Decoding Wedding Dresscode Jargon

Check out the article below that was posted on  SAVVYTOKYO.COM.  I dish about what to wear for the season of LOVE, and decoding those intimidating Wedding dresscode formalities.

Wedding season is approaching and for some, it may have already started. As the invitations are coming in, it is likely you’re having internal dialogue, pondering on what to wear to each event. Decoding the formality “lingo” can be mind-boggling. What does semi-formal even mean? Does black tie, mean a ball gown and gloves? How do I look chic and still beat the humidity at a formal beach soiree? Well whether you are planning for your niece’s garden ceremony or a college roommate’s chic reception in the city, you want to find a look that is both stylish and suitable for the occasion. If only it were that black and white!

However, here are a few tips that facilitate you to play the “style-safe card” this wedding season and may take a few question marks out of that conversation bubble above you.

Beach Nuptuals

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 Beach weddings get their own little sub-category as they have a wide range of formality depending on the venue, location and whether or not you are physically on the beach. Here are a few golden rules that will keep your style fitting for both a casual and formal beach party.

 Just because it says “beach” does not mean cover-ups, flip-flops or dare I even mention shorts? To pull of a perfect look for a seaside ceremonies opt for breathable fabrics and those that can withstand wind and sand such as a chiffon, linen or cotton jersey. Colors in lush greens, blues and deep coral hues are perfect compliments to the natural surroundings. Aim for a length that hits around the knee, a maxi, or flowing dresses with ethereal draping.  Such as this turquoise, linen dress from Shopbop.com (31,655 JPY) or this high low, bandeau dress from H&M (5,490 JPY). For footwear, an esphedrile wedge or cute gladiator sandal are best to maneuver in the sand or grass.

 Additional accessories: Make sure to pack your sunglasses for a daytime ceremony and a carry a soft pashmina to take the edge off coastal winds. For added glam, stack up on the bangles and polish it off with a colorful statement necklace.

Semi Formal:  this is a tricky dress code to decipher and in the summer it is even more open for interpretation. When the wedding takes place during the day, aim for lighter hues and softer fabrics and lean toward a more formal look for evening events. Here are a few examples when a “semi-formal” requirement might make an appearance.

CITY CHIC

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Whether the party is inside an art gallery or a hotel ballroom, this is your time to take your style to the fashion limit. Find inspiration from the urban atmosphere with cutting edge styles, interesting silhouettes and cocktail dresses in metallic’s or rich hues like this BCBG Satin dress in deep navy (around 53,000 JPY) or this vibrant, one shoulder River Island dress (around 6,200 JPY). Both from Asos.com. Strappy sandals or stiletto pumps will compliment the look.

Additional Accessories: A large cocktail ring and modern clutch will look flattering with this evening attire.

Garden Party

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The floral trend has beyond blossomed this year but try your hardest to not blend in with the ceremony backdrop. Go for a contemporary take on the trend with mixed patterns or choose a bright or pastel solid hue. Such as these dresses found at the Ted Baker store in Omotesando. Mixed pattern cocktail dress (24,000JPY), graphic print, pastel maxi Dress (31,000JPY). For shoes, choose a wedged or stacked heel to avoid grass stains on stilettos and to avoid irrigating the garden lawn with poky heels.

Additional Accessories: Keep accessories soft and elegant like the setting. Simple jewelry such as pearls or delicate necklaces will look stylish and graceful. A charmng clutch or small handbag will coincide with the rest of the look.

Black Tie

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The most formal of all dress codes, Black Tie is the time to bring on the drama. The hosts chose a formal ceremony for a reason so dive in head first with the glam. A floor length gown such as this Alice and Olivia metallic weaved dress (38,156JPY) is an option for an evening gown required party. A midi length formal dress such as this draped crepe dress by Vivienne Westwood (around 50,000 JPY) will also suit the fancy festivities. The sky is the limit for footwear.

Additional Accessories: Be sure to bring out the bling.  All that glitters is gold. Polish off the look with dramatic makeup and coiffed hair.

Tops Designers X Summer's Top Trends

Some of today's trending brands have teamed up with top designers to bring you exclusive summer wardrobe basics that will stand out against the originals. Are you looking to sprinkle your closet with a few more accessories, or maybe some new shoes? Check out these special collaborations that add just the right amount of edge to your favorite classics. Check out this article I wrote for Tokyo's online magazine, SAVVY TOKYO

Converse X Maison Martin Margiela

Converse sneakers have come back in full force, placing them the closets of everyone from 14-year-old hipsters to 45-year-old soccer moms. Their demographic has no boundaries and they could be up for nomination as the most comfortable sneaker ever made. So it is to no one’s surprise that the uber trendy brand collaborated with French Fashion house Maison Martin Margiela. The team joined forces to transform Chuck Taylor All Star and Jack Purcell sneakers into ingenious pieces of art. Each pair has been hand painted in the luxury brand’s iconic white paint. The natural movement of the feet when walking causes the paint to crack and reveal the sneakers’ original color. Available at Maison Martin Margiela.

 Takayuki Kijima X 5525 Gallery

A hat that will look chic in the city and practical at the beach is a marriage that is not easily found. However, renowned hat designer Takayuki Kijima teamed up with 5525 Gallery to create a minimalistic panama hat in both white and black that screams versatility. The wide brim and high quality weave make for a perfect summer piece to rock both on and off shore this season, then stow away for future vacations. Available at United Arrows.

Pharrell Williams X Uniqlo

With Nigo bringing a “new standard” to Uniqlo’s UT brand, it was only a matter of time before his righthand man, Pharrell Williams, would be next up for a collaboration. Pharrell’s spring and summer 2014 capsule collection for UT was designed under the “I Am Other Collective.” The highly anticipated collection features a variety of graphic t-shirts and hats for both men and women.  The concept is clear, with slogans such as “The Same is Lame,” and t-shirts sporting the word “Other” followed with its definition in dictionary format. The t-shirts employ the same thick yarn and tubular construction as those Nigo launched earlier this year. Available now at Uniqlo stores.

 Sacai Luck X Birkenstock Tatami

If you haven’t purchased this summer’s essential slide sandal quite yet, then maybe a designer collaboration will encourage you to take the plunge. Chitose Abe, the Japanese designer behind the buzz-worthy Sacai brand, teamed up with Birkenstock Tatami on these cool yet comfortable sandals, which are sold under her Sacai Luck label. By adding an inch-and-a-half platform, the petite Abe did what would seem to be impossible and brought a little sex appeal to these practical shoes. Available online from Barneys.

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UniqloME

Ok, I swear I am not Uniqlo obsessed, but they pretty much run the retail scene out here in Japan and they are taking the bull by the horns lately in collaborations. All that and I am currently covering some fashion news for SAVVY TOKYO and hear about all the innovative and ingenious new rabbits this mega-brand keeps pulling out of their hat.

Recently, I wrote about the new app called UTme for Savvy Tokyo. Check out the article below to hear how you can create your one t-shirt via your smartphone and make sure to like Savvy Tokyo on Facebook and follow on Instagram to get up-to-date news on everything fashion in Tokyo and Japan.

"In a world of fast fashion and designer spinoffs, original pieces seem obsolete. Well what if I told you that one-of-a-kind fashion is right at your fingertips, and with just a click, swipe or shake, you can be the designer of your own t-shirt via a smartphone or tablet?"

Japan’s own major retailer, Uniqlo, just launched its newest venture, called UTme. The service allows customers to design their own t-shirt on a whim by uploading photos, typing in slogans or even create their own “finger painting,” all with nothing more than a smartphone application. Let your creative juices flow. The app includes special effect components such as splashed paint, “glitches” in the image, and a dotted mosaic effect, which are applied with just a shake of the phone for additional personalization. Once you’ve channeled all your inspiration onto your masterpiece, the t-shirt order is placed through the app and delivered to your home. Currently the service is limited to those within Japan only.

If you’re too anxious to wait for delivery, Uniqlo has temporarily set up a workshop on the fifth floor of its flagship store in Ginza. Customers are able to design their shirts using an iPad in the store and then watch the production process in action.

T-shirts are reasonably priced at ¥1,990 plus tax and delivery (shipping is ¥450, but free if you order three or more t-shirts at once).

Pharell X Uniqlo "I am Other"

With Nigo bringing a "New Standard" to Uniqlo UT, it was to no one's surprise that his right hand man, Pharrell Williams  would be next up for a collaboration.

Pharrell's S/S 14 capsule collection for Japan's mega retailer, Uniqlo UT, was designed under the "I Am Other collective". The highly anticipated collection will feature a variety of graphic t-shirts and hats for both men and women.  The concept is clear, with slogans such as "The Same is Lame", and a graphic print of multiple choice question boxes with clearly "other" chosen. The t-shirts are the same thick yarn and tubular construction as those Nigo launched earlier this year. This is just the first taste of Pharrell we will experience at Uniqlo, but somethings tells me if won't be the last.

Check out a few pieces from the "I AM Other" collection below:

I wrote a previous post about NIGO's first collection as Creative Director for Uniqlo UT "The New UT". As the loyal fan I am, I copped a few and these are my cool kid tees.