The Perfect Fit

A Quick Guide to Wearing Today's Trends - For the Style Impaired ;)

As a wedding & event stylist who offers the application of the styling experience to all aspects of a couple's event, I'm often asked to style engagement shoots. May seem rather odd to be styled for something that is meant to be a reflection of a couple in their natural element, but engagements and weddings are all about a bit (or a lot!) of glam so you can't blame someone for fussing over their look.

And so the question inevitably comes up, "What do I wear?!". My answer is always the same, "look great and feel great". Vague, I know! But here's what I mean. Knowing what to wear, selecting which trends work for you, understanding what look works best for your body type, etc., all really boils down to one rule of thumb: MAKE IT LOOK (and feel) EFFORTLESS! If you glance in the mirror and you look overdone, if you shift around because you feel out of your element, if it simply doesn't feel right, it's not working! An article of clothing that's meant for you should look like it's meant for you. It needs to just fall into place, both on body and in image. You'll know it's right when you're confident enough to work it!

So how does this rule of thumb apply when you're trying to incorporate new trends? When you're trying to avoid falling into old patterns that you know best and are most comfortable with? Well, that's when Rule #2 comes in: START WITH SMALL DOSES PLEASE! How about an example by way of the colour of the year....Pantone's Tangerine Tango.

I bet if you've walk through a mall in the last couple of weeks, as Spring Collections hit the racks, you noticed an abundance of this playful, sexy and vibrant colour. It's absolutely everywhere! But hold back....that doesn't mean that you should stock up on everything tangerine tango! Following fashion or colour trends is not about taking a look you saw and replicating it. It's about updating your personal look in however subtle or obvious way to incorporate the trend in a way that you're most comfortable with. If you feel best in black and 3/4's of your wardrobe is full of it, don't go out and revamp everything to make it an ocean of tangerine tango just because it's the colour of the year. Instead try a gorg pashmina or a hot pair of four inch stilettos in the lovely shade. Eventually what you'll find with all your baby step efforts in implementing new trends is a new you, a new look, that's effortless. ;)

So next time you look to revamp your wardrobe, go to select your attire for an event, and even and especially when you're picking that so very important wedding day accessory (the dress!), remember the rules....make it effortless and start slow!

Happy Styling!

Kasia

A Wedding Inspired by Fashion, Really?

Yes! Really!

Usually, when I meet with clients and explain the angle I work from when creating a new event design concept, namely using current fashion trends as inspiration, they're always quick to get excited about it (especially after seeing past theme swatches). Only recently, when exhibiting at a bridal show, did anyone ever question the connection between the two, the connection between fashion and a creative concept. At first I was quick to dismiss the lack of understanding, it was a gentlemen asking the question after all. ;) But the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated the need to make the connection clear.

Just like fashion and art so naturally lend themselves to one another, same goes for fashion and creative event designs. It's all about beauty and uniqueness and finding that option that's perfectly tailored to you. Just like a dress can be inspired by an artist (think the classic Schiaparelli and Dali connection), an event's design can certainly take shape from a fabric swatch or the latest trend on high fashion runways. And let's not forgot the importance of personalizing an event. What's more you than your personal attire choices?

Still not convinced? Or confused on how to execute? Perhaps an example may help. This time last year I was approached to produce a creative shoot for publication submission to Canada's top luxury wedding mag, WedLuxe. I jumped at the chance and proceeded to tread very carefully with the direction I decided to take. Taking inspiration from the hot textile of the moment, and certainly forever a classic, lace, my mind started to wander to classic fashion and wedding icons. I naturally landed on the timeless elegance of Grace Kelly and her famous lace adorned wedding dress. And so the design was set into motion and shortly thereafter the shoot took place on a cold, dark and damp March day. I loved everything that we did with that creative but being the perfectionist that I am I questioned whether or not the selected design was the right one. A month later Kate Middleton, with the world watching, walked down the aisle in a Grace Kelly inspired gown. What major confirmation! Did I mention one of the images made the cover of WedLuxe? ;)

For those of you who work better with visuals, here is the textile swatch that started it all and a few images from that shoot. Hope this helps to clarify things...can fashion really inspire an event's creative design? Abso-fricken-lutely! ;)

Special Thanks to our Contributing Partners:

• Alex of lifeimages for these incredible images
• Veronica Di Santo for the incredible Di Santo gowns
• Creations by Gitta for the stunning tabletop decor and florals
• Patricia of Cre8ive Invitations for the perfectly designed stationary 
• Cakes by Konstadin for the yummy but too gorg to eat cake

Let’s Get Creative with This One!

An Update on the Fundraiser

Ah....the Wedding for Wishes fundraiser (see previous post). Forgive me but I’m about to break a cardinal rule of proper writing and will rely on a bunch of clichés to explain the journey our little campaign team has recently been on. 

As is the case with anything worth waiting for, the last few months of work have seen many peaks and valleys, ups and downs, highs and lows. Many doors have opened only to be shut again. We got excited and disappointed time and time again. L But now we’re on the up and that’s the track we’re staying on! J

With approximately 6 weeks left until what is certain to be an amazing wedding event, I’m styling after all :p, the Wedding for Wishes campaign has just launched a phenomenal campaign video that we hope to have go viral and encourage many across the city, the country and potentially the globe, to get involved in something beautiful.Thanks to the support of the wonderful people at Make A Wish Canada, the big hearts of many random individuals who recently found themselves at Dundas Square, coaxed by us to participate J, and my amazing friends at PGP Studios, we now have a heartfelt and inspirational promo video that I can’t stop watching. The vision was brilliant when our team pulled it together. The final product is even better. 

OK think I’ve talked it up enough! J Please take 3 minutes out of your day to watch this clip and forward it to all your friends and family. Please help us make this go viral! And of course any contribution you can make is much appreciated. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQeIVnX1dR4

Best!

Kasia

Want to Help Raise $1.1m for a Kid's Charity?....UM OK!

So This Is What Philanthropy Feels Like! 

Was it a sheer coincidence that I met Nora and Val on my birthday? Or the universe saying, "here you go. have fun!". I put my money on the latter. Long story short....just two short months ago I met Nora and Val for the first time. Since that time we managed to go from three people chatting on a couch about the possibility of raising money for a charity, to a team partnered up with Make-A-Wish Canada, with a website, and a facebook page, and a just released media campaign. Not too bad!

We've of course had tremendous help from wonderful people like Val's brother Ravi and his lovely wife Shani. Let's not forget Dave and Adam of Defined Presence....thanks for the website boys! Among all the other things you do! And then there's Jeremy Bieber...thanks for just so  happening to be close friends with Val, and a great human being! (Jeremy is a pivotal part of our campaign team). 

Tremendous feat and just a taste of what's to come! We're not holding back!  We're currently deep in the midst of ironing out all the events and activities that will help to grow our following and donation pool. As an insider's tip...watch out for our YouTube reality series showcasing our event and campaign, as they unfold. 

So stay tuned for more amazing details and watch our story as it grows on www.weddingforwishes.com, facebook and Twitter. So excited to share the story! 

Nora and Val....you're beautiful! Inside and Out. XO

Best!

Kasia

Thanks for another brilliant pic Alex!

The Cover of Covers

You're probably thinking..."another hiatus, right!" But it was, and for an amazing reason. Lots on the go recently, lots! Focusing on creative design and rightfully so. I recently had the pleasure of working with a group of amazing wedding pros and together we created an incredible photo spread. We were hoping to get into a great wed mag with just a few photos but instead we got.....THE COVER OF WEDLUXE MAGAZINE! 

Needless to say, this is just the beginning! Can't wait to share the full spread details with you all! 

Best!

Kasia

Special Thanks To: 

• Gitta & Julie of Creations by Gitta - for their incredible decor and floral support 
• Veronica Di Santo of Veronica Si Santo Atelier - for the most perfect dresses
• Charlotte Jenkins of Gotstyle - for the incredibly stylish suits 
• Allison Kam - for the amazing hair
• Heather Snowie - for amazing makeup 
• Konstadin of Cakes by Konstandin - for the edible art
• Patricia of Cre8ive Invitations- for the prettiest paper I've ever seen
• Tara of Tara Fava Jewellery - for the perfect accessories 
• Karolina of Karolina Keeler - for lovely headpieces
• Wayne Andrade & Kelleth Cuthbert - for being beautiful, lovely and professional
• and of course Alex of lifeimages photography - for capturing it all in such a way that they just couldn't say no

Shamless Plug....But One Made up of Great Stuff!

OK, so I'm not a huge fan of shamelessly promoting one's services or products on one's blog but I can't resist! I'm really excited about the latest products added to my line of weddings gifts and accessories and have to share the news.

Here's a quick overview of a few of my top favs.

Mini Ghost Chairs - My absolute top pick for 2011 wedding accessory must haves! Whether used to hold a sweet treat for your guests or to act as a unique display option for your place cards, these little chairs add a touch of trendy to any affair. Personalize it with a monogram sticker in a colour that matches your wedding theme. ($2.99 each. sticker sold separately)

Birdcages, Birdcages, Everywhere - The perfect decorative touch to any outdoor wedding. Great as an alternative to the boring old "money box" or as a unique centerpiece option when filled up with oversized blooms. Also available in miniature version. Throw one onto every plate for a whimsical version of a place card holder. ($44.98 each for item shown, $5.98 each for miniature version)

Antique Style Bottle Opener - It's all about giving your guests something they'll use. There's nothing more pointless than spending your budget dollar on guest gifts that will go from wedding reception to bottom desk drawer. Give them something unique that they'll use time and again. ($2.98 each including packaging)



I'll stop there because I have to stop somewhere! Check out my planning site for more of my favourite picks. Or shop my online boutique to view all our great products.

Best!
Kasia

Bridal Glamour on a Budget (And No One Will Know!)

Want that exclusive couture gown but can't afford it? Want that glamorous sparkle that every bride should have without racking up the credit card? It's easy and fun!

Gone are the days of boring white sateen bridal shoes and jewelery pieces that are hard to distinguish one from the other, think cubic zirconia and pearl choker-style necklaces with matching earrings! Lucky for today's bride nothing is encouraged more than touches of personality through little unique details. Think a hot pink pair of stilettos, an antique oversized set of pearls, or a set of Swarovski chandelier earrings. And nothing screams glamour like colour and crystals! By pairing up a simple and pretty gown (the more detail the higher the ticket price) with some stunning accessories, you'll be sure to look like a million couture bucks!

As for where to get it, that's the best part...anywhere. And by anywhere I mean all the places you would shop for your everyday accessory needs. Winners, here we come! If fact, stay away from specialty stores. Specialty stores, for the most part, have higher ticket prices because they serve a niche market. And like I always say, don't be afraid to shop online! If a boutique doesn't have to pay rent, electricity bills and staff, the savings are offered up to customers through lower price points. I know, I have an online boutique. ;)

So go easy on the pocket book and have some fun creating your personalized glamorous look!

Best!

Kasia

photo courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com