You're Engaged, Now What? Six Steps to Take Right After Becoming Engaged

Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time in your life and you don't want to be stressed out BUT you probably are. You've been waiting for him to propose and now that he has, everything is coming at you at high-speed. Many of my clients say that they had an idea of what they wanted their wedding to look like but once they got engaged, all of that went out the window. The engagement period really should be a time to celebrate this next step in your relationship, not a time to be consumed with planning and stress. Here are six planning steps to take within the first month of your engagement that will help take away some of that stress.

1. Pick a date or two. Picking a date gives you direction in the beginning. You may have a venue in mind that you've always wanted to be married in but they may be booked on your date. If you're flexible you may find more success in booking a venue.

2. Sit down with your fiancé and put together a budget. You won't know exactly what things cost immediately but come up with a number that you are comfortable with spending. If the average cost of a wedding in your city is $55,000 but you can only spend $30,000, that's your number. Now is not the time to try to keep up with the Joneses.

3. Hire a wedding planner. It kills me when I hear people say that a friend of a friend or their aunt who "does events" is going to handle their wedding. There is so much more to planning a wedding than fluffing your dress right before you walk down the aisle. We're here to ensure that you make it TO the aisle! Figure out what the most important things are that you are looking for in a planner and while you're interviewing, keep those them in mind. Don't hire someone based solely on their Instagram account or their pricing alone. Ask for references and talk to their previous clients. If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, try hiring an amateur. Trust me on this one. 

4. Find a venue. Your venue will help you determine your guest list. If your dream venue can only hold 100 people but you have at least 200 that you want to invite, keep looking. This part takes a little bit of time because you have to make appointments to see each venue. Put together a list of 3 that you like and start there.

5. Make a guest list. I always tell my clients to make 3 lists. Your first consists of your family and friends who you would put into your lifeboat if you were on a sinking ship. You have limited space on this lifeboat so make those people count. Second, make a list of the people who you would add onto your boat if there were a few extra seats. These are cousins who you talk to at Christmas time and that's it. You'd like to see them at your wedding but if they aren't there, it won't ruin your day. The final list consists of those coworkers who you see 40 hours a week and commiserate about work with but you wouldn't pick up the phone to call them after 5:00pm. Remember that you have to feed each guest and that's where a huge chunk of your budget will go. If you wouldn't pay $100 for their meal, don't invite them. Making a guest list should be taken that seriously.

6. Designate a wedding-free time-zone. As involved as your fiancé may be, he doesn't want to talk about wedding details every day for the next year. No one wants to do that, not even you. There really isn't a need to talk about your wedding every day during your engagement. That's why you hire a planner to handle all of the little details so that your relationship doesn't become all about your wedding. Remember that you still have to take care of your relationship.

Custom Plus Size Wedding Dresses - Darius Cordell Fashion Ltd

Custom Plus Size Wedding Dresses - Darius Cordell Fashion Ltd

London Fashion Week opens with tribal-inspired Fashion

LONDON (Reuters) - Artist turned to nature for inspiration on the opening day of London Fashion Week on Friday, showcasing a collection of sheer silk dresses, delicate embroidery and elegant show pieces all featuring a floral-inspired theme. Britain's capital took over the baton from New York, which wrapped up its week with sparkly dresses and bold geometric prints, with a pared-down color palette of fresh pastels and faded dip-dyes. Antoni & Alison opened the day with a series of quirky silk printed dresses, followed by Fyodor Golan, whose show was in the grandiose lounge of the Waldorf Hilton and inspired by Mayan and Aztec cultures. Models floated down the steps in shift dresses, loose kaftans and bold show pieces varying in electric blue, canary yellow, autumnal amber, and bright pink hues, with intricate beading embroidery and tribal-inspired prints and cutouts. "We wanted to show lightness and spirituality and at the same time to have that sexuality there. So it's that contrast but it's not in your face, it's still strong and gives you power but it's very emotional, something that will engage you," Fyodor Podgorny told Reuters after the show. Podgorny along with his partner Golan Frydman has consistently impressed critics since their debut collection two years ago. The duo kept their look neutral, with slicked back ponytails and bare faces on models offset by delicate painted tribal tattoos and intricate facial jewellery covering eyes and noses. Veteran fashion journalist Hilary Alexander said she was impressed by the attention to detail and vibrant colors. "It's not for everybody, a woman who's a minimalist would probably throw up her hands in horror but I happen to love them," Alexander said. Corrie Nielsen told Reuters that her collection, entitled Florilegium, was inspired by the Royal Botanic gardens in London and Japanese artist Makoto Murayama. "Everything has been cut three-dimensionally and shaped, inspired from the flower," Nielsen said. The collection also featured sleek tailored pieces alongside dip-dyed silk blouses and origami-folded jackets in pale yellows, pinks and creams. Sheer dresses embellished with embroidered appliqué details in icy blues, mint greens and lilacs were seen at Bora Aksu. Models were adorned with cut-out felt crowns, sporting braids and back-combed hair, wearing light printed and embroidered gowns inspired by art deco and botanical gardens. "I just wanted to create something that was really light," Aksu said. "There's texture on it but it's very light, there's prints and embroideries and stuff but it's almost like a light layer, so nothing is really heavy. I wanted to make it like air." Romantic florals and pastels defined the opening day of London Fashion Week, but Felder Felder added an edgy twist to their spring collection, teaming bold hues and muted leopard prints with floaty fabrics and shortening hemlines of shredded knitwear dresses. Singer Kate Nash, dressed in a black suede dress and leather jacket, serenaded the crowd as models accessorized with aviator sunglasses and beach hair strutted down the runway in miniscule shorts, dresses with high slits and suits paired with midriff-baring tops. Models swanned through the intimate presentation room in feminine tailored dresses made from light fabrics with prints and woven textures, in an array of pastel hues, at Emilia Wickstead's presentation. The artist said her new collection a twist on Truman Capote's 'swans' and inspired high society dames from the late 1950s who were required to look chic and elegant at social events. "I wanted it to be uplifting, fashion forward and really play on my inspirations a lot," Wickstead told Reuters. "I loved the matador shorts so I played a lot on that, I thought that was quite fresh, keeping summer fun and flirty but at the end of the day, my style is quite sophisticated and neat, so I wanted to make it more playful." Wickstead, who is six months pregnant, was one of the ones to benefit from the "Kate effect" after the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in some of her fashions. Wickstead told Reuters she wasn't able to comment on her royal client, but did say it was "inspiring" to dress "anyone who is sophisticated and high profile and of a lovely nature and a great look." Middleton isn't the only high-profile client to favor Wickstead's chic artist. "Downton Abbey" actress Laura Carmichael, who wore a dress by Wickstead at New York's prestigious Met Ball Gala earlier this year, praised the latest collection. "She's got such a talent for doing completely classic, simple things and managing to be very dramatic and sexy with it in the most classy way," Carmichael said. (Editing by Paul Casciato)

Leisure-oriented looks hit runways at New York Fashion Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fashion world trendwatchers were validated on Friday when collections by top fashion artist like Nicole Miller and Charlotte Ronson exhibited the predicted influences of casual, athletic and leisure wear. Miller, a favorite of professional women for her wearable, stylish and confident fashions, ventured into a more playful arena for spring 2013, with a dominant theme of floral prints configured in geometric shapes, and tight leggings in stretch leather or mottled prints. The collection, which Miller dubbed "Batteries Not Included" and was meant to suggest improbable juxtapositions, 1980s surrealist art, digital nature and sci-fi, used a palette of teal, soft greys, pink, mushroom and the ubiquitous black. In keeping with another trend this season, hard met soft with Miller topping a white linen dress with a black leather biker jacket. Shorts, which suggested running or track shorts, were well represented, lapels were large and coat and jacket sleeves pushed up. The collection was also heavy on tunics, which were variously rendered in silk and organza or abstract floral silk, paired with tight striped pants or stretch leather leggings. Vests were loose, oversized and flowing, while details were evident in beaded bodices or tank tops. Texture got a nod from separates rendered in leather, and what Miller called pixilated sequin or jacquard, which she employed for tunics and dresses. The looks were decidedly more classic, if similarly leisure-oriented, at Ronson's Friday evening show. The Friday shows spoke to what Ken Downing, fashion director of Neiman Marcus, called "relaxed chic." Ronson, especially popular with younger fashion mavens, showed mostly classic, highly wearable, mostly unstructured looks. Hemlines were short, and midriffs often bare in a collection rendered in shades of soft spring green and yellow, the latter which Ronson dubbed lemonade. But like Miller, Ronson's show emphasized shorts and rompers, and also played hard and soft elements off one another, as in a chain link lace mini-dress and mini-skirt. She also showed several tops dubbed bralettes, which resembled sports bras, in solid or water lily print or midnight leather. A collegiate-inspired concept of varsity vests, cardigans and jackets completed the sporty looks. There were highly feminine styles as well, many with sheer panels in gauzy chiffon. Hemlines ran short, and cutouts lent netted pullovers and draped dresses a sexy edge. Among the bolder pieces were vinyl varsity jackets turned out in electric shades of pink or blue, as well as black. Earlier on Friday, Bahrain-based label Noon by Noor made its New York Fashion Week debut, with socialites Nicky Hilton and Olivia Palermo sitting in the front row. Bahrain royalty Noor Rashid Al Khalifa and Haya Mohammed Al Khalifa showed long flowing silk chiffon skirts and dresses with thigh-high splits, neon pink pants suits, brocade biker jackets and gold metallic jacquards. "Concentrating on sleek minimalist contouring, pared back separates are realized in the most luxurious fabrics," the Noon by Noor collection notes said. "Luxe utilitarian tailoring balances structure and fluidity." Fashion Week continues through the weekend, with Saturday shows by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano, Rebecca Taylor and Alex Herkovitch. Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg and Zac Posen show their collections on Sunday. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nicholsl; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Top 3 Reasons Celebrities Should Have Green Weddings

When a high-profile couple like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes get divorced, it's hard not to think about the outlandish resources that went into their wedding. Tom and Katie had their $2 million celebration in a grand castle in Bracciano, Italy, surrounded by their closest celebrity friends who flew from near and far to be a part of the spectacle. But where did all of their conspicuous consumption get them? As the Kardashians have showed us, over-the-top weddings often lead to over-the-top divorces. This is not to say that expensive weddings consistently result in failed marriages -- the cost of a wedding itself is not the issue. The problem comes when a couple is focused on creating a spectacle instead of using their wedding to express the values behind their marriage. Here are three reasons why I believe it is more important than ever for celebrities to plan socially and environmentally conscious weddings. 1) Influencing the Industry American weddings are a $70-billion-a-year industry and even the most thoughtful couples can find themselves on the "wedding conveyor belt". Having a green wedding means thinking about who you are, what your values are, and what kind of wedding you would want if the industry were not constantly telling you what you should want. Celebrities are particularly vulnerable to social pressure, and their weddings are often planned by their PR teams, with a focus on image and press instead of the celebrity's personal style or preferences. In this environment it is no wonder that Jessica Simpson is thinking about eloping, or that Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan surprised their guests with a backyard wedding masked as a graduation party. Planning a green wedding means stepping back and thinking about the future of the planet while planning your big day. When a celebrity couple decides to go green they send a message to both their fans and the wedding industry that the health of people and the environment matters, and nothing is worth sacrificing a sustainable future for. Especially with so many glamorous green options available, it has never been easier to have a lavish eco-friendly event. 2) Supporting Green Business The wedding industry has spent a lot of time and money convincing brides to buy an endless list of cheaply made disposable items for their weddings. These products include sweatshop-made bleached white dresses, disposable aisle runners, chemically treated imported flowers, toxic makeup and skin-care products, mined gem-based jewelry, individual packets of rice, and all manner of disposable flourishes and trinkets. With almost 2.5 million weddings a year in this country alone, the impact on the environment from our weddings is substantial. Celebrities have the power and the resources to change the status quo. Weddings offer an amazing opportunity to make a difference, and when it comes to celebrities, they have an even larger platform available to them to disseminate the message about sustainable alternatives. In addition to saving energy, conserving resources, and decreasing pollution, imagine what a boost $70 billion-a-year could give to sustainable businesses. If we are going to combat the environmental problems of this century, we need to change the way businesses operate. Celebrities can help create demand for eco-friendly products and services with their choices. By spending their wedding dollars on green alternatives, celebrities can send a signal to companies that it is time to change their ways! 3) Educating Others One of the most amazing things about a wedding is that it is the only time in your life when pretty much everyone you love is in the same room at the same time. They come from near and far to celebrate you -- both the people you are and the union you and your fiancé are creating. In other words, a wedding provides an opportunity to show your guests how beautiful eco-friendly choices can be in a non-preachy environment. For celebrities, this power is exponential! In addition to their guests, celebrities command the attention of millions of fans. By infusing their weddings with a sense of respect for the environment, they have the opportunity to inspire their guests and fans alike and transform their wedding into an event that will be remembered forever.

Bridal gown designer Vera Wang and her husband agree to separate; couple married in 1989

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Fashion designer Vera Wang, who launched her label with wedding gowns, and her husband, Arthur Becker, are separating.

A statement from company President Mario Grauso to Women's Wear Daily earlier this week said Wang and Becker "mutually and amicably agreed to separate."

The couple married in 1989, when Wang worked for Ralph Lauren. They have two daughters.

Wang's business has grown to include high-end runway collections, household goods and a mass-consumer line at Kohl's. But she is best known for her bridal gowns. Chelsea Clinton, Alicia Keys and Ivanka Trump have walked down the aisle in Vera Wang designs.

World’s Top 20 Honeymoon Destinations after the Wedding

What ranked as the world’s hottest honeymoon destination? (Hint: Think Fellini.)

1.  ITALY | Venice, Rome, Florence, Amalfi: When it comes to romance, nothing beats Italy. And yes, the Hotel Cipriani is worth the splurge.

2. FRENCHPOLYNESIA | All those photos you’ve seen of gorgeous thatched huts on stilts over insanely clear turquoise water? They were taken here.

3. MAUI | Sure, it’s touristy, but if you can swing a stay at Wailea’s fabled Four Seasons or its neighbor, the Fairmont, you’ll want to stay forever.

4. ST. LUCIA | Things to love: There’s a hotel for every budget, amazing organic eats (a Caribbean rarity), and the majestic Pitons—nice to look at, tough to climb.

5. TURKS AND CAICOS | Yoga and Pilates buffs go to the Como Shambhala spa on Parrot Cay, divers can’t get enough of Molasses Reef, and the privacy-obsessed hole up at Amanyara.

6. KAUAI | Couples sing hosannas about the St. Regis Princeville, but be sure to leave the resort bubble to see the Na Pali Coast.

7. GREECE | Partiers choose Mykonos (dinner at 10, dancing till five). Low-key romantics choose the whitewashed beauty and jaw-dropping views on Santorini.

8. FIJI | Chances are none of your tech toys will work at the private resorts here—and after a day or two, you’ll be glad.

9. MEXICO | Its hard to beat the cobblestoned charm of colonial San Miguel de Allende, but honeymooners also rave about the ruins and affordable hotels in Tulum.

10. BALI | Even the hordes of Elizabeth Gilbert groupies haven’t spoiled the spiritual magic of this Indonesian isle. Or its beaches.

Courtesy of http://living.msn.com/love-relationships/weddings/world%E2%80%99s-top-20-honeymoon-destinations

Kate Middleton Wears Mother’s Dress for First Public Speech

Kate Middleton wore her mother's dress as she gave her first public speechWe're quite fond of Kate Middleton's style, but we've rarely heard her speak in public. That all changed on Monday as the Duchess gave her first public speech as a member of the royal family. The occasion marked the official opening of the East Anglia Children's Hospice at The Treehouse in Ipswich, outside London. 

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's 10 best looks 

The Duchess, 30, wrote her own speech and opted to wear her mother Carole Middleton's royal blue Reiss dress for good luck. Carole originally wore the frock to Ascot in 2010, and her daughter has chosen to style it similarly with black pumps and the same black belt. While wearing her mother's fascinator would not have been appropriate attire for her speech, we have seen Catherine wear the very same hat to the wedding of Nicholas van Cutsem in 2011. 

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton plays field hockey in colored jeans 

Carole Middleton wore the same blue Reiss dress back in 2010It's clear the Duchess has inherited her mother's sense of style, as the Reiss dress could easily have come from her own closet. Catherine has continued to turn to Reiss designs for big events such as her official engagement photos and when she met the Obamas at Buckingham Palace last May. We suspect blue may also be Catherine's favorite color, as she wore a royal blue Issa dress to her engagement announcement, a blue Zara dress the day after her wedding, and a blue lace Erdem dress during her visit to Canada. Perhaps she prefers the shade since it matches her stunning sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to the late Princess Diana. 

Catherine's thick accent is perhaps more surprising to viewers than her wardrobe choice. "I feel hugely honored to be here to see this wonderful center," she told the crowd at the Treehouse center. "I am only sorry that William can't be here today, he would love it here. A view of his, that I share, is that through teamwork, so much can be achieved. What you have all achieved is extraordinary." 

While the Duchess seemed a bit nervous giving her first speech, we feel her kind words and eloquent way of speaking were just right for the occasion, and she certainly looked lovely. Check out Middelton's full speech below.

Tips for 1st and 2nd time brides wanting to plan a destination wedding or honeymoon vacation.

Are you planning a destination wedding? Whether you're having your wedding on a beach or you've chosen a local venue, inviting out-of-town guests means it's a destination wedding for them. Therefore, it is a good idea for you to become knowledgeable about destination wedding invitation etiquette and on all of your options on how to plan your event with ease and less stress.

A destination wedding is when you travel to a special place for your wedding. It might be just the two of you (also known as eloping!), or you might include a group of friends and family. It's an appealing option if you want to do something different, "carry out" a small guest list, hold the wedding at a place equally convenient or inconvenient for far-flung family, or just "get away!"

When making the guest list, check with family and friends who live far away from the wedding location, and find out if they are coming . If they wish to attend, you should make arrangements for out-of-town guests before you send your destination weddings invitations. If you have only a few people coming from out of town , this will simplify the task. But if you're having many out of town guest , you will need to include lodging information, maps and even activities and events around the area. All of this information should be sent with the destination weddings invitations. In lieu of that, many couples create a web site with this information and put the URL on the destination weddings invitations. The goal is to have all of this information researched, compiled and sent to guests so you don't have to do it when they get to town. Additionally, the guests will know that you appreciate thier travdeling efforst for your special day.

Some people believe that destination weddings can be more cost effective than a traditional wedding. The good thing about destination wedding is that it makes the wedding more special by adding an exotic twist to the wedding occasion. Most brides tend to look for strapless or garden style designer wedding dresses with flowers or some type of pretty lace embroidery detailing since they will be going to a tropical location for the ceramony.  If the wedding destination weddings are plotted properly you will in truth save on your wedding because possibilities are that the place you choose may be a lot cheaper than the place you live. Some popular wedding destinations offer package deals which are worthwhile. By having a destination wedding you and your guests will have a nice holiday and end up making the whole occasion special.

In order to have a destination wedding you need to be very organized and plan everything in advance. For example you can opt for an air and hotel package which is usually more cost effective than making bookings for them both separately.  A well planned destination wedding can be a relaxing and a fun experience, but make sure that both of you plan it well and systematically before making nay decisions.

Some weddings are planned well but others fail as the bride & groom needed extra help in getting things arragned . In order to avoid these kinds of situations it is probably best to go through companies which specifically conduct destination weddings. Usually the packages that they offer will also provide a facilitator at the site of the wedding who will be able take care of everybody's needs.

Also these professional companies usually have a business relationship with several hotels and airlines.  Tehrefore they can most of the time negotiate a much better deal for you than you can by yourself . The hotels and airlines usually have a deal worked out with these people because of the volume of business they provide on a steady basis. But when you approach individually they will serve you as a one timer and may not give you as a good a deal.

Destination weddings are extremely popular now a days , but planning the right one can be a bit challenging. This is especially intimidating if you have never visited the place where you want to have the wedding. Luckily, we go out of our way to provide you with the most up to date information on destination weddings in order to help you make the right decision. We provide you with information on destination weddings and we also provide a list of popular and recommended destinations. This is very helpful to many people who are in the planning stages because they see where other couples have enjoyed certain locations and this serves as a wonderful guide.

You could also opt to hire  a wedding consultant who is familiar with the location where you wish to get married. This might be a consultant is located in the place where you're getting married, or a travel agent or other person who has performed destination weddings many times. Don't assume that any wedding or travel consultant can automatically meet your needs. Wedding Consultants who are wonderful for local couples may not be as adept in helping you long-distance. Luckily, in some locales there are wedding consultants whose primary business is working with couples from out-of-town. They are good about faxing, mailing photos, and taking other special steps to help you. There are also consultants who aren't limited to any particular wedding location, but regularly handle destination weddings.  This may be the most-hassle free way to plan a wedding, but it will add to your cost. For example, they may charge a flat fee, or a surcharge on the cost of all services which they contract for you. It is always wise to You may want to get several references for anyone you work with .

Another option is to find a wedding chapel (instead of a company) at the location you're interested in. These tend to offer a full array of services with most things built into a package . Your job is most of the time to simply be present . This is easiest, and may even be the least expensive. However, you may not get a say so in a lot of the details , and you may not like the get in and get out feeling these chapels provide .
You could opt to try and do it all yourself . You find the florist, the officiant, the ceremony site, the baker, the music, the photographer and so on by yourself. This is probably the toughest way to do it, but you get to make all the decisions. If you're a control freak about details it might be the one you opt for. If you go this route, I'd try hard to find some sort of local contact--someone who knows some of the local businesses but who won't profit personally from any referrals. Here's where setting up your lodging first can be a help--the hotel staff or innkeeper may be a great source. Ask at the travel newsgroups, or wedding newsgroups. Ask friends and relatives. You never know how you'll find someone who can make a few recommendations .
A destination wedding gives you a lot of options . If you still want to have a fairytale wedding, then destination weddings may not be for you . But if you're open to other options, destination weddings will give you a lot to work with . Simply by having a destination wedding, you're not doing the conventional. You've already altered people's expectations, so you might be less likely to feel bound to a wedding template. And if your setting is particularly nice, you may be able to simplify other aspects of your wedding. For example, we got married in a beautiful historic inn, which needed no additional decoration or flowers. We saw some weddings in Jamaica where the natural flowers and outdoor setting were so beautiful, just having a bride and groom and officiant looked perfect. Whether you choose to simplify or not, do feel free to rethink some of the typical wedding traditions.

Invitations to traditional weddings are supposed to be sent 4-6 weeks before the event. But more lead time is helpful. Your guests might also want to ask for vacation time to better enjoy the special place you've chosen! In some areas, accommodations fill up way in advance. For all these reasons, you should consider getting in touch with your guests early. A friendly little form letter with pertinent info (place and date) will do nicely. If you've begun to set up accommodations, include that too, along with any other travel info. Otherwise, promise to get back to them later with that information.

It makes things much easier if you take care of details whiel you are at home . This destination wedding should be a vacation for you, too. Don't get so caught up in little details that you can't enjoy the weekend in a special place. Figure out what's important to you, and label the rest of it "small stuff" that you won't sweat. That will free you up to sight see, relax, play, and join in what your guests are doing!

Plan Your Packing Get advice from your dressmaker or retailer on how a dress should be packed for travel. At Darius Cordell we tell all of our brides to not worry about steaming the dress until just a few days prior to their wear date - once they arrive at thier location.  Make sure you have the right-sized suitcase or box ahead of time. If you're flying, plan to carry it on if you can, along with any other wedding apparel you'd find hard to substitute on short notice! We found that packing for the wedding and the honeymoon added up to a lot of luggage. If you can, farm out some of your important things to guests and family who are traveling down there. If you are shipping anything, leave extra time. You can ship flowers ahead of time .

  You want your guest to not feel over worked . You've probably gone to a lot of trouble to choose a nice place to get married. Let your guests enjoy it! Don't plan so many get-togethers, family dinners, rehearsal dinners, and so on that your family feels like it is a job to be there . I know that it has become a nice tradition for people to plan huge wedding-related activities and social gatherings where ball gowns were worn all weekend for each event. This may not be comfortable for all your guest.  Since you are basically on vacation or at a resort threfore your location can help you quite a bit in the planning so let it!

There is no reason for you to be over worked and worried about planning a destination wedding just becuase it seems likeit may be overwhelming .   You can get all the help you need using one of these tips.  that way you can make an informed decision.  You will find that planning a destination wedding with assistance is much easier than you ever thought it woudl be .

Twitter Q&As: London Fashion Week increasing interaction

Designers including Duchess Catherine's favorite Alice Temperley and Anya Hindmarch will be taking part in live Twitter conversations during the upcoming London Fashion Week as part of this season's digital schedule.

As well as announcing its largest number of live stream shows to date, the British Fashion Council (BFC) revealed plans February 15 to work closely with the social-networking site during the Fall 2012 edition of the fashion event -- which kicks off February 17.
A number of 30-minute Q&A sessions have been scheduled to take place over the six-day event, with tweeters able to talk to guests including Fashion 2012 Menswear chair Dylan Jones, Hindmarch and Temperley.
On Monday, February 20 at 13:00, Temperley, who took home the Designer of the Year gong at the 2011 Hollywood Style Awards last November, will be discussing her Temperley London show, as well as a film called Alice By Temperley that will be screening as part of the new Fash/On Film program.
For more details on Twitter interviews and live streaming see www.londonfashionweek.com and the official Twitter account @LondonFashionWk.
Meanwhile, as fashionistas descend on the British capital for London Fashion Week, underwear and clothing retailer Björn Borg will be transforming the city's Battersea Power Station into a miniature Sweden for a live-streamed fashion show February 16.
Among a pine forest, snow and hot tubs, the brand, which ships internationally from bjornborg.com, will showcase its Fall 2012 line, with pop star Robyn providing musical entertainment. A 4D fashion film directed by filmmaker and designer Paris Kain will also be screened to stream over the River Thames.

Plus Size Retailer Sonsi.com Adds Exciting New Apparel and Accessories Brands to Online Shopping Experience

Sonsi®, the award-winning online shopping and social destination designed exclusively for women sizes 12 and above, announced today that it has added five exciting fashion forward partners to its repertoire.  Sonsi's more than 300 apparel and accessories brands for plus size women will be joined by: Palm Beach Jewelry, SwimsuitsForAll.com®, Monif C., A BIG ATTITUDE® and SVOBODA®.

Catering to the nearly 60 percent of women in America who wear size 12 or above, Sonsi's new brand offerings greatly expand the retailer's year-round collection of swimsuit styles and premium denim, as well as its fashion-forward separates and party attire, and fashion jewelry showcase.

"These brands are on a mission to outfit full figured women in fashionable attire," says Jill Hutchison, Director, for Sonsi.com.  "We are thrilled to offer new assortments of the latest trends, as well as classic styles, at varying price points that suit their unique body shapes and lifestyle needs." 

The new arrivals include:
Palm Beach Jewelry – Offering over 2,000 jewelry styles in a range of prices points, in both costume and fine, this collection of earrings, rings and necklaces delivers breathtaking shine in every color of the rainbow. Sparkling gemstones, from sapphires and rubies to diamonds and cubic zirconium, are sure to become the Sonsi woman's new jewelry box favorites! 

SwimsuitsForAll.com® – For year-round swim and special getaways, these figure-flattering swimwear styles and related apparel and accessories are designed to make real curvy women of varying shapes and sizes feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin. Experts at swimwear, SwimsuitsForAll.com provides the Sonsi woman hundreds of stylish choices that fit and flatter her body in all the right places.  

Monif C. – Designed by mother/daughter team, Monif Clarke and Elaine Clarke, Monif C. designs reaffirm every plus size woman's desire to surround herself with luxurious, inspiring elements of style. Monif C. designs are heavily inspired by the colors and textures of the Caribbean, the glamour of New York City nightlife and European style. Known for their versatility, Monif C. pieces work well for day and night... dressed up or down. 

A BIG ATTITUDE® – Specializing in active and exercise apparel crafted especially for plus size style and comfort, A BIG ATTITUDE offers high quality fitness clothing including sports bras, yoga pants, bike shorts, leggings, sports tops and more. Made in the USA, A BIG ATTITUDE apparel is perfect for fitness activities such as walking, running, biking, aerobics, yoga or for casual activities such as running errands. Find A BIG ATTITUDE on Sonsi, starting February 2012.

SVOBODA® - Designed with curves in mind, SVOBODA specializes in quality denim and apparel for plus size women focusing on fit and style. A true lifestyle denim brand, SVOBODA offers sophisticated, modern classic clothing including loungewear, sportswear, social wear and career attire. Find SVOBODA on Sonsi, starting Spring 2012.

A social shopping leader, Sonsi recently launched Fashion Genius™, a breakthrough fit technology that guides plus size women, in just three minutes and with no measurements required, through a simple survey that marries their curves, fit issues and signature styles to a world of apparel that is an ideal fit for their individual figures. Sonsi also offers social destination, SonsiLiving®, the plus size woman's go-to destination for fashion tips, expert advice and inspiration.  Participating notable industry insiders include Megan Garcia, a plus size model, yoga instructor and author of Megayoga, the first guide to yoga for plus size women; and Susan Moses, celebrity fashion stylist to such luminaries as Wynonna Judd, Jill Scott, Emme and Mo'Nique.

Fashion News: Golden Globes 2012 has some stunning moments

 

Madonna seemed to channel herself at Sunday's Golden Globe Awards, wearing black, a cross pendant and fingerless gloves. The look was softened by her loose waves, which our Melissa Magsaysay explains how to achieve in another post. But the singer and actress made it clear the night wasn't all about her, walking the red carpet with Andrea Riseborough, the star of "W.E.," the new film about Wallis Simpson that Madonna directed and co-produced -- and making sure her star got plenty of the limelight too. The Globes fashion scene was kind of same-old, same-old, but with some stunning looks from risk-takers including the night's best dress, the Dior Couture gown worn by Charlize Theron, says Times fashion critic Booth Moore. [Los Angeles Times]

The Globes dominated the scene for fashion watchers this weekend, but it wasn't the only game in town. At Saturday's Art of Elysium "Heaven" gala, Cameron Silver, co-owner of Decades boutique, put on a fashion show. The gala, in Los Angeles' Union Station, combined formal gowns, a fashion show of vintage styles from Silver's boutique and a scene "that seemed to come straight out of a 1930's Fred Astaire movie." [SocietyNews LA]

Over in Milan, the men's fall ready-to-wear shows are going on, and Prada's runway presentation Sunday was a real treat. Models included actors Adrian Brody (above), Willem Dafoe and Gary Oldman. [Fashionista]

Rapper Lil Wayne presented his first clothing line, "TRUKFIT," last week. The label's name stands for "The Reason You Kill For It," and it is soon to be available at Zumiez. [The Cut] 

Protesters gathered outside a Dolce & Gabbana's store in Hong Kong on Sunday, demonstrating for the third time in a week against what they say is racism by the label. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

John Paul Gaultier has designed a bar of gold for Dallas-based Dillon Gage Metals. The 24-karat bar with the Gaultier logo was priced last week at $1,826.33. "Never before has a fashion icon designed a gold ingot," Dillon President Terry Hanlon was quoted as saying.