Mens Fashion Tips - Fitting a Dress Shirt

Sometimes bad fitting destroys the beauty of a good dress shirt. Men should learn these few tips to get the appropriate mens dress fit to avoid fitting blunders.

An ideal fit for dress shirt should display a smart and savvy appearance for the man. For a formal event, mens dress shirt should provide a ceremonial effect that suits the occasion. If you intend to create dressy attire, fitting in different parts of the suits should still be suited to give you that dressy feel.

Collar Fit
The main focal point of the dress should start under the mens face the collar. Most dress shirts run their collar size by half inches such as 14, 14.5, 15, and so on

Measuring the right collar size should be based on the neck dimension just below the Adams apple. If the neck circumference is about half inch, then it would be a good idea to get the higher end to prevent too tight collars when the fabric shrinks.

Most men buy dress shirts with too wide collars. Collars ought to be snug around the neck. Snug means that it should not squeeze or give you a choking feeling especially when you bend your head down to touch your chin to your chest. There should be just enough room for your head to move around the neck.

Other way to find out the tightness of a collar is by slipping two fingers between the buttoned collar and the neck. The two fingers should fit comfortably, and this additional space gives room for possible shrinkage after a few washing of the dress shirt.

So the collar fit should not be a perfect fit when immediately tried on and neither should it have more room than the two fingers you slid in. Otherwise the fit in the collar would be inappropriate.

Collar points have to touch the chest when worn with a tie. It should never leave a gap or stick up between the collar points from the chest especially when you turn your head.

Sleeves and Cuffs Fit
There are two lengths of dress shirts in every collar size to accommodate a wider range of arm length in men. Men wearing dress shirts with improper sleeve lengths can actually make a man look funny.

So to achieve a good fit for your sleeve, it is important to check the sleeve length. Proper measurement should run the tape from the centre of the back of your collar to the top of your shoulders then down to the arms and the wrist bone.

An extra inch will allow an extension of about a quarter inch when worn with suits. It will also provide additional fabric to avoid cuffs from pulling back when you extend your arm in any direction.

The proper way of fitting mens dress shirt is to keep your arms on your side and make sure that the cuff ends are slightly further down the wrist bone without gathering to much fabric at the cuffs. Armholes should float over your armpit rather than a tight snug.

Cuff circumference should not allow your hands to slip in without unfastening the cuff buttons. This applies both for barrel and French cuffs. Bespoke dress shirts should have room for a wristwatch and should not fit too tight or snug.

Torso Fit
A good fit around the torso is an important criteria in mens dress shirts. There are different types of cut such as the American, French and English.

American cut is the fullest, next is the tapered look for the French cut and the English cut is somewhere between these two. Whichever style of cut you choose, the most important is to have comfort with style.

Lately, the trend of dress shirt is the tight tapered look. It gives an overall lean and clean feel for slim men. But this is not suitable for everyone and some men do not like its wrapping feel.

Most importantly, a good fit in mens dress shirt should be full but will not cause the front panels to gape open when you sit down. This only shows that the fit around the torso is too small.

The seam that connects the yoke and sleeve should rest just where your shoulders end. If it drapes over it, then the shirt is over sized for you.

And lastly, the tail length should fall just around your crotch are. It should never pull out of the trousers whenever you raise your arms or when you sit down. Proper tug-in is important to prevent looking sloppy and untidy.

Pohl regularly writes in mens fashion. He has over 100 articles published on dress code advice, and mens for men. He is also the founder of one of the Internets premiere Tie Shops: Ties-necktie.com - Weather you are looking to buy neckties or are interested in a mens fashion blog, the site might be worth a visit.

Social Dresses

There are so many types and styles of dresses in the world. How do you know which ones are social dresses? My definition for a social dress is something that is simple, fits well, and is something you like. The dress itself should not be too fancy or decorated because you want to be able to pair the dress with accessories without it looking too crowded. You want to be able to wear the dress to a variety of different places and occasions.

If you buy a very fancy dress to go out to a high end restaurant, you most likely don't want to wear that same dress to go to a work party or a simpler dinner. If you have a social dress you could wear it to many different places and still look and feel appropriate.

There are hundreds of styles and designs in the world; it can be a bit overwhelming and scary. It may be hard sometimes to find a style that's right for you, but if you are like me and don't have one particular style, this is not a bad thing. You can wear different styles and have a lot of fun when you go out. Or if you are lucky enough to have a style that's perfect and says everything about you, that's good too! Now you can get dresses in that style and look fantastic and feel comfortable. Being comfortable is the key to having a good time, and a social dress will definitely help you feel comfortable.

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A Few Suggestions on How to Dress For a Wedding Reception

The wedding day is a very special day and a little bit stressful too, not only to a wedding couple but also guests who were invited both to the church and to the wedding reception. The most popular dilemma is what to wear. The dress shouldn't be too casual and too attractive. So what to wear to the wedding reception?

Guests should look tasteful, with style not to offend the couple with their dress. That is why they shouldn't be dressed too casual, unclean or too provocative. It's obvious that guests want to look nice - many people will be there with them in the same room! But it is also quite obvious that all of the guests shouldn't look too good. Why? Because we can't outshine the couple. That is why dressing on the wedding might be such a difficult matter.

There are some signs of what to wear on the first thing that connects you with the wedding ceremony and the reception: the invitation. You can read a lot from this small piece of paper - literally speaking or not. There might be a note "black tie" which means that is a quite formal wedding. You might also find there a different type of dressing code which will help you dress appropriately, like for example casual or sport.

More things that you can look at is the type of invitation and the place where the ceremony will proceed. If the invitation has very original fonts with sophisticated ornaments as calligraphy, thick cardstock you will know what it means. And the place. Look carefully at the invitation where the ceremony will suppose to happen. Maybe it is a swimming pool (that kind of place were very popular last years) or a Hilton Hotel. In first case take a swimming suit with you and in the second white tuxedo won't be an extravagance.

The easiest time to get a dress, specially for women, on friends or family wedding is summer time when almost every dress will be accurate. Dresses in all kinds examines well. Of course not too short - most preferable are the ones down to the knees, and if it's a very formal wedding, proceed at the even longer one, like evening wear. But dresses in stripes, colourful with big flower ornaments or really small ones will look great, bring even more sun into the happy day.

There is also something that will rescue not decided guests and match all types of weddings - little black dress for her and a dark suit for him - if he don't have his own, best will be formal hire, which will help avoid to many costs for the wedding that isn't even ours.

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What Colour Prom Dress to Choose For Prom 2010?

The style choices for the 2010 prom year are by now quite clear. There's the classic Princess Gown; strapless, nipped in at the waist and A-line to the floor. The Slinky; really suits a hour glass figure hugging the body at the waist, gathering in around the knees and fanning out in a fish tail to the floor and the current favourite - the Short and Flirty; a take on the princess gown, but as the name suggests, way above the knee line!

So once you've selected your style - what about the colour? The obvious thing to say is that it all depends on your own hair and eye colour and Prom Night is not the time to abandon the fashion principles you've worked to all these years! If green was never your colour - it isn't going to be now!! However, as with high street fashion, there are key trends you can work with

The catwalk colours last autumn divided into two camps. Firstly, a range of pastel colours which are particularly suited the Princess Gown style. Top marks here go to Fuchsia and Yellow which really made an impact. The pastel pallet allows the designers to go to town on the detailing with diamante and beading clearly evident on the corset part of the dress. Lacing at the back was also a favourite device

The second colour trend went in completely the opposite direction with dark, bold colours on offer. Midnight Blue and Purple where both crowd pleasers and manufacturers reported that they had sold more black prom dresses than ever before. Unusual, as young prom goers tend to option the lighter colours that suit a young complexion...

This darker colour trend may follow in the wake of the more sophisticated and overtly sexy styles that have seen around for the past couple of years as finally the prom dress moves out of its heritage 'bridesmaid' zone and joins the ranks of the 'red carpet' for 2010

For the more adventurous prom goer there are choices outside of the classic block colours. A number of designers have introduced pattern and floral fabrics as bold alternatives. Typically the style of gown used to show these designs to best advantage is the floor length halter neck. There are some great black and white animal prints and bold geometrics. The florals use large images of flowers often set against stark white backgrounds. The advantage to these styles is that they are not classic prom and can easily be worn for other occasions be that a family summer wedding or dinner out with the man you met at your prom!

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For prom dress tips, he recommends OurProm.net, a weekly newsletter on all prom topics.

How to Dress For a Traditional Summer Wedding

A summer wedding is both enchanting and beautiful especially if it is held outdoors. But as a bride, the hot and humid weather can make you feel very uncomfortable. So, you would not want to select a dress that could make you feel uncomfortable or could end making your wedding day in utter misery. There are many stylish and comfortable wedding dresses options for you to select from.

The typical designs offered in summer wedding dresses include strapless, halter styles, short sleeves, and spaghetti straps. However, you have to make sure is that the weight of the dress does not overheat you. So, this is where selection of the tight fabric becomes important. The fabric, design, length, and decorative details add to the weight of the wedding dress. The weight of the dress, plus the heat may make you feel uncomfortable when you least want it.

Don't get forced into wearing a short dress, because that is something you don't want to wear on your wedding day. You can select a full length gown and have it tailored to knee length. In stores, there are many options for lightweight full length wedding dresses. Wedding gown designers know very well that a bride does not want to curse the dress she is wearing on her wedding.

Try and avoid fabrics such as silk and satin for wedding dresses. They will tend to cling to your body, and thus may make you feel uncomfortable. You can choose a synthetic fabric that looks like silk but is lightweight and will not cling to your body. A ball gown style dress is also a possibility. A lot will depend on the fabric that you select.

If there are any hoops or under skirting to be worn with the wedding gown, remember they will add weight. In choosing an under skirting, choose a fabric that is lightweight and allows the body to breathe. Any beading or ornate detail should also be carefully explored. The lesser the better, it can look beautiful without being heavy.

Remember, trying a wedding dress in an air conditioned saloon and wearing it outdoors are two different experiences. So, be careful, and ask the sales staff as they should be able to offer you very sound advice. Choose cool fabrics as they also make you look beautiful apart from just making you feel comfortable. You will hate to see yourself sweating profusely on your wedding day. If you can get advice from a friend or relative who has been married in summers, then take their advice.

If it's a typical summer wedding taking place indoors, then you can select silk or satin wedding gowns. After all, it's not every other day that you get to wear a wedding dress. You could also choose a blouse, or a skirt with a short jacket.

The typical wedding dress has to be in full length, flowing with silk or satin, and in white colour with a veil. The dress can be decorated with ornate or any other decorative pieces. A lot depends on where the wedding will take place, the wedding reception, any photo sessions, and also on the time of the wedding. If it's a late morning outdoor wedding that will extend to the afternoon, your wedding dress should be light in weight and of cool and non clinging fabric. Also, avoid a wedding dress that needs under skirting or hoops.

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Button Down Dress Shirts and Other Basics for Men

In this economy, just about everyone is on a budget, but regardless of your spending limits, there are certain fashion items that every man should own. With a few basic outfits, you can be ready for a day at the office, a night out on the town, or a casual get-together with friends. Items like button down dress shirts and a good pair of jeans can go a long way with fashion. From these basic items you can build other outfits and accessorize to create a new look.

The first thing every man needs is a suit, preferably in navy, gray, or black. You never know when you'll get invited to a fancy party or perhaps you'll need it for an interview. If you're lucky enough to work somewhere that allows you to dress business casual, you can get away with owning as few suits as possible. Navy and gray suits never go out of style and they look fantastic on every guy, no matter your skin color. Best of all, you can wear the blazer with a pair of khakis or jeans when you don't need to look so dressed up.

White button down dress shirts need to be in every man's closet. White is another classic color that will look good on anyone. I can't imagine a man who doesn't look sharp in a white dress shirt. Don't worry if you can't afford designer dress shirts. As long as it's a nice button down dress shirt, it will do. A button down dress shirt can look good in both casual and formal settings, during the day or at night, with a pair of jeans, or worn with a pair of dress slacks. Throw a sweater over it during the winter and you've got a great new layered look.

One mishap many men make is not matching their belt with their shoes. A brown belt and black shoes is a big no-no. Therefore, always have a pair of black shoes and a black belt to go with it. Just like white, black goes with everything (except brown of course!). You'll get a lot more use out of the black belt than a brown one. Next comes a solid tie. You can own as many styles and patterns of ties as you wish, but have a few solid ones thrown into the mix. A solid tie can go with any outfit (color permitting) and you don't have to worry about mismatching patterns with your jacket and pants.

Naturally, a pair of khakis and jeans are a must-have. Both are fashion staples for casual attire. However, when speaking of jeans, I mean a nice clean cut style. Feel free to own as many pairs of baggy or acid wash jeans as you wish, but one pair should be dark blue and standard length. Another casual item to own is a shirt such as a polo or a simple button down that can easily be layered.

Even if you're not concerned with following fashion trends or being the best dressed, these basic items are ones that every man can wear. As long as they adorn your closet, you'll always be prepared for any occasion and you'll look great too.

FashionShirtUS.com offers designer dress shirts for men, including 100% cotton mens button down shirts and an impressive collection of luxurious silk ties.

What Color Dress Shoes All Men Should Have

What confidence when a man steps into the room dressed confidently right down to his shoes! Color coordinating your suit or men's outfit, with dress shoes does not have to be a mind-boggling process. Not when you have options of basic shoe colors to choose from.

Every man's wardrobe should include these basic dress shoe colors along with a selection outside the basic color dress shoe for those "special occasions". Let's start with the basics of a shoe color wardrobe, as this is the foundation, giving you freedom, choice and class in wearing a good looking shoe every time, with every clothing choice selection.

The most common, basic and classic men's shoe color is black or cordovan a soft fine grained colored leather. That looks good with most suits. The next basic men's dress shoe color is brown. A warmer toned shoe that looks good with tan or brown slacks, even khakis.

Another basic color men's dress shoe is chestnut, a richer shade of brown that resembles a deep wood grain tone. This very classy men's dress shoe looks great with tweed, silk or woven fabrics, in all earth tone colors. White is another classic, though less common, basic men's dress shoe color.

Men's quality, white, Italian leather dress shoes can really set off a nice suit! It's like a statement shoe. It can pull an all white suit with any color of dress shirt together seamlessly for you. It's also a great looking "accent" shoe, too. A black and white coordinated suit looks great. The above outlined shoes are your basics, they are foundational, as well as highly functional, when it comes to what color dress shoes all men should have.

Now let's look at a few of the more "uncommon" color men's dress shoes. These shoes are for those special occasions or when you want to step outside the lines just a bit. Burgundy is an excellent shoe color choice. Burgundy can coordinate with black, brown and even tan as long as you have a burgundy-toned belt, shirt or tie.

Oxblood is another men's dress shoe color choice. It is a more moderate shade of reddish brown that looks good with earth tone suits as well as black suits. Taupe is a brownish gray and does go well with earth-toned suits, giving you yet another uncommon dress shoe color choice.

Now if you really want to knock some socks off, consider purchasing a pair of Italian leather dress shoes in black and white! They look great with a black and white coordinated suit. There are other men's dress shoe color options. These are usually special order items and worth the price for a good pair of quality designed Italian leather dress shoes. All men should have a choice of color and quality in the shoes they wear. Color gives men more options, quality means they will last!

Gregg Hall is a consultant for online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get your brand name shoes at http://www.brandnameshoesplus.com

Buying First Communion Dresses on a Budget

Choosing discount First Communion dresses can give an affordable, classic or contemporary look without compromising superb quality or luxurious beauty. Discounts may range from under 10% to over 50% of the normal cost of a communion dress. Reduced prices are offered for every style and fabric and to fit any budget. Countless elegant choices are available at a discount including designer brands and Irish communion dresses as well as traditional and modern gowns. Shop early, preferably in January for a spring celebration, for the best selection of lovely dresses at low prices.

Buying discount First Communion dresses doesn't mean that one has to sacrifice exquisite detailing. From embroidered appliqués and embroidered flowers to pearled sequences and pearl-covered buttons, perfect detailing is available with a discount purchase. Beautiful floral and ribbon accents adorn affordable dresses.

When buying a communion dress, consider individual parish regulations. Guidelines vary and parishes may request formal length attire or might object to sleeveless dresses. Whatever the requirements, discount dresses can meet the demands in divine style. Choose the cool elegance of a formal length gathered taffeta gown or an adorable A-line dress with a chic sleeveless bodice.

When shopping for a communion dress, always consider the opinion of that special little girl. Maybe she prefers a flowing organza skirt or may favor a more streamlined style. Maybe she'd like to shine in a sweetie pie peau de soie or would love a satin dress with V-neck appliqués. Her First Communion day is her day!

For purchasing discount First Communion dresses, online buying is the overwhelming popular choice among shoppers. Online stores have a wide variety of communion dresses, year-round affordable prices, and regular sales. The 'cream of the crop' among the online stores offer free shipping and free returns.

Buying a First Communion dress doesn't have to break the bank. Besides taking advantage of discount prices, careful shopping can lead to stylish and economical selections. Many First Communion dresses can be used later for other special occasions including as a flower girl dress. Touches of color can be added with delicate flowers, pretty ribbons, or a colorful sash to match the colors of the bridal party. If a bride is wearing off-white, however, a brilliant white communion dress won't suit as a flower girl dress. An ivory wedding gown would appear dull and dingy alongside a bright white flower girl dress.

First Communion is a special time for a girl, her family and friends, as well as the church community. Shopping for communion dresses shouldn't put stress on families or their bank accounts. Discount First Communion dresses can be examples of opulence and luxury and they don't put undue burdens on family budgets.

Mary Teresa Fowler is a Canadian freelance writer. She writes articles, web content, press releases, newsletters, children's personalized stories, and general children's stories. She created the network - "Kind Classes" - Help Stop School Bullying!

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10 Sexy Things That Will Make Your New Man Crazy About You

1. Believe it or not many men find it sexy when their woman is interested in the same things they are. Try to get yourself involved in his interests, just be sure to do it in a way that subtly brings attention back to you.

2. It may sound a little corny, but going out and getting some sexy undergarments can really spice up your intimate moments. This can be especially true at this early stage when you are still trying to discover each other sensually.

3. Have a contest with your man where you engage in some form of game play that can eventually lead to the bedroom. Exchange naughty secrets of what you would like to do to each other during the game.

4. Try to find out what one of his fantasies is without asking him and work that into a sexual encounter in a way that will not only surprise him, but will also showcase your willingness to participate in fun and creative sex games.

5. Go to an adult toy store together and explore the store. There may be things in there that are odd and unusual, but most likely you will find things that the two of you might enjoy doing together.

6. If you are at the end of a particularly good date, lean over and whisper to him that you are not wearing any underwear and see how big his eyes get.

7. Trust him with one of your fantasies. Men can find it very sexy just to think that their women have fantasies, and when they are willing to share these secrets it can make it even hotter in the relationship.

8. Cook dinner for him one night in the nude, but do not let him touch you until after you have both finished eating. The sensual act of watching you move around without clothes can build to a very interesting night.

9. Make the first moves on him. There is nothing more exciting than when a woman lets a man know that he is sexually desired.

10. Blindfold him and experiment with touching his skin in different places by doing things like letting your hair caress his chest, face, back, thighs and other parts of his body. If you do this right you can get him really excited to the point where he may just grab you and want to make love to you.

To find out the quickest way to make your man fall madly in love with you, visit http://smartwomansguide.com. You will get proven tips, tricks and techniques you can use to make your love sizzle and make your man fall head over heels in love with you.

Ways to Tease Your Man Into Mind Control

There are times when you want to get your man into the mood and play bed games with you-but unfortunately he's not into it at the moment. This can be frustrating as women also have their own sexual needs which need to be given attention, but you can however get over this by casting a special spell on him. Here are some tricks to get him follow you to bed:

1. The pendant. When you're about to go on a date, wear a dress with a plunging neckline and pair it with a necklace with big heart-shaped pendant placed just above your cleavage. That would leave him staring at you the whole time and when your date ends, he'd sure be the one to drag you to bed.

2. Say his name. Couples usually call each other using terms of endearment, but when it comes to bed time, call him by his name. Addressing him by his name gives an air of confidence and authority. Follow this up by telling him what you want through a soft whisper right in his ear. He then wouldn't be able to resist your wish for a hot night together.

3. Your body, his shirt. When the two of you are about to go to bed, surprise him by appearing wearing his shirt (preferably a long buttoned polo) with only a seductive panty underneath. This would make him wonder what you're wearing inside and of course, you let him unravel the truth by opening the shirt buttons one by one.

4. Touch his chest. Finally, if you really want him to take you to bed, point a finger at draw a line to his chest whenever you speak to him. This will make him sense that you're in the mood for a bedtime story.

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Wedding Dresses - 5 Hot New Wedding Dress Designers You Need to Know

In the world of wedding fashion, your name is your trademark. From couture one-of-a-kind dresses to breezy ready-to-wear styles, these five up-and-coming designers represent the next class of high-style designer names to remember. Move over Ms. Wang...

The Island Fashionista - Tamara Catz

Peering from the panoramic window of her ocean-side studio on the island of Maui, it's easy for Tamara Catz to understand that a sweaty, satin-and-tulle-encased bride isn't a great look for a beach wedding. Instead, she envisions the kind of dress that can "make a girl want to walk barefoot in the sand with the man of her dreams - flowy, feminine, simple." Catz, 36, modeled her line of romantic, bohemian-style wedding dresses after her breezy sensibility. 

The Buenos Aires native spent seven years creating contemporary resort wear before she felt the artistic urge to foray into the world of bridal wear in 2007.  "A wedding dress is probably the most special garment a woman will ever put on, so I knew that my bridal designs could be a little more dreamy and unique than those for my every day clothes," says the 36-year-old. The Hawaiian-inspired designs feature relaxed feminine shapes, simple cuts, and organic accents like shells.  Rather than overpowering the bride, Catz's simple silhouettes and light, flowing fabrics "make a women feel like herself," something she believes, "the traditional Cinderella-like wedding dress doesn't always do." Naturally, they're most at home as alternative-style gowns for beach weddings, and many are even versatile enough to wear after the wedding.  The best part for that special day, though, is that a Catz design can feel just as refreshing as sand between their toes.

The Custom Duo - Miosa Bride

"Miosa" combines two names: Michael and Sanea Sommerfield. Miosa Bride combines two visions: that of a husband and a wife to craft couture of the highest quality in a surprising location. Based in Sacramento, California, Sanea, 42, brings her business expertise and insight into the female psyche, while Michael, 46, draws from experience gained sewing outdoor wear at his father's store and running a Sacramento tailor shop. "Sewing is like breathing to him," Sanea gushes. "I am still amazed most of the time at his understanding and knowledge."

The decision to stay in Sacramento despite a zip code that lacks an obvious couture culture was in part an effort to bring high style to the capital city, but it was also a personal one. "We had four children and did not want to move the family," Sanea explains. "Family comes first, so we had to build a business that could function here." Their exquisite fabrics and design techniques have earned them a local following, and now that the kids are grown, the duo plans to begin branding nationally this year. 

The consultation phase is an integral component in the process of creating their gowns. The team takes detailed measurements to draft an initial pattern that accurately mimics the bride's body with respect to her level of comfort.  They then gather information about her and her wedding so they can weave her personality into the dress, whether soft fabrics for a romantic or a daring silhouette for a sophisticate. Pieces of the gown are then individually cut and sewn in-house, often using 100 percent silk fabrics imported from Europe. The result is a couture gown inspired by the natural aesthetic of the woman wearing it.

The Green Pioneer -  Deborah Lindquist

Deborah Lindquist raised a few eyebrows when she launched a daywear line made exclusively from recycled fabrics in 1983, long before the terms "eco" and "green" had been coined.  Raised on a farm in Willmar Minnesota, surrounded by gardens, orchards and corn fields, Lindquist was 5 years old when her grandmother taught her to sew.  "Life on the farm sparked my respect for the earth, and I knew that if I was to make an impact in the fashion world, I would have to do so in a manner that remained true to my love for the environment," says the 52-year-old.

Lindquist highlighted a 2005 fashion show with a wedding dress made of hemp that drew national interest - from brides who read about it in blogs to a USA Today article on help farming that featured it.  So in 2007, Deborah launched a green wedding collection made entirely of recycled materials, hemp blends, and soy silks.

If the idea of wearing hemp conjures up thoughts of scratchy ill-fitted clothing, brides can rest assured that these luxurious, highly-stylized gowns are more suitable for a walk down the red carpet than a stroll up Haight-Ashbury. Lindquist's dresses have a romantic, feminine feel with a bit of an edge.  Detailed lace, beadwork, and ribbons embellish her creations with an air of elegance, while flirtatious bustiers and corsets lend a cutting-edge aesthetic.  In an era in which greening your wedding is oh-so-stylish, her designs allow you to wear that environmental commitment - and look good every step of the way.

The Southern Belle - Suzanne Perron

A fashion designer rooted in a culture of debutantes, oversized weddings, and Mardi Gras queens seems somehow destined to create magnificent white ball gowns steeped in timeless elegance.  For New Orleans-native Suzanne Perron, that ambition took root when she received her first sewing machine from the Easter Bunny when she was 5 years old. "I dreamed of making beautiful romantic wedding gowns that mirrored the traditional aesthetic of this beautiful historic city," she remembers.

First though, she had to learn her craft by studying under Carolina Herrera, Ana Sui, and Vera Wang in New York City.  Thirteen years later, a homesick Perron returned to New Orleans to set up her bridal boutique.

Suzanne's designs are clearly inspired by the city's distinct culture and celebrated architecture.  On her gowns, you will find pintucking that mimics a fluted column on a St. Charles mansion or beadwork inspired by the intricate filigree and plaster work that finishes door frames and ceilings throughout the city. 

She admits that she's "not looking to be fashion-forward" and instead describes her designs as "once in a lifetime gowns in white and ivory," despite the many stylists and editors who insist color is en vogue.  It's a natural union for a designer who continues to make a name for herself in a city where traditions are preserved and celebrated.

The Embellishment Artiste - Mariana Leung

For Mariana Leung, it's a wedding dress's smallest detail that affords the greatest self expression. "I love that my imagination can run wild with embroidery, since I can adapt an embellishment for a woman of any shape, size, taste and budget," she explains, "no other aspect of a wedding gown grants such freedom." Leung has channeled that creative streak since childhood when her father convinced her she was talented enough to make her own clothes. "Every time I asked for an outfit in a store window, he responded that I could make a better version of it myself," she remembers.

Leung honed those skills designing couture embroidery for the bridal industry's top houses - Monique Lhullier, Vera Wang, and Giorgio Armani. "Bridal was the perfect fit because it's the one outfit that is purchased on emotion instead of practicality, granting more room for creativity," says the 34-year-old. Now, she's parlaying that experience into her own gowns, conceptualized and built around an intricate embroidery pattern. Most of her brides bring a motif to incorporate, such as the detailing of an heirloom piece of jewelry or a pattern from a grandmother's wedding dress.  Others peruse Leung's "look book" of embroidery designs for inspiration.

For such a personal, hands-on experience, Leung has a surprising number of out-of-town clients.  For one project, a bride e-mailed a picture of flowers from her family's backyard, and Mariana designed a bolero jacket with fabric appliques inspired by the flowers for the bride to wear over the very basic gown she had already purchased. "The project proved that customization and luxury can be affordable," she says, "you just need to get a little creative."

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Brides can request wedding vendor quotes from top vendors across the nation.