The Perfect Capsule Work Wardrobe

I confess, I'm far from a minimalist (the boy foresees some logistical difficulties with my shoe collection and tiny condo closets). But perhaps this is why the idea of a tightly edited collection of mix-and-match basics seems so fascinating. Whenever I see a "Several Pieces, Umpteen Different Outfits" tutorial, I get excited about seeing all the different looks the stylists came up with while working within limited parameters.

This Shopbop lookbook caught my eye a couple of weeks ago and I haven't been able to put it out of mind since. Even if you can't afford Michael Kors watches, Vince trousers, Equipment silk blouses or Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, you can derive great styling ideas for how to recombine a handful of basic pieces into enough looks for two weeks.

The list of lookbook items serves as a good checklist for fresh university graduates who've just landed their first real jobs and need to put together a professional wardrobe fast. How many of these pieces do you have in your wardrobe?

• Black blazer
• 2 pairs of trousers (1 pair black, 1 pair in another neutral)
• Black pencil skirt
• Black pumps
• Commuter flats
• 2 sweaters (1 crewneck, 1 cardigan)
• Trench coat
• Classic work tote
• Patterned blouse
• White button-down shirt
• Oversize watch
• Day dress

Looking for more workwear inspiration? Check out this post with outfit ideas for Monday to Friday that I did last year when I began my new job.

6

Palladium Madness

"Mambo kings and big band orchestras. Guests dressed to the nines, waiting to dance to music by the likes of Tito Puente and Machito. While this might sound like a scene out of a period TV series à la Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire, it was a world that was very real to the patrons of the Palladium, the birthplace of mambo and one of the most famous Latin music venues ever. And luckily for us VIS attendees, it’s a world we’ll get to revisit and re-create at the Palladium Gala on Saturday March 3."

Today I'm taking a break from my regular posting schedule to dish advice on what attendees should wear to Vancouver International Salsa Festival's Palladium-themed gala! Think 50s fashion and big band Latin music--glamorous, right? If you're interested, check out the article here.

0

Style Advice: How do I dress up tall flat leather boots for work?

A while ago, my gorgeous friend Megan emailed me this question about the boots she'd just bought (pictured above):

What do tall boots go with and how would you wear them in a professional context? (I attached a clip of the pair I have in mind by Coclico, but am still humming and hawwing on them till I figure out how I might work them into my wardrobe.)

Shortly thereafter she sent me another email:

Re: the boots, I did end up buying them! They were $200 on Amazon including shipping, compared to $600 for similar boots at Gravity Pope, so that makes them doubly amazing. I probably couldn't wear leggings and a long top with them to work, or jeans for that matter, but dresses and skirts are a go. Thanks for your input!

Megan, first of all, kudos on getting a great deal on a pair of beautiful, well-made, classic boots that can be dressed up or down. Boots like these can go from a business casual work environment to a casual weekend. Even if jeans and leggings aren't allowed, there are still plenty of sartorial options to choose from. (For the illustrative examples below, I've used items from Shopbop, J. Crew and Madewell mostly.)

From left to right: Two of Hearts 'Kalahari' dress ($108), American Vintage 'Raye' sweater dress ($107.85), Halston Heritage chunky sweater dress ($300.16)

You've already hit the nail on the head by suggesting dresses and skirts as a starting point. Sweater dresses and dresses in heavier, winter-appropriate fabrics will keep you cozy. If sleeveless numbers are frowned upon, layer long-sleeved tees underneath or wear a cardigan on top. You could very well have a capsule wardrobe of work-appropriate day dresses to wear with your tall boots Monday to Friday and call it a day.

From left to right: J. Crew classic mini in felted wool ($98), no. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool ($120), sash skirt ($135), Madewell regiment skirt ($118)

But wearing a dress day in and day out would be a bit boring, wouldn't it? Mix-and-match separates provide so much more versatility. Skirts in wool or twill, a neutral hue or a bright orange or mustard, and of any knee-length silhouette (mini, pencil, paper sack waist, A-line) would work well with a pair of tall boots.

From left to right: Equipment 'Daddy' blouse ($228), Diane von Furstenberg 'Florane' top ($210), Raoul pleated long sleeve blouse ($178.06), Rory Beca 'Dora' tunic ($128.20), Vince boat neck tee ($125)

So what do you wear tucked into the skirts? Jewel-toned silk blouses offer the same professional polish as a tailored button-up shirt, but look and feel much more luxe and offer more freedom of motion. Drapey tees in soft jersey also work.

Lastly, accessories such as scarves, earrings, bracelets and belts can go a long way in personalizing the looks I've suggested above. I know that Megan has an extensive collection of earrings she likes to wear. Personally, I favour necklaces that add drama and fun to an outfit.

From left to right: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Jessica' necklace ($118), Kenneth Jay Lane bendable link necklace ($88), Lulu Frost double rope necklace ($264), Juicy Couture 'Brentwood Prepster' beaded necklace ($98), Michael Kors 'Jet Set' chain necklace ($401.91)

Of course, the key to pulling off skirts and dresses paired with tall boots during winter is to wear tights or leggings underneath to keep your legs warm!

Do you wear tall flat boots to work? What do you wear them with?

3

Style Advice: How to Pack a Small Cross Body Bag

On my Luxe or Less post about small cross body bags, gorgeous blogger Elisse wrote:

Great post on this selection of mini cross-body bags.

My next question, and request for a future Solo Lisa post: what cute wallets, accessories, or must-haves can a girl fit into these types of petite purses?

Elisse, the answer to your question is a bit of a paradox: the fewer cute must-haves you carry in a petite purse, the better. It might sound like a scary concept for chronic over-packers, but once you spend an evening with a small handbag, you'll realize how liberated you feel. Here are a few tips to make sure you're not toting around excess baggage.

Choose your mini cross body bag wisely. Pockets, compartments and card slots help you keep things organized without needing a bulky wallet. And speaking of which...

Ditch your everyday wallet. Instead of trying to cram your card- and receipt-filled pocketbook into a tiny purse, use a cardholder or a sleek, small wallet like one of Coach's mini skinnies. If you're in a pinch, you can even use an elastic or a binder clip to keep bills and cards together.

Take only what you need for the evening.This means something different for everyone. I always take my ID, debit and credit cards, transit pass, cell phone, a few bills, a pocket mirror, keys, cell phone, blotting papers, and lip balm or lipstick. Depending on your circumstances, your list of essentials might also include a hair elastic, bobby pins, a tampon, eye drops, medication, etc.

What do you pack in a small handbag?

10

A Touch of Red

Image from The Sartorialist

Judging from the 100+ people who "liked" this photo in Google Reader, I wasn't the only one smitten with this Sartorialist snapshot from several weeks ago. But my admiration was also tinged with a hint of a "Great minds think alike!" mentality; for the last month I've been injecting little touches of red here and there in my outfits too. A dash of crimson goes a long way in tying together an outfit, giving neutrals a much-needed bit of colour, or adding some sophistication to a look.

Timex Modern Grande watch ($75), Joe Fresh nail polish in 'Cherry' ($4), NARS velvet matte lip pencil in 'Cruella' ($30), Kate Spade 'Randi' rain boots, Liz Claiborne apple brooch, Spa Ritual nail polish in 'Kiss the Cook' ($16 at BeautyMark), Sephora Rouge Cream lipstick in 'Hot Tango' ($16), Forever 21 glossy skinny belt ($3.80)

Luckily for those of us on a budget, adding a touch of red to an outfit is affordable and achievable. Shoes with a scarlet flourish are a good start. You could also pin a sparkly brooch on a dark coat, swap your everyday watch for one with a red strap, or thread a skinny patent leather belt through your belt loops. Of course, for the most versatility, you can always opt for a red lipstick or nail polish.

The collage above encapsulates my favourite ways to add the colour into my everyday looks. What are yours? Would you try this look?

UPDATE [November 28,2011]: Well, that was a bust. After less than a year--a very blissful year--with my Kate Spade rain boots, I was less than happy to find that the rubber was cracking at the ankle. Talk about shoddy quality! The search is on for a replacement pair.

9

Simple DIY: Necklace Pendants Turned Brooches

Do you have necklaces that you rarely wear and too much time on your hands? Here's an easy DIY idea that even the clumsiest of non-crafters can do: Remove the chains and turn the pretty pendant components into brooches. All you need are pin backs (available at craft stores), Krazy glue, and pliers (they make removing chains and jump rings much easier). And presto! Suddenly necklaces that never see the light of day become brooches that add the perfect finishing touch to blazers, sweaters, and coats.



Have you attempted a DIY project recently? Are you crafty or clumsy? Do share in the comments.

13

Easy Outfit Solutions for Early Morning Commuters

One of the goals I set for myself this year was to become a morning person: get to work early and leave by 5pm. This is no small feat considering that starting at 10-10:30am and ending around 6:30pm was the norm for me at my previous company. A new job provided the perfect excuse to adjust my schedule and have my evenings to myself again. After a few exhausting days last week, it seems to be working out well. I get so much done before noon and when I come home I can work on my blog or go to yoga and dance classes.

The only downside: to maximize sleep and minimize prep time, I have about 3-5 minutes to get dressed before moving on to the rest of my morning routine. Rifling through drawers, flipping through hangers, and pondering what to wear is a luxury reserved for someone who can afford to hit the snooze alarm a couple of times.

That being said, here are my tried-and-true strategies for putting together a stylish outfit when pressed for time:

1. Check the weather forecast and lay out your clothes and accessories the night before. (If you do this the battle is already half-won.)
2. Stock up on variations of the pieces that you wear most often. For some it might be dresses, tights, costume jewelry, and waist-cinching belts. For others it could be delicate blouses, cashmere cardigans, and skinny trousers.
3. Try to work in some pattern and/or colour.
4. When in doubt, have a "fallback outfit" (or five).

What is a fallback outfit, you ask? It's that easy, comfortable outfit formula that you know is guaranteed to work 100% when you're too tired to layer and tuck, experiment and accessorize. Here are some fallback outfit formulas that work for me and my work environment (casual, no dress code), courtesy of Polyvore.

Monday

Early Monday mornings are particularly brutal if you've had a full social calendar all weekend. A colourful cardigan, simple blouse, and dark wash skinny jeans look put-together and are a no-brainer to throw on. Feminine accessories complete the look.

Tuesday

With Monday blues wearing off, Tuesday is bound to be more productive and busy. Look chic but stay comfortable in a sweater dress cinched with a red patent leather belt and tall black leather riding boots.

Wednesday

Reuse the red patent leather belt from yesterday's outfit to give a patterned blouse and camel trousers a slight jolt of colour.

Thursday

Over-the-knee boots, a patterned shirtdress, leggings, and a crossbody bag are low on fuss and high on style.

Friday

Lace tops are surprisingly demure with a cami underneath and a blazer on top. When it's time meet up with friends or that special someone for drinks or dinner after work, put on a sparkly necklace and some bright lipstick.

Do you have any tips or tricks to get yourself ready and out the door in no time on early weekday mornings? What are the fallback outfits that work for you?

19

Style Advice: What To Wear To A Fall Wedding

Afternoon wedding

Reader Sandy T. recently left this comment on my "what to wear to a wedding" style advice post from last year:

"I am going to a wedding on September 18th. It is an afternoon wedding. What is appropriate to wear? Please help me."

Sandy, I still stand by the original advice I gave in reference to the Polyvore set above:

"Save the sequins and skin-baring numbers for the raucous bachelorette party! Daytime weddings call for something more demure. This full-skirted colour block dress is bold yet classic and feminine; add a silver pendant and pearl stud earrings for some subtle polish without detracting from the impact of the dress. Black peep-toe flats walk the fine line between casual and dressy, while a cropped cardigan will keep bare shoulders warm. I added the Chanel purse because the textured cream-and-black tweed is so lovely."

But an afternoon wedding in autumn calls for some tweaks. Here are a couple of pointers to keep in mind for your outfit, accompanied by inspiration collages to help you on your search for the perfect ensemble.

All dresses in this collage from Anthropologie

The dress. A dress that isn't too sparkly, shiny, or revealing is still your best bet for looking put-together at an afternoon wedding. For a fall wedding, look for jewel-toned colours and patterns featuring a light or neutral background. Fabrics should be thicker than spring/summer cottons and luxurious to the touch. If it's a chilly day, you can always wear dark tights with your frock, but make sure you do a test run at home first to see if the dress clings to your tights. You don't want to spend the entire evening tugging your skirt down and fighting static electricity.

All necklaces in this collage from Forever 21

The accessories. A delicate silver necklace and some pearl studs suffice for summer, but fall is a time when fashion becomes bolder, richer, and much more dramatic. Up the ante in your outfit by adding some bling. Put on a statement necklace to bring attention to your face and add visual interest to the neckline of your dress, or slip on a cuff bracelet to play up bare wrists.

All cuff bracelets in this collage from Forever 21

All flats in this collage from Net a Porter. Bloch, Christian Louboutin, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Tory Burch...hey, a girl can dream!

The shoes. In my experience, unless you're going to a Chinese wedding reception and are expected to stay seated through umpteen different courses, you'll most likely be on your feet standing around or dancing. Heels can be painful when worn for hours at a time, and if the wedding's outdoors you definitely don't want your lovely stilettos sinking into mud and grass. The solution? A really pretty pair of flats with interesting details--bows, jewels, ruffled chiffon. Everyone will be enamoured with your shoes while you gloat about how comfortable you are--talk about a win-win.

Sweater, blazer, and coat from Gap. Miu Miu clutch from Net a Porter.

The extras. Autumn can be chilly, so layer accordingly. Aside from wearing tights with your dress, bring a fine-knit cardigan, blazer, or chic trench to wear on top. If you tend to get really cold like I do, wear the cardi under a blazer or trench. Bring along an evening clutch big enough for your essentials and you're good to go.

Sandy, I hope this post has helped you. Readers, do you have any other style advice for her? What would you like to wear if you were going to a fall wedding?

10

Style Advice: Spring & Summer Handbags

Last week, I received the following email from lovely reader Fiona:

Hi Lisa,

I'm an avid follower of your blog, and I loved your post How To Shop For A Purse You'll Love! I'm looking to buy a bag that's suitable for spring/summer, so I was wondering if you have any suggestions on styles/colours/materials that would be suitable for the upcoming seasons. I only own 3 black handbags & 1 off-white one, so it'd be nice to have something in a different colour for once, but perhaps something that's versatile enough to use during other seasons. I also can't really afford designer bags, especially if it's for something I might only use for a few months per year. Maybe you could do a blog post on this if you have the time? If not, a simple suggestion would also be appreciated. :)

Thanks a lot!

Handbags are one of those subjects that set my heart aflutter, so of course I was thrilled to oblige Fiona with a blog post! Although they're one of the pricier accessories purchases you can make, it is possible to buy a quality bag that lasts beyond this season for under $200. I still stand by the tips I gave in this post on how to pick out a handbag you'll love, but here are a couple of other things to keep in mind while shopping for a spring/summer handbag. Enjoy!

1. Consider materials other than leather. Leather is a classic handbag choice for good reason: it's durable yet supple, comes in a variety of finishes and colours, and looks better with age. But the downside of leather is that sometimes it can give off a heavy wintery vibe. Lighten up by considering alternative options such as canvas, nylon, and textiles. I'm particularly partial to coated textiles because they're easy to maintain and clean and come in a variety of patterns. Lately I've been drawn to the "surprisingly affordable for a brand name" coated nylon and leather Longchamp 'Le Pliage' tote ($153.30 Cdn). I've met a few happy Longchamp tote owners who attest to its indestructible nature.



2. Consider where and how you'll be using this bag. You should ask yourself how you envision using this bag before you go shopping. Is it going to be for patio parties and late-night movies? Accompanying you to Sunday brunch in the sunshine? Tossed around on a sandy beach? A roomy carry-all you can tote to work with you? The more likely your bag is to encounter dirty situations (like the beach) or take a beating from your daily routine, the less you should spend on it. That doesn't mean you have to settle for a bag that will fall apart in a few months, though. This linen blend tote ($39.50 US) from the Gap is a cute affordable option for carrying loads of work files or for beach time.



3. Consider colour. If you want a colourful accent bag as a fun alternative to the black bags you own, do a mental run-through of your wardrobe first, particularly the coats, jackets, and sweaters you own. Mostly monochromatic wardrobes with lots of gray, beige, white, black, and denim blue might benefit from a bag in a bright yellow, coral, or electric blue hue. Meanwhile, extremely colourful wardrobes may fare better with alterna-neutral bags in gray, cognac, navy blue, burgundy, brown, or blush pink.

Kate Spade 'Darien Jan' crossbody bag ($137.33 Cdn)

4. Consider vintage. It requires some effort on your part, but great deals can be found in local vintage and consignment shops. Alternatively, you could try scouring Etsy for vintage bargains with classic silhouettes, colours, and styles. While researching this post, I found this $50 vintage Coach saddle bag on Etsy which would make many a modern hipster turn green with envy. (Sadly it sold out the last time I checked--you really need to act fast on these!)



5. Consider trends. Finally, have FUN with your handbag purchase! Sometimes it's good to just go with a style you instinctively love instead of a safe and reliable classic. This season, hot handbag trends include:

• crossbody silhouette
• stud detailing
• chain straps
• blush pink and beige leathers and hues

Aldo 'Puyear' bag ($42)

Fiona, I hope you found this post helpful! To my other readers, are you contemplating a handbag purchase this season? What are you looking for? Any tips or suggestions you'd like to share?

15

Stylish Thought Of The Day

Style and comfort need not be mutually exclusive. Last week, a coworker reminded me of this when she showed up to a morning meeting looking oh so chic in a sweater dress, tights, low-heeled boots, and matching statement earrings and necklace. When I complimented her, she enthused, "This is the most comfortable outfit ever! Everybody this morning has been telling me I look so good, but it feels like I'm at home in my pajamas. And it was the easiest thing to just slip on a dress instead of putting on a top and jeans." Then she grinned and said, "I think I might wear this every day this winter."

When you think about this, it makes sense. Sweater dresses and tights are stretchy and warm, whereas even the most comfortable jeans can feel constricting if you've had a big lunch or you're sitting at your desk for long periods of time. The next time I feel the urge to dress down, I think I might take my cue from my coworker and don a sweater dress/tights/boots ensemble.

23

Legwear 101

This season, I resolve to wear skirts and dresses more often instead of resorting to jeans all the time. As cute as skirt/dress ensembles can be, though, the most important part of any cold weather outfit is whether it will keep you warm! One way to make sure you stay toasty is legwear--tights and leggings to be exact. If you're new to layering legwear under skirts, read on for a primer on some of the major snags you'll encounter and how to solve them. Enjoy!

Problem: Your legwear doesn't keep you warm.
Solution: When shopping, look for opaque tights with high denier counts rather than sheer ones, and opt for leggings made of artificial fibre blends (like nylon) rather than cotton and spandex. Alternatively, layer a pair of leggings on top of a pair of tights. I tried this trick last winter and the results were fantastically windproof.

Shown: BDG long legging ($24), UO sheer tights ($12)

Problem: Your skirt bunches up when you walk.
Solution: Your skirt is most likely bunching up because you're wearing two knit textures which are rubbing together when you walk (e.g. cotton leggings and a sweater dress). To keep your skirt from riding up, make sure that one element of your outfit has a smooth texture. Pair knit or cotton frocks with tights or leggings that are made of nylon or rayon and smooth to the touch. Wear skirts that have a silky built-in slip with knit leggings.

Shown: Coincidence & Chance cap sleeve sweater dress ($78), Kimchi Blue strapless tweed sweetheart dress ($39), UO opaque tights ($12), Mini rib tights ($14)

Problem: You're bored with the tights you own, but your budget prevents you from splurging on lots of new pairs.
Solution: Try getting a pair of black lacy or fishnet tights, or a pair of slashed leggings, to layer over your coloured tights. If you own a lot of black tights or tights in dark colours, get them in white instead.

Shown: Shimmer opaque tights ($18), Crescent pattern fishnets ($35)

Problem: Whenever you wear tights, your feet tend to slip out of your pumps when you walk.
Solution: As gross as this may sound, leather shoes stay on your feet partly because the leather adheres to your bare skin when you sweat--something which doesn't happen when you wear tights and slip your pumps on. Opt for shoes with ankle or T straps which will stay put on your feet. If you want to keep wearing your slip-on pumps and flats, try pairing them with stirrup tights.

Shown: Shiny stirrup tights ($16)

What are your style resolutions for fall and winter? If you're a fan of tights and leggings, do you have any special tricks to make them extra comfy and stylish in layered ensembles?

39

Style Advice: Packing For a Winter Mediterranean Cruise

Photo by egonwegh

A couple weeks ago, I received this email from lovely reader Meghan:

First, let me start off by saying that I absolutely love your blog! It’s awesome! Well, I was reading your blog on “Packing for a Mediterranean Cruise” and I have to request some more of your expert opinions on this matter. I am going on a 12 day Mediterranean cruise for my honeymoon in JANUARY! It’s going to be cold- but there are also pools on board, and we will be walking around at the ports and all the temperatures are different. Ahhhhhhhh—I’m stressing a bit because I don’t really know what to pack (I have never been on a cruise before), and to stay within one (maximum: two) suitcases. I know that I should layer, but it’s so hard to pack for a 2 week vacation in other countries when it’s flipping freezing!!! HELP!

Meghan, thank you for the kind words about my blog and congratulations on your impending marriage and honeymoon! You must be so excited, and a 12-day Mediterrenean cruise sounds marvelous. Based on the itinerary you sent me, the temperature in your destination cities will hover between 6 and 15 degrees Celsius--most likely around 10 degrees Celsius--with the possiblity of rain. In short, the weather at your port cities sounds like it might resemble Vancouver in autumn. Here's a Polyvore set representing your capsule cruise wardrobe.

Winter Cruise Wear

Some key points about this Polyvore set:

• As I said in my other Mediterrenean cruise post, pick a colour palette and stick to it. I chose pink and blue for this set because they mix well with each other and accent silver, white, gray, and black nicely.
• You're absolutely right about the importance of layering! Layering is the key to conserving suitcase space and keeping warm in style. Bring enough fitted camis for 2 weeks and 1 or 2 cardigans. (Change the camis but air out the cardigans when you're not wearing them.) I'm a huge fan of Uniqlo's HeatTech camisoles, which are super-thin but opaque enough to be worn alone and insulate better than the average tank top. For maximum warmth with minimal bulk, the cardigans you pack should be dense-knit, fine yarn merino wool or cashmere.
• Your sightseeing uniform in port cities: fitted cami + wool/cashmere cardigan + skinny jeans + flat black leather boots. On top, wear a belted wool jacket + colourful scarf + knit beanie + fingerless gloves. Carry a roomy cross-body leather bag (such as the Coach 'Sabrina') + mini umbrella. The boots and umbrella will keep your feet and body dry if it rains. If you find yourself overheating, stuff the scarf, beanie, and gloves into your roomy bag. Fingerless gloves, aside from being trendy items, will keep your hands warm while letting you maintain dexterity as you fumble with your digital camera or your map.
• Aside from the roomy leather handbag, pack a canvas tote for all your poolside essentials and a clutch for evening.
• Bring 3-4 bikinis in complementary colours so you can mix and match tops and bottoms. Instead of a sarong, pack a jersey dress with pretty draping as a cover-up; in a pinch, it can double as an evening dress.
• Cruises usually have an evening dinner dress code, so pack plenty of knee-length cocktail dresses which can be dressed up or down. A dressy bolero in a neutral colour will keep the chill off bare shoulders. Paired with a quilted clutch, silver heels, and eye-catching jewelry, you'll be dining in style every night!
• Keep metallic accessories in the same colour family to make mixing and matching easier (here I've chosen silver). For day, a simple pair of studs and silver pendant necklace provide subtle polish for your "port city" look. For evening, a pair of statement earrings and a cocktail ring are just the right amount of bling.
• Try to limit yourself to 4 pairs of shoes: flat black boots (for sightseeing in cold, possibly rainy destinations), ballet flats (for the long flight to and from Barcelona, going to and fro on the cruise), flip-flops (for the pool), and heels (for evening).

Bon voyage, Meghan! To the rest of my readers, do you have any other advice for Meghan about what she should pack?

23

Style Advice: Wedding Hair Accessories

Today's post is brought to you by a very special guest blogger and my coworker, Tea of Everyday Sugar. I received a reader request for advice on wedding hair accessories, and having never been married or given this subject much thought, I was admittedly stumped. She very graciously agreed to do a guest post when I swivelled my desk chair around and asked her. I can't think of anyone else better qualified to write this: Aside from being a stylish married lady, she sells gorgeous handmade hair accessories out of her Etsy shop, Sugarlotus Designs. So, without further ado, let's welcome Tea!

Should I wear a modern hair accessory or a veil on my wedding day?

These days, when choosing a hair piece for your wedding there are so many options it's difficult to choose! Here are a few things to consider when you’re deciding what to wear in your hair.

Hair accessories

The dress - If your dress is very ornate, or has fantastic details like beads or ruffles, you may want to choose something simple for your hair to keep attention on your gown. Alternately, if you are wearing a very simple dress, you may want to choose a large hair piece as a focal point for some extra drama.

Both Pieces from Twigs and Honey - Flourish (Left) and Veneta (Right)

Hair style - Are you wearing your hair down, in an up-do, or half-up? If your hair is down, a clip-in flower or rhinestone hair clip beside your ear is very flattering. If your hair is up, you can still wear a hair clip near your ears or tucked in near the back. You can also opt for sparkly or floral hair pins scattered in or near your up-do. If you’re wearing your hair half-up, anything goes.

Oh My Deer

Adding color - A hair accessory is one way to add a little color to your wedding attire. You can pull in colors from your wedding theme, bouquet, or bridesmaids dresses. You can ask your florist to reserve a few extra blooms from your bouquet and ask your hair stylist to pin them in for you. Fresh flowers look great but can wilt if you’re somewhere hot or it’s going to be a long day. They can also bruise if they are handled too much. Colored hair accessories or flowers are a good option in this case.

Photos via Coco + Kelly

Headbands - They come in all kinds of fabulous flavors: rhinestone, embellished, floral. They look great if your hair is up or down, curly or straight. If you’ve got a pixie cut or short hair, headbands are a great option!

Be Something New (Left) and Jennifer Behr (Right)

Veils

Tradition – Is this a special part of tradition to you or your family? If that’s the case then you should consider wearing a veil.

How long will you wear the veil? In most of the weddings I’ve attended lately, brides have worn a veil for the ceremony but removed it for the reception. Some brides use a floral hair accessory to anchor the veil, or wear hair accessories under the veil (which they will remove later on).

Unveiled Bridal Designs

The dress - If your dress has an ornate design on the back you may want a very simple veil that is mostly transparent (with few ruffles) or a shorter veil so that the details are visible. If your dress is short and you still want a veil, pick something short. A birdcage style would also work well.

Face shape – A veil frames the face. It’s also soft, romantic, and adds a little bit of mystery. Different types of veils are flattering to different face shapes. Here’s an article from Weddingbells that goes into more detail about this.

Modern twists on the wedding veil - There are also some fabulous designers who make hair pieces with detachable veiling material. This is a nod to tradition minus overwhelming clouds of tulle – and you can take off the netting later on in the evening.

5eizen (Left) and Twigs and Honey (Right)

Here are some more modern wedding veil ideas: A combination of birdcage and tulle veil, and a bandeau style tulle wrap.

Photo via OneWed

Image via Kiss the Groom

In the end it comes down to one thing...

If you love a particular hair piece, forget everything else I wrote here and go for it! It’s your wedding day and your hair dresser should be able to make it work.

Thanks Tea! For more wedding style advice, check out these posts on picking out the perfect wedding dress and appropriate guest attire for different types of weddings. And remember, if you have any requests or style questions, email them to me at solo.lisa.blog@gmail.com.

20

Style Advice: What To Wear To A Wedding

With a slew of friends getting engaged and/or married, wedding season is definitely upon us! I was delighted with the response I received from commenters and readers on my post about Dummeow's wedding dress picks last week. Indeed, when I tweeted the link to the post, gorgeous Twitterer Jennifer_Lee tweeted in reply:

"I love weddings in the summer.. I have one to go to this August.. you should do an entry on what to wear to a wedding! :)"

Just as wedding ceremonies and receptions differ according to the couple's tastes and culture, there is no one right dress code for a wedding. What you wear to someone's wedding depends on a number of things:

1. Does the invitation specify a dress code?
2. If there's no specified dress code, what time of day are the reception and ceremony? For events happening during the day, more casual dress is acceptable.
3. Where is it all happening? If you'll be outdoors in a park or on a beach, opt for flats or wedges instead of heels that will sink into lawns and sand.

Now, I have to say this for the benefit of the socks-with-sandals, casual-or-die crowd: Please do not wear jeans or casual garb to someone's wedding. There are so many everyday occasions where jeans are acceptable. Weddings are not everyday occasions. This is a very special day for the happy couple and for the friends and family members who love them. Show some respect for everyone involved and dress appropriately.

Alright, onto the fun part! I've whipped up some Polyvore sets to illustrate different outfits for different types of weddings; if you want more information about the featured items just click the links provided below. Enjoy!

Afternoon wedding: Save the sequins and skin-baring numbers for the raucous bachelorette party! Daytime weddings call for something more demure. This full-skirted colour block dress is bold yet classic and feminine; add a silver pendant and pearl stud earrings for some subtle polish without detracting from the impact of the dress. Black peep-toe flats walk the fine line between casual and dressy, while a cropped cardigan will keep bare shoulders warm. I added the Chanel purse because the textured cream-and-black tweed is so lovely.

Beach wedding: Lucky enough to be going to a destination wedding in a tropical paradise? Show off sun-kissed skin and keep cool with a short draped jersey dress in a bright hue. Flat metallic sandals make walking on sandy beaches a breeze and add glam shine, as do the pearly white polish, a moonstone cocktail ring, and moonstone earrings. Shield your eyes from the sun's rays with a straw fedora, then switch it for a white feathered headband for the evening festivities. Ooh and check out the nude Burberry leather wristlet with the ruffles down the front--cute!

Formal wedding: Formal weddings and evening receptions mean calling out all the stops. A one-shoulder dress is sassy without being too revealing; play up the warmth of its purple hue with gold-tinged accessories and a cream-coloured pashmina. I threw in this sky-high pair of Louboutins because they were too beautiful, but whatever shoes you go with, make sure you can dance in them comfortably!

Wear black or white to a wedding? Ah, the age-old question of whether it's appropriate to wear black or white to someone's wedding. I think white is definitely a no-no out of respect for the bride, and while the little black dress is always a safe bet, the LBD can be a bit stale sometimes. Why not go for a patterned dress that combines the two? I love the bold slanted stripes on this frock, which I echoed in the slanted pleats of the clutch and the crisscross detailing of the pumps. A chunky coral necklace and turquoise bracelet provide a dose of much-needed colour.

Which Polyvore set is your favourite? Will you be attending a wedding sometime soon, and if so, any idea what you'll be wearing?

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