 [ April 05, 2011 ] | | | | | | | [ planning ] My Advice Wondering if a ring pillow is too old fashioned?  Far from it! The gesture of presenting the wedding bands at the altar endures as a modern wedding tradition. The style of the ring pillow should tie into the overall theme or décor of the wedding and, ideally, coordinate with the bride's wedding dress. Edges lined with silk braid, velvet piping or ribbons always look refined. Anything too ornate should be saved for the most extravagant weddings. One touch I love is when couples embroider their names and the date of the ceremony on the pillow to commemorate the occasion. — XO, Vera  Glossary: Sleeves [dolman] Very wide at the armhole and grows narrow as it nears the bottom. In general, it draws attention to the shoulder and arm. [kimono] A very dramatic shape, it is constructed as a wide rectangle from a dropped shoulder. [balloon] A type of full sleeve, it is frequently made of lighter or transparent fabrics. [sleeveless] A popular, classic choice that also allows ease of dancing. [elbow-length] This narrow length sleeve provides arm coverage and can look great with detailed embellishment. [juliette] This is a youthful look that puts a lot of emphasis on the arms. Also known as a tiny pouf, it's even more extreme than the cap sleeve. It often works well with an empire waistline. [ shopping ] 
Looking for a little something not at all wedding-related? The Vera Wang Zip Jewel Chain blinged-out bib is a guaranteed head turner! From the pear-shaped studs to the on-trend fringe and a predominate zipper, it is the perfect marriage of all things girly and rock-n-roll. Throw it over your favorite LBD or add some drama to a basic tee. Available ($950) at Vera Wang on Mercer. [ online ] | | | | Advertising [ exclusive ] Enter to Win  Write in style! Here's your chance to win a selection from the Vera Wang Fine Papers Collection.
Click here to e-mail your entry, include name and e-mail address. Winner will be selected in a random drawing. You can only enter once per giveaway. You must enter before 5 p.m. ET on Monday, April 11, 2011. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older. We'll notify the winner by e-mail and you'll have 24 hours to respond. If we don't hear back, we'll pick a new winner. Click here for complete Official Rules. Dress Diary Weddings are about the poignancy of two people coming together, and in Fiona that poignancy is reflected in the drama of a very striking bodice against a heart-melting skirt. 
Fiona presents a woman's form in a way that is sensual, but without being distracting: the dress reveals the silhouette and exposes only the upper back and shoulders. This is a body-conscious shape, and it celebrates the feminine figure with an asymmetrically-draped mermaid sheath that suits a wide variety of body types. The material is a stretch mikado, which is very flattering to a bride because it conforms to the contours of the body, while holding and shaping her figure. At the same time, the severe silhouette is set off by a more demure, frothy skirt, which is constructed out of bias-cut organza sections. The process I used to craft the layered airiness of the skirt is called the 'ladder' technique, and it gives the bottom of this dress so much richness and movement. The beauty of this gown flows from the beauty of contrasts, like the contrast between artistry and boldness, frothiness and architecture. I like to say that Freya brings the best of both worlds. | | |
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[ tipsheet ] Want to try gloves?
- Be aware that gloves make strong a visual impression.
- Gloves do not look right on every bride, so be sure they are well-made to insure a good fit and that you are comfortable with the proportion.
- If wearing gloves, lessen the amount of jewelry or other accessories.
| - In general, the more formal the ceremony, the longer the glove.
- Elbow-length gloves work well for an afternoon wedding.
- For morning ceremonies, short gloves are an elegant detail.
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