Fashion Archives | Page 19 of 24

In Accessories

Why brides wear wedding veils

October 11, 2019 No Comments

One of the most time-honoured traditions still in existence today is the wedding day. Traditional weddings include a host of specific customs that brides typically engage in, one of them being wearing a wedding veil.

For centuries, lovebirds and strangers have been getting hitched and brides donned the famous headwear. Widely considered just another fashion accessory on your big day, the wedding veil actually has an interesting history.

The history of the the wedding veil

The wedding veil is arguably the oldest part of the wedding ensemble. There is some contention over its specific history, but most wedding historians pinpoint ancient Greeks and Romans as the first people to wear the wedding veil. According to Julie Sabatino, expert bridal stylist and founder of the The Stylish Bride, brides of this time wore the wedding veil to disguise themselves from evil spirits aiming to spoil their joy. Some accounts show that veils were red in hue to symbolise the fire of the betrothed’s commitment as well as to ward off evil spirits.

Wedding historian Susan Waggoner speaks of the Christian symbolism of the veil, telling Brides.com that in ancient times, people “wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden.” These were also the days of arranged marriages, when a bride’s virginity was her most important marker. The veil thus became a way of representing modesty and purity. The veil also acted as a method of concealing the bride’s face to the groom to prevent him from getting cold feet and running away from the stranger he was about to marry.

In Judaism biblical times, the groom would place the veil on his bride as a symbol that he was marrying her for her inner beauty.

The 18th century saw the veil fall out of fashion as brides opted for caps, bonnets, tiaras, jewels, wreaths and other adornments. However, they came back in style when Queen Victoria donned a four yards (3,7m) by 0.75 yards (0.7m) wide veil during her wedding to Prince Albert on 10 February, 1840. Following her iconic wedding, the veil became a symbol for wealth, status and style. The length, weight and quality of the veil all spoke highly of the status of the bride. This is why royal brides traditionally wore the longest veils.

The wedding veil today

Today, the wedding veil is largely seen as an optional accessory. Many brides opt out of wearing wedding veils. Some consider it too traditional and unnecessary, others just don’t like the look. However, it is still quite popular and is largely used as another fashionable element to your Big Day. Many celebrity brides have famously donned the wedding veil, including Ciara, Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian and Duchess Meghan Markle.

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In Fashion

The almost-not-there bridal jumpsuit

October 11, 2019 No Comments

Some brides dream of the day they get to wear a wedding dress. A long train sweeping the earth as you glide down the aisle. Or maybe indulging in metres of gorgeous silk, swaying as you move and enfolding you like a cloud as you sit down. Not all brides, though. Some want all the glamour without all the fuss. No tripping over the seams or restricting your movement as you rock it out on the dance floor. This new trendy jumpsuit is all the rage, but you’ll have to squint your eyes to see it.

Created by Spanish bridal label Pronovias, this full-length, long sleeve semi-nude suit has hand-sewn florals covering the basics. The design comprises more than 200 crystals embroidered into lace and chantilly, and it took more than 244 hours to complete.

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While it might sound daring to some, we’re all for the “you do you” mantra and whatever makes you feel good, will make you look good, too.

Picture: Facebook/Stellari

In Accessories

Put a bow on it!

October 8, 2019 No Comments

The bow brings a sense of nostalgia to any item it is paired with, as well as a cute and feminine touch. You can play around with the size of the loops of the bow and the material used to create the bow, allowing you to create whatever you want.

Here are 6 ways to incorporate the bow into your wedding:

Dress

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Hair

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Shoes

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Bouquet

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Chairs

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Stationery

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Fashion

Trending wedding bags and belts

October 7, 2019 No Comments

Choosing those little accessories that bring your look together can be a daunting task. You might think you don’t have time to search for bags and belts but the devil’s in the details and something seemingly small can make or break your whole look.

Carrying a purse or clutch on your wedding can be super useful for keeping all your necessities together, from lip stick (always need to be photo ready) or tissues (you know his speech will make you tear up). As for belts, think dainty and tasteful with maybe even a sliver of bling for a little (or a lot of!) sparkle.

They’re all the rage this year, and we’ve found the latest trends.

Three bag ideas:

1. The silky clutch

If your style is elegant and mature, a smooth silky clutch will complete the look. Catching a bit of shine, silk is a good option if you want to be subtle yet stylish. And of course, the texture is pleasing to the touch so no scratching or getting caught in your dress!

2. The beaded pouch

Beads can be made into any design or pattern that your heart desires. It is also a fun way to show your creative side, or to match your dress if it has beading on it. Just make sure the beading is done well to avoid it coming loose and spilling beads all over the floor. No one wants to be crawling on their knees picking up beads.

3. The sling bag

Don’t want your hands full? Fair enough. A sling bag is easy, classy and won’t be in your way if you want to be holding your new hubby’s hand. Small links are in, rather than string. It adds an edge and is available in almost any colour.

Three belt ideas:

1. The bow

It might sound old fashioned, but a bow on your dress does not have to be that hideous thing your mom had on her matric farewell dress. In this case, size really does matter and small is the way to go. In no way should it steal the thunder of your dress, but rather add a subtle and feminine tone.

2. The bling

Now, to some people, the word “bling” sounds cheap. Don’t stop reading just yet. If you have a plain design and love simplicity, wearing a diamanté belt will lend some sparkle. No one ever said go over the top. Less is more and your eyes will still be the brightest thing about you.

3. The colour

Want to steer away from the traditional all white attire? Add a splash of colour to brighten up your outfit. You can opt for matching the wedding’s decor theme, or go all out and choose a way different colour to make sure you stand out. After all, on your wedding day, you should definitely get all the attention!

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In cake

Somizi and Mohale wed in lavish ceremony

September 30, 2019 No Comments

Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung’s traditional wedding was an extravaganza of epic proportions. The couple, dubbed #SomHale on social media, wed in a lavish traditional African ceremony at Kibler Park, Johannesburg on Saturday, September 28.

The couple had numerous, often matching outfit changes throughout the day. Their first look was designed by Gert Johan Coetzee, who was inspired by a North African theme.

Have a look at everything that went on at the spectacular event:

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A host of local celebrities were in attendance, including Bonang Matheba, Casper Nyovest, Kelly Khumalo, Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Thusi, Julius Malema, and Thando Thabethe.

According to Liquid Image Consulting, the creative team behind the wedding, the pair had a particular dress code for guests. “Dresscode: #Somhale wanted to showcase African Tradition and they personally selected a region from Africa for each guest detailing what they should wear and sent extensive dress code mood boards to ensure everyone stayed on theme!!” they wrote in an Instagram post.

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The wedding venue was royally decked out in a white and gold colour scheme.

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The eight-tiered tower cake and chandelier cakes were a sight to see.

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According to Somizi, the couple will have their white wedding in January 2020.

Image: Instagram

In Bridal Party

Dresses we love: With Trains

September 26, 2019 No Comments

Trains were originally added to wedding dresses as a symbol of wealth due to the extra fabric needed. The style became popular as brides all over wanted to emulate the royal and wealthy style and you have to admit, they do make a huge impression.

Here are some of the latest wedding dresses featuring trains:

Rossana Spose

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Pronovias

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Gahlia Lahav

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Calegra Bridal

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Robyn Roberts Bridal

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Molteno Creations

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Feature image: Pixabay

In Advice

Easy ways to save money on your wedding day

September 24, 2019 No Comments

For those planning their wedding, some things may seem out of their financial reach. Most modern weddings have become extravagant and costly, but they don’t have to be. There are a number of ways an engaged couple can save some coins whilst planning their dream wedding. Here are some tips to reduce your wedding budget:

Turn to technology:

Cut costs by sending out digital wedding invites and having guests RSVP online. Simply find a great digital artist to design your online invite (or design it yourself using apps like Canva) and set up a link to a website, Google Drive document, app or a phone number guests can use to RSVP.

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Think local:

Of course, dedicated wedding venues are popular for a reason. However, there are a variety of other locations that can work just as well for a fraction of the price. Consider having your wedding reception at country clubs, community halls, parks, restaurants, galleries or even a family member or friend’s property.

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Say yes to the affordable dress:

A large chunk of one’s wedding budget often goes towards the dress. Spend your money wisely by searching for sample sales, repurposing a family member’s dress, picking something off-the-rack or even thrifting a wedding dress. Remember that any dress can be good as new with some custom-additions. Think of it as your ‘something old’!

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Get a personal officiant:

Have a friend or family member become ordained online so that they can marry you and your partner, saving you money and giving your wedding a personal touch.

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DIY the day away:

There are so many simple DIY’s that will save you money and personalise your wedding. Use thrift shopped mirrors, chalkboards or window panes to create one big wedding program. Besides being cost-effective, it’s also better for the environment to not print out individual programs.

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Go out-of-season:

Off-peak dates can get you your dream venue at a cheaper price. As most weddings are held on Saturdays, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday to cut venue and food/drink costs.

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Mix-and-match:

Use more affordable flowers as decoration. Mismatched, smaller centerpieces are cost-effective and cute. You can also add bulk and dimension to your bouquets by using foliage.

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Give power to your flowers:

Flowers are expensive. Make sure they work double-duty by reusing them throughout the day. Consider reusing bridesmaids bouquets after the ceremony to create one large centerpiece or add them to table decor.

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Strategically plan out your Big Day:

We get, it, sometimes things can run overtime during your wedding. However, photographers and musicians will charge extra if they have to stay longer than originally agreed, or wait around unnecessarily. Ensure you stick to a swift schedule between your ceremony and reception to avoid paying more than you bargained for.

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Make your wedding family style:

Shareable family-style meals are more cost-effective and interactive than 3-course sit-down meals. Consider designing a shareable menu filled with fan favourites that will cater to every diet.

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Be wise with your wedding favours:

Wedding favours don’t have to be extravagant. Something small and travel-friendly is ideal. Think mini-wine bottles, handmade soaps, individual succulents or tiny jars of your favourite sweets. You can also offer shareable favours for couples, such as a bottle of wine, to cut costs. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools

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In Advice

How to tie a bow tie

September 20, 2019 No Comments

Bow ties are a classic option that will add the finishing touch to your wedding day outfit. As dashing as they are, the sophisticated embellishment is a bit tricky to pull off. If you’re unsure and want to pull off the tasteful look yourself, here’s how to tie a bow tie on your wedding day, or any other day you want to look extra dapper:

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Step by step

Choose a great bow tie

Black is a classic colour to choose but if your wedding vibe allows for it, consider opting for a funky colour, pattern or material.

Sizing

To ensure you get that dashing and sophisticated look, adjust the bow tie according to your neck size. Ask a sales assistant to measure your neck when purchasing a bow tie. There should be an adjustable slider or a hook and holes that will allow you to make the bow tie bigger or smaller.

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How to tie

The most popular choice is the butterfly bow tie.

First place your bow tie around your neck facing up. Make sure that the right side is shorter than the left. Your left end is A and the right end is B.

Move A over to the right. It will be across from B. It should form an X shape.

Move A under B and bring it up through the neck loop.

You can now fold B towards the right and finally to the left, which will then create the bow shape.

The A side can now move straight down over the middle section (the bow shape)

A can be folded towards the chest.

Pinch the fold.

You need to push A through the loop behind B.

Finally, pull on the folded parts which will tighten it. Adjust the bow tie to be balanced on both sides.

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In Fashion

Bridal capes

September 20, 2019 No Comments

Bridal capes are a great option for brides that are looking for a little something extra and for those that are looking to break away from the norm. Bridal capes are elegant and very stylish plus they’re trending! Gain some inspiration from these tasteful bridal capes.

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As you can see bridal capes can come in various styles, lengths and materials. It’s your day to shine, so choose to embellish your bridal look with a fashion forward cape.

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In Advice

Get creative with your wedding dress after the big day

September 18, 2019 No Comments

Wedding dresses are a huge part of the big day. So much effort and money goes into the wedding gown to ensure that the blushing bride looks her best. After making your way down the aisle and turning heads, what can you do with your gown? Get creative with your wedding dress after the big day.

Donate it

Your wedding dress holds a special meaning, but more often than not, it just becomes an ornament hanging in the back of your cupboard. Donating your dress will give someone else the opportunity to feel just as beautiful and glamorous as you did on your big day.

Get crafty

Wedding dresses tend to have much more fabric than others, which can be cut and crafted in new and creative ways. You can cut the dress down and use strips of material for making various home decor items or clothing. Satin and lace work well for this. Or separate the skirt and bodice to wear as stylish separates paired with more casual items.

Family heirloom

If you feel sentimental and would like to keep your dress, turning it into a Christening dress or princess-style dress for your daughter or younger family member is a meaningful way of re-using your dress.

Dye it

Along the lines of crafting, dying your dress will instantly change its look and make it an elegant evening gown which you can wear out to events or formal functions.

Special occasion

Love Halloween or any kind of dress-up for that matter? You can get seriously creative with your wedding dress for a themed party. Think zombie bride or fairytale princess! Another option is to keep your wedding dress for anniversaries or if you decide to renew your vows.

Sell it

Putting your wedding dress up for sale will at least reimburse you to a certain extent. Receiving some money is a lot better than your bridal gown gathering dust.

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