Say Yes to the Dress...Big Bliss Finale & Giveaway

EPISODE TITLE:

The Power of the Dress 

The week’s recap of Say Yes to the Dress is bitter-sweet for me.  This past Friday the season finale of the show aired, so this is my last week recapping each week’s episode. L The show gives an extremely honest portrait of a curvy bride’s apprehensions, anxieties and the pressure to pick the perfect dress.  But the “sweet” part of this coming soon….just wait on it.  So before I start shedding tears, I will move on to this week’s recap.   

Zaneta wants a sexy, flirty dress that embraces her curves - just like she does.

Virginal, Zaneta, wants to wear a white dress to go with her “pure” relationship.  She finds a nice option, but doesn’t want to compromise wearing the white dress that she wants.  A wedding dress is probably the most expensive dress a woman will purchase.  The bride shouldn’t have to compromise on specific features of the dress that are most important to her.  Zaneta didn’t compromise and got the white dress that she wanted and deserved.  

Alyse is a full-figured bride who has always felt overshadowed by her younger sister.

My personal philosophy has always been to never compare yourself to others or you will always come up short.  Alyse has felt like she isn’t as beautiful as her sister.  I must say that her is sister is really pretty, but there will always be some prettier, smarter, and appear to be more fabulous than you.  I think the best thing to take away from Alyse’s story is to be the best you you can be.  Meaning, look the best you can look and you’ll be fabulous no matter what.   

It's a bittersweet moment for Rheagan when she arrives to her dress fitting.

Super sweet Rheagan is missing her late father in the final fitting of her gown.  Situations like this always get me teary eyed.   It’s always tough when a important person in your life has passed away and can’t be there for your special day.  On a positive note, I did want to talk about Rheagan’s fitting as well.  I, personally, did not know that brides go through many fittings before their dress is finally done.  Personally, I may go through 3 – 4 fittings before the dress is complete with alterations.  Depending on what you want done to the dress expect $200 - $400 in additional alterations.  I almost choked when the alterations lady showed me the bill.  

Now for the “oh so sweet” part of the finale show….a super giveaway!!!  I personally wish that I could enter this giveaway.  Attention brides to be & or a girl just wanting to have spectacular event.  How would you like to win for yourself the following for your wedding/special event?

DJ Services from Martha Stewart expert DJ (featured in this month’s Martha Stewart Weddings p. 194) – Mark Adams of One Sound www.onesoundandent.com.   ($3,500 value) ~ Check them out on Facebook & Twitter.  

Custom Cocktail Reception Dress from plus size celebrity designer JIBRI of www.etsy.com/shop/jibrionline  for that cocktail dress or reception change off dress that you can’t resist.   ($250 value).  Check JIBRI out on Facebook & Twitter.

Veil from Huide Devore at www.huidedevore.etsy.com.  ($158 value) - I ordered a veil from this shop for my wedding...they are beautiful! Check out Huide Devore on Facebook.

Rules to Win.

You must be a follower of the blog through Google Friend Connect.   United States residents only.  

How do you win? There are 3 ways to win.

1. Comment ‘enter me,” and your email.
2. Follow @garnerstyle on Twitter and tweet “I just entered the @garnerstyle @TLC #SYTTD  Giveaway from Martha Stewart DJ @onesoundandent & a fabulous cocktail dress from @jibrionline
3. Like the garnerstyle Facebook page and comment “enter me in the Say Yes to the Dress finale giveaway”

Winners will be chosen randomly on Tuesday, July 5^th.  DJ services subject to One Sound Entertainment Company’s availability.  Giveaway covers the cost of the DJ’s services only.  Veil GIVE AWAY INFORMATION: You will receive the bandeau veil and will choose either the Large Dahlia or Large Peony. The bandeau veil is a straight style veil attaching with a gold or silver plated comb just above each ear. The silk bloom is a special handcut and pressed mix of silks that can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes.  This set is very verstatile. Wear the veil with the bloom during the ceremony and get creative with the veil and bloom placement for the reception (as seen in the second to last image) or ditch the veil altogether and wear the bloom alone. Be sure to practice before your big day!

Good Luck!!! 

Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss...What a Girl Wants?

EPISODE TITLE:

Does Size Matter?

 Camille and Randy face the challenge of finding Katy a dress that will both fit and flatter.

Katy definitely had very definitive ideas on what was going to look good on her body type and what would not. It is always good for a bride to know what looks good on her body type and what does not. This will give your bridal consultant at least an idea of what silhouettes to try and get you headed in the right direction.

 Misty is looking for a gown that will make her feel beautiful for the first time in her life.

Doubtful Misty was sure that she would not be able to fit into any of the samples at Kleinfeld, but much to her surprise she was able to try on gown after gown. Curvy brides: I encourage you to do your research while searching for that perfect wedding dress. A lot of bridal salons are starting to carry larger sample sizes and can offer you the same experience that they offer to their smaller sized brides. It’s up to you to do your research and call around to see who can accommodate your curves!

With a forty-six G cup, voluptuous bride Niema visits alterations.

Niema is definitely a woman who knows what she wants. Niema’s story was definitely a great lesson in making sure your dress is 100% to your liking. Niema bought a $4000 dress, but then made extensive alterations to the dress. The seamstress constructed sleeves, so that she could give Niema’s bust the support the bride needed. Niema also wanted to make sure the shape of the dress flattered her. She instructed the seamstress to change the shape of the bottom of the dress into a more form fitting silhouette. With all the alterations this dress carried the price tag of $12,000. The lesson here is: You can definitely do significant alterations to your bridal gown, but it’s going to cost you!

Speaking of alterations, does anyone have extensive alterations done to their gown like Niema?



Outfit of the Day: Swimsuits & Handbags

So this is the last post I will do on Vegas, but I left out a couple of things.  This is the swimsuit that I bought from Norma Kamali for Walmart for a mere $26!  I love it, it fits great! I added a little hot pink belt to give it some color. I have been wanting to try the belted swimsuit look.  The belt is actually Forever 21 and I paid less than $3 for it, which is really good because you definitely don't want to submerge a leather belt into water.  This belt had a patent leather look and was pretty much plastic, which made it perfect for the water.  

Oh and I can't believe I forgot to mention the freaking shopping in Vegas!  OMG!  The Las Vegas Premium Outlet is magical.  They have every major designer's outlet there with fabulous merchandise and even more fabulous prices.  If you are a girl who love high end fashion and snazzy things then (take my word for it) the next time you are visting Vegas make time to visit the outlet.  I only had an hour to shop, but I definitely took advantage.  I came out with two Kate Spade bags.  Both totally $231.  I also picked up a top from Banana Republic for $30.  As a long time BR shopper, I was so amazed at the outlet prices.  Everything was so cheap!!!

Anywho,  I usually buy two swimsuits every year and I did this year, but one was an EPIC fail.  With us well into the summer, where did you ladies get your swimsuits this year?

Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss...Mommy Dearest

EPISODE TITLE:

The Mom Factor

This week’s episode addressed “The Mom Factor.” It is important to any girl that her mother be present while searching for her wedding dress. The absence of your mom can be sad, as well as make you second guess your decision to pick a certain dress. The “mom stamp of approval” can give a bride the confidence to say yes to the dress.

Grace is a stylist and a self-described fashionista, so she feels confident that she can find a dress, even without her mom.

Fashionista, Grace, definitely recognizes her body type and was very comfortable in her skin. The dress on the left made her look like (in her words) like she had two junks (referring to her derrière). In her confidence, I love that she still recognized that doubling the size of any part of her body is not a good idea. Grace found a dress (right) she wanted to “say yes,” to, but the absence of her mother made her second guess her decision. She didn’t end up buying a dress that day.

 Morgan describes her mother as the most opinionated, and hopes to get her final approval.

Morgan definitely valued her mother’s opinion at the fitting. She wanted her mother to love the dress that she picked, but she also wanted to feel the same. The fact that nearly all of bridal dresses are sleeveless was a huge concern. This bride has the concern that a lot of women do…her arms! As a stylist, I run into women all the time who avoid showing their arms. In everyday clothes, it is easy to conceal your arms, but in bridal it is almost impossible. Nearly all bridal gowns are strapless or sleeveless. If you just can’t wear your arms out on the big day, an easy option is to add a bolero. A bolero is a short cropped jacket that can be easily added to most wedding gown.

Jennifer is "heartbroken" at her fitting.

Jennifer really wanted her mother to be there for the final fitting of her dress. The great thing was that her mother was there for her when she chose the dress. Here is a comforting thought for those brides that could not have their mothers present on their fitting day…the first time your mother will see you in your dress will be on your wedding day. That definitely has a magical element to it.

I think bride should really evaluate if they can pick a bridal gown without their mother. If you don’t feel that you can, wait until your mother is available. Another great way to involve your mom (if the bridal boutique will allow) is to take pictures of the dress that you want to pick. With distances and schedules separating us from our mothers it is sometimes hard to be able to coordinate for a fitting. The great thing is that regardless of whether your mom can be there or not, she definitely would love to be there and that is what counts.

To my ladies that have bought a bridal gown. Was your mom there for your fitting?



OOTD: Hangover Part II...Sequins Anyone?

So Saturday night in Vegas was filled with a slew of events from a limo ride, dinner, clubbing and a night at the male review, Thunder from Down Under.   Because these particular shows aren't my thing I really wasn't expecting to have a great time.  And although I do not kiss and tell...I will say this...I had a great time and I would definitley go back.  It is a definite must for Vegas or any girl's bachelorette party...and that's all I am going to say about that.

Now to my outfit at hand. Since this was one of my last single girl weekends...I figure I should go all the way with it. I have officially named my high waist sequin leggings my "milkshake" pants....LOL. The leggings are JIBRI and cost a pretty penny, but honestly I couldn't have had a more perfect centerpiece for my outfit.  I would have paid double, for real!  Especially since they were custom made to my measurements.  When I got these in the mail I was literally screaming because they were so amazing!  These leggings fit me like a glove and there are even inside panels without sequins between the thigh (that you can't see) to ensure that I did not rub out the sequins. These are the absolute BEST pair of pants I have ever owned.   I actually had another top in mind to wear, but sometimes when a piece is so fabulous it is best to keep it simple.  I didn't want pieces to be competing with each other.  I  paired it with my David's Bridal Strapless top & a pair of ShoeDazzle wedges.   I must say that the ShoeDazzle "Mulberrry" shoes were very comfortable and easy to walk in even though they are really high.  

Outfit Logistics

Sequin Leggings - JIBRI $325

Top - David's Bridal $50

Belt - Talbots $10 (soldout)

Shoes - ShoeDazzle $40

Clutch - Ann Taylor Loft $20 (soldout)

Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss...Bippity Boppity Boo

EPISODE TITLE:

Obsessed With the Dress

Ahhh…the bride who wants a themed dress: this is definitely one client that is hard to accommodate for any stylist, but a themed bridal gown is that much more difficult. When a person has a picture of how they would like to look, be it bridal or anything else, it can really difficult to turn that into reality since the stylist cannot be in the bride’s head. You will need a combination of factors to turn your dream into a reality.

• Be open to accessories to complete your look. Everything is in the details, so adding a headpiece, sash, etc. that is inspired by your theme can help you to achieve your look.

• Have an open mind to try on different types of looks. Instead of looking for a dress that looks exactly like, for instance, Cinderella’s dress, look for a dress with similar features. An exact replica of anything will be hard to find.

• When buying that themed bridal dress, think about what will be flattering on you. Sometimes the themed wedding dress may not be flattering on your body type. Don’t fret because variations exist in different cuts.

 Megan has been obsessed with being Cinderella and getting married at Disney.

Disney-inspired bride Megan, wanted the Cinderella gown. The silhouette of the Cinderella gown would have not been flattering for her body type. It would have been too voluminous. Megan found an inspired Cinderella gown that was a drop waist with fewer layers of tulle. I love that Megan was willing to get her dream gown, but made a choice flattering for her body type.

Emille is a 40s pin up style bride who is having a Mexican 'Day of the Dead' themed wedding.

Pin-up girl Emille really wanted a 40s inspired gown complete with lace and 40s glamour. Emille really had the idea of what she wanted to look like and I think she accomplished it in the dress on the left. It seemed that she really loved the dress, but hated the way it revealed her stomach. I feel like Megan gave up on the dress way too soon. Her stomach was exposed in the dress, but you could barely see it. This tells me that if she had the right foundation or girdle on, she could make her stomach disappear. Ladies, it is so important that you have on your best girdle while you are searching for that perfect dress. It can, honestly, make or break your decision on a dress. For Emille, I would have recommended her to have on a high waist girdle with boning in the waist area. That would have smoothed out the stomach area and made all the difference. Emille didn’t leave Kleinfield with a dress that day.

Victoria has lost sleep over whether she's made the right dress purchase.

I am so sympathetic to Victoria. When you have purchased a dress that you have not seen for 9 months it can cause you to question your decision. “Did I buy the right dress?” It’s a question that rings in the minds of many brides, including myself. The best way to deal with this is to buy a dress that you love! Don’t settle for something you only semi-like. Another thing is once you have found that dress, all wedding dress shopping must cease. With a million bridal dresses out there you will always find something else you like, but why mess up the magic you had with the dress you decided on?

OOTD: The Hangover, Part I

I am fresh from Vegas and really feeling the pain of recovering from an crazy weekend.  So while everything that goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas...the outfits do get to leave.  With a 4 day, 3 night trip, I carefully planned out each day and it's outfits.  If you have never been to Vegas before there is a A LOT of walking, cocktailing, partying, and not to mention the fashion & shopping!!!!  I am going to break the the post into two parts, Friday & Saturday.  

My wonderful sister, Angel Garner, did my make-up.  She is a make-up artist at MAC in San Diego.  She will be doing my bridal make up as well...lucky me:)!  Check her out here. 

  Day Time Outfit Logistics

Dress - Lane Bryant $42

Leggings - Old Navy $10

Sandals - Ann Taylor (Sold Out)

Bag -  Ann Taylor (Sold Out)

Glasses - Ted Lapidus (Vintage) $200

Belt - Michael Kors $35

Night Outfit Logistics

Dress - JIBRI $250

Blazer - OneStopPlus $54

Facinator - Gifted by my sister

Shoes - Gifted by my sister (super old!)

Belt - Michael Kors

Bag - Christian Siriano for Payles $32 (sold out)

Me & My Sister!

Ladies if you do nothing else....please pack a pair of flat shoes in your clutch that you can slip on after your night of dancing.  Your feet will thank you!  We partied at Marquee, a club located in the Cosmopolitan Hotel.  We had a great time.  And here is a tidbit...we went on Friday night.  The main room was techno (I personally can only take about 2 techno songs in a row), but if you venture down a few flights of stairs they do have a hip hop room.  Check it out!  We had a blast.  Oh and that is a garter around my ankle...LOL.

Attn: Dresses for the International Curvy Girl

Yeah!  International Curvy Girls this is another post for you on plus size dresses.  You guys know I looooooovvvvveeeeee dresses.  I hate how ill fitting and restricting pants can be.  Dresses give you the ease of movement and if you pick the right style can be ridiculously flattering. 



The Plus Size Dresses site is like an online directory of curvy girl dresses in the U.K.   When I came across the site, I was immediately hit by the Anna Scholz dresses.  They are fabulous looking and fabulously prices.  Did anyone know that Anna Scholz did an economical line plus size.  My favorite is the spotted maxi dress.  I may have to snatch one of these up.  Which is your favorite? 

Attn: Lingerie for the International Curvy Girl

One of my most popular posts was on shape wear & foundations.  Since I get so many questions on fashion & shape wear from my International (especially the U.K.), I decided to a couple of posts just for you guys. Magic Knickers  has some of the prettiest shape wear and lingerie that I have ever seen.  I always say what you wear under your clothes is just as important as what you wear on the outside.  For my bustier ladies Magic Knickers bras go up to a size 58 or a cup size L.    They also carry all the foundations I spoke about in my post on foundations, including slips, tanks, high waist panty (my personal favorite), and waist cinchers.

The swimwear is super cute and they also carries the much coveted curvy girl bikini.  Oh how I wish they shipped to the U.S.