What a winter we’ve had in Atlanta! This is my third winter here and I can say it has been unseasonably cold here and my thoughts are often turned to the temperate days I usually enjoy in the spring while trying to look like I can plant a few flowers. Dare I say I’m welcoming the arrival of spring? While trying to get my mind in spring mode, I’ve been searching for amazing and beautiful spring wedding accents and came across this scrumptious SmittenXOXO studio that produced all the gorgeous hair pieces in this post.
So, I’m completely smitten by this SmittenXOXO for being so incredibly creative, exotic and unique. According to the studio, all Smitten products are made with utmost care, and highest quality materials. Everything is hand-made with the highest degree of craftsmanship. And I’m all for that. Below are my favorite items from the site but I had to start by posting my very first favorite piece which is this stunning oversized flower named Dos Gardenias Para Ti. Isn’t it lovely? I’m thinking this piece would be perfect for an outdoor garden wedding or any other ceremony for that matter; if you don’t plan on wearing a veil. And yes, you certainly can wear this if you’ve a guest who just wants to make your statement!
My second favorite this very daring and bold piece name The Murderess! Yeah, I know; I smiled when I saw the name and I must confess that I think I like it even more because of its name. But look at it. I’m in love with the bold, dark velvet red eggplant color and the pale red feathers are simply striking.
As a bride, do you think you can pull your look by wearing The Murderess? I think you can! Let me know your thoughts on this post.
Smitten by SmittenXOXO,
Violaine Diogene
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Out of all the amazing and brilliant designers that we’re fortunate to be a witness to their work, does any of them whisper your name? When a designer whispers your name, he’s calling you to wear his designs; Regardless if you can actually afford that particular designer at the very moment, eventually you will give in to that whisper and you’ll start wearing their designs.
Valentino has been whispering my name for a while now and I’m about to answer his call with the very first pair of shoes below. Yes, I know, I LOVE that amazing pair of shoes and it screams Violaine all over! But besides the amazing shoes, Valentino is a designer whom provides ample inspiration for the lady seeking a one-of-a-kind gown, and this particular Valentino collection simply took my breath away! This collection delivers exquisite and timeless couture gowns.
Which of these designs whispers your name? Which designer whispers your name? I know some of the suits below are white and I would love to hear your thoughs on where you would wear the white suit to! I would love to hear your thoughts…..
Inspired by Valentino,
Violaine Diogene
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Dear wedding guests attendees, whether you’re attending your girlfriend from high school’s wedding, whether you’ve ever met the bride, whether you’re a friend of a friend who’s standing in at the last minute. Whether you’re accompanying your significant other to his or her best friend’s wedding, whether you’re a friend of the mother, brother, sister, father, a mere distance cousin, it’s NEVER and I repeat, it’s NEVER ok to attend one’s wedding in a pair of jeans (expensive or not) with a nice shirt tucked in! And please understand that I’m saying this with love.
I can appreciate that it’s intimidating to wear a full gown to a wedding but I promise you, the bride and her family will appreciate the time you took to dress accordingly to their wedding.
Below are just a few samples of my favorite gowns but the very first gown by the one, the only, Oscar De La Renta! Yes, I know it’s a full ballroom gown but at times when you know you’re attending a formal seated dinner, trust me you can pull this look together and make your own statement without taking anything away from the bride. For more information on each of the gowns, simply move your mouse to each gown and the name of the designer will be revealed. What do you think of the gowns below? Have you ever had a guest attend your wedding and you did not appreciate what they wore? I would love to hear your thoughts on this post.
Always with you in mind,
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.
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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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Paige Gamble, who’s that? I know, I didn’t know who this amazing and brilliant designer was until I came across her work on one of my favorite bag reviewers, The Bag Snob! Ok, so I might have missed out on something huge but I’m catching up and let me tell you, Paige Gamble will soon be a household name; well, if you’re obsessed with nice, quality bags.
Paige Gamble is based out of none-other New York City where she produces products that are handcrafted in the finest materials in the world. These bags are so exquisite, there’s a video on her website to show you exactly how to open these clutches; I know, I started to giggle when I saw it. According to Kelly of Bag Snobs, Paige is opening her very first store in Aspen and I can’t wait to hear of the amazing art she will draw for us.
I have to tell you, I had a hard time choosing just one clutch (I know, it’s hard to believe) so, naturaly I had to pick two bags. The very first bag (Sapphire Python and White Flowers) has to be my favorite. I can see this clutch being paired with simple shoes and a killer cocktail dress or stunning ballroom wedding gown.
My second favorite is the White Matte Python and Green Turquoise Wheels. This one is so easy to be paired with a very simple, yet elegant white mini gown and a pair of Turquoise neck piece would stop traffic. Every girl should be able to stop traffic in time square!
Well, what do you think? How would you wear one of these clutches?
I’ve died and gone in clutch heaven,
Violaine Diogene
Sapphire Lacquered Python Clutch with Hand-Pressed White Patent Leather Flowers. These flowers are cut, pressed, and crafted by a third generation flower-maker in New York. Lined in black suede with cash and credit card pocket. Magnetic closure.
White Matte Python and Green Turquoise Wheels. Lined in bone suede with cash, credit card pockets, mirror, and secret compartment. Magnetic Closure.
Matte vanilla ostrich with hand-engraved tulip tattoo. Due to the level of detailing in the tattoo design, no two bags will ever be alike. Lined in bone suede with two large and two small vanilla ostrich interior pockets.
Sapphire Lacquered Alligator with Natural Pyrite Bar. Finished with our unique “hot coffee” finish that is impervious to liquids. Lined in bone suede with cash and credit card pockets
Glazed Forest Green Alligator Clutch with Peacock Feathers. Lined in black suede with cash and credit card pockets. Magnetic Closure 
Copper Lacquered Alligator with Natural Pyrite Bar. Finished with our unique “hot coffee” finish that is impervious to liquids. Lined in bone suede with cash and credit card pockets.
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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.
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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
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