Event Magazine web2 by Sonya Stell

EVENT MAGAZINE 2013

WRITTEN BY NANCY & SONYA STELL PHOTOGRAPHED BY NANCY STELL

Belle

of the ball

This years trending formal wear combines classiness, sensuality and sophistication into one stunning look. Many evening gowns are now taking inspiration from the timeless Old Hollywood style, showcasing fine ruching and full skirts. To define your fashion statement, choose a suitable length for your event; just above or below the knee have become the popular choices of 2013, though if you would still like to have a wowfactor, dresses that plunge to the floor will add just that! Sporting some amazing jewelry to your special occasion? Wearing a deep scoop or v-neckline will allow you to show off your sparkling jewels. Speaking of sparkle, become a jewel yourself and flaunt a champagne or gold metallic gown with sequin or beading accents. Pictured to the left are two beautiful gowns from Elizabeth’s! Shimmering shoes have become the must-have in this year’s fashion trends, with gold and silver strapped sandals accentuated with large jewels being the favourite. However, if your love for velvet pumps never died, you are in luck! These subtle yet remarkable evening wear shoes have made a strong comeback this year. In the world of women’s fashion, one thing is for sure: trends and fads are forever changing year to year. However, men’s formal wear has remained constant for a long time now, proving that a nice suit and fancy bow tie will always be stylish and classy. If you are looking to change up your typical look, try the “new suit” that has evolved into a flattering cut to suit your body type. If you can master a sleek and smooth look, consider wearing a more fitted tuxedo to show off your trim body. When adding a vest, considering adding a splash of colour, especially if you are wearing a white tuxedo. This years daring look: a black tuxedo and red vest with a pair of black and red leather shoes to match! Bridesmaids dresses have become fresh and modern, doubling for almost any special occasion. Illusion necklines have become the number one trend, following the formal wear fad of classiness, sensuality and sophistication in one gown. Strapless gowns will remain a classic favourite, though one shoulder strap styles are gaining popularity amongst the wedding parties of 2013. Colour, colour and more colour! Cherry red dresses are adding that extra pop this year! Grey is the perfect neutral alternative, though if you still want a bit of colour, try adding a coloured sash to match your decor. Dressing the children in your wedding party can be a challenge, with each role having a general guideline to follow. Junior bridesmaids often wear the same dress as the bridesmaids or a similar gown if sizing is an issue; junior brides or “little brides” will wear a rendition of the bride’s dress; while, flower girls follow the colour scheme and style of the bridesmaids. Utilizing one colour scheme and creating differences with darker or lighter shades is the trend for this year, creating a beautiful overall look when coming down the isle. For those budget friendly buys, quality consignment shops have amazing finds that are just waiting to be discovered. Designer labels on almost new attire, making dressing chic this year affordable for everyone. The choices are endless throughout our regions, making it easy for you to find the perfect ensemble for your upcoming celebrations this year! 14 EVENT MAGAZINE 2013

EVENT MAGAZINE 2013

It’s All About t he

dr e s s

WRITTEN BY HEATHER BURKE OF ELIZABETH’S | PHOTOGRAPHED BY NANCY STELL

Will you marry me? You have enjoyed the romance of the proposal and the celebrations have begun... the planning has begun...but the question remains – Where do I begin? As you begin to sift through the thousands of gowns available you will notice that each designer has very definite design inspirations within their collections. Romance, Vintage or Couture inspired details will be evident and will represent their Signature style. The job now is to filter through these trends to see what works for you. Think comfort, a gown that suits your sense of style and your personality and above all, flatters you! Classic Princess is the gown that every little girl dreams of. The design...a fitted bodice with a ball gown style skirt. Trends for 2013 include high waisted bodices, pleated skirt details with soft gathers or large box pleats and voluminous pickup style skirts gathered more simply than in the past. The favorite neckline this season... sweetheart. Light weight silk like taffeta is the fabric of choice with finishing details of beaded lace, sequins, crystal and pearl beads. Tiaras and layers of sheer veil, will complete this look. Romance collections are noted for soft flowing fabrics – soft chiffon, filmy organza or Chantilly lace, buttons, jewel and lace detailing on sheer illusion, the look is magical. Simple layered skirts and ruffled accents are the latest trends in these collections with much emphasis placed upon simplicity. Vintage is inspired by the beautiful brides of the past! Gowns are often fashioned head to toe in lace or charmeuse satin – simple, elegant styling. Most of the vintage style gowns feature boned bodices – corset style backs are a must. Fitted dropped waistlines, modified mermaids that flare into a smooth aline skirt. Couture is best described as the heart and soul of the designer. Creative freedom is evident in whimsical designs often best suited for the runway. Many designers tame their thoughts to develop a more subtle “couture collection” marketable to the consumer. This season, watch for fitted bodices with incredible amounts of detail work. Keyhole backs are seen in most collections, sophisticated and sexy encrusted in jewels and beads or soft illusion.

Below are the top ten shopping tips to consider when looking for the perfect dress! 1. Shop early – don’t leave your gown ordering until the last minute. 2. Family and Friends – when shopping for your gown remember your opinion is the only opinion – it’s about how you feel in the gown. Be sure to invite those who will be supportive and encouraging. 3. Appointments – always book an appointment for trying on bridal gowns, this will ensure you have the assistance of an experienced consultant. 4. References – check with friends and family for referrals – word of mouth is the best advertising for a reputable salon. 5. Budget – set a reasonable budget for your gown shopping – your gown will set the tone for the entire bridal party. 6. Design – Your body is yours – don’t choose a dress style based on a shape. Choose a style that is flattering to your shape and comfort is important! 7. Accessories – Choose your accessories and finishing touches when your gown has been received. You need to have time to think about hair styles before choosing your headpieces or veils. 8. Beware of Imitations – Most bridal designers do not allow their collections to be sold online. Your bridal gown is an important investment that should be treated as such – you should always have a chance to try it on before you order. 9. Alterations – One of the most important finishing touches are your alterations and tailoring. Wherever possible order custom length but don’t go cheap on your fittings – any fashionista will tell you that alterations make the difference between a dress and a gown that fits. 10. Embrace the moment – Have fun, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many choices, Breathe and FOLLOW YOUR HEART!

Now find the best in every collection, feel free to mix and match the best qualities in each, FOLLOW YOUR HEART and you will be sure to find 16 the dress of your dreams.

EVENT MAGAZINE 2013

photography Allison Clark Photography, www.allisonclark.ca page 7 Rebecca Tapley Photography, www.rtapleyphoto.com page 7 fashion As We Grow, page 15 Elizabeth’s, www.bridalsplendor.com page 17 Krystian’s Menswear, www.krystiansformalwear.ca page 15 Me Shoe Boutique, www.meshoe.ca page 15 The Way We Were, www.thewaywewere.ca page 15 restaurants and catering Black Birch Restaurant, www.blackbirchrestaurant.com page 9 Catering Designs, www.orangevillecatering.com page 11 Il Corso, Ristorante, www.ilcorsoristorante.ca page 9 Robin’s Catering, www.robinscatering.ca page 11 restaurants and venues Greystones Inn, www.greystonesinn.com page 7 Main Street Inn, www.mainstreetinn.ca page 2 Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant, www.mrsmitchells.com page 9 venues Horizons Event Centre, www.horizonseventcentre.com page 20 The Club at North Halton, www.northhaltongolf.com page 19 Town of Halton Hills, www.haltonhills.ca page 13 The Town of Mono,www.townofmono.com page 2 The Town of Orangeville, www.orangeville.org page 11 hair and makeup Creatively Beautiful, www.creativelybeautiful.com page 13 networking groups Halton Hills Mompreneur, www.haltonhillsmompreneurs.com page 13

EVENT MAGAZINE 2013

traveling and real estate Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, www.cruiseshipceters.com page 17 Pure Magic Vacations, www.puremagicvacations.ca page 13 Royal LePage Escarpment Reality, www.fontanna.ca page 13 event planning Elegant Professional Events & Marketing, epevents.jigsy.com page 5 Evelyn’s Special Event Decorating, www.esed.5u.com page 5 Lavender Blue, page 5 Wevent Décor & Design, www.weventdecor.ca page 7 bakeries and specialty foods Heather’s Bakery Café, www.heathersbakery.ca page 11 The Chocolate Shop, www.thechocolateshop.ca page 11 The Quest For Cakes Bakery, www.questfourcakes.com page 11 Traditional Taste Bakery & Café, page 7 Trina’s Cakes, www.trinascakes.com page 11 decor Country Chiq , www.etsy.com/shop/CountryChiq page 13 Party Balloons & Gifts, www.perfectpartybycody.com page 5 Season & Cinnamon, www.seasonsandcinnamon.com page 5 specialty party entertainment Brass Angles, www.brass-angels.com page 13 Mental Floss Sideshow, www.mental-floss-sideshow.com page 5 Pottery Parties In The Hills, www.potterypartiesinthehills.com page 5 jewelers Van’s Jewellers Ltd, page 17 bridal shows www.thebudgetfriendlybridalshow.com, page 17 www.yourdreamday.ca, page 5

EVENT MAGAZINE 2013