Fashionista Monday: St. Patrick's Green

Happy Monday to all my dear readers out there! Did you have a fun weekend? I hope you did. I personally had a fun and busy weekend started from Friday night - ladies cooking/baking night (learned the making of German Chocolate Bars), grocery shopping with the girls for all things dessert (made a Tiramisu cake on Saturday night), attended a tabletop decoration class at Pottery Barn on Sunday morning (including Easter Dining Table and Farmhouse Brunch decor), went to the gym, and ended with Wedding Sunday (WEtv) last night. Love it!

For first half of the week, we are going to focus on Saint Patrick's Day celebration! We will be exploring the green outfit, green decor, green beer and Irish coffee, all things GREEN. Later of the week, the inspiration from real wedding/party will come back into place.

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St. Patrick's Day (a.k.a. St. Paddy's Day), an annual holiday celebrated by the Irish (originally) and people around the world (the holiday has become one of the biggest one-day celebrations worldwide).
An elaboration from Wikipedia:

St. Patrick's Day is named after the Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. It began as a purely Christian holiday and became an official feast day in the early 1600s. However, it gradually become more of a secular celebration of Ireland's culture.

One of the well-known scenes in the Midwest during St. Patrick's Day/Parade is the GREEN CHICAGO RIVER. Yes, they dye the river into green color! See photo below.

Photo Credit: Jaunted

In terms of outfit, you will see people wearing green, adorn with shamrock accessories, and some even dress like a leprechaun (a mischievous elf in Irish folklore). And there is a fun fact for not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day in the United States traditionally - that is - those who are caught not wearing green will be pinched affectionately.

So ladies. I bet you wouldn't want to be pinched nor wearing like a real leprechaun, and yet you want to feel like you are being part of the celebration. I created two fashion-inspired style boards via Polyvore for you from day to night.


First style board
Mood: Casual, Fun midweek working outfit
Color: Navy, Green, Teal, White, and Cream

I figure out St. Patrick's Day might not be a major holiday for some of you (still need to work from 9 to 5 as usual). Therefore, wearing green from head to toe does not sound right (imagine a walking green bell pepper in the office). So I put together a navy blazer, teal tank top, white skinny jeans and a pair of navy open-toe sling back heels for you. Since it is going to be in the office setting, you probably want to minimize the amount of jewelry, other accessories and make-up. And hence, a few strings of apple green pearls, a cream tote, and some green shades make-up will be perfect for this outfit!


Second style board
Mood: Grecian, St. Patrick's Party
Color: Sage Green, Black, and a touch of Gold

Tik tak tik tak...it is 5pm and it is party time (happy hours) on St. Patrick's Day! Head to the party right away from your workplace and do not want to have bunch of hassles to pack your party outfit in the morning?

I got you this simple three-in-one treat. A sage green chiffon dress, a pair of black with gold studs heels, and complete the Grecian-look with a pair of vintage-like earrings. If you happen to have a gold bangle or black leather bracelet with gold studs to match your party outfit, bring it on!

Fashionista Monday

Drama Queen out there...please get ready with MARCHESA Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection I am going to show you today.

As you want some dramatic shoulder embellishment (or with sleeves) on your special day. We have got you a floral-like single-shoulder flow-y white long gown with a black sash, a peachy feather-like sleeves long gown, and a puffy draped-sleeves on gold short dress.



Want something else that gives you a feminine and Grecian look? Check out these gorgeous gowns from MARCHESA Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection.

Photo Credit: 1-2-3

Here are three gowns for real drama queens - The ORIGAMI Gown

Photo Credit: 4-5-6

Lastly, I would like to wish all my fellow readers a Happy Chinese New Year (2nd day of Lunar New Year)!

Fashionista Monday - All About Valentine's Day

Happy Monday to all my blog readers! How's everyone doing on the first day of February? I hope everyone is doing as great as I am; arranging, packing, shipping, and getting ready to start my new journey in Des Moines, Iowa ^.*

It is a lovely February, isn't it? We are going to celebrate two major festivals this month (and they both fall on the same day this year!!!). I have prepared Chinese New Year and Valentine's Celebration Series for this and next week as mentioned on my last posting two Fridays ago.

Celebration mood and love all over the air right now. Let start the first week of February in 2010 with some outfits for Valentine's Day!

Are you heading out for a romantic Valentine's dinner with your partner and wondering what you could wear for the date? Here's my suggestion for you, see below:

Casual + Romantic
A simple dress with delicate details (ruffles at neckline and a bow tie at the back), paired with black open-toe pumps, and last but not least, adorned the simple look with gold "love" pendant necklace and stacked of rings. Ta-da...A simple and yet elegant look to meet your Mr. Right =)

Items in this set:
Top row: One and Only Dress from Lulus.com $47.00
Bottom row (from left): Bonfire Heels from Nine West $62.30, Zad My Love is Written Necklace in Gold from Lulus.com $11.00, Zad Faceted Stackable Rings in Gold from Lulus.com $9.00

How about guys?

Mens Outfit 2 by ♥SGJ is BUSY on Polyvore.com

Casual + Smart
A pure white shirt (rolled-up sleeves) and a pair of jeans - A classic outfit in every guy's closet. Needed a personal touch? A pair of your favorite sport shoes/sneakers, leather watch, and a necklace and ring compliment your simple white outfit very well. Opps...and don't forget to drop by a florist and get your favorite girl/lady a beautiful bouquet!

Items in this set:
Giorgio Armani Armani 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, $70
Men: Men's Tall Linen-Blend Shirts - White
Rhinestone Cross Necklace - Mens Jewellery - Mens Accessories - Burton
Mens Watch | Watches at J2 Trading
LevisStore.com - Men: Levi's® Vintage Clothing: Levi's® Vintage...

Top row (from left): Scoop Neck Tank and Printed Woven Pants $52.00, Hoodie Robe $49.50, Terry Platform Flip-flop $25.00, all from Victoria's Secret
Bottom: Polo Ralph Lauren Men Pajamas $32.50, Robe $75.00, both from Macy's, Cable Knit and Suede Clogs $19.95 each, from AE.com

Wonder why the pictures of sleepwear appear in today's blog post? Am I locate them at the wrong post? You will find out on Wednesday! Stay tune =)

Fashionista Monday

Organic.Green

Photo Credit

Does going green make sense to you? Do you buy daily fruits and vegetables from your local farmers market? Do you bring your own recycle bag for grocery shopping? Do you get around by taking public transportation and reduce the carbon dioxide in the city?

I personally love visiting Union Square farmers market in NYC. No matter how...I will try my best to stop by the market for some locally grown fruits, vegetables, and of course, my favorite no-sugar added oatmeal cookies once every two weeks! Maybe it is just me, I think it is healthier and fresher with less chemicals on food that I consume everyday. So this farmers market is definitely the place I will miss the most when I move to Des Moines a month later.

Photo Credit

For brides/grooms-to-be who concern about saving the planet, why not to start your newlywed life with a greener lifestyle and incorporate that into your big day? A green wedding is not necessary to cost you more. It could be cheaper than what you think it is because you are buying flowers in season and serving food that grown locally (and less transportation).

I love the idea of going green! And I will be showing you some organic wedding dresses, flowers, food, and an organic-inspired affair right here this week.

So let's kick start our green week with some styles (using organic fabrics)!


1. A strapless silk mesh gown by Wai Ching


2. A heart-shaped "tropunto" embroidered corset bejeweled with pearls and crystals gown by Gwendolyn Gleason Couture



3. An embroidered corset with princess bustle skirt gown by Gwendolyn Gleason Couture




Happy Monday!

* Fashionista Monday *

Wow...It is just 10 days away from Christmas Eve and 17 days from New Year Eve (only 17 days left for year 2009)! Some people are busy making last minute flight bookings, putting up Christmas/New Year decorations, and baking some homemade cookies as personalized holiday gifts for family and friends.

With all the busy schedules around, have you found the dress to attend all the parties (maybe it's your bachelorette party?) and family gatherings? If you have not gotten one, we found a few and would like to share with you today. No matter a formal, cocktail or just a casual dinner, we have them all for you ^.*

All LOOKS below are inspired by the holiday hairstyles found at InStyle.com

Formal Look #1

1. Asymmetrical Bun as seen in InStyle.com
2. Lame & Chiffon Gown by Badgley Mischka Platinum Label, $715 from Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Black and Gold Ribbon Earrings by Ina, $228 from Donna Seager Gallery
4. Black Satin Sling, $179.95 from Cole Haan

Formal Look #2

1. Retro Waves as seen in InStyle.com
2. Red Beaded-shoulder Gown by David Meister, $490 from Neiman Marcus
3. Circle Paved Oval Earrings, $3.80 from Forever21.com
4. Giammi Silver Metallic Sandals, $82.95 from Nina Shoes

Cocktail Look #1

1. Romantic Ponytail as seen in InStyle.com
2. Roksanda Ilincic Sabine Gray Velvet Draped Dress, $905 from Net-A-Porter.com
3. Franco Sarto Napoli Blue Suede Pump, $88.95 from Zappos.com
4. Lapis Lovelies Earrings by Julie, $35 from Cok Guzel Earrings.com

Cocktail Look #2

1. Sex-Kitten Bump as seen in InStyle.com
2. Jewel-embellished Cocktail Dress, $348 from BCBG Max Azria
3. Dressy Studded Earrings, $3.80 from Forever21.com
4. Captured Flower Ring, $4.80 from Forever21.com
5. Diva Platform Pump, $275 from BCBG Max Azria

Casual Look

1. Sexy Curls as seen in InStyle.com
2. Gold Brocade Tulle Corset Dress, $52 from Fred Flare
3. Flower Gemstone Bib Necklace, $26 from Fred Flare
4. Bonfire Black Suede Peep Toe Pump, $89 from Nine West

Fashionista Monday,

* Fashionista Monday *

Gentlemen and ladies, I am swinging into Parisian-mood this week! (The idea was inspired by the Chateau Plate I found on Anthropologie website last Saturday ~ will be revealed on Friday!)

To kick start the Parisian Wedding, I would like to show you some dresses of Cymbeline 2010 Bridal Collection today. Me and you might not have heard about this brand name in the States until recent years. However, Cymbeline did establish its foundation since 30+ years ago, started in Nemours, France. The founder was three sisters, they are Evelyn, Chantal and Monique. Their goal is to design wedding dresses that would speak every woman's unique style and personality through precise cutting, delicate handworks, and fine details on the dresses.

Cymbeline invites talented designers from different countries to make contribution to the collection every year. The inclusion of these designers ensures fresh ideas are constantly introduced each season. This, along with the sophisticated taste of the sisterhood who imposes their romantic and modern touch to the brand, attracts brides from all over the world.

I have been to their New York Showroom and I really like how "light" (light-weighted) their dresses is. Even though it comes with a long train, it is still weigh much lesser than other similar dresses I have seen so far. Their dresses are suitable for destination wedding; easy to pack and go, weightless and effortless ^.*

Below are some of my favorites from their 2010 Bridal Collection. To view the entire collection, you may drop by their website to share/print the dresses that you like!

Dalida

Dionne

(From left) Dito and Dumas

Dynastie

Djiny

Decanto

(From left) Dayzel and Dubay

Duyen

Dali

(From left) Dulcine and Daylice

If you are residing at New York City, make your time to visit their showroom! Their bridal consultants are very friendly ^.*

Hope you have a happy Monday to kick start your holiday shopping!

* Fashionista Monday *

Welcome back everyone, after a long weekend!

Last week, the idea from sketches to real dresses of some of the wedding gown designers is featured in Yours Moment. This week we continue to show you more from two current designers of Melissa Sweet*, Antonio Gual and Lia Mcnairy.

*Melissa Sweet is part of the well-known Priscilla of Boston bridal group.


Melissa Sweet
From Sketches to Gowns Series...




From Melissa Sweet Spring/Fall 2009/2010 Collections:

* Fashionista Monday *


From sketches to real dresses...
Today, we are going to feature the inspirations behind the wedding gowns created by the following designers.

• Melissa Sweet by Antonio Gual and Lia Mcnairy
• Junko Yoshioka
• Watters
• Jenny Lee
• Vera Wang

Melissa Sweet
Inspiration for their Fall 2010 Bridal Collection is butterflies.
One of the dresses from this collection, UMA, was inspired by the movement of butterflies. This dress creates an ethereal and majestic look.

A very nicely done shirred dropped-waist bodice with dramatic detail on hemline and front top neckline. (Bride will look like a beautiful butterfly dancing on the dance floor at her reception.)

Brides.com

From Sketch to Dress Episode

Junko Yoshioka
Inspiration for her Spring 2010 Bridal Collection is "the power of the wind", described as light and airy collection. The wedding gowns in this line are made of all light weight fabric such as silk chiffon, organza and georgette. One of the dresses from this collection, HEATHER (shown below), is made from silk organza.

A natural-waist modified mermaid gown with wind blown feather embroidery motif throughout the bottom skirt. (A beautiful silhouette to show off your hour-glass figure! Love it!)

Brides.com

From Sketch to Dress Episode

Watters
Inspiration for her Fall 2010 Bridal Collection is from the exotic in the common place, perfecting the art of "Staycation".
From the designer: "We found our home state of Texas inspiring - from the live music scene of Austin and the artists community of Marfa to the Spanish architecture of the Alamo."
All these contributed to her remix of traditional silhouettes in unique ways, giving ball gowns volume in unconventional ways.

A sweetheart neckline with princess ball gown accented with a bead-embroidered sash. (On top of the princess's privilege on your wedding day, it gives you an instant princess feel!)

Brides.com

From Sketch to Dress Episode

Jenny Lee

Inspiration for her Fall 2010 Bridal Collection is captured from the concept of "Now & Again" (her new line), it gives bride the ability to wear her dress a number of different ways.
From the designer: "The collection offers today's bride a formal look for her wedding ceremony and with some simple changes she can use the same dress for a different look at her reception."

A simple and elegant single shoulder A-line dress with a twist-detail at natural waist. (Suitable for a bride who wanted a timeless feel at her wedding.)

Brides.com

From Sketch to Dress Episode

Vera Wang

(I have signed up the newsletter update from Vera Wang.)
Here is one of her "Behind the Dress" issues to share with my dear readers.

Vera shared the same concept as Junko Yoshioka, both of them created the dresses with silhouettes that convey a light, airy feel.

From the designer:
"Dinah (dress shown below), captures the art of draping and showcases a classic symbol of romance: the bow. Dinah looks and feels soft, feminine and romantic.

With this dress, I sought to create fullness and lightness in the skirt by tucking the fabric into soft layers. The result is a rich, cascading effect. I chose to offset the volume in the skirt with a fitted bodice. Lace is quintessentially romantic. With Dinah, I have used it only on the bodice to add but not overpower.

In wedding fashion, I love to use ribbons, buttons, bows and blossoms to add whimsy and eccentricity. These design elements introduce fantasy and establish an optimistic tone. For Dinah, I chose a bowed sash tied at the natural waist of the wedding dress. The sash is in grosgrain, one of my signature fabrics.

While i have embraced color in my collections, I chose to design Dinah in white and ivory to underscore the innocence that I believe this wedding dress conveys."

Exclusively from Vera Wang VWonWEDDINGS Behind the Dress Newsletter.

Hope these beautiful wedding dresses cheer you up for the Thanksgiving holiday week!
Happy Monday ~ counting down to the family-gathering Thanksgiving Day.