Milan Style

上記の広告は2週間以上更新のないブログに表示されています。 新しい記事を書くことで広告が消せます。  

Planning a wedding is a tiny part of your new life with your beloved, but it's one that can cause a lot of stress. Between booking a venue and getting all the details in place, it's easy for an engagement to bring on anxiety rather than joy.

What if you fall in love with a dress you can't afford? I managed to get a great deal on a dress that I loved, and I think you can, too. Here are some things I tried, and a few other ideas that have worked for people I know.

1. Wear a Loved One's Dress

Most married women still have their wedding dress. If there is a special woman in your life and it's logistically possible for you to wear her dress, ask her about it. Many people are happy to see their dress worn again, especially by someone they care about.

Remember to consider any woman you love when you're thinking about this. You could wear a dress from your mother, sister, cousin, aunt, or even your grandmother. If you are close to your fiancee's family, maybe you could find a dress from someone on that side. Or maybe you have a close married friend or a mentor whose dress you'd love to borrow.

Images: wedding dresses

2. Thrift a Dress... or Fabric

Many people recoil at the idea of getting their wedding dress from a thrift store, but the truth is that you can often score a great deal if you're willing to put in the legwork. If you find a dress whose style you already like, that's awesome. But don't discount a dress you hate. If it's made from great fabric, like raw silk, the material alone is usually worth more than the thrift store price. And, for less than the price of a new dress, you can have a seamstress remake or change that dress into something you love.

3. Get a Designer Discount

Even if you have your heart set on a designer dress, you don't have to pay full price. Check out Nearly Newlywed or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com to find designer gowns that people are reselling. Often, these are a fraction of the price the dress would cost new.

Try on dresses in a store before you buy anything online, so you know what size you're looking for. Remember — good seamstresses can almost always make a dress smaller (though it's harder if it has a lot of embellishments), so if your size isn't available and you don't want to wait, try buying a dress that's a little too big. Even after you pay your seamstress, it will likely be cheaper than buying new.

4. Check Out a Mass Retailer

Specifically, BCBG, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, and Anthropologie all have bridal lines, and most of the dresses they offer cost less than you would pay at a bridal boutique.

Some of these dresses are simple, so you might want to think about adding some details of your own. But when the dress itself costs less, it's easier to afford the alterations that will make it specifically yours. If you happen to find a dress you adore as-is, you'll end up with the gown of your dreams for even less.

5. Try Sample Sale Sites

Once or twice a year, the top sample sale sites (think Gilt, Ideeli, and Rue La La) offer bridal collections at a huge discount. Designer dresses can go for 50%-75% off the normal retail price, so you can get a gorgeous dress for a steal.

You will have to act fast when these sales go live, because they often sell out quickly. Know what you want and when the sale starts, and be ready to buy as fast as you can. If you miss the sale, it may not come around again before your wedding.

6. Choose Fabric Wisely

Some fabrics are more expensive than others (think raw silk, for the most costly). Fortunately, there are many cheaper fabrics that look spectacular and cost a lot less. In fact, technology has come far enough that no one but an expert will be able to tell the difference between an expensive fabric and a cheaper one unless they are up close and personal with your dress.

Synthetic or blended fabric will usually cost the least, but even taffeta and chiffon will be cheaper than silk or real lace. If you find a dress that costs too much, you may be able to purchase a cheaper but similarly textured fabric and have a seamstress make the dress for less. Be sure to consult a seamstress before you buy any fabric to make sure it will work with your plan.

7. Shop in the Winter (Or the Summer!)

Winter and summer are when designers get ready to distribute their new lines. Retailers often have to make room for these new clothes, and they do that by selling their old stock and store samples at drastically reduced prices (sometimes up to 80% off!). You will usually need to visit these stores directly and prepare yourself for some craziness while you're there, but it will be worth it if you have your heart set on a particular dress and you can get an amazing deal.

See more at wedding dresses online

  

COUPLES tying the knot were able to make all their bookings in one place on Saturday when an open day was held at Bourne Hill.

The Wiltshire Council site, which has two ceremony rooms, opened its doors to the public with exhibitors showcasing a range of services and products.

Exhibitors included hair and beauty artists, photographers, caterers, bridal gowns, menswear, marquees, cakes, ceremony stationery, cars for special occasions, gifts and musicians.

Images: http://www.sheindressaustralia.com/plus-size-bridesmaid-dresses

There were also demonstrations of dresses and hair and beauty products for the big day.

Senior registration practitioner Julie Lane said: "We are showing off Bourne Hill and our rooms - one of which, the Library, has just opened.

"It's a lovely, historical building with photo opportunities at the front, and the park and the arts centre next door.

"A new thing we are starting involves the official legal ceremony being held at Bourne Hill and the celebration part, involving the rings, being in somebody's garden or in a field or a barn or house."

Senior registration practitioner Emily Westlake added: "The open day is not just about us but about our venues as well in the community.

"We also wanted businesses from Salisbury and the surrounding area to showcase their work.

"Weddings can cost up to £30k or £40k - if we can keep that here in Salisbury then everybody's happy."

During the event, visitors were able to speak to the registration team and book the historic rooms.

The Library is a 70-seater room while the Wyndham Room takes 40 guests.

The council offices are on the site of the former St Edmund’s College which was founded in 1269. The house was once owned by the Wyndham Family.

More info: http://www.sheindressaustralia.com/blue-bridesmaid-dresses

  

Resort season is no longer a luxury reserved for the uber-rich.

These days, you can book an exotic vacation to a warm-weather destination without draining your savings account — with enough advance planning and the assistance of a few promo codes — which means you don’t have to have Trump-level earnings to escape the winter doldrums.

Whether the final destination is Maui, Majorca or even Madrid, if there is one thing every style-conscious traveller does before jetting off on a hot holiday it’s a little advance outfit planning. And often times, this planning leads to a little bit (or a lot) of resort-wear shopping.

So, what do you want to pack to ensure you’re at the fashion forefront (or is it beachfront?) in 2016? According to Michael Anderson, senior vice-president of women’s and men’s design at Banana Republic, it’s all about having fun with fashion.

“Warm or cold, seasonal style is about versatility and having fun with your wardrobe,” Anderson says. “The bright summer months give us even more license to play with richer textures, vibrant colours, prints and modern silhouettes.”

Anderson anticipates seeing resorts and beaches filled with stylish vacationers in an entire spectrum of blues — from light, summer sky-inspired shades to colours he calls, “electrifying.”

The American retailer’s latest collection is full of the azure hues — many of which were inspired by the North African country of Morocco.

“The region’s culture and natural wonders ignited the collection’s blend of vibrant colours, bold prints and strong silhouettes,” Anderson says. “The design team drew inspiration from handmade rugs exploding with saturated colours, and travelled camelback along the Berber Trail and palm groves to experience the many shades of a desert sunset before visiting the remote mountain village of Chefchaouen — painted entirely in an electrifying blue.”

The inspiration translates from sketch pads to standing racks in stores in the form of luxe, wide-legged trousers, delicate eyelet blouses and geometric details.

And the cultural inspiration doesn’t stop with the Banana Republic design team. It’s also what shoppers are looking to when choosing their vacation style, according to local retailers.

“Resort wear is not so much about lounging by the pool and hanging out on a yacht as it is about exploring, integrating into and experiencing different cultures,” Paul Giesbrecht, owner of the West Vancouver-based boutique Leslie Jane, says.

“Vancouverites … want garments made with integrity and suited to this ethos.”

His boutique has been a local destination for womenswear and accessories from Canadian and international designers including Manuelle Guibal from France, La Bottega di Brunella from Italy and Johnny Was from the U.S., for more than 38 years. Giesbrecht says shoppers regularly come in looking for pieces that have versatility.

“We find that Vancouverites are looking for resort wear that is unique, easy to wear and that can be worn in a variety of ways — on the beach, at the park, at celebrations such as weddings, as well as in their everyday lives,” he says. “ People are looking for investment pieces with versatility that can extend and incorporate into their existing wardrobes.”

According to Giesbrecht, the demand for multi-purpose pieces has less to do with packing space and more to do with economy.

“The frivolity of ‘glamorous’ resort wear is not so relevant in these times,” he says. “With baby boomers retiring and cheaper travel the norm resortwear is as much about fashion as it is about comfort and function.”

A good place to start when it comes to beach-appropriate pieces are vintage inspired bridesmaid dresses, which can be used just as easily for bathing suit coverups as daytime outfits.

“Dresses double as beach cover-ups by day, or effortless evening looks by night,” Anderson says. “Don’t forget to bring at least one statement piece that will stand out, such as sheer lace culottes that are instantly Instagram-able with a picturesque background.”

(Because if your vacation outfits aren’t shared on social media, did your holiday even happen at all?)

Perhaps the most photo-friendly resort wear (and the most on-trend) are ones with lots of colour. Skip the basic black or white pieces in favour of cool aqua, lovely lavenders, and juicy citrus hues including lime green and lemon yellow — and, of course, the aforementioned azure.

“Resort wear dressing is about hot weather garments and colours that are attractive in southern light,” Giesbrecht says. “ The colours are brighter (and) the styling is looser.”

Basically, stick the items in your suitcase that you’d feel a tad out of place wearing at home because they are too relaxed, colourful or cropped — ergo not at all safe for work.

When it comes to accessories, it’s all about the fringe.

“We love fringe on our accessories this season, especially in our heels and jewelry,” Anderson says. “We also had fun including cool and metallic tones, big blooms, and embellishment to our entire accessories line.”

For textiles, linen garments are always a safe choice for sunny holiday destinations, with styles ranging from plus size bridesmaid dresses australia and wide-legged trousers, to slightly structured, more formal pieces.

“A linen blazer is my summer go-to for both ease and polish,” Anderson says.

Not a fan of linen? Consider a garment in another natural fibre such as cotton or silk for increased breathability on those sultry nights.

Whatever you do, don’t think a swimsuit and sandals will carry you (sartorially speaking) through your haute holiday.

According to Giesbrecht, when it comes to vacation dressing, you shouldn’t leave your style at home.

“It really varies depending on destination, but I think regardless of where people are heading they need something more than a bathing suit,” he says. “ I would tell people to consider what they are wearing over their bathing suits — to and from the pool — what they are wearing out to dinner, or when walking around the city or town.”

  

A married couple have revealed the inspiration for shedding a massive 24 stone between them - their fat wedding photos.

Instead of loving their newlywed pictures, Noel and Leisa Hoey were 'disgusted' with the pictures of their big day, and they vowed to get in shape.

With a combined weight of 52 stone at their heaviest, they duo were so big they couldn't sit beside each other at the cinema or on an aeroplane - and broke their bed frame FOUR times with their bulk.

But after being shamed by their unflattering wedding photos Noel, 35, has lost 16 stone - the equivalent of a baby HIPPO.

Leisa, 33, lost eight stone and a whopping SIX dress sizes after squeezing her bulk into a size 26 gown for their big day.

Leisa said: "When I saw the wedding pictures my heart sank - I felt absolutely disgusted with the pair of us.

"From the moment I saw them I knew they wouldn't be pictures I'd look back on with a smile and treasure forever. I was so disappointed.

SWNS

Looking good: The couple have shed an astonishing amount of weight between them

Have you got an incredible weight loss story? Share it with us using the form below or email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

"But since joining Slimming World I've lost six Beach Bridesmaid Dresses.

"Finally we can do the things normal couples do, cuddling in the cinema, sitting next to each other on public transport and even having a peaceful night's sleep without fear of breaking the bed."

The couple, who met in 2003, admit to being life-long fast food junkies but say they really piled on the pounds after the births of their children AJ, 11, Tyreece, eight, and twins Maddison and Torey, two.

Things got so bad that Leisa was recommended for a gastric band when her weight hit 18 stone, but when she became pregnant with their twin girls the operation was put on hold.

Over the next year Leisa's weight crept up to over 20 stone and security guard Noel's weight rocketed to 32 stone.

Leisa said: "We knew we were big but with a combined weight of over 50 stone we weren't just unhealthy - we were ticking time bombs."

Noel added: "There was no ignoring how bad things had got. We'd lie awake at night - not because of the kids - but listening to the sound of the creaking bed frame straining underneath us.

SWNS

Weight problem: With a combined weight of 52 stone, Noel and Leisa Hoey couldn't sit beside each other at the cinema

"After one night shift I came home exhausted, jumped into bed and the wood just buckled under my weight and came crashing down.

"We broke the bed three more times after that. We just gave up and slept on the floor on a mattress."

When Noel proposed in July 2013, Leisa had to telephone bridal shops in advance to check if they catered for plus-size brides.

She said: "It wasn't quite the magical experience I thought picking my dress would be.

"I was limited to just one store in town and all the dresses that did fit made me look like I was wearing a huge duvet.

"I didn't want to show off any skin or my figure - I just wanted to hide.

"I wore the longest veil I could find to cover my chubby arms like a cape."

SWNS

Better shape: Noel has lost 16st - the equivalent of a baby hippo

The couple didn't even book a honeymoon because they feared they'd have to book two seats each on the plane.

But their biggest disappointment was yet to come.

Noel said: "When the wedding album arrived I flicked through the pictures of our big day and my heart sank. We both looked enormous.

"I knew Leisa would hate them too so I tore the photos into shreds and threw them in the bin.

"Leisa kept asking why they hadn't arrived yet and I'd just make up excuses because I didn't want her to see them. But eventually I had to come clean and tell her the truth."

The pictures spurred Leisa to finally take action and she joined a local Slimming World group.

Two weeks after Leisa attended her first weight loss class Noel signed up too.

SWNS

Slimmed down: Leisa has lost eight stone and a whopping six dress sizes

It wasn't long before the small changes started to make a big difference to their waistlines.

Leisa said: "Our big clothes were just hanging off us. As the weight started dropping off we had to keep buying new wardrobes. Our figures have changed so much."

Now Noel has shed a whopping 16 stone and Leisa eight.

Leisa said: "We both feel amazing.

"I get joy from the little things like running after the kids and not liming myself to plus size clothes. I've got so much more freedom.

"Noel looks so much younger too. He's like a new man.

"He used to be all squishy when I lay on him but now he's much more toned.

SWNS

Aisle walk: But the pair say they are ashamed by their wedding pictures now

"Part of me wishes we'd waited till after we'd lost the weight to get married. But we met each other when we were big and we've been there with each other through thick and thin and that's what counts."

Noel added: "What we'd love to do now that we've lost the weight is renew our vows.

"Leisa could have the dress she always wanted.

"We've lost so much weight our wedding rings don't fit us anymore so we'd have to sort that out too but finally we could have some pictures to be proud of."

DIET BEFORE

Breakfast: Fry up of seven rashers of bacon, three eggs, beans, mushrooms and toast

Lunch: Supermarket sandwich and crisp meal deal or chicken and chips takeaway

Dinner: Fatty take-away

Snacks: Popcorn, crisps, chocolate. Noel would also eat 20 Drumsticks lollipops a day.

DIET AFTER

Breakfast: Weetabix with berries and bannana

Lunch: Ham or chicken salad

Dinner: Steak or chicken with vegetables

Snacks: Fruit

More news: http://www.sheindressau.com/cheap-bridesmaid-dresses-australia

  

Thoughtful planning is key for a perfect honeymoon getaway after the rush of organizing the wedding ceremony.

Chad Cotter of Cotter Travel in St. Joseph says the secret to getting the most bang for your honeymoon buck is to determine the budget prior to planning. After a destination is selected, he recommends couples shop around for the best deals and book rates ahead of time.

He says the most common honeymoon locations selected by customers are Mexico, Colorado and Hawaii.

For one-stop, stress-free trip planning, a travel agent can aid in saving money while scheduling travel packages after couples have determined what priorities they want met during the trip. Travel agents have relationships with hotels that will offer upgrades or travel perks, and they can have access to rooms even when the website says they’re full. Due to their experience booking trips, many may be aware of extra charges that often can be overlooked, such as resort fees that are added to the standard room rate along with costs like car rental parking.

Related: One Shoulder Bridesmaid Dresses

Here are seven money-saving tips to help plan a dream honeymoon at a discount:

1. Book the trip early

Cotter says this reduces the likelihood that inexpensive hotel rooms or airplane tickets will be sold out. In the case of cruises, which typically announce itineraries 10 to 14 months in advance, this also can mean savings off the booking price.

For those planning to head to a foreign destination, time also may need to be allotted to acquire a passport.

2. Choose an off-season location

He says if the departure date is fixed, choose a destination whose off-the-shoulder-season (the period right before and after the high-traffic season) coincides with your travel dates for drastic price breaks and fewer crowds.

The off season is not always synonymous with bad weather. For example, the islands in the Caribbean have ideal temperatures year-round, but rates increase from January to April due to more travelers.

However, travelers should be cautious since the off season can mean weather conditions that result in tourism activities closing down until more comfortable weather returns.

He also says flights mid-week on Tuesday or Wednesday can be the least expensive days to travel.

“Most of the time, honeymooners leave right after they get married, but if they’re able to be flexible and leave two or three days later, it’ll help on price too,” Cotter says.

3. Create a honeymoon or bridal registry

Online registry services allow couples to collect, track and apply financial contributions from their wedding guests toward their honeymoon expenses. This feature also allows guests to “sponsor” specific activities such as a cruise, scuba trip or a meal at a restaurant.

4. Consider an all-inclusive tour or trip

Teri Berry, travel agent for AAA, says most all-inclusive rates cover all aspects of the trip and leave no surprises to how much the trip will cost.

She says the deals include hotel rooms, all meals, tips, activities, entertainment and airport transfers. The only aspect of the trip not included in advance is souvenirs or gift purchases.

Berry says this prevents couples from going over budget, allows them to plan in advance and lets them know what to expect.

5. Consider honeymoontrip packages

For locations where all-inclusive rates aren’t available, purchasing trip packages can be the best option. Berry says tour companies often offer discounts if the airplane, hotel and car rentals are purchased together.

When booking a package, the couple is required to pay a deposit but can create a monthly payment plan before the departure.

6. Bring the marriage license for a discount

When inquiring about a rate or making a reservation, let the person know it’s for a honeymoon.

Hotels, restaurants and other businesses may offer perks or added bonuses if a couple tells them they’re recently married and bring the certificate as proof.

7. Use mass transit instead of renting a vehicle

Depending on the location of the honeymoon, using hop-on and hop-off day passes on the mass transit may be the most cost effective mode of transportation.

Cotter says couples should compare mass transit rates with renting a vehicle because the savings varies according to the location selected.

“There are also cases when I get honeymooners that want to go to Colorado and go skiing,” Cotter says. “When they fly into Denver, the bus transfer from the airport to the ski resorts in the mountains is usually more expensive than renting a car. It really depends on where you’re going for the trip.”

In European countries, the cost of a city pass for transit also may include access to well-known museums and tourist hot spots. In the case of Hawaii, visitors to Honolulu may not need a car, but a rental could be necessary on the other islands.

See more at cheap bridesmaid dresses online

  

A court in the central Chinese province of Hunan has accepted a lawsuit filed by a gay man against the government for refusing his application to marry his male partner in a key test of LGBT rights in the country.

Sun Wenlin, 26, filed the complaint against the Furong district civil affairs bureau in Hunan's provincial capital Changsha last month, after officials from the bureau refused to allow the couple to register their marriage in the same way that heterosexual couples do.

The Furong District People's Court notified Sun's lawyer that it had accepted the case on Tuesday. It now has six months to reach a decision.

Sun is arguing that current Chinese marriage law refers to the union of "husband and wife," but without specifying the gender of either party to the marriage.

The argument rests on the idea that a person can identify as a husband or a wife without reference to their gender.

His lawyer Shi Fulong hailed the acceptance of the case as "a historic moment."

Read: online wedding dresses

But he said he wasn't optimistic about the outcome.

"[Overall], I'm not optimistic, because gay rights haven't figured so far in Chinese law," Shi said. "We may have succeeded in filing a lawsuit, but it's very hard to predict what the outcome will be."

But he said progress made in other countries on gay marriage would likely have an impact in China, too.

"We are in an era of legislation for equal gay [LGBT] rights and anti-discrimination law," Shi said. "But I think we still have a long, slow road ahead of us."

"Perhaps this case will act as an example for other [LGBT] people [in China]," he said.

‘No provision in law’

Sun was prompted to make the complaint after he showed up at the marriage registration office of the Furong district civil affairs bureau in Changsha on June 23 with his partner Hu Mingliang and applied for a marriage certificate.

An official in charge of marriage registrations told the couple, who had been together for two years, that "there is no provision in law for people of the same sex to marry."

Undeterred, Sun lodged his complaint on Dec. 16, calling on the court to order the bureau to allow the marriage to be registered.

Since he did so, he has been approached by local police, who visited his home and asked to interview him "to understand the situation," Wuhan-based rights activist Gou Gou, who is helping Sun with the case, told RFA.

When Sun refused, saying there was no obligation for him to discuss the case with the police, they sought out his grandmother with the same request, Gou Gou said.

But he said he was pleasantly surprised that the court had accepted Sun's complaint at all.

"This case has already surpassed my expectations in just getting to this first step," he said. "We never thought that this case would even get accepted because the court didn't seem well-disposed to the idea, and we even had visits from the police."

"I think that the purpose of this case is to let the court and the civil affairs bureau know that there is a huge desire for marriage in the LGBT community."

Gou Gou said that the court had initially objected to Sun's lawsuit, saying that it should have been filed jointly by the couple.

"I have never held out much hope about the court, but however they decide, the fact that they agreed to accept the case at all is ... a huge step forward for the rule of law in China," he said.

More news about bridal gowns

  

Lindsey Elizabeth Kitterman and Barton Christopher Wyatt, both of Greenville, SC were married at 8:00 pm, December 31, 2015 at Central United Methodist Church in Florence, SC.

The ceremony was officiated by the Reverend William Malambri. Music for the ceremony was provided by Mrs. William Madison Hazelwood. The vocalist was Mr. Hal Douglas Townsend, Jr. Following the ceremony, a

reception was held at the Florence Country Club.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hall Kitterman of Florence. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. George Truett Hucks of Florence and the late Mr. George Truett Hucks and Mr. and Mrs. James Curnyn of Alpharetta, Ga. and the late Mr. Richard Ennis Kitterman. She is a graduate of Clemson University and is currently employed as a CPA with Greyrock

Source: vintage bridesmaid dresses

Accounting in Greenville.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ray Wyatt of Seneca. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. N.J. "Rini" Morini and the late Mr. and Mrs. Grady Eldorsey Wyatt, Sr. Barton is a graduate of Clemson

University and is currently employed as an Operations Manager with Carolina Recycling Company.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown that featured a satin pleated bodice. The dress was detailed with a lace applique overlay. The train was complimented by a floor length cathedral veil with a pencil trim.

Mrs. Dorothy Whisenhunt Tyson of Charleston served as Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids included Christine Elise Kitterman and Emily Kathleen Kitterman, cousins of the bride; Ashley Burns Harris, Jill Marie Graves, and Kaylen Elizabeth Houser, fun friends of the bride; and

Allison Scheele Kitterman, sister in law of the bride.

Mr. William Ray Wyatt, father of the groom served as Best Man. Groomsmen included Mr. Michael Brett Eaves, Mr. William James Gill, Mr. Nathan Lee Hawkins, Mr. Andrew Thomson Holland, Mr. Thomas Griffin

Holland, and Mr. Tucker Thrift Hydrick, friends of the groom; Mr. Stephen Hall Kitterman, Jr., brother of the bride and Mr. Blake Matthew Wyatt, brother of the groom.

The Greeters participating in the wedding were George Coker Furr, Caroline Gallagher, and Ryan Gallagher, cousins of the bride.

After a wedding trip, the couple will reside in

Greenville, SC.

See more at plus size bridesmaid dresses