Olivia Palermo’s Carolina Herrera two-piece wedding dress: cute or budget?

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I usually don’t pay that much attention to Olivia Palermo, but I do enjoy her as a B-list fashion girl, and I sometimes include her when I’m covering fashion events. Olivia has been engaged to model Johannes Huebl for years now. It felt like she was trying to get attention from the engagement at various points in time, but beyond that, I never knew how she was really selling herself. Fashion Girl/fiancée seemed like her calling card. Anyway, last week Johannes and Olivia married with little fanfare. They didn’t go all Kimye, they just seemed to run off and do an understated, simple wedding on the spur of the moment.

Olivia’s website (which uses a bizarre third-person voice) ran the photos. Which is the whole reason I’m covering this. Because this is not the wedding gown of a fashion girl!!! What in the world? According to the bizarre third-person account, Olivia’s wedding two-piece was made by Carolina Herrera. It consisted of a light long-sleeved sweater and a frothy tulle mullet skirt. Olivia’s “something blue” was a pair of navy Monolo Blahniks. Here’s more:

Under a cloudless sky and whisked away from the hustle and bustle of NYC, after six and a half years of courtship, our favorite duo quietly and stylishly became husband and wife. In an intimate ceremony, very befitting of the private couple, the two said their vows amongst only a handful of family members and closest friends as they were surrounded by ivy and blossoming flowers in a quiet park tucked away in Bedford, New York.

“We really wanted to keep this beautiful day very private and special to us and enjoyed the whole day with our family and two friends. Bedford is such an amazing and romantic countryside.”

Olivia looked effortlessly stunning as she personified bridal bliss while wearing three elegant pieces all by wedding designer favorite, Carolina Herrera. The fashion guru created the look for her special day by styling a simple cream cashmere sweater with scattered ostrich feathers and chic white shorts with a full tulle skirt overlay that cinched at the waist in layers of satin and silk and featured a high slit in the front with floral details along the hem. Her hair and makeup were kept easy and sophisticated as her hair was pulled back and up in her signature centered-part pony-tail and natural-looking makeup provided a soft romantic touch complimenting the simplicity of the day itself.

“I wanted the makeup to be light and fresh and more focused about the lashes while keeping the eyes clean. my hair was in an uncontrived Pony Tail, one of my favorite personal looks.”

[From Olivia Palermo]

Shorts and a tulle overlay? Er. Okay. What was Caroline Herrera thinking with that one? And the blue Monolos just don’t go, in my opinion. They’re cute shoes but not for your wedding day. This whole thing just seems sort of bizarre, but God bless. Also: Johannes wore a Marc Anthony Hamberg suit and shirt, plus a Charvet tie and Etro pocket square. In case you care.

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Photos courtesy of Johannes Huebl/oliviapalermo.com.

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116 Responses to “Olivia Palermo’s Carolina Herrera two-piece wedding dress: cute or budget?”

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  1. Abbott says:

    I’m probably in the minority, but I loved the dress and shoes. Someday I hope to have a “signature Pony Tail” (Whaaaa?).

    Wasn’t the rush because dude was having visa issues?

    • SpookySpooks says:

      I love it too. I read somewhere that it was a civil ceremony in a city hall? Was it? It seems very appropriate for that.
      I love the “something blue” shoes too.

      • Abbott says:

        Not sure if I was reading this correctly, but it looks like she had a ceremony at Manhattan City Hall last week followed by a small ceremony this weekend in Bedford, NY.

      • ds says:

        I also like it. It’s simple, nice… First plus I’ve ever given her; I’ve always picked some strange vibe about her, but she is stylish and I like seeing what she’s wearing

      • Kristen says:

        I also love this. Super pretty and appropriate for a civil ceremony with just a few family and friends.

      • We Are All Made of Stars says:

        @Abbott
        Nope, according to Vogue UK, this was the civil ceremony. That explains why archvillainess Olivia Palermo looks subdued and understated. Can’t wait for round two! 🙂

      • FLORC says:

        Love it too!
        But I have an extreme bias favoring civil ceremony/small gatherings/eloping.
        And all understated fashion regarding those events.

      • AlexandriaTheGreat says:

        It’d make sense for “fashion girl” Olivia Palermo to pull a Carrie Bradshaw and wear the same royal blue Manalo’s from the first SATC movie. New York fashion girls her age think that shoe is “everything”–almost as important as the ring itself…if it’s the shoe I’m thinking it is *shrugs*

    • Pix says:

      I love it, too. I am personally not a fan of traditional wedding dresses, so I applaud her originality. She looks young and beautiful and happy.

    • kcarp says:

      No clue who these people are but I love it. They look great. This is what fashion looks like

    • Steph says:

      It is different but I kind of like it. I do think that the sweater looks off-white while the skirt part is white-white so I do wish they matched because it would have been more cohesive then. I also don’t mind the blue shoes. Very Carrie Bradshaw.

      • atrain says:

        They are the Carrie Bradshaw wedding shoes from the first Sex and the City movie. An extremely popular choice for wedding shoes, so I’m almost surprised Olivia went with them.

    • Aura says:

      I think this may be one of my favourite wedding looks ever. It’s so fresh looking.

    • Denise says:

      I did, too. What the heck is a ‘typical’ wedding day anyway? Who’s to say it’s not appropriate for a wedding, it’s such a subjective thing. It’s elegant and understated and a breath of fresh air, really.

    • Miffy says:

      Love it, it’s what a wedding dress should be, personal and comfortable to the wearer rather than the enforced lace, embroidered meringue bullsh*t that’s continuously flogged as ‘bridal’.

      More power to her. But, em, ‘signature ponytail’? Please!

    • kri says:

      I hate it. He looks like the prince from Sweden.

    • BooBooLaRue says:

      No, not hating it.

    • HappyMom says:

      I think they’re both gorgeous-although I have NO idea who they are.

    • Sunny says:

      I adore this look. Not sure I would do it for my own wedding but I love the simplicity and elegance. Her makeup and hair are flawless.

      It reminds me of Keira Knightly’s wedding look in terms of it being paired down and understated.

      I also really like the shoes but I don’t like them for a wedding.

    • Olenna says:

      I like it, and the blue shoes. It’s young, fun and pretty.

    • Sherry says:

      Then we’re both in the minority, because I love it too and think it’s beautiful!

    • Kate2 says:

      Not minority, I love it. I love that its so unusual but still pulls off classy and beautiful.

      • Enuff Said says:

        I love the look from hair to shoes…she wears it we’ll…something I would do but age appropriate. ..congrats to them!! More about the vows and marriage!!

    • Bear says:

      You are not. I love it.

    • Josephine says:

      It’s such a nice relief to see something on the simple side. She looked pretty, happy and relaxed. Too many weddings are so overblown and everyone ends up miserable.

      • Rita says:

        I love this so much. I think what makes her ponytail ‘signature’ is that she wears her’s with a middle part and always has it messy. I have her pinned all over my Pinterest fashion board so that’s what I’m drawing from. I’m in to all of this from head to toe – she looks beautiful and fashionable as always.

    • Liberty says:

      I love it too. Perfect for a relaxed wedding, sleek, simple, yet so pretty.

    • JudyK says:

      Love her look except for the bright shoes. She exudes class.

    • sam says:

      Not really a rush as they’ve been engaged for a few years

  2. Audrey says:

    I actually really love it. 🙁

    Go ahead and yell at me. I enjoy casual style weddings. This is right up my alley. Nice and comfy

    • Amelia says:

      +1
      The thought of even trying on a meringue dress with layers and layers of fabric – whilst I’m sure is right up some people’s street – makes me break out in a nervous sweat.
      I think she looks very pretty and subtle.

    • PunkyMomma says:

      I love it, too. The blue shoes make it a perfect ensemble.

    • Kali says:

      I’m personally not a fan of cream and white together but it’s a cute outfit!

    • MarBear says:

      I love it as well. Also a fan of casual wedding dresses. My dream wedding dress is actually the one Keira Knightley wore to her wedding.

  3. blue marie says:

    Meh, I don’t get Palermo but I don’t hate the dress.

  4. Shazz says:

    fun & pretty

  5. Wallamalooo says:

    Love the dress, esp. when she puts the little cardigan with it. Her face is utter perfection but her personality unfortunately leaves something to be desired.

  6. thinkaboutit says:

    Hate it, and I usually love her style. Looks hastily thrown together, not designed our styled.

  7. kibbles says:

    The dress looks good in the top photo. But then I looked at the second photo and it looks awful from the back and in a different light. It’s all mismatched. The blue shoes do not look good with this ensemble. Neither does the sweater which is off white. It looks white in the top photo which is why I thought it looked okay with the tulle skirt.

  8. Snazzy says:

    I know it’s strange but I kind of like the blue shoes! Other than that, I have no idea who this girl is, but I wish them lots of happiness 🙂

    • Ange says:

      I wore royal blue suede heels with diamantes in them with my short white wedding dress so I really can’t hate lol.

  9. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    As she sipped her morning coffee, indulging in her daily ritual of starting her busy day with Celebitchy, the expression on her face was one of confused disapproval. “Wtf? Why is this loon writing about herself in the third person?” She arose from her bed, shaking her head and muttering to herself as she went to refill her coffee cup. She was not wearing Carolina Herrera, and she did not look effortlessly stunning.

  10. Len says:

    I love it too. It’s just that when I look at her expression I just wonder what kind of person she really is and get distracted. She seems so dull and boring, but maybe camera’s just sort of paralize her expression. You really can’t tell anything about her.

  11. Lee says:

    I have absolutely no idea who these people are, but they sure are beautiful. I actually love this look with the skirt/sweater combo. Very pretty.

  12. klaas says:

    I had to google her. Her boyfriend is hot!

  13. Charle says:

    It’s elegant! Both are hot and gorgeous too.

  14. ADD says:

    She’s so pretty! That’s all I have to say

  15. Nene says:

    Although I don’t get the long-sleeve sweater top or the blue pumps,still think it’s kinda cute especially the tulle skirt.

    What I’ve never understood is this ‘fashion it girl’ title the media throw around on celebs that like to wear too many pieces at the same time- and often times it never works. It’s like if you can wear more than 3 items of clothing together then you’re ‘it’. To me Olivier’s style is quirky and cute not fashionable and sophisticated as it’s always touted to be. Same goes with Alexa Chung.

  16. Dash says:

    She was such a great villain on The City.

    • GlimmerBunny says:

      I don’t think she was a very good villain for one big reason: I always rooted for her over Whitney! 😀

      Congrats to the stunning and stylish couple 🙂

  17. lisa2 says:

    For some reason this made me think of Sex In the City and Carrie marrying Big

    maybe the shoes and the civil ceremony..

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      That totally looks like something Carrie would wear. Good call.

    • LAK says:

      me too.

      And since i forever fangirl CArrie and BIG [minus the issues], i love this outfit for a wedding.

      I read somewhere that the manolos are the exact colour and style that CArrie married BIG in….

      le sigh.

    • akivasha says:

      +1 total SJP vibes

  18. Jenns says:

    I like the dress but not for summer. You don’t wear a sweater in the summer. I don’t care how light it is.

    • Courtney says:

      Agreed. I don’t hate the look or non-traditional wedding gowns. But outdoors at a park in June? No way. That dress might work in September.

  19. Neelyo says:

    She was a guest judge on PROJECT RUNWAY once. Besides seeming very unpleasant, she speaks with that awful upper class lockjaw voice like Gloria Upson in AUNTIE MAME.

  20. Ice Queen says:

    I love, love, love this! Totally practical and simple. Love the shoes and the pony tail and the skirt and the top. Everything!

  21. Nonny says:

    I want them to have beautiful babies so i can adopt them.

  22. shannon says:

    Kaiser might be in the minority here…I love this look as well. esp. the shoes.

  23. alex_r says:

    I always thought of myself as a traditional wedding dress kinda gal but I absolutely love this ensemble. Very pretty.

  24. danielle says:

    Wow. That outfit is awful! Hate the off white when his suit is blindingly white. And a sweater and tulle?! Don’t hate the shoes, or the skirt, I think its the sweater that destroys the outfit. And who on EARTH would write about themselves that uh….glowingly on their own website?!

  25. mimi says:

    I love her whole look. Gorgeous dress, gorgeous husband, gorgeous newlyweds.

  26. Frida_K says:

    Whoever writes her copy needs to be fired. That was a painful read.

  27. Savanna says:

    They just got engaged over this past New Years but have been living together forever.

    (I would hate myself for not saying *Manolo)

  28. Liz says:

    I love her ensemble. The top and bottom colors look a little off but she looks very youthful and elegant. Perfect make-up and very beautiful.

  29. Melymori says:

    So I guess she thinks she’s some kind of Carrie Bradshaw getting married in blue Manolo Blahnik lol

  30. The Original Mia says:

    Still have no idea who she is but I love her dress and shoes. Very New York-ish.

  31. Adrien says:

    I’ve seen her in person. She’s really gorgeous. She has a tiny face and she’s really petite. That kind of face does not really need ornate embellishments on a wedding dress. She looked really happy so I vote cute.

  32. dorothy says:

    Lovely. Simple and elegant.

  33. Algernon says:

    I think this looks exactly like what a fashion girl would wear. It’s chic, different and fashion forward. I love the blue shoes against the ivory. I’m questioning the sweater in summer thing, but it looks lightweight and more like knitwear, so I guess it’s okay. Also, if NYC is having a summer anything like where I live, one day will be 90 and the next 60. It’s maddening trying to dress this summer.

    I love this look, and as an about-to-be-bride (it’s adorable that my bf and mom think they’re being subtle when I can 100% tell they’ve been ring shopping for me), I’m already feeling into non-traditional for my dress. I’m over 30 and don’t particularly care about having a big/formal wedding. Separates is a great idea!

  34. Nicole says:

    Love everything except the sweater, which is to casual.

  35. RobN says:

    I like it in theory, but the sweater just seems off. The material is so dissimilar, and the two shades of white don’t work together at all.

    I think the shoes are a pretty great way to work in the something blue.

  36. The Original G says:

    This isn’t for everyone, but this is exactly the kind of low key simplicity that only an utterly gorgeous girl can pull off. They look like characters in a novel about eastern seaboard socialites.

  37. Jackson says:

    From the two pics posted, I wouldn’t say it looks budget, but it does look like something from a fashion shoot where you look at it and say ‘oh, that’s interesting, but I’d never wear that to my wedding.’ She’s pretty, whoever she is.

  38. Fan says:

    Love it only if you have the body to go with it.

  39. Jacqueline says:

    Two friends?

  40. Racer says:

    I like it, very nice look.
    I love it because its different. Very happy not to look at the typical halter/sleeveless wedding dress.

  41. itsetsyou says:

    I don’t care what she wears – she is breathtakingly beautiful!

  42. Reece says:

    I like it! I would have put a button down blouse with it.

  43. Gg says:

    I think it looks TERRIBLE!!! not saying go traditional or go home, but a wrinkled sweater, shorts, lace and tulle asymmetrical skirt, blue satin pumps, and a fried up pony tail- spells disaster!! She’s beautiful- she had to try hard to look this whack. How cute would an ecru structured silk short sleeve top and a matching mini or pleated shorts had been with her hair blown out ?
    So disappointed because usually they are outrageously good looking together!!! WTF!!

  44. Gg says:

    And her husbands white tux clashes… yuck. If they want to be ironic, why not try a black shorts tux (like pharell at the Oscars) ?

  45. Annie says:

    Carrie Bradshaw

  46. skeksis says:

    I think it’s very chic.

  47. MM says:

    Well its probably just her first of several weddings but she could have at least made the effort to get the sweater dry cleaned or pressed. Whatever. Reading all the “oh i love it” comments but am willing to bet that none of these people would have such a mismatched casual outfit for their big day… just saying. Maybe shes preggo and it was “thrown” together from stuff she had in her closet. That being said she is a beautiful girl and I wish them many years of happiness.

  48. tmbg says:

    I like the skirt, but wish she had paired it with a true white sweater and something other than shorts. It is original though. I like the shoes too.

    Something about her eyes and maybe her face shape reminds me a little bit of Sharon Tate.

  49. Kate says:

    I don’t know her at all but I love the top, the bottom, AND the shoes. Well done.

  50. melain says:

    He looks fantastic. Very meticulously styled. She looks a mismatched mess. But it doesn’t really matter because she is so beautiful.

  51. Mrsjennyk says:

    Very cute, she’s stunning 🙂

  52. Lydia Says says:

    I like it. It’s simple ,chic and fresh ; perfect for a city hall wedding. They both look so beautiful!

  53. aqua says:

    Love It! It”s so different from anything I’ve ever seen before.After a while most wedding dresses have a tendency to look and be all the same to me.

  54. luna says:

    What is this “something blue” thing that I sometimes see in Western weddings? Can someone explain to me please?

    • Rita says:

      Brides often wear something old, something new, and something blue on their wedding day.

  55. K.B. says:

    Sex and the City has ruined everything.

    Olivia pulled it off, though, so well done, Olivia.

  56. Amanda_M87 says:

    I like it actually. For a court house wedding its just right. I like how more and more people are having smaller more understated weddings lately.

  57. Jayna says:

    Adorable.

  58. Altariel says:

    Definitely not something most people could pull off. It works for her. But the cashmere part would have been better for a winter wedding, maybe something lighter for June.