Another Day in Paradise

L to R: Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, and Banana Republic

What better way to end our tropical themed week with a trip down an isle of style? In the heat of the moment, the last thing you want to do is look like a wilted flower, so above are a few options for you to stay breezy cool no matter what situation or disaster may arise.

For the bride, this beautiful Oscar de la Renta highlights the beauty of craftsmanship and design with a diagonal ruffled chiffon skirt and ruched bodice.

And for the bridesmaids, ocean blues and sea greens are the order of the day as well as light, airy fabrics that can stand up to any weather. And let's not forget to mention how easy and portable these pretties are.

Bon Voyage!

Images courtesy of Brides and Style.

Island Romance

Get lost in your own epic romance! Don't these pictures look like they could be someone's fabulous, well thought out wedding album? What a great concept for a photoshoot with Lost stars Evangeline Lilly and Matthew Fox.

For all you Hawaii brides or tropical destination brides take advantage of the beauty of your location and the natural light by traveling off the beaten path to a secluded local. This isn't to say you need to be decked out in all your bridal glory while traipsing through the outback. I suggest doing such a photo-op on the day before your wedding just to get any pre-wedding photo jitters out of the way. And it's a great way to spend some quality with Mr. Wonderful before you get swept up in the whirl.

So don your white sundress, a pair of faded blue jeans, and some vintage boots and get ready to capture some memories that will last a lifetime!

Images via Peggy Sirota for Lost: EW's Exclusive Jack and Kate Portrait Gallery.

Bikini Babes

All this discussion about honeymoons and luggage has me wanting to sail away to a tropical island with nothing but my bikini in tow. For you brides getting ready for some fun in the sun, be sure to check out these stunners from Hervé Léger:

Now about those tan lines . . .

Images via Style.

The Jetset Club

Who doesn't love a good vacation - whether it's a mini holiday out in the country or a month long tour of Europe?

Not loving quite as much? The long wait for your luggage as it gets loaded onto the airport conveyor belt and then watching someone mistakenly take your black suitcase because it is almost identical to their black suitcase.

What is a girl to do? I consider a good set of luggage an invaluable piece in any girl's life, but sadly sometimes the most beautiful pieces can set you back a pretty penny.

Enter Alexander McQueen! Having designed a line that blends technology and nature together for Samsonite, is there anything this designer can't do? Now before you go thinking "but McQueen? Can I even afford this?" fear not. His entire collection is on sale right now at Samsonite.com and in stores.

Click below for just a small sampling of his work:

Alexander McQueen Upright, Hero Upright, Beauty Case & Computer Bag

And what good is beautiful white luggage without a little splash of color? Keep these two options from Aspinal of London in mind:

I guarantee your bags will be eye candy for all the passengers!

Images via Samsonite Black Label and Aspinal of London.

Show Stoppers!

They came, they wore, they conquered! These fabulous actresses are looking sensational in their Oscar gowns:

The Bride Wore White

Penelope Cruz looking like a modern day Audrey in a 1950s Balmain gown
&
Taraji Henson in a light and lovely layered Roberto Cavalli.

Fairy Princesses

SJP in Dior Haute Couture is just a breath of fresh air
&
Miley Cyrus is a young goddess from the sea in a layered Zuhair Murad.

International Blue Belles

Indian beauty Frieda Pinto give a nod to her roots in a stellar John Galliano
&
Marion Cotillard pays homage to French fashion influences in Dior Haute Couture.

Black Beauties

Hollywood Prom Queen Angelina Jolie wears Elie Saab
&
Teen Queen Vanessa Hudgens in a mermaid Marchesa.

So what can we surmise from these fashion standouts? For the body brave, mermaids and sheaths is your go to silhouettes. The ballgown gets a modern touch with a wide belt cinched at the waist. And we're all feeling like a natural woman - the natural waist makes triumphant return from an era of empire waistsand dropped waists.

Images via Getty Images.

Fab Frocks Friday: The Little Black Dress

Lace, satin, and sequins oh my! With so many gorgeous garments walking down the Fall runways, you'd be hard pressed to decide which ones are your favorites.

So for today's Fab Frocks Friday, I'm taking us back to basics with Jill Stuart's take on little black dress. These pretties won't be available until the Fall, but one can't help but swoon in anticipation. Feminine details blend seamlessly with a rocker chic vibe. And the jaunty hats? Fabulous! Do I see some serious head gear rocking the wedding scene in the near future?

I feel like a kid in a candy store. Fashion Week - you are truly an embarrassment of riches!

Images via New York Magazine.

Black Tie Only

It's a Black Tie Affair, and you just got invited!

I am loving these tuxedo inspired sexy little things from Victoria's Secret. Don't know if I would actually wear them, but the idea is sure cute!

Brides - any takers for a Black Tie party for two?

Images via Victoria's Secret.

The Sheer Joy

Ever gone to a reception in a hotel and was struck by how the the tacky wallpaper clashed with an otherwise amazing design? We can't always control everything about our venue, but we can add some extra touches to get the look we want.

One decor idea I love for the ceremony and reception is using a delicate chiffon fabric to drape the venue. This is ideal for any bride that has to bring in her own decor to her ceremony and/or reception or wants to cover up any unsightly walls.

Think about adding sheer chiffon panels to line your walls and backlit them with LED lights for a soft, romantic look. And if your budget allows, consider having yards and yards of fabric cascade from the ceiling. How dreamy!

Images via One Wed, Van Vliet & Trap, and Cheri Photography.

Vanity Fair

I recently went to the Vanity Fair Portraits Exhibit at LACMA (all you LA brides - check it out!) and was simply amazed at the stellar photography. It got me thinking of how you can incorporate the beauty into your own wedding.

And so, here's a great idea for your wedding portraits: rather than doing the traditional posed wedding party shots, take a cue from one of Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue:

Infuse glamour and style to your special day. After all, for most people, your wedding is one of the rare moments when you have your Oscar worthy moment - everyone is dressed in all their finery, hair and makeup are done, the flowers are lush and gorgeous, the lighting is just right - so why not? Capture a moment that you'll want to remember for a lifetime!

Images via Annie Lebowitz for Vanity Fair.

Best Laid Plans: Part II

Best Laid Plans: Part I

By now you have gotten the big "To Do" items taken care of in your wedding planning: the date, location and the dress. So what's next?

In these next few months, you will be compiling your research and making final decisions on your preferred vendors. Each vendor will have his or her own contract and payment processes so be sure to review and ask before you sign anything. If your vendor is very high in demand make sure to book early!

8 - 10 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Get the Party Started: celebrate your engagement and have your families meet by throwing an engagement party.

All things Bridesmaids: deciding who will be a part of your bridal party can be trickier than negotiating peace in the Middle East. These are the girls that will be an integral part of your day and the planning, so choose wisely.

Bridesmaids Dresses: depending on which designer you go with, you will need to order your bridesmaid dresses at least a few months in advance. Give yourself ample time to order the dress, do alterations, and have a back up just in case. Or if you decide to go the less traditional route, pick a few ready to wear dresses that fit the occasion.

Photo Finish: research and meet with photographers. The best photographers work their way seamlessly throughout the entire event.They will be responsible for capturing all the breathtaking moments of your day so make sure that you and your photographer click (no pun intended!). Look at not only the completed albums, but also their proofs. If possible, have the photography team bring an additional photographer to capture more candid shots.

I'm Ready for my Close-Up: equally as important as the photographer is the videographer. Good videographers will record the days events, great videographers will create a cinematic masterpiece. Check out one of the best in the industry, StillMotion - amazing!

What a Dish: if your reception does not provide catering services, you will need to arrange for your own. Decide on what type of reception you are having - buffet, formal sit down dinner, hor d'oeuvres, etc. Be comfortable with your decision and ask about any additional policies they may have.

Music of our Lives: live band or DJ? I am a strong proponent of having live music at a wedding as it helps the guest really get into the spirit to boogie and shake. But be forewarned - a bad band DJ will have everyone rushing for the exits.

Be our Guest: start compiling a list of names and addresses for your guest list. Keep in mind that you will need to combine your guest list, his guest list, and your respective families' guest list. To prevent the lists from becoming an explosion of people, consider limiting the number of guests, with respect to both families.

The Registry: oh fun! Have you and yours sign up for a gift registry to ensure that you will get the items you really want to start your new life. Make sure to include a wide range of items for every guest's budget.

Making it Official: choose your officiant and book him or her for he wedding.

Images via InStyle Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings.

Fab Frocks Friday: When Opposites Attract

For this spooky Friday the 13th and tomorrow's Valentine's Day, I found two very appropriate dresses from Versace:

Win those blacked hearts over and play it sweet and sassy with these whimsical heart inspired frocks.


Images via Style.com.

Getting Organized

If pen and paper are a bit too antiquated in helping you keep organized for your wedding, try this wonderfully chic Vivienne Tam notebook from HP for all you wedding organizing needs.

We may have our iphones and Blackberrys, but really, how useful is a 3" screen when trying to pull up your favorite wedding gown to show your wedding planner? I can't begin to tell you how useful a small, compact computer has been when working with brides, in the office and out on location. Quickly adjusting your budget spreadsheet while at a vendor meeting? No problem. Forgot the style number to that Vera Wang bridesmaid dress? Why let me just go online! And at less that 1" thick, this computer will fit perfectly in your purse.

Now you may be thinking, what about all my magazine pullouts and swatches? Try this stylish Audrey File Tote (love the name) on sale right now at The Spoon Sisters for only $49.95.

Images courtesy of HP and Kate's Paperie.

Run(a)way Bride: White Hot!

In all my discussion about being true to your personal style, I forgot to mention one more type of bride: The Bombshell Bride. She's gorgeous and unapologetically sexy in a tasteful way. Definitely no ball gowns for her, so what is she to wear?

Slim, curve hugging dresses and fish tail hems beckon to her inner siren. And though designer L'Wren Scott wouldn't call these white dress "bridal," I think they will do just fine.

Images courtesy of Style.com.