j. mendel

These are the kind of wedding gowns that look like they've been custom made to fit your every curve and fulfill every personal styling whim — and the best part? They're also the kind of gowns that happen to come at an off-the-rack price. While a bespoke gown is the dream route for many, it's not exactly budget-friendly. That's where these gorgeous dresses come in. With Reem Acra, Theia, J.Crew, BHLDN, and Vera Wang's David's Bridal collection all offering up dreamy options sans the exorbitant price tag, it's easy to see why these off-the-rack looks are begging to be worn down the aisle. Ready to shop the wedding gown of your dreams and have it at your door in just a matter of days? Head right this way.

Hollywood's A-listers gathered to celebrate the 15th annual Costume Designers Guild Awards tonight. Among the red-carpet standouts, we spotted Ginnifer Goodwin in a floor-length red Nonoo gown and coordinating clutch, while Anne Hathaway sparkled in a gold sequined Gucci minidress, and Ashley Madekwe (baring her midriff) in her pink floral J. Mendel ensemble. Step inside to see what Lily Collins, Christa B. Allen, Kristen Wiig, and more of the style crowd wore tonight.

For Fall 2013, the makeup (and clothes) at J. Mendel were conjured up with the average girl in mind. Revlon Global Artistic Director Gucci Westman created a bronze eye that was high on shine and low on steps. A sleek, textured ponytail completed the look.

The look: Bronze eye shadow, low ponytails, and nude nails.
Key tips: Use a paddle brush to blow-dry hair instead of a round brush, and then finish with a rounded flat iron for curl.
Overheard backstage: Westman selected the playlist for backstage, including The Beatles, Radiohead, and a little Jay-Z to finish.

Luxurious texture and red-carpet dressing are par for the course at a J. Mendel show, but Fall '13 revisited the designer's staples with an impeccably sleek direction and an effortlessness in everything from the furs to the evening gowns. Click through to see the gorgeous collection now, and come back soon for our full review.

Revenge star Emily VanCamp chose a romantic gray J. Mendel gown for the Emmy Awards tonight. She paired a sparkly diamond bracelet and dark clutch to complement the neutral tone. Emily and boyfriend, and costar, Josh Bowman are often spotted sharing PDA on and off the set, but we'll have to wait and see if he's her plus-one inside the show. Stay tuned because we're keeping a close eye on all the celebrities as they arrive, so be sure to watch PopSugar's live Emmys show!

Also, don't forget to vote on all of our Emmys polls here!

Finding inspiration in the Kawachi Fuji gardens in Japan, Mendel's set is sophisticated to start — with clean lines, luxe details, and even mink coming down the Spring runway — then quickly evolves into something color-rich and definitively feminine. The onset is an exercise in more modern construction and a pale palette: soft pinks and greens. Then, with a sequence of light-as-air, diaphanous, pleated dresses, Mendel hints at what's to come. The entirety of the show seems to literally blossom right there on the runway. From tailored short sets and leather skirts to full-bodied prints on suiting, sheaths, and an intensely pretty violet pleated gown, the transformation is beautiful to watch (and obviously even more so to wear). As the show neared its finale, each brightly hued confection seemed lovelier than the next, until finally the collection closed out with a bold, orange, pleated gown with nods to the designer's botanical references, made only more literal with floral appliqués. This is why we're used to seeing Mendel on the red carpet and hearing A-listers credit his label at nearly every high-profile awards show: J. Mendel is masterful at crafting clothes that make women feel and look insanely gorgeous — and here's the proof.

• Trends: Brights, slits, pleats, cutouts, fur, leather, and floral print.
• Colors: Violet, navy, coral, peach, pink, and white.
• Key Piece: The diaphanous, sheer-pleated dresses were stunning.
• Accessories: Ankle-strap sandals and pointed-toe pumps.
• Who Should Wear It: We see beauty Natalie Portman in the violet, pleated, floor-length gown.

Taylor Swift wore not one but two fabulous outfits last night at the MTV VMAs! She started with an off-white J. Mendel suit and gold Tom Ford sandals, then later changed into a casual outfit during her performance. We love her red-carpet look as a fun alternative to a dress at a fancy party and her striped top and shorts ensemble for a laid-back but cute weekend look. Get a closer look at both outfits, then shop similar pieces for yourself.