Fascinating, Truly!!

A trend started peeking its head out around 2006, picking up speed in 2008 with the release of the “Sex in the City” movie, and now the hottest retro comeback in 2009. The fascinator!

Originally, the fascinator referred to a delicate, lacy head covering worn by a fine lady, not unlike a shawl made from wool or lace. It is a style of millinery, a headpiece, and the term fell into disuse by the 1970s. Now the term can be heard often, especially in circles of women who like to pay tribute to the days when being a lady meant wearing a hat out, a throw back to the 1800s through the 1960s. When someone now refers to a fascinator, it has a slightly different meaning, describing a delicate, somewhat frivolous head decoration made with feathers, flowers and beads. They can also use pearls, or crystals and can be made as petite or extravagant as you want. They are an alternative to wearing a hat, and many times, an alternative to wearing veils in weddings. They are an adornment, an addition to your beauty, and can make you feel so feminine!

Many women are turning to fascinators with birdcage fronts in place of the traditional veil when saying their vows. The “birdcage” refers to stiff, wide holed tulle or lace that covers only the eyes, down to about the bridge of nose. Think Lucille Ball in the 50s hit “I Love Lucy.” She loved to buy hats (much to the dislike of Ricky) and they often had a birdcage front. They easily attach to the hair by a comb, headband or clip. Fascinators are also extremely popular at premium horse racing events, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National and the Melbourne Cup. But honestly, a fashion savvy woman with confidence can wear these beautiful pieces of art to any occasion, from dinner out with a significant other to going with the girls for a night on the town!

Fascinators are becoming easier and easier to find, both at specialty shops and online. I was able to find many cute, trendy, elegant and fun different styles online, just by googling 'fascinator'. However, they are also fairly easy and cost effective to make on your own! If you’re like me, and not the best with a sewing machine, no need to worry! I found a how to website, where the hardest decision you have to make is what adornments you want to glue on your fascinator piece! The address is http://www.burdastyle.com/howtos/show/271. There are also many other how to sites that include instructions on making one using a comb or clip. The site I referred to makes a fascinator with a base to it, which to me, makes it easier to cover your mechanics, making it look more professional. When making your own creative fascinator, remember to make it YOURS! Your favorite colors, style and be creative, it’s about expressing yourself and making yourself feel beautiful!

The Wedding Dash

Spring is here and love is in the air. Many men have bought a ring and are waiting for the right moment to pop the question to that much anticipating love of theirs. After the engagement, the wedding preps begin. It’s a stressful but exciting time, especially for the women. The man usually just sits back in the wings and shows up at the ceremony, not taking much of a roll in the planning! Why is it we marry them again? Oh yeah, we love them. That’s why.

There are several trends this season in the wedding arena. One I’ll start with is the gowns’. Many women are adding color to their dresses that accent the colors used in the wedding theme. One trend is putting color in the train of the dress, such as blue or silver (gunmetal grey, steel, or brushed silver, which can be carried into other aspects of the weeding such as brides maids dresses.) These are hot colors this year. Another is just adding a trim to the rim of the bottom of the skirt. Both look very nice, are fashionable and classy.

Another trend has to do with the headpieces being used this season. Birdcage veils are very popular this year, instead of using the traditional long veil. The birdcage only covers the front of your face down to about your nose area and uses heavy netting in white or heavy tulle. It’s a throwback to the fifties, and I just love this look!! Very modern and classy at the same time, absolutely beautiful!

One last trend is the colors that are popular this year. The hottest are blues, in any shade. Combining these blues in lights and darks and everything in between is just plain HOT! Blue is traditional, timeless and classic. If you would like something to complement your blue theme, neutrals’ like creams and white are a great companion. Other colors that seem to be liked this season for weddings are sherbets, such as lemons, salmons, and pale pinks.

Just remember, over all, have fun! Each has their own opinion to give you while you are trying to make decisions. Smile, listen and understand that they are recalling their own happy occasion. But do what makes you happy on your special day. You don’t have to follow the trends if it doesn’t suit you! This is your day, and the only wedding you’re going to have, so make it uniquely yours. Do what brings a smile to your face!