Summer wedding season is here, and whether you’re walking down the aisle, standing up for your best friend or just showing up and dancing the night away, it’s important to consider how you’ll look. In terms of outfits, we certainly have you covered. But what about your hair and makeup on the big day?

More and more brides are taking the DIY approach to their wedding makeup (even Kate Middleton was rumoured to have done it herself!) and it goes without saying that most wedding guests aren’t spending a day at the salon before a friend’s nuptials. But with photographers everywhere and some weddings starting at the crack of dawn and going into the wee hours of the night, it’s advisable to put some extra effort into your hair and makeup.

To get the best advice on wedding day makeup and hair, we turned to the Beauty Panel. With a number of professional makeup artists on the panel, these experts have many weddings under their beauty belts—and plenty of tips for you, regardless of your bride, bridesmaid or guest status.

Challenge 12: How would you do your hair and makeup for a wedding? See the answers now! »

For Fiona Man from Product Wars, wedding day makeup is all about thin layers. By apply products slowly, you can control the pigmentation (no smoky cat eye mistakes for brides!) and ensure that it lasts all day and night long. Janella Panchamsingh from Bold n Beautiful Makeup agrees with the layering technique, but her her, the best bridal makeup is all about coming in under budget. No fancy brushes or expensive palettes are required to get the romantic look she shares with the Beauty Panel.

As for wedding day hair, Toronto Beauty Reviews’s Elaine Atkins shows you how to do an easy, curled bun that’s sure to standout amongst the sea of wedding guests. And if you’re feeling a little more dramatic, take a tip from Secrets From Your Girlfriends’s JJ Cowan: she enlisted the help of some hair extensions to get her show-stopping updo that any bride is sure to covet.

Have a beauty question you want to see the panel answer? Send it our way at beautypanel@fashionmagazine.com. Read on for the answers to this week’s challenge and for more goodness, get to know all contributors on our Beauty Panel hub page.

Jump to: DEE THOMSON | ELAINE ATKINS | ELLIE SOMFELEAN | EMILY CHAN | FIONA MAN | GENEVIEVE PEEKE | JANELLA PANCHAMSINGH | JENNIFER FRANCIS | JJ COWAN |

Photography by ralphandjenny/Flickr

There’s no longer a need for Canadians to line up at the border for hours just so we can take advantage of the many great American outlet malls. This summer, Southern Ontario will have an outlet mall of its own, full of top tier brands and retailers: Toronto Premium Outlets—owned by Simon’s Premium Outlets, the company behind discount shopping destinations in Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Orlando—is set to open just outside of Toronto.

Anchored by a Hudson’s Bay outlet, Toronto Premium Outlets will include everything from fashion brands, like Michael Kors, to home furnishing stores, like Restoration Hardware. And we haven’t even gotten to the best part! The centre will have the first outlet stores in Canada for some cult favourites and top tier designer brands. We’re talking Kate Spade New York, J. Crew, DKNY, Ted Baker London, Polo Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan and Columbia Sportswear, just to name a few. The countdown is on until us shopaholics no longer have to worry about agonizing exchange rates or how much we can take across the border.

Ready to shop? The Toronto Premium Outlets will be conveniently located in Halton Hills (near Pearson International Airport) and is set to open on August 3, 2013. Yep, summer just got a little bit more interesting!

Photography: Taylor by Jody Rogac; Runway by Peter Stigter

See all the details, including Taylor’s Elie Saab couture dress »

As someone who didn’t grow up fantasizing about her big day, Tanya Taylor’s recent walk down the aisle had all the makings of a modern fairytale. The 27-year-old Toronto-born, New York-based designer—who recently showed her Fall 2013 ready-to-wear collection in both cities, earning high praise from editors and buyers alike—spent a year and a half ensuring that her April 20 destination wedding would be as stylish and personal as the clothes she creates. The idyllic locale—the luxe Sandy Lane resort in Barbados—certainly didn’t hurt, nor did the romantic nature of the groom, business development manager Michel Pratte. He proposed to Taylor, after a 10-year on-and-off courtship, with a poem and a spectacular antique ring—an 1890s old-mine-cut diamond in a 1920s art deco setting—that had caught her eye months earlier at an estate jewellery boutique. So far, so dreamy.

Then there was her magical dress: an intricately embellished cloud of white organza by ready-to-wear designer and couturier Elie Saab, based on a showstopper from his Fall 2012 haute couture show in Paris. Better known for his red carpet creations—like Mila Kunis’s pale lavender chiffon gown at the 2011 Oscars and Beyoncé’s heavily embellished curve-hugging column for the February premiere of her documentary, Life Is But a Dream—than his wedding gowns, Saab didn’t immediately spring to mind when Taylor first began her search for The One. “I probably tried on 50 different dresses in New York, and I went to the same bridal shops repeatedly. The salespeople were like, ‘What’s going on? You need to stop coming back here,’” she says, laughing. “I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for.”

When a friend who “collects everything wedding” showed her a few magazine clippings of celebrities wearing Elie Saab couture, she was instantly drawn to his ultra-feminine, highly textural designs and booked an appointment at his Champs-Élysées atelier in Paris. Couture clients have access to Saab’s archive of past and current seasons, and any dress can be custom-made in white or altered to give it a more bridal feel. Before jetting off to the City of Light, Taylor had selected a few front-runners based on her online research, but the moment she walked into Saab’s atelier, she spotted a dress on a mannequin and it was love at first sight. The original haute couture runway version was made of frothy peach organza, embellished with elaborate gold beadwork on the bodice and abstract gold foil flowers on the skirt. A whisper-thin gilded belt encircled the waist. “I wasn’t sure how to make it feel like a bridal gown,” she says, “but we worked together on making that vision come to life.” Her first appointment took place in July 2012, and then she flew back to Paris in November for her initial fitting. “It was really scary—you’ve had all these conversations about fabric and colours and details, and then you walk into a room and the dress is just hanging there. It’s an exciting moment,” she says.

As a designer, Taylor found it challenging to relinquish creative control over her one-of-a-kind wedding dress, especially since it was being made on another continent and most of her communication with the studio occurred via email. “With my [own line], I can change anything,” she says. “If I want to change linings or details or buttons, I have the power to do that, but when it’s in someone else’s hands, you have to trust their aesthetic. The only thing I saw in advance was a fabric swatch from the house to show what the white fabric and silver detailing would look like compared to the original dress. I was so anxious to see what it looked like.” Amazingly, at her first fitting only minor alterations were needed—the dress “fit like a glove.” Saab had added interior corsetry to give the open-backed bodice more structure than the original dress had, which came as a welcome surprise to the bride. A full-length veil was chosen to complement the gown’s stunning three-metre train. “It was a mom-paparazzi session,” says Taylor, referring to her snap-happy mother and mother-in-law, who both attended the appointment. After two more fittings in February, the completed confection was packed into an expandable garment bag that seemed comically compact for a wedding dress, yet it worked because of the featherweight quality of the organza. At this point, she began to focus on designing the bridesmaid dresses: five petal-pink, hand-beaded gowns—all Tanya Taylor originals—with criss-cross halter necklines, princess seams and organza inserts above and below the hips.

The three-day celebration kicked off with an elaborate welcome party at the bride’s mother’s island home, featuring a DJ flown in from New York and food stations from around the world (Canada was represented with traditional fare like poutine and BeaverTails). The couple’s 260 guests, who all stayed at the Sandy Lane resort, were treated to a beach barbecue the next day, which included volleyball and a reggae band and was followed by a ’60s-themed sushi dinner at the hotel that night. The wedding day began with a late brunch, and then guests made their way over to the Sandy Lane Country Club for the mid-afternoon ceremony. The venue was magically transformed into a romantic, slightly wild Great Expectations-style garden (inspired by the couple’s shared love of the classic book) with hanging orchids and three-metre-tall laser-cut trees made from Wenge wood. As for the sparkle factor, the bride paired her breathtaking couture gown with Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cluster earrings and Jimmy Choo silver pebbled leather heels.

Following the reception dinner, the newly minted Mrs. slipped into an ivory silk charmeuse dress with a plunging neckline and an elegant crystal bow from Chanel’s resort 2012 collection, and swapped her Choos for silver Manolo Blahnik heels fit for a princess. At the end of the night, the newlyweds disappeared, leaving a trail of fairy dust behind them.

Summer is fast approaching and that can only mean one thing—the start of the season’s hottest events. With multiple can’t-miss functions occurring around the globe, we want to make sure your wardrobe is ready. From music festivals like Glastonbury to the U.S. Open to the Cannes Film Festival, we have your guide to arriving in style.

FESTIVAL STYLE

U.S. OPEN

CANNES

As the ultimate destination to show off the ever-popular festival style trend, music festivals let you release your inner flower child. You can never go wrong with floral prints, crochet knits and denim cut-offs at a music festival. Though accessorizing with a floppy hat and colourful sunglasses can help you block off that blazing sun, but no festival style look is complete without a floral headpiece.

For those who are heading to sporting events like the U.S. Open this summer, here’s the perfect opportunity to take your stylish gym look to the streets. Stripes and prints are always in season, but with jewel-toned hues and contrasting pops of neon, you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd. Or why not try a dress with a pair of colourful sneakers? No one says you have to be Serena Williams to pull off the chic tennis look.

Being in the midst of the Cannes Film Festival, we’re taking tips from A-list stars as they make their way down the red carpet. This look is all about the glitz and glam, so dress up a pair of black skinny trousers with a gold structured blazer and make your work outfit ready for the evening parties. Why not take notes from starlets like Jennifer Lawrence and stick to basics by donning monochromatic tones and accessorizing with a bold coloured clutch or a statement ring? It’ll make your outfit worthy of being snapped by the awaiting sea of photographers.

Photography by WPA Pool/Getty Images

See this look and others up close »

Nothing brightens up the week quite like an impromptu appearance by the Duchess of Cambridge! The Queen held her first garden party of the year today at Buckingham Palace and low and behold, Kate Middleton was there, along with her in-laws, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and hundreds of other guests.

Considering that many a garden party style guide is based on Kate’s year-round wardrobe choices, it’s basically mandatory that she attend. (Okay, it’s not, but we’re not the only ones who would be disappointed if the garden party went Middleton-less.) Last year Kate wore a pastel-pink pleated Emilia Wickstead dress and this year she stuck with the same designer, though changing up the colour and style.

Coats have long been a favourite wardrobe choice, but since becoming pregnant, Kate Middleton has worn them more and more frequently—making today’s pale-yellow Emilia Wickstead silk coat a stylish-yet-predictable choice. Never the less, Kate looked fantastic as usual, especially with her hair half-up and a simple, cream-coloured Jane Corbett hat perched to the side. (Last seen here.) Kate Middleton also proved that she is just magically better than us mere commoners by wearing a pair of taupe Russell and Bromley pumps: despite walking on the soft lawn, no heel sinkage seems to have occurred. Royals, they’re just not like us.

You will reach an age, dear reader, when you skim through the pages of your summer planner, and suddenly find that every weekend is filled with bridal showers, bachelorette parties and weddings. Wedding season, and all its costly accoutrements, will make your bank account hemorrhage funds, making finding the right outfit even more essential—something versatile enough to make it through your dad’s fifth wedding, your best friend’s first and every one in between.

Shopping for versatile pieces that will last all through wedding season can definitely be a challenge, but fear not, we’re here to provide your wedding style bible complete with 5 stunning street style-inspired looks that work for each style of event. From an edgy, former rock star’s nuptials to your cousin’s synagogue nuptials we tell you how to dress for a wedding from head to toe. “Look for something that could dress up or down,” says Stephanie Brownlow, merchandise manager at popular Toronto boutique Jonathan + Olivia. “It doesn’t need to be black to be versatile.” The perfect item for a summer wedding? “Something comfortable! Breezy, fun and not uptight.”

When it comes down to it, just “do you.”

Jump to: Country Wedding | The Ex’s Wedding | Edgy Wedding | Conservative Wedding | Fashionable Wedding | Black-Tie Wedding

See inside the new J.Crew Pacific Centre location »

No Timberlake suit and tie will get in the way of a woman’s right to cardigans in every colour with the opening of a women’s only J.Crew in Pacific Centre today. The opening makes it the American retailer’s second Vancouver location and seventh in Canada. Bring on the J.Crew!


The more than 4,000-square-foot store on the mall’s lower level launches with the brand’s spring/summer collection. Touring the shop with Tom Mora, Head of Women’s Design, he points out the plethora of eye-catching prints—running the gamut from “Hawaiian sunset” to “punk floral”—and delicate details including embroidery and eyelet. The brand’s beloved cashmere pieces, cropped pants, costume jewellery, pencil skirts, schoolboy blazers and Italian leather shoes and bags are here too. We were chuffed to also find the Sperry Top-Sider for J.Crew boat shoe collaboration.


The store offers their complimentary “Very Personal Stylist” service, one-on-one appointments to provide customers with style guidance. But if you’re asking Mora what five key pieces will take you through summer stylishly, it’s simple: something eyelet, one of their washed shirts (preference for chambray or print), pair of shorts, statement necklace and a linen or cashmere sweater.

Photography by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images and L’Oreal

See these Cannes 2013 red carpet looks up close »
See all the best Cannes 2013 red carpet photos so far »

The Cannes Film Festival is not only an event to premiere new films, it’s also a time to celebrate the timeless films. In commemoration of Cleopatra’s 50th anniversary, many stars, including Jessica Chastain and Milla Jovovich, attended a special edition screening of this classic film last night. Though the two starlets dressed in very different looks (dark versus light, lots of skin versus completely covered), both of these ladies bewitched every single camera in their own glamorous way.

Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain may have been the luckiest girl on the Cannes red carpet. The co-host of the Cleopatra screening donned a Bulgari diamond and sapphire necklace and a matching ring that was given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton as a token of his love. Looking every bit as regal, Chastain allowed her exquisite jewellery to take the spotlight and opted for a simple, long sleeve ivory Versace gown from the Spring 2013 collection, paired with nude platform heels. With finger waves and side-swept hair, Chastain dazzled the red carpet with her natural beauty.

On the opposite end of the colour—and cut—spectrum, model-turned-actress Milla Jovovich exposed a lot more skin on the Cannes red carpet for the anniversary screening of Cleopatra. In a midnight-blue backless Prada dress, complete with crystal embellishments on the skirt, Jovovich looked smoldering as she showed off her toned body. Channeling similar smoky eyes as the Egyptian queen (and Taylor’s signature style), Jovovich finished off her look with a Swarovski clutch and pair of black Prada platform heels. Which look was your favourite? Vote in our poll and let us know!