Fit to be tied
I personally think there is nothing more perfect than a well-dressed man. My husband’s business suit, crisply pressed white shirt and Windsor knot, along with his leather checkbook/wallet that he kept in his jacket pocket just made me weak in the knees when we were first dating. And yes, I’m totally catching the irony of my affection for his wallet - I’m “gold-digger-esque” like that!
But, I’m thinking that maybe… times, they’ve been a changin’ and my son may need a more up-to-date take on what might make a girl go all “fainty.” So, I recently purchased “The Big Black Book” 2009 Spring edition published by Esquire Magazine. My son is a rakishly handsome fellow of 13, and I thought he might glean some tips from its pages. He and his sister dress in a manner that reflects their individuality, character and "indie" mood. Luckily, within the pages of this style manual are volumes of wisdom for the fashion-conscious man or “man-boy,” in this case. Like many stylish men, my son is interested in knowing the rules of traditional men’s fashion, but also in finding personal ways of breaking them. All of which, finally, brings me to the point of the post - grooms and their style statements at “The Wedding.”
The traditional tux with it’s vest/cummerbund and bow tie is one thing, and today’s grooms refreshing take on that traditional costume is quite another.
Top photo of photographer Alexi Lubomirski courtesy GQ Magazine
Bottom photo courtesy Ralph Lauren Ruby
So, maybe your groom isn’t feeling the formality of a tux for your wedding day - how about a just a bow tie, or suspenders, braces or a vest over a casual collared shirt a la The Great Gatsby?
Top photo courtesy of Kay Andrews of Black Cat
Bottom photo courtesy ebay seller
The bow tie is an unforgettable expression of individuality. Many famous people have worn bow ties throughout history: Rudolph Valentino, Maurice Chevalier, Fred Astaire, James Bond, The Cat in the Hat, just to name a few. CoCo Chanel even put bow ties on women in the 1950s. I stumbled across a great post on how to make a bow tie out of a vintage scarf on a blog called Threadbanger. You can read a step by step tutorial here or watch the video here. With a simple pattern and less than a yard of fabric, you can sew a bow tie in less than an hour. This brilliant maneuver could also come in handy during prom season, as well. If you’re not handy with a needle and thread, there is always the option of taking some vintage fabric to a tailor or dry cleaner - they should be more than able to do the job. I have some wonderful vintage silk scarves and vintage fabric yardage in my inventory that would make for a stunning bow tie here.
You can start with silks or snappy brocades, preppy pop polka dots or elegant pinstripes. Another option is seeking out a vintage pattern. Many of those patterns are still available and can be found here and here. Bow ties usually come in two varieties, the classic thistle or butterfly cut, and the sleeker bat-wing variety. Which one you prefer depends on whether you’re going for cheeky panache or classic minimalism.
When researching ideas for this post I came across many other great thoughts on tweaking a bridegroom’s attire. For instance, I found wonderful inspiration from photos of men in vests who have also donned driving caps, and grooms and their groomsmen having fun with something you might not give a second thought to - their socks!!
Both top and bottom photos courtesy Green Wedding Shoes blog.
What are your groom’s plans? What is he planning on wearing? Is he planning on wearing something fun or will he be keeping it more classic?
LeAnn Stephenson is an Austin-based vintage collector and textile enthusiast and founder of The Vintage Laundry. She stocks an online Etsy store, as well as writing a blog called The Vintage Laundress.
Such Fun! I love the socks! And the DIY ties. A Great way to get your groom grove on.
gift girl
Feathers have taken the wedding world by storm this season, but recently I came across this gown that, hands down, takes the cake.
It took eight patient designers two months to create this feathery feat. Adorned with more than 2,000 pieces of peacock feathers, this gown will set one daring bride back $1.5 million.
If you’re looking to make a more subtle fashion statement while still incorporating the trend, this bridesmaid’s dress from Shop Bop is a fun option that your girls can enjoy wearing again and again.
The feathery motif can be carried throughout your celebration, from your stationary to your bouquet, and even napkin rings. Be careful - it’s easy to go overboard with this one, so a few simple touches is all you need. Don’t forget your coordinating clutch!
With all that Life has to offer.
No really? Is there such a thing as too many feathers? I think so. The modern alternative gets my vote. But if you heart feathers, a feather detail either on a bag or in your hair is the way to go!
gift girl
Robot Bride and Groom Wedding Cake Topper
With wedding season just about upon us, it’s always refreshing to see a new take on an old classic. Behold theRobot Bride and Groom wedding cake topper from Etsy crafter The Builder’s Studio. And if you want to get real fancy, there’s the Robot Secret Agent Bride and Groom. So awesome!
How perfect are these for the geek couple in your life? I love creative people.
gift girl
Week of Color :: Aqua + Red
One of the hottest color combinations we are seeing this year in weddings is aqua and red. This will always be one of my favorite duos, the bold colors complimenting each other makes for gorgeous wedding decor! Use the aqua as the main backdrop and red as a pop of color in most of the details of the day.
Source: Lucida Photography, Sugar Plum Invitations, The Cake Walk, Cameron Ingalls, Joyful Weddings, Nicole Galletta
Stunning! I love the deep red with subtle fresh fun aqua! Makes me want summer.
gift girl
MyJones: A Delectable Memento
Looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding favor with a personal touch?
Quench your guest’s thirst, spice up your table settings and create a unique piece of take home memorabilia with myJones customized soda bottles.
By uploading a personal photo and writing your own label text at www.myjones.com, you can immortalize your special day and display treasured memories of your relationship. Maybe it’s that trip to the coast where he popped the question or the couple’s photo you had done by your favorite photographer. The possibilities are endless to reflect your own personality and style.
You can even have the bottles coordinate to your color scheme with an ever-changing variety of colorful flavors including Fufu Berry, Green Apple and Berry Lemonade. Additionally, all Jones Soda flavors are made with pure cane sugar so they are sweetly delicious without the high fructose corn syrup. I absolutely can’t get enough of Cream Soda or the newest flavor, Orange Cola, an innovative mix of cola and citrus.
Create and purchase 12-packs of myJones at www.myjones.com for $29.99 plus shipping.
Here is a lovely example of myJones in action:
Giveaway! Leave a blog comment and enter for the chance to win a free 12-pack of myJones. A $29.99 value.
Tell us what YOU would put on myJones bottles for your wedding.
The contest ends next Friday May 1st!
(I can’t believe it is almost May!) A beautiful and practical way to add a more personalized touch to your wedding table and day!
gift girl
Hilarious Wedding & Occasion Cards To Crack You Up…
…And Send To That Very Fitting Friend!
So, you’re the funny friend, huh? The "tell-it-like-it-is" friend? Well I’ve got the perfect cards for you to give for that special occasion coming up…whether it be a wedding, shower, anniversary, birthday or some other exciting celebration!
Cards by Naughty Betty, Inc.:
Above are just a few of my favorites from their collection. However, check out this fabulous one below, I bet any bridesmaid would get a laugh out of this baby…
To see more cards from this hilarious line, click HERE. Even if you’re not in the market for a card right now. Perhaps you’re just planning your wedding and need some stress-free entertainment. Well, Naughty Betty’s got you covered, darling! Just read and enjoy the oh-so-true but very funny sayings.
For more wedding inspiration, ideas and all things creative, please feel free to visit the wedding blog I write atwww.itsajaimething.com. Cheers!
Love em! Bi atch!
gift girl
A couple of weeks ago I went to a beautiful wedding, very well done and organized. Full of very romantic and unique details.
The delicate selection of every piece is what makes any event charming, different and special. Here I bring you today some "one of a kind " inspirations for a wonderful and very romantic wedding.
The headbands have always been a very good option for the bride or for the bridesmaids, giving them a soft and stylish look. These ones shown here come from helisengezer.
Another way to create a big impression between the wedding guests is wearing some of these gorgeous hair adornments. Classy, pretty and very romantic. The first one comes from jurgitahandmade, and the second one comes from StarOfTheEast.
Some other accessories are very essential too, like this lovely linen pouch from karuski or these earrings from LeelaBijou (my shop).
A shawl can give a very elegant and romantic essence, gently wrapping the bride or the bridesmaids. A very classic piece in every event. The wonderful ones shown here are from ingermaaike (first one) andvitalakim (second one).
And what about some sweet details? Like this amazing miniature of a delicious wedding cake, handmade by PetitPlat. Or this beautiful and inspiring card, designed by kohlcass.
There are some moments in our life we want to tresure forever and remember them in every detail. As Robert Updegraff said: "To get all there is out of living, we must employ our time wisely, never being in too much of a hurry to stop and sip life, but never losing our sense of the enormous value of a minute."
Thank you to all the extraordinary artists and artisans featured on this article.
Thank you LEELABIJOU, our lovely fashion expert! You had me at those hairpieces! Stuning!
gift girl
Spare a thought for the green groom
I’ve been writing for Wishpot for a while now and was racking my brains for an ethical wedding subject I hadn’t covered yet. And then it hit me (not literally, thankfully) – the groom!
I’d been so busy with glam eco gowns and fair trade favours that I completely forgot about the man of the moment.
So let’s bring this gorgeous groom centre stage and see how we can get him all greened up for the big day…
The suit
To be honest, one of the reasons the men get a little less of my attention than they might is that there are some quick ‘n’ easy options for the green groom.
First up is the so obvious I apologise but it’s got to be said: use one you’ve already got. Whereas most unwedded women don’t have a long, floaty white dress with veil tucked in the back of their wardrobe just in case (well, maybe some do…!), if the man in your life already has a smart, well-tailored suit this may well be one area of the wedding budget where you can make some savings. Jazz it up with a fancy shirt and tie or cravat and no one will ever know it’s been worn to countless boring business meetings.
The hired gun
The other popular option is to hire. When you hire you reuse (ethical brownie points) and it’s cost effective and hassle-free too.
Although as I’ve said before on Ethical Weddings, what we’re waiting for is a suit hire company using organic or recycled fabrics, donating its profits to charity, or employing young people with no visible prospects as apprentices… If you know a company who is, or you’re thinking of doing it, tell us about it!
The suit for life
On the other hand, this special occasion may be just the excuse he needs to dig deep in his old worn-out suit pockets and get a well-cut suit to last a lifetime.
Junky Styling fashion fab cutting edge clothes and accessories (see ties and waistcoats below) from other people’s cast-offs. They love a good wedding (check out their wedding gallery) and can work with your groom to create something that is ‘just him’.
Greenfibres has a beautiful organic wool tweed suit jacket, hand woven in Scotland from organic sheep’s wool. It was £269 but is now in the sale at just £134.50 – so one to snap up quickly if you can!
Meanwhile, over in the US, Rawganique offers the complete package for the green groom with their eco-couture wedding dress suit made from organic hemp and range of shirts and ties. The company now has so many options for the hemp-loving couple, they’ve become known as “Hemp Wedding Central”!
If it’s something a bit more lightweight you’re after for a summer wedding, this organic linen suit from John Lewis should be just the thing. From £120. It comes with matching trousers for just £60.
And if you want to reuse, recycle and donate to charity all at the same time, why not check out the offerings in the charity shops? Here’s a great find at just £49.99 from Oxfam.
Shirts
For the groom in touch with his feminine side, this flowery fair trade shirt from People Tree made in India would look great for a laid-back informal wedding. Imagine it with a lightweight grey suit… yum! From £48
For a slightly smarter look, this organic cotton shirt from Howies would work from the office to the aisle. From £65
Or go for this classic shirt with a twist from Adili – again 100% organic cotton and fairly traded. Down from £80 to just £60
Ties, cravats and waistcoats
The men are not even close to catching us up on the ethical accessories front but there is hope as these stylish picks show…
This tie cravat from Junky Styling (mentioned above) is just one excellent example.
The sleeve cravat is another for the fashion daredevil groom!
Funky waistcoats like this are also available from Junky Styling from £130
Or head over to Greenfibres for a retro tie made from 70% UK alpaca and 30% blue face Leicester wool – the perfect locally produced accessory!
And if you want the luxury option, try these handwoven silk and linen ties available from the Natural Store. From £64.99
Cuff links
Who says men have to miss out on the shiny stuff? These cufflinks from Silver Chilli will make your man a real ethical star – they help to support a community of skilled jewellers in Mexico who are paid a fair price and work on sustainable contracts. From £19.50
Or opt for these stylish cufflinks from contemporary designer / maker, April Doubleday – carefully crafted from recycled silver. From £39
But if you want something just a little bit different, it has to be these quirky cufflinks made from recycled circuit boards – for the truly green groom! From £19.95
Shoes
As with the suit, your man may already be the proud owner of a perfectly serviceable pair of black brogues. But in case you feel like treating him, let’s check out the ethical formal shoes on offer for men at the moment.
These Wittgenstein shoes from Terra Plana come in black, brown and tan with a leather sole and recycled latex crepe heel. From £125
Bourgeois Boheme, purveyor of vegan and ethical fashion, has a fantastic range of men’s formal shoes. I particularly like the BoBo Compassivo in soft microfibre faux croc, handcrafted in Portugal. From £93
I also love Green Shoes’ Belstone Boot for something a little out of the ordinary but still supremely elegant. You can order the vegan or leather option – eco-tan leather is an extra £20. From £158
Pants!
You didn’t think I’d forget that all-important item did you? We have to make sure he’s ethical from the bottom up after all – with these Pants to Poverty pants. From £11.50
Pampering
And finally, for a spot of well-deserved pampering, why not treat him to Raw Gaia’s organic and fair trade Living Moisturiser for men?
Well, hopefully that’s sorted out your green grooms. I’d better get off the computer and give mine some attention now!
Take care,
Katie
Get the latest green wedding gossip on our Ethical Weddings blog
Some sharp looking dressed and not so dressed green grooms! Awesome Katie!
gift girl
Floating Centerpieces…
…Submerged In Love!
Every time I think about helping my aunt plan my cousin’s wedding last year, I laugh. Why? Because I was trying to offer creative ideas to my aunt and ended up saying to her, "You know what would be really cool? If you put water into the vases!", (duh)! She replied with a laugh saying, "No kidding? What a concept!".
Yes. I know. Apparently it’s quite common to put water into a vase. Amazing, isn’t it? However, what I was actually talking about was submerging flowers or other items under the water for the centerpieces, like some of the pictures shown below…
(Photos via: Bride Sophisticate, Flowers On Mars and Premier Bride)
I also love the idea of putting whatever else your little heart desires into vases or bowls. Think apples, rocks, feathers, beads, pine cones, leaves, wine corks, candy, crystals, lights, candles, petals, sand, shredded paper, fabric, ornaments, the list goes on!
You could even put a vase into a vase - and fill the outer edge with something a little different than the inside vase filler. Let your imagination flow!
See, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on lavish floral centerpieces to make your wedding glamorous. You just have to get a little creative and spend a little time to find exactly what you want, to make your centerpieces fit within your wedding color, theme and most importantly, budget.
Thanks for reading! For more wedding inspiration, ideas and all things creative, come visit me at the wedding blog I write, It’s A Jaime Thing. Happy planning! ~ Jaime
