A Formal Affair

It’s Fauquier County’s favorite holiday of the year again as Great Meadows is gearing up to present their 2011 Gold Cup Spring Races! Unlike the Fall Gold Cup races which have the reputation of being more casual and intimate, the spring races are always a grand affair, most often celebrated with sun dresses, bow ties, and the occasional mint julep. Anyone who has ever heard of The Plains, Virginia, knows that Gold Cup is the place to be on May 7^th of this year.

So you’ve put together your tailgate. Check. You’ve bought your Members Hill Pass. Check. Now all that’s left to do is find the perfect sun dress, because we all know, Gold Cup is just too special of an event to just wear something that’s already in your closet. Though I could go on about the do’s and don’ts of Gold Cup fashion, I will leave that for another blog, and instead focus this one on the top trends in sun dresses I have been seeing this spring!

The first and most important new trend in my opinion is just one word: Jacquard. “Well what the heck is that?” one might ask. The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as: A fabric of intricate variegated weave or pattern. In other words, it’s a very thick, sturdy cotton-like material often woven in different designs to give off a quilted affect. Jacquard has become popular primarily for its versatility and durability. If found in the right color and pattern, a jacquard dress could potentially be worn any season out of the year. It’s a thick enough material for winter, yet it’s a breathable fabric enough for summer. Also the sturdiness of the material makes it very desirable, not only because one can wear it well, but also because it makes the quality of the fabric look rich.

Jacquard dress by Laundry by Shelli Segal

The second trend I have noticed this spring is that tiering is no longer just an old southern belle tradition. Recently more and more designers are looking to tiering at the skirt to give their dresses a playful personality. For instance, at the store, we received about five new bridesmaid sample dresses by Saison Blanche, all with a tiering as their new look for their spring bridal line. Though to perfect this style for Gold Cup one ought to choose a lighter material, such as chiffon, cotton, or jersey, as adding layers might also add to the heat of the day.

Tiered sundress by Max and Cleo's new spring line

Whether it is jacquard or tiering you desire this spring, A Formal Affair offers two great designers for Gold Cup dresses. The first is Max and Cleo, who is best known for working with BCBG. The other is Laundry by Shelli Segal, who has led the line in a new and excitingdirection this spring. With the help of their designs and our accommodating assistance, you can rest assured you will look fabulous for Gold Cup this weekend. Happy tailgating!

Written and researched by Ryan Elizabeth Roach

Graduation dress by Kathlin Argiro.

It is almost that time of year again! The time when stylish, about-to-graduate fashionistas go on the ultimate search for the right graduation dress. At some private schools, the white dress is worn instead of the traditional academic robe and cap. At other schools, white dresses are suggested because the color works best beneath a light colored academic robe.

In any case, smart girls don’t want to just settle for any white dress. They want one that is stylish and pretty and can be worn again (to summer parties, to sorority inductions, etc.).

One of our boutique’s favorite designers, Kathlin Argiro, is ready to save the day! She has designed an entire collection of dresses just for graduates! The designs are pretty, clean, and contemporary, but traditional enough to meet school requirements! The details of the dresses (like sashes and straps) are also customizable, for a creative touch!

Graduation dress by Kathlin Argiro.

Want to see more of these dresses? Stop by our fabulous boutique! We would love to help you create your dream graduation dress!

By: Lisa M.

Just a few more days until our amazing trunk show weekend!

We will have LOTS of new wedding gowns from the latest collection from Casablanca! We still have a few appointments open for this HUGE event! Call us at 540-347-5126 to book an appointment, or go to www.formalaffair.us

 Additionally,we are pairing up with some local vendors for some special surprises!

The beauty experts at Salon Emage ( www.salonemage.com ) will be styling two models with elegant updo’s and flattering makeup! Our lovely models will be showing off the latest in bridesmaid styles during the trunk show on Saturday! We can’t wait to see how fabulous they will look!

I asked beauty expert Charla Malone (from Salon Emage) for the latest beauty trends for the upcoming season. Here is what she told me:

“This wedding season, hair and makeup is inspired by the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton – classic and elegant with a hint of vintage. To portray the essence of royalty, decide which of these two categories most closely matches your style.

Contemporary Royal: A big elegant updo with a small rhinestone headband and veil clipped in the back ~or~ (and even better) a single big rhinestone clip on the side of the head and no veil. Makeup to go with this look is classic cheeks, lips and brows with a smoldering eye. Keep in mind that smoldering does not have to mean black. Browns, grays and plums are other great options.

Vintage Royal: A sleek updo with a bird cage veil on the front or side of the head. Snoods, a favorite from the 1940’s, are making a come back for spring. To complement this hair style, do a strong brow, flesh-tone lid with black liner and a dark lip. Pick a shade of red or deep berry that complements your skin tone; and speaking of skin, it must be flawless to pull off this look.

There are many interpretations of the royal look, so be true to your personal style. Work with your hair stylist and makeup artist at your trial hair and makeup appointment to ensure your perfect look.”

Contact Salon Emage Day Spa’s Bridal Coordinator, Lois at 540-341-4052. www.salonemage.com

Check out the bridal portfolio on facebook at the Salon Emage Day Spa page.

Thank you, Charla!

Blog by: Lisa M.

Only a few more days until our amazing trunk show weekend!

We will have LOTS of new wedding gowns from the latest collection from Casablanca! We still have a few appointments open for this HUGE event! Call us at 540-347-5126 to book an appointment, or go to www.formalaffair.us

 Additionally,we are pairing up with some local vendors for some special surprises! Shelley Campbell of Shelley’s Floral Enterprise ( www.ShelleysFloral.com) will be providing fresh flowers and bridal bouquets to make the process of trying on wedding gowns more beautiful!

I asked Shelley, who is known as “The Wedding Florist” for some scoop on the latest in floral trends for weddings! Here is what she told me:

“We welcome some new and exciting trends in wedding flowers for 2011, but we’re also seeing a number of brides fancying classic colors and style. The round full-clutch bouquet remains the most popular trend for this year. Flowers that coordinate with various shades of pink and blue bridesmaids’ dresses are the rage.  Year-round shades of pink remain a favorite with hot pink and corals providing a fresh look. Soft to hot pink Gerberas, accented with green Mini-Hydrangeas or adorned with white Freesia, make the colors pop against pink dresses.

The fashionable spring and summer bridesmaid dress for 2011 is navy blue with the bridesmaid often carrying yellow Gerberas and/or white Hydrangea.  As a bonus, for the frugal bride, both of these popular flowers are fairly inexpensive. The classic black bridesmaid dress takes on a contemporary twist when paired with pops of color like hot pink and yellow bouquets. These vibrant colors against the dark gowns add pizazz to wedding photos. As fall approaches, the shift will be to flowers of rich autumn colors and jewel tones against deep dress colors like dark red, green or navy.

The classic all-white bouquet reflects an understated elegance and will continue to be in style especially with soft blue gowns. Roses, Calla Lilies and Hydrangeas remain favorites for the bridal bouquet. These tried-and-true posies are available in an array of colors and also look gorgeous in the traditional all-white bouquet with an accent of Stephanotis.  And finally, in 2011, many brides are opting for a little bling in their bouquets, such as rhinestones and pearls.

Just remember- trends are fun and interesting but choose what you love. Your day should reflect your personality and be a celebration of you.”

Thanks, Shelley!

Written by: Lisa M.

Yay! It is trunk show time again at A Formal Affair! We have a fabulous weekend planned for March 12th and 13th! For starters, we will have the latest collection from Casablanca Bridal in our store! If you want to try on dresses from this amazing collection, be sure to book a trunk show appointment NOW! Appointments are booking quickly! You may make your appointment at www.formalaffair.us  or simply call the store at 540-347-5126.

In addition to the special collection of new wedding gowns, we are also teaming up with some fabulous local vendors! Wanda Lord-Steele, owner of Wanda’s Cakes will be providing yummy treats for all brides during the trunk show weekend!

I asked her for some scoop on the latest in wedding cake trends, and here is what she told me:

As brides continue on their quests to find the perfect wedding gown, it is so important that they remember that their options are not limited to the exact dresses on the racks! A smart bride keeps in mind that her options for creativity are truly endless!

Think of the gowns on display in the bridal boutique as a starting point. Of course, the bride should LOVE the basic shape and fabric of her gown…but she is free to add customized color to her dream dress! Shania Twain, pictured above, wanted a pop of black in her beautiful white gown, so she had a black sash custom made and added it to her dress. The result is unique and bold without straying too far from a traditional look.

If a bride is using a bright or pastel color for her wedding party, creating a matching ribbon sash for her gown can be a lovely, unifying touch. Another idea is to add colorful bling to a gown by having a seamstress add some beads or by pinning a colorful brooch to the gown. Colorful fabric flowers are also an inexpensive, but creative touch.

The important lesson is that it is completely acceptable to make your gown your own by adding a bit of color! If the bride is too timid for the ideas above, brightly colored shoes or jewelry could also be a fun accent!

written by: Lisa M.

Want to create a fresh, fun look for your big day? Take a hint from style diva Nicole Ritchie and embrace the concept of a full, tulle wedding gown! Many brides fear tulle and think it will add too much fullness or make them look like ballerinas. Not true! A full skirt actually accents the waistline, making it look smaller!

Tulle is fresh and fun. Most wedding gowns that feature a tulle skirt are topped with a very fitted bodice, which is also figure flattering. Here is one example of a tulle dress, the Maggie Sottero Chardonnay:

This beautiful wedding gown features a scoop neckline and corset closure. According to the designer, “this opulent illusion ballgown emits true and blissful romance. The Bordeaux Taffeta bodice features innovative pleating, while tulle erupts from the waist, glistening with embellished lace motifs.”
Although tulle is dramatic and creates a youthful, almost princess-y look, it is really very wearable and comfortably light!

Don’t rule out this look without trying on at least one tulle wedding gown. Nicole Ritchie definitely knows fashion, and the tulle trend will most definitely be unmistakable this spring and summer!

Written and researched by Lisa M.