If you’re old enough, you might remember the floofy wedding dresses from the 80′s – just take a gander at this gallery from google and you’ll get the idea if you’re a youngin’.  Most of them were obviously inspired by Rose Parade floats with their intricate beadwork, raucous lace detail, puffed sleeves, high necks, and flouncy skirts – everything onto one dress.  I know, I actually sewed one – and it wasn’t pretty.  Enter Vera Wang.  Wang immediately smoothed down the wildness, making wedding gowns less embarrassing and more awe inspiring.  But I think the real turn came when Carolyn Bessette wed John Kennedy in her regal Narcisco Rodriguez gown.  Sans ruffles, it sent a shock wave through every bride-to-be’s heart.

For quite some time now, ruffly, floofy, over the top dresses were decidedly off the menu, with brides opting for sleek over silly.  But I was giggling as I watched the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills this season, as Lisa Vanderpump’s daughter, Pandora tried on one bridal confection after another.  The very fashionable Housewife Vanderpump looked on, not in horror, but in adoration.  So is this the cue? Are we floofing it up again as we march down the aisle?  It seems so if this collection from Lazaro is any barometer.   But unlike the insanity of the 80′s these gowns are gorgeous in their excess -  in fact I’d have not a problem in the world wearing one these beauts!  I think the key is in not adding every bell and whistle to every gown.

the world according to Carrie