Tag Archives: E!

Crimes of Fashion – 2011 Red Carpet Faux Pas

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The E! Fashion Police headed by the always irreverent Joan Rivers have released their top ‘Fashion Felons of  2011’ and I have to say I can’t agree more. For crimes of fashion so severe it will take a  phone call  from the governor to be pardoned, these  women have 12 months to reclaim their fashion status and endless walks down the red carpet to erase the memory of their 2011 faux pas.  Without further adieu, the envelope please:

7. Jennifer Lopez consistently makes the best dressed list but, not in this white beaded cape getup. The problem is that there is no reason for this cape. The beads make the sheer fabric look heavy and begs the question, “Why would anyone would wear a sheer tablecloth with heavy beading?”

6. Rihanna choice for the Grammys this year was Jean Paul Gaultier. Gaultier is best known for his bustier look and outfitting Madonna so, I’m not sure at what point this gown seemed like a good idea. I sincerely doubt if event he Material Girl herself would attempt to pull off this ruffled tragedy. But, I’m talking about it so I guess that is the whole point.

 

 

5. Nicole Kidman  wore a gown to the Oscars that was out of this world… and not in a good way. Futuristic, yet reminiscent of a bad 1980’s  gown, this Christian Dior peplum gown was not red carpet worthy. Someone please explain to me why she wore red shoes.

4. Cierra Wilson wore an Emilio Pucci to the VMAs. In addition to wearing the wrong shoes, this gown is probably the worst representation of an iconic design house that I have ever seen.

3. Nicki Minaj showed up to the Grammys in a head-to-toe leopard outfit she described as “a masterpiece by Givenchy, a miraculous piece of lioness meets her cub meets fierce-ocity meets fabulosity meets fashionista meets everything.” She was dead wrong.

2.  Helena Bonham Carter loves to dress up, or is it play dress up? Her appearance at the Golden Globes in a Vivenne Westwood tulle, print, draped bodice monstrosity was nothing compared to her mismatched shoes. Interestingly enough she has another pair at home just like them.

1. Princess Beatrice wore a fairly ordinary outfit to her cousin, Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton last April. What was not ordinary was her fascinator (hat) created by milliner-to the stars Phillip Treacy.  Compared to everything from a part of the female anatomy to an octopus, this hat even launched it’s own facebook page. The outcome- someone paid $131,648  when the hat was auctioned on eBay, all proceeds going to UNICEF. It seems she redeemed herself in the end.

Who were your choices for the worst offenders of 2011?

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Fascinating Celebrity Weddings – The Unique Touches

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In case you missed it last night, the E! channel aired a one hour special entitled “Fascinating Celebrity Weddings”. Aside from fascinating, it was spectacular,  extremely informative, inspirational and at times quite romantic. This was way better than your typical ‘end of year’ re-cap, it looked at really high profile weddings over the past few years and the intimate details you may have missed in the headlines. The event planners were interviewed and discussed the things that each couple wanted to make their day personal and special, the little touches that personalized their wedding for them.

 Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, spent over $5 million on their wedding, including a $130, 000 Vera Wang bridal gown. The reception featured performances by Eric Clapton, the Black Eyed Peas, acrobats and fireworks. But, what made their wedding stand out was their humble approach to their massive combined wealth. The couple refused gifts, asking their guests to donate money to charity. There is no amount of money that can buy that much class.

Dylan Lauren, daughter of style icon Ralph Lauren had a really ‘sweet ‘ wedding.  As the owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, a chain of boutique candy shops featuring over 7,000 candies from around the world her reception featured waiters dressed in candy-colored vests and white top hats, brimmed in candy dots  serving candy cocktails. The sweet table was the centerpiece of her lavish wedding and reinforced her personal goal to “merge fashion, art and pop candy culture”.

When Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie married actor Josh Duhamel in an ‘enchanted garden’ themed wedding, she searched specifically with a location that had a pond so her husband could enjoy his favorite hobby (fishing). The pond was stocked with fish so Josh and their guests could fish during cocktail hour.

Nicole Richie wanted Elephant at her wedding. Why? They supposedly bring good blessing and fertility. Her “Versailles” themed wedding took place at her father’s estate where he sang for the newlyweds.  Another nice touch was having their names elegantly embroidered on the sleeve of her gown.

In a related elephant story, Russell Brand and Katy Perry rode elephants on the way to take their vows in India probably for the same reason. The elephants turned out to be a pair who had never been seperated so they walked side by side the entire way.

Molly Sims had her heart set on rose petals covering the entire walkway and the wedding planner obliged. It took  over 6,000 roses to cover the 10x 120 ft area. It was a nice touch which she recalls it as being the highlight of the decor.

Some of my other favorite  personal touches:

-Same sex couple Chely Wright and Lauren Blitzer opting for a casual country wedding and serving ‘pigs in a blanket’ at the reception because it is her dad’s favorite. Sweet.

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo pulled a fireworks permit for their Virgin Island wedding so there would be a no-fly zone for paparazzi helicopters. Smart.

Sheri Shepherd’s only wish for her big day was to have a ‘choreographed’ bridal party dance. The end result was adorable and heartwarming. Stunning.

Whether you spend a million dollars or much less on your wedding, it is of the utmost importance to always put your individual stamp on it. Make it your own unique celebration of love with your future spouse and don’t be afraid to express your own personality. Those unique touches are the things you will remember fro years to come.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Bow Wow Weddings

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After watching part 1 of Kim Kardashian’s Fairytale Wedding on E! last night, I can firmly tell you one thing: Kim and her new husband will have plenty to argue about. Whether it is her family’s business, minding their business, where to live or letting the dogs sleep on the bed – they (like most newlyweds) have their work cut out for them.

The dog issue is a big one. Big enough that not only did Kris Humphries want the dogs to sleep in bed with them he also wanted his beloved pets to be a part of the ceremony. But cooler heads prevailed and they were politely omitted from carrying the rings. I am not sure if I was more shocked that his fiance is wasn’t aware of how much he loved his dogs or the fact that a man of is physical stature had a Miniature Pinscher and Yorkshire Terrier. If I had to guess I would have said he was the Lab or  Retriever type. Lucky for Kim that he has smaller, more manageable dogs since I can’t see her handling a ‘Marley & Me” moment with mud splashing everywhere. I’ve been there and it’s not pretty, or easy to clean up.

I love dogs. I love my dogs more than is probably emotionally healthy and I allow them to sleep on my bed and share the pillow. Two of my dogs are small Japanese Chin and one is a big gorgeous lab mix. I love all three of them as much as anyone possibly could but, I didn’t see a need for them to be in my wedding. Personally I think they are happier at home barking out the window and deciding who is in charge. Here is a clue: the smallest is always in charge.

However, I see nothing wrong with people who want pets in their wedding. I have no problem with people dressing up their dogs in tuxedos and tulle – even though I don’t get it: are the dogs getting married? At the end of the day, I don’t have to get it … its not my wedding! You are entitled to invite or include anyone you want (canine, feline or human) , as long as you both agree.

 It is your wedding and if you decide you want your pet in your wedding, you can do so with great style and good taste. There are a few things you can do to reduce stress:

1) Make sure your pet does well around strangers. All you need is for your dog to bare his teeth to one guest and the party is over.

2) Hire someone to handle the dog before,  during and immediately after the ceremony since you will have other obligations and things to do. You cannot be chasing a pet around the church or picking up poo in your bridal gown.

3) Make sure the pet is groomed immediately before the event, including a good teeth cleaning. Dog breath can be pretty bad.

4) After the ceremony, make sure the pet is taken home right away. Although the ceremony may be okay, the reception is no place for any kind of animal UNLESS it is your home and your own backyard. They still might find themselves under foot so keep your eye on the cake table a backuand have a back up plan

5) Make sure you discuss the pet with all of your vendors, especially the photographer so they will know there may be extra work involved. If your pastor or officiant is allergic to dogs and you have a dog at the altar, this could be a bad thing.

Last but not least, consider your pet’s feelings. If this an animal that handles attention well, is obedient, doesn’t salivate or shed everywhere and can handle some extra responsibility, move ahead. If your pet is easily frightened, does not walk on a leash well, has too much energy, slobbers all over the place, sheds like crazy and has not had proper obedience training, you may want to leave them at home or with someone who can watch them for the entire day.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago