Bridesmaids: a study part 1.

So my great friend Liz just asked me to be a bridesmaid in her August (hello heat!) wedding. I’ve been a bridesmaid a couple time and each time I’ve been asked I’ve been struck with a serious sense of honor. The tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen might be one of  my favorite things about American ceremony traditions (there aren’t many!). So from a friendship point of view, I’m sincerely flattered, honored, and proud to stand next to my good friend on her big day. From an aspiring fashion blogger perspective, I am THRILLED.

First, something fresh to write about.

And second, I get to shop! Liz is one of those smart brides who is letting her party pick out their own dresses.  Sound terrifying? It’s not. And I would argue that this is often a better idea than the traditional pricey trip to David’s Bridal where everyone picks out the same gown and then lets it grow mold for the next 50 years. Ok, I’m being dramatic. One of the best dresses I ever wore was from David’s Bridal and THAT bride was smart too cause she let us pick out styles that we liked/didn’t look like pumpkins while wearing. But you know what I mean.

THINGS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR BRIDESMAIDS HATE YOU (brides)

1. Making them all wear the exact same cut. The average bridal part is what, 4-8 people? Try finding 4-8 people that you love (and who love you back) with the exact same body shape. Not happening. What ends up happening is that like 1/8 of the bridal party looks good and everyone else looks like they’re wearing something from one of those western portrait places on the beach that give you dresses with no backs to wear. Anyone know what I’m talking about? Don’t do this brides. Your friends will wear what you give them but there’s no guarantee they won’t be cursing you under lipstick painted smiles while you’re walking down the aisle and they’re praying that what-their-mamas-gave-them stays put for the sake of all that is holy and good.

*disclaimer. Sometimes everyone looks good in the same dress. It’s just hard to make that happen. This girl did.

2. Making everyone wear a terrible color. Yes! This is hard. But the hard cold truth is that not everyone looks good in chartreuse or burnt orange and why would you want your best friends looking bad? Every color has a billion shades, many of them more forgiving and friendly than others. Colors everyone can wear: Black and periwinkle. I’m not an expert so that’s all I know. I’m sure there’s more. Get to Googling.

EXAMPLES OF TERRIBLE CHOICES

oh my lord.

To the above: NO, NO, NO. Thank god the 80's only last a decade.

MODERN DAY “TRADITIONAL” CHOICES

A lot of brides love places like David's Bridal because you can easily match different styles in the same color, fabric etc. Yes, they look like bridesmaid dresses and you can only wear them once but for girls who want a traditional, polished look, you can't beat it.

here are a few from Alfred Angelo's 2011 collection. I can appreciate the less traditional look they're going for and in general think their stuff is less cookie-cutter looking. Also more pricey just fyi.

DARING, FUN, and INNOVATIVE CHOICES

Bold and memorable, y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A sweet non traditional alternative from Anthropologie.

 

Last one. Perfect example of getting a uniform look while allowing everyone to wear someone that reflects their own taste and makes them look good. Not better than you bride, but good.

 

 

Marta.

This afternoon’s post is dedicated to Marta whom I consider to be a very stylish person (in addition to being sweet, kind, artistic, and many other things). I love the way she layers fearlessly, tries new hair styles, and wears exactly what she wants.

It’s difficult to describe her style exactly since she mixes it up a lot (a true skill). To me it’s a bit of bohemian goodness mixed with tomboy grace.

Girl Power

Here’s a snapshot at fashion choices made by wives (first ladies, queens etc) of some of the world’s political leaders. As you’ll see, there is a wide spectrum of style and age.

#1. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Besides being seriously good looking (being a former model doesn’t hurt), I think France’s first lady has pretty good taste also. While looking around for photos of what she wears (and what she didn’t wear during her former career!) I noticed that she (or whomever is picking out her clothes) likes this weird purple color. I don’t really dig it but they say purple represents royalty so maybe she is able to stand being married to President Sarkozy (who does not share her good looks) by pretending to be Marie Antoinette. Bottom line: she pretty much always looks polished and put together. Lots of simple, tailored lines (the girl is stick-skinny) while still looking sexy and feminine but not slutty (guess she had enough of that before). So tempted to include a link to one of her modeling photos. I think my brothers read this though and I don’t want to point them in the direction of a nude woman. I digress. Ladies and gentlemen: Carla.

France’s First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2: Chantal Biya. Well, this is the first time I’ve ever hear of Ms. Biya and to be honest I don’t really know anything about Cameroon. After doing a bit of fast Googling though I know that the below shot of their leader’s wife is pretty representative of her overall style. I love how different cultures have different standards for style. I wonder if big hair and wild colors is really in there or if Chantal just wants to create an image for herself. Either way, kudos. I don’t know how to use hairspray, let alone walk with a smile in 5 inch heels.

Cameroon's First Lady, Chantal Biya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3. Michelle Obama. People  have been chattering about Mrs. Obama’s clothes ever since she and Barack hit the campaign trail. It’s been a sort of bumpy ride from what I surmise from the big fashion gods but regardless, I’ve been interested in what she wears ever since I found out that the gloves she wore on inauguration day were from Jcrew.  She’s had a few uglies along the way, but I think overall our First Lady looks pretty dang good.  Some of her strengths: she has zero arm fat, looks stunning in a ball gown, and is arguably the most fashionable first lady we’ve had in the White House since Jackie.  Sorry Laura.  I noticed while looking at former US first ladies’ style choices that a lot of them seemed to sacrifice looking attractive for looking professional/conservative. I think Michelle dresses appropriately but without looking like a librarian.  Ugh, sorry again, Laura.

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama

#4: Queen Rania Al Abdullah. It could be my ingrained American obsession and misunderstanding of royalty, but this woman might just be a magical princess. She’s gorgeous, has a front row seat on the International Best Dressed List, and is a super do-gooder in Jordan. Oh, and a mom of 3. And married to a king. And she has 1,473,852 people following her on Twitter. And she has gained 3 followers in the last 5 seconds. The woman is kind of a big deal.

Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah

#5.  Nobuko Kan

Last but not least, we have Japanese First Lady, Mrs. Kan. From the photos posted of her in the cyber world, she appears to be a pretty conservative and traditional dresser, often attending political functions in a kimono, like the one featured below. I would like to point out that Mrs. Kan is the only First Lady in the world who can wear a kimono to a formal event without other people thinking she is pandering to her hosts.

Nobuko Kan