The Quick List: J. Crew Addition & Bridesmaids' Newest Option

As much as I have grown to enjoy blogging for Felicity C Weddings, I have noticed that there is a direct correlation between how busy I am with how many posts I can get out monthly.  Client meetings and vendor timelines will always come first obviously.  I don't even want to tell you how many started posts I have waiting in my queue to review, complete and actually post.  And it is not like the inspiration is slowing down, just my blogging time.  So here is my solution- quick mini posts so I can feel validated.  And here we go.

As mainstream stores and designers are getting in on the wedding action, wedding fashion has gotten to the point of always evolving and changing as quickly 'regular fashion'.  Anyone in the know is already aware of J. Crew's fabulous wedding collection of bridesmaid and bridal gowns.  Now J. Crew is a one stop shop to fulfill all your bridal needs as they have added a menswear collection!  The J. Crew wedding collection for the groom and wedding party is so well made and versatile that the clothing can be worn again and again which is great for your budget.

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Another shot of awesome to wedding attire is the budget friendly trend of bridesmaids in skirts.  Green Wedding Shoes offers up a lovely amount of inspiration for this look.  At first glance this trend may seem better suited for more casual weddings but the sames rules apply; formality is determined by fabric, length, color and accessories.  So keep this as an option and have fun with the possibilities!  Enjoy!

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Recessionista Brides Start A Trend

This week the New York Times published an article discussing the latest bridal attire trend.  Can you guess what it is?  Savvy brides are spending less on wedding gowns and instead are now focusing on the accessories.  As the article points out, there are so many options for gowns, most of which are focusing on the recessionista bride.  Vera Wang's White Collection for David's Bridal, Anthropologie's BHLDN line and J. Crew's bridal collection, just to name a few. 

As a recessionista extraordinaire, I'm all for buying accessories that can be worn again and again... and again.  I would even suggest to go a step futher by focusing only on buying the accessories that you need.  I love the freedom today's brides have to make their own rules as the days of buying everything new for your wedding are over.  Brides are realizing that they may already have the perfect shoes, necklace, wrap, etc. which can save hundreds of dollars.  Or if you do want to splurge on wedding shoes, at least you can wear them again.  Some brides are excited to change into a reception dress, so buy a second dress that is more of a party dress that you can get a lot of mileage out of at future events.  And by the way, let's not leave the men out.  With most grooms choosing to wear a gray, tan or black suit in lieu of a tuxedo, I think it is worth the extra money to buy a tailored suit that you will be able to wear for a lifetime.

Lastly, the biggest way to cut costs may seem obvious- do not mention the "w" word- wedding.  Aside from an actual wedding gown appointment, don't mention the accessories you are shopping for are for your wedding.  I hope this gives couples some inspiration to get the most out of their attire, not only on their big day but for future events.  Since my Felicity C Weddings clients are always ahead of their time, I've picked a few client photos for ideas. Enjoy!

 CHERISH your dress, LOVE your accessories.

Credit: Clair Pruett

 

Embellish with a jeweled sash & hairpiece that you can wear again.

Credit: Procopio Photography

Rock a 2nd wedding dress that you can wear to many future events.

Credit: Jacqueline Schlossman/ ReadyLuck

The New Truth About Bridesmaid Dresses

Its a tale as old as time.  You are asked by your close friend to be a bridesmaid- THE greatest honor bestowed to a friend- and then she hits you with the dress selection.  Which may or may not totally highlight all your problem areas.  Hey, if nothing else, your dress makes the bride look prettier for being next to you.  And then you are stuck paying for an expensive dress that you will never wear again.  I have one such dress in my closet as we speak.  It is prom-dressy and a two piece AND if I had a dollar for the amount of times the bride told me I'd wear it again, I'd have at least $30.  If I had a dollar for every time I've worn it since the wedding over 3 years ago, I'd be broke. 

Recently I've seen many brides loosen their requirements for bridesmaid dresses and I'm 110% on board.  Obviously color and formality are the most important determinants to the bride but the bridesmaids will mainly be paying attention to price, comfort, and "wearability".  For anyone who has seen 27 Dresses, the running joke is that for every crazy bridesmaids dress Katherine Heigl's character Jane is asked to wear, the bride says that the dress she chose for Jane is so great because "you can shorten it and wear it again".  To which Jane always dutifully answers, "totally, so true."  27 Dresses is a great example of how good intentions can spin out of control and the next thing you know, you're in a "Gone With The Wind" themed dress.  If it pleases the jury, I now present examples A, B, and C:

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Fear not bridesmaids-to-be, obviously, there are many other directions to go.  There is actually a movement in the bridal industry to focus on bridesmaids.  Which translates into a few designers as well as mainstream stores which are are offering bridesmaids dresses and not presenting them as an afterthought.  I have been seeing a ton of J. Crew bridesmaids, The Limited bridesmaids, and Ann Taylor bridesmaids.  Finding wedding appropriate dresses at stores that you already shop at? Love.  So when I stumbled across this breath of fresh air, I had to share it!  Introducing the coolest.bridesmaid.dress.ever.  The amazing Two Birds Bridesmaid dress is one dress with FIFTEEN ways to wear it again and again and again.  Bonus that its affordable and comes in a plethora of shades, lengths, and customizable styles.  Genius!  So whether you are a bride or a bridesmaid, make sure you look beyond the typical choices and be open to all the new, exciting possibilities in bridesmaid fashion.  Below are just a few of the many ways to wear the Two Birds Bridesmaid dress.  As always, enjoy! 

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