David's Bridal

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.

Galina Gown Meets Old Hollywood: A Dream Marriage Proposal

By Sarah Pease

After each awards show in Hollywood there is no shortage of magazines and websites splashed with photos of starlets donning gorgeous gowns, and season after season some of the best dressed women are those that channeled Old Hollywood glamour. The figure-hugging shape and sweetheart neckline of this demure yet sultry Galina Signature wedding gown served as the inspiration for a marriage proposal fit for a 1940’s screen siren or a modern starlet.

Your future-fiancée will think she is having a girl’s day spent shopping and going to the spa with her best friend, but the day has actually been planned down to the last detail to be the day of her dreams.  Everything begins as your sweetheart and friend set off for one of the chicest shopping streets in Hollywood, Rodeo Drive.  As they meander and peer into the ornately decorated window displays, her friend will suggest venturing into one of the well-known boutiques where they’ll try on some of the to-die-for dresses and shoes, but what your future-fiancée does not know is that you secretly contacted the store prior to her visit and arranged for her favorite pieces to be delivered to the spa.  After visiting some of Hollywood’s most famous boutiques, the women will head to the spa for an afternoon of starlet-worthy pampering.  As their spa trip comes to an end, she’ll be surprised when an exquisitely-wrapped garment bag from the store she visited earlier greets her at the spa. A classic car will whisk her to one of Hollywood’s most iconic spots, the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she’s shown to a dream suite and says goodbye to her friend and hello to her beauty team.  They’ll create the perfect hair & makeup look and as she changes into her glamorous, red-carpet ready outfit, she is transformed into a vintage screen siren. An impeccably dressed butler will show her to the hotel’s terrace bar that overlooks the pool, where a “red carpet” rose petal path will lead you to an intimate table-for-two hidden amongst the palm trees.  You’ll be waiting for her at the end of the red carpet with an envelope with her name on it. The outside reads “The Academy Award for Best Leading Lady” and on the inside is her name.  You drop to one knee and share that you would truly be the winner, for the rest of your lives, if she says yes!

Like the classic and glamorous Galina Signature gown, this marriage proposal idea is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood and will be remembered forever.

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?”

Beverly HIlls Hotel

Bar Nineteen12

Lana Turner

Rodeo Drive

Rose Petal Path

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.

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

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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

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.

Good Morning DB Readers and Happy Friday! Nikki Pennie, our Style Council member who is our go-to for fashion advice was recently featured on People.com! Wondering what Kate might have worn on Valentine’s Day with her new baby bump in tow?! Nikki shared her best pointers for women who are expecting but still want to look fabulous!