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How to do bridal wear, when you’re not a blushing bride
Posted on 15 February 2012.
The young brides in My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding are most certainly putting the meringue into wedding dresses, and they are putting the lace and flowers and then some in there too.But while younger brides can get away with fussy dresses (if we’d got married in our 20s we’d probably have gone OTT too) once you hit your 30s it’s a bit harder to pull off a fussy wedding dress.The two Kate’s (Moss and Middleton) managed to get it right. Kate Middy’s dress was simple enough to look great on someone 5 years older and Moss went for simplistic rock chick.Fabat40 blogger Sharron Granger gives us her tips for a classic 30 plus wedding look.- Avoid a veil at all costs, a fresh flower or a diamante hair clip will be far more chic.
- Keep your dress simple and wow the bridal party with designer heels, a stunning clutch bag or statement earrings.
- We have recently seen a huge trend towards brides wearing coloured shoes on their wedding day, but if you don’t have the confidence for bright red suede, metallics or sequins work really well and can be worn time and time again, unlike your classic satin ivory bridal shoe.
- If you fall in love with a strapless gown but don’t have the confidence to show off your upper arms there are some really pretty cover-ups and boleros around for all budgets. Faux fur works best for winter weddings and vintage lace for spring or summer.
- Invest in decent underwear and get properly measured. Not only will your dress look better but you will ooze confidence on the day, knowing you look the best you possibly can.
For more fashion tips read Sharron’s blog Fab at any Age.
Panic-free holiday packing - Written by Sharron Granger for Inthepowderroom.com
So after weeks of trawling through holiday brochures and travel websites, it is almost a relief when you have finally booked your summer holiday! But this is where the hard work really begins, as it's time to start thinking about poolside glamour and packing your suitcase with a capsule collection of versatile and chic clothing that won‘t leave you breathing into a brown paper bag over hefty excess baggage charges, at the check-in desk!
The secret to sensational summer holiday style and great packing, lies in learning how to "DEMOTE" your clothes!
Summer holiday staples rarely change no matter what happens to be "on trend" during the summer season. Kaftans, linen trousers, city shorts and bejewelled thong sandals always work, so start by laying all your summer holiday essentials out on the bed before you pack and think about how you can "demote" each item.
For example, wear your city shorts for cocktails with a brightly coloured silk top, metallic heels and gold bangles, then "demote" them for a sightseeing trip with a vest top and flat sandals. Finally wear them over your swimsuit whilst going poolside with your flip flops! See it's easy isn't it?
Imagine adopting the same rule with your Kaftan, wear to dinner over your linen trousers, then "demote" it to wear over your shorts with flat sandals then finally, during the day over your swimsuit.
Top Packing Tips
Never take more than three pairs of shoes. A chunky metallic platform or wedge for evening, a bejewelled thong sandalthat will work for both day and night in a neutral colour and a pair of trusty Haviana flip flops for the beach or pool.
Learn how to create different looks with the use of accessories. A maxi dress can be dressed up by adding wedges and chunky bangles or dressed down with flat sandals and a Straw Trilby.Use a canvas beach bag as your travel bag. A bag that is designed to hold your towel, ipod and suncream, will be large enough to hold all your travel documents and essentials for the journey and it will be one less thing to pack!
Use a small across body bag for evening. Go for quilted or sequin styles with chain straps or handles. Clutch bags are too easily left behind on the Bar after one too many Margarita's!
As a rule take 3 to 4 tops for each bottom and stick to a neutral colour palette such as white, grey and navy. You can include stripes and florals for evening looks and vest tops for daytime.
Have a great Holiday!
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