A few weeks ago we started The Art of the Knot series for our grooms and so far we’ve discussed the Full Windsor Knot as well The Half Windsor Knot. This week, we’re discussing Pratt Knot also known as the Shelby Knot.

The Pratt knot is a symmetric tie knot with an average size. It is larger than the four-in-hand knot and smaller than the half-Windsor knot. It does not look too wide or too narrow. The Pratt knot looks neat and is suitable for most shirts and occasions. The drawback is that the back of the narrow end of the necktie faces up, which does not look good if it is not well hidden behind the wide end.

Although Jerry Pratt invented this tie knot, it is sometimes called the Shelby knot, since Don Shelby wore it on television and some people mistakenly thought he was the inventor.

I hope you find this useful.

Violaine Diogene

Instructions for Tying a Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot)

The instructions for tying a Pratt knot (Shelby knot) are shown below. We assume that you are right-handed in the following instructions. The figures below are mirror images. They are what you will see if you stand in front of a mirror.

1. At the beginning, the wide end of the tie should be on your right side and the other end should be on your left side. Note that the tie should begin inside out.

2. Cross the narrow end over the other end. Now three regions are formed (Left, Right and Center).

3. Bring the wide end up to Center.

4. Bring the wide end down to Left.

5. Bring the wide end over the knot to Right.

6. Bring the wide end under the narrow part from Right to Center.

7. Bring the wide end down and pass the loop in front. Ensure that the knot is tightened.

8. Use one hand to pull the narrow end down gently and use the other hand to move the knot up until it reaches the center of the collar.

Flexsitez - Wedding and event planning based in Atlanta Georgia

Usually I blog about what’s luxurious in weddings but today I have to put that aside for a moment to write about the devastated earthquake in my home country of Haiti. If you know me on a personal level, you know that I am a VERY PROUD HAITIAN! For those of of you whom don’t know me on that level, I was born in Jeremie Haiti which is a very small Provence outside Port-Au-Prince in Haiti. I was just about 8 years old when I left Haiti and moved to Brooklyn New York and I now reside in Atlanta. On Tuesday, January 12th at 5:00pm, a neighbor of mine called me to ask if I was OK because he saw that Haiti was hit my a major earthquake. I rushed home and CNN was all over it. I broke down when I noticed all the buildings were crumbled on top of another and my people were in peril. For two days, we could not communicate with any of our family members in Haiti and that was the most difficult days of our lives not knowing if one of those dead bodies we saw on TV belonged to us.

Over the past few days, I’ve heard several disturbing comments being made about these amazing people. If you don’t know a Haitian on a personal level, I would strongly suggest that you take a moment to get to know one. If you know anyone that are friends with Haitians, ask them about these Haitians. You’ll learn that Haitians are not by any means lazy. To the contrary, Haitians are extremely hard working people. Haitians will easily work 3-4 jobs, 7 days a week and most of that paycheck will not sit in a nice bank account collecting interest and instead, they will send the money to their loved ones back home to take care of the ones they left behind.

Haitians are strong and are descended from an outstanding pedigree. Haitians are very proud people. We take pride in the way we look, in the way we present ourselves to the world. In the news, you will see that a lot of them live in the poorest conditions under tiny little shacks. I promise you, those tiny little shacks are cared for as though they were million dollar homes while inspiring to move up to a better situation. Haitians are loyal people and we love having people around us. We’ll bend over backwards to help a friend in need and will move heaven and earth for our loved ones. We are every religious people with good hearts. Just like any other country we have our bad sides as well but digging those bad things up in a time when they’re down on their knees,  questioning why these things happen, when they’re surrounded by dead bodies is not warranted.

Yes, this is a third world country with some of the worst living conditions but Haiti is not by any means only what you see in TV. Yes, a lot of the people cannot read but we have Haitians that are Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Chefs, Teachers, Coaches, Mayors, Activists and more. Haitians go on vacations to other countries, we believe strongly in education and we begin teaching our children and putting in their minds that not going to college is not an option for them. On TV you only get to see the poorest of the poor but they are Haitians whom resides in million dollar homes. Homes that we, here in America would be proud to call home. Homes that when I have a chance to go back to visit I find it hard to leave behind.

I beg of you, I plead with you, if you’re able to donate more; please do so. If you have clothing, shoes, blankets, water, medicine, non-perishable food items please feel donate them and a very deserving, needy person in this amazing country will bless your name and so many more blessing will come from the highest of highest power of all; Our amazing heavenly father. Please visit these agencies to donate or feel free to call me on my cell phone if you’re local in Atlanta and I’ll pick up some of the items mentioned above and deliver them to Hosea Feed The Hungry. You can also Pray, have hope and send positive energy to them. You can also make a monetary donation, to a 501 c(3) such as Red Cross or Yele Haiti via your cell phone by to text. Red Cross: Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to relief efforts in Haiti. Yele Haiti: Text “Yele” to 510 510 and donate $5 toward earthquake relief.

I am so eternally grateful to Anderson Cooper and to CNN whom arrived within 24 hours and have given 24 hours, over the clock coverage to this tiny, Third World Country.  I’m so thankful to our President Obama for not listening to the politics behind the scene and taking action to help Haiti. I’m also so grateful for all the countries that are pouring in and sending money to this country as we, whom are trying to send money to our loved ones are unable to because they have no way of getting it. I’m so thankful for all the unthinkable supports I’ve received from my peers, and friends in Atlanta for standing behind me and for donating to the Red Cross Haiti Fund. 

Below is a picture that had so much meaning in my life as my father was very deep in the government and my little brother and I often visited this magical place, celebrated Christmas and had dinner at this amazing place. This place the was The Palace, otherwise known as the White House. To see the before and after picture is remarkably difficult for me because my father passed in 2001 and whenever I use to see The Palace, it always brought me amazing memories of time spent with my father. Now, The Palace is gone and that truly, truly breaks my heart.

I thank you for allowing me to post my thoughts and know that I’m grateful for you and for taking the time to read this.

Many blessings,

Violaine Diogene

Flexsitez - Wedding and event planning based in Atlanta Georgia

Ok, Kenneth Pool has some of the most amazing gowns I’ve ever seen. Now, I know I love wedding gowns, you know I love wedding gowns and yes, I go crazy over the gowns but seriously, Kenneth Pool has amazing gowns. Well, the fact that Amsale Aberra was already renowned for her Amsale and Christos collections should make you pause for a moment.

The Kenneth Pool label has long been recognized for its embodiment of fantasy and drama with its grand ball gowns, luxurious fabrics and exquisite beadwork. As the Creative Director, Amsale Aberra’s creations for the collection carry on the legacy of the label, with each of her gowns for Kenneth Pool celebrating and catering to the bride who commands the spotlight. Yes, for the bride who commands the spotlight!

“I am so excited to be designing this collection,” says Ms. Aberra, working in her New York Atelier where all of the gowns are designed and sewn. “I have always loved the Kenneth Pool bride and the fantasy she represents. My other collections are more about softness and simplicity, and designing Kenneth Pool allows me to express the more elaborate side of my personality.”

This season there is a special emphasis on unique fabrications and couture details. Organza ruffles, sensuous silk jersey, and creamy duchesse satin dominate, whether artfully draped, elaborately beaded, or delicately trimmed with Swarovski crystals. Each gown encapsulates the essence of the collection: Ultimate Femininity combined with Kenneth Pool’s signature brand of sexy, opulent, unapologetic glamour. Now you know, I love this unapologetic glamour thing these gowns carry so brilliantly.

I could go on for days about Kenneth Pool and I almost posted every gown, but that would have been one long post. Below are my absolute favorite gowns in this collection. The first two are my “must have” gowns. The first one is FASHIONISTA; and Fashionista is correct. I love, love and I do mean love this gown. This amazing gown is made of tulle with strapless mermaid gown with shirred Tulle bodice and low dropped waist. Skirt features layers of seamed tulle and clear paillettes. Available in Ivory only. My second gown is ROYALTY. Did I mention that I love the names of these gowns? Well, I love the name of this gown. Royalty and that’s exactly how one will look in this gown made of Royal Duchess Satin. Strapless Satin ballgown with softly draped bodice. Full skirt is adorned with self-fabric roses, Crystal accents and pickups. Natural waist is accented by Crystal beaded belt. Available in Champagne as sampled, Ivory and White.

What do you think? Have you seen one of these gowns in person? Are you a bride who’s worn of these gowns? I would love to hear your thoughts on these gowns. You know your feedback is wanted and needed. Let me know your thoughts.

Inspired by you, my brides.

Violaine Diogene

Flexsitez - Wedding and event planning based in Atlanta Georgia