Bridesmaid Dress: Round One

When it comes to weddings, people mostly think of one thing- the iconic white dress. But while preparing for two weddings in my family this year, I'm realizing that there is so much more to deal with than choosing the right dress.

Both  my sisters were proposed to within a few months of one another, meaning wedding dress hunting happened within the same period of time. On their first outing to try on dresses, my eldest sister found her dress, on their second outing, my other sister chose hers. And there we have it- two weddings happening in one year.

I am constantly being bombarded by pins on Pinterest of all the small details going into the wedding, from goody bags to take home from the wedding, to which cool socks the groom and his groomsmen will wear, to what sauces should go along with the meal. The never ending list of details makes the wedding dress seem like the easy part, but one wedding dress for each sister, means two dresses for this bridesmaid.

So while I start saving for the inevitable empty pockets I will have in preparation for these weddings, I'm going to reflect on the role and fashion responsibility that bridesmaids have to play for this monumental moment in loved ones lives.

As a bridesmaid, I think you should accept the position with the unsaid understanding that anything the bride says- goes.

I'm not saying all brides are stereotypical and that they're going to put you into an outfit that is equally as horrendous as it is uncomfortable, but I am saying that your opinion on how things should go for this day should be reserved for yourself- unless specifically asked by the bride to reveal them (who will probably ignore your opinion and do what she was going to in the first place anyways.)

If you've seen the movie 27 Dresses, you'll know what I mean.

photo: fanpop.com

This is your friend or loved ones 'day.' The one day they are in charge of making their vision come true, and you're just along for the ride and to support them in their endeavors. Whether you are disappearing behind a cloud of tulle or being forced into that satin dress with the puffed sleeves and a full petticoat beneath, you do as the bride sees fit.

Thankfully, all my wedding-day outfit selections have been positive ones, though I would have grinned and bared any unpleasant outfit choices (after a good cry at home for the sake of fashion and the future photos that will will be plastered over every social media outlet I know.)

My first bridesmaid dress is a chiffon, sweetheart dress with an a-line skirt done by Allure Bridal. This isn't the exact colour I'm going to be wearing at the wedding though. I'll keep that little tid-bit under wraps until after the wedding so I don`t spoil any surprises.

No, I can't exactly shorten it and wear it again and again as a great addition to my wardrobe, but it's not something I'm dreading to wear either. 

With some help from a tailor, this dress will suit me really well. Minus the extra long length on my short body and the pliers in the back making the dress fit, I might even look good at my sister`s wedding (though only to complement her in her dress, never to compete!) 

The dress should end up hitting just above my knee, being the best length for modesty without cutting me off and making me look smaller. The sweetheart neckline will add a bit of length to my neck and give me a longer appearance, while the soft chiffon ruffles will help hide any post dinner food babies.

So thank you, eldest sister of mine, for choosing a nice, breezy, and soft dress for your wedding that both complements you (the bride) and the wearer, no matter what her body type is! 

Here`s to a traditional bridesmaid dress that is not deplorable and, hopefully, really great for dancing and celebrating a fabulous night in!




Lauren

Does Anything Really Go?

Today has been fairly unproductive for me so far, because I had meant to do a video, but had no interesting ideas to share! Instead of a vlog, I've decided I'd like to chat with you about my experience when I went to the ballet a couple weeks ago.

In a magazine the other day I read an article that went along the lines of, now a days you can really wear anything, as long as you have style, and I couldn't help but agree. Though I agree that wearing something that describes your personality and evokes a certain style is great, people seem to have blended everyday wear, or as it's known in fashion, sportswear, into every event. 

I think it's definitely best to be overdressed for an event than to be under dressed, but I find that it's becoming more difficult to dress up without feeling out of place. Athletic wear is almost the new norm for daily wear and sportswear (everyday wear) is nearly the new version of formal wear. 

I've been thinking about this topic because I went to the ballet last Thursday and wanted to wear something a bit more sophisticated for the event - nothing overly fancy, but something I can't wear out very often. Arriving at the event in a dark purple, long sleeve, chiffon dress and burgundy pumps (something that can easily go from day to night) I felt confident in my outfit choice. 

Waiting with friends in the lobby before the show started, I couldn't help but look around and notice the lack of excitement, or dare I say it, effort, people put into their outfits for the evening. Yes, it's the 21st Century and the opera or ballet is no longer the place to show off the newest styles and expensive fabrics from Paris, but where was the clothing choice to discern 'going to the ballet' from a trip to the grocery store? (Alright it was a Thursday night right after work, but come on people- it's called day to night looks for a reason!)

I'm wondering if people are forgetting that dressing up isn't an uncomfortable thing these days (we got rid of the corset ladies) and men don't need to wear three piece suits!

Spiffing up your outfit choices isn't only a great way to show people what you can do with your wardrobe outside of day to day life, it's also a great reminder to yourself of how good you can feel when you change up  your normal routine.

While society moves into a more casual atmosphere with almost everything in life, can we make a promise to ourselves to at least try and take time to dress up ourselves when we go out or have an event to attend? Let's up the ante ladies and gentlemen!

Lauren

Prom Dress Shopping

Hey guys!

This is a little prom dress montage of my friend, Morgan, who I went downtown with to shop!

We didn't find the dress this time, but we got a few great ideas and know what to look for on our next outing.

Stay tuned for a couple more videos involving Morgan and her hunt for the right prom dress and all the accessories and planning that goes along with it!

Lauren