"LESS IS MORE"

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I definitely tend to agree, in terms of my personal style but I’m just me, my opinion is my own but my job is to help you identify what is true for you.  So for now I’ll sit on the fence and try and look at this both ways.

Well if Leonardo Da Vinci, Coco Chanel and Don Draper can all agree on the virtues of simplicity, what more do I need to say?

Expert Advice - Coco Chanel once said

“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory”

This pretty much ties in with my take on styling your bridal look.  All too often I’m trying to guide clients who seem to be playing accessory bingo. 

• Earrings

• Necklace

• Bracelet

• Hair Accessory

• Veil

• Garter

• Showstopping shoes.

Please, please, please take heed, this is a game you don’t need to shout “House” and win!

For those of you old enough to remember the cabbage game on Crackerjack, you need to adopt the opposite approach!

When your partner turns to greet you as you arrive at your ceremony, they want to turn round and see you looking radiant, not a heavily decorated Christmas tree, you should wear your outfit and accessories, they shouldn’t wear you.

MORE IS MORE

The world would be a very boring place if we were all the same, we are all the richer for the variety of those around us.  If you are a statement maker in your day to day life then be true to you on your wedding day, to suddenly swop bold and dazzling for a demure string of pearls just isn’t going to cut it for you.  You aren’t going to feel yourself and those around you aren’t going to recognise the bride as the real you.

Ok, I’m sorry I tried but I still think that the bingo rule still applies to “More is more” philosophy.  A show stopping necklace doesn’t need chandelier earrings for a bride on her wedding day, for me it is one step too far into drag queen territory, but one statement can look fabulous.

I said I’d try and see this both ways, and as I explained in an earlier post, I’m a bit muddled with my personal style, I’m a sort of shy extrovert or gregarious introvert, not sure which. I feel comfortable in a costume and bold accessories are like props that give me confidence, but at the same time I love my pearl studs bought for me as a special gift.

SOME bridal ACCESSORY STYLING TIPS

If your dress has a high neckline then a necklace isn’t required and the chances are a headpiece at the front won’t be either.  If the hair is in a sleak updo then perhaps a pair of statement earrings are all that are required.

If the head piece is bold, keep the earrings understated and think twice about the need for a necklace.

If the necklace is a very fine chain with a small pendant then try it out with the dress and take a photo from a reasonable distance and see whether it shows.  A photographer once pointed out to me that it drove him nuts as the chain wasn’t visible on any but close up shots and the pendant appeared as a mark on the picture.

If you are wearing a dress with long sleaves you don’t need a bracelet.

If you are wearing lace, think twice about a bracelet, particularly one with claw mounted stones, or a catch as the last thing you want to do is get hooked to your hem on a loo trip (advice based on a bridesmaid experience).

Think twice about heavily embelished shoes with chunky stones in claws with a long fine dress, the fabric catches and snags really easily (again, based on experience).  They won't show either.

Wedding ACCESSORIES DON'T STOP AT JEWELLERY

Don’t forget the right shoes.  Whilst comfort shouldn’t been discounted, the effect on your posture in a great pair of heels can’t be understated, they don’t have to be vertiginous.  They make you stand up straighter, they add to the occasion. You can also swop to comfy to boogie later.

Perfume is an absolute must, smell is one of the most evocative memories and something that will take you back to that day in an instant

Don’t forget the best accessory on your wedding day is your smile!

I’ve lots more tips but more of them in future posts, that's it for now!

Harriet x