Phi-Style: Reception Dresses

1. Narciso Rodriguez Petal-Print Silk-Charmeuse Dress, $2,485 | 2. BCBGMAXAZRIA Fei Fei Strapless Dress, $278 | 3. Kimberly Ovitz Comey Crepe Gown, $645 | 4. Notte by Marchesa One Shoulder Silk Dress, $795 | 5. Rick Owens Silk-Organza Bustier Gown, $2,695 | 6. Max Azria Asymmetric Silk Crepe de Chine Gown, $650 | 7. Thread One Shoulder Dress, $495 | 8. Alexander Wang Asymmetric Silk-Satin Dress, $675 | 9. Thakoon Gathered Front Dress, $1,050 | 10. Valentino Silk-Organza Strapless Dress, $3,990

Oh, the reception dress.  Should I wear one, or shouldn’t I?  Should it be long, or should it be short?  How much should I spend on it?  Undoubtedly, these are all questions that have crossed your minds.  For me, I didn’t decide to spring for a reception dress until the last few weeks before the big day.  My two musts – that it be fun, and that I be able to dance in it.  Here are a couple of my picks of great dresses that you can dance the night away in.  Get inspired!  – Tram @Phi-Style.com

[images from Net-A-Porter and Shopbop]

Phi-Style: Met Ball 2011 Inspiration

1. Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexander McQueen | 2. Freida Pinto, Chanel | 3.  Jessica Stam, Tommy Hilfiger | 4. Ashley Greene, Donna Karan | 5. Emma Roberts, Michael Kors | 6. Naomi Watts, Stella McCartney

I love gathering wedding gown inspiration from celebrity red carpet looks.  The Costume Institute Gala, held last Monday at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, is arguably the most fashion-conscious event of the year – a perfect event to snag some ideas!  This year’s ball honored the work of the late Alexander McQueen, but the event did not fail to showcase a multitude of other beautiful designer gowns.  From sheaths, to a-lines, to fit-and-flare, these looks could easily be developed into a bridal look.   My personal favorite?  Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger.  What a great way to showcase a pair of fabulous wedding shoes!  – Tram @ Phi-Style.com

[images from style.com]

Phi-Style: Long Sleeved Gowns

Vera Wang | Stephane Rolland | Jenny Packham | Reem Acra

Kate Middleton’s classic and timeless dress is sure to inspire gowns in upcoming seasons.  Designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander Mcqueen, Kate’s dress featured a narrow v-neck, collared neckline, and its most distinctive feature – long lace sleeves.  Here are some long-sleeved choices that will have you feeling like a princess as you walk down the aisle. – Tram @ Phi-Style.com

[photos from Vera Wang, Stephane Rolland, Jenny Packham, Reem Acra]

Bridal market: Vera Wang SS2012

Vera Wang‘s Spring/Summer 2012 collection was amazing!  Her wedding dresses were full of color and LOTS of texture…the 2 dresses above are my favorites.

[images from Vera Wang]

Amsale SS2012

Amsale is always a pleasure to see…this line is far more modern than its counterparts (Kenneth Pool, Christos), while still maintaining its classic look.

[images from Jenny Sherouse]