Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Bow Tie Round-up from XOELLE

Emilia Jane — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:16 +0000

Bow ties are having a moment right now and I couldn’t be more thrilled. These adorable accessories aren’t just for the ring bearers anymore either. I love to see a groom get a little daring and don some funky neck wear. Why should the bride have all the fun with her outfit? A bow tie is quite versatile and can work with any wedding style. It can be sophisticated and dapper as we saw in this elegant New Haven affair. It can be quirky and whimsical like in the Wizard of Oz-inspired photo shoot. And, of course, it can be totally dreamy and romantic like this amazing Brooklyn bridal shoot over on the New York Weddings blog! It doesn’t even need to be worn on a neck but can be used as decor as well like we saw in this adorable no-sew bow tie DIY project! I got in touch with one of my favorite bow tie creators, XOELLE, who just happens to live in destination wedding heaven – Honolulu, Hawaii. She shared with us a few of her favorite neck accessories and some tips on planning a wedding away from home.

What do you do, how long have you been doing it and what makes you awesome?

I make bow ties out of vintage neckties and second-hand clothing. They are sentimental, fun, and totally rad- just like the story of how I sarted making them. It goes like this: I started collecting vintage neckties in high school that I planned to gift to my future husband. When I did meet Mr. Right he was wearing a bow tie, which is what motivated my “yes” response to his first date request. After we were married I converted the whole lot of neckties to bow ties and have been happily churning them out in my little online shop for 3 years, almost the same amount of time that we’ve been married.

What sets Hawaii weddings apart from weddings anywhere else?

There is no place in the world like Hawaii. It is magical. The locale is enough to make Hawaii the perfect place to get married- the beaches are lovely, the breezes and the flowers are divine, and the people are so happy to share the island with newlyweds!

What kind of weddings do you love the most and what is your favorite trend right now?

I love handmade weddings- the ones where the bride’s sister made the cake, her cousin did the flowers, and her and her bridesmaids stayed up late making all of the placecards for the table. I love weddings that are outdoors and are first and foremost celebrations. I love when the couple really takes the time to make the event meaningful for their guests and family. This list could be really long because I just flat-out love weddings. My favorite trend has to be all of the vintage elements and mixing and matching that is going on- like letting bridesmaids wear a dress they choose in a cohesive palette, serving the guests their wedding cake on an assortment is vintage china, and mixing florals and stripes and polka dots in the decor (I am not big on matchy-matchy in most cases). And, of course, the resurgance of bow ties as something fresh and fun, even for casual weddings.

What is your biggest piece of advice for people planning a wedding?

Delegate. When I got married a wanted to make everything (and I mean everything- tableclothes, photo booth, wedding dress, garlands, invitations, centerpieces, the band’s playlist…) because I was worried that someone else would get a detail wrong- but it meant that I didn’t get to everything and some of the most important pieces were completely left out. Our families and friends are capable and they are usually just waiting for the opportunity to be a part of our once-in-a-lifetime day. Delegate the list to the capable hands of the trusted people in your circle!

Guys, if you’re having a little trouble tying the knot check out this great resource on how to tie a bow tie! And, girls, bow ties don’t have to be just for the boys anymore! Forage has an amazing new summer collection of bow ties just for the ladies!

Bow ties: XOELLE

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Post tags: Accessories, Bow Ties, Destination, Fashion, forage, groom, Hawaii, honolulu, xoelle
Post categories: Destination Weddings, Round-Ups

Men’s Wedding Attire Round Up, Part III

Abby Larson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:43 +0000

We know that finding the perfect outfit for your hubby to wear is often one of the biggest challenges when planning out your wedding day fashions. It’s really hard to find something that looks special, that screams style and that suits your hubby’s personality. Well, lucky for us, our Round-ups editor Carrie Moore, is here sharing her latest finds in men’s fashion. Finds that will make you a really, really happy bride…which will in turn, make your man a really, really happy groom.

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Sometimes those boys can use an extra hand when trying to pick out looks for the wedding weekend. That’s where we come in. Today, we have put together some looks to make sure those men don’t fall victim to a fashion faux pas on your special weekend. This next collection is all about some day-after the wedding fashion, perfect for an elegant brunch or a casual gathering.

Credits: Zappos, Village Hat Shop, Bonobos, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Nordstrom, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, World of Watches

Row I: It’s a daring look for some, but most guys look great in a well-fitted vest like this one by Theory. A more relaxed occasion calls for a more relaxed watch. This timepiece by Triumph has a beautifully chic crocodile band and equally striking slate toned face. What better way to show up in style to a fancy brunch than wearing an eye-catching tie? Burberry’s are my choice for those waiting to make a statement.

Row II: Go beyond a basic button down, and go for something a little edgy. I like this shirt by Robert Graham, which sneaks in exciting patterns along the cuffs. Bill Adler makes very cool belts for those with a bit more of an eclectic style. Pair this belt with jeans and a crisp slate gray shirt to achieve style perfection. In a great pattern and a great shade of brown, it’s no wonder this pant by Banana Republic is a customer favorite. Wear them with a bold shirt, or a classic polo and your groom will be brunch ready.

Row III: I am loving the mod look of these pants I found at Bonobos. The subtle plaid pattern is perfect for a casual or elegant brunch. Complete the revived vintage look with a classic straw fedora, like this one from the Village Hat Shop. If you go in this fashion direction, just remember to kindly remove your hat once socializing with your guests. An ingenious shirt goes a long way in the fashion world and in my mind, this one by Scotch and Soda takes the cake by blending a classic shirt with updated elements, like these super cool elbow patches.

Coming up next…some budget fashions for your boys!

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Post tags: groom, Mensware, Menswear
Post categories: Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion

Men’s Wedding Attire Round Up, Part II

Abby Larson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:15:56 +0000

Our fabulous Round-Ups Editor, Carrie, has graciously put together some inspirations for dressing your hubby throughout the entire wedding process. Menswear can be SUCH a challenge, as there simply aren’t as many options as us girls have. BUT, Carrie has found some perfectly lovely solutions so that the boys in your life can look just as good as the girls!

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On today’s Round Up we are sharing some tips and some cool fashion finds for that special guy in your life to keep him handsome all weekend long. Next up are some key items to keeping your man looking perfectly tailored on the day of the wedding. From ultra-traditional to laid-back chic, we’ve got your guy covered from head to toe.

Credits: Ben Silver, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, J. Crew, Shirts My Way, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Jos. A. Bank

Row I: I know, a tux is a no brainier as an option for wedding day attire, but instead of renting one, have your groom-to-be consider investing in one of his own. Jos. A. Bank has great suit and tux specials and will make sure his choice is perfectly tailored and impossibly handsome on the big day. Regardless of if you man rents his tux or purchases one of his own, a pair of really nice cuff links is a great fashion accessory. This pair by John Hardy is for sure a splurge, but totally worth investing in for the ultimate in special occasions. Another great accessory is a well-crafted tie. For a sophisticated alternative to the traditional bow-tie, this silk tie by David Donahue is a good-looking option.

Row II: Let’s face it, it’s much harder for a man to find clothes that are a perfect fit. Shirts My Way has this problem solved by allowing the customer to design and custom order their special shirt—ensuring a perfectly tailored fit right out of the box. Guys that are looking for a updated traditional look, should definitely go the suit route. I love this suit by J. Crew, that has a classic silhouette, but a bit more refined for the modern man. Ok, this watch by TX is beyond hip, but for those not wanting to splurge on the pricey timepiece, use this for inspiration. A classic chronograph watch in sleek stainless steel will not only make your hubby-to-be feel like James Bond, but look like him too.

Row III: Adding a unique pocket square to a classic suit or blazer is a great way to turn up the fashion volume. I love this playful print and fresh hue in this pocket square by Paul Smith. A light colored, relaxed fit pant is a great option for beach side weddings. A pair of chinos has a flat front, like these from Canterbury of New Zealand, which is a flattering option. Up the ante on the casual groom’s look with a bold bow tie! Ben Silver has several unique and traditional bow ties by the dozens in a variety of hues.

Men’s Wedding Attire Roud-Up

Abby Larson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:09:33 +0000

I hope everyone had a great weekend! We actually shipped our little Audrey off to Grandma’s for a night so that we could go to the Celtics game and catch up on some much needed R & R. Funny what the word “vacation” means these days! But, it’s back to the grind here on SMP and we have a MUCH requested feature going up this morning. A Menswear Round-Up that our editor Carrie put together for all of you! Each of the looks is totally versatile…what may be perfect for one couple’s rehearsal dinner is ideal for another couple’s wedding. So keep an open mind with each of these pulls and you’ll be sure to find some serious inspiration for your man!

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Today, we are giving you gals some thoughtful solutions for keeping your guy super styled throughout the entire wedding weekend. First up, looks for the Rehearsal Dinner. Each row is tailored to a different look to fit the style of your man. Whether he is the classic type, updated traditional type or has a bit of an eclectic taste, your guy will be sure to look his best.

Credits: Barneys New York, Jos. A. Bank, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Nordstrom

Row I: Nothing looks better than a classic collard shirt—this one by Banana Republic is just perfect in a crisp blue hue and a windowpane pattern. A great watch is the perfect accessory to a well-dressed man. This one by Emporio Armani has a classic shape and sleek face, perfect for any man’s look. J. Crew suiting is a great way to get a tailored look without having the suit actually tailored. Offered in a couple of fabrics, this ensemble is a must-have.

Row II: For a more casual rehearsal dinner, these slacks by Banana Republic have a flattering fit and a subtle pinstripe that make them just dressy enough for a special occasion, particularly when paired with a nice collard shirt and a great tie with an interesting pattern. Speaking of ties, we especially love this handsome tie by Robert Talbott that has a rich color palette. Pull the casual look together with a classic sports coat. This coat from Jos. A. Bank comes in a great caramel color that would be perfect for warmer nights.

Row III: In my opinion, a guy wearing great shoes is the ultimate sign of a man with great fashion sense. This pair by John Varvatos is just hip enough while keeping the look overall sleek. Complete the eclectic look with this relaxed tuxedo shirt by J. Crew, which is a little pun on an otherwise formal attire. Take this look up a notch by adding a seriously unique, yet fashion forward tie. I am loving this one by Napoli di Nordstrom, which comes in a variety of unusual color combinations.

So much more on the way! To see all of Carrie’s round-ups, click right here.

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Post tags: groom, Mensware, Menswear, Round-Ups
Post categories: Round-Ups

The Groom ~ Connecticut Wedding From Justin & Mary Marantz

Eddye — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:47:35 +0000

It’s Friday! And bloggers do fun stuff on Friday’s, right?… Friday finds and Friday follows are super … but Friday friends are best!

OK, so we didn’t exactly find the Marantz’ … but we do count them as friends!

This is straight up, off their website …

A chill New England wind blew in out of the south and waded its way through a mire of blue-gray fog … she pulled her veil close around her and stood quietly in the background. She didn’t have to be there. Didn’t have to wait. Her pictures were finished and she could’ve gone inside among the warm glow of friends & family. But she just smiled as she quietly declined. “I’ll wait for him.”

She’d been waiting for somebody like him her whole life. Someone who would love her with his whole heart and take care of her the way that she knew she would always take care of him. Someone who takes her hand when she’s getting out of a car and holds her just a little tighter when they dance. Someone who would love not only her, but her whole family as if they were his own. A comfort in the quiet, a compass in the storm. And today, more than any day, she knew that she had found him. See, she didn’t have to be there. Didn’t have to wait. But somewhere along the line she decided, “I’ll wait for him.”

Married: Joe & Jenna

Jenna & Joe were married at the beautiful Black Rock Yacht Club with the help of the amazing Traci Romano Events and Katherine Jacob of KD&J Botanica. And they got the coolest day EVER with all this crazy beautiful fog. ‘Cause as any photographer will tell you, we’ll take clouds and fog over bright sun any day!! So as you will very soon see why, I think their whole day felt like one big ongoing Ralph Lauren ad. Yea, it was nautical yumminess at its finest! First up, Justin went to hang with the guys and got some of my favorite guys getting ready shots…ummm… EVER:

Nobody tells a story better than Mary & Justin Marantz … their images, their words … the best!

More of the story … tomorrow!

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Post tags: Black Lake Yacht Club, Bow Ties, Bridgeport, Color Palette Navy, Connecticut, Getting Ready, groom, Gucci, Justin & Mary Marantz, Men's Attire, New England, Polka Dots
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography

Real Wedding: Mimmo + Naz, III

Abby Larson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:45:33 +0000

We always drool over pictures of the brides style here on SMP…well, I thought it was about time we saw a few of the gorgeous groom’s style! Take a look at these absolutely incredible images shot by the oh-so-talented team at Mimmo + Naz…

LOVE. More than love, really. The ceremony is coming up next and it is soooo worth the wait.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Destination, groom, Mayan Riviera, Mexico, Mimmo + Naz, Yucatan Peninsula
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography