Polka Dot Bride » Bridesmaids

Lisa Brown Global Elements Collection

Polka Dot Bride — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:10:38 +0000

I’ve always loved the relaxed, bohemian nature of Australian designer Lisa Brown. Picture the sun setting over blue water and white sand and you’ll picture one of Lisa’s creations as the most divine complement.

Lisa’s global elements collection features luscious silks, interesting laces and colour- lots of colour. Which makes the gowns not only beautiful for a bride, but beautiful for the bridesmaids too.

What inspired the newest collection from Lisa? “Wet sand after a dusting of sweet Summer rain.”

“The restless rhythm of the sea, distant shores and faraway places.”

“Laughter from you about a memory of me, a wink from a star as it catches the moonlight, silk brushing skin as we dance.”

“Delicate flowers on a blustery Sunday, a dream for tomorrow the mystery of chance”

Photos courtesy of Lisa Brown

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Wedding ‘Dress Code’ Guide

Polka Dot Bride — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:00:31 +0000

I’ve started decoding dress codes over on Polka Dot Groom and I’ve had a few requests to decode them for the ladies too. I thought it might be a helpful guide, especially with wedding season upon us! You know the couple best though, so if there are variations or you know them to mean something different in your circles, then wear what is most appropriate! (Thank you, Captain Obvious!)

Elenora gown from Rachel Gilbert, Simple Glamour earrings from Mimco, Wonder clutch from Mimco, QOPH heels from Mollini

White Tie

The most formal dress code of them all, white tie demands a floor length evening gown with a glamorous edge. Accessories should be decadent – beautiful earrings and bracelet or a beautiful beaded necklace. Wear heels in a evening style (like metallic or silk) to match the formality of the occasion while keeping your makeup and hair pristine and beautifully made up.

Anywhere But Here frock from Alannah Hill, I’m Over The Moon headband from Alannah Hill, crystal dome studs from Mimco, Sparkle high heel from Witchery

Black Tie

A step down from white tie, black tie invites the wearer to don a floor length evening gown or glitzy, elegant cocktail gown in an evening fabric – such as silk, chiffon or even taffeta. The dress should be a dark colour or be matched with dark accessories. Keep accessories in the after 5pm style- sparkly, dramatic and pretty and add beautiful shoes. Keep hair beautifully styled and makeup as if you were heading out after dark.

Halli halter dress from Forever New, Chandeliers At Dusk earrings from Samantha Wills, Moonsky hardcase clutch from Mimco, Try shoes from Wittner

Formal

A step down from black tie, the formal dress code suits pretty cocktail dresses in beautiful fabrics – silks & chiffon are perfect for this. Formal allows a little more flair than black tie, so add colour through metallics and pretty accessories.

Sunset ruffle dress from Gorman, Floral Divina Choker from Mimco, Eloise heels from Diana Ferrari

Lounge Suit/Semi Formal

A sweet cocktail dress or dressy skirt and top are just right for a “Lounge Suit” or semi formal coded wedding. A touch of fun can be added with a bold piece of jewellery or a vibrantly coloured accessory – like an orange clutch bag. If the wedding is an evening celebration, think of darker colours. Heels are a must.

Chevron stripe dress from Country Road, Sachie mixed stone drop earrings from Forever New, woven wallet from Gorman, Meg sandal from Witchery

Casual

Feel free and comfortable when dressing for a casual wedding. A lovely summer dress (or even a maxi) in a light fabric like cotton or jersey. Flat shoes or wedges and a colourful piece of jewellery to style it up.

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Flowergirl Style From Big By Fiona Scanlan

Polka Dot Bride — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:00:37 +0000

I’ve always loved the designs that Big By Fiona Scanlan releases for the little ones (seriously, why were feather hairbands, sequin capes and tutus not available from funky stores when I was a kid? I was relegated to wearing my ballet performance tutu around the house!) so I loved these fresh summer looks from her latest campaign. They’re sweet and stylish and make great outfits for your flower girls to wear on warmer days.

Summer Sunshine Flower Girl Look

I love this look for a casual summer wedding full of bright colours (plenty of gelato!) The spotted tulle headband is so sweet and the parasol is something a little different and fun to carry and keeps baby soft skin from the rays of the sun.

Sweetheart lace dress from Big By Fiona Scanlan 1. Orange spotted tulle head band by Soonca from Babys Got Style 2. Parasol from Pink Frosting 3. Silver braided sandals by Petit by Sofie Schnoor from 55 Degrees North

Modern Princess Flower Girl Look

For a modern take on the traditional flower girl look, this little ensemble puts the flower girl in tights and a modern silver colour. Pair it with a fun accessory like a silver mask,sparkly beads around her neck and a really different floral arrangement- full of sparkles!

Floral tutu and soft metallic leggings from Big By Fiona Scanlan 1. Sequin feather mask from Babys Got Style 2. Bouquet from Butterfly Philosophy 3. Silver ballet flats from Walnut

Bohemian Fancy Flower Girl Look

For a fancy, colourful take on a bohemian style. Why not choose a colour palette of sweet summer pastels? A pretty, low hair accessory, a hand crafted wand and some funky tasseled flats bring this flower girl look together.

Very bright 50s dress from Fiona 1. Yellow wood hand carved wand from 3PrincessesEngraving 2. Pom pom flower from ban.do 3. Tassle sandal from Country Road

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Mrs Press Bridesmaids

Polka Dot Bride — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:00:51 +0000

Mrs Press “Michelle” silk dress available in long or short, and with sleeves or sleeveless.

Ah there is nothing that delights me more than pouring over stylish, gorgeous re-wearable (promise!) options for bridesmaids and one of my favourite designers Mrs Press has done it again by releasing her new bridesmaids collection!

I love that designers are cottoning onto the customisable desires of bridesmaids and Mrs Press has joined the movement offering the oppurtunity to pick and choose elements of the dress that you want included. Most gowns are available in different lengths, with or without embellishments and in your choice of fabrics and colours. Dresses are created by appointment out of the Mrs Press Paddington store. Designer Clare’s sense of vintage style is infused into each piece, using gorgeous fabrics (lots of silks and fine tulles) making each completely sweet and bridesmaid appropriate.

Gowns have a four week lead time and prices start from $475.

Above left: “Sophie” Silk faille sleeveless dress, also available without sleeves Above right: “Jean” embroidered cotton & silk organza dress.

Above left: “Mia” silk organza dress Above right: “Brooke” Silk chiffon gown available in full of cocktail length

Above: “Ines” silk duponi dress with bow detail. Available in shorter or knee lengths with or without bow waistband and sleeve detailing

Above: “Sally” silk crepe dress

Above: “Lola” silk taffeta and tulle dress available in strapless, one strap or two straps.

Above: “Sophie” Silk faille sleeveless dress, also available with sleeves

I love this one – Gypsy, a choice for a bridal gown perhaps?

Above: “Gypsy” White tulle and grosgrain ribbon dress

Images by Luisa Brimble of Serendipity Corner Photography for Mrs Press

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Stylish Bridesmaids Looks From Laura Ashley

Polka Dot Bride — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:00:50 +0000

Laura Ashley is about to introduce some fun party dresses into their collection. Being a lover of anything classic, I was struck by the classic tailored shapes and bold, bright hues – perfect to mix and match and wear over and over again. They’d also make great bridesmaid’s attire! So I put together nine bridesmaids looks – three for ‘A Modern Celebration’, three for ‘A Formal Affair’ and three for ‘A Garden Party’ – mixing up accessories but letting the shape and colour of the dress remain the highlight.

The bold hues of the gowns are beautifully matched with other brights – emerald with orange, fuchsia with yellow. Try fun bold accessories and unexpected shapes and textures.

1. Laura Ashley red cocktail dress. 2. Alannah Hill Talk of The Town Clutch, 3. Mimco Jewel Stud 4. Mollini Carnival Stripe Heel from StyleTread

1. Laura Ashley emerald green cocktail dress 2. Gorman orange patent heel 3. Dinosaur Designs resin boulder bangle 4. Forever New stud earrings 5. Witchery Flower Motif Hair Elastic

1. Laura Ashley pink cocktail dress with bow. 2. Mollini Yellow Goodman Heels 3. ban.do sequin party clip set 4. Tilkah Bubbles Cuff 5. Dinosaur Designs Bones Wishbone Bangles

A formal wedding is always fun – pairing the gowns back with sparkly, classic accessories like sequins, pearls and golds and blacks.

1. Laura Ashley emerald green cocktail dress 2. My Dainty Heart Earrings from Alannah Hill 3. Wonder Clutch from Mimco 4. Liberte Lux Necklace from birdsnest 5. Samantha heels from Witchery

1. Laura Ashley red cocktail dress 2. Oroton Octavia Necklace 3. Judith Leiber Floral Clutch via Neimen Marcus 4. Forever New Large Stud Earrings 5. Verali Heist gold glitter Shoes

1. .Laura Ashley pink cocktail dress with bow 2. Alannah Hill My Morning Epiphany heandband 3. Stella Jewel Jewelbox Shoes 4. Samantha Wills Beau Beauty Ring

With Spring upon us, there are plenty of garden party style weddings. A simple flower in the hair with some fun jewels and wearable shoes are perfect for a day in the dappled shade enjoying Pimms, and strawberries with cream!

1. Laura Ashley pink cocktail dress with bow 2. Alannah Hill Ode To Love Hair Flower 3. Samantha Wills Garden of Eden Earrings, 4.Trenery peeptoe flats

1. Laura Ashley emerald green cocktail dress 2. Alannah Hill My beautiful life clip, 3 Polli Fig Tree earrings 4. Shoes Of Prey heels

1. Laura Ashley red cocktail dress 2. Tilkah Calypso Strand Necklace 3. Samantha Wills The Hamptons Ring 4. Witchery Margot Slingback

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