Enjoy,

Violaine

I believe whole heartily in dressing for the occasion but still being true to your style. If you’ve not the gown wearing kind of girl, I would suggest getting a stunning pair of slacks and allow a stunning, show stopping top to pull off the formal look. Below are a few looks to inspire you in assembling your look.

Lauren, I would love to know how you pulled the look together….

All my best,

Violaine Diogene

Monique Lhuillier

lanvin

Oscar de la Renta

The collection is simply exquisite to say the least. The collection is somewhat magical, feminine and graceful. I can tell you that I absolutely love everything about this collection and the use of sparkles on the dresses. It almost looks like the gowns were sprinkled with crystals, fairy dust and strands of silver. The color palette is mostly neutral with a little bit of dark grey, ice blue and some floral prints were perfect for summertime events.

Wishing to wear Jenny Packham,

Violaine Diogene

All the pictures below were copied from our favorite fashion site; Fashionologie

While visiting one of my favorite spots, I came across these stunning little numbers on Net-a-Porter and I had to share.

Without a doubt, the shoes below are simply delicious and would compliment any gown your heart so desires. But personally my favorite is the white leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

The is features a four and a half inches brushed silver-tone heel with half inch floating platform. The sandals have a silver diamanté-embellished trim, silver-tone hardware, stud detailing, an open toe, cutout sides, ring detail, a buckle fastening at the side and ankle and a back zip fastening. Uhm, you can stop dreaming now.

Which one’s your favorite?

A shoe lover,

Violaine Diogene

After visiting your site on a regular basis, I can tell you that I love just about everything you have on the site, but the dresses below are my absolute favorites. I’m thinking the first two will be in my front door just in time for my birthday!

Inspired by the 1940s era,

Violaine Diogene

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

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

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 

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.

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,

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.