For your viewing pleasure, the conclusion to Wednesday’s post, inspired by Women’s Health…
N = Numbers
This is my most dreaded letter… just ask the nurse practitioner who had to battle it out with my index finger for the scale knob to move to the appropriate weight. That’s right. I’m talking about your weight, people! Research shows that people who weigh themselves at least once a day or more likely to not only lose but also to maintain their weight loss more so than people who don’t. Sigh, looks like the scales wins… again!
O = Omelet
When it comes to protein, omelets are egg-selent! Haha! Yesss! Protein helps build muscle, which in turn fries more calories per pound than fat According to Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, informs you’ll burn 25% of the eggs’ calories simply by digesting them! Nuts!
P = Peanuts
It’s all about the “p’s” in this study, which was conducted by Purdue University. In this study, researchers found high-protein, high-fiber nuts are extremely filling and can boost the resting metabolic rates significantly… making the nut an ideal snack food for curbing your appetite!
Q = Quinoa
Quinoa is the queen of whole grains! Higher in protein and fiber with less carbs, this white rice substitute is an ideal source for dietary deliciousness!
R = Replacements
In its most simplest of forms: Eat this, not that. Try substituting liquid meals or healthier snacks and sides for some of your less savory choices.
S = Success
Stress causes no success. In a study conducted by Georgetown scientists, it was discovered that mice under stress or duress gained twice as much as their de-stressed counterparts. Reason being?? Stress can cause us to hold on to extra fat cells; hence, the term stress eating. So next time you’re stressed, try having a “wooo-saaaa” moment instead of a doughnut.
T = Tea
Green tea brings the catechins – a metabolism boosting antioxidant, and the catechins bring the weight loss! Not to mention, green tea is a MUCH healthier substiture than a half and half cup of coffee filled with sugar! Duh!
U = User-friendly
In a recent study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was discovered that the success rate of one diet plan to the next is not determined by the diet itself, but the compliance each dieter has with it. Sooo, find a diet you can live with, and then, (more importantly) actually live with it :)
V = Vinegar
Just a spoon full of vinegar helps the weight loss stay off… weight loss stay off! (I know. Sweet remix to Mary Poppins, huh?) Published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, it was discovered that swallowing 60 grams or 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a high-glycemic index caused people to eat 200-275 less calories a day… of course this doesn’t surprise me, due to the fact that stomaching a spoonful of vinegar makes me nauseous in thought alone!
W = Weights
I’m here to PUMP (pause for effect) you up! While many women fear lifting weights will cause them to look like the incredible hulk, they couldn’t be further from the truth. Pumping iron not only causes you to burn more calories after an average cardio workout, but researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham also discovered that women who lifted 3 times a week for 25 minutes lost an average of 4 pounds of bady fat! SWEET!
X = Xenical
Given the green light by the FDA last year, this prescription fat blocker can be found in the over the counter supplement, Alli. However, this does come with a price… loose stools. So, if the side effects are too much for you to handle, I totally suggest going at it the old fashion way :)
Y = Yoga
Self explanatory… grab a mat and get moving! Downward dog, anyone?
Z = ZZZZ’s
While dieting, you may want to scrimp on certain foods, but you should never scrimp on your zzzz’s! By not getting enough sleep, your body is tricked into thinking it’s low on fuel, causing your belly to growl and more than likely you to eat! So rest up… you need it :)
Often times, I will receive emails looking for advice, and while I’ll easily admit my awesome level is off the charts, my expertise level – especially on certain subjects – can be almost non-existent. And there’s no area less exercised (pun intended) by my expertise than weight loss. Ugh.
Luckily for you, however, I can pinpoint the experts and share their knowledge with the masses! And when it comes to losing weight and feeling great, who could possibly be better than a magazine dubbed entirely for the subject matter at hand? No one, duh! So, when I saw this article published in Women’s Health I couldn’t resist sharing their “skinny” on weight loss vocab… and let’s face it, my own 2 cents as well! Haha! Check it out!
A = Alcohol
While binge drinking is a huge (and considerably unattractive) no no, having a glass of wine a day is proven to be good for the body and the soul. Because alcohol has the potential to increase leptin – a hormone known for its power to battle the sweet tooth, a nice glass of sauvignon blanc might be just what the doctor ordered :)
B = Buddy System
“Hmmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends!” It’s like the Beatles knew… Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have proven you’re nearly 3 times more likely to lose weight faster and keep it off longer “with a little help from (your) friends.” And if you just so happen to be friends with all skinny minis: 1) How sad! Chubby people are the best people! (High fives self) and 2) Hit up weightlossbuddy.com for a long list of fat-reforming friends!
C = Cortisol
This adrenal hormone secretes stress, and we all know what stress can do to a body. So, if wedding planning, work or personal woes have you out of whack, try spending a date night fund on a couple’s massage instead!
D = Density
Studies produced by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered women who eat water-rich foods, high in nutrients and low in calories are more likely to lose weight than women on a strictly low fat diet. So, go ahead, my dear ladies-in-waiting, grab that celery stalk and go for a walk!
E = Estimation
Next stop, Estimation Station… all aboard! Women’s Health encourages us all to commit the following estimates to memory:
3 ounces of meat = a standard deck of 52 cards
½ cup fruit, vegetables or grains = half a baseball
1.5 ounces of cheese = 3 dominoes
F = Fructose
Fructose isn’t free. In fact, it could cost you a waistline. So, put down those artificially sweetened beverages and pick up the peaches… or oranges or any other fruit of your choosing! Because this is where fructose is at its best!
G = Grapefruit
And speaking of fruit, why not try this ruby red delight! In a 2006 study published by the Journal of Medicinal Food discovered that people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal lost more weight than those who didn’t. (3.5 pounds, as opposed to one)
H = Hydration
The key to duration (and a slimmer, trimmer you) is hydration! Research has shown that sipping an extra 6 ounces of water a day may be just the ticket to curbing your appetite and caloric intake. So, pick up a glass near you and cheers to H2O goodness!
I = Insulin
This natural, sugar regulating hormone could be what dictates your diet. Low carb diets generally work best for people with high levels of insulin secretions. Don’t know if you’re a high insulin secretor? Well, peep yourself out in the closest mirror, if you store fat in your belly and have a more round or apple shape, you’re more than likely on the list and should focus on cutting carbs – more so than low fat.
J = Journal
That’s right. Take it back to the Junior High days; except this time around, instead of gushing over your latest crush or ranting about your hellish seventh period science teacher, write down everything you eat… yep, I said it… Chances are if you see it, you can cut it. Food journaling – according to the National Weight Control Registry – increases your chance for losing weight and keeping it off.
K = Ketosis
Ketosis is key for jump starting a diet or boosting one that’s plateau’ed, because it’s the result in which your body runs low on carbs and is forced to burn off excess fat instead. So, be sure to vary your diet and workout routines in order to keep your body guessing and your weight dropping!
L = Leptin
Let your leptin find a balance. Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain when it’s full. Often times, women will think eating less or even fasting is the way to lose weight fast; however, this can sometimes cause a decrease in your leptin levels, which may cause over-eating… a completely adverse effect of what you’re going for. Bottom line, don’t starve yourself or your body might get angry!
M = Milk
It truly does a body good :) A study done in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking two cups of skim milk after a weight-lifting workout built more muscle and burned twice as much fat as its sport’s juice enthused counterparts… making cow juice aahhh-moo-zing! Haha, yes, I took it there.
Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no denying the glam-WOW factor beauty pageants can divulge. From the bouffant hair and bedazzled gowns to the super high heels and extra long lashes, beauty contests are all about glitz and glamour, which is precisely why they make an ahhh to the mazing place for diva brides to come alive!
At the epicenter of all this glamocity is the beauty pageants crowning component – the infamous evening gown strut. Flying first class, it’s the one section of the show to epitomize all things G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S. The girls transform into a frenzy of whimsy, complete with feathers, frocks and all the razzle dazzle rhinestones their flamboyant designers could get their hands on.
They cover a broad spectrum of sassiness from form-fitting and flowing to over the top and understated. Pending the girl, her personality and where she represents, the evening gown she wears can vary greatly from one girl to the next.
And where could you possibly get a better representation of world class glamour than the Ms. Universe Pageant?? Airing Monday night, the well renowned pageant just crowned their 2010 winner (Yaaaaay, Ms. Mexico!!!), and there was little to no doubt that the “Ooh la la!” was out! Inspiration below :)
It’s All About Asymmetrical!
No doubt every girl wants to stand out on her big day; however, not every girl wants to go too over the top. One way you can get a punch of trend power and still remain timeless is by doing an asymmetrical dress… for seres, everyone will be impressed :)
Ms. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell and Ms. New Zealand, Ria van Dyke (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Ms. Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul and Ms. Greece, Anna Prelevic (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Have a Gown Glitz’ed in Gold!
2010 is all about trends, and one of the biggest trends the wedding world is seeing are colored gowns. But if rockin’ red or pullin’ off purple is simply too much, why not try to glitter yourself in gold?
Ms. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel and Ms. Czech Republic, Jitka Valkova (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Ms. France, Malika Menard and Ms. Albania, Angela Martini (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Power Up your Prettiest Dress with Pewter!
Gold is to Ivory as Pewter (Silver) is to White… Again, while color is becoming more and more popular for wedding dress designers, most often times, tradition prevails, and using more neutral shades like pewter, slate grey or silver can be a great compromise!
Ms. Peru, Giuliana Zevallos and Ms. Haiti, Sarodj Bertin (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Ms. Costa Rica, Marva Wright and Ms. Colombia, Natalia Navarro (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Give it up for Grecian!
Ideal for a beach, destination or backyard wedding, Grecian styled dresses softly dance along your frame, while allowing you to dance the night away! They offer a timeless, iconic style and can easily make any bride as beautiful as the Venus de Milo :)
Ms. Norway, Melinda Victoria Elvenes and Ms. Egypt, Donia Hammed (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Ms. Peru, Giuliana Zevallos and Ms. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Be a Playful Bride with Pride!
With wedding dress designers branching out more and more, it’s no wonder that mixing fabrics, textures and shapes can often times create the most radiant looks of all! I mean just check out these playful numbers…
Ms. Denmark, Ena Sandra Causevic and Ms. U.S. Virgin Islands, Janeisha John (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
Ms. Croatia, Lana Obad and Ms. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)
I’m all for making a statement with your fashion, and Lord KNOWS I’m even more for a bride having it her way on her day.
However – and this is a very big HOWEVER – let us not forget the whole reason behind the day in the first place. The love of our men should never, and I repeat never, be drowned out by the love of our fashion. Of course, I’m using the term fashion here very loosely, and if you’re wondering why… you needn’t look further than the first photo.
Please Don’t #1: Have your Cake Dress and Eat it Too?? I know time’s are tight, ladies. Hello?!?! I’ve done more budget crunching than Jillian Michaels has done belly crunching; so, believe me when I say I understand that you want to cut corners and “trim the fat” from your wedding expenses. And while I fully support getting use out of multi-tasking details, I do not suggest you let one of those details be your dress. I mean, honestly, who wants a dress that’s known for molding?
Designed by Ukrainian pastry chef, Valentyn Shtefano, this 20 pound wedding dress was created in two months from 1,500 cream puffs for his beautiful bride. And who said chivalry was dead? (photo courtesy of msnbc.msn.com)
Talk about a dress with movement!! Ohhh wait, I mean no movement! Designed by Lukka Sigurdardottir, this wedding dress treat doubles as dessert! (photo courtesy of lostateminor.com)
Please Don’t #2: Don’t Let it Blow Up in Your Face! I can appreciate art. In fact, I’m very fond it, but there is a certain level of practicality every bride needs to be aware of on her wedding day. You can have a dress that is high fashion and over-the-top artsy, but having a helium filled, easily-popped-so-you-might-end-up-naked wedding dress definitely does not cover that level of practicality. Not to mention, the sweat level for plastic-wear is outrageous. Not flattering.
Barnum & Bailey got nothin' on these looks! These wedding gowns, made strictly from balloon animal's finest, will surely leave your guests open-jawed... and not in a good way. (photos courtesy of inventorspot.com and funkytrend.com)
Please Don’t #3: Too much Bride, not (nearly!) enough Dress For the first time in my life, I was rendered speechless. Literally, I have no words… just an embarrassed, red face… I don’t even know these brides! Come on now, girls, we should all be proud of our bodies, but is your wedding day inside a church in front of your grandma and the good Lord really the place you want to show it off? I think not.
Oh my. At least the one on the right has the figure for a bikini wedding dress... Siiiiighhhhh. (photos courtesy of hitched.co.uk and brides.com)
i.have.no.words. (photo courtesy of wedinator.com)
Please Don’t #4: Too much Dress, not (nearly!) enough Bride Believe me. I get the whole wanna-look-like-Cinderella, fairy tale princess bride complex. My best friend and most favorite girl in the world, Breanna Marie, might as well have written the book on this theory. I’m already prepared for when she gets hitched, because I know she’ll be the belle of the ball and have me in the pinkest, pretty-pretty princess bridesmaid’s dress money can buy. Buuuuuuuuuut, there’s a big difference between being a princess and being a cream puff (not the pastry this time.) So, ladies please, wear the dress… don’t let the dress wear you!
With a train like that, this is more than likely the only place they could do pictures... in a field... a very, VERY large field. (photo courtesy of diamondvues.com)
The only caption needed: Whyyyyyy? (photos courtesy of wedinator.com and tackyweddings.com)
Please Don’t #5: Loud and Ornate… not up for Debate Your wedding day is about you; so, please please please don’t lose yourself in over-the-top accessories. Brides who decorate themselves too drastically don’t look trendy; they look, well, in a word, ridiculous. And nobody wants to look back in 5 years – heck, even 5 days – down the road and go, “Ugh, what was I thinking?”
Sugar Kei Sweet's design (left) and Christian Lacroix may be brilliant in theory, but they are disastrous in depiction. (photos courtesy of weddinginspirasi.com and larkinandcatcher.com)
I'm sorry, Celine. Like you. Love your voice. HATE the headpiece. (photo courtesy of ivilliage.com)
Well then, look no further than the latest obsession to invade my couture taste pallet: ModCloth.com! (cont’d below)
photo courtesy of ModCloth.com
With retro mod and vintage glam being at the top of everyone’s fashion list these days, ModCloth makes it easier than ever to find your perfectly sleek, impeccably chic rehearsal or wedding guest dress!
They have every neckline from square cut and sleeves to sweetheart and strapless. There are prints for maxis and plaids for tea lengths. In fact, everything is mixed and matched beautifully throughout their entire line, which also includes all the retro-riffic accessories your heart could possibly desire!
Whether you’re into to frilly ruffles in flowing chiffon or dramatic drapes in shimmery satin, this one stop shop is like Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket for grown up, girly girls! Even the dress names are a delight! Hello?!?! How can you resist “Whether you Lilac It or Not” or “Thelma and Blue-ise?” Too cute, right?
And, with their price points ranging from Under $50 to Over $500 – with most locating themselves under the $100 radar, there is surely something in the mix for all pocket books to indulge in.
The hardest part will be narrowing down your selection. Trust me. I had stuff in (and out) of my shopping cart for weeks before settling on one. Here are some of my faves ModCloth.com has to offer:
(from top left to bottom right: Delicate Flower Dress ($72.99), Beachland Ballroom Dress ($124.99), A Little Bit Indie Rock Dress ($69.99), Mystifying Maven Dress ($79.99), Whether You Lilac It or Not Dress ($99.99), Two Tickets to Paradise Dress ($64.99), Silver and Bold Dress ($107.99), The Best Time Dress ($89.99), Scene of the Crimson Dress ($77.99))
With so many people looking to pinch pennies and save these days, brides-to-be everywhere are discovering the fierceness of DIY divinity. Because the potential for do-it-yourself projects are only limited by the creator’s creativity, it’s no wonder that so many ladies in waiting are discovering their inner DIY divas and bringing do-it-yourself projects to the forefront of of bridal fashion.
And one area futures brides are really starting to dive into head first (pun intended) is makeup. While I’m a firm believer that putting on makeup is an art form – I mean helloooo?!?! You are painting a face! – I also know that practice makes perfect, which is why so many young ladies are taking to their colorful pallets and brushing on their most beautiful selves. It’s a fun way to experiment and create a whole new you without the cost of clothing, salon ‘dos or even (dun, dun, dun!) surgery!
Since so many girls begin experimenting with makeup at a young age, many often times develop a knack… But what about the ladies who feel they’re lacking the girl gene when it comes to makeup?? No worries!
I recently discovered my newest YouTube obsession while perusing the site for makeup reviews and came across (trumpets sound!) Michelle Phan. This Asian sensation beauty has an ahhh to the mazing talent for beautifying and applying all kinds of different makeup looks, and she reveals how others can get the same look in her easy, step by step videos.
But Michelle Phan doesn’t just give you the step by step process of applying the goods; she also gives you a list of what goods to use! Her channel page features everything from extensive step by step makeup tutorials and beauty tips and tricks to makeup savers and clear skin regulators. As an official Lancôme spokesperson, she is certifiably fabulous, and one of my favorite people to watch!
Below are some of my favorite tutorials, but feel free to check out Michelle Phan’s YouTube Channel for her entire beauty collection. And don’t forget, MK has our own YouTube Channel to give brides-to-be the inside scoop on wedding trends, traditions and products!
You heard that homonym right, ladies! 2010 is all about the resurgence of tea-length dresses, and I gotta admit… I dig it like an archeologist. (Yeah, I took it there.)
Tea-length dresses are the epitome of 50′s glam, and with vintage chic being being all the rage these days, it’s no wonder that somewhat shorter dresses have packed some serious wedding swagger! With their trendy look, flirty feel and mod swing, tea length gowns are ideal for modern day brides looking for a little retro rewind.
While several wedding dress designers – David’s Bridal, Moonlight, Kleinfeld, Melissa Sweet, Justin Alexander, etc. – all do beautiully cut, tea length gowns, no one quite does ‘em like Stephanie James Couture.
Seen above and below, the styling of these short wedding gowns are courtesy of a husand / wife duo, based out of SoCal - that’s “Southern California” for all you surf’s up slackers :) – and are nothing short of a breath of fresh fashion air!
So, if your destination, backyeard BBQ or retro-rific wedding is in need of a little extra oomph, you might want to ditch that traditionally trained gown for a killer cocktail dress instead!
How many of us have bought a tube of lipstick – truly believing it was “our perfect shade” – only to go home, put it on and realize we look like a complete yutz??? Yep. Lord knows I’ve been there. In fact, I have a whole bag of makeup dedicated to “rejects” alone. Why I keep them?? The world may never know… and yet, I digress.
Because makeup testing is so limited, especially when buying online, it’s easy to get an overload of non-acceptables, which is definitely UNacceptable when shopping for wedding makeup! This is why I love love love that makeup sites are becoming more interactive!
Case ‘n’ Point: MaryKay Cosmetics. They are a perfect example of how brides-to-be can take a more “hands on” approach to shopping for cosmetics online. By providing their Virtual Makeover tool, brides have the ability to try before they buy! Simply upload your own photo, paint your face every color under the sun and see what looks best on you!
For ease purposes, you can browse by overall look, makeup type or shade preference. It really is fun to do and gives you the ability of making yourself over, without all the mess… and face washes in between!! And who wouldn’t love that??
So, what are you waiting for? Primp away!
And for more beauty tips and tricks, please feel free to contact Natalie – MaryKay consultant extraoidinaire – who will gladly help you on your journey of putting your best face forward the day you say “I do!”
One thing that I will forever and always stress to any bride is how important it is to look and be “you” on your wedding day… of course the prettiest, most fabulous version of you… but you, nonetheless – hehe! After all, the man waiting at the other end of the aisle proposed to you – the woman he loves most; so, it would be really nice if you could let that be who he sees on your big day!
All that being said, you can imagine my delight when I read this on People.com:
“I’m Southern,” she (Carrie Underwood) says. “I like big hair and eyeliner. I want my wedding day to be me, so I’ll probably be rocking some big hair and some eyeliner.”
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S. I always knew that country cutie was one smart cookie, but I had no idea her genius was so down to earth. I’m assuming since we have so much in common – blonde hair, stunning good looks, impeccable singing voices and sheer genius, haha! – that we’re basically best friends… sisters from another Mister, if you will. (Yeah, I took it there.)
And since BFF’s share everything, I believe I have the perfect wedding ‘do for you… mine!
It’s big, long, blonde and country…
(Photo Courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography)
It looks good from all angles…
(Photos Courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography)
AND, not even The Governator can outshine its celebrity swing!
(Photo Courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography)
Okay, so it’s not the real Governator, but it’s still a pretty sassy ‘do! I loved my hair because it was so “me,” and considering the fact when I Google “Carrie Underwood,” I get nothing but big haired results, I’d say she’s following the golden rule rather nicely! Way to be you, Ms. Underwood! And *CHEERS* to soon joining the Mrs. Mafia!
***Extra Fact*** Carrie Underwood also shows up hand over fist when Googling “wedding hairstyles.” I’m telling you what, this girl’s got it on lock, and here are some of the ‘do-riffic reasons why…
I have to be honest. The first thing I did after (okay, okay even before) saying “YES” to my Mister was think about which wedding dress would have the unmistakable pleasure of escorting me around all day – hehe! Like a little girl playing dress up, there was simply something magical that transpired when I stepped into each and every dress. No matter what anyone says, you truly feel like a princess for a day, and no matter how many you try on, it never seems to get old. So, please, do yourself a favor and ENJOY it.
Unfortunately, while I’m telling all you lovely ladies to enjoy it; some brides will undeniably start to feel a little anxious and slightly overwhelmed. No worries, my dears! If anything, find solace in the fact that you are not alone! Sooooo many brides feel the exact same way, which is why it’s important to keep the following two things in mind…
The first is to go about dress shopping the same way you go about making any other decision that ends well. Stay calm, weigh the options, go with your gut and above everything else, have fun! The second (and most important tip) is always always ALWAYS remember the man who’ll be waiting for you at the other end loves you for who you are, and if he’s anything like my dude, probably could care less if you came down in a spray painted white sack… because at the end of the day, you’ll be his Mrs. and he’ll be your Mr.
With those two things in mind, something else to consider before hitting the stores is what suites your body the best. Because you know what looks good and what doesn’t, you can help keep anxiety at bay by making it clear to the consultant which shapes flatter you most. Martha Stewart Weddings as well as countless other sites do a great job at helping you gain knowledge and narrow choices. Below is a list of 5 Classic Silhouettes of bridal gowns (as well as super pretty pictures!), which you can use to make a better, more informed decision:
# 1: The Ball Gown
Details: Often thought of as the Cinderella – dream come true – style, this dress epitomizes fairy tale fantasy. Originally introduced by Queen Victoria in the 1840s and reinvented by famed designer, Christian Dior, in the 1950s, the ball gown has proven to be a classic bridal style that will always be in fashion.
Most Flattering On: Women of average or slightly taller heights with hourglass or full figures generally look best. Because the skirts can be super giant with a small waist (either natural or drop), a ball gown can sometimes overwhelm a super petite frame or look uneven on a more buxom beauty.
Examples:
Designer: Kenneth Pool
Designer: Romona Keveza
Designer: Monique Lhuiller
Designer: Reem Acra
# 2: The A-Line
Details: One of the most universally known styles, the A-Line is rightfully named after the triangle shape it forms between the narrow waist and its wide bottom. Due to its incredible versatility, the A-Line wedding dress is generally seen in a multitude of fabrics, designs and necklines.
Most Flattering On: Because the shape is accompanied by so many fabrics and necklines, it’s the “go-to” for most gals when they’re not sure what will look best. All shapes from apples, pears and every fruit in between will most likely be able to look fabulous in A-Line!
Examples:
Designer: Matthew Christopher
Designer: Rivini
Designer: Alvina Valenta
Designer: Tara Keely
# 3: The Trumpet
Details: Often referred to as the mermaid, the Trumpet gets its nickname because of the body hugging silhouette it provides. Flared at the bottom for a couture look, a trumpet styled wedding gown oozes high fashion and confidence.
Most Flattering On: While the trumpet dress has a more form fitting look, it’s not just for super skinny waifs, like some might think. Depending on the harshness of the dress’ cuts and lines, this style can be worn by a number of body types. Girls with a more hourglass figure can look amazing in a trumpet dress with a “looser” fit and more flowing lines; while it can also look equally as appealing on smaller, less curvy frames when its trimmed “tighter” to give the illusion of curves.
Examples:
Designer: Modern Trousseau
Designer: Rivini
Designer: Romona Keveza
Designer: St. Pucchi
# 4: The Empire
Details: Made popular by Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, after the French Revolution, the romantically styled Empire dress is most noted for its high-waisted cut. The Empire wedding dress is often accompanied by a straighter skirt, but it can also be completed with slightly flared of even A-Line skirts. And while flowing fabrics first popularized it, it has now been seen several, “heavier” fabrics such as satin and charmeuse.
Most Flattering On: Because of the high waist and generally long, flowing silhouette, the Empire dress really accents the bust line and gives an easy flow to the rest of the body, making it ideal for small busted, petite women.
Examples:
Designer: Jenny Packham
Designer: Claire Pettibone
Designer: Reverie by Priscilla of Boston
Designer: Farah Angsana
# 5: The Sheath
Details: Personified by Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, the ultra chic Sheath has a slinky sex appeal, unmatched by any of the others. Often crafted of whimsical and flowing fabrics, accompanied by darts, tucks and seams, the sheath wedding dress works great for both informal as well as destination settings.
Most Flattering On: Due to its curve hugging construction, the sheath dress is a fabulous choice for tall, slim women as well as petite cuties. Women with narrow shoulders and wide hips should avoid the sheath, dependent upon the weight and drape of the fabric.
