What to Wear: Late Summer Wedding

A wedding is generally the perfect reason to get dressed up and for some reason, even more so when the wedding falls in the late summer or early fall. When planning your look for a summer wedding in the UK, there's one thing you can be absolutely confident in - the weather will be unpredictable! If you'd rather avoid spending the day shivering in a floaty dress after you’ve woken to find the weather cool and wet, have a second outfit option ready and waiting.

That said, let's be optimistic and think best-case scenario: that the bride and groom will be bathed in sunshine on their wedding day! Bonmarche has a superb selection of special occasion outfits, with many options to coordinate items so that you can slip layers on and off as the day progresses. Weddings used to break for a pause mid-afternoon, but nowadays most guests will choose an outfit that will take them through the whole day – from the ceremony through the reception!

One of the great things about wedding photos is the amazing range of bright and colourful outfits that different guests choose to wear. It makes sense to find out the colours that the wedding party will be wearing, and then avoid them. If it hasn’t been made clear on the invitation, dont' hesitate to ask the bride herself or a member of the family.

The invitation will often give you an idea of how formal a wedding iis going to be and, of course, this will influence your choice of outfit. There are also some practicalities to bear in mind – such as making sure you wear comfortable shoes. You’ll spend most of the day and evening on your feet, and if you have to walk any distance, could you do so with ease in the shoes you have chosen? If the ceremony has a religious element to it, make sure that you have something to cover spaghetti shoulder straps, like a draped blazer (which is less formal than something with structure) or a complementary shawl.

The most important thing to bear in mind when choosing a late summer wedding outfit is that while you want to blend in with the other guests, this is one occasion where you really can choose to go to town on your outfit. Unless you’re going to a particularly formal wedding, the general guideline is that any festive style goes, so make it one that you enjoy wearing!

This post was produced in partnership with Bonmarche.

[#GIVEAWAY]: All Dressed Up with Shabby Apple

As the year winds to a close, I can think of one thing, and one thing alone - New Year's Eve! Truth be told, it's one of my favorite festive moments of the year (it's true what they say about saving the best for last) and getting all dressed up for the big night is truly a highlight.  But THIS year, I'm coming down to the wire and still in the market for a spectacular party dress.

That's where mah peeps at Shabby Apple come into the mix. This online dress boutique offers, quite literally, a dress for every woman - and at a pretty sweet price to boot. Tops on my list for New Year's Eve is def the sweet Academy Award Skirt seen above. When styled with a simple silk blouse, a sexy back seam stocking and a high high heel, I'll be ready to celebrate (CUE THE MUSIC), not least of all due to the tiny, wee price tag of just $62.  $62, people.  For an entire SKIRT.  Nuts. All the more money to spend on shoes, right? Right.

But enough about me, y'all. This post is all about YOU, and your AWESOME chance to win the Shabby Apple dress of your choice. To enter, simply follow these easy-peasy steps:

• "Like” Shabby Apple on Facebook - you'll even get special promotions and discounts just for being a fan!
• Leave a comment on this post telling me what you'll be wearing this New Year's Eve

One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, December 30 at Noon!

If you'd rather not leave great style to chance, shop Shabby Apple with an exclusive 10% off code: eye4style10off (valid through January 26, 2012).

Happy Shopping!

Update: The winner is Adele! Happy shopping!

OOTD: Party for My Three Amigas

Tonight is a VERY special night for two reasons, peeps.

First, I'm going to GET MAH CULTURE ON, seeing the superbly reviewed Book of Mormon on Broadway with my work husband of sorts, Jake. Excited is an understatement - I'm looking forward to high levels of blasphemy and obvs, the most inappropriate humor (my fave kind!) imaginable.

Second, I'm hitting up the very VERY (if you'll allow me to say) Norwood Club following, to fête the early June birthdays of not one, not two, but count 'em, THREE of my best girlfriends - Sarah, Kristin and Amber.

These Gemini beauties know how to BRING IT sartorially speaking, so today, I did something WILD and CRAZY, and I brought it myself. Well, if by "bringing it," I mean "I wore a dress," that is.

Head to toe, here's what I'll be wearing to get my party on:

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Okay, I'll probably take these off actually...I'm no Carey Hart)
• Rachel Leigh Crystal Fringe Necklace
• Cynthia Vincent Placket Front Bra Cup Dress
• La Mer Collections Leather & Chain Wrap Watch (similar styles here)
• Loeffler Randall Zola Wooden Platform
• POPBeauty Nail Glam Nail Lacquer in Turquoise

Photo snapped by Chris of Court and Hudson

Fashion News: Sue Wong's Alice in Wonderland Collection

Designer Sue Wong is one of the few brands that has been hand-selected by Disney to create a special collection inspired by Tim Burton’s upcoming remake of Alice in Wonderland, starring Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway.

The Sue Wong for Walt Disney Signature collection will feature pieces influenced by key story characters including Alice, the Red Queen and the White Queen and will showcase unique details inspired by the film, such as Victorian antique lace and vibrant details, while offering Sue Wong’s signature style: romance, femininity and amazing hand-detailing.

The collection will launch in February at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Sue Wong joins designers such as Stella McCartney, Tom Binns and LaRok in designing Alice in Wonderland-inspired collections; however, Sue will be offering the only high-end dress collection.

What do you think of Sue Wong's Alice in Wonderland-inspired designs?

Get the Look: Christina Applegate at the 2009 Emmy Awards

Makeup Artist Joanna Schlip for Clarins was inspired by Christina Applegate’s dramatic, sweeping Basil Soda gown when creating her makeup look this evening.

The vintage glamour of the navy stunner called for simple makeup that still made a statement. With her hair pulled back in a chic chignon, Joanna was able to play up Christina’s eyes with a sexy retro smolder, while keeping her skin fresh and lips softly pink. Like the dress, Christina’s makeup exuded a Brigitte Bardot 60’s cool, with a modern twist.

To create a radiant glow, Joanna prepped Christina’s skin with three steps: First she cleansed with Clarins Water Comfort One Step Cleanser. She then applied Clarins Multi-Active Day moisturizer, followed with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for smooth, hydrated, radiant skin.

Joanna kept Christina's face mostly bare with a light wash of Clarins True Radiance Foundation. She fished with a dusting of translucent loose powder.

For a natural but luminous flush, Joanna applied Clarins Instant Sun Light Shimmer Palette on the apples of her cheeks, sweeping up to the hairline/ For the eyes, Joanna went smoldering with a dark gray shade from Clarins Colour Quartet for Eyes in So Chic, Clarins Eye Pencil in Black around the upper and lower lash line and inside the wet line, then finished with three coats of Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in Black.

The finishing touch was a soft, modern pink lip thanks to Clarins Lip Definer in Bay Rose and Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm in Rose Pink.

What do you think of Christina Applegate's Emmy look?

Emmy's 2009: Best Dressed

The highlight of any award show is undoubtedly the red carpet arrivals and the Emmy's are no different.  Here are a few of my favorites this year...

Padma Lakshmi has an unfair advantage (being Padma Lakshmi and all) but regardless, she looks spectacular in a couture gown by Badgley Mischka and jewelry from her own collection.

This is not the finest photo of Mila Kunis arriving at the Emmy's, but it doesn't erase the fact that her deep red tulle dress by Monique Lhuillier is a stunner!

Perrey Reeves of Entourage was a vision in a sleek and shimmery Naeem Khan gown.

Which looks were your Emmy faves? Tell me what you think in the comments!

Basics Gone Glam: Alice & Olivia

I love the easy simplicity of a high quality basic as much as the next girl. But the magpie in me also loves a little adornment. Alice & Olivia gets the mix right with their spring assortment of necklace tees and dresses.

Jason Wu Tells All

Teen Vogue got the inaugural inside scoop straight from designer Jason Wu. Check out the feature here!

Jason Wu FTW!

I'm not going gaga for the gown, but what a COUP for young designer and fashion editor darling, Jason Wu.  The FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, is wearing the 26 year old's dress - a chic one shouldered silhouette in white chiffon with (and this is where he lost me) appliques and beading for the Inaugural Balls tonight.

What do you think? Was Michelle a Fashion Do or Don't tonight?  Tell me in the comments!