Gown Envy: Jenny Packham

Seeing how the English roses Kate Middleton and Kate Winslet are the celebrities usually seen donning Jenny Packham's feminine gowns, you really wouldn't imagine the label to appeal to the tattoed set.  But this sequined pink (pink!) gown absolutely works. Their wedding seems far from an elaborate spectacle, which goes to show that nonchalant God-given style trumps overthinking an event. Oh let us live, love & laugh on the day as confidently and as heartily as this cool Australian couple!

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Something Little. Something Blue.

It may seem slightly antiquated but who isn't a sucker for the charming tradition of having something blue at a wedding. In particular, any modern bride would still be besotted with a Sally Draper gorgeous flower girl, and donning Oscar de la Renta at that.  The tiniest pink trim detail keepa the otherwise potentially aging print youthful (and yes, covetable).  

Off to contemplate the feasibility of silkscreening china blue blooms onto my niece's j.crew dress.  For the uninitiated, options abound at j.crew and Monsoon, who both now ship to Singapore, or on Ebay if you're after pieces from Kiernan Shipka's much adored (and now sadly defunct) Papo d'Anjo. 

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The Power of Yes

If they're good enough for the White House, they must be good enough for my guests.  This tune is so full of old-fashioned charm, it got me humming all around the apartment.  You can bet this will be played at Carey Mulligan's wedding!

Little Parcels of Joy

Hello my dear neglected readers!  I have awoken from hibernation (otherwise known as a work-induced coma) and am back to drooling over ranunculus bouquets & fairytale worthy Miu Mius, and spinning around my room in glee over these (di)vine navy napkins ties which *ahem* recently sold out at BHDLN. 

Not that I should even be pausing at this *do not need any more dresses* but it would be completely selfish of me not to publicly proclaim my love for this stunning scallop print gold dress from Rachel Zoe - perfect for the unconventional bride!  Can I hear an 'I Die'? 

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THE Beckham is back!

Of course the dreamy, droolworthy Victoria Beckham wedding gown that I've only been lusting after for months would miraculously come back into stock (in my size!) the very day after I confirm my wedding gown.  Curses!


Not that I’m really complaining – I adore my choice – but it would have been great to have the option of donning this 70% off bargain (£1,103.69, down from a mind-boggling £3,678.98). 


Get thee to The Outnet now if you aren't a victim of Murphy's Law.

At Last (?): The Other Alexander McQueen

It's officially taken just under 8 months for Sarah Burton's team to unleash Pippa Middleton's "rear of the year"-creating bridesmaid look on Net-A-Porter.  Sadly, all the subtle variations in texture have been edited away leaving behind a pretty but ultimately less than spectacular bridal offering from Alexander Mcqueen.

Also, does anyone actually believe they can don such a famous gown and look better than than original wearer? Perhaps few do since only the tiniest size has sold out as of 11pm (Singapore time) - many a gown has sold out faster on NAP's site.

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The Box #2

It is a rare moment when words fail someone whose livelihood is based entirely on the medium so I'll leave to the images to tell the tale.  Suffice to say it was traditional, tasteful and I was reduced to tears despite my stoic efforts not to cause a scene.

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I then struggled for months whether to share such a life-changing moment with the world at large.  Coupled with work being manic (we take the good with the bad), I've resolved not to continue browsing bridal blogs in silence.  Instead, I'm asking everyone who's patiently enjoyed the retail madness over the last few years to come along for the ride as I try to put together a day me, Guy M & our families could look back on with a charmed smile instead of a whisked blur. 

And yes, there will be (lots of) shopping involved.  Stay tuned. 

Going Great Lengths

Despite being slightly vertically challenged, I am completely enamoured with the delicate vintage feel of the ankle-length dress.  Yes, it may seem dated to some - but surely an appropriately stellar pair of heels would updated the look immediately (ala Karla)?  Also case in hand - fairly recent red carpet looks from Hailee Steinfeld and the petite (but perfect) Mila Kunis, and on two of my recent favourite formal/bridal looks.  

Is this look only for the willowy slim and celebrity-styled? Or can mere mortels carry the look? 

Hailee in Marchesa at the 2011 Oscars, via JustJared

Alessandra Rich via Net-A-Porter

Mila in Monique Lhuillier at the 2009 Emmys

The much adored Victoria Beckham wedding gown, formerly available at Net-A-Porter

Truth or Blair: Jennifer Behr Sample Sale

The defining Gossip Girl fashion trend has to be the ignition of the headband frenzy during Season 1 & 2, until it was summarily dismissed in Season 3 (the college season) and by Dan Humphrey no less.  It's perhaps timely and telling then that Jennifer Behr is now having a sample sale to clear out remnants of those preppier days of yore.  

Discounts range from a decent 40% to an excellent 70%.  So while it may be a tad late for Gossip Girl aspirational dressing, it's far from late for brides-to-be looking for an alternative to the 'obnoxiously aspirational' princess tiara. 

Smokey crystal braid, now US$162 (50% off)

Sailors knot headband in navy & taupe, now US$86 (50% off)

Oversized orchid silk hairband in snow white, now US$187 (50% off)

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Final Reductions Nightmare

Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad for you.  Such truth when the final curtain call comes on summer sales.

Old faithful Net-A-Porter's international sale draws to a close with some bargains left like this Elizabeth & James navy trench for GBP95 after 79% off - perfectly styled (and priced) for fall!  

La Garconne tips the scales with an additional 15% off sale prices until midnight 11.59pm EST on Sunday 24 July.  Just use the code 'Weekend15'.  If I were in the market for yet another black blazer - not that one could ever have too many - this Proenza Schouler wool-silk one could be mine for US$413 (originally US$1620).  Another season-less sale score would be Repetto mid heels for just US$115.

Over at Rupert Sanderson (read: an evil big green shoebox in which all my savings flow), newsletter subscribers enjoy an extra 20% off sale prices until Wed 29 July with the promotion code 'TwentyBonanza'.   As we speak, I am staring at 3 neutral hued beauties - no doubt the product of subtle brainwashing from observing the Duchess of Cambridge's skin toned shoe tendencies.  With the extra 20% kick, this peeptoe, pump and wedge become vaguely justifiable - as do these art deco strappy wedding heels, which I've been coveting from Chloe Moretz! 

Where do you think my cash would be best spent?

All These Things That I've Not Done: Sale Season

At 30% + 10% off at Club 21's Sale Preview (until 9pm tonight) and I finally found a nerve to try on this Lanvin silk-satin wrap gown.  While I'm now more enamored with its pale grey elegance than when it first caught my eye on Net-A-Porter, I'm decidedly not in love with its price tag.  Even on sale, that kind of money can only be vaguely justifiable when spent on a Celine Classic Box, Chanel 2.55, a wedding gown or a 2 return tickets to New York on Singapore Airlines.

Speaking of things I lack the gumption (or occasion) to buy - Rupert Sanderson's Sale Preview has yielded these nude Figaro sandals - recently spied on annoyingly-chic-for-her-age Chloe Moritz.  Swirls of soft calf leather would be divine and so perfect to complete the aforementioned Lanvin look.  Dare I say it, they seem a better fit than Natalie Portman's matchy-matchy satin heels when she donned a similar gown.  We all can dream, can't we?

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Lunchtime Expedition: The Link Bazaar Sale

When I use the term expedition, I mean it.  This season, The Link has moved its bazaar sale to the the fringe of civilisation: MacPherson.  All well and good if you're anticipating SPH Magazine writers to pop over at lunchtime, but what of the rest of us?  Some cab-sharing is in order if you're hoping to find Vera Wang Bridal, Etro, Alldressedup and Robert Cavalli at up to 80% off.

At least retail-deprived galpal S, who's been shipped off to the East for work, will finally get to indulge in more than lunchtime surfing or scouring the shelves of the local (pause) 7-Eleven.

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Never Say Never: Victoria Beckham, Now 70% Off

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At the risk of sounding completely insane, for a brief moment (okay, more like 22 minutes) I contemplated committing one of the singularly most heinous fashion crimes: Buying a wedding gown, when you needn't one.   

There it was: Victoria Beckham bridal, on Net-A-Porter's USA site and 70% off.  For the price of a Tanjong Pagar bridal salon rental, one could own a designer gown.  What a dream!

Truly, this begged a more diabolical question: Had I morphed into *that* girl?  The one who glances longingly at Louboutin's ruffled bridal collection when she really should be focussing on pumps?  Or who briefly placed Rupert Sanderson's blush Figaro sandals into her shopping cart before opting for the rather more practical Quince wedges?  My fashion soul is certainly in peril.

Time to award blame!  For this dubious honour, I look to one of my oldest friends, H, who tied the knot on last Friday.  Equally, a university acquaintance walked down the aisle on Sunday past.  Rubbing salt to the wound (while cleaning out my wallet) is a colleague's wedding this coming Sunday evening.  Can you see why I've got weddings on the mind?  It can't be helped!  

No doubt Guy M's room must be flooded with panicked perspiration now.  On my part, I definitely need something to cleanse the wedding palette.  Perhaps then this rather apropos Anya Hindmach 'Remedies' pouch (US$40):

My goodness, is it only Tuesday?

Royal Wedding Fashion: Burberry for Samantha Cameron

The ceremony hasn't even begun, but Samantha Cameron's teal Burberry rouched dress is already sold out on Net-A-Porter.  One of the few guests who wasn't in a hat, Cameron chose a selection of Erdem jewels as hair accessories instead.

For a similar look, check out other Burberry offerings in yellow (the hue chosen by The Queen) and bold blue.

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Royalist vs. Just Plain Excited: Royal Wedding Merchandise

Apparently it's not very cool to be a royalist.  So I'm going to blame my mum and grandma on having now joined the leagues of royal wedding loyalists who've caved on a humble tea towel to commemorate April 29th.  

In my defence, it was from Emma Bridgewater and British-made which means I saved my relatives the agony of the enduring the appallingly ugly official tea towel whilst stimulating the British economy (well, at least Stoke-on-Trent's) at the same time.  

Bridgewater's delightful range of handmade pottery is currently selectively marked down for their Street Party Sale (until 2 May) so you could conceivably purchase a Union Jack cooler bag or mug as part of the Britannia fever sweeping the world.  Well, that's if you're unabashed enough to use them in public, of course...

Which is why my pick for choice Royal Wedding memorabilia is Rob Ryan's independently worthwhile hand-printed plate.  Well-renowned for his papercut artwork, I'm prepared to look past the fact that this stunning design piece isn't a papercutting on account of its romantic, fairy tale of an inscription: 

'The Crown and the Throne and the lions and the unicorns & the bowing & scraping and all the Palaces and the privileges are worth nothing if you will not spend every day of your life with me until I die. April 29th 2011"

Swoon.  Buy.

Daisy Chain: Valentino

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Remember Project Runway's excruciating last-minute challenge to add to the designers' already complete Fashion Week collection?  Or to create a complimentary look to their star piece?  That was precisely what came to mind when I chanced upon this cheerful, daisy mini dress at BHLDN.  

To say it seems cut from the same cloth as the polarising Valentino Resort 2011 gown braved by Michelle Williams at this year's Golden Globes (bless her!) would be an understatement.  Someone put these two together, barefoot, in a bohemian forest wedding, please? 

 

Speaking of which, where the heck is Project Runway?  I'm going into Tim Gunn withdrawal. 

Bride on a "Budget"

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No need for this *sigh* but it's comforting to know that one can wear Temperley London on The Big Day for under 800quid.  That may not sound cheap, but retail is over GBP1800 (which in shoptoomuch-speak means no more cash for the shoes... or anything really...)  

I've actually noticed a good number of wedding gowns popping up over Facebook albums with the same dramatic one-shoulder detail.  Whilst whimsical and very Academy Awards Red Carpet 2010, I'm quite sure they cost a pretty penny more than this original.  Plus, if you're into reselling the gown, you're likely to get more for a Temperley, no? 

For the aspiring designer brides, Net-A-Porter's end of season sales are also good hunting grounds for a discount gown. D&G's naughty, My Fair Lady ascot gown is now marked down to just under GBP600. Not that there's anything remotely bizarre about looking to a bunny for fashion inspiration, but Fifi Lapin's got this one on for Christmas Day - how fab!  Now, we'll just pretend Miley hasn't already worn it... just think of it as the reason for the dress' depreciation :)

Further Reductions (on my resolve)

Net-A-Porter is doing further discounts!! Is it wrong that I want to get these two Marni pieces just to keep them for the appropriate (ahem) bridal occasion? I've been lusting for them since they debuted November last year!