Tuscan Style - Option 2

When I read the descriptions of the brides who submit their weddings to this blog, it makes me want to plan my wedding all over again. Such is the case of our next wedding. Michelyn and Cameron will be getting married in Italy. They will be wed in a European style garden and dance the night away under the Tuscan stars. Love.

Anyway, what will her groom wear? Michelyn describes her fiance, Cameron as edgy who tends to wear brands like Affliction and True Religion. So, I chose pieces that reflect his style.

First, I chose a black tuxedo blazer with contrast satin trim from Top Man. The cut is shorter and skinnier than a normal tuxedo jacket. I chose slim fit pants also from Top Man. The chambray shirt has been every where this season for a good reason. It's light-weight and soft. It totally dresses down the tuxedo look. The blue bow-tie and red undershirt is a nod to Michelyn and Cameron's wedding colors. We all want that pop of unexpected color. The patent leather high-tops are one of the coolest things I've seen in awhile. I love the sleek, yet artsy look of the watch and the ring. Cameron will also need a very good travel bag from Marc Marmel for this amazing destination wedding. The leather is not too serious as it is slightly cracked and wrinkled. Finally, Michelyn can get the amazing animal themed shot glasses for Cameron. Quirky. Fun. Who can resist mini antlers? I definitely can't.

Come back tomorrow to see what Abbey of Providence Classic has come up with for the couple.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite design board! Leave a comment! - Sam

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Groom Style #20: New Balance

Dress Inspiration? Alvina Valenta Silk Gown

Dress: Alvina Valenta; Shoes: Badgley Mischka via Piperlime

In an ideal wedding world, your ceremony and your reception locations would have the same vibe and style. However, this doesn't always happen. This is the exact dilemma our next bride, Megan, faces. The short, non-religious ceremony will be held in a small "green" church with modern, sleek interiors. The more traditional, evening reception will be held at private club overlooking Raleigh's stunning skyline. Megan is planning to wear this gorgeous silk gown from Alvina Valenta. She wants a balanced look that will complement this dress and her two wedding locations without compromising her groom's taste and style. So, here's what I've come up with.

T-shirt: stylerocket.com; Tux: Roderick Charles; Tie: Saville Row; Ring: Top Man; Shoes: Burton; Pocket Square; Watch: Time Piece Central

Thee modern details of this outfit will help update the traditional tuxedo. First, choose a tuxedo with peaked lapels (so, he doesn't look like a waiter), single button (so, he looks lean) and a pair of flat-front tuxedo pants (so, he looks sharp). Armani and Calvin Klein are known for their modern cuts. Megan's groom, George, can do a quick neck wear change. First, he should start off with a black tie for the ceremony, then put on a bow tie for the reception. Remember to choose a full cutaway, spread collared shirt, like the ones available at 9tailors. Next, angular accessories, such as the watch, pocket square, and the ridged wedding band, will help to create a sleek effect. Next, laces prevent the shoes from looking too casual. Finally, since Megan and George met at the University of Michigan, George can kick-up his feet and relax with a retro UMich t-shirt at the post-reception bash.

Like this look? Leave a comment.

Need help styling your groom? Contact us at weddings@9tailors.com

Groom Style #19: Tux Alternatives

My friends at Evolution of Style are true masters at making amazing tux alternatives for the groom and his wedding attendants. Paired with custom dress shirts from 9tailors and ties from their new accessories collection the look can still be sophisticated, stylish and, most importantly, affordable. Plus, it's way better than renting a tuxedo that's been worn by many, many, many times. Face it ladies (and gents), it's time to take better care of our grooms! After all, they deserve to look distinct and fabulous on their special day too.

All photos below were taken by the most talented photography team, David & Jo, from Allegro Photography.

Groom Style #18: Cocktail hour is calling

Inspiration? 9tailors Cocktail Dress

Dress: 9tailors; Suit: Dolce & Gabbana; Dress Shirt: 9tailors; Leather Bracelet: Balenciaga; Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Cuff links: Paul Smith; Shoes: Prada

Yes. Indeed. Cocktail hour in the city is calling. This post is particularly dear to me because several items above are actually items from our sister company, 9tailors! The ruffle-back dress can do double duty at a chic cocktail event or even on a bridesmaid at a wedding. If electric blue isn't your thing, we have several other really cute colors as well!

For this look, I chose a suit in similar tone and style as the dress. This Dolce & Gabbana suit, which is a navy and charcoal, is a perfect complement to the blue dress. I wanted to keep the shirt within the same electric blue family as the dress. The leather bracelet and boots keep the look tough. Overall, the look is quite serious. But, if you didn't want the look to be overly serious, you can always add a quirky element to it, like the dog and duck cuff links from Paul Smith. And, of course, retro Ray Bans keep the city's setting sun from hurting your guy's eyes.

cocktail calling by sshih featuring Dolce & Gabbana suiting

Groom Style #17: A Rolls and Leo

Inspiration? Pronovias Huesca Gown

(Click on image to enlarge)

Dress: Pronovias; Shirt: Hugo Boss via Saks Fifth Avenue; Tie: Blackties.com; Tuxedo: Dolce Gabbana; Shoes: Dolce Gabbana; Cuff links: Paul Smith; Watch: Seiko; Belt: Salvatore Ferragamo; Ring: About Time; Hair Gel: Jack Black via Nordstrom

A few days ago I received an e-mail from Cydney, a beautiful bride from Texas (By the way, can I just tell you how much I love her name!??!). Cydney's wedding will be set at the at the Aldredge House, an elegant historical estate in Dallas. This is where she will be wearing her lavish Pronovias gown, layers of chiffon ruffles and all. Their colors are mostly neutrals with muted pastels, like sea foam, sage green and lavender. To top it off, they've hired a 1959 Rolls Royce to whisk them away to happily ever after. Simply gorgeous.

Cydney describes her groom as both edgy and athletic. Who's red carpet style is better to mimic than Leonardo DiCaprio? Leo is known for his unique blend of urban sophistication and romanticism. I've chosen some super-luxe pieces including a Salvatore Ferragamo belt and Dolce Gabana tuxedo and shoes. To update the tux, I added a black tie (a bow tie will give a more traditional vibe). By the way, the tie is under $4.00! I mixed in a few affordable pieces, such as the sleek Hugo Boss shirt, wedding band and Seiko watch. To complete the outfit, I added a pair of multi-hued cuff links from Paul Smith.

Love this look? Leave a comment.

E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com if you need help with your groom's style.

honing leo by sshih on Polyvore.com

What's What on Monday: Ooooh sweet lapel!

Today, I wanted to do a quick post on lapels. First, what is a lapel? A lapel is the material around the opening of the suit or jacket that folds back towards your shoulders.

There are actually different kinds of lapels out there: notched, peaked and shawl.


Notched Lapel is sewn to the collar at an angle, creating a step effect. This is the standard on single breasted suits, and is used on nearly all suit jackets, blazers and sports jacket. The size of the notch can vary, and a small notch is called fishmouth. (Source: Wikipedia)
B&BT Tip: This is a universally flattering lapel. This is best on suits, not on tuxedos. But, George Clooney is a fan.

Peaked Lapel is the most formal collar. It is a V-shaped lapel that points up and out just below the collar. This type of lapel is most commonly seen on double breasted-jackets and formal coats (tailcoat, morning coat and dinner jackets). (Source: Wikipedia)
B&BT Tip: This looks a little costumey for my taste. This does not look good on men with broad shoulders. James Bond is a fan.

Shawl Lapel is a continuous curve. Most commonly seen on the dinner jacket (tuxedo). This similarly began as informal evening wear, and was then made in both more and less formal versions, depending on the situation in which it was to be used. (Source: Wikipedia)
B&BT Tip: This is classic, but may seem a little too old-fashion for some. Daniel Craig is a fan.

Need help with your groom's style? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Groom Style #13: Something Blue

Bought a pair of fabulous blue shoes? Get accessories to match!

Inspiration? Christian Louboutin's Blue Patent Ankle Strap Sandals

Shoes: Christian Louboutin; Men's Shoes: Grenson; Tie: Zegna; Cuff Links: Ernest Jones; Watch: Rolex

Something blue featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

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Need help styling your groom. E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Groom Style #12: No tie necessary

I was so excited to receive an e-mail from a lovely bride, Lindsay. Her wedding will be held in beautiful, central Oregon. She is hand-making all 120 napkins and cloth centerpieces from Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry fabrics (Yes!). All of her salt and pepper shakers are vintage (think owls, Marilyn Monroe, etc.) Basically, I'm already obsessed with Lindsay's wedding and I can't wait to see the photos!

Lindsay mentioned that she will be wearing this GORGEOUS ruffled dress from Thread Design. Her groom's style is fairly casual (he likes outdoor gear and snowshoes). So, I chose a neutral toned, organic suit from John Lewis - it's breathable and beautiful. I also LOVE the laid back feeling of this Get Blake shirt! The yellow and neutral tones are not too bright, so it won't compete with the decor of wedding. The wedding band with wood inlay has such an organic vibe to it as well. Finally, the outfit would not be complete without shoes! I chose a pair of brown slip-ons that the groom could wear at the ceremony. Then, he could kick-back with a pair of green, canvas shoes from Lacoste.

Inspiration? Stella Dress from Thread Design

Dress: Thread; Suit: John Lewis; Shirt: Get Blake; Cuff links: Thomas Pink; Sneakers: Lacoste; Ring: Jewelry Vortex; Brown Leather Shoes: Kenneth Cole; Boutonniere via Brides.com

Grooms Style 12 featuring Lacoste shoes

Have a question about what your groom should wear? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

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Groom Style #11: Mad Men

I've been watching episodes of Mad Men lately. However, I find myself wavering over my feelings towards Mr. Don Draper, the main character. In every episode, I have sudden urges to throw trash at the TV (when I hate him) or throw myself at the TV (when I love him). Regardless of his mysterious past, shady interactions with other women aside from his wife, Don Draper always looks dapper in his well-cut suits and slicked back hair. Anyway, I've got retro perpetually on my mind. So, it was very serendipitous when I received an e-mail from Sara, a beautiful bride from Chicago. She'll be wearing her grandmother's gown to her wedding. Love it.

Taking cues from Mad Men's classic tailoring and Sara's extraordinary gown, I decided on a three-piece, two-button pin stripe suit. Keep the suit slim to keep it modern. Sara also mentioned that she was particularly drawn to the bold, graphics of marimekko fabrics. So, a single, red poppy boutonniere would be a perfect, yet subtle nod to this designer. Also, the floral design on the cuff links also add a nice touch to the outfit. My favorite piece is probably the vintage Rolex. It's timeless, unfussy design make this a worthwhile investment.

Inspiration? Grandmother's Vintage Gown

Dress: Vintage; Suit: Roderick Charles; Vest: Dog Funk; Shirt: Jil Sander; Tie: Kaiser Enterprises; Shoes: Paul Stuart; Cuff Links: Loma Collection; Watch: Rolex

Mad Men on Polyvore.com

Like this? Leave a comment.

Or, e-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com if you need help styling your groom.

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 #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