Ok, so by now you know about my shoe fetish right? Right! Imagine my pleasant and crazy surprise when I heard about this amazing person by the name of Ann Roth who designs shoes and event better, she custom design shoes! Seriously though, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.
According to her website, Ann Roth found her way into shoe design after a serendipitous broken dance shoe led to her first creation.
After her first encounter with shoe-making came an extensive period of research and a dream of a certain blue toile espadrille. Roth learned how to make a last and a pattern and fashioned the shoe she had envisioned. Her unique sense of style, love affair with footwear and steadfast dedication turned into a desire to bring her creations to other women, and Ann Roth Shoes was born in the spring of 2006.
Inspired by the romance of a bygone era, each pair of Ann Roth Shoes evokes nostalgic elegance and charm. Characterized by classic silhouettes with modern details, the collection is now lovingly made in Spain by expert craftsmen who come from a long line of zapateros.
Roth’s designs continue to evolve, and with each new season she delights the senses with her wearable works of art. Ann Roth Shoes have been featured in Lucky Magazine, Footwear News and Daily Candy, among others. Most recently, Roth’s designs were part of history in the making, when a pair of her grey suede Garbos graced the stage on election night 2008.
Now, I’ve yet to have the pleasure of having my shoes design (that will soon change) but from the looks of what I see online and the rave reviews I’ve read and heard, this shoe designer will soon be a name whom brides, moms, and shoes divas will praise.
What do you think? Have you ever had your shoes design for you? If so, I would LOVE to see a picture and you can be featured on the blog….
In shoe heaven,
Violaine Diogene
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 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.
 |
2. Cross the wide end over the other end. Now three regions are formed (Left, Right and Center).
 |
3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end from Left to Right.
 |
4. Bring the wide end over to the Center region.
 |
5. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Left region.
 |
6. Bring the wide end out of the shirt from Left to Right.
 |
7. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Center region.
 |
8. Bring the wide end down and pass the loop in front. Ensure that the knot is tightened.
 |
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.
 |
 |
| Send this post to a friend
| Leave a Comment
By now, I trust that you know my healthy love affair with shoes. Certainly one of my favorite things to write about is shoes. One of my favorite and dearest brides is taking a daring and fun approached to her wedding ensembles by wearing a pair of bold colored shoes (Brian Atwood Orange ribbons) with her bright white Vera Wang dress. And you guessed it; she prompted me to write about shoes.
I love the idea of wearing a pair of diva shoes in place of the traditional white shoes. No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing white shoes if that’s what your darling little hears desire, but just think about the amazing contrast of pairing your amazing designer gown with a stunning pair of diva shoes.
Because of my love of shoes and because these shoes lack nothing at all, I’ve included just a few of my favorite pairs. I simple need to hit to lottery to afford each and every single pair in my collection below. To view each shoe’s designer, simply click on the shoe and a window will open with designer’s name.
What do you think? What color shoes are you wearing for your big day? Seriously, nothing pleases me more than to hear your thoughts on my posts.
In shoe bliss,
Violaine Diogene
| Send this post to a friend
| Leave a Comment
Today while trying to get my annual bargain at one of my very favorite stores in the world, (Saks Fifth Avenue) I ran into one of my grooms whom was also out shopping. He was in the men’s department in front of a mirror receiving what appeared to be a valuable lesson in tying a tie. And you guessed it, I had this “aha” moment and here I am writing a series on the different ways for a man to tie his tie but most importantly, I’m really about this for the ladies. If you’re a wife, the future wife or woman in a man’s life, you need to know how to tie his tie. This is one of the nicest and even the sexiest thing a woman can do for her man (in my humble opinion of course).
A few years ago, I learned how to tie a tie at A Macy’s in downtown Boston (I really wanted to impress my husband) and to my surprise, it was much more difficult than I ever imagined but once I learned, it was actually much easier than I had ever imagined. Now, I know this might sound odd, but the type of tie, color of the tie, and type of knot you use on a tie all can convey into a certain meaning. Try to keep up; Take the Windsor knot for example. The Windsor knot is a knot that exudes confidence and power due to its wide, triangular shape. Falsely named after the Duke of Windsor, the Windsor knot (also known as the full Windsor or double Windsor) is usually worn for formal occasions. This type of knot looks best worn with a shirt collar that is considerably cut-away.
I’ve included some very detailed instructions as well a video for you to learn this very important skill at your own pace. Next week, we’ll look into tying a different knot. I hope buy now it’s evident that I want to hear from you. I love to hear your thoughts on my post. I hope I’ve inspired you and challenged your minds in the past few months.
Always hoping to inspire you,
Violaine Diogene
Step 1: Lift up the collar of your shirt, put the tie around your neck so the wide end hangs down on the side of your dominant hand.
Step 2: Cross he wide end over the front of the thin end a few inches below your neck.
Step 3: Slip the wide end up through the back of the V-shape made by the two ends, pulling it out toward your non-dominant hand.
Step 4: Wrap the wide end around the knot and slip it up through the back of the V-shape made by the knot.
Step 5: Tuck the wide end into the front loop of the knot.
Step 6: Tug on the wide and thin ends gently from below the knot until the knot is tight.
Step 7: Hod the thin end with your non-dominant hand and slide the knot up to your neck with your hand.
Step 8: Flip your collar down and get going.
| Send this post to a friend
| Leave a Comment
It’s official as I’m absolutely crazy, head over hills in love with everything and anything that Ines Di Santos designs. I’ve had the sheer joy of seeing some of the most talented designers design some amazing gowns but I find myself at awe with just about anything this brilliant designer puts her hands on.
I must tell you that I can easily stare with my mouth open at Ines Di Santos 2010 Collection as this collection is nothing short of a feast for your darling eyes. These gowns, to simply put are amazing, gorgeous and yes, beautiful. If you’re the bride whom demands absolutely nothing but the best, you’ve met your match as the 2010 collection features nothing less than the most luxurious European silks, impeccable details in the beading and trims in every gown which brings glamour to the highest power.
Ines Di Santos designs her gowns to fit a particular bride’s silhouettes and I promise you that these gowns are designed as if they have a body of their own; yes, the gowns have a body of their own! Well, what do you expect from a woman who’s the embodiment of romance? This amazing designer was born in Italy, raised in Argentina with strong Spanish heritage. I know, it made me giggle when I thought of how it all played into her dresses. To me, not every bride can wear these dresses. An Ines Di Santo bride is a special bride. Just like Ines Di Santos, she too is the embodiment of romance in her own right. She’s daring, she’s bold, when she walks into a room she owns the room with her confidence! She’s exquisite, sophisticated, and can stop traffic dead on!
Now, you know I have to tell you about my personal favorite gown. My only issue is, I love each and every single gown in this collection. Forgive me, I had to include all the pictures below and I had to allow all the dresses a personal moment by not aligning them on the same roll (I know, I’m weird like that) but I’m hoping that you’ve fallen in love with this collection just as much as I have.
After you’ve seen it all, you know I would love to know your thoughts. Tell me about your gown. Tell me why you choose your designer. What drove you to him/her? What do you think about these gowns?
In love with Ines Di Santos,
Violaine Diogene
What can I say about this gown? Can you hear it? Listen closely and you can literally hear the collective gasp that spreads through the crowd the moment you walk onto the aisle to your future husband….. I need to get remarried so that I can wear this gown!
Yes, I know. I too was speechless when I saw this work of art in the form of a gown. Where do I start? This gown features a translucent beaded corset bodice with lace-up back and heavily Swarovski crystal jeweled neckline along with a amazing ballroom skirt.
How many times can I renew my wedding vows? I promise you I’m going to have a reason to wear this gown.
I told you these gowns had a “body” of their own right? Do you believe me now? Gown features fully beaded bodice and beaded appliqué on one side of hip; pick-up skirt.
WOW, WOW and another WOW! Gown features a ruched bodice with peek-a-boo hem revealing handmade roses in soft pink and green hues. Detachable overskirt has roses at side, front and diagonally across centre back.
I know; I was in awe when I saw this gown as well. Gown features ruched bodice and asymmetrical beaded tulle with Swarovski floral motifs on skirt.
I love that this gown features this very prety ruched bodice with the dropped waist and tiered skirt. A pair of daring red stilettos would be stuning!
Have I told how much I love Ines Di Santos?
This gown is the simplest one on this collection but make no mistake as this is a stunner! This gown features a one shoulder strap made with handmade large flowers and the detail skirt has princess seams down front and back with pleated detail.
| Send this post to a friend
| 1 Comment
Many and I do mean many years ago, I was a bridesmaid in one of my girlfriends weddings whom I absolutely adore and that is the only reason I sacrificed fashion to wear what I thought was one the ugliest dresses of all time. She, whom shall remain nameless and the dress color shall also remain nameless (She would know exactly who I’m talking about) was a long drape look-a-like with very puffy sleeves and lace where lace had no business being. Well, thank god bridesmaids dresses have come a long way and I know my darling bridesmaids couldn’t be happier.
There is absolutely any excuse to why a bride should subject their bridesmaids to wearing a dress they’ll never wear again. The new dresses are so versatile and so easy to wear to another event. Below are a few of the dresses that I cam across that have transformed the world of bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are amazing and certainly are not your typical bridesmaid dresses.
Now you know the deal and I have to tell you my personal favorites or I’m afraid that you’ll get confused of who’s writing this blog. My absolute favorite pick has to be this simply gorgeous little number by Catherine Malandrino. This strapless fuchsia wool dress features embellished fanciful frills which ultimately forms in a flower and you can see, this dress is certainly a celebration of femininity and I couldn’t love it more.
We, at André Winfrye Events thrive on your feedback and your thoughts. I love it when I get an email from you telling me about your feelings on my posts and they do help me focus on what you like to read about. I would love your input on this post. Tell me, what are your dresses like? Were you a bridesmaid that wore a dress like mine? Are you a bridesmaid whom absolutely loved her dress and have worn it again and again? Send me your pictures and stories and whom knows, you just might be featured on our favorite stories of all times.
Hoping to inspire you,
Violaine Diogene
Within the past two years or so, the name Maria Pinto has become a household name; well I guess to the house that pays great attention to fashion. If you don’t know who Maria Pinto is, keep reading. She’s the Chicago fashion designer behind many of (one of my favorite ladies on the planet) First Lady Michelle Obama’s amazing and stunning looks. Many of the little sheath dresses, pencil skirts and striking and colorful fabrics she wears have been credited to this amazing designers and for that, I must confess to your that I am totally in love with her gowns right now.
These gowns, cocktail dresses, fancy trousers and amazing silk tops can be worn to just about any occasion your lovely hears desire. Below are just a few pictures of what she has to offer. Yes, I know by now you can easily pick out which of these are my favorites but just in the event you don’t know, I just want to share with you.
Did you have any doubt this amazing and stunning, yet simple gown would be my very first pick? I love this dress. I love the color, and I love the simplicity of it yet it’s just a glamorous gown. I love the jeweled band which hugs the midsection and I love the heavy flow of the train draping from one shoulder. Can you say dramatic entrance?
My second top favorite has to be these amazing pant in Snow Corboba Cotton. And you know, I love the Milonga Top with Peony Charmeuse Roses. This stunning pair can be worn to any event and you’ll still make an entrance to be remembered. As always, let me know your thoughts on this collection.
Madly in love with fashion,
Violaine Diogene
| Send this post to a friend
| Leave a Comment
With all the little pleasures in the world, nothing makes happier than an amazing clutch to compliment my assembles of the evening. It is my honest opinion that a girl can never have too many clutches and I do mean you can never, in this lifetime or the next have to many clutches. Whether I’m attending a cocktail party or a black-tie affair I’m certain a clutch will add true elegance to the look and to make me feel truly amazing, Davie And Chiyo are customizing these spectacular delectable’s. No, this is not a typo and you didn’t misread the post; Davie and Chiyo are truly customizing your clutch with whatever your sweet adorable heart desires. Have I customize one yet? Off course silly, anytime I’ve given a chance to put my name on something I love, you can be certain I will take the opportunity.
These aren’t just any clutch; these little delectables are remarkable, unique and eye-catching in every way and are made of high quality materials and attention to detail ensures the excellence of each clutch. Now, you know that it’s simply my joy to share with you what’s posted on line as well my personal favorites. As you can imagine, I had a hard time choosing just two of these clutches but the first two are the ones that I personally ordered and I just fell madly, passionately and head over hills in love it. And yes, I would like to know your thoughts on these amazing little delectables.
The first very pretty and hip fuchsia clutch was my first order with my name stitched inside! The clutch is made in one of my favorite fabric which is dupioni silk in one of my absolutely favorite colors of fuchsia. The lining is cotton with black and white animal patterns. And because I love bows, I have to have the over sized, eye catching bow on and that’s really what makes this clutch amazing!
The second clutch is the Cream Tiered Rose which is made from two kinds of silk; the structure of the body is made with ivory dupioni silk, with layers and layers of silk charmeuse in cream color sewn around the entire clutch. The silk charmeuse comes into a beautifully sculptured rose in the front of the bag, slightly off-centered. The silk edges are all left raw, giving the layers a very soft look. The clutch is lined with dupioni silk in champagne. Need I say more? Oh, my name is also engraved inside this amazing little pile of dupioni and charmeuse silk. Now, you know I can go on and on about these but why not go visit them online and see which of these little delectables will have your name engraved?
Madly in love with clutches,
Violaine Diogene
| Send this post to a friend
| Leave a Comment
As the year 2009 comes to an end, designers all over the world are showcasing their 2010 collection with hopes of catching a bride’s eye. This designer Far Pepe Botella certainly caught our eyes at André Winfrye Events. From the typical stereotypes of the Mediterranean, Pepe Botella is inspired by his own origins, thinking of the present and the future. Beyond the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, the Mediterranean is a modern, active, entrepreneur culture. It is the Mediterranean of the Ciudad de las Artes in Valencia and the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona. The same sea, the same light, the same colours that inspire post modern architecture, looking at the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, bathed with its light.
The new collection from the Alicante firm is based on highly developed patterns, treated from an architectural point of view. Structured shapes, made with material, needle and thread, playing with the elegant, classical materials of brides, in which silk fabrics are the protagonist, with mikados, dupioni and organdies. You will also find light, supple gauzes and coupé organdies.
It is my sincere hope that you will take a moment to visit this amazing designer and view this collection. Certainly if we can answer any questions for you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kindest wishes,
André Winfrye
| Send this post to a friend
| Leave a Comment