I have to admit I’ve been completely caught up in the fairytale and glamour of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin’s wedding.

The sumptuous setting, the show of wealth, the beautiful A-list celebrities, the display of love – I’ve been hooked.  I’ve fallen for the fashion fairytale and have developed a serious case of fashion envy.

Amal Alamuddin’s wardrobe for the 3-day event is the stuff of style dreams. The Oscar de la Renta wedding gown, the red and black Alexander McQueen worn at the pre-wedding dinner, the gasp-evoking Giambattista Valli floral couture dress, the black and white Dolce and Gabbana sundress and the black and white palazzo pant ensemble topped off with that amazing Stella McCartney hat.

Her shining beauty coupled with a fairytale wardrobe has created a fashion-fantasy envied and admired by women around the world.  Lucky girl.

But now that Mr Clooney’s nuptial festivities are over (less face it for most girl’s it’s all about HIM) and we go back to our ‘normal’ lives, I’m stuck in a fashion-moment – Amal’s Giambattista Valli couture dress.  I ask myself two questions, what is it about a frock that makes for a fairytale and can a normal girl have her ‘dream dress’ moment (aside from our wedding dress).

To answer these questions I need to ask myself a few more.  Does the dress have to be designed by a world-famous fashion designer?  Does it have to cost thousands of dollars?  Can only a celebrity wear such a dress?  Can it only be worn on a red carpet or in lavish, wealth-strewn surrounds?

My stylist brain screams the answer – a resounding ‘no’.  Of course, wealth and celebrity are usually precursors to fairytale dresses and red-carpet moments but for everyday girls like you and me, it doesn’t take loads or money or fame to wear a dream dress.  A quote by the famous Vogue editor, Edna W. Chase says it best “fashion can be bought, style one must posses”.

It’s true.  Amal Alamuddin has access to wealth, couture designers and the best that money can buy, but that doesn’t mean she’s worthy of ‘style icon’ status.  What we witnessed over the last week that Amal possesses real style and essential ingredients that we can ALL emulate without the wealth and fame – style, attitude and confidence.  She wore it well, and so can you and I.

When you wear a dress that flatters your style and that you feel special in, it changes the way you move and gives you poise and elegance.

Proof in point – some years ago I was attending a charity ball and I had the most beautiful red gown made (by a very talented couture-trained dressmaker).  It was a copy of a Valentino and it fitted to perfection.  I felt so beautiful in the dress and it obviously showed and at the ball a friend said to me “you look like a movie star”. There was my red-carpet ‘dream dress’ moment.

When you wear a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident that’s your dream moment.  When you feel like you can conquer the world, seduce your lover or walk your own red carpet moment, that’s when your dress has created your special moment in time.

I know I can never wear THAT Giambattista Valli couture dress and I’ll never marry a movie-star, but all I need is a copy of red Valentino dress and I have my own movie-star moment at home in my own closet.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE FAIRYTALE DRESSES

Last week I showed iconic dresses that created history-making moments in time.  This week I feature a few of my favourite dream dresses.  What are yours?

Firstly, Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel couture at 2003 Emmy Awards.  Complete with diamond Chanel camellia accessories it was a pink cotton-candy dream.

As one of history’s most stylish women, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had many a fairytale moment.  One of her most famous is the Valentino mint off-the-shoulder dress that she wore for an official visit to Cambodia in 1967.  Jennifer Lopez re-created the moment in 2003 at the Academy Awards.

There is one ‘dream dress’ that every stylish woman yearns for – a red Valentino.  Valentino Garavani created the most glamourous, elegant and drool-worthy gowns and dresses for the rich and famous for 50 years until his retirement in 2008.  His signature red dress was, and still remains, on the ‘dream list’ for stylish women around the world.

Countless fairytale-moments were created for film and real-life by famous Hollywood designer, Edith Head.  Perhaps the most recognized are two dresses – the famous blue and white dresses created for Grace Kelly in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief.  Her granddaughter, Charlotte Casighari, paid homage to her Grandmother when she wore an amalgamation of the two dresses at an official dinner for her Uncle Albert’s wedding in 2011 created by Giambattista Valli.

Another revered Hollywood designer was Helen Rose who created the famous white dress for Elizabeth Taylor for the 1958 movie Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  Fifty-six years later it’s still a dress that all women wish they could wear as well as Liz.

Another Valentino but this time black velvet worn by Julia Roberts at the 2001 Academy Awards.  If you know fashion, then you’ll know that this dress was just one from Valentino’s simply spectacular Fall/Winter couture collection from 1992.  It remains one of my favourite collections of all time.

Do you remember when you first saw the now famous green silk dress that Kiera Knightley wore in Atonement?  I do.  I gasped with the beauty and colour and Kiera wore it so very well.

Design team Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa create the most beautiful red-carpet gowns.  Celebrating 10 years in the business, a Marchesa dress is an A-lister’s ‘go-to’ for red carpets events.

Every collection that Lebanese designer Elie Saab creates literally makes me gasp.  Saab’s feminine and romantic gowns are the stuff of dreams.

This week at CharityDOs we highlight how fashion’s most loved and worn item, the frock, can help in the fight against an insidious disease known as ‘the silent killer’.

The power of the dress is both simplistic and mysterious.  No other item of clothing can make a woman feel more womanly, graceful, sexy or powerful.  A dress is the universal symbol of femininity and is worn by women of all ages, shapes, sizes and nationalities.  It can represent the most important events in a woman’s life – love, success, friendship, family and heartbreak.

The dress represents moments in history that have pushed boundaries, created trends, changed cultures and brought about scandal in all genres from art, culture, celebrity and politics.

Closer to home, the fashionable frock has joined in the fight to find a cure for ovarian cancer and brought about an important fundraising initiative that began in Geelong in 2007 when a group of girlfriends donned dresses, went to their favourite pub, passed a stylish hat around and raised $200 to donate to ovarian cancer research.  This determined group of friends did not stop there and decided to get the rest of Australia involved too – and voilà, Frocktober was born.

Seven years later the Frocktober initiative has raised $800,000 for ovarian cancer research and next month, October 2014, you too have the chance to participate by simply donning a dress to help raise money for an insidious disease that will strike approximately 1500 women of all ages in Australia in 2014.

Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as symptoms can be non-specific and strikes without warning.  There is no early detection test available and usually the cancer has spread before detection and only 20% to 30% of women will survive beyond five years of diagnosis.  In comparison, survival rates increase to 80-100% when ovarian cancer is detected and treated early.

Frocktober helps to raise funds for research into ovarian cancer and their mission statement is:

“For the good of women's health, we'll
Raise our voices, and some wealth.  October, 10th month of the year, we'll
create awareness, knowledge share.  Kick up our heels, reject our jeans
Take Nan's old dress, take to machines ....
Our message is "We're
Beautiful – no matter size or shape".
 Enjoy the month, frock up and please...
Reach deep for FROCK-ing sake!!!”

There are so many easy ways to participate in the Frocktober 31-day challenge.  Wear a frock one day of the month, week, or fortnight in October or of course if you’re up for the challenge, don a frock daily.

As someone who likes a good ‘girlie-get-together’ filled with champagne and laughter, Frocktober’s event suggestions such as hosting a Frocktail party, a frock morning or afternoon tea or a frock swap, are just the ticket for fashionable party girls.

So this October buy, swap, beg, borrow or steal (only from the closets of relatives and friends) a frock for the month of October and help raise money for this important cause.  Visit the event page to find out more.

ICONIC DRESSES IN HISTORY

Here are 10 frocks that created unforgettable moments in history.

PORTRAIT OF MADAME X

This little black dress caused scandal in Paris society in 1884. The painting of young socialite Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau by John Singer Sargent was considered highly suggestive in manner and dress and caused Gautreau to retire for sometime from society.  It also curtailed Sargent’s career as a portrait painter in Paris.

A NEW LOOK

Coco Chanel remains fashion biggest influence and revolutionized the way women dressed in the twentieth century.  Chanel did away with the restricting corsets, elaborate headwear and long dresses of the day and gave women freedom in the form of short, uncluttered dresses in shades of black, white and beige.

DIAMOND’S ARE GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

In the movie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe’s pink satin strapless gown and diamond accessories is a iconic cinematic moment.  Modern-day copies such as Gwenyth Paltrow’s pink Ralph Lauren dress for the 1999 Oscars have not come close.

BLACK MAGIC

You can’t have a list of history’s most iconic dresses without including Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  Both the long black evening dress and chic day dress are perhaps the most famous and well-loved frocks of all time.

THE MONDRIAN DRESS

Yves Saint Laurent’s Mondrian dress was a masterpiece in tailoring and fit.  Inspired by the abstract paintings of Piet Mondrian, the dress was a demonstration of the best of dressmaking skill and artistic genius.  The dress was a huge success with the well-dressed and wealthy and also a huge commercial success with the design being mass produced around the world.

DVF WRAP DRESS

The invention of the wrap dress in 1973 by Diane Von Furstenberg is one of the most successful fashion ventures to date and is still being created 41 years later.  The end.

THE REVENGE DRESS

Princess Diana’s LBD dress was dubbed the ‘revenge dress’ when she attended a Vanity Fair party after her separation from Prince Charles in 1994.  The sexy dress represented her freedom from the restraints of royal dressing and gave her ex-husband and his family a huge and well-deserved middle finger.

THE SAFETY PIN DRESS

Both the dress and Elizabeth Hurley became a household name in 1997 when Hurley stepped out on the arm of Hugh Grant to attend the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere.  Lady Gaga recently wore the dress but the impact shadowed in comparison to the original moment in time.

THE J-LO MOMENT

Another celebrity on the red carpet and another Versace creation, Jennifer Lopez’s revealing floral at the 2000 Grammy’s still lingers in our minds 14 years later.

ROYAL WEDDING DRESS

Perhaps the most anticipated and watched wedding dress of all time, Kate Middleton’s magnificent Alexander McQueen bridal gown was loved by millions around the world, but her sister Pippa’s bridesmaid proved to be the most critiqued.

‘Culottes’ a simple word but which often strikes fear into the hearts of multitudes of women. But fear not. Style culottes correctly and they are a versatile and stylish option that work across the seasons.

That latest trend to hit the runways for this Spring/Summer is the culotte.

Culottes are usually described as “a split or divided skirt or any garment which hangs like a skirt, but is actually pants”. The fashion-set call them “wide-legged cropped pants” but whichever term you prefer, the culotte is a versatile and flattering option for women of all ages, shapes and sizes and a stylish choice for the many upcoming charity events listed on the CharityDos website.

Here are my style tips for how to wear and style culottes:

• NO FEAR: Approach wearing culottes like an A-line skirt and wear them that way. Easy.

• LENGTH: My most important style tip for ‘real women’ wearing a culotte is the length. The most flattering and versatile style sits on the lower calf which gives the appearance of a slimmer and longer legs.

• STYLE: Again for ‘real women’ the most flattering style of culotte is a softer, more voluminous style, like a skirt. If you’re taller and slimmer, various lengths and styles will suit.

• HEEL HEIGHT: Yes, the fashion trend for summer is flat sandals and brogues, and for the young and trendy go for it, but for ‘real women’ I recommend wearing your culotte with a mid or high-heeled shoe in softer, feminine styles such as ankle-straps or t-bars.

• BALANCE: For most women, the key to wearing a culotte is to balance the volume down below with sleeker top. A slim-fit crisp white shirt, a fitted tee, or a defined jacket is the perfect balance.

• STYLING TIPS: With the balance rule in mind, choose a style that suits your lifestyle or event. Are you going to a smart lunch? Opt for a crisper, classic style paired with a fitted jacket or cotton shirt. Attending a friend’s BBQ? A softer, more feminine version in a print or floral is perfect. Do you want to be directional and on-trend? Go for a wider-leg styled with short crop top.

Wear your culottes with confidence and attitude (like Ms Beckham) and they are a fashionable and functional option for your wardrobe all year round.

In my previous blog on what to wear to a charity ball, I mentioned that a glamourous gala event gown warrants a ‘red carpet worthy’ handbag and a beautiful hand-held clutch, or more specifically a minaudière, is the perfect accoutrement to event dressing.

As Google states a minaudière is “a small, decorative handbag without handles or a strap” but in general terms today it is usually a small, hard-cased hand-held clutch (can include a strap) often embellished with crystals, jewels or decorative finishes and in textures such as satin or metallic.

The creation of the minaudière dates back to the early 1930’s and is attributed to Charles Arpel co-founder of the Parisian jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels, who while visiting his socialite friend Florence Jay Gould, saw her use a Lucky Strike cigarette tin to carry her lipstick and other personal items.  Arpels was then inspired to design a metal rectangular evening bag that he called minaudière after his wife Estelle “whose mannerisms, or minaudières, enchanted her entourage” (as seen on www.vancleefarpels.com).

It is also understood that Arpels drew inspiration from bejeweled metal makeup boxes known as a "nécessaire de beauté" which at that time were highly decorative metal boxes to hold beauty essentials such as lipstick, compact, cigarette holder, etc.

Following Arpel’s creation, minaudières became covetable hand-crafted objets d’art made from precious metals and highly decorated with luxurious jewels and decades later, minaudières have become entrenched in fashion and celebrity culture and the essential piece de resistance on the red carpet.

With every new fashion season, luxury fashion houses design covetable hand-made limited-edition minaudières which fashionistas around the globe pay thousands of dollars to own; case in point, the Alexander McQueen skull-clasp box bag released in 2010 sold out around the globe in a matter of days.

Perhaps the most famous modern-day creator of minaudières is US-based Judith Leiber who for over 50 years has created elaborate, crystalised bags that have become the status symbol of wealthy women around the world.  Her whimsical designs include cupcakes, animals, fruit, plants and teapots.

If you’re budget and taste for the dramatic does not extend to Judith Leiber, there are many local designers and fashion labels that create beautiful minaudières (such as Colette, Mimco, Olga Berg and Adorne) for a fraction of the price but with maximum style.

A minaudière is the defining element for your gala event ensemble.  It adds elegance and a touch of drama and styles from elaborate jewelled creations to simple yet uber-chic styles.   Paired with your gala event gown, this beautiful little bag makes a very big and stylish statement.

Style Info:  1.  Colette by Colette Hayman Evie sequin clutch $39.95; 2. Lanvin at www.netaporter.com; 3. Judith Leiber at www.judithleiber.com; 4. Olga Berg diamante hard case clutch $119.00

Last week was Paris Fall 2014 Couture and I’ve been consistently floating off to fashion heaven at the jaw-dropping and glamourous gowns shown on the runway.  As they are still ingrained in my fashion-psyche, I thought it’s the perfect time to provide CharityDOs’ readers with some style advice and tips on how to choose that perfect dress to wear to one of the many charity balls and galas advertised on the CharityDOs website.

A ball, gala or black-tie event is the perfect occasion for you to have your ‘Cinderella moment’ and wear a beautiful ground-sweeping gown, fairy-tale shoes, dazzling jewels and glamourous hair and makeup.  It’s the time for you to sparkle and be red-carpet worthy just like your favourite celebrity.

Whether you’re attending the Hear and Say Annual Thiess Fundraising Ball in Brisbane, the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball in Melbourne or the Christmas in July Black Tie Fundraiser in Geraldton, Western Australia, by following a few hard and fast style rules you can be as dazzling and glamourous as the celebrities who walk the Oscars red carpet.

Comfort and Fit

What’s the most important style-rule in choosing a gown for your gala event?  Comfort – absolutely, unequivocally, non-negotiable.  If you’re starting point for your gown is not comfort and ease-of-wear then hang up your frock and sit this one out.  Your gown should be an extension of your daily personal style and right for your body, shape and age.  It’s not about choosing the most outlandish, extravagant, un-wearable gown – it’s about choosing a fit and style that works for you because what’s the point of wearing something that might look great but is uncomfortable and almost impossible to wear? 

This is not to say you can’t add a little ‘make-believe’ glamour to your black-tie style, just start from a point of fit and comfort and you’re not just going to LOOK like a princess you’re going to FEEL like one.

Style

Elegant and shapely is the optimal style to choose for your ball gown – garish, over-the-top and showing WAY too much skin (anywhere on the body) banishes you straight to style-exile never to return.  If you’re young with a body like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, then show off your curves with a body-skimming sheath style and if you’re not then highlight your good points and hide the rest.

Some general style rules for various body shapes include an A-line or full-skirted gown to conceal bigger hips and thighs with a fitted bodice to balance out proportion.  Empire lines are generally good to hide tummy areas and for those with a smaller bust.  If you’re shapely you could choose a mermaid style that is fitted and flares out at the knees.  If you have a beautiful décolletage, show off your assets with a strapless gown.

Fabric and Colour

So very important.  Shiny, stiff or cheap fabric is your worst enemy and will highlight every lump, bump and flaw and will not encourage the paparazzi to photograph your journey down the red carpet. Sumptuous and quality silks, chiffons and velvets (for cooler months) are the best and most elegant options.

Don’t overdo the sparkle with over-done embellishments or sequins which will only scream ‘Liberace’ rather than Naomi and avoid too much fabric, i.e. a huge-skirted gown will make you look like a bad version of Scarlett O’Hara.  The colour of your gown should be flattering to your skin tone and age and for ladies over 40, avoid harsh, bright colours or trend-driven patterns. Often a soft pastel shade is a flattering option.

Accessories

Beware overkill and apply the KISS rule to accessories. 

If your dress is highly embellished, keep accessories elegant and minimal and opt for a ‘style duo’, e.g. earrings and a cocktail ring.  Gowns that are simpler in style can be paired with statement-style accessories such as chandelier earrings and a jeweled cuff or crystal bangles.  If you’re feeling a little bling-heavy, perhaps try Coco Chanel’s rule – take one piece off before you go. 

Shoes and Bags

Gala events call for Cinderella-style shoes so add a little sparkle and embellishment, using the KISS rule of course.  Elegant and classic styles such as sexy strappy sandals (think Jimmy Choo), elegant peep-toes or sling-backs with stiletto heels work best.  If sparkly is not for you, tone your shoe with your frock or go for nude to complement rather than detract. Under no circumstance does one wear chunky or closed-in shoes, boots or summer-inspired wedges!

There is only one bag to choose to complement your ball gown and that is an elegant hand-held clutch.  Whether the finish is embellished, metallic or unadorned, this is the only option.

Beauty

There is a fine line between glamour and overdone when it comes to hair and makeup.

For hair, choose elegant and softer looks such as a tousled up-do or natural wavy tresses.  Always!  If you do want to try a more elaborate up-do, then please leave it in the hands of a professional and book yourself into your hairdresser.

Your choice of makeup is dependent upon age and skin tone however a well-blended smoky eye and soft blush is a fabulous choice.  A common error is to pile on heavy foundation which is instantly aging and unflattering.  A dewy, natural finish will always enhance and flatter your look.

Finish off gala beauty routine with a natural sun-kissed glow – provided by favourite tanning salon of course.

Red carpet perfection!

Finally, look to the runway or red carpet for style inspiration when choosing your ball gown.  Celebrities such as Rosie, Kate, Naomi, Julianne and Helen consistently tick all the right style-boxes and deliver red-carpet looks in an age-appropriate and uber-stylish way.

Years ago I had a gold satin evening gown - so this J. Mendel gown (Neiman Marcus Website) caught my eye.

It's colour and shape are divine! Simply elegant  with fine gold jewellery, handbag and shoes - nothing too chunky. 

A lovely fluffy evening stole? Although, understated often looks more elegant. 

However, this colour will not suit everyone. It does looks good on the blond model.  

Would you wear this evening gown? See more Evening Gowns on CharityDOs PINTEREST