HooliganGrrl asked:


We are going to a formal New Year’s Eve gala this year - so much fun!! I can’t wait, except that I am running into a problem with my dress. Most formal cocktail or ball gowns are going to be strapless, and I have a fairly large tattoo on one upper arm, and a smaller one on the other. They aren’t tacky, I just don’t think it would be appropriate to have them show. I tried Dermablend once, but the effect was less than satisfactory. Any suggestions?

Stephanie Larkin asked:


Despite the fact that there are so many designer wedding dresses to choose from, there is no guarantee that you will find that elusive “perfect dress”. Are you looking for a decidedly different wedding gown style for your walk down the aisle? Does the idea of getting married in a confection of lace and tulle leave you cold? Do you want a wedding dress that will turn heads and make everyone at your wedding sit up and say “Wow!”? If so, take a look at some of the fabulous designs in these designer collections.

Melissa Sweet

Though designer Melissa Sweet, who originated the line, has left the company, her line and her spirit lives on in the person of her two long-time designers, Antonio Gual and Lia McNairy. McNairy and Gual are responsible for the eye-catching designs in both the Melissa Sweet and the youth-oriented Reverie line. The inspiration for the Melissa Sweet line weds historical lines with modern details. The line includes elements of haute couture in the fine detailing and intricate embroidery, while the modern spirit shines through in the unusual lines and silhouettes.

One of the most eye-catching designs in the Melissa Sweet line is the Selma, with its unusual baby-doll trapeze bodice. Designed in an embossed silk organza, the Selma features a strapless pleated bodice that swings playfully over the A-line skirt. The hem carries on the pleating theme, sweeping into an elegant train silk organza train.

The Selma design is not the only unique silhouette in the Melissa Sweet Collection. One of the most elaborate and unusual designs is the Mila, a stunning gown created in shimmering pearl-colored taffeta. The silhouette is a modified trumpet design, with a slim, fitted style that flares into a wide bell at the knee. The eye-catching aspect of the Mila is the chic asymmetrical line that runs from just below the hip on the right to just below the knee on the right. The ruched hem is gathered just below the hip and tacked with a delightfully frothy corsage.

Melissa Sweet’s Daria wedding gown is another gown that makes great use of an asymmetrical waistline. The silk and satin confection features A-line styling that flatters any figure shape and an asymmetrical dropped waist that does a wonderful job of accenting curves without accentuating bulk. The real beauty of the gown, though, is the shimmering satin of the flared skirt, cut on the bias to make the most of the fit and drape of the material.

Overall, the Melissa Sweet Wedding Collection manages to be both fresh and contemporary without sacrificing the bridal tradition in the least. The Reverie collection from the Melissa Sweet line takes freshness a few steps further toward youth with flirty short dresses in sheath and cocktail styles as well as full-length gowns in sumptuous fabrics like silk shantung. You’ll find a wide range of head-turning styles in lengths ranging from baby-doll mini to sweep-the-floor elegance, all executed in a style that is unmistakably young and sassy and modern at the same time.

Platinum

If your style is more elegant and dramatic, the wedding gowns in the Platinum line may be more to your taste. Drama and elegance are the hallmarks of the Platinum designer collection. The Platinum line is designed for the bride who wants “the ultimate in glamour and a sophisticated flattering cut”. Each Platinum gown is made to order, cut precisely to fit the measurements of the bride who will wear it.

This season, the Platinum line features sumptuous fabrics, silks and satins and taffetas that feel as luxurious as they look. The Platinum signature look is high couture, and most of the gowns in the Platinum collection are modeled with the couture ball gown in mind. A perfect example is the Platinum Style PL268, a full-skirted strapless ball gown with a dropped waist and a chic contrast-colored gathered belt that dips in a deep V in the back. The skirt is detailed with metallic thread embroidery, and the belt fastens with an embroidered brooch closing that will definitely capture attention and turn heads.

While most of the dresses in the Platinum line are floor-length sweeping ball gowns, there are a few very eye-catching shorter styles, including one sleek, chic slim silhouetted mini-dress that features a hem embellished with about a foot and a half of chiffon, tulle and ostrich feather roses.

Whatever your style, you’ll find plenty of drama and flair in the top designer wedding dress lines. Pick out your fantasy wedding dress and dare to be a total drama queen on your wedding day. You are the bride, it is your day, and you deserve to be the center of attention!

Grassy Johns writes fashion related articles on evening dresses, Black dresses and Girls Dresses which gives a gorgeous look. Visit http://www. cubeandstar. com for more information about designer dresses.