David's Bridal

Hello DB Readers and Happy Trendy Tuesday! Since the release of The Great Gatsby, the romantic and vintage-y inspired fashions have been popping up everywhere- from bridal gowns to special occasion dresses to… headbands!  Our fashionista and Style Council Member Carmen Ordonez recently posted on her blog about great Vintage Inspired headbands that are affordable and shockingly under $50! Here is our great White by Vera Wang headband that you too can wear to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan!

Quinceañera season is officially upon us!  The invitations have gone out and now it’s time to pick the perfect dress.  But before you get overwhelmed, here are some of my favorite trends in Quinceañera fashion that will make you look fashion-forward, while still being the belle of the ball.

Black and White Trend

White has always been a traditional option for Quinceañera fashion, and this year it’s all about the black and white trend! You can easily translate this trend into your Quinceañera look by incorporating black accessories, such as a statement necklace or black heels with this gorgeous satin strapless beaded gown from David’s Bridal. The A-line silhouette is also figure flattering and would work great on any body type.

Bold, Bright Colors

As the weather gets warmer, we’re seeing a surge of bold colors and this summer it’s all about the “Lemon Zest.” It was spotted all over the fashion runways! This strapless taffeta ball gown is right on trend and budget-friendly for just $399. The inverted “V” empire waist will help accentuate your figure and the jewel details will make you sparkle as you make your grand entrance. It’s also available in other bold colors such as pink and blue.

Organza

This season it’s all about light and airy organza. This feminine fabric is truly fit for a princess and it is also lightweight – perfect for any outdoor Quinceañera parties.  The dramatic vertical ruffles on this David’s Bridal dress are absolutely breathtaking.

Leave the Crown and Consider a Headband

Instead of your traditional crown, consider using a headband inspired by the movie The Great Gatsby. Embellished headbands add a ton of glamour and are really in style right now. This White by Vera Wang horsehair headband with crystal embellishment is my favorite!

Billboard Latin Music Awards Red Carpet Looks for Less

By Carmen Ordonez

The stars brought the heat to the 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which took place last week in sunny Miami, Florida. From bright bold colors such as Kika Rocha’s purple organza dress to America Sierra’s fuchsia strapless number – there were many favorites on my list. Luckily for us, we can mimic their style without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly alternatives from David’s Bridal.

America Sierra looked stunning in this tiered fuschia dress. Get a similar look with this strapless sequined bodice gown from David’s Bridal. The empire sash waist creates a flattering silhouette, while the sequined bodice adds the perfect amount of glam. This dress would be perfect for prom or even a black-tie wedding.

Venezuelan model, Natasha Dominguez, turned heads on the red carpet with this sequined long dress. You can easily recreate her look with this one-shouldered glitter mesh dress from David’s Bridal. It’s the perfect mix of feminine and sexy with the sweetheart neckline and side slit. Take a cue from the gorgeous model and keep your accessories to a minimum. You don’t want them to overpower your dress.

Kika Rocha flaunted her figure on the red carpet in this purple mermaid dress. Accentuate your own curves with this striking organza dress for just under $200. Finish off your look with this intricate beaded satin sash from David’s Bridal for only $39.

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.

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.

Hello DB Readers and Happy Thrifty Thursday! Our Budget Fashion Aficianado, Carmen Ordonez was recently featured on Babble.com about great maternity attire for mommies to be! Since Carmen recently gave birth to her first child she knows a few great fashion tricks for the fashionable moms who don’t want to sacrifice their style OR break the bank!! Carmen look absolutely stunning in one of our Sleeveless Jersey Dress with Charmeuse Waist Band! Empire waisted dresses are great for pregnant women as they highlight the narrowest part of your waist and flows over your baby bump, making it comfortable yet stylish.

Pregnant or not, you’ll look absolutely stunning in a dress for any occasion from day wear and work to happy hour or a gala from David’s Bridal! Check out her great tips here

!

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.

Valentine’s Day Date Outfits on a Budget

By Carmen Ordonez

Trying to decide what to wear for your Valentine’s Day date? Well not to worry, I’ve put together some outfit ideas that are sure to impress your sweetie and not to mention they’re also easy on the wallet.

Under: $100

Nothing screams Valentine’s Day quite like a red dress. This strapless sateen dress from David’s Bridal is simple, yet chic and would be perfect for a dinner date. Pair it with some black or nude pumps.  Since the dress is strapless, I also recommend adding a statement necklace to add some visual interest to the neckline.

Style 39261

This dress is flirty and feminine, great for any Valentine’s Day date. I also love the all over lace, which is a huge trend right now. Sashes are also all the rage (Michelle Obama caused a sensation with the sash she wore during the Presidential Inauguration). Well this flower sash adds the perfect finishing touch to the dress.

Style: 3231BZ3B

Under $150

You’ve heard of the phrase “dress to impress” well this one-shouldered bandage dress does just that.   It’s sexy and sophisticated and the bandage detail creates a stunning silhouette.  It’s a steal for just $129.

Style 231M31910

A New Style Council is in Office for David’s Bridal!

We are proud to introduce the 2013 Style Council! A notable stylist, a renowned wedding and proposal planner, a prominent financial-savvy advisor and a budget fashion expert have joined forces to “propose” their knowledge as part of the Style Council.  Be sure to check out each Style Council members bio to learn more about their area of expertise and keep an eye out for their upcoming posts on our blog!

2013 Style Council:

Sarah Pease –  The “I Do” Expert

Nikki Pennie – The Purveyor of Style

Catey Hill – The Money Maven

Carmen Ordonez – The Budget Fashion Aficionado