The Style Guru
I am pleased to introduce my latest Guest Writer, Style Guru Josh Hedrington. Josh knows the fashion scene and is probably the sharpest dresser in the DC area. With his knowledge of style and sense of humor, I thought he would make a greater contributor both to the pages of my planning guide, Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia, as well as the Bridal News Blog. Hey - I thought he was so good, I even had his likeness preserved for posterity with his own caricature!
The following is an article he wrote for the upcoming edition of Brides & Weddings (available at over 150 jewelers, bridal salons, reception sites and book stores in July). I’ll be featuring the Style Guru’s words of wisdom regularly, so check back often!
Do’s & Don’ts for Saying “I Do”
Use the following do’s & don’ts and you’ll have all your fashionable “ducks in a row”:
1. DO choose accessories that work with your dress style. Don’t wear an elaborate necklace with a gown that features an already adorned neckline. For a sleeveless dress, try a simple bracelet rather than big bangles. Avoid excessive hand jewelry - keep a clean pallet so your wedding ring will shine.
2. DON’T over accessorize. The only distraction from the dress should be your glowing face. All accessories should complement the dress - not compete with it.
3. DO keep jewelry classic, yet elegant. Pearls, diamonds, neutral colored metals and stones are always safe choices. You may choose to abandon this rule for themed weddings, or if your dress is avant-garde.
4. DON’T distract from beautiful hairstyles with too much “stuff”. Consider jeweled hair pins, a mother-of-pearl comb or a diamond tiara - and choose just one.
5. DO enhance a backless dress with the Cartier Backdrop Necklace. Look around to find inexpensive versions and vintage look-alikes.
6. DON’T forget that good tailoring is critical. An inexpensive dress can be transformed to an eye-stopping piece of haute couture with the stitching. A well altered garment should fit the body, without bunching or pinching the skin. Select a tailor with superb credentials - now’s not the time to show off your Home Ec sewing skills.
7. DO enhance your look with a body shaping undergarment. These garments can bring an instant hour glass shape to the body, straighten posture, and even cause you to instantly appear two sizes smaller.
8. DO remember good tailoring for the groom. Jacket sleeves should be long enough to expose a half-inch of the dress shirt. Avoid cuffing formal trousers. A gentleman should stand out on his wedding day - play with colorful ties, bow ties, pocket squares, boutonnieres and cummerbunds. Now’s not the time to wear Chuck Tailor - unless they’re part of the wedding party’s ensemble.
In the end it’s all about you and your individual style. Always trust your inner feeling when choosing dresses, suits, tuxedos and accessories. And remember - have fun and say “I Do!”
Thanks Josh! In addition to being our Style Guru, Josh is also a representative for Ardyss International. To learn more about reshaping your figure with their foundation garments, call Josh at 202.445.7114.
A Formal Affair, located in Warrenton, will debut the Fall 2010 line with an exclusive trunk show. Every Casablanca gown is made to order, one at a time. The Fall collection features gown with dramatic embellishments and rich fabrics - and reasonably priced from $700 to $1500.
