The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
gowns shown. clockwise from the top right. Atelier Aimee Pret A Porter, Pronovias, Badgley Mischka, Claire Pettibone.
The roaring 20’s were an exciting time in America... the rich were very rich and that, of course, is the back drop to the classic novel. It’s got love, betrayal, murder... all of the usual shenanigans. The fashion in the 20’s was very exciting. Lots of layers and a very modern silhouette is created. The boxy “flapper” dress is en vogue, gowns are made in very light silks and don’t hug the body in the least. Beading and embellishments add fun to very simple shape. The dropped waist is huge!!! Which is a very comfortable and chill compared to the natural and empire waists that came before it. I love this time for fashion, people were finally pushing the boundaries a bit... and you know how I adore breaking rules.
When emulating a era in fashion for you wedding, you have to be very careful not to “copy” the look directly... It can look like a costume very quickly and your wedding is no time for a costume party. So look for similar shapes and ideas that have modern sensibilities. Look for dropped waists, straight/column skirts, and fun sparkly embellishments. And you can definitely rock a pin curl too, but take a cue from these fabulous ladies and make sure it’s got a super 2011 feel to it. You do NOT need to be dressing up as Clara Bow... Now I realize that many of you have no idea who she is, but she was fabulous. Trust me.
Don’t be afraid to find inspiration everywhere... even your bookshelf.
Lauren
What if I told you that it was absolutely possible to rock a stunning look on your big day for a bit more than 500 bucks!? Would you believe me? Well, believe it. I’m a huge fan of David’s Bridal in the past 5 years they have done a major revamp and added tons of stylish and chic gowns and accessories to their lineup. Their specialty lines like Galina go way above “budget” gown shopping. And I know Forever21 evokes thoughts of super cheap trendy clothing, but I’ve found that their jewelry is perfect for a lady shopping on a budget, including a bride. Sparkle is sparkle. 
It’s no big secret, if you read this blog, that I am not a fan of traditional bridesmaids gowns. I mean it’s basically a department store dress that is more expensive, requires more work, and always needs alterations. Nothing about that is appealing to either me or your poor bridesmaids. The whole “they can wear it again” sentiment is, in my opinion HIGHLY overused. I think the best bet is to go to a department store or order online from a “normal store” if you want your girls to actually have a chance to wear there dress again. But when it comes to really awesome bridesmaids dresses one of my favorite designers in Jenny Yoo. I adore the modern shapes of her gowns. She also has brilliant colors and really makes a fashionable bridesmaids dress!! Hip Hip HOORAY!!! Her prices are moderate to high, but I think the color selection and great shapes make them well worth the cost. 
This makeup look is for the all american girl next door. It’s natural with a bit of sass. Your skin is simple and fresh, so I love Bare Minerals foundation. It goes on very light, but it’s got great coverage. Plus, it feels like you aren’t wearing anything. I would do a swipe of bronzer in a 3 from the forehead to the cheek bone to the chin, then a light swipe on the nose, followed by a peachy-pink blush like Orgasm by NARS. For bronzer, I love Hoola by Benefit, but whatever bronzer you use make sure it’s brown and not orange. You know how that will work out. The lips are all natural, so I would line with Macs Spice lip pencil and use Mac lip color in Faux. That perfect nude/pink lip. For the eyes a swipe of Bare Minerals Frost eye color along the lead to the crease then finish with a volumizing mascara, my favorite is Cover Girl Lashblast in the purple tube. This look is perfect for any bride who wants to look dolled up, but like herself. It’s no fuss, but still elegant.
Sarah Rowland and Les Canady
Get the look: dress, Lindsey Thornburg; belt, Banana Republic; shoes, Cole Haan; & bracelet, Banana Republic.
So, when I saw this makeup job I HAD to share it with you and show you how easy it is to get this romantic super fierce makeup. The skin is healthy, but coverage is on the heavier side... no dewy shine here. To get this look I am gonna suggest a ton of Bobbi Brown makeup, she is the queen of healthy skin. I would use her stick foundation, which is light and creamy, but a great matte coverage. For this look we aren’t allowed any tired eyes, so Laura Mercier’s secret camouflage concealer is in order, this stuff is genius!!!! I mean it erases any sign of sleep deprivation. And what bride wants to look tired. For the cheeks a swipe of Bobbi Brown’s classic blush in peony. The eyes are suuuuuper easy. A swipe of Brown’s cream eyeshadow in bone over the entire lid, then with a liner brush give yourself a thin, but prominent cat eye with just a tiny flick at the corner of the lid. Finish with a lengthening mascara, my favorite is CoverGirl Lash Blast in the yellow tube and Revlon’s color burst lipstick in fuschia. It is a super flattering pink on most skin tones. I think this look would be perfect for a night time, black tie event. It’s romantic and simple, but still has some fun and whimsy to it.
