Groom Style #9 and #10: Retro Action

Today's groom's style questions come from bride, Andrea. At first, she purchased a cocktail dress by Melissa Sweet for the wedding. Then, her groom felt so strongly that she wear a long gown that Andrea decided to buy a second dress from Maggie Sotero! Because both dresses are totally different, Andrea's having a hard time figuring out what her groom should wear!

Since it's fairly common for the bride to change twice during the wedding, there's absolutely no reason that a guy can't change either! In fact, I attended a wedding where the groom changed from his black tuxedo to a full-on traditional Chinese ensemble (silk slippers and all!).

I also took cues from her wedding ideas. Funky and retro. They love motorcycles, planes, Battlestar Galactica, etc. to create the following looks for her.

Inspiration? A lace sweetheart gown, Krisha Marie by Maggie Sotero

The first look is more formal and classic. But, instead of getting the tuxedo at just another rental-store, I decided to pair the look with a 1970s vintage tuxedo with a new cutaway dress shirt. To toughen up the otherwise very polite look, I added a skull & crossbones bow tie, a pair of silver bar-bell cuff links, and a pair of ultra sophisticated oxford shoes with a tan and silver buckle.

Dress: Maggie Soterro; Tuxedo Jacket: Vintage; Tuxedo Pants: Lincole Square; Dress Shirt: Moss; Shoes: Dries Van Noten; Bow Tie: J. Press; Cumberband: Thomas Nash; Cuff links: Harry Winston

Crossbones wedding - on Polyvore.com

Inspiration? Cocktail dress by Melissa Sweet

Andrea's second dress..um, so pretty! I'm really hoping that she'll wear a feather in her hair like the model below. After a quick change, Andrea's groom can transform his look - part modern, part retro, part biker. I chose a black and white checked tuxedo jacket with a black trim. The pants and shirt are still the same, but I would drop the bow tie. Since Andrea's groom likes motorcycles, I thought that he would feel comfortable in a pair of biker boots, a studded belt, skull & crossbones cuff links.

Dress: Melissa Sweet; Tuxedo Jacket: DSquared; Cuff Links: Cufflinks.com; Boots: Bike Boots; Belt: Vans; Ring: Joolia

Biker Wedding - on Polyvore.com

Like this look? Leave a comment!

Also, if you need help with your groom's outfit, e-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Suit Basics: Because we need to start somewhere

I found this cute little diagram below from The Visual Dictionary that will help us get some terms defined. Because if you don't have your lingo down, you'll most like get sucked into getting something that you may or may not want. So, let's get the terms defined first.



Suit: A set of matching outer garments, especially one consisting of a coat with trousers or a skirt (Source: Free Dictionary).
B&BT bottom line: Semi-formal to formal suits should have matching jackets and pants. Just because you purchased it from the part of the store that says "suit separates" doesn't mean that you should mix n' match the tops and bottoms.


Jacket: A jacket is a lightweight, sleeved thigh - or waist-length coat that may be worn by anyone, as jackets are now made for children, adults, the elderly, and even infants. (Source: The Free Dictionary). Jackets can be made of wool, cotton, linen, velvet, silk. Jackets also come in a variety of styles and cuts.
B&BT bottom line: Jacket cut to a man (e.g., English, Italian, American all have different cuts) is like silhouette for a woman. Some women look better in a-line and others look better in mermaid. Know what jacket cut looks good on your guy's body type.


Collar: In clothing, a collar is the part of a shirt, dress, coat or blouse that fastens around or frames the neck. (Source: Free Dictionary).
B&BT bottom line: Collar for a man is similar to neckline for a woman. Look for collars that are proportional and complementary to your groom's face shape.

Lapel: The part of a garment, such as a coat or jacket, that is an extension of the collar and folds back against the breast. (Source: Free Dictionary)
B&BT bottom line: This is NOT the collar of the jacket, as it may be commonly misunderstood as being. Watch out for wide lapels (unless your intention is to look like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever). The lapel button also functions as a boutonniere holder.

Necktie (also tie): A narrow fabric band of varying length worn around the neck and tied in a knot or bow close to the throat.
B&BT bottom line: Tell your groom to know his knots. Don't get clip-ons....just don't.

Waistcoat: A short, sleeveless, collarless garment worn especially over a shirt and often under a suit jacket; a vest. (Source: Free Dictionary)
B&BT bottom line: Love them. For less formal weddings, vests that match the suit material are very cute. For more formal weddings, vests that match the neckwear are key.

Sleeve: A part of a garment that covers all or part of an arm. (Source: Free Dictionary)
B&BT bottom line: Sleeve length should be about 1/4" to 1/2" shorter than your shirt sleeve. Also, a sleeve is not a napkin, hanky or tissue. Enough said.

Sleeve Buttons: 3 or 4 buttons that line the jacket sleeve opening.
B&BT bottom line: There are lots of reasons why there are sleeve buttons. A sign of a high-quality suit is workable sleeve buttons.

Pockets: A small baglike attachment forming part of a garment and used to carry small articles, as a flat pouch sewn inside a pair of pants or a piece of material sewn on its sides and bottom to the outside of a shirt. (Source: Free Dictionary)
B&BT bottom line: Flap pockets like the one shown above are less formal. Jetted pockets do not have a flap on top. It's a narrow horizontal slit and is nearly invisible.

Trouser: An outer garment for covering the body from the waist to the ankles, divided into sections to fit each leg separately. (Source: Free Dictionary)
B&BT bottom line: Don't skimp on alterations here. Trouser length and fit are key to your groom's look. Get a tailor to hem the pants so that the bottoms graze the tops of your shoes.

Next post? We'll talk tuxedos.

Need someone to help style your groom? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Calling Boston Brides!

I've received a few questions from brides out there. Confusions abound when it comes to tuxedos and men's suits. The next few posts will be dedicated to explaining the anatomy of menswear. Seriously, it's not that difficult. So, we'll be doing that over the next few posts.

Today, I just wanted to let you know that in just a few weeks Boutonnieres & Bow Ties's sister company, 9tailors will be hosting its FIRST TRUNK SHOW in Boston! You can meet with a 9tailors Wedding Specialist, who will help you style your groom.

And, rumor has it they'll be selling men's ties, bow ties (yes!) and pocket squares (double yes!).

Here are the details of the event.

Click on the above image to enlarge.

To secure a one-on-one style consultation, please RSVP at info@9tailors.com.

*First 10 people to RSVP for a style consultation will receive a 10% discount off their entire 9tailors purchase. (exclusions may apply)

Details:
Saturday, April 25, 2009
1PM- 5PM
213 Newbury Street, Suite 2F
Boston

Grooms Style #8: What's Black And White And Red All Over?

When I received this e-mail request yesterday, I was so excited! Amber, the lovely bride, asked us to put together an outfit for her future hubby. She will be wearing this beautiful and elegant Pronovias gown and a birdcage veil to her wedding. I love the vintage references, Amber!

I chose a three-piece black tuxedo (vests are so cute!) with a matching bow tie. The dress shirt is a fly front (where the buttons are hidden) giving this a streamlined and clean look. I also included an antique watch with large roman numerals from A. Lange & Sohne. I love the strong, geometic print on the red silk pocket square. This is a perfect complement to the strong and clean lines of tuxedo.

Inspiration? A strapless dress from Pronovias

Dress: Pronovias; Tuxedo: Dries Van Noten; Fly Front Shirt: Jil Sander; Vest: Top Man; Ring: Jeff Cooper; Pocket Square: The Tie Bar; Watch: A. Lange & Sohne; Shoes: Paul Stuart

What's black and white and red all over - by sshih on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #7: Flying Aloft

This short Amsale cocktail dress is perfect for a loft wedding - urban and sleek. For the groom, he needs an equally modern, blue suit rocked out with edgy, black accents. I love the Thomas Pink skull cufflinks and the Harry Winston diamond ring (um, yes!). Note to Boston developers: please build more loft spaces for weddings!

Inspiration? Amsale Little White Dress

Suit: Dries Van Noten; Dress Shirt: Thomas Pink; Watch: Armani; Cuff links: Thomas Pink; Shoes: YSL; Ring: Harry Winston; Tie: Ties.com

Black & Blue - on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #6: The Country Club Set

Having lived in the Boston for quite some time, I'm no stranger to her residents' affinity to belts, shoes, pants and bags with whales, anchors and dogs on them. I imagine them wearing these outfits and sipping chilled drinks at the "Club," while playing golf, lawn bowling, and the like. So, I decided to pull together pieces that would complement this look. Today's dress is a beautiful, lace gown by the very talented Monique Lhuillier. For the groom, he needs a navy blazer, chinos and bright bow tie (yes, they have marlin on them!). To update the look, I added a pair of Gucci loafers. Game, set, match - Playing croquet on the country club lawn never looked so good.

Inspiration? Lace dress by Monique Lhuillier

Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Brides.com; Blazer/Pants: Moss; Loafers: Gucci via Bluefly.com; Ring: H. Samuel; Bow tie: Vineyard Vines via Nowell's; Boxers: Paul Smith ; Boutonniere: Teena's Creations

The Country Club Set - on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #5: Bali Hai

My brother and his lovely fiance, Joan, are getting married in Bali. Jealous? Um, yes. It can seem like a daunting task to get married on a beach (e.g., the heat, the sand, the humidity). However, I created a very carefree groom's look that complements an equally breezy wedding dress by J. Crew. Lightweight suits in linen are a great way to beat the heat (no one likes underarm stains) and stay stylish. I also like a good ol' pocket square as an alternative to some kind of orchid boutonniere (talk about predictable). Since I know my mom would have a fit if she saw my brother in flip flops at the wedding, I completed the look with a pair of white, lace-up sneakers.

Inspiration? Tulle Dress by J. Crew

Tulle dress: JCrew via Brides.com; Linen/silk suit/pants: Jaeger; Linen shirt: James Pearse; Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Sneakers: Lanvin; Stainless steel ring: J. Leigh Jewelry

Bali Hai - on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #4: White at Night

I received an e-mail from Abbey yesterday. She sent us an image of a Jenny Packham wedding gown. The use of crystals, beads, silk and metallic hues make Jenny Packham's dresses ultra luxurious. Think old Hollywood style. For the groom, I chose a white dinner jacket and contrasting black tuxedo pants - very Humphrey Bogart. But, I updated the look with a modern black zirconia ceramic ring by JGD and well-fitting, non-bunching black undergarments!

Inspiration? Crystal encrustred dress by Jenny Packham

Dress: Jenny Packham; White Dinner Jacket: JosABank via blacktieguide.com; Boxers: Paul Smith; Tuxedo Studs: amazon.com; Black Dress Shoe: Olrick; Ring: John Greed Design.

White at night - on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #3: Cool blues

Yesterday, as I was preparing for the HBS Fashion Show, I came across so many wedding gowns in pinks, yellows, creams. Perfect for a spring time affair. For a bride who wants to wear a pastel blue, contrast the soft hues of the dress with a navy suit. My favorite part? A crisp, white pocket square. Note: Please do get distracted by the female model. She's a little scary looking, but the dress she's wearing is gorgeous.

Inspiration? Tulle dress by Reem Acra

Suit: Browns Fashion; Shirt: Zegna; Tie: Ferragamo; Cuff links: Ted Baker; Pocket Square: Jaan J.; Ring: Tiffany; Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Cool blues - on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #2: Urban ethereal

A non-traditional wedding dress calls for a non-traditional suit. Guys will need to keep their look simple, clean and unfussy.

Inspiration? Vicente Villarin Chiffon dress.

dress: Vincent Villarin; Suit: John Lawrence Sullivan Ring: Mondera; Shoes: Ted Baker;Shirt: Zegna; Sunglasses: Mykita Rolf

Urban ethereal - on Polyvore.com

Grooms Style #1: Regal and elegant

You submit a picture of the wedding dress. We'll put together a groomsmen look that compliments your dress. After all, grooms need to look fabulous on the day of the wedding too!

Formal wedding: Inspiration? Lazaro lace gown

Dress: Lazaro; bowtie: burton; tuxedo: browns fashion; shoes: forzieri.com; cufflinks: j press; shirt: French Connection; boutonniere: Teena's Creation

Wedding - formal - Polyvore.com