Introducing the #StyleMyHeartAflutter challenge
We need to have fun.
In a COVID-19 world, it's hard to say this and still sound considerate and respectful. Everyone is anxious about something, someone. The stakes are high, and real.
But these are exactly the circumstances that have made Zoom happy hours officially A Thing.
Even under stress, we're still human. We. need. to. have. fun.
So, while our team prepares thoughtful, comprehensive posts addressing your biggest wedding dress worries, let's play a game...
The #StyleMyHeartAflutter challenge!
Ready? Okay. Here's how it works.
1. Pick a dress, any dress! (Or NOT a dress...)
First you need a base wedding garment that you're excited to accessorise.
We know, that’s a weird way to say it... but we don't want to limit you to dresses when jumpsuits and separates are right there.
You don't need to pick your dream outfit. You don't even need to be engaged! This is virtual fun, not real wedding planning. Play with any outfit you're drawn to, for whatever reason. This is a judgement-free zone with permission to be as impractical or out-of-character as you want.
So just look through our eclectic collection and take your pick. Not to brag, but it makes a pretty incredible virtual dressing-up box for you. (And it's even more fun in person!)
Once you have your pick (or picks!) get full length screenshots.
Here's one we made earlier:
We actually asked our senior stylist Steph to give us this Blue Peter moment by playing the game first. So, here's one we made earlier!
These are the dresses Steph chose to style. What do you think? Do you immediately get some inspiration, an idea of which shoes would go well with Elysian, or which hair accessories with Kamy? Or do others of our outfits inspire you more?
2. Did someone say accessories?
It’s time… for the most carefree, creative window shopping you’ve ever done in your life. Because the wedding industry is full of secret Carrie Bradshaws who love giving you options that are just a little bit extra. (Or a lot.)
But let’s start from the beginning.
Shoes, veil, jewellery, nails, hair accessories… Which items do you want in your outfit?
Once you've chosen, go find at least two of each - and don’t play it safe. This is a game!
Forget your theme. Forget your aesthetic. Forget practicality, budget, and any limitations - except the need for your look to set your heart aflutter.
If you've ever toyed with the idea of colourful jewellery, a birdcage veil, or shoes straight out of Lady Gaga's wardrobe... Find those items, and screenshot, screenshot, screenshot.
Here's one we made earlier:
Let's take Steph's styling of Kamy as an example. She gave herself choices between...
Sandals or boots?
Headband or comb?
Long earrings or short?
But Steph’s taste may not be yours. How would you style Kamy?
Okay, now how else would you style Kamy?
Get on Pinterest or Etsy and go outside your comfort zone. See what unexpected alternatives are waiting for you!
3. Channel your inner Miranda Priestley
Though Cher Horowitz is probably a bit more achievable for most of us…
Whoever you’re channelling, you need a place to store all your screenshots and shuffle them around. Photo album, Pinterest, collage maker, whatever you like. All you need is to be able to move images around and see how they look in different combinations.
Which set of earrings does the tiara look best with? Do you need to choose between earrings and a necklace, or do they work together? Was gold really the right choice, or would silver go better? Does your veil of choice go with your favourite shoes?
Mixing and matching your chosen accessories could spark new inspiration for you. Stay open-minded, and follow it wherever it leads!
If you know Heart Aflutter, you know we’re not ones for Pinterest-perfect Instagram-polished beauty. We love aesthetics that are striking. Intriguing. Unusual. Thought-provoking. Even if that’s not your thing, you might enjoy playing in our sandbox for a little while.
Here's one we made earlier:
Here are some combinations Steph came up with for Kyra. Which is your favourite?
Clockwise L-R: Andromeda by Victoria Percival, Aurora by Tilly Thomas Lux, Emsy by Jimmy Choo, Sam Edelman Yaro for BHLDN
Now, Steph had a particular theme in mind for this one. She said, “Kyra always reminds me of the night sky so I'd style her with some celestial hair pins or a celestial headpiece, some starry nail art, and silver heels to match her intricate beadwork.” Would you do it differently? Or lean into that theme even harder?
4. Bonus level: Serving ethical realness
Want to take it one step further, make this a real challenge?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to bring your look in line with your values.
To us, that means including accessories from:
independent small businesses
marginalised creators (queer/trans/disabled/people of colour, etc.)
companies using sustainable practices
At Heart Aflutter we firmly believe in voting with your wallet for the world you want to see. We know many of you feel the same way.
And remember, many independent artists and small businesses are happy to do commissions! If you like their style, save their name and website somewhere. It could be hard to track them down later from memory. (Not speaking from experience or anything, nope…)
Here's one we made earlier:
One of Steph's choices was Elysian from Aesling. Aesling is a brand focused on clean simplicity, making it perfect for statement accessories.
We love our fellow East Londoner AM Faulkner, who makes statement hair accessories, veils, and capes. Will a black polka dot veil fit your eventual wedding aesthetic? Maybe not. Will it be super fun to virtually style? Hell yes!
Seriously. Just take this gorgeousness in.
5. Share your final looks!
So you’ve got an outfit you love, and you can’t wait to show it off! Now what?
Put your favourite combo into your collage maker app of choice, with extra prettification if you’d like to (that part’s optional). Then post it on Instagram, crediting the makers of each piece, with the hashtag #StyleMyHeartAflutter so we can all find your final look!
Please though, don't forget to credit the maker of each piece. If you can tag them in Instagram, that’s perfect! If they don’t have Instagram, at least make sure their name is clearly on the image so potential customers can find them.
Small businesses need paying customers to survive, now more than ever. This little game will be fun for us, but could actually bring in more customers for anyone you properly credit. You could genuinely make a difference to the income of an artist whose work you like.
To sum up then, just make sure your challenge posts or stories:
use the #StyleMyHeartAflutter hashtag
feature dresses from our collection
credit all makers.
We can’t wait to start sharing your designs on our Instagram !
Here's one we made earlier:
Want to see how Steph styled her final picks? Go to our Instagram @heart_aflutter and keep an eye on our stories!
Thumbnail image: Ashton Mullins