm also a fan of Low Beams and Fashion Forms Gel Petals for overly attentive nipples.

Topstick- the stylists' go-to fix-it. More powerful than Hollywood Tape, the little yellow box was originally meant for keeping toupees in place. I use it to keep a loose hem from dangling, a collar from flopping over, and a button-front shirt peek-a-boo free.

Shout Wipes- Keep these individually wrapped wipes in your handbag ready for a clumsy moment. First, wipe off the excess solution on the back of your hand, then gently DAB (not wipe) the stain. I used this to remove a small blood stain on a white dress just before my client walked the Red Carpet, seriously.

Deodorant- possibly the most unusual solution, simply rub the thin foam padding covering the top of a dry cleaner's hanger against the white mess and suddenly you're ready to go (provided it's not a huge mark). I have no idea how I learned this but it works wonders!

T&A- Gowns require some serious structure to look effortless. Shapers should be every brides BFF and attend all dress fittings. Spanx panties have the best sucking power and come in all different lengths from the rib cage to the thigh. If you're small busted, have the bra cups sewn into your g own. If you're blessed with more, skip the strapless bra and invest a good nude bustier (they often sell this at the bridal shop). My favorite bra tricks for ‘girls' of all sizes? Braza bra extenders allow you to wear your regular bra with a scoop back top or dress, and a 2in safety pin attached to the back of your bra straps can turn your regular bra into a racer-back without that high, thick panel down the middle.

Travel stylist- want all the glamour of being a stylist but none of the physical labor? Become your own pro with a travel styling kit. Make sure your planner/bridesmaid/mom has this handy in the bridal suite the day-of. It has what you need to fix last minute wardrobe malfunctions for the bride or groom!

Thanks Allison - I love those treats!