WHERE THERE'S SMOKE

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The monochromatics of this purple based gray is a natural for this time of year. Thanks to Anita Brown over at SMP Style Circle for putting together these complimentary Heather grays, taupe and beige textures that really get us feeling all the fall around us in fashion as well as the nature aspect found in the dried florals.

IN MY MANSION

Isn't this just the most gorgeous inspiration to get you going for all those Fall parties?   Thanks again to Shana over at SMP Style Circle. She always puts together the chicest sets of ideas. More can be found on her blog, Baubles and Bubbles.

INSPIRATION FRIDAY

 Catherine Alhinc

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee.

--William Shakeaspeare--

Love Sonnet 18

IN SIMPATICO: The Fine Art of Dressing as a Duo

Stewart Parvin

Relax. There are no hard and fast rules you have to follow anymore when it comes time for you and your groom to coordinate your look. Only that the bride and groom’s look should be in simpatico. This means if you're in a Reem Acra with a cathedral train and veil, the groom can’t show up in a casual linen suit without setting your unity as a couple off-balance. Realize this day is symbolic; you’re creating the harmony you hope follows the rest of your life.

If you happen to like tradition and want to follow the rules to the letter, below you’ll find them outlined; on the other hand, if you wish to add a twist on those traditions to demonstrate your creativity or make a statement, go for it.

selix

HIGH DRESS FORMAL - Pictured above. Generally when the bride is in a formal gown with a long train and corresponding veil after 4PM, the groom is in white-tie and tails. Think symphony conductor in full dress and you’ve nailed this look. The overcoat is black and can be single or double breasted. Shorter in front, it narrows down to two tails hanging to the knees in back. Typically a white pique shirt and white vest are worn underneath with white bow tie. White gloves and a pocket silk or boutonniere really complete your appearance. So what if you want to go white tie before 4PM? As long as the bride’s gown is formal enough and you both feel better in full dress at noon, do it. selix

 Vera Wang

FORMAL- Both photos above. Time of day (11AM-4PM), location and size of the guest list usually distinguish this from the High Dress Formal wedding. The bride wears a gown with a train and the groom is usually in a tuxedo. Single or double-breasted, the tux is worn for formal and semi-formal weddings with matching trousers that have a satin stripe running down the outside leg. Under the jacket is a wing tip or spread collared shirt, vest or cummerbund and bow tie. Contemporary versions with vests can be worn with necktie replacing bow tie. An alternative to the tux is the traditional morning coat, once standard for formal daytime weddings. To picture this look think Ascot. You know those races in England with all the guys in top hats? Like tails, this coat is short in front, tapering to a long split panel in back. Can be in black, but gray is the traditional shade. The coat is worn with corresponding gray or gray pinstripe trousers, a gray vest and white spread collared or wing-tip shirt, topped off with an ascot tie.

 Cavalli

 Ulrich Engler

SEMI-FORMAL - Pictured above and below, typically the bride is still in a formal gown, only she dons a shorter train or ball gown sans the train. This less traditional wedding gives you both the flexibility to tone down the formality of your attire. Here your groom can go with a different shade or unconventional cut tux like a Nehru jacket. During summer months, how about a white dinner jacket with black trousers, matching cummerbund and tie? This Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca look is great for West Coast or island weddings—compliments beachy/evening gown silhouettes so trendy now.

 Le Spose di Jo

Caroline Castigliano

INFORMAL-For an informal wedding your groom can wear anything stylish from his best suit to something more laid-back like a navy sport coat or silk shirt and khakis. Clothing here follows the simplicity of the celebration, and one of the most important things you and your groom need keep in mind is, informal weddings are brief and the attire though stylish and even elegant, is never formal.

Catherine Walker

Cymbeline

Temperley London

CYMBELINE

Cymbeline

Check out this costume-inspired dress by Cymbeline of Paris ideal for an upcoming autumn or winter wedding.  Cut on the bias,  it has a few inches of underslip peaking out from beneath that I find incredibly sexy and at the same time chic . . .

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

Up and coming, the not to be missed,  Art Meets Fashion . . . . . Photographers John Truong and Stuart Lirette have teamed up once more, this time shooting vintage inspired bridal and jewelry against the backdrop of contemporary art.  I took these snap shots of a hat and dress from my Dioresque Collection while Stuart was setting up. Day two and I'm still awed by the beauty within the contrasts. If you're searching for inspiration on putting together a look for your wedding day, this will be one unforgettable editorial worth waiting for.

 Photographer John Truong shooting model Brandi Howe for Art Meets Fashion

Love the idea of going traditional with a twist? stay tuned for Bejeweled . . . . . . Express your bride style with some exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry.  Also shot by Truong and Lirette, we'll take a look at  the stunning collections of two Bay Area jewelry designers.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: GEORGINA MOORE

If you're in love with Art Deco and the Golden Age of Hollywood, read on.  British designer Georgina Moore  has a stunning new collection offering up body-hugging silhouettes in satin crepes and chiffons cut on the bias. Add to that the intricate lace and beading on some of these gowns and you have a truly one-of-a-kind and elegant look for your day. . . .