Many of our 2009 wedding style predictions came true on the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards last night! SmartBride predicted (ok - maybe 'desperately hoped for') a few figure flattering trends, and we hit the trend jackpot at last night’s Oscars.
- Pleats are coming on strong, rivaling beading and embroidery on necklines, hemlines and bodices. They make a dress look elegant and sophisticated without looking busy.
- Soft fullness and floral embellishments replace heavy tiered skirts.
- Resurgence of the Off-white Evening Gown
- Mermaid style gowns with interesting necklines.
Let us show you how you can have Red Carpet style for your wedding and stay on budget! Click on the images to go straight to the dress for sale on SmartBrideBoutique.ca.
Penelope wore a vintage dress she'd seen 8 years earlier by Pierre Balmain. It's over 60 years old, but is still fashionable today. You can have the same look with this Antique White Raw Silk Gown with Drop Waist and Ruffled Skirt from the MaxAzria Collection.
Retail: $1800. On SmartBride for
$900 (new with tags).
Taraji P Henson's strapless Roberto Cavalli off-white gown had irregular layers that gave it texture. You can find a similar look with Christina Wu's Strapless Column-Style gown featuring a modified mermaid skirt, embellished lace and organza overlay and a soft fortuni pleated tiered skirt. Only
$400 from a local Calgary bride on SmartBrideBoutique.ca.
Sarah Jessica Parker takes a softer approach to high style with her Dior Haute Couture gown in "barely mint". When shopping for your dress, look for similar necklines and detailing at the waist to reproduce her signature style. Or, you can try this Christina Wu Strapless with sweetheart neckline, full Skirt and belted waist. Although it normally retails for
$1,200, one of our smart brides is asking
$900 obo for this new dress with tags.
Melissa George chose a white corseted Dolce & Gabbana gown with a mermaid silhouette which featured a traditional lace up back like many wedding gowns. Alfred Sung Style 5194 has a similar cut and style, but we feel the bottom of Sung's dress is more luxurious. We love the not-quite-strapless look, and are grateful for the figure flattering rouching. This style normally sells for
$3250, but you can get this look for
$1800.
Marisa donned a one-shoulder Versace gown with intricate pleats that were interesting but not fussy. Keep an eye out for embellishments that are unique but do not take the attention away from you! Try this mermaid style Wedding Dress with styled strapless neckline by Alvina Valenta. It's never been worn and selling for only
$400. We know - we can't believe it either.
Evan Rachel Wood went Art Deco with her pale satin and chiffon evening gown. Search for an off-white, evening gown inspired wedding dresses to provide you with a high-style, classy look. For example, Renella Defina's "Charlize" gown from the Toscanna Collection boasts interesting detail in the back while maintaining a figure flattering and streamlined look in the front. This is fit for your walk down the aisle (and red carpet!) and retails for $4000. Never fear! Our smart bride is selling it for half the price at
$2000.
