Nerves. Guts. Success!

A couple weeks ago, I held my first ever Style Session. The point of the session was to get myself out there and test my public speaking within the fashion realm, network with new people, and see where there was potential to grow and do more sessions in the event this one worked out.

I have to say, I really believe it was a success! At first I really, really, really, did not want to do it. I generally do not have a problem speaking publicly, but I still wasn't sure if I was ready to put myself out there and risk looking stupid. What if someone had a question I couldn't answer? What if I stutter? What if I just sound like I have no idea what I am talking about. Needless to say, none of that was the case. I ended up feeling really positive during and afterwards.

There are a few things I learned about myself overall:

1. As much as I prepare, I must leave room for winging it. I hate sounding unnatural and even more-so, nervous. Leaving a bit of room for randomness is key to a steady flow.

2. I need to sit down. This probably sounds strange, but sitting just helps me. It keeps me from fiddling with note cards and keeps annoying pacing in check. In hindsight I will probably use a tall stool so people can see me.

3. I need to have an unique ice breaker. I tested this out and softened the atmosphere with a first off question: "If you were a fashion item, what would you be and why?". It helped everyone open up and have a great time.

So I not only accomplished my goal, I also gained some clients and networking prospects. Check out some event pics from all the fun!

Thanks to the guest vendors:
Pretty This N' Pretty That: http://prettythisnprettythat.com/
Regina H. Rep for Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry

Styling Our Wedding Part 3: The Groom and Groomsmen

So last and certainly not least, I end the wedding styling adventure with the gentlemen. I loved working with my hubby on how the guys would look and how it would feel with them all come together in one sharp looking bridal party.

My hubby and I originally had some differences about what they would be wearing. He doesn't like suits because he claims they aren't comfortable so his recommendation was a sport coat and jeans to which I almost had a conniption! After some discussion and compromise we finally agreed on suits and a fun little twist with the shoes so he and the guys would be comfortable.

We went with beige suits. Now beige was important because I didn't want our party to look so heavy with color. Any type of chocolate or black and it would have been too much. Plus we already had girls in full eggplant gowns so it was important that the gentlemen have that element balanced within their attire without going over board.

The button up shirts were lavender to add just a touch of depth. Ecru or white (both very popular colors) would have been to bland against the suit. I really wanted to stair step into the boldest element, which was the tie. Simple eggplant ties topped off the entire outfit with a nice bold diagonal stripe; at least from the waist up. Check out how it looked!

So it gets even better the further we go. I wanted all the guys to wear Chuck Taylor's to show off our unique wedding style. Honestly though, I had seen so many versions of tuxedo's and tennis shoes, at the end of the day it wouldn't have been that unique. So my husband chose a really special shoe that spoke to him. The brand is called Creative Recreation. Though popular in certain areas I am sure, I had never seen a pair until recently....which ultimately made them the perfect shoe!

So at the end of the day, the guys wore something really unique and really stylish. It was great fun being able to help out and have smiles all around :)

Styling Our Wedding Part 2: The Bridesmaids

My journey continues with the styling of the wedding, getting into the bridal party. I had three bridesmaids and three different shapes and personalities. I wanted to make sure they not only looked great, but love what they wore. It is an increasing trend to have bridesmaids wear the same color, but wear different dresses that is flatter their own little figure.

My sis is a petite gal; so the dress I chose for her was more of an empire waist. Besides highlighting her tiny mid section, it also added length by elongating the cut off point from the high waist to the floor.  She also has amazing eyes and a gorgeous face so I really wanted something to frame this. The lovely flower details around the neck did just the trick.

My best friend and partner in crime from UNT, is also petite (although she will never admit it). The halter dress framed her oh so pretty face and gave her height as well. This dress was perfect for her little shape.

My other best friend and partner in crime from the work scene is tall and model-esk. I had her in this gorgeous long flowing gown with just a hint of quirk in the asymmetrical shoulder strap.

The final details of course were the shoes. I decided to have all the girls wear sandals since I had picked out beaded and gem stoned sandal to wear myself.

And in total, the gals and I think ended up looking A+++. With a little styling help and some fun, the attire came together.

to be continued with the gentlemen.....

Styling Our Wedding Part 1: The Bride

I am a recent newly wed and as such I wanted to share part of the journey I took in styling myself and the bridal party in our wedding. My idea was a modern vintage theme with deep fall accents.

To start off, my dress was a champagne deep v-neck fit and flare. I wanted something striking, yet simple and elegant. The ruching (pleats) helped give it a slight vintage edge while keeping the modern silhouette in tact.

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

The next important part of my wedding attire was the accessories; shoes, jewelry and hair pieces. For shoes, I actually ended up finding these amazing Kate Spade sandals at zappos.com. The pearl and crystal beads mix together to form a really interesting formal pattern. I go for just about anything unique so these really stood out to me as different.

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

More details that I used played off the central theme of the sandals I had chosen. For example, I wore my mother's pearl necklace and a pearl bracelet.

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

My earrings and headpiece had the crystal beading in them to match back to the sandals as well. 

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

So once I added all these elements together, I had my complete look. I definitely felt like a bride!

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios

Photo by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios