Category: Beauty

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How To Choose The Perfect Plus-Size Wedding Dress

plus-size bridal gown

Your voluptuous curves will look truly beautiful when you use our tips and tricks to find perfect plus-size wedding dresses for your body. Having a selection of wonderful choices will give you more options as you plan your wedding ensemble.

We know that finding the white wedding dress you’ve always dreamed of wearing can involve lots of trial and error – if you follow our guidelines right at the start, you’ll streamline the whole process…it’s all about knowing exactly what to look for!

For today’s curvy women, finding lovely and flattering bridal gowns can be easier than ever before. Here are some simple tips you can use to look your very best:

A Deep “V” Neckline Is Classic And Flattering

wedding dress

If you’re looking for the most flattering option for your body type, and you are quite voluptuous up top, you should consider a simple, but luxurious bridal gown with a deep “V” neckline. This design element elongates your body, making it appear a little leaner and sleeker. Of course, this sort of neckline also offers a touch of feminine beauty and even a hint of sexiness.

Strapless gowns can be lovely, but try to stay open to the idea of a little more coverage. If you have your heart set on a strapless gown, there is a beautiful example of that style on this page.

However, if you’re looking for a different silhouette, a deep neckline is highly recommended.  One of the benefits of this style is that it also has sturdy straps that balance your shape and provide a little extra support. Overall, the deep “V” neckline is a tried-and-true way to look beautiful on your wedding day.

Go For Dramatic Details

wedding dress

Simplicity works well for some women – it really depends on your personality, your level of confidence in your own body, and just how formal your wedding will be. If you’re looking for more drama and high-fashion details when shopping for wedding dresses, opt for a strapless A-line bridal gown that flatters without being too conservative.

An A-Line gown will hug your body snugly until it hits the waist or the tops of the hips – then, it will flow past the lower hips and thighs. The classic A-line gown will always flatter the fuller figure – if you’re interested in a strapless design, you should go for this silhouette, rather than a mermaid or sheath shape.

Drama comes from the details – silk flowers, pleats, tulle overlays, crinolines, full skirts, crystals and beading…how far you go is entirely up to you.

The gown shown above is a wonderful balance of a classic, flattering shape and some gorgeous, designer finishing –  pleating and a detachable, asymmetrical strap add a touch of elegance that is so high-fashion!

Avoiding a voluminous veil may also be a good idea. Consider a simple tiara or headpiece in lieu of a long, filmy wedding veil – creating more volume will undermine the impact of a flattering silhouette. If you love veils, choose a very sheer fabric and keep your veil on the short side.

Lace-Up Backs Offer More Comfort And Flexibility

When you’re shopping at the bridal boutique, consider some styles that feature lace-up backs. If you’re buying online, this type of design will offer more flexibility because fit can be adjusted without actual tailoring.

Even if you’re buying your gown at a full-service shop with seamstresses on site, you’ll still enjoy knowing you can gain or lose a few pounds before the wedding and simply correct for the change in weight by tightening or loosening the laces. As a bonus, this sort of lace-up back has a pretty, corset-like appeal – it will look quite dramatic and romantic.

Accessories, Hair And Makeup For The Curvy Woman

Your hairstyle should be something that feels comfortable for you – if you never wear your hair up, your wedding day may not be the right time to start. Look for styles that are soft and not too severe – often, curvy ladies have rounder faces and a youthful look – play this up with half-up, half-down hairstyles, or soft up-dos that still feature soft tendrils around the face.

Your veil should be scaled to your body type – keep it sleek and shoulder length to reduce volume. If you’re wearing a tiara, or flowers in your hair, try to keep these elements elegant and sophisticated. As a rule of thumb, taller women can wear larger-scale bridal rings, pendants, tiaras, headpieces, etc. If you’re petite in height and full-figured, it’s best to keep your jewelry and accessories delicate and smaller in scale.

For makeup, a bolder lipcolor can be the perfect choice. If your face is full or wide, a brighter lip will draw the eye inward, accentuating the features. Look for your favorite lipstick and find an intensified version for your wedding – you can blot to reduce the impact a little. Then, use a soft gloss or balm with a little shimmer to add sparkle and shine to your lips. Without a gloss that mimics the sheen of silk or satin, you may look too subdued.

Focus a little on your eye makeup, too – a simple line of black eyeliner on the upper lashes, along with a coat of mascara (Lancome Definicils mascara is wonderful) can elongate and open the eyes. The rest of your makeup should just be your everyday base, powder, and blush. If your eyebrows are fair, darken them a little – you’ll look more “alive” in your wedding photos – brown eyeshadow or soft pencil can be lightly applied to get the right effect.

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Hot Bridal Trends For This Spring And Summer

wedding dresses

Fashion is about change…every year, new styles and details trickle down from the runways of Paris and New York, influencing and inspiring today’s most talented bridal designers. If you’re looking for cutting-edge style that is truly of the moment, you’ll love this guide to the hottest wedding gown trends for this spring and summer. When you choose a trendy design, you’ll capture the spirit of the times on your wedding day…

Most women can’t afford Paris couture…however, savvy bridal designers know how to use elements of high-fashion to add visual interest and charm to more affordable wedding dresses. You can enjoy these unique design features, fabrics, and embellishment,  while still staying on budget.

Accessories can also give you the couture effect…your bridal rings, veil, tiara, and wedding shoes will all contribute to the perfect, of-the-moment ensemble. Here are some trends to watch for as you browse our wedding boutique and decide exactly what will work with your body type, coloring, and personal style:

Strapless

wedding gowns

The strapless white wedding dress offers a classic silhouette to spring and summer brides-to-be. A tight bodice should be complemented by a frothy, voluminous skirt and lots of gorgeous embellishments, including crystals, silk flowers, and appliqués. With such a dramatic style, accessories should be minimal, but high-impact. Floral headpieces, choker necklaces, and sheer, lightweight veils offer the perfect balance to a princess-style, strapless wedding gown…

Mermaid

wedding dress

If you’re proud of your curves and you want to make the most of them on your wedding day, consider a striking fishtail bridal gown. These sorts of dresses follow the lines of the body, hugging your curves until mid-thigh, when they become more frothy and full.

A high-fashion mermaid wedding dress will offer a little more sexiness and pizazz than a typical princess-style bridal gown. This type of design can also features pretty details such as pleating, ruffles, and filmy overlays made of thin silk or tulle. If you’re interested in wearing a fishtail gown, consider skipping a traditional veil – the lines of your dress will stand out more if your hairstyle is simple and natural. A fashionable pendant (chokers are the hottest trend for 2011) may be all you need to accessorize your runway-inspired mermaid gown!

Lace

bridal gowns

Lace offers romance and pure femininity…classic and lovely, lacy, fashionable wedding dresses are truly one of the hottest styles for this spring and summer. Bridal week fashion shows featured lots of stunning gowns in creamy off-white, pearl, pale rose-beige, and snow-white.

Many of the dresses shown this year have vintage elements, inspired by classic brides, such as the Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson) and Grace Kelly. Look for a combination of delicate lacework, stiff taffeta, and satin or silk. This spring, gowns were elegant – never flashy or revealing…which makes them perfect choices for a more formal wedding.

To get the runway look, accessorize your lace bridal dress with a Great Gatsby-style cloche hat or dramatic veil – and then heighten this refined effect with elbow-length, white satin gloves.

Consider Your Own Body Type When Studying High-Fashion Trends

Every woman is different…no single trend will suit everyone. To choose the best trend for your body type, coloring, and personal style, consider the silhouettes you wear for special occasions. When you dress up, do you opt for a cinched waist, and a fuller skirt that bypasses the hips and thighs? Or do you prefer body-conscious styles that hug your curves and streamline your figure?

Knowing your preferred cut is the key to choosing the right trend for you. When you understand your body and its relationship to fabric, shape, and shimmer, you will be able to add the right trendy elements to your wedding outfit. Have fun with it, and you’ll get a runway effect that dazzles your friends and family…and your handsome groom-to-be!

If you’re a beautiful Canadian bride-to-be, browse the best bridal shops in Toronto for high-style choices that are designed to flatter and inspire!

 

 

 

 

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How To Find The Best Bridal Look For Your Zodiac Sign – Part 2

wedding dress

Last week, we looked at some lovely bridal styles for the first six zodiac signs…this week, we’ll check out beauty and fashion tips for Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, & Pisces. If you love fun, lighthearted horoscopes, you’ll enjoy learning more about your Sun Sign and how you can use it to look beautiful at your wedding.

Libra – Your wedding day will be very important to you – for romantic Libra, having a partner is truly one of the most important things in life. Your style is refined, a little delicate, and generally quite feminine (at least for special occasions). For you, choosing the right bridal gown, bridal rings, and wedding accessories will be a pleasure – however, you can be indecisive – making a final choice can actually be very difficult for you. When selecting a white wedding dress, remember that you are the type of woman who seeks out elegance – Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady may be a fashion icon of yours (post-makeover by Henry Higgins, of course!). Seek out a little Hepburn-inspired beauty by choosing a stylish wedding gown that is embellished and adorned with a host of glamorous details. You’ll be less inclined to overdo with makeup – in general, Libra ladies have clear skin, regular features, and plenty of  natural beauty. The colors of Saint Valentine are magical for you – use cherry-red or sweetheart-pink blush and lipstick to add a little vibrant color to your face. Libra women may get too creative with up-dos and artistic hairstyles – remember, sometimes simplicity really is more beautiful.  Celeb Libras – Gwen Stefani, Sarah Ferguson (Fergie, ex-Duchess Of York)

Scorpio – Passionate, sexy Scorpio women run on desire and ambition – and they are generally very loyal people. For you, your wedding day will represent a deep tie with your partner – one that you treasure and respect. Looking beautiful on your wedding may be easier for you than for many other women – you have natural confidence and the sort of presence that can be quite regal. To make the most of your attributes at your wedding, consider adding a touch of burgundy or deep ruby red to your wedding outfit. A bouquet of rich, red roses, and a necklace featuring glittering garnets can be lovely choices for you. Rich reds and burgundies are your magic colors – they capture your essence beautifully, and they will work very well with a snow white wedding dress. You may not want to be the typical traditional bride – some Scorpio women are quite low-key, but others are very daring with regard to their wardrobes. Whether you want to experiment with ultra-modern styles, corseted bridal gowns, or tried-and-true, traditional wedding dresses and veils, you will ultimately want a wedding gown that feels like “you”. After all, you want to wear the dress – the dress shouldn’t wear you! Your hair doesn’t have to be very fancy – but do consider a style that isn’t too severe. Adding softness to your distinct features with a feminine hairstyle and the right makeup will work wonders for you. Treat yourself to a spa day before you marry – soak, steam, and polish in a luxe environment. Go for a pretty manicure in your magic color – OPI‘s Chick Flick Cherry will be perfect for you! Celeb Scorpios – Demi Moore, Katy Perry, Vivien Leigh (Gone With The Wind)

Sagittarius – Blunt, outgoing, sporty and free-spirited, you love to party with friends and family. For you, a wedding will be a spiritual celebration that is also filled with fun, music, dancing, and great food. You may want to avoid too much formality at your wedding – the breezy “destination wedding” was created with Sag in mind! Many Sag brides-to-be would rather get married on the beach, with their toes in the sand…the outdoors energize this Sun Sign. For Sag ladies, bridal gowns should be glamorous, but comfortable. Body-conscious styles will appeal to you – you’re not usually very shy, and you do like to show off your figure. Wearing your hair down will be a great choice at your wedding – Sag women look beautiful with loose waves or long, sleek blowouts. Be careful not to overdo your makeup – occasionally, a Sag bride-to-be will wear far too much makeup! In most cases, the Sag woman just doesn’t need a lot of paint anyway. A touch of bronzer, a glossy, warm pink lipstick, such as Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Lipstick in Pink Parfait, and a little mascara can be more than enough. Eating well and exercising before your wedding will ensure you look your best – exercise and moderation are of great benefit to your sign, which can be an excessive one. Celeb Sag Ladies – Christina Aguilera, Christina Applegate, Teri Hatcher.

Capricorn – You are an organized, capable lady – you believe in social decorum, even if you are sometimes a little more rebellious behind closed doors. For you, a wedding is an opportunity to value family traditions and rituals – your heritage will be also be celebrated as you walk down the aisle. Family is very important to you – you will want your loved ones to feel comfortable at your ceremony and reception – you’ll follow all of the “rules” to make this happen! Picking out a filmy, romantic veil, a subtle, sophisticated wedding dress, and all the right wedding accessories will be fun for you – after all, you are quietly very romantic. Many Cap women are blessed with lovely bone structure – they can be stunning brides who are beautiful in a way that is very timeless. Make the most of your lovely nose, cheekbones, lips and eyes, by pulling back your hair and putting the focus on your stunning face. Simple hair will look wonderful on you – makeup can be subtle – in fact, you prefer to be understated. Earth tones and dark shades are often popular with this Sun Sign – however, they will not work for your wedding. Embrace your femininity by choosing makeup that is natural, but still rosy and feminine – a little Benetint on your cheeks and lips, a touch of clear lip gloss, and perhaps a bit of black eyeliner and mascara on your top lashes only will give you classic beauty that is still festive.  A slip dress with simple lines may be very appealing to you, but it should be conservative – you will not want to show too much skin on your wedding day. Celeb Capricorns – January Jones (Mad Men), Kate Moss, Christy Turlington

Aquarius – Innovative and analytical, you seek out new information, experiences, and ideas every day. Your bold approach to life can occasionally lead you down some unusual pathways! Aquarius women usually grow up feeling “different”, then begin to embrace their individuality as they get older. For you, being “yourself” is key – you will enjoy originality in wedding design, hairstyles, bridal rings, and makeup. However, the Sun is weak in your sign – your self-image may be a tad shaky now and then. For Aquarius brides-to-be, it’s important to find perfect wedding dresses and accessories – anything that boosts your confidence and makes you feel beautiful will be worth the investment. You’ll go for modern, high-fashion details, or else seek out a romantic princess look that is inspired by your dreams and ideals. Whatever you choose should include a headpiece, tiara, or veil that draws attention to your eyes – they will always be your best feature. In general, Aquarius women look best with their hair down and full – chances are, you already have a distinct hairstyle that is unique.  Pure, bright colors will flatter you – add a touch of cobalt blue or violet to your makeup, bridal rings, necklace, earrings, and wedding bouquet. For a touch of modern glamor, add a line of long-wearing gel eyeliner to your top lashes – Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Denim Blue will be perfect.

Pisces – The Pisces bride-to-be is totally feminine – she’ll look best in classic designs that work with an hourglass figure and soft, womanly features. Many Pisces women have lovely, jewel-like eyes, and they look wonderful in good jewelry that features shimmering gemstones. Bridal rings, earrings that catch the light, and glam pendants were made for this type of bride. For the Pisces woman, a wedding is a joining of two souls – she may be more interested in this deep commitment than in the details and planning phase of her wedding. However, she will always want to look beautiful on her big day. Lavender, soft violet, and sea-green are magical colors for the changeable, intuitive Pisces woman – nothing should be too bright or modern. This type of bride may want a bridal gown with vintage details – anything “old Hollywood” or fairytale-inspired will appeal to her. A lace dress may be very appealing for the Pisces bride – it will capture her feminine spirit perfectly. Earrings with aquamarines, pearls, or amethysts will draw attention to her eyes. Lips should be deep rose (try Clinique lipstick in Raspberry Glacé), or pale pink – eyes should be played up with smoky plum liner. Hair should be soft, and not too sculpted. Gentle tendrils, ringlets, or soft waves will look perfect. The Pisces bride should carry a bouquet of wildflowers… Celeb Pisces – Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna

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Graceful Guidance: Essential Tips and Tricks for the Mother of the Bride to Shine!

Watching your son or daughter tie the knot will be one of your life’s most poignant and exciting moments! As the proud matriarch of your family, you will want to be at your absolute best on the big day.

To help you get organized, we’ve put together a quick guide of tips and tricks – just for the mother of the bride! With our suggestions, you can be certain of looking wonderful as you enjoy the ceremony and reception:

Choose The Right Colors For Your Own Dress –

Avoiding snowy white or off-white gowns is important – mother of the bride dresses and evening dresses should never compete with the bride’s own white wedding dress.

Pastels are a safe choice, but they may also wash you out! Don’t be afraid to inject a little color into your wedding ensemble! If you choose a pale pastel for your outfit, try to balance things with a bright lipstick or gemstone necklace.

You don’t have to match the bridesmaid dresses – you can just stay in the same color family if you’re more comfortable with that. Some mothers of the bride actually prefer to choose an evening dress or suit that is in marked contrast to the bridesmaids gowns!

Ask the bride and groom-to-be for advice if you aren’t sure – chances are, they will have a vision in mind for their entire wedding party…

As we age, our skin can lose a little rosiness – stronger jewel tones like golden topaz, sapphire blue,  rich purple or intense magenta can put color near the face where needed.

How you will look is largely dependent on the fit of your dress, and whether its color scheme gels with your hair color, eye color, and skin tone. A brighter jacket with a darker suit or dress underneath can be slimming and very chic.

However, you will always need to match the brightness of your outfit with appropriate makeup. You don’t have to overdo it – or even change your regular makeup very much – just add a touch of vibrant color where it really matters.

Pay Attention To Your Makeup

You will be in the spotlight on the big day! Take care to moisturize well, blot your face with a tissue to remove shine, and then do a careful makeup that highlights your best features. For photographs, a little definition around the eyes, and deeper color on the lips, can be great ways to make the most of your natural beauty.

Lightly filling in the brows with a soft eyeshadow ( it should be one or two shades darker than your hair) or brow pencil can be a great way to look more “awake” in photos!

An age-defying foundation can even out your complexion, creating an ideal base for “party” makeup. You don’t need to put foundation everywhere – leaving it off your forehead and cheeks may look more natural.

Using base on the chin, nose (and around the nose), and under the eyes (if you don’t use concealer) may be more than enough. Powder should be applied lightly with a large brush. Patting powder on with a puff can leave you looking chalky.

If you’re wearing cool colors (icy blue, royal blue, true red, emerald green, pink, lavender), be sure your makeup palette isn’t warm or neutral. Conversely, avoid makeup that fights these tones if you’re wearing warm shades like topaz, cinnamon, or burnt orange. Knowing your own coloring is the key to looking great at your child’s wedding!

Dress For Your Body Type

Dressing for your body type is the perfect way to look longer, leaner, and more proportional at the wedding. If you’re curvier, with fuller breasts and hips, be sure to opt for a style that nips in at the waist! Creating a balanced hour-glass silhouette will flatter your natural body type.

When shopping at a bridal boutique, look for an A-line skirt – it can be very attractive on this body type. Avoid anything too tight or too clinging – a slightly heavier fabric (stiff silk or satin versus filmy chiffon, for example) will provide the coverage and support you need.

Wear the right undergarments – a good bra with heavier straps can be a great investment. Even modern-day girdles or support garments have come a long way, and they can give you extra confidence when all eyes are on you. Look at Spanx or similar, pantyhose styles…

For slimmer mothers of the bride, sheath dresses or chemises can be lovely choices. In general, any cut that follows the leaner lines of your body, without being too snug, will look appropriate and flattering. Avoid ruffles or other frou-frou details – unless you really love them! Shoot for simple sophistication and clean lines – when shopping at the wedding store, add glamor by choosing fun heels, pretty accessories, and stylish colors.

Get Your Hair Done Professionally

You will invest so much energy in supporting the bride-to-be and groom-to-be – remember to pamper yourself, too! A fresh color and blowout will make you feel more pulled-together as you enjoy your child’s wedding. Don’t experiment too much or get too creative – go to a colorist and stylist you know and trust.

Relax And Have Fun!

Your attitude and sense of inner joy is really what makes you most beautiful on your son or daughter’s wedding day! Once you’ve planned out your wedding outfit, accessories, and jewelry, you will be all set to relax and enjoy the thrilling experience!

Plan ahead and get organized – make beauty appointments well in advance, buy any makeup items, lingerie, and other accessories, and tuck the whole shebang away in a garment bag (and cosmetic case). Being 100 percent ready for the wedding will allow you to relax and really be there for your child as he or she gets married!