I am honored to be apart of this, and am extremely appreciative to the entire Roma Sposa team on making my dream wedding come true.

Warmest Regards,
Lana Hanna Mansour
~~~~
Wedding Gown by Ines Di Santo
Veil by Toni Federici

Fashionistas are expected to pull out all the stops again this year for the elegant black-tie North American International Auto Show’s Charity Preview, set for Friday at Cobo Center.

The event, which draws between 12,000 to 15,000 people, benefits nine area charities and allows attendees to see the 700 new cars and trucks before the public is admitted to the auto show on Jan. 19.

But to stand out in the huge crowd, guests need to pay attention to specific details.

“The real key for men is fit,” said Charley Marcuse, senior salesman at The Claymore Shop at 908 S. Adams in Birmingham.

“If a tuxedo fits you well, you look 1,000 times better.”

Marcuse said even celebrities with handlers assisting them can fail on the red carpet if pants are too long or jackets are too roomy.

Marcuse said men who attend two or more black-tie functions a year should consider purchasing, rather than renting, a tuxedo.

“It makes a big difference,” he said, because the garment can be fitted to the owner’s measurements.

Marcuse recommends introducing some color into the outfit — possibly with the bowtie and socks.

“It add a nice bit of flare. It depends on the person but being tasteful is always important,” he said.

“The point of black-tie traditionally is to be like a uniform — sophisticated, elegant and simple.”

For the preview, men tend to grab the black shoes they wear to work.

“That is the No. 1 place where they fail,” Marcuse said. “They should wear a plain toe, plain cap toe or opera pump. The look should be clean, plain and black in patent leather or calfskin. Get the shoes polished.”

If the weather is inclement, wear an overshoe, he said.

Vests are trending moreso than cummerbunds, Marcuse said.

“We’re also doing more bowties than long ties,” he added.

The staff at The Claymore Shop will even assist people with tying bowties for the event, he said.

“It’s tricky,” he said of manipulating the bowtie. “I’ve read it’s like tying your shoes drunk in the dark.”

Marcuse will attend the big preview. He recommended, “Be tasteful and have fun.”

Understand

your silhouette

While her store is known for bridal wear, Anna Roselli — who owns Roma Sposa at 708 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham — also sells evening wear.

For the glamorous Charity Preview, Roselli said, “I love for a woman to come out of the box and try different options.

“Most times they are surprised they can wear (a new style).”

Roselli considers the preview Michigan’s most important celebration.

“This is where you can really show off,” she said.

She guides clients to choose clothing that will emphasize their best features — the waist, decolletage or legs, for example.

As for the right length of a dress for the big night, Roselli recommends a dress with a hem that hits the knee or below.

Anything above the knee is not considered black-tie but cocktail.

For color, black and white is trending, she said.

“I would avoid just black,” she said.

“To me this is a beautiful celebration where color is a must because the cars are going to be beautiful colors. Black is average. Try coral, red, yellow, cobalt blue.”

A high heel is a must, she noted, and with platform shoes, the platform must be hidden. Wear natural color stockings.

“It’s dressier (than bare legs),” she said.

Jewelry depends on the dress. If a dress is plain, jewelry is required. Even a choker is beautiful, she said.

But a bracelet must be worn, she said. “A cuff is definitely in style.”

Pull hair away from the face and consider adding a decoration to the hair.

If you are donning a one-shouldered dress, wear your hair on the opposite side.

“Most go with straight hair but loose curls look beautiful,” Roselli said.

A handbag must be carried but opt for small and fashionable.

“Even a vintage piece ties everything together,” she said.

“Don’t be too matchy-matchy.”

Arrange for a manicure in advance. Wear the right undergarments.

“It’s like the foundation for a house,” she said.

Above all, Roselli advised to women to respect their own silhouettes.

“You want to be chic, elegant and feminine,” she said.

“Wear something you feel good about.”

Contact Carol Hopkins at 248-745-4645 or carol.hopkins@oakpress.com. Follow her on Twitter @OPCarolHopkins or on Facebook. @OPcarolhopkins.

FYI

The North American International Auto Show 2013 Charity Preview is held 6-9 p.m. Friday at Cobo Center in Detroit. Tickets are $300 a person, with $290 considered tax deductible. Nine children’s charities benefit from the event. Call 888-838-7500 or visit www.naias.com/tickets/charity-preview-tickets.aspx.

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