By Liz

I often recommend patterned dresses for bridesmaids inspiration, and this week is no exception! The power of patterns is their versatility.

Striped dresses might sound really overwhelming but in the right colors and settings, it can be that extra pop for your wedding theme. The dresses in this collection are more appropriate to summer months but a similar idea could work for a Fall-Winter occasion when done in muted colors and heavier fabrics.

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Lemon and Lime Dress - This is a more casual take on the seaside theme: a cotton sheath dress in a stormy teal with pale lemon stripes. Try pairing this one with ballet flats and wide brim straw hats. (ModCloth)
• Pink and Navy Wrap Dresses from RR by Reuben Reuel - Don't let your bridesmaids forget their sunglasses when they put on this hot pink and bright blue wrap dress by Reuben Reuel. Yacht wedding, anyone? (eDressMe)
• Stripe One Shoulder Dress - The washed out blue-green stripes on this Thread Social dress are the perfect, gorgeous color for a seaside wedding. It's also in a slightly retro silhouette with one-shouldered, two-tiered skirt. Unique and adorable. (ShopBop)
• Color Block Short Dress - The wide stripes on this full, pleated skirt are more like color blocks. In stark white, black, and deep red, this dress would work for a wedding with strong Bauhaus or modernist theme. (PromGirl)
• Ditto Sleeveless Dress from Trina Turk - A hot tomato red sheath dress by Trina Turk looks modern Mod with silver studs forming just a few bands. (eDressMe)
• Starlet of Style Dress - Stripes are going crazy on this dress! But in a real good way: the peppermint-pink and cream stripes come together in a neat chevron on the skirt and cross to form a sassy neckline. Something about this says to me "Coney Island-themed wedding". (ModCloth)

Find more keep it striped: dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

Selecting a color palette is one of the first wedding planning decisions a bride has to make. Your palette ties together all your event elements--from wedding invitations, to table decorations, and even your cake. For weddings that take place late in the year, work with nature's shorter days and cooling light by selecting gentler colors.

This week, I was inspired by these floral arrangements by New York floral and event design firm, poppies and posies. They combined pale white and pink poppies with darker flowers for a striking but sweet, wintery look. The birch wrapping around the table centerpieces is a perfect touch of natural countryside.

For a color palette of simple white colors with black accents, there is literally a world of bridesmaids dresses to match! I've picked out a few below but make sure to check out my Dressing Room for more.

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• Moschino Bow Collar Dress - A sassy dress by Moschino with a statement-making "fish mouth" collar and bow (Zappos)
• Strapless Gown by Bari Jay - Amazingly draped long white gown has a sweetheart strapless neckline and charmeuse trim under the bust (PromGirl)
• Flirty Dancing Dress - Darling with an oversized bow, flared skirt, and relazed, slightly crumpled looking fabric (ModCloth)
• Short Belted Bridesmaid Dresses by Alexia Designs - Tea-length, strapless dress in powdery baby blue features a belted waist with diamante detail (eDressMe)
• Full Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses from After Six by Dessy Group - Full length chiffon dress in a classic shape is a no-brainer for an elegant bridal party (eDressMe)
• Long Dress with Mesh - Covered up does not mean unsexy with this a loose and breezy floor length silk gown by a fave designer, ADAM. The delicate, barely-there floral print lends the dress additional texture (Shopbop)

Find more pale and elegant dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

A really wonderful trend in weddings today is the creative combination of cultural traditions. Many couples are acknowledging and honoring their different heritages by having ceremonies that are a nod to their family's past and also the multicultural present. Last year, I attended a good friend's wedding in Senegal where the bride and groom chose to have a series of events from Senegalese, Pakistani, and Indian cultures with the result being a gorgeously colored and completely unique celebration. There are so many beautiful, rich, and textured aspects to multicultural weddings in both a visual and spiritual sense. As a guest to a multicultural wedding, follow the theme by picking up a dress inspired by outfits from abroad.

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Free People Bollywood Princess Dress - Free People is known for drawing on ethnic influences, and this one is a modern and urban take on the energetic colors and sparkle of Indian Bollywood. (Zappos)
• Lavender Labyrinth Dress - A super cute flouncy dress in lavender and canary yellow print that resembles a labyrinth. The Mayans would approve of it's complexity, I think! (ModCloth)
• Bollywood Party Dress - Another dress with Bollywood footnotes--this floor length, empire-waist gown with deep-V neckline is seriously sexy. (Couture Candy)
• Vivienne Westwood Temperance Dress - This glamarous draping of this dress by Vivienne Westwood is a sure showstopper, and the vibrant print channels the 1920s influence of Oriental art on American design. (Zappos)
• Tribe Has Spoken Dress - The grey and navy print on this dress looks like it was inspired by African or Indonesian wood carvings and turns a traditional Western silhouette into a memorable dress. (ModCloth)
• Run, Florist, Run Dress - A Mexican-inspired bright blue dress with floral embroidery across the bodice and tiered skirt is fun and flirty. (ModCloth)

Find more international dresses for party guests and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

It's 95 degrees outside in New York right now but it's never too early to start thinking about Fall fashion. Greys are a timeless part of the autumnal color palette and once again, showed up across Fall 2010 runways, from Marc Jacobs' heathered wool dresses to full-skirted tea length dresses at Prada. It's really not the drab color that you think it might be -- from frosty silvers to matte gunmetal, greys can lend a sophisticated elegance to your wedding color scheme. Grey bridesmaids dresses are also a wonderful backdrop for a pop of color: accent these dresses with fiery oranges and hot pink in your bouquets and accessories.

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• A-line One Shoulder Floor-length Sleeveless Chiffon Quick Delivery Dress (OFGH0306) - The power of grey--this one-shouldered chiffon dress shows how a lovely, delicate color like dove grey can handle a lot of design action: amber embellishments around the bust, grecian gathering across the bodice, and peach lining along dramatic floor-length ruffle. (LightInTheBox)
• Montage by Mon Cheri Dress 210979 - For the mother of the bride, a dramatic shiny gunmetal with a gathered trumpet skirt and ruched-and-rhinestoned bodice. (TJ Formal)
• Moonlight Val Stefani Bridesmaid Dress VS9039 - This Moonlight Val Stefani bridesmaids dress has a similar shape to that of the Venus, but comes in a strapless sweetheart neckline and diagonally shirring across the bust. (TJFormal)
• Mori Lee Bridesmaid Dress 428 - Romantic details like a rosette accent and flowing sash make this Mori Lee dress a cute and elegeant choice. Shown here in a warm platinum grey chiffon with contrasting ivory top.(TJ Formal)
• Venus Bridesmaid Dress 943617 - This cool pewter gown has that universally flattering A-line skirt with natural waistline, and the waist sash can be fashioned in the color of your choosing.(TJ Formal)
• Elie Tahari Cally Dress - A dark grey sheath dress made more shapely and interesting with darts at the waist and ruffle detailing at the neck and along its princess seams. This one definitely calls for brightly colored heels.(Zappos)
• Forever Yours Bridesmaid Dress 79118 - Forever Yours Collections allows brides and their friends to customize these shiny charcoal taffeta dresses into the length and style you desire. (TJ Formal)

Find more grey bridesmaid dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

Flowers and greenery at a wedding create a lush and verdant setting, so why not bring this feeling to your bridal party? Floral bridesmaids dresses make for a unique and romantic wedding party. Just use caution around overly bright prints and floral patterns with large flowers, as these have the potential to be gaudy.

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Shoreline Spa Dress - The bold, floral print on this navy dress invokes the feeling of a tropical island, suitable as the backdrop to your beach wedding. Short and with princess seams at the waist, this dress proves that the right silhouette says "Hawaiian" without saying "muu-muu".
• D&G Junior West - Floral Dress (Toddler/Little Kids/Big Kids) - How about flowers for the flower girl? A nice match to the Hugo Boss dress above, this is a beautifully detailed silk dress with a tiered skirt and adorable flounces at the shoulder.
• Flowers in the Fountain Dress - This short and sweet number is absolutely dreamy with its blue floral print and flouncy skirt. Very garden-wedding appropriate.
• Alyce Designs Strapless Floral Dresses - A strapless, floor length chiffon gown covered in violets is perfect for a wedding full of southern belles.
• Mori Lee Bridesmaid Dress 840 - This satin Mori Lee dress comes in a romantic watercolor-like floral print with a contrasting sash.
• BOSS Hugo Boss Anjana - If elegant-boho is more your style, florals can work for your wedding when done in a delicate, vintage-y tiny print on feather weight silk. The pintucks and loose shape are also a great modern take on a retro print.
• Jones New York Dress, Sleeveless Banded Waist Floral - This cocktail length, sheath dress has a bolder, almost autumnal floral pattern. The styling would fit right in at a wedding set at a country club or vineyard setting. For an even more traditional, vintage look, pair it with wide-brimmed straw hats and gloves!

Find more floral bridesmaid dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

When you wear sequins to hit the dance floor, you mean business! From retro glamor to sassy and cute, shimmering bridesmaids dresses will put your friends and guests in the mood to cut a rug. With little--or a lot!--of sparkly embellishments, these cocktail dresses do double duty for the wedding and afterparty.

While most weddings start in the daytime, everyone knows that the after-party runs well into the night. Bridesmaids need a dress that can carry them from day to night with style, and that's where a little bit of shine comes to the rescue. Sequins and sparkled beading will ensure that friends are in a party mood all around the clock. They can also create a surprising diversity of effects--beachy, retro, sweet, and more.

Trust me, it will not look too disco! Just make sure to keep the hems cocktail-length to prevent your bridal party from looking too-much like a Ms. America parade.

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Jovani Cocktail Dress 152001 - A body-conscious, banded hot pink dress with sequined contour lines, there's something about this dress that says "Miami Beach/ LA / Atlanta" in a very distinct and powerful way! (TJ Formal)
• Terani Black and White Sequin Dress - This is a strapless black and white dress is pure glamour. With a flared skirt and zig zagging white sequins, your friends will want to dance in all night in their party-ready dresses! (PromGirl)
• Green and Yellow Babydoll Dresses by BG Haute - A floaty paradise-inspired cocktail dress in tropical green and canary yellow -- perfect for a beach-destination wedding. (eDressMe)
• Jovani Cocktail Dress 155427220 - The sleeveless, sheath, LBD stands out from the crowd once it's done in allover raven-like black sequins. For the bridal party that leans toward dark glamor. (TJ Formal)
• Jovani Cocktail Dress B1551194140 - Usually tame daffodil yellow gets a kick from shimmery beading and sequins. Your bridesmaids will feel super sunny and happy this dress! (TJ Formal)
• Jovani Cocktail Dress B155482200 - In full-on platinum shine, these sleek cocktail-styled dresses are modern, elegant, and unforgettable. Wear these with the immaculate, wavy hairstyles of the 1940s for an Old Hollywood-styled wedding. (TJ Formal)

Find more Shimmering Bridesmaids Dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

Say you're the architectural type and dramatic modernism is your style. Frippery and florals just won't do but on the other hand, you don't want your wedding photos to look like a scene out of Star Trek! Dresses with clean, sweeping lines, elegant drapery, and sleek silhouettes can lend a thoroughly urban modern look to your bridesmaids. Also, skip any kind of overly stiff or shiny fabrics to avoid looking too costume-y.

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Draped Bandeau Dress - Intriguing drapery in luxe silk (Shopbop)
• Classic Black Dress With Tie - This little black dress is definitely re-wearable friendly (Couture Candy)
• Long Inverted Triangle Bridesmaid Dresses - The crossed sashes under the bust are flattering and subtly geometric (eDressMe)
• Cocktail Inverted Triangle Bridesmaid Dresses - Same dress done a little more sweetly in cocktail length! (eDressMe)
• Belted Long Sweater Dress - Lightweight jersey helps bridesmaids elegantly withstand a summer heatwave, while dark navy keeps things elegant (Shopbop)
• One Shoulder Love Dress in Black - One shouldered with a long sleeve makes this a graphically sexy option (Couture Candy)

Find more Neutral Modern Bridesmaids Dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Liz

Green weddings are steadily becoming more popular as happy couples look for ways to make their special day low-impact. Even on their big day, these couples avoid having a big carbon footprint. Luckily, with recent advances in eco-friendly fabric design, it's possible for even your bridesmaids dresses to be environmentally friendly. Synergy Organic and SUST Women's Clothing make 100% organic, summer-perfect dresses in a multitude of colors. All from eDressMe.

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• Lovely in slate blue Slate Lotus Dresses by Synergy Organic or sunshine yellow Short Organic Lotus Dresses by Synergy Organic with embroidered lotus flowers, this dress is a sleeveless V-neck with a ruched waist and A-line skirt. It's a silhouette flattering to nearly all body shapes.
• Synergy Organic also makes this slate blue dress in a longer floor length Lotus Organic Maxi Dresses by Synergy Organic, or with bluebird motif Casual Organic Bird Dresses by Synergy Organic
• Black Eco Friendly Dresses by Synergy Organic A little black dress that your equally eco-conscious bridesmaids will want to wear all summer long.
• Casual Organic Day Dresses by Synergy Organic Another black option, this sheath dress has a boat neck and ties back at the waist. An artistic bird print on the skirt makes it a wearable work of art.
• Brown Dresses by SUST Women's Clothing This sensual dress can be worn loose with a belt or tight with and rouched. This dress is made of super soft hemp and is made with natural anti microbial properties and UV protection.

Find more organic dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Jennifer

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Composed in Sunshine Dress - A bright yellow floral print dress with a ruffled sweetheart neckline (ModCloth)
• Spaghetti Strap Yellow Dress - Simple spaghetti strap dress in yellow at a very affordable price (PromGirl)
• Column Spaghetti Straps Floor-length Satin Bridesmaid/ Wedding Party Dress (HSX754) - Flowing gown with two long trailing sashes on this floor length yellow dress (LightInTheBox)
• Yellow Turtle Dresses by Synergy Organic - Darker, yellow orange dress with a unique turtle printed on the skirt (eDressMe)
• One Shoulder Homecoming Dress - Jeweled strap one-shoulder, draped cocktail length yellow dress (PromGirl)
• INC International Concepts Dress, Floral Print Beaded Halter - Sunny yellow print makes this the perfect bridesmaid dress for a bright outdoor ceremony (Macy's)
• Kings of Neon Dress - Nearly neon yellow pleated skirt with buttons (ModCloth)

Find more yellow bridesmaid dresses under $100 and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!

By Jennifer

(left to right, top to bottom)

• Polka Dot Print Bridesmaid Dresses by Alexia Designs - Beautiful purple polka dot pattern fades in and out on this tea-length bridesmaid dress (eDressMe)
• Keyhole to Your Heart Dress - The pattern of large dots on the skirt is reflected in the patterened keyhole neckline (ModCloth)
• Sherri Hill 2010 Prom Dress 7207 - Flirty cocktail length dress with a classic black and white polka dot look (TJ Formal)
• Tahari by ASL SL Graduated Dot with Pleated Neck and Patent Belt - The dots get bigger has they go down toward the hemline on this sophisticated dress (Zappos)
• Next Stop, Bedford Avenue Dress - A polka dot pencil skirt style with strapless, large black bow bodice (ModCloth)
• Gabriella Rocha Kids Belladonna (Toddlers/Little Girls) - Pink polka dots and a pink flower sash adorn this flower girl dress (Zappos)
• Alyce Ballgown 6519 - Ballgown style strapless dress with polka dots from top to bottom (PromGirl)
• Rare Editions Little Girls Polka Dot Spring Easter Party Dress - Adorable polka-dotted flower girl dress has yellow ribbons on the straps (Buy.com)

Find more polka dot dresses and create your own Shiny Orb dressing room!