Who doesn’t love a great suit and who doesn’t look good in one too? That’s exactly why more and more women are opting to ditch the dress – along with patriarchal gender norms – for a bridal suit.
We love how modern brides are breaking barriers and defying tradition, we love power moves and a bride wearing a classic blazer-pants combo to her wedding is exactly that, whether you prefer smart tailoring, relaxed and fluid shapes or modern and flourished designs. Here are a few things to know if you’re unfamiliar with the sartorial world of suits.
Know the difference
Bespoke suits are traditionally cut from a pattern drafted from scratch for the customer, and so it differs from Ready-to-Wear, which is factory made in finished condition and standardised sizes, and from Made-to-Measure. Made-to-Measure typically refers to custom suits that are cut and sewn using a standard size based pattern. A Made-to-Measure suit will be more expensive than a Ready-to-Wear suit but will be cheaper than a Bespoke suit.
Style lingo
Regarding stylistic choices, when it comes to choosing your suit you have to consider what you want in terms of lapels,vents, buttons and the lining. There are three types of lapels and vents, each with their own stylistic connotations.
– The three-button suit is not usually a contemporary style choice, though it was quite a hit in the 90’s. The three-button suit has a high button stance creating a higher “V” on the chest, but because of this it can sometimes look stuffy depending on your height, so it’s a great option for someone over 6’2”.
– The two-button suit is a much more popular choice in recent times, good for creating the illusion of an elongated chest with longer lapels and a deeper “V”.
– The one-button suit is a fairly new trend, providing edge and sleekness with an even deeper “V”. This option usually pairs well with slim suits.
The lining of a suit is not merely for cosmetic reasons. It adds structure and weight to your suit, so fully-lined suits will generally be warmer and have a more substantial look to them. Cheaper lining suits will often lack durability and breathability, creasing and sticking to your shirt or whatever undergarments you may be wearing under your blazer, so don’t disregard the importance of quality lining.
By Keenan Martin
Image: Unsplash
Planning your wedding and finding inspiration can be tough. Luckily, wedding expos and fairs are there to guide soon-to-be wed couples. Not only can you get tips, ideas…
Every bride wants to look and feel incredible on her wedding day. Setting a wedding date may be just the perfect motivation needed to get to your goal weight.
We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach for her expert opinion on how to get into the best shape of your life.
1. Set a realistic goal
“Instead of going crazy and trying to reach an unattainable goal, start by adopting healthy and consistent habits that can easily become part of your lifestyle.This will not only help you in your journey of looking your best, but will strengthen your immune system and give you a much-needed mood and energy boost during the stressful planning times. It’s also important to not put too much pressure on yourself, or you’ll risk damaging your health as well as your mental wellbeing,” explains Loots.
2. On your plate
“Choose to eat real, whole foods (food in its natural state) whenever you can. These have not been processed, refined or altered and will provide you with the most nutrients,” says Loots.
“Try to include a balance of the following foods everyday: Veg out: At least half of your plate should consist of fruit and vegetables. The power of plants is unbelievable. They are the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! Rich and diverse in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, these are the nutrition superheroes you should always rely on. Aim to eat the rainbow.”
“Protein please: Eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish (organic and pasture-raised if possible). Beans, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. Broccoli, watercress, green peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus and spirulina. A quarter of your plate should consist of protein.”
“Whole grains and friendly fats: Not all carbs and fats are enemies! They are vital for a healthy bodyweight and good health. Whole grains should take up the remaining quarter of your plate. Try out quinoa, brown and wild rice, buckwheat or rolled oats. 1 to 2 tablespoons of healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, avocado, tahini, nut butters and organic coconut oil added to every meal will ensure the absorption of vitamins, balance your mood and nourish your hair, skin and nails. Fatty fish such as wild caught salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are also high in essential omega-3 fats.”
“Drink up: Water, that is! Something so obvious but often overlooked. Add a squeeze of lemon, apple cider vinegar and a dash of ginger for a natural detox, to fight the bloat and encourage glowing skin. Herbal teas without milk and sugar also count.”
“Cold feet: Avoid or limit sugar ,processed/junk food, refined carbs and gluten, conventional dairy (plain Greek yoghurt in moderation), excessive alcohol, caffeine and salt.”
“Snack attack: Keep healthy snacks on hand to beat any cravings and the 4pm slump. Raw nuts, fruit, dry and lean biltong, veggie soup, air-popped popcorn, boiled eggs, etc.”
3. Get moving
“Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days per week. Mix it up, keep your body guessing for maximum benefits. Try to do a variety of workouts every week in the form of strength training, weighted, resistance and body weight workouts that target the legs, glutes, back, biceps & triceps, chest, abs and shoulders,” says Loots.
“Encourage more movement through pilates, HIIT, Zumba and Barre classes to tone, increase cardio health and muscle-to-fat ratio. Low intensity, restorative workouts like yoga, walking, casual swimming and cycling are ideal for ‘active rest’ days.”
Last, but definitely not least…
“Your wellness and state of mind is just as important as what you put in your body, and the exercise you do. Adopt some of these habits early on and they too will soon be part of your daily routine:
– Get enough sleep and priorities a healthy routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.
– Avoid caffeine after 2pm
– Try not to use electronics 2 hours before bed
– Eat your last meal of the day atlas 2 hours before you go to bed
– Wind down with a good book, a warm bath, aromatherapy, a soothing tea such as chamomile, meditation or controlled breathing, or a combination of them all!”
Get in contact: Loredana Loots – [email protected]
Facebook: Nourish To Flourish Health and Wellness Coach
Instagram: @nourishtoflourish_with_lore
Picture: Unsplash
Weddings come with a hefty price tag but none as much as these handmade, diamond-drapped, gowns fit for royalty. If platinum, emeralds or peacock feathers tickle your fancy…
Now that the wedding is over, you and your partner can finally relax, and spending your honeymoon lazing on a tropical island is the perfect way to do this.
Being away from the hustle and bustle of city life and lounging on the beach all day sounds like a dream, especially if you had a stressful time planning your wedding.
Here are a few exquisite islands to spend your honeymoon on:
French Polynesia
What you can expect: Impressive peaks, beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoons.
When to visit: The best weather is between June and August when it is warm and dry.
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BRB, we will be right here. ? (?: @matthewhahnel ?: Bora Bora, French Polynesia)
Hawaii
What you can expect: Mountains and volcanoes, coral reefs and gorgeous beaches.
When to visit: Summer falls between May and October.
Caribbean Islands
What you can expect: White beaches, clear waters and a vast wilderness.
When to visit: It is generally warm and sunny all year round, but the dry season is from December to April.
Greek Islands
What you can expect: Charming white houses with blue features and exquisite blue water.
When to visit: June to August are the summer months.
Seychelles
What you can expect: Lush forests, palm trees, stunning beaches, and dazzling blue seas.
When to visit: There are breaks between the humidity in April, May, October and November.
Maldives
What you can expect: white sand beaches and clear blue water.
When to visit: Winter months (November to April) have the least rain, and the best weather is from January to April.
Thailand
What you can expect: Jungle-dense islands and spectacular blue waters.
When to visit: The cool and dry season falls between November and April.
Philippines
What you can expect: Emerald rice fields, volcanoes and magnificent beaches.
When to visit: The dry season is between November and April while the cooler but pleasant weather is from December to February.
Indonesia
What you can expect: White sand beaches, volcanoes and tropical forests.
When to visit: May to September are the dry and sunny months.
Fiji
What you can expect: Coloured reefs and breathtaking beaches.
When to visit: The weather is dry and mild from May to October and the overall best time to visit is mid-October to mid-November.
Image: Pixabay
Most brides would give their right and left arm to be able to wear an Elie Saab original on their wedding day. To be able to adorn four…
The Wedding Expo is making its way to Durban on August 3 and 4. The event will be held at Sibaya Sun Park in Durban North. The Expo has been providing advice and great ideas to engaged couples since 2002. Old Mutual has added their voice as a sponsor and will be providing financial advice to help couples achieve their lifetime goals.
The event will showcase various ideas and inspirations for bridal couples. The best part is the amazing competitions and giveaways. A couple stand the chance of winning a wedding that includes a venue, honeymoon and photography. The wedding expo also provides opportunities to meet with various suppliers. Vendors include catering companies, dress designers, photographers and more. There will also be discounted rates so you and your partner can score a few great deals.
The Wedding Expo will also have a cake tasting station where you can try various cake flavours. The highlight is always the fashion show displaying designer dresses and advice from the designers themselves.
Pop in for a mini-makeover and take valuable notes for your big day. After all the wedding rush you may need a minute relax and grab a bite to eat, the expo offers plenty of food choices.
Tickets are available on www.wedding-expo.co.za or on sale at door.
Dates: August 3 and 4
Venue: Sibaya Sun Park
Tickets: R100 per adult and R 30 per child (2 -12 years)
Time: 9am-5pm
Picture: The Wedding Expo