Leighton Meester wore the most gorgeous grecian Bottega Veneta gown to the Emmy’s last night, and I happen to think that it would be the perfect wedding dress. I saw her earlier on someone’s worst-dressed list, but that someone shall remain nameless, because a)I’m against the whole idea of worst-dressed lists, it’s just not nice, and 2)you can’t hate her because she’s the queen B! Check out her gorgeous gown:
I am completely mad for the puffy, drapey shoulders, the soft edges, and the detail around the waist. She looks so drop dead sexy and elegant at the same time that …read more

You can save a lot of money on your wedding gown if you branch out into the world of non-wedding dress shops. You cannot, however, usually save a lot of money on Valentino. But right now there’s a sale, and a dress that is fairytale wedding perfect, even if it isn’t actually a “wedding” dress.
Holy perfection. Honestly, this dress is amazing. It takes a lot of things that I’m not always sure about and makes them inarguably fabulous. Jewel adornment, grecian draping, ankle lengths, these are not a few of my favorite things, but their combination on this dress is …read more

White dresses are not just for brides! Give someone you love a beautiful white or the ever classic, black and white dress, to wear to all those summer parties and BBQs.  White dresses will always be in style because you can dress it up with metallic heels or dress it down with cute flats or sandals.  Add bright and bold accessories to give it that extra oomph!
This Free People Sweet & Sassy Dress ($148) is definitely sweet and sassy. If you want something that will show off her legs, this dress will do the trick. The subtle stripes and …read more

Alexander McQueen is hands down one of my favorite designers. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really “do” bridal. But just because he doesn’t desgin fluffy cupcake wedding gowns doesn’t mean that some of his dresses aren’t totally wedding ready. Check out this gorgeous Spanish lace corseted gown.
This beautiful and unusual gown would make an amazing statement as a wedding dress. I’m crazy for the scalloped, off-the-shoulder bodice with molded cups and boning. But the skirt is really what makes this dress special. The short cut in front shows off your legs, but the long back has a gorgeous sweep to follow behind …read more

A while back I promised that I would try to find out what the history is behind the tradition of women wearing white dresses under their graduation gowns. Well, I didn’t forget, but finding an answer turns out to be harder than I assumed. Some sources suggest that wearing white is symbolic of purity in a woman’s rite of passage, and that in this moment when a woman represents both her family and her school, she is expected to also represent their traditional values.
Many private schools have, instead of the institutional cap and gown, what is called the “white dress …read more

Are you planning to attend a few summer shindigs and backyard BBQs with your loved ones? A fabulous white dress will show off glowing skin perfectly.  Drop a couple hints to the husband or get yourself a pretty new dress as a gift. I came across three dresses that are just perfect for poolside cocktails and garden parties.
A white Eyelet Dress ($368) is a classic summer silhouette.  This strapless number by Shoshanna would look fantastic with a few minimal gold or silver accessories. The empire waist is flattering and the ruffled bodice is playful.
This Kensie Belted Silk Chiffon Party Dress …read more

Yesterday, I received an email from loyal Splendicity reader and my dear friend Jane asking if I could write about graduation dresses. Graduation season, like wedding season, is soon upon us, and I think most soon-to-be grads are probably confused about what to wear under their gowns. I know I was. And, in fact, I have zero recollection of what I wore under mine, although I do remember the dress I bought for the party after. 
In any case, here goes. Graduation dresses are traditionally white. I’m not sure why, but I promise to try to find out by the end …read more

So, what do you do when you have a destination wedding and not all of the important people in your life are able to come? Why you have another wedding, of course! Or at least a party that looks something like a wedding. Which is what I’m doing. Once in May and once in June. Don’t ask.
Anyways, the point is: if you are having a party like a wedding where you are the bride, what do you wear? Your original wedding gown? Sure, but why pass up an opportunity to buy a new dress? Perhaps something slightly less bridesy, like …read more

I’m normally not a fan of white gowns (outside bridal gowns) but Kate Beckinsale looked absolutely gorgeous in white at the ELLE Magazine 15th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute earlier this week. The event paid tribute to women in the film industry, including Nicole Kidman, Jane Fonda, Halle Berry and others.

With her one shoulder gown, she kept her jewelry to a minimum, wearing a pair of large gold earrings and nothing else. I also love her gold hardcase clutch.
Photo credit: Newscom

Not exactly your typical bridesmaid dress, this black and white A-line dress from Eden Bridals is a fun choice.

In the past, you would never see a bridesmaid in white or off white. However, things have changed in recent years. Brides are wearing red. Bridesmaids are wearing white. It’s anything goes – as long as you like it.
This bridesmaids gown is adorable and affordable. This matte satin dress features contrasting trim, bow and belt. It’s available in a variety of color combinations from bold brights to subtle pastels to neutrals.
You can get this dress at Perimart for under $100. View more …read more