Category Archives: Fashion

Bridesmaid Dress Reviews Wanted!

Hello out there in bridesmaid world! You know what I’d like? Some honest bridesmaid dress reviews. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to shell out more than $100 (and sometimes quite a bit more) for a dress that I cannot try on, I’d really like to read a review from someone who has actually worn the dress. Hence, Real Bridesmaid Reviews, both the good and the bad. You can review anonymously so your bride won’t know the dress wasn’t your favorite, or send pictures from the wedding to show off a dress you loved. Email reviews to ultimatebridesmaid@gmail.com.

Today’s review comes from my good friend Jill. New York still misses you (though I know you love being back in your home state of Nebraska!). Continue reading →

Tanks for Parties or Bridal Prep

The Wedding Chicks is a great bridal resource, but it also has a shop with some fairly adorable tees and tanks that would be perfect to wear while getting ready the day of the wedding or at a bachelorette party. I’ve compiled some of my favorite styles below and you can check out their totes, hankies and more here. The orders are custom and each tank set is available in a “bride,” “bridesmaid,” and “maid/matron of honor” option with different colors to choose from. Some can also be customized with names and dates. The tanks go for $24 apiece.

Vintage

Nautical

Paisley

But my absolute favorite? This cozy bridal sweatshirt, also available in bridesmaid and MOH options, at $48 each.

Fashion Friday

Despite the allure of online shopping, I’m an old-fashioned girl. I like to try things on before I buy them. And that’s what drew me to Kennedy Blue. Using their Try and Buy Service, the Minnesota-based store will ship you a sample in your size, along with a color swatch and prepaid return label for only $1. The price on these dresses is also enticing. They’re more affordable than some designers using exactly the same materials and silhouettes! Check out the full collection here.

Fabric: Silk chiffon

Price: Sydney (left): $167. Chloe (right): $162.

Colors: Black, charcoal, coral, navy, eggplant (shown), espresso, wine, peacock, mint.

Fashion Friday

For today’s Fashion Friday, I bring you one dress that can be many! Namely, this customizable two-tone dress from Watters (dress 9539).

I spent some time playing around with colors for the top and bottom. Personally, I like white, black or grey factored in to balance a bright pop of color, but a daring bride might go crazy with her color matching. You could also give each girl a different color on the bottom and basic white on top for that rainbow effect.

Fabric: Crinkle chiffon

Color combinations: Endless! Choose from: Cognac, candlelight, indigo, black, midori, pomegranate, stone, plum, peony, mediterranean, starlight, falcon, roseglow, buff, flora, goldenrod.

Price: $235.99

Wear It Again factor (1-5): 3. The silhouette and fabric are timeless, but the dress is unmistakably occasion-worthy. Your color combo is going to contribute to its Wear It Again factor as well, which is why I leave this one at a middle-of-the-pack score of 3.

Black and buff


Peony and candlelight

Plum and falcon

Fashion Friday

I saw this Adrianna Papell lace strapless dress on a Denver wedding photographer’s website and, just wow! It looks amazing in pictures! I’m such a sucker for lace and I love the gorgeous bow detail. If you’re not a strapless girl (like me), there’s also a one-shoulder option available in the same color and a charcoal version. (It looks lighter in this photo, but it’s the same fabric and color name, so it should be the same color in person.) And for the brides, might I add this would be a stunning rehearsal dinner dress?

Both are available at Nordstrom for $178.

Fashion Friday

This Fashion Friday and the rapid approach of July have me thinking about navy. It’s such a timeless color, flattering to all, and pairs perfectly with hints of metallic in jewelry and shoes. Here are a few of my favorite navy numbers.

The fabric belt at the natural waist creates the perfect silhouette, the flowy chiffon will look great on the dance floor and there’s a pop of sparkle with the sequined yoke that carries over onto the back of the dress. Dorothy Perkins, $75.

The elbow sleeves make this dress a winter navy option. The delicate lace contrasts beautifully with the rugged brown belt. Dorothy Parker, $49.

Hello one-shoulder wonder with sparkly belt! Yes, please. The ruched bodice is a little bit Grecian but the metallic belt is totally modern. Max and Cleo Comet Tail Hour Dress from Mod Cloth, $187.99.

The classic silhouette of this J.Crew dress is timelessly flattering. I especially like the sweet cap sleeves. Mirabelle dress in silk chiffon, $265.

I’m always hesitant to recommend a floor-length gown since you’re less likely to have an occasion to wear it again. That said, there’s no doubt a long gown can make a dramatic and stunning statement and I felt amazing when I wore one at Michele’s wedding. I can’t help loving this one’s delicate pleated bodice and the sash available in custom colors. Wtoo, $216.

Fashion Friday

Trina Turk at Banana Republic? Yes, please! I did a bit of a double take when I found this mini collection. Trina Turk’s Palm Springs-inspired neon-patterned dresses usually run in the $350 range, so at half the price these are a steal. Her clothing has a very specific resort feel, but it would be perfect for an oceanside destination wedding in Miami, the Caribbean, or Costa Rica.

This is my favorite, and I know what you’re going to say. Caitlin, it’s white. Yes, yes, I noticed. But only partially white! Just picture it! All the girls lined up on the beach, tanned skin, the bride in sparkling clean white flanked by her bridesmaids in pops of neon, perhaps holding bouquets of coral and yellow flowers.

Can’t get past the white? I offer you this alternative. I love the band at the natural waist and the very slight sweetheart neckline. The seaglass blues and sunset yellows are perfect for a seaside nuptial.

Too much pattern for you or not planning a beach wedding? Let me direct you to the accessories. The bangles and rings would be a perfect bridesmaid favor.

Or, how about this adorable makeup bag? It strikes me as the perfect container for a bridesmaid survival kit.