David's Bridal

Catey Hill

The Money Maven

Catey Hill is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in/on The Wall Street Journal, SmartMoney, Worth, Seventeen, Forbes.com, the New York Daily News, and dozens of other publications and websites. She is also the author of “Shoo, Jimmy Choo! The Modern Girl’s Guide to Spending Less and Saving More” (Sterling, 2010), which People dubbed “one of the best of the new crop of personal finance books,” The New York Times called “solid” and The Associated Press said was “eye-opening.” Catey has appeared as a personal finance expert on dozens of television programs, including “FOX & Friends,” “The Huckabee Show” on FOX and “The Early Show” on CBS; in a number of magazines, including Marie Claire, Allure, People, Seventeen and Woman’s Day; and on more than 50 radio programs.

6 Tips for Dressing Slimmer in the New Year

By Carmen Ordonez

Many of us probably have loosing weight as one of our New Year Resolutions, but what if I told you there’s ways to look 10 pounds slimmer without ever hitting the gym or going on a diet. Here are a couple of simple tips and tricks to make you look slimmer by just what you wear.

Look for dark colors. Dark solid colors such as black or navy are a definite DO for looking slim, for example this Chiffon Blouson Black Dress from David’s Bridal. Take it up a notch by adding a statement necklace, which will draw the attention to your face and away from your hips and tummy.  A V-neck dress will also help elongate the neck and make you look leaner.

55074D

Dress proportionately. A key to dressing slimmer is knowing your body type and how to balance your figure. If you’re pear-shaped (smaller on the top and bigger on the bottom) look for a blouse with ruffles or opt for adding a blazer, which will help create volume, broaden the upper body and balance your hips. If you’re bigger on the top, look for simple tops with minimal details and embellishments, which will help downsize your bust.

Look for a wrap dress or empire waist dress: A wrap dress is one dress that is universally flattering and can instantly make you look slimmer. It’s form fitting, accentuates the waist and skims over the body so you’re not seeing every lump and bump. An empire waist dress, like this one-shouldered flower mesh gown from David’s Bridal is also a great option since it highlights the narrowest part of your waist (right below your bust) and flows over the tummy area.

8420Y033W

Vertical Stripes. Look for prints with vertical stripes, which have a slimming effect. On the other hand, stay away from horizontal stripes, which will only make you look wider since it commands the eyes to follow the movement of the lines.

Avoid yards of fabric. Clothes that are too baggy and bulky will only make you look bigger than you really are. Instead look for body-conscious clothing (that is not too tight) which is the most figure flattering.

Invest in shapewear. I personally love shape wear. Invest in good shapewear, which can immediately take pounds off.

Good Afternoon DB Bloggers! Happy Thrifty Thursday! As you all know, our amazing Hispanic and Budget Fashion Style Council Member, Carmen Ordonez always has the greatest looks for less! Her blog, VivaFashion has a section dedicated to “Stealing Her Look”, which is an exact head to toe look a like outfit for less! Carmen is always blogging about all things fashion, so check out her blog here! Here is her latest post on how to steal Lily Aldridge’s most recent stunning outfit!

Top NYE Party Accessories

By Carmen Ordonez

We’re quickly approaching one of the most anticipated nights of the year– New Year’s Eve! As you begin to plan your holiday party outfit, remember no look is complete without some killer accessories. It’s an easy way to take an outfit from boring to chic within minutes. So welcome in the New Year in style with these must-have accessories from David’s Bridal.

Take a look to the next level with this crystal and floral embellished necklace. It’s a steal for only $45. Pair it with a solid colored dress and glittery pumps for some extra sparkle.

106271

New Year’s Eve is all about the bling. Add some shine to your outfit with this “All Over Metallic Bling Clutch.” It’s big enough to hold all of your essentials (cash, ID, and don’t forget the lipstick for that midnight smooch) while glitzy enough to stand out from the crowd

Glam Clutch

Put your best foot forward in 2013 with these Glitter Peep Toe High Heel Slingbacks. The all over glitter detail brings drama and luxe at the same time. And for only $39, it will make you want to dance the night away.

Vice Shoe

Create a fun-festive look with this stunning Blue and Silver Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet. The gorgeous rhinestones make any outfit more celebration-worthy and will make you shine bright like a diamond.

9015B

Planning the Ultimate Holiday Party for your Friends

by Cassandra Morris

‘Tis the season to throw a fabulous soiree! If you want to play hostess for your friends and create the ultimate holiday party, here’s how to make it memorable.

Send a special invite. Skip the mass Facebook invite in favor of something a little more personal. Paperless Post (link: www.paperlesspost.com) has a slew of thoughtful holiday invitations that will appear right in your friends’ inboxes. They’re not only adorable to gaze at, they send the message that your gathering will be a little more formal than the usual hang sesh.

Have a Themed Menu and Décor. Picking and sticking to a theme will pull your entire party together. It can be as simple as heart confetti and cupcakes with frosted peace signs for a “Peace and Love” theme, framed photos of classic holiday movie scenes, vintage-inspired candleholders and a viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for a “Classic Holidays” theme, or faux snow and blue, silver and white decorations for a “Let it Snow!” theme.

Set the Mood With Music. Holiday music is a must for December parties. If you don’t have a holiday playlist on your laptop, cue one up on Pandora.

Create a Hot Cocoa and Apple Cider Bar. The drinks of the holiday season are hot cocoa and warm apple cider. Set up a mini bar where your friends can concoct their own special mixes. Peppermint sticks, almonds, coconut, marshmallows in every size and flavored whipped cream should definitely make an appearance for the hot chocolate lovers. Cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, maple syrup and orange peel garnishes are perfect for the hot apple cider connoisseurs.

Play Reindeer Games. Silly holiday games aren’t just for kids. Here are some of my faves: Have everyone decorate gingerbread cookies and give prizes for most creative, prettiest or messiest. Have your friends create a “Naughty and Nice” list of things they’ve done over the past year, then read them aloud. Have everyone bring a wrapped holiday gift under $10 for a holiday grab bag, then draw numbers out of a bowl. Number one unwraps a gift first, while numbers two and higher can either select a new gift to open or steal someone else’s. If your gift is stolen, you choose an unwrapped gift. You’ll be amazed at how competitive everyone gets over the most coveted gifts!

Take a Holiday Stroll. If you live in a neighborhood that has a ton of holiday lights, bundle up and go for a post-hot cocoa group stroll to admire them.

Dress the part. As hostess, your outfit should set the party mood. I love this silver foil dress by David’s Bridal. The color is festive, the ruching is flattering, and the side beading adds a touch of whimsy. Tip: Be sure to get dressed after all your party preparations have been made. You don’t want to accidentally spill chocolate on your dress or snag it on a rough edge while you’re decorating.

7702X20B

Celebrity Inspired Cocktail Dresses For NYE

by Katrina Mitzeliotis

New Year’s Eve is the perfect night to get all dressed up. Regardless of where you’re headed, it always feels like everyone opts for a higher heel, a shorter hemline and a little more sparkle for the fun occasion. If you’re still searching for the perfect party dress, I suggest drawing inspiration from some of your favorite stars. From lots of sequins to ombre and lace, there are so many different trends to embrace. While during the holiday season you have to be conscious about dressing appropriate in front of your family and colleagues, NYE is all about standing out and letting your personal sense of style shine through, so have some fun and don’t be afraid to try a new red carpet trend!

Sequins

For me New Years Eve is all about sparkle — and you can never shine too bright! While the trend is a quintessential holiday staple, it’s also been popular on the red carpet, with everyone from Celine Dion to Katy Perry showing off the trend. If you are weary of trying out the look, I recommend sticking to a classic silhouette in a neutral color. Remember to keep the accessories to a minimum so the focus stays on the frock.

JH2M0070

Lace

From Reese Witherspoon to Kristen Stewart, we’re seeing the feminine trend on a slew of stars of all ages. Personally, I really like the look because you will definitely find an opportunity to rewear a lace dress. From long-sleeved dresses to fit-and-flare silhouettes, the lace options are endless. For NYE, I suggest going all out in either a strapless or one-shoulder dress.

642967

Cutouts

So many stylish A-listers have embraced showing skin on the red carpet. While it could be considered a tricky trend, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a tasteful way to show off — and there’s no better time to try it out than on New Year’s Eve! Take a cue from stars like Emily Blunt, Isla Fisher and Anne Hathaway and try out the look in a sexy yet chic way. I love the way the neckline on this dress allows you to show off the trendy look while the classic, ruched silhouette keeps it classy. If you opt for side cutouts, a fit-and-flare silhouette is best to balance out the sexy vibe.

51102

Ombre

NYE is all about standing out, and if you want to experiment with a new look, I recommend wearing an ombre cocktail dress. On the red carpet we’ve seen stars like Ashley Greene and Christina Aguilera show off the style. Not only was this blue hue so hot for fall, but it looks so glamorous.

1099

Regardless of what you decide to wear on New Year’s Eve, be sure to find a dress that you feel comfortable in — that way your confidence will shine right through!

Semi-Formal Holiday Styles Fit for Every Fashionista

by Cassandra Morris

The holiday season is officially here, and so are the invites to holiday parties and dances. Don’t be caught without something fabulous to wear! Indulge in a gorgeous cranberry taffeta frock, have the perfect little black dress at the ready, and make your grand entrance with just the right amount of sparkle in these holiday ensembles.

The most festive frock

A cranberry-colored frock is always appropriate for the holidays, and this one is absolutely stunning. I love the sparkle that lines the bust, but the real draw to this dress is the oversized bow at the waist. It adds texture, detail, and the gentle reminder that you should be the receiver of at least one awesome gift this year!

30180311S

The ultimate LBD

This fierce number is a trendy twist on the tried-and-true little black dress. The lace overlay and subtle sequins are festive enough for any holiday occasion, and are totally in this year. This dress pairs perfectly with opaque black tights and a cropped cardigan if the temps are too cold for bare skin.

642967

A touch of glitz

Let it snow! This winter white sweetheart dress is flecked with glittering gold, and will make you look like the ultimate snow angel. A subtle pair of gold hoops, a few thin bracelets and nude heels will tie this look together for any formal event.

231M23800

An evening gem

The sun sets super early this time of year, but that hardly upsets your party schedule. It just means you can start wearing your sequin-packed dresses a little earlier in the evening than usual. This navy number is full of dainty ruffles and extra sparkle that will make you stand out at any holiday dance or New Year’s celebration.

231M26670

Accessories that glitter

If your holiday budget is a little tight because of all those gifts you’re buying, save a buck by updating your favorite dress with a sweet accessory or two. All-over sparkle heels or a bling-encrusted clutch can add instant holiday cheer to any outfit!

Glam

How to Find the Perfect New Year’s Eve Look

by Marissa Rubinetti

Three…Two…One—Wait! Before the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve, make sure you look and feel confident so that you won’t be worrying about anything, but being by your date, in the last few seconds of the year! Plan ahead and start dress shopping early—here are some of my favorite trends this season:

Sassy Sparkles: Make a stand-out entrance in an all-over sequin stunner as you walk into the party.

Style JS2A3937

Lovely Lace: Achieve a classic look in a fitted, delicate frock while showing off your fabulous curves.

Style 231M29420

Metallic Must-Have: For a more formal affair, try on a ruched foil dress—a popular trend this season—to stylishly dance the night away.

Style 231M24440

White Hot Wonders: Put the little black dress down and pick up a fabulous little white dress complete with sequin sashes for an extra touch of sparkle.

Style 8977A508