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Hi Hive! I'm Elana, a very lucky intern at Weddingbee! Last Wednesday, I was lucky enough to attend the fashion show for “Operation Dream Dress”, hosted by Brides Magazine 
. Out of hundreds of entries, just five budding designers were selected to have their dresses walked down a runway in front of a fantastic panel of judges with the hopes of having their dress selected for the front cover of Bride's Magazine! The theme for the designs was “visionary romance”. The host was Millie Martini Bratten, the Editor in Chief of Brides Magazine. I tried to contain my excitement when the panel entered the room. The panel included:
Here is another installment of fashion advice from stylist Amy Salinger!
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Most girls getting married are so focused on the actual big day itself, that sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day to get ready for every other wedding related party! You know what I am talking about — there is the shower, the rehearsal dinner, the day-after brunch, and on, and on. One of my favorite services that I offer is my “Complete Bride” package where we shop for outfits for wedding events other than the actual day of. So don't worry; I am here to help! 
One of the most important wedding related events is the rehearsal dinner. Everyone super important is there, and you and your fiance are the center of attention. You want to be pretty, polished and most of all, stand out in a fabulously stylish way.
Think pretty cocktail dress with the possibility for longevity after this big extravaganza is over, since you simply cannot buy an entirely new wardrobe for everything wedding related. A great silhouette that looks great on most body types is anything cinched at the waist with a bit of movement around the hips and legs. A ‘50s style dress with a sweetheart neckline is a perfect fit for any bride that wants to look sassy, trendy and modern yet classic. Think Audrey Hepburn meets 2009.
This Diane Von Furstenburg dress on the left is on sale, but, try this White House Black Market option for a more budget conscious choice. It will look just as lovely!
With all of the craziness of planning a wedding, who has time to pack for the honeymoon that will inevitably follow? Like everything else related to weddings, there are people who will actually do this for you! Hello, my name is Amy Salinger, fashion stylist, and I am here to save you from your honeymoon packing crisis.
Packing, for anything, is actually much easier than people make it out to be. I think the actual stress of the idea of packing throws people off and by the time they get to the process of really doing it, they are way too far gone with overwhelming anxiety. Stop the madness and learn from a packing master.
Start by accepting that you cannot and do not need to bring the kitchen sink. You will not use all of it and with fees for carrying bags onto the aircraft soaring, why would you? You need to focus. Think about the specific occasions that will be occurring while you are on vacation; dinners, outings, lounging… What are you actually doing while you are there? Estimate the amount of times you will be doing each of these activities so you can have a number of ensembles that you need to put together. “I will have five nice dinners to go to and six days at the beach”. The toughest part is already done!
Now it is actually time to pull the clothing. Think in terms of outfits – that is why you just figured out what you will be doing while you are there! Once you begin, place each individual look on your bed and you will see how certain pieces can translate between looks. For example, a jean jacket would be a great outer layer for any chilly evening. You do not need to bring 5 different cardigans. Choose useful, easily transferable pieces.
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Most of my friend and stylist Amy Salinger’s clients are professionals in creative industries (like weddings). I learned so much from her about the importance of basic foundation pieces, so I’ve asked her to share some of her tips! For more style tips, check out her super helpful how-to videos!
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As a fashion stylist in New York City, I have seen and learned a lot. The most important lesson I have taken with me is that style is individual and exploring your own personality through your look is as important as expressing yourself through words. It is the non-verbal way of showing the world exactly who you are! So, who are you?
I have worked with many men and women across this great country (including the fabulous and lovely Mrs. Bee), and each one of them has something different to say in life and through their personal look. The one unwavering similarity that everyone does have, is that a look is defined by how you put it all together. You must own the proper foundation pieces in order to create this fabulous look! I have walked into so many closets where everyone has the “fun” pieces that separate them from the crowd, but nothing to pull it all together. So, no matter how you end up defining your personal style, there are a few key pieces that really do bring it all together that most people should own and cherish. Owning these few pieces will definitely change your entire wardrobe.
Every single one of my clients owns longer tank tops. There is no way to work with them without the presence of these fabulous little (and inexpensive!) gems. I suggest owning both the plain ribbed kind as well as ones with lace trim. Buy neutral colors. Banana Republic is the best place to pick these up and they always have them. These serve as layering items to wear under other garments. They lengthen shorter tops by adding material to your bottom half or cover up “the girls” if you shirt closure is too low. Use the lace tank tops for that extra flare that will not overwhelm your ensemble.
I met celebrity stylist Allison Berlin (she works for TLC’s What Not to Wear!) this past week at the Wedding Salon Bridal Show. Allison is a friend of our very own Laura Nadeau, and has guest blogged for us before sharing some of her styling tricks. Today she shares her tips for what to wear for engagement pictures.
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Ahh, to be a bride. A sudden celebrity, party planner and accountant all rolled into one. And throughout all of this, you need to look your best at a series of events and photo ops. Headshots are surprisingly tricky, especially with 2 people, so here are some notes from a stylist to help get you through. Think more Jennifer Aniston, less Jennifer Lopez…
1. Colors - This is important if you’re taking color pictures. Jewel tones (the a-line skirts of the color wheel) are universally flattering for most skin types. Jewel tones include sapphire, emerald, fuchsia, amethyst and ruby red. Don’t worry about whether you’re an autumn or a spring; just choose a rich color that brightens your face. No pastels, no black*!
2. Black* - I know, I know, you can’t live without it. Frankly, neither can I but I’ve had a headshot done while wearing black and it can look draining. Here are some other suggestions: navy, chocolate, pink, teal, cream (only for warm skin tones) even a subtle print will work.
3. Keep it Simple - Wear a dress or top that is uncomplicated and chic. This is not the time to try out a new trend. Skip embellished necklines, textured fabrics (like eyelet) that add bulk, shiny satin, ruffles and big prints. A solid color dress or fitted top with a little bit of neckline interest is the best way to go. Since that eliminates about 80% of Bloomingdale’s, take this list if you go shopping and stay focused.
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This guest post comes from former Weddingbee blogger Mrs. Raspberry, who founded the stationery company Haute Papier.
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I am a sucker for beautiful Valentine's cards. While I spend weeks thinking about the perfect Holiday card every year, I really enjoy thinking up the perfect Valentine. This year, I've been whipping up a ton of these little hearts to go along with our Haute Papier Valentine's cards. They're super quick and so cute when displayed all together, or strung and hung as a garland.
I've been making them in sets that are color coordinated… All of these red, white and pink ones are for my darling husband. For our friends, family and clients, I've been playing with shades of browns and neutrals. Keep reading for step-by-step directions and more pictures…
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Guest Blogger
Feature Launched: February 9, 2009
About: Guest posts submitted by wedding vendors.
