David's Bridal

The Perfect Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

By Carmen Ordonez

You probably pictured your daughter’s wedding dress since she broke the news that she was engaged. But now it’s time to pick your own dress and you might be feeling at a loss. Sure it’s your daughter’s big day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still look fabulous yourself. Gone are the days of frumpy Mother-of-the-Bride dresses, here are some tips and dresses to help you look stylish on the big day.

Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for your dress. Give yourself at least three to four months in case your dress needs to be altered. Also keep in mind the location of the wedding.  If it’s an outdoor wedding, look for easy breezy styles made out of breathable fabrics. This long jersey dress from David’s Bridal is the perfect choice. The fabric will allow you to move comfortably, and you’ll definitely make a statement when you leave the room with this open back detail. It’s absolutely stunning and a steal for only $119.

Peplums made their way into the fashion scene last year and they’re not going away anytime soon. This peplum dress manages to combine both style and sophistication in one piece. The knee length skirt makes it age appropriate, while the all-over lace adds a nice chic touch. This particular silhouette is also great for those with a straight shape, since the peplum flare gives the illusion of an hourglass figure.

This Cross Over Bodice Gown from David’s Bridal is elegance at its best. It’s ideal for a formal black-tie affair. The rushing detail in the waist highlights the shape, while the ¾ sleeves gives just the right amount of coverage.

This short satin dress is a perfect Mother-of-the-Bride dress. The royal blue goes great with almost any skin tone and the satin jacket provides coverage for those chilly spring nights. It can also be removed, for a dress that can easily be worn time and time again.

Save vs. Splurge, Wedding Edition: Where to Spend, Where to Scrimp

BY CATEY HILL

From the white flowy dress to the candlelit aisle, the five-tiered cake to the gorgeous bouquets, you’ve probably imagined your wedding day since you were a little girl. But now that you’re actually planning it, reality is setting in.  Of course you want the fairytale — I mean, who doesn’t?! — but you can only spend so much, so it’s important to figure out where you’ll splurge, and where you’ll cut costs.

To figure this out, first, you’ll need to make a wedding budget (I know, you hate that word, but I swear it’s not that bad – use the David’s Bridal MyEvent wedding planner site and it’s super-easy to do it!). Then, look at the list of all the things you will spend money on for your wedding.  Check out the budget I created to help you figure this out.  Now, rank that list in terms of what’s most important to you and what’s least important; spend the most on what’s most important to you and the least on what’s not.

OK, so that might have seemed a little overwhelming.  I mean, where do you rank all those things?! You probably really want to know what married people and wedding planners say is great to splurge on and worth it so scrimp on. Don’t worry, I talked to them and got some advice.  Here’s the scoop:
Where to save
It used to be that to get an amazing dress you had to go to a boutique or super high-end department store. Not anymore.  David’s Bridal has Vera Wang dresses - yes, the Vera Wang! – for under $1,700, some even under $1,000, plus other amazing luxe designers like Melissa Sweet and Oleg Cassini (hello, he dressed Jackie O — one of the most timeless style icons ever!). Another big way to save is on food and the bar (if this isn’t the top of your priority list).  Don’t have a fancy sit-down dinner — your guests will have just as much fun with a simple buffet or passed around tapas– and serve beer, wine and one signature cocktail (you and your soon-to-be bubby can pick it together!) rather than a full-on open bar.

Where to splurge

Don’t scrimp on the photos and video of the wedding (these are things you’ll have in frames in your home for rest of your life and give to your grandchildren!).  So hire a reliable photographer and maybe even a videographer so you can make sure that perfect moment is captured … in high def of course!  Added bonus: Your friends and family can snap more pics of your day for free so you have even more keepsakes!  The other thing you should splurge on — at least for one night — is your honeymoon. Spend time with your new hubby in an amazing setting, even if it’s just for a night or two.

Clean Out Your Closet for Ca$h
BY CATEY HILL

If you’re anything like most girls I know, your closet is literally overflowing with clothes, shoes and accessories that you don’t wear anymore. (Who hasn’t gotten just a little too caught up in one trend or another?!). But rather than let all those goodies sit there collecting dust, why not clean out your closet and sell that stuff for cash?

To do this, first you’ll need to take an inventory of your closet.  Anything you haven’t worn in the past year or so, consider selling. Next, learn which items will fetch more cash than others (but don’t throw anything out yet as almost everything you own can probably fetch at least some money). Here are a few things to look for:

• Brand: Obviously, high-end designer names like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are going to fetch top dollar on the resale market, but slightly less pricey — but still popular — designer brands like Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs and White by Vera Wang will score you some cash as well. Even if you don’t have those kinds of clothes in your wardrobe, designer collaborations with department stores (think Jimmy Choo for H&M or Missoni for Target) can fetch a pretty penny, as can clothes from retailers like J.Crew and Anthropologie.
• Style: Even if you don’t have many name-brand clothes, you can get a decent amount of money for clothes that are in style right now, such as leather or leather-accented items, and clothes that are black and white, striped or floral.  Also, be sure to remember the things that almost never go out of style, like the little black dress and the simple blazer. And think seasonally: Since summer is fast approaching, you can get money for cocktail dresses and old bridesmaids dresses that people can wear to weddings.
• Condition: The clothes need to be in good condition — few if any stains, tears or discolorations — if you expect to get top dollar for them.  It’s smart to wash and iron clothes or fix a fallen hem or pocket before trying to sell them.  Even clothes that are from a big-box budget store — if they’re in good condition — may fetch you some money.

Now that you’ve taken inventory in your closet, it’s time to sell your stuff.  There are a variety of ways to do this.

• Online: Everyone knows about eBay already, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a great place to sell clothes, especially name brand items, since often a bunch of people bid on them and drive up the price. With eBay the key is to have great photos (show those designer tags or receipts if you have them, and make sure the photos are well lit) and a good seller rating.I also like these sites/apps for selling clothes: Storenvy.com, Threadflip.com and the iPhone app Poshmark.  All of these sites are easy to use and can help you earn cash for your old clothes.

• Consignment: Offering up your clothes to a local consignment shop is another good way to get paid.  Typically, you’ll get 40 – 50% of the total price that the consignment shop sells your stuff for.  If you can, get these terms in writing.  And before you go into a consignment shop, do some research online about what similar items are selling for — often you can get more money by selling your stuff online.

• Garage sale: Garage sales are often best for those clothes that aren’t from a well-respected brand, aren’t that fashion-forward and/or aren’t in great condition that you just want to get rid of.  Hold a garage sale and try to sell what you can.  Towards the end of the sale, if you haven’t sold the items, put a bunch of the clothes in a box together and then sell the “bundle” for a few bucks.  Hey, it’s better than getting nothing!

What to Wear to a Spring Wedding

By Carmen Ordonez

Spring wedding season has arrived and it’s time to shed the winter coats and break out the fun spring hues. For those of you with spring weddings on the horizon, here are a couple options for what to wear to a spring wedding.

Prints and Patterns

Prints and patterns are all the rage this spring. Look for prints in some of this spring’s hottest colors such as green and blue. You’ll be sure to make a fashion statement. I’m loving this green charmeuse printed dress from David’s Bridal.

Low-High Hem Lines

Can’t decide whether to go long or short, then a high-low hemline is you’re perfect solution.  It’s great for a spring weddings, whether indoors or outdoors. David’s Bridal has some great options that are right on trend this spring like this pastel chiffon dress or this printed empire waisted dress.

Bold Bright Colors

Nothing says spring like bold, bright colors. This spring it’s all about the oranges, yellows and pinks. If you’re feeling a bit daring, you can also try color-blocking and pair any of these dresses with another bold color. For example, this pink tulle dress from David’s Bridal would go great with a yellow pump.

Amazing Prom Advice From The British Bardot You NEED To Read!

By Nikki Pennie

Prom is coming up soon for you lovely ladies!  Being British I am sad to say that I was never able to attend prom as we don’t have them back home .

So, I’m putting my own British spin on three prom dresses I absolutely love!  Part of the “London Look” is to mix up an outfit and give it your own edge. Fashion is about having fun and being original!  I found this FAB David’s bridal prom dress and it is under $100 dollars style 21323, in fact it is on sale right now so it is an amazing bargain!  It is gorgeous, fun and flirty.  I also love the color as it would complement every skin tone and hair color. It is young, fresh and modern and a great length if you prefer to wear short and not long.

Strapless Glitter Mesh Dress with Tiered Skirt Style 21323

Another great option is this ivory princess gown, style G145!  It is a bit more expensive but it is such a Cinderella number…Just don’t forget to be home by midnight .

Strapless Heavily Sequin Prom DressStyle G145

Last but not least, I adore this beauty as it is effortless and chic! Style 8420DW4B is a gorgeous blue hue that will make you feel like a million dollars on your big night!

Beaded Chiffon Halter Prom Dress with Empire Waist Style 8420DW4B

The way in which I would style these Promtastic Prom dresses is by giving them a bit of a “Rock n roll” twist, in the mode of my favorite British Bardot; Kate Moss.  I would pair each dress with a cool leather biker jacket.  You can get great options from Topshop, Zara, Forever 21 and some cool and simple nude or black pumps from Shoemint. If you are feeling really adventurous you could even wear some uber cool rocker ankle boots.

I would keep jewelry to a minimum as less is always more when you are wearing a gorgeous dress with a lot of detail.  I would go for an evening clutch that is also quite simple and a block color that compliments the dress.  You could even try a metallic, I am crazy for metallic leather bags in fun colors!

White by Vera Wang  Ombre Tulle Ball Gown: A Dream Marriage Proposal

By Sarah Pease

For the bride who chooses a blush-colored gown, only a truly unique marriage proposal idea will do.  Inspired by the gorgeous waves in this airy gown, this proposal begins deep in the Napa Valley.

The California sky is still dark, but the birds are chirping around your resort cottage when there’s a knock at the door.  You open the door to the hotel butler who presents you with two mimosas and a single envelope.  You thank the butler and hand the note to your girlfriend.  She reads the note aloud “You’re cordially invited to a sunrise hot air balloon ride this morning.” The butler serves you the drinks and informs you that the car will pick you up at 6am.  You hurry to get ready, bundling up for the still-chilly Napa morning.  The car takes you to an empty field, as you approach you can see the balloon inflating – an impressive multi-colored sphere against the still-darkened sky.

As a sliver of sun crests the horizon, you both step into the basket and before you know it, you’re soaring above the rolling hills of Napa and Sonoma.  The sound of the wind and the occasional burst of gas into the balloon make you feel like you’re flying!  The pilot dips down to get a glimpse of the vineyards below and you grab her hand to steady each other.  As the sun rises in the sky, the temperature warms and the clouds take on a certain blush tone – soft and soothing around you.  The pilot begins the first descent to the landing area, a gorgeous field of lavender next to one of the most esteemed wineries of the region.  Just as you’re about to touch down, a giant sign is revealed across the field that says “Will You Marry Me?”  You land and immediately drop to one knee, pulling out the beautiful ring that you’ve selected.  She says yes!  You continue the fun and excitement of the day with a private wine tasting, tour of the adjoining vineyard and cap things off with a relaxed bike ride back to your resort.  The perfect end to the night is a table for two at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry where you’ll toast to many more sunrises together!

Sarah Pease, The Proposal Planner ™ is recognized as the foremost expert on marriage proposals and is the pioneer of Marriage Proposal Planning. Based in New York City, Sarah and her team at Brilliant Event Planning have designed and produced dream engagements for countless lucky couples from across the world and are the go-to source for all things regarding “Will You Marry Me?”

Balloon: http://landlopers.com/2012/07/22/napa-hot-air-balloon/

Sky: http://www.flickr.com/photos/idashum/galleries/72157625344592718

Bikes: http://www.solagecalistoga.com/

French Laundry Clothespin: http://www.ruggedelegantliving.com/a/002148.html

Wine Tasting: http://www.mommysavers.com/c/t/197997/anyone-making-vacation-plans-for-this-coming-spring-or-summer

Winery: http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/napa/vineyards

6 Simple Ways to Save on Prom
BY CATEY HILL

The fab dress, the dreamy date, the DJ and the dance party … what’s not to love about prom?!

Well, the price. The average cost of prom is more than $1,000.  Yikes!

So what’s a girl to do when she wants a dream prom night, but doesn’t want to spend that much?  Follow these simple tips and you’ll slash the cost of prom in no time (without sacrificing any of the fun!).

1. Get your makeup done at a department store: Go to the makeup counter at any big department store and have one of their pros do your makeup — you’ll look fab and it’s totally free!  Of course, you may feel obligated to buy something. If you do, pick something inexpensive like a lip gloss that you know you’ll use again and again.

2. Get your hair and nails done by a student: Rather than go to a fancy salon for the perfect do, look into going to a beauty school.  You’ll get your hair done by a student (who’s supervised by a professional, so don’t worry!) for a fraction of the cost of a salon. You can find beauty schools near you here: http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/.

You can also often score discount mani-pedis from cosmetology students (use that same link to find cosmetology schools in your area)!  If there isn’t one near you, invite your girlfriends over for a pre-prom “spa day” at your house. You can do each other’s nails.

3. Buy a discounted gift card to pay for dinner: It’s super fun to go out to dinner for prom, but who wants to spend that much?  You probably already know about Groupon, LivingSocial and Restaurants.com, all of which have great deals on restaurants. But here’s another little secret that can save you and your friends big: Buy a discounted gift card for the restaurant you’re going to on PlasticJungle.com.  So, let’s say you’re going to Macaroni Grill for dinner. You could go in with friends and buy a gift card worth $100 on the site, but only pay $80 for it!  That means you’ll get $100 worth of food for only $80!  And if you still can’t afford that, don’t worry: It’s often super-fun to host a dinner party at home!

4. Score deals on your dress: It’s tempting to totally blow your budget on your dream dress, but there’s really no need to. Skip local stores and boutiques (you don’t want to end up with the same dress as another girl!) and check out the dress selection (there are so many choices!) on David’s Bridal.  They have some amazing dresses that are literally half off, and tons of super-cute frocks that are well under $100!  If money is really tight, look for a dress (think classic, solid colors) that you can wear again if you pair it with different shoes or accessories. Here are three great dresses under $100 we LOVE this season and will make you feel like a princess on your big night!

Strapless Empire Beaded Empire Waist Prom Dress Style 8420CW7B

Pearl Jeweled Necklace Halter Mesh GownStyle 8420Y039

Beaded One Shoulder Mesh Prom DressStyle 8420BX1B

Remember: The #1 rule to saving money on your dress is to start shopping early. As prom approaches, the dress selection can get picked over — and that’ll make you desperate to find the perfect dress, and a little too willing to totally blow your budget.

5. Host a prom swap party: David’s Bridal once again wins my vote as the go-to spot for amazing shoes and accessories at prices you can totally afford!  But if you’re running low on cash and still need a few key accessories, host a “prom swap party” for all of your girlfriends at your place. Everyone brings some fun accessories and shoes, and you guys can borrow each other’s stuff.  It’s a super fun way to get together with the girls, and it allows you to put the finishing touches on your prom look.  (Remember even if your BFFs shoes don’t quite fit you, you can always add insoles.)

6. Say no to pricey extras: A lot of people feel like they need to buy photos from the professional photographer at the prom or get a pricey limo.  If you can afford these things, great, but they’re totally not necessary.  Have your parents take the before pics, and once you’re at prom, you and your friends can use your phones to snap pics of each other.  You can also rent a nice car with a driver rather than a limo, which is often cheaper, or just drive yourselves or have friends from a different school or your older brother or sis do the driving.

Tips for Spring Cleaning your Wardrobe

By Carmen Ordonez

So at the beginning of every year I like to go through my closet and clean it out. Not only because it’s so messy (I must admit I’m not the most organized–but I’m working on it) but because sometimes you just need to part ways with clothes you don’t wear anymore. Here are some of my tips for cleaning out your closet and knowing when it’s time to say good-bye to clothes:

Assess your Closet: First thing you’ll want to do is take everything out your closet. Sort through the clothes and ask yourself these questions:

Has it been a year or more since I last wore this?

Does it fit?

Is it broken and can it be fixed?

Am I really going to wear this again?

Do I wear this on a regular basis?

Separate Clothes in Piles: Once you ask yourself these questions, separate your clothes into 3 piles: Clothes you wear on a regular basis, garments that need to be fixed or altered and clothes that need to be thrown away or donated.

What Needs to Go: Get rid of clothes that don’t fit anymore, even if it was your favorite top you scored on sale or if you’re holding off in case it one day comes back in style. Clothes that don’t fit are just bad for your self-esteem. If an item has holes or stains ask yourself if it can indeed be fixed. If it can, then put it in your fix it pile and consult with your tailor. If not, then it’s time to part ways.

Host a Clothes Swap Party: Don’t just throw away the clothes you don’t wear anymore. Consider hosting a clothing swap party. This is where you get with a group of friends and exchange the clothes you don’t wear anymore. Hey, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure right? This is a great way of updating your wardrobe without even spending a dime. You could also donate the clothes to organizations such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

Evaluating your closet is a perfect way to help you know what lives in your closet. Next time you go shopping you’ll know not to buy that green blouse (even if it’s on sale) since you already have one very similar already in your closet.

NY Fashion Week Inspired Looks for Less

By: Carmen Ordonez

Another New York Fashion Week has come and gone and many of us were left coveting the looks that went down the runway. But one thing I wasn’t coveting is the hefty price tag that comes along with the looks. So as your resident budget fashionista, I’ve gone on the hunt to find some runway inspired looks for less—your wallet can thank me later.

Designer J. Mendel featured several edgy and figure flattering dresses down the runway, including this A-line leather and lace corset dress. To get the look, without going too daring, consider this Short Jersey Dress with Full Lace Skirt from David’s Bridal. The V-neck will help elongate your neck and provide a slimming effect.

It was all about the glamour for the fashion house of Venexiana during New York Fashion Week, including this metallic dress with rosette detail. For an inspired look for less, check out this Fit and Flare Dress with Organza Rosette Detail from David’s Bridal. The fit and flare shape hugs your curves in all the right places and is sure to turn heads. It also comes in five different colors including black, pink and blue. Oh and did I mention it’s under $200—total score!

White and gold was seen all over the runways, including this number from Badgley Mischka. Chanel your inner golden goddess for less with this Sleeveless Key Hole Print Dress. The X shaped waist will help highlight the narrowest part of your waist and give you a stunning silhouette.

What Should a Wedding Cost?
BY CATEY HILL

Almost every future bride has a moment when she wonders: How can my wedding be costing this much?! Don’t worry, that’s totally normal — and it’s true, weddings can be pricey.  So what’s “normal” for a wedding to cost?

Estimates on what the average wedding in America costs usually range from about $25,000 – $28,000, not including the honeymoon.  Here’s a breakdown of how the average bride likely spends that money (based on a $25,000 wedding):

• $13,250 on the reception.
  This may include the venue, catering, bar, cake or dessert, lighting and music.
• $3,000 on photos and video.
  This includes not only the photographer and videographers fees but also prints and albums.
• $2,500 on attire.
  This may include the dress, alterations, veil, accessories, hair, makeup, and tux.
• $2,000 on flowers.
  This includes flowers for both the ceremony and reception.
• $1,500 on the ceremony.
  This may include the venue, officiant, marriage license, ring pillow and musician.
• $750 on stationary.
  This may include save-the-date cards, invitations, RSVP cards, programs, seating name cards, thank-you notes, postage and menu cards. Definitely check out David’s Bridal’s line of invitations and stationary- they have just about any theme you’re looking for and are reasonably priced!
• $750 on rings.
  This includes the wedding bands for the bride and groom.
• $750 on favors and gifts.
  This may include favors for wedding guests, welcome bags for guests in their hotel rooms and gifts for the wedding party.  If you’re looking for inexpensive but cute favors from photo albums and sweets to note pads and bottle stoppers, be sure to check out the assortment from David’s Bridal- the more you buy the more you save!
• $500 on transportation.
  This may include transportation for guests to and from the venue, valet parking, car rental or limo for bride and groom and limo for the wedding party.

Of course, every bride is different, and her wedding could cost far less or more than average.  Some of that will depend on where you have the wedding.  It tends to be more expensive to get married in the Northeast — New York City is usually the priciest place, but Boston isn’t too far behind — than most other areas of the country.  It’s also expensive to get married in California, especially popular spots like Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, as well as in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia.  If you’re looking to save money, head to the Midwest or South and to smaller cities or rural areas (doesn’t a quaint country wedding sound nice!).

Surprisingly, it’s often less expensive to do a destination wedding than to get married in or near your hometown.  Part of that is that fewer guests tend to come to destination weddings, so you’re paying for a lot less food and alcohol that you might otherwise.  Plus, if you go somewhere like the Riviera Maya or Jamaica, you can find great deals on beautiful beachside hotel venues.  Grab your flip flops, ladies!

Even if your wedding is going to cost a lot less – or a lot more – than average, don’t worry.  As long as you can afford it (no credit card debt, please!), go for it!