Michelle Obama's winning style: steal her style

Hot on the heels of the U.S presidential election we have to admit a few of us were glued to our news feeds for reasons other than who would be elected the 44th president of the United States of America.

That's right, many women world over paid extra close attention to the election trail to keep up with first lady Michelle Obama's impeccable sense of fashion and she did not disappoint!

We decided the first lady deserves homage for her great sense of style, so we compiled some of our top picks from her years as the woman behind the man and included some of our favorite finds to help you steal her style.

                                       

                                       

                                            

                                      

                                  

                                 
           
                        

                        

Mrs Obama is definitely not afraid to mix it up with print and bright colors and she loves an contrast with a ballet flat.                              






                                    

                                                                                                                           

                  

                       

 

     








                                     

                                 

Michelle Obama selects cuts that enhance her best features - those arms, opting for bright colors,prints and texture in both her everyday and formal wear. 

                                                                 Mel @ GoS

Beach Wedding Elegance 2012 - Wedding Dresses & Bridesmaid Dresses

A beach wedding screams casual, relaxed, natural and the great outdoors. Think a beach wedding can't be formal? Think again, take the class and sophistication of a traditional white wedding outdoors by looking for elegant and romantic details.

The perfect beach wedding dress is usually a column or a-line dress. Both these styles are easy to wear and allows freedom of movement. Look for fabrics that move, are light and won't crease easily as a beach wedding usually requires some travel.

A-LINE DRESSES

An aline dress literally falls away from the waist in an "A" frame. We simply adore the modern twist on this beach wedding bridal gown. It combines all the essentials of a traditional wedding dress with an A-line silhouette and ruched chiffon. The single strap with flower detail and sweep train add glamour.

Here we have another sleek dress with beautiful dipped back. The jewelled detail framing the back adds glamour to this simple style. The short sweep train is a perfect balance of sophistication and elegance without sacrificing ease of movement. You could literally run down the beach in this beautiful style and still look like a star ;)

COLUMN DRESSES

The column (or sheath) dress is what we call a straight dress. It hugs the figure around the torso but falls straight down from the waist. Carolina Herrera Spring 2012 gave us a beautiful selection of very sophisticated gowns that kept the cuts simple and elegant but played up the details. Here we have Edie, a classic column dress with jewelled bodice  and net detail.



A beach wedding does not mean you have to miss out on beautiful, classic lace. Here Carolina gave us another beautiful column dress with chantilly lace all over. This dress can be kept minimal or you can add a jewelled belt or statement necklace at your reception to kick up the glamour a notch. 

Let's not forget the beautiful bridemaids. Keep the same rules in mind when picking dresses for your bridal party. Look for soft, cool colors in beautiful fabrics that are easy to wear.

BEACH BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Full length gowns keep that formal, sophisticated edge. This sweetheart neckline with twist detail adds interest to a simple gown.

One shoulder detail is still a strong trend. Again, it's all about the small details like a little frill and soft pleating. Soft pastels work beautifully in the outdoors against the blue sky.

A tea length dress can be just as sophisticated as a full length gown. Look for beautiful details like sweetheart necklines and belting. The swing skirt on this dress keeps the look light and summery and will be a hit at the after party when the ladies kick up their heels on the dancefloor.

 Strapless is not the only way to go. Sleeveless or halterneck dresses are a great alternative. This beautiful bright dress has a wonderful ruffle detail that is flattering and is easy to wear.

All bridemaid images are from http://www.morilee.com/

Enjoy!

R&M @ GoS

xox

Bridal trends 2012 - Vintage inspired wedding dresses

This year we've seen vintage bridal wear come through strong with designers. 1920s and 30's inspired gowns are characterized by luxurious fabrics such as silks and chiffon. During this era women wore full length evening gowns often with trains and open back detail. It was a time of big bands and dancing and that fluidity is still visible in todays versions. To embrace this style look for figure hugging gowns in liquid fabrics that move with the body. Crystal detailing, beading and lace were also common in this era.

This Marchesa Fall 2012 design is heavily inspired by the eras art deco style. This dress has an illusion neckline, geometric patterned bodice and soft tulle net draping.

Enzoanis Fall 2012 collection brought together the eras slinky, liquid silk form that hugs the body. It features an art deco inspired waist detail  with a lace cape style over lay and lace detailing at the hem.

Pronovias Fall 2012 gave us their take on the era with a luxurious long sleeve silk wrap gown. This dress is both modest and sexy at the same time.

This Marchesa Fall 2012  gown creates sleek silhouette. The rosette sleeve detail creates a strong shoulder remininscent of 1940's designs mixing two glamourous eras for a simple yet dramatic gown.

The 1950's and 60's saw a big shift in silhouettes. It was the time of poodle skirts and petticoats. We went from sleek figure hugging looks to big, bold ball gowns that are characterized by a fitted bodice with full skirt. Look for full skirts with layers of tulle creating a distinct waist and volume from the waist down. Halternecks, v-necks and boat necks are true to the eras designs.

Jim Hjelm Fall 2012 gave us this beautiful gown with deep v neck and jewel encrusted bodice falling away at the waist into a full skirt.

Amsale Fall 2012 gave us this simply beautiful boat neck ball gown with contrasting, layered tulle full skirt.

A full skirted ballgown can be overwhelming on a small frame. However it does not mean you can't embrace this flattering style if you are petite. Tea length full skirt dresses are a perfect option. The tea length skirt generally sits above the ankle and below the knee.

Matthew Christoper gave us a very modern take on the tea length wedding dress in his 2012 collection with this sweetheart neckline gown that sits a few inches above the ankle.

Jenny Packham Fall 2012 gave us a very youthful take on the tea length dress. Sitting just below the knee the skirt is full without being overwhelming and incorporates the boat neck that was so popular in that era.

Enjoy!
R&M @ GoS
xox