Beach Bum Belles

                                                                                                          Photography: Tim Melideo

Alright belles, let's talk honeymoon wardrobe! Now, this is assuming you are going to a tropical destination and plan on gettin' your tan on...I have found a few affordable and adorable pieces you & your gent will love.

1st thing's 1st...bikinis with a touch of damsel. A white and frilly suit by Victoria's Secret will look great with your sun kissed skin! Keep your dresses colorful and fun and be sure to protect your freckled face with a woven fedora and consider a long men's top as a cover-up (like the blue & tan top from J. Crew).

You are sure to have a few sight seeing days so be sure to have appropriate foot wear. TOMS are cute, comfy and delightfully charming! Couple them with a pair of cuffed denim shorts and a bright top and you are sure to be the belle of the beach!

Most importantly, have fun and soak it all in! This will certainly be a time in your life you will never forget. XOXO.

Banana Republic Fedora: $39.50, Red Canvas Classic Toms: $44.00, Forever21 White Lace Dress: $28.00, Modcloth.com One Shoulder Dress: $44.00, Gap Cuffed Denim Shorts: $55.00, Forever21 Red Mini: $25.00, J. Crew Cover-Up: $74.00, Etsy.com Uma Jewelery Necklace: $25.00, Victoria's Secret Bikini: $38.00

Look for Less

J.Crew Black Strapless Dress: $350.00                                      Old Navy Black Strapless Dress: $30.00
Banana Republic Turquoise Necklace: $250.00                 Ralph Lauren Turquoise Necklace: $78.00       
Total: $600.00                                                                                             Total: $108.00

Trendy vs. Timeless

OK, it’s time to tackle the ever feared bridesmaid dress. As I contemplate why there is such a stigma attached I have to consider possible reasons why they tend to be totally treacherous. Is it the selfish nature of the bride rearing her ugly head? Could it be that the bride is making a deliberate point to make her best friends look less beautiful than herself? Could it be the simple mistake of going with the trends of the time? Lace and floral in the 70’s, metallic and shoulder pads in the 80’s, and just plain ugly in the 90’s.

So how can you choose a dress that will be timeless, beautiful, and great for every maid? I have a few tips that might help in your time of decision making! The a-line dress cut is your best bet to look good on all body shapes. This accentuates the waist, cinching right below the bust and creates a subtle silhouette. If you are staying away from floor length gowns, keep the hem line right above or below the knee. As always, alterations will be the bridesmaid’s best friend. The perfect fit can make just about any dress look great. Solid colors and simple, structured lines will keep the dress timeless. Let the ladies add their own personal touch when it comes to hair and make-up. They know what looks good on them so don’t be afraid to loosen the reigns!

Whatever you choose, ask yourself “Would I wear this?” Always keep your wedding gifts in mind, what dress you choose may be the difference between a fruit basket and Waterford wine glasses.