Archive for the ‘For the Grooms’ Category

Ok, while this don’t technically qualify as a Dazzling Dress, we present something today just for the guys! We love our grooms all dressed up, and we’ve found some fab designs from J. Crew. So, let’s take a look at some of the winning styles that have the gents all suited up for the occasion.

Ludlow one-button shawl-collar tuxedo jacket with double vented back

J. Crew has a few tuxedo options, but this silhouette caught my eye. I love the tailoring of the wool…adds a splash of Cary Grant to the mix.

Ludlow three-button suite with center vent in Italian wool.

Their signature suit. It’s crafted from four-season, world-class wool fabric from Loro Piana. Very modern with a bunch of bespoke quality details. Available in black, charcoal and navy. Love the contrasting beige tie too.

Aldridge two-button suit jacket with center vent in Italian chino

Perfect for the outdoor summer wedding, this crisp and classic look in comfortable cotton twill makes the grade. Shown in wheat, and available in stone or navy.

Ludlow two-button suit with center vent in fine-stripe cotton

A great lightweight option for warm spring and summer weddings with a very subtle stripe. How great is that plaid tie? Tip: Plaid is VERY in this year.

Suite vest in worsted wool

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice fitted vest on a guy? Also known as sharkskin, this shinny wool from Lanificio Di Tollengo makes a statement and looks super sharp. Looks great sans jacket on the dance floor. Shown in charcoal.

The Ring Bearers

Yes, they make suits for the little guys too! Check out these adorable blazers (all come with matching pants). Shown here, the seersucker sportcoat in blueberry stripe, the Italian chino sportcoat in wheat, and the Ludlow suit jacket in charcoal.

Where to buy? Find all these styles at jcrew.com. Some items can be purchased in-store. Check out their Web site or visit or call the J. Crew store at the Arden Fair Mall, 1689 Arden Way in Sacramento (916-924-3657) for more details.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of J.Crew.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Hey you gorgeous Real Weddingsbrides! I know we normally feature Dazzling Dresses on Thursday, but today we thought we’d break with tradition a little and present a little something something for the boys…Bonobos.

I first discovered Bonobos while traveling in a cab through Manhattan…appropriate, since the company is based in the heart of the Big Apple. I was watching one of those pre-tapped news segments on the way from JFK to the city and saw this story about a couple young guys who started a company that made men’s pants…really cool men’s pants. I was so struck by what I learned on the ride from the airport that as soon as I was able to log on to a laptop, I checked out their Web site.

Bonobos prides itself in its fit. Not too baggy, not too tight…just right. And they have variety: khakis, wool, seersucker, neutrals, bold colors, you name it. The pair I finally settled on was a brown wool number with a paisley back pocket liner (I love the details). It fits like a glove.

So now I’m sharing one of my best wardrobe secrets with you…the amazing pants that are Bonobos.

And guess what? They have a wedding page on their Web site just for your grooms-to-be. Here’s how they break it down:

“Sure, it’s not supposed to be about what you’re wearing—But that doesn’t mean you can’t look great. Engagement parties, rehearsal dinners or The Big Day—Bonobos has you covered…

STOCK PANTS

Starting at $88. Wedding parties of 5 or more can take advantage of a group discount on any Bonobos available on our website.

ONE-OF-A-KIND PANTS

Starting at $180. Work with us to create your one-of-a-kind Bonobos look. Choose from our selection of colors and fabrics to make the perfect pant for the occasion.

BLAZERS

Starting at $450. Build your own blazers with a personal touch! We offer a variety of fabrics to pair with both solid and patterned liners.

Full suits available—pricing depends on fabric.

TUXES

Starting at $1100. Tuxes styled to your taste. Using our signature Bonobos fit, give yourself freedom from the world of rentals. We want to help you create the perfect tux for the big day and every day after.

Any Build Your Own Tuxes, Blazers, or Trousers will require a 6-week lead time from the date of delivery.”

Check them out! Now!  Bonobos.com.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Bonobos.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

You might be like, “Etsy, what the heck is that?” 

Etsy is actually an online source for handmade gifts, posted by a variety of artistic vendors from across the country. Think of it as a really cool crafts fair on the Web. I’ve been going here for unique gifts for several years, but it wasn’t until recently when I made a handmade bow tie purchase that I realized what a great hub this site can be for wedding stuff. 

I’m sure many of you would like to make your own wedding favors or cake toppers, and if you have the time and the talent, go for it! For others, it’s not always easy to squeeze a hot glue gun into the schedule. So, before you employ your mom or bridesmaids on putting together little projects, check out Etsy and see what other creative folks have to offer. Here are some of my favorites by their seller name: 

For guys with style, putting a wedding ensemble together doesn’t always start at the tux rental shop.

A trend we’re seeing is that more and more grooms are stepping out of the traditional template and suiting up their own handsome tailored threads.

From made-to-measure suits to colorful pocket squares, dapper dudes are stepping it up and looking sharp (afterall, it’s their big day too).

So, where does the fashionable gent go for a winning look? Retailers like Julius in Sacramento (juliusclothing.net) and Patrick James in Sacramento (patrickjames.com), along with custom clothier like Navin’s (navins.net), have excellent track records outfitting grooms in quality suits and ties.

Another shopping resource grooms are taking full advantage of is the wonderful Web.

Online stores like Fine and Dandy Shop (fineanddandyshop.com) carry a variety of slick accessories, like ties, bowties, ascots and handkerchiefs, at reasonable prices. Plus, they also blog, offering fantastic tips on dressing and current trends, recently posted a lookbook for visual reference.

Fine and dandy, indeed.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Fine and Dandy Shop.