While having a very in-depth conversation with my new favorite groom about custom tuxedos, it sparked that little light in my mind to write about tuxedo and here we are. While on one of my favorite sites (GQ) looking for formal wear, I came across this amazing articles about choosing and buying a tux. And you know, if I think you need to know about it, I must write about it.
Somewhere along the line, a tuxedo went from being the most majestic piece in a man’s wardrobe to something that he had to wear. As in, “Yeah, dude, I gotta wear a tux to this wedding next weekend.” You know what? Quit your carping. The fact is, you’ll never look better, more manly—more gentlemanly—than in a tuxedo said Will Welch for GQ.
According to GQ, when picking your tux, start with the basics.
The Basic: Such as the classic, timeless black tux, white shirt, black bow tie (yes, bow tie—they’re back in a big way). There’s nothing quirky or dangerous about this outfit, and that’s okay. Opting for a classic doesn’t make you a square; it makes you a gentleman.
Keep It Slim: At some point in the evening, you’re going to toss the jacket. Make sure you’re wearing a slim-fit shirt that won’t blouse out pirate-style by the time you’re leading “Livin’ on a Prayer” choruses.
Go Blue
A midnight blue tux strikes an alternative but still classic note. Generally, wear one with a white shirt and black tie. Unless you want to look all…Grammy Awards, in which case you can do like Brandon and go for a black formalwear shirt, open at the collar. Look for other versions by Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Neil Barrett, and D&G.
Know Your Lapels: Notch
When in doubt, go with a notch lapel. Less of a statement than a shawl or a peak, it essentially mimics a conventional suit jacket and looks right on just about anyone.
Rock the Velvet
Note: velvet jacket—not suit. Like a midnight blue tux, velvet adds flair to your formalwear. Black is your safest option, but if you’re not afraid to play it up, look for one in bottle green, burgundy, or navy. Just keep the rest of the outfit simple, from the pants to the shirt to the tie.
Know Your Lapels: Peak
The original tuxedo, which debuted in 1886 in Tuxedo Park, New York, featured a peak lapel. Wear with pride
Master the White Dinner Jacket. The white dinner jacket—worn always with black tux pants—is part Old Hollywood (Bogart), part rocker (André 3000). Although not exclusively for summer, it’s best worn from March to October—or whenever they’re serving mint juleps.
Know Your Lapels: Shawl Collar
It had its heyday in the ’50s, worn most famously by James Dean, but it has surged back into fashion of late. Just be sure to keep the collar on the slim side.
One Tux, Two Ways
The Clark Gables and Cary Grants of the world would scoff, but the long tie has—for better or worse—become part of the formalwear canon. Just make sure it syncs up with the width and material of your lapels. So, satin lapel, satin tie.
Did you know there was so much to buying a tux? I didn’t! But, that’s what I’m here for; to advise you on these little things in life. Below are some of the tux pictures from GQ and the model certainly looks handsome and more importantly confident in his tux which is most definitely what you want. Well, what do you think about this? Was this helpful information? You know how much I love to hear from you.
With my handsome grooms in mind,
Violaine Diogene
All photos by Paola Kudacki
A few weeks ago we started The Art of the Knot series for our grooms and so far we’ve discussed the Full Windsor Knot as well The Half Windsor Knot. This week, we’re discussing Pratt Knot also known as the Shelby Knot.
The Pratt knot is a symmetric tie knot with an average size. It is larger than the four-in-hand knot and smaller than the half-Windsor knot. It does not look too wide or too narrow. The Pratt knot looks neat and is suitable for most shirts and occasions. The drawback is that the back of the narrow end of the necktie faces up, which does not look good if it is not well hidden behind the wide end.
Although Jerry Pratt invented this tie knot, it is sometimes called the Shelby knot, since Don Shelby wore it on television and some people mistakenly thought he was the inventor.
I hope you find this useful.
Violaine Diogene
Instructions for Tying a Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot)
The instructions for tying a Pratt knot (Shelby knot) are shown below. We assume that you are right-handed in the following instructions. The figures below are mirror images. They are what you will see if you stand in front of a mirror.
1. At the beginning, the wide end of the tie should be on your right side and the other end should be on your left side. Note that the tie should begin inside out.
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2. Cross the narrow end over the other end. Now three regions are formed (Left, Right and Center).
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3. Bring the wide end up to Center.
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4. Bring the wide end down to Left.
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5. Bring the wide end over the knot to Right.
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6. Bring the wide end under the narrow part from Right to Center.
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7. Bring the wide end down and pass the loop in front. Ensure that the knot is tightened.
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8. Use one hand to pull the narrow end down gently and use the other hand to move the knot up until it reaches the center of the collar.
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Usually I blog about what’s luxurious in weddings but today I have to put that aside for a moment to write about the devastated earthquake in my home country of Haiti. If you know me on a personal level, you know that I am a VERY PROUD HAITIAN! For those of of you whom don’t know me on that level, I was born in Jeremie Haiti which is a very small Provence outside Port-Au-Prince in Haiti. I was just about 8 years old when I left Haiti and moved to Brooklyn New York and I now reside in Atlanta. On Tuesday, January 12th at 5:00pm, a neighbor of mine called me to ask if I was OK because he saw that Haiti was hit my a major earthquake. I rushed home and CNN was all over it. I broke down when I noticed all the buildings were crumbled on top of another and my people were in peril. For two days, we could not communicate with any of our family members in Haiti and that was the most difficult days of our lives not knowing if one of those dead bodies we saw on TV belonged to us.
Over the past few days, I’ve heard several disturbing comments being made about these amazing people. If you don’t know a Haitian on a personal level, I would strongly suggest that you take a moment to get to know one. If you know anyone that are friends with Haitians, ask them about these Haitians. You’ll learn that Haitians are not by any means lazy. To the contrary, Haitians are extremely hard working people. Haitians will easily work 3-4 jobs, 7 days a week and most of that paycheck will not sit in a nice bank account collecting interest and instead, they will send the money to their loved ones back home to take care of the ones they left behind.
Haitians are strong and are descended from an outstanding pedigree. Haitians are very proud people. We take pride in the way we look, in the way we present ourselves to the world. In the news, you will see that a lot of them live in the poorest conditions under tiny little shacks. I promise you, those tiny little shacks are cared for as though they were million dollar homes while inspiring to move up to a better situation. Haitians are loyal people and we love having people around us. We’ll bend over backwards to help a friend in need and will move heaven and earth for our loved ones. We are every religious people with good hearts. Just like any other country we have our bad sides as well but digging those bad things up in a time when they’re down on their knees, questioning why these things happen, when they’re surrounded by dead bodies is not warranted.
Yes, this is a third world country with some of the worst living conditions but Haiti is not by any means only what you see in TV. Yes, a lot of the people cannot read but we have Haitians that are Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Chefs, Teachers, Coaches, Mayors, Activists and more. Haitians go on vacations to other countries, we believe strongly in education and we begin teaching our children and putting in their minds that not going to college is not an option for them. On TV you only get to see the poorest of the poor but they are Haitians whom resides in million dollar homes. Homes that we, here in America would be proud to call home. Homes that when I have a chance to go back to visit I find it hard to leave behind.
I beg of you, I plead with you, if you’re able to donate more; please do so. If you have clothing, shoes, blankets, water, medicine, non-perishable food items please feel donate them and a very deserving, needy person in this amazing country will bless your name and so many more blessing will come from the highest of highest power of all; Our amazing heavenly father. Please visit these agencies to donate or feel free to call me on my cell phone if you’re local in Atlanta and I’ll pick up some of the items mentioned above and deliver them to Hosea Feed The Hungry. You can also Pray, have hope and send positive energy to them. You can also make a monetary donation, to a 501 c(3) such as Red Cross or Yele Haiti via your cell phone by to text. Red Cross: Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to relief efforts in Haiti. Yele Haiti: Text “Yele” to 510 510 and donate $5 toward earthquake relief.
I am so eternally grateful to Anderson Cooper and to CNN whom arrived within 24 hours and have given 24 hours, over the clock coverage to this tiny, Third World Country. I’m so thankful to our President Obama for not listening to the politics behind the scene and taking action to help Haiti. I’m also so grateful for all the countries that are pouring in and sending money to this country as we, whom are trying to send money to our loved ones are unable to because they have no way of getting it. I’m so thankful for all the unthinkable supports I’ve received from my peers, and friends in Atlanta for standing behind me and for donating to the Red Cross Haiti Fund.
Below is a picture that had so much meaning in my life as my father was very deep in the government and my little brother and I often visited this magical place, celebrated Christmas and had dinner at this amazing place. This place the was The Palace, otherwise known as the White House. To see the before and after picture is remarkably difficult for me because my father passed in 2001 and whenever I use to see The Palace, it always brought me amazing memories of time spent with my father. Now, The Palace is gone and that truly, truly breaks my heart.
I thank you for allowing me to post my thoughts and know that I’m grateful for you and for taking the time to read this.
Many blessings,
Violaine Diogene
Ok, Kenneth Pool has some of the most amazing gowns I’ve ever seen. Now, I know I love wedding gowns, you know I love wedding gowns and yes, I go crazy over the gowns but seriously, Kenneth Pool has amazing gowns. Well, the fact that Amsale Aberra was already renowned for her Amsale and Christos collections should make you pause for a moment.
The Kenneth Pool label has long been recognized for its embodiment of fantasy and drama with its grand ball gowns, luxurious fabrics and exquisite beadwork. As the Creative Director, Amsale Aberra’s creations for the collection carry on the legacy of the label, with each of her gowns for Kenneth Pool celebrating and catering to the bride who commands the spotlight. Yes, for the bride who commands the spotlight!
“I am so excited to be designing this collection,” says Ms. Aberra, working in her New York Atelier where all of the gowns are designed and sewn. “I have always loved the Kenneth Pool bride and the fantasy she represents. My other collections are more about softness and simplicity, and designing Kenneth Pool allows me to express the more elaborate side of my personality.”
This season there is a special emphasis on unique fabrications and couture details. Organza ruffles, sensuous silk jersey, and creamy duchesse satin dominate, whether artfully draped, elaborately beaded, or delicately trimmed with Swarovski crystals. Each gown encapsulates the essence of the collection: Ultimate Femininity combined with Kenneth Pool’s signature brand of sexy, opulent, unapologetic glamour. Now you know, I love this unapologetic glamour thing these gowns carry so brilliantly.
I could go on for days about Kenneth Pool and I almost posted every gown, but that would have been one long post. Below are my absolute favorite gowns in this collection. The first two are my “must have” gowns. The first one is FASHIONISTA; and Fashionista is correct. I love, love and I do mean love this gown. This amazing gown is made of tulle with strapless mermaid gown with shirred Tulle bodice and low dropped waist. Skirt features layers of seamed tulle and clear paillettes. Available in Ivory only. My second gown is ROYALTY. Did I mention that I love the names of these gowns? Well, I love the name of this gown. Royalty and that’s exactly how one will look in this gown made of Royal Duchess Satin. Strapless Satin ballgown with softly draped bodice. Full skirt is adorned with self-fabric roses, Crystal accents and pickups. Natural waist is accented by Crystal beaded belt. Available in Champagne as sampled, Ivory and White.
What do you think? Have you seen one of these gowns in person? Are you a bride who’s worn of these gowns? I would love to hear your thoughts on these gowns. You know your feedback is wanted and needed. Let me know your thoughts.
Inspired by you, my brides.
Violaine Diogene
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Lazaro blends ultra-glamorous vintage details, stunning floral embellishments and signature hand-beading and embroidery in his latest collection. Lazaro’s hallmark craftsmanship, combined with sumptuous fabrics and perfectly cut silhouettes, give every gown an haute couture feel.
In traditional Lazaro style, his latest collection channels old-fashion glamour with vintage-inspired beading, romantic cap sleeves, scalloped sweetheart necklines, lovely tiered pleated tulle trains and lace appliqués. Lazaro introduces sparkle net charmeuse this season, combining it with embroidered Chantilly lace and hand-crafted, ornate beading.
This season, Lazaro is really turning some heads with my two first favorite gowns. What do you think of these gowns? You know I would love to hear from you.
With you in mind,
Violaine Diogene
Ivory organza plume formal bridal ball gown, silk faced satin banded bodice with hand ruched flowers on ribbon at natural waist, organza plume A-line skirt, chapel train.
Ivory floral net formal bridal gown, curved neckline, embroidered bodice with sheer tulle overlay, drop waist, circular floral net skirt with beaded accents, chapel train.
Ivory silk shantung formal bridal ball gown, ballerina sweetheart bodice, ruched cumberbund accented with vintage fresh water pearl brooch, full gathered skirt with silk flowers at back, chapel train.
Ivory hand beaded and embroidered tulle formal bridal gown with floral accents, sweetheart neckline, elongated bodice with circular skirt, chapel train.
Ivory English net formal bridal ball gown, sweetheart neckline, silk Mikado yoke bodice with vintage fresh water pearl ivory ribbon belt at natural waist, full gathered embroidered English net skirt with sequin tulle underlay, sweep train.
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A few weeks ago we discussed the Full Windsor Knot as part of our series The Art of the Knot. This week, we’re still discussing the Windsor Knot but instead of a Full Windsor Knot, this is the Half Windsor Knot! Yes, there is a difference between the two of them.
The Half Windsor Knot, is a modest version of the Windsor Knot. It’s a symmetrical and triangular tie knot that you can use with any dress shirt. It works best with somewhat wider neckties made from light to medium fabrics. You can use this particular knot for a formal rehearsal dinner if you were to wear a tie.
The instructions for tying a half-Windsor knot (way 1) are shown below courtesy of Totieatie.com. We assume that you are right-handed in the following instructions. The figures below are mirror images. They are what you will see if you stand in front of a mirror. If you would like to see a video instruction instead, please click here.
I hope these series are helping you and if they’re not you know you can just send me an email letting me know your thoughts.
With you in mind,
Violaine Diogene
1. At the beginning, the wide end of the tie should be on your right side and the other end should be on your left side.
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2. Cross the wide end over the other end. Now three regions are formed (Left, Right and Center).
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3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end from Left to Right.
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4. Bring the wide end over to the Center region.
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5. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Left region.
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6. Bring the wide end out of the shirt from Left to Right.
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7. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Center region.
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8. Bring the wide end down and pass the loop in front. Ensure that the knot is tightened.
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9. Use one hand to pull the narrow end down gently and use the other hand to move the knot up until it reaches the center of the collar.
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On this very cold day and I do mean a very cold day in Atlanta, I was writing a completely different post when my mind drifted to one of my favorite places on the planet; Los Cabos, Mexico! Who wouldn’t want to be in Los Cabos at the moment? Well, I guess if you reside on an Island that would be a different story but with the warm Sea of Cortés which meets the cooler Pacific Ocean at El Arco.
My property of choice on is the exclusive, 5 star One & Only Palmilla Hotel. Rimmed by desert and ocean, this exclusive property which is considered to be the Jewel of the Baja, and is one of the world’s most scenic pieces of waterfront property. The seaside tropical oasis is nestled amid thousands of palm trees on the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. Internationally acclaimed as the quintessential embodiment of elegance, every need is attended to with gracious hospitality, and the distinctive artistry of Mexico is discovered at every turn at this magnificent resort.
Every one of the 172 guest rooms at Palmilla Resort has an ocean view, and a patio or balcony facing the water. Water lovers can also choose from the two infinity edge pools complete with swim-up bar within the hacienda-style resort. Palmilla also has a Jack Nicklaus golf course rated among the world’s top 100. The spa at Palmilla contains private villas for indoor/outdoor treatments and in-room manicures/pedicures, facials, and massages are available.
Even the smallest ocean front rooms at Palmilla Resort measure a generous 500 square feet. High-end in-room amenities include a flat-screen satellite TV with DVD/CD player and Bose surround sound. Luxurious marble bathrooms have a double-headed shower so two can get clean at once. And you can choose to have your king-size bed made up with Egyptian cotton, pressed linen, or cotton sateen sheets.
Below are some pictures for you to enjoy. Well, what do you think? Have you selected your honeymoon destination yet?
Daydreaming about Los Cabos,
Violaine Diogene
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Wow, what a year! Every New Years Eve I like to grab a seat in my favorite chair and reflect on all that’s happened in the year and New Years Even in 2009 was no different. What an amazing year 2009 was. What a wonderful and joyful year 2009 was for us at André Winfrye Events! So many wonderful weddings. A few amazing mitzvahs, birthday parties and with all our weddings, 4 of our brides informed us that they’ve already started their families. So many lives touched and we couldn’t be happier.
Hopefully you all know what our mission was and continues to be when we started this blog just a few short months ago and with all the phone calls and email we’ve received on just about every posting, it appears as though you are satisfied with our postings. In 2009 we discussed everything from how to choose a diamond, borrowing a diamond, incredible gown designers, to yummy gorgeousness, grooms’ club, fanciful honeymoon hideaways and one of most beloved post; our Perfume Etiquette series.
In 2010, we strive to continue our pattern of posts. We’re looking forward to writing about the issues that matters to our clientele. We attend wedding expos both locally and nationally to bring you the latest trends and still remind you how to create your own trends. We will research venues, both nationally and internationally to show you all this beautiful earth has to offer. We will continue to bring you the lasts fashions and certainly we will continue to challenge you to think outside the box when it comes to planning your event.
In closing, please know and trust that I am grateful that you’ve chosen to read our blog. We’re grateful and thankful that you’ve chosen our company to plan your event. We’re mindful of all the other blogs out there and all the other event planning companies to choose from.
With that said, is there any particular subject you would like us to cover? Did we miss something that’s important to you? What should we write more or less about? What are your plans in 2010? If you read our blog on a regular basis, you must know just how much we value your opinions. We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year, a very resourceful 2010 and many blessings to all of you.
Best wishes for 2010,
André Winfrye
And
Violaine Diogene
