Bridal-Twist: January 2008

Monday

which shape? which gown?

A-LINE : The most flattering style so it's no surprise that this is the most popular shape of wedding gown. A fluid line gently flares from the underarm to the hem on this angular shape.
Who it flatters : Suits most figure shapes and heights but it's an especially savvy choice for thick-waisted or voluptuous women who want to minimize their curves.

PRINCESS : A flared, vertically seamed skirt gives this dress a regal feel.
Who it flatters : This style looks fantastic on most figures, but pear-shaped gals benefit most from its camouflaging cut, which hides fuller hips while balancing the torso.

COLUMN : Straight and sleek, this often-strapless dress has no waistline.
Who it flatters : Perfect for petite and short-waisted women, a column's continuous line adds height to a small frame. Curvy girls should steer clear of its slender shape.

MERMAID : Also known as the fit-and-flare, this sexy dress hugs the waist and hips, then flares from the knees.
Who it flatters : If you're tall, curvy or long-waisted, an hourglass-shaped gown is a showstopping pick.

BALL GOWN : The ultimate fairytale dress with a narrow fitted waistline and a full, flowing skirt.
Who it flatters : Short-waisted and pear-shaped girls should choose this silhouette, since it gives their midsection definition.

SLIPDRESS : Superslinky, this lingerie look skims the body from bustline to hem.
Who it flatters : You need to be in amazing shape to rock this slim-fit cut. A waist-free wonder, it also helps petite women make a statuesque statement.

Thursday

Bridal Hair-Pin BHP01

- SOLD -

Saturday

Figure Fixers

If you're wearing a dress that really takes the plunge - you need a bra that really dips.

Want to ensure that your abs look fab under a close-fitting dress? Don't fret. Invest in a high-waisted support.

When it comes to sexy shapers for the strapless set, a corset is a bride's bosom buddy. For smooth results under a formfitting gown, choose a seamless bustier that sits squarely on the hips, with hidden underwire and lightly padded push-up cups.

A microfiber silicone-lined strapless bra is the perfect solution if you're wearing a backless gown.

Diamonds are Gal's best friend

Learn the 4Cs -Which diamond is right for you?

Cut - The cut determines its brilliance (how sparkly it is!).

Clarity - The degree to which the diamond is free from internal flaws. This is what determines the price.

Gems with no inclusions, or superficial blemishes, are called flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) and are extremely rare.

Most gems have a flaw of some sort. The level of flaws - their number and visibility - is graded.

V V S1 and V V S2 are grades for very, very slightly included diamonds. V V S2 diamonds have fractionally more inclusions than V V S1.

VS1 and VS2 are very slightly included gems. Diamond with a V in the clarity grade are good stones.

Diamonds graded SI1 and SI2 for slightly included and I1, I2 and I3 for included stones are stones with obvious inclusions. These are not quality stones.

Colour - When used in relation to white diamonds, the more colourless the stone the better the quality.

The colour grading scale begins with D, the best colourless stone, and ends with Z. Good stones range from D through I.

A jump in grade from one letter to the next can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in the price.

If you are wondering why the scale begins with D, it is because it replaced a grading scheme with three rungs : AAA, AA and A.

Carat - The weight of the stone, which determines its size. 1 carat is about the size of a small pea.