From Bombus's brilliant Etsy site, I discovered these incredible designs by Yanina Artisan Jewelry...
I'm sure you've noticed by now... I love simple, gold jewelry. It's forever classic and elegant and these fit the bill perfectly. They are sophisticated and inspired and yet the prices are insanely reasonable. The freshwater pearl necklace on the top right is only $34! So, they just might fit into your bridesmaid gift budget!
I am so excited that Nikol, of Fresh Beauty Studio in Florida, has agreed to share some tips on Summer Wedding Beauty! Nikol is an incredibly talented make-up artist and if you're in her area, you should book her for your wedding ASAP!
Some tips from Nikol...
Summer is here, heavy makeup is not. Keep your look Fresh and clean with these must have tips from Fresh Beauty Studio.
Clean skin is always your first step to looking young and polished. You want to have a simple yet effective skin care regimen. Always invest in the best ingredients and keep an eye out for antioxidants, AHA’s, enzymes from fruit. Vit C etc. Your skin must be exfoliated at least once a week to keep a youthful glow. To feed your skin make sure you are putting on a serum suited to your skin type. We love Eminence Eight Greens Youth Serum. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize your skin. We love Crème de la Mer for a dewy look.
Use a tinted moisturizer with SPF. You will get beautiful coverage that will even out your complexion without adding a lot of weight.
Cream shadow is light and dewy for summer. It gives your eyes that sparkle. Try NARS cream shadow duo in Summer Time. You can take this look into fall by trading out your cream shadow for a powder shadow and going more bronze and gold as seen on Oscar de la Renta and Roberto Cavalli fall 2008 runway shows.
Hydrate lips: I can’t live without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. I recommend this to all my brides for the perfect kissable pout.
Mascara and gloss are your new BFF’s. To keep your look simple coat your lashes twice with black mascara (Lash Blast is amazing by Cover Girl) and gloss up those lips. At Fresh Beauty Studio we keep it old school with our line of TINte Cosmetics. The lip tins and glosses bring you back to your childhood. One of our brides favorites is a lip gloss named Cake and it smells good enough to eat. We are always finding ways to keep you feeling young.
Lashes: If you aren't up for wearing mascara this summer, try treating yourself to lash extensions. Believe it or not, I am a lash certified stylist..at FBS we apply Xtreme Lashes, a service that is so popular for Summer brides.
Thank you so much, Nikol! Nikol's studio is filled with tons of great producst and services so if you are in the area, definitely stop by...she offers facials for the bridal party, lunchtime peels for the busy bride-to-be and so much more. Fresh Beauty Studio also has an online shop filled with oh-so-cute favors and fashions that you should absolutely check out!
I was lucky...my cousin is an incredible hair stylist in Boston, so getting my hair done was a no brainer. If there is one thing that I am still getting questions about, it's my hair. So many of my friends have requested photos to replicate for the their own wedding, which is such a huge compliment to my sweet cousin, Kristine. Here are some hair and beauty shots from my own wedding. Kristine and my make-up artist, Lynne, did all of the maids' make-up and hair, as well...
For my hair, I wanted it to be up, in a disheveled bun for the ceremony and photos, then I wanted to take it down for the reception. This easy up-do was perfect for me because it felt so soft and romantic, but in that really non-prom-ish way. My cousin set it without using rubber bands so that I had no creases when we took it down.
For my make-up, I wanted to look natural...all eyes and a subtle lip. When I tell you that I loved what our make-up artist, Lynne Avallone did, it just might be the understatement of the year. I felt beautiful, but I felt like myself. Lynne used warm neutrals with touches of pink, champagne, copper and chocolate. She also applied subtle false eyelashes that made my eyes pop in pictures. My maids all chose their own hair and make-up styles...some wore low, loose buns and others just had some waves put in. Everyone looked and felt gorgeous.
If you are in need of more beauty inspiration, check out Lynne Avallone's site...she is an absolutely incredible make-up artist, who I cannot recommend highly enough!
And, I am so excited that Nikol of Fresh Beauty in Florida, is stopping by a little later today to share some of her best make-up tips and ideas! Don't forget to check back in!
Since launching Style Me Pretty over a year ago, I have received a ton of emails about my own wedding day hair and make-up. And, believe it or not, this is only the second time that I have written about the topic! So, today, I wanted to tackle all things beauty. Starting with these gorgeous images from MakeupNV, one of our Little Black Book beauty members...
To hire a make-up artist or not is a big question. It's an expense that is often difficult to justify. And yet, I have to say...my make-up artist, my hair stylist and of course my pretty dress were the reasons that I felt as beautiful as I did on my wedding day. There is something special about someone coming in to help transform your look...from you, into your BEST you...that just makes you feel like a princess.
So, I am curious, how many of you guys are planning on hiring someone to do your hair and make-up? Bringing a friend in to help out? Doing it yourself?
We have more to come on this subject so definitely stay tuned!
It's official. I love Lela Rose. She is easily my favorite new designer and her name seems to be popping up more and more these days. From Amy's amazing dress featured the other day, to Jenna Bush's bridesmaid dresses...Lela is all over the place. And, it's easy to see why!
all photos on Brides.com
Although the silhouettes are rather simple, the details are...um, amazing. Each gown seems to be the perfect combination of old world charm and modern femininity. The lace overlays, the tailored buttons, the girly lines. I love every bit of these gowns...
all photos on Lela Rose
To me, it's the combination of fabric and cut that makes these dresses so pretty...the fabrics are soft and romantic, the cuts are simple and elegant. Each dress is all girl. And I love that. What do you guys think?
Check out the great letterpress note cards, bridesmaids t-shirts and hoodies that Lisa of Inkbox Design Boutique has created...SUCH a great gift for your favorite girls!
Here is a little tidbit from Lisa about her new collection...
After being
a bride myself and searching everywhere for (for lack of a better word)
‘non-cheesy’ bridal party gifts-----I quickly realized that they did not exist!
I started with what seemed natural for me and designed T-Shirts for Miss
Bride, Maid of Honour and Bridesmaid with a sophisticated, fashion
forward look-------and a cheeky attitude. I also used the softest, most
comfortable, flattering tees I could find. Because this is a gift item and I
absolutely LOVE Packaging Design, this product wouldn’t be complete without
beautiful, chic girly packaging! These are carried in boutiques, as well as sold
on my website.
March 30th, at LA’s Premiere Bridal Event, A Soolip
Wedding 2008, I launched 3 new products to the line: a Zip Up Hoodie for
Miss Bride, Doggie of the Bride T-Shirts (yes, that’s
right!!) and Letterpressed Note Cards for the Bridal Party. They
are brand new and not even in stores yet.
I looooooove this new line and if I were getting married again, I would have been all over these gifts. Thank you so much, Lisa, for sharing with us!!
I stumbled upon Erin Gallagher's gorgeous work a few months back and just love it. There is something somewhat architectural about her pieces and yet they scream elegance. Understated elegance for a modern bride...
The best part? Erin will work with brides on their own jewelry, or for their bridesmaids, with collections started at $20 (prices go up from there). She will also give price breaks when you order more than 5 pieces. Pretty good, right?
One of my favorite jewelry designers, Sonya Renee, has recently launched a bridal line...a stunning collection catered to brides and gifts for their beautiful maids! Gina at Sonya Renee designs jewelry that is chic, simple and yet all class. I was introduced to her work a while back, when my best friend, Katie, ordered the most precious earrings for all of her maids. I am still in love with them, so needless to say, when Gina sent me her newest collection, I was smitten...
Aside from the fact that these pieces are gorgeous (so my style), I love that Gina has something for everyone...so many different price ranges, colors and style to choose from. Her new cushion cut stones are perfect...the white topaz for the bride, the sweet colored stones for her bridesmaids. My personal favorite, however, is that amazingly simple, circle necklace in the bottom left photo.
Check out the new Sonya Renee Bridal collection when you have a minute. She takes custom orders and offers nice price breaks when you order in larger numbers.
More fun jewelry finds coming throughout the day!
Here is the second question of the day, and one that I am pretty sure a lot of brides are struggling with!
Question number two comes from Leasa...
Q2: Help!!! My best friend and maid of honor has informed me that she will be seven months pregnant by the time my wedding rolls around in October of this year. There is no way I would even consider taking my vows without her by my side, but I want her to look cute and stylish for the wedding (not dumpy). I also want her to coordinate with the other bridesmaids who also vary in shape and size.
In total I have five bridesmaids: my best friend/MOH who will be seven months pregnant (she is also about 5'8" and average build); two petite cousins who are both around 5'3" and 90 pounds soaking wet; a friend who is 5'3", very full-figured and top heavy; and another friend who is 6'1", full-figured and top heavy (she will also have given birth the month before the wedding). I'm not stuck on having them all wear the same dress, but I would like them to wear the same color and fabric. Do you have any recommendations for dress manufacturers that can accommodate all of these different body types?
I want everyone to look their best and I really want my MOH to feel comfortable. I also want everyone to look very stylish in a dress that is complementary to each figure. Like I said before, HELP!!
A. All of you have such great ideas! Leasa, my first instinct when I read your question, was to refer you to Jenny Yoo. I am a huge fan of Jenny's and after seeing a fashion show of hers in New York, I am convinced that her designs are some of the best out there. She has absolutely beautiful fabrics and colors and the cuts are all very now, without seeming too trendy.
This would be my pick for your girls. I love the flowy fabric and the delicate look of the dress. Jenny makes a great maternity dress, as well, that coordinates nicely with this line. I would have each maid choose the style that suits their body type and their personality...
Another option would be to order the brilliant bridesmaid dress by Two Birds Bridesmaid...
This dress makes it so simple to accommodate different body types. I am partial to the shorter length and think that the apple green would be a lovely look.
Aside from these two designers, all of those mentioned by readers are really great and have TONS of beautiful options. Simple Silhouettes and Aria are my personal favs of the larger scale shops. Hope this helps!
I am traveling to Houston today to visit the fam, but I wanted to leave you for the week with ONE GREAT POST. Tara Andrews, a wonderful jewelry designer whose work is sold on Etsy, is looking for a little help in launching her new line of bridal jewelry. Pearls specifically. Absolutely gorgeous pearls...
Tara has a few questions that she is hoping you guys can tackle. As a thank you, she will give one lucky girl an 18 inch white potato pearl necklace and earrings (as seen in the photo on the bottom left) OR a $75 gift certificate to her store!
I honestly love supporting Indie designers, so any help that you can give Tara would be greatly appreciated! Here are Tara's questions...
1. Are you planning to wear pearls for your wedding? If not, what are you
wearing?
3. What style
jewelry are you planning to wear?
a) Classic style such as a single
strand of white or pink pearls.
b) Modern style such as a chunky
multi-strand twisted pearl necklace that may be white or a metallic dyed
color.
c) Something custom made.
4. What is your jewelry budget?
Just post your answers in our comments section and you are entered to win one of Tara's beautiful designs! We'll close the contest next Friday at 5PM. Thanks so much and have a great weekend!
Speaking of Adele Wechsler...
I was looking around Brides.com at some of the wedding dresses, and Adele's really caught my eye. I looove the detail on these simple, but chic dresses. The silhouettes are all relatively traditional and yet they still seem contemporary and fresh. The above three are definitely my favs but you should spend some time looking at her other designs. Very pretty work.
If you are lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of my favorite stores, Haute Bride, is hosting an Adele Wechsler trunk show THIS weekend (today and tomorrow only)! If you purchase a gown this weekend, you'll receive a 10% discount and 15% off all accessories and veils.
The girls at Haute are SO cute and helpful, the store itself is absolutely beautiful and their inventory is the best of the best...
I hope you get a chance to stop by Haute Bride! It's definitely worth the trip!
I get a lot of questions from readers who are trying to figure out what to get their bridesmaids. It seems to be a running issue among brides! They want their gifts to be personal, but usable. Elegant, but affordable.
Problem solved. Introducing (although I am sure that many of you already know this oh-so-talented designer), Carrie D. Mader Jewelry. Her work is absolutely beautiful and would be something that your bridesmaids would wear time and time again. And not in that "sure, they can wear their bridesmaid dress again" kind of way. This jewelry really is something that your maids will treasure...
The best part about Carrie D. Mader is that she can make something that is completely custom, based on swatches from your gown and the bridesmaid dresses, clippings from magazines, images of your flowers, anything really. And, she can work within your desired budget so that the end result is not only completely personal, it can also be given guilt free!
If the wedding itself, shot by Elizabeth Messina, wasn't gorgeous enough...just look at this bride. Her perfectly stunning hair, that incredible gown, and the McDreamy groom. You just don't get more beautiful...
Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for sharing this amazingly beautiful wedding with us!
If the gowns that I featured earlier today were stunning in their simplicity and affordability, this next set of gowns are those that we dream about as little girls. Fairytale dresses fit for a queen.
Designed by Project Runway's Austin Scarlett for the beloved Kenneth Pool brand, these dresses are basically works of art...
The detail is quite unbelievable...the lace overlays, the beading, the dramatic silhouettes. These are some serious gowns. And, the princess inside of me, absolutely loves them!
I love these dresses by Ann Taylor...
The silhouette on that first gown is absolutely goreous. These by Nicole Miller at Nordstrom are super chic, and even better...super affordable! At $578 and $238 respectively, this is a brilliant way to keep control of your budget, while still looking like you spent a fortune!
I spent some time last night pouring through the Spring and Fall 2008 bridal runways on Brides.com...and I am officially blown away by that J Crew! I am just so impressed by the sweet sophistication of their wedding dresses...
And we all know, the bridesmaids dresses are just too cute for words... especially, the new plaid one!
I love that a classic, old brand is really trying to redefine themselves with their new bridal line. I know that last year, they literally sold out of stock on some of their gowns. Hopefully, this year, they will be a little more prepared...I have a feeling they are going to sell like hotcakes.
So all of this J Crew stuff got me inspired...who else is designing chic wedding dresses that are one part affordable and one part gorgeous? I am going to be playing detective today, so if you have any really good sources, do share!
Here are my picks for some of the smaller, up and comers in the bridal fashion industry for the Fall 2008 season...
Top Row Gowns by Amy Kuschel on Brides.com / Center Row Gowns by Jenny Lee on Brides.com / Bottom Row by Jenny Packham on Brides.com
All of these designers are so inspiring to me. I have been following each of them for a while and am so impressed with the sheer beauty of their work. The attention to detail is unbelievable...and the end result of their Fall 2008 collections is absolutely gorgeous.
Today is all about being a bride. A drop dead gorgeous bride. I wanted to let you guys know what my picks were from this past week's Fall runway shows. The gowns were, in a word, stunning. One part wispy and romantic, one part edgy and sophisticated...most of the looks were well designed and created for a bride that wants to be both beautiful and perhaps a bit sexy.
So first, I wanted to start with the super wearable pieces that I fell in love with, designed by some of the major industry players...
Top Row: All gowns are by the amazing Badgley Mischka, as seen on Brides.com
Center Row: All gowns by Caroline Herrera, as seen on Brides.com
Bottom Row: All gowns by Monique Lhuillier, as seen on Brides.com
How beautiful are these dresses? So ethereal and romantic. And yet at the same time, they all have a little somethin-somethin that makes them more than just a simple sheath.
Later today, I am going to talk about my picks from some of the smaller designers...those great up and comers that are putting out such thoughtfully designed pieces. I can't wait to share my favorites! And, after that, I have some really brilliant picks for those not-so-wearable, but oh-so-cool gowns.
A couple of nights ago, I had the pleasure of meeting two of Boston's finest...sisters Megan and Moria Flynn of MFlynn Jewelry. They were sweet enough to invite me to grab a bite near their studio and I am so glad that I was able to go! First, let's talk about the goods.
Megan and Moria work in the cutest part of Boston, in this amazing building that is literally overflowing with artists, designers and otherwise creative people. The sisters design a line of stunning jewelry and handbags that in my opinion, are the PERFECT bridesmaids gift. Honestly. The jewelry is so chic and fashionable, and yet has this throw back to tradition kind of feel.
How beautiful is this stuff? It is classy, but edgy. Distinctive but totally elegant. The girls are incredibly talented and have a level of taste that few can match. If you are in Boston, you should definitely drop them a line...they can help you to come up with the perfect gift for your girls that really suits their personality and style.
Okay, as much as I was swooning over their jewelry line, MFlynn's handbags are beyond cute. I am completely convinced that these girls are going to be the next big thing. Please look at how great these bags are...
There are SO many styles and colors to choose from, clutches and totes, metallics and patent leathers. Um, yeah. It's that good. Spend some time today pouring over their site. It's soooooo worth it!
A huge thanks goes out to Megan and Moria for taking the time to chat with me about their line, their life, their business. I had a blast and hopefully, I will be your first Style Me Pretty customer! And to readers, wait until you hear who the second dinner guest was with us. Check back a little later to find out!
Going along with our Fall color palette, I love these dresses by Monique Lhuillier and Jenny Yoo...in my opinion, two of the best designers currently out there...
The lace on the bridal gown is flirty and romantic, while the darker though still muted tones of the bridesmaids dresses, ground the palette and create a more formal look. Pair these looks with the below flowers and you have a stunning, but understated color palette that screams elegance and sophistication. Love, love, love!
I can't stop staring at that gorgeous necklace, by Saylor Sage, featured on yesterday's board. I spent the morning just pouring over her website and I can't believe that I haven't maxed out my credit card already buying up all of her amazing designs...
The necklaces range from $48 to nearly $600 (with most falling in the $128 range). Perfect for your maid of honor gift. Also, check out the "what's new" section...some seriously great clutches and bangles.
Before we begin today's post, I wanted to let everyone know about the wedding dress donation event that Brides Magazine and Good Morning America are teaming up for. Here is the press release from the editors...
"Calling all former brides! On October 4th, you can appear live on Good Morning America AND help support Breast Cancer Awareness. BRIDES magazine is teaming up with Good Morning America to kick-off a national Breast cancer fund-raising campaign that features donated wedding gowns. If you'd like To give your dress to the cause, email donatemydress@bridesmag.com by September 29th for more detail"
Or, if you aren't quite to the donation phase yet (read, it's hard to donate a dress that hasn't been worn yet OR perhaps you still put the gown on here and there, reliving your glory days) not to fret, there are other opportunities for you if you live in the NY area...
"BRIDES magazine is delighted to be supporting this wonderful cause, many organizations support important, needy research, but making Memories grants wishes to terminally ill patients so that, for example, a mother might have access to a video camera to leave a memory of herself for her young children is heartwarming to assist.
We have mobilized the bridal, fashion, style and décor community to host our national awareness campaign celebration and 3 day sample sale, from October 3-6.
We need lots of energetic, enthusiastic hands to help on those dates and over the next 2 weeks as we countdown to the big event. Between September 19 and September 29 we are looking for extra hands to process wedding gown contributions and pack goodie bags for guests.
Oct 1 & 2 we need help coordinating final elements. Oct 3, we need help for checking in guests and distributing goodie bags at the kick off event, 5-10 p.m. October 4, 5, 6 we need help with staffing the sample sale.
The event is located at 122 W. 26th Street in New York. Ideally we need a commitment of 1/2 day or full day time slots.
Please write to: volunteers4somethingpink@gmail.com to inquire about volunteering.
We look forward to working with you, The editors of BRIDES magazine."
We'll have our regular post a bit later in the day!
How gorgeous are these pieces from Abaloria, an oh-so-chic designer out of Seattle...
You can shop online and choose from a gorgeous selection of handmade pieces, or if you are lucky enough to live in the Seattle area, you can pop into her studio for a visit and create your own custom piece. Her prices are insanely reasonable (from $50 for a pair of earrings) for something that she handcrafts and would make for the PERFECT bridesmaid gift. The necklaces and bracelets are a little pricier though would be a lovely treat for yourself!
My best friend, Katie, just sent me these pictures from this great jewelry designer...Sonya Renee. I love her work and think that it would make the perfect bridesmaid gift. Plus, she has a bridal section and is happy to create custom pieces just for you!
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I was actually at a wedding in a small town right outside of Baltimore and I must say, it was one of the most lovely weddings I have ever been to. Every detail was executed beautifully, from the centerpieces to the fashions...all was picture perfect. Tomorrow, I will put together a full spread for you to see.
A couple of readers have asked me for pictures of my hair at my own wedding...I was lucky enough to have my cousin do my hair, so she was able to follow me around all night with extra bobby pins and hair spray. Otherwise, this is a little bit of a tricky "do" as your hair can't be too short, too fine or too heavy.
My cousin set my hair so that we could easily just take out the pins and have a more casual look for the reception. She didn't use any rubber bands so there weren't any funny creases or bends in my hair. The only thing that you can't really see in the photos is the gardenia that she tucked into the base of the bun...it was a really subtle, romantic touch.
Last month I did a write-up on the Fall 2007 gowns...I really thought that I had found my favorites for the season. Well, as I was doing yesterday's inspiration board, I discovered so many more that I am madly in love with. I am particularly in awe of the beautiful detailing that seems to be mastered this season...from antique lace to delicate beading. Some a bit traditional and others more unique and contemporary, the Fall 2007 season seems to be filled with beautiful designs.
First Row: Carolina Herrera on Brides; Second Row and Third Row: Kenneth Pool on Brides; Fourth Row: Romona Keveza on Brides
Yesterday I told you that I would post my favorite Vera Wang gowns for the 2007 season. Well, I seriously couldn't choose. They are all GORGEOUS. Some are a lot more wearable than others, but they are all architecturally stunning. What struck me the most about this particular season, is the detail on each gown. Take a look...
The craftsmanship involved is completely incredible...in each gown, she manages to find the balance between timelessness and chic sophistication. Bottom line, Vera is amazing. Of course, the price tag is often pretty amazing too.
So now let me tell you the story behind my amazing gown AND my amazing price tag. I had exhausted just about every dress in the city of Houston before finally deciding on a super simple Ulla Maiji gown. I was happy, but not thrilled. I decided to ask the sales girl if she had ANY other gowns that I hadn't tried on. She thought for a minute, then without a word headed into the back room. Seconds later she returned with what I will always believe was the dress of my dreams. A Vera Wang from her Luxe Collection. Yep, your heard me right. To make matters better (or worse if you are my dad), it fit like a well made glove.
Now here is the amazing part...the dress was purchased by a bride who that morning, had come in and canceled her wedding. Because it was sized for this particular bride, they were going to have a hard time selling the gown on the floor. They offered it to me at 50% off. Done deal. We handed them the credit card and never looked back.
Since this fateful day, I've told my gown story a handful of times. Sadly, more than once, someone has said, "that happened to me too!!" So now I'm thinking that perhaps there wasn't a sad bride or a canceled wedding...but I don't care. It was still worth every penny. Probably because they weren't my pennies.
Here are some pics of me and my glorious dress...
Ahhh, the dress. Although it feels completely awkward posting pictures of myself, I do love this dress.
Thank you all so much for your great feedback with the site design! It looks like design A is the clear winner so far! Next week, I am going to put A against a new design to see what you guys think. This round however, will end on Sunday, so don't be shy about commenting.
One of my readers asked if I would do a little round-up of some of my favorite gowns for 2007....Um, of course!!! I still honestly believe that my wedding gown is the most beautiful gown ever in the history of wedding gowns, but I suppose there are some pretty ones out there this season. Just teasing. To me, a wedding gown is a lot like a child. Yours is always better.
Here are some of my favorites for 2007...
Okay, let's discuss. The top row are gowns that are a little more traditional. With that said, each one is completely infused with a contemporary style that I love. From the left, the designers are Melissa Sweet, Jim Hjelm and Amsale. I loooove the Amsale dress. It reminds me of something that Chloe from Project Runway would do.
The second row gowns are all a bit more flowy...almost grecian. This style, for now, is more of what I gravitate towards. It just feels whispy and romantic. I envision a low, very loose bun and antique gold earings to complete the look. I am still kind of obsessed with lace and I love that these designers brought in a very sexy appeal to such a traditional fabric. Designer on the left is Oscar de la Renta and the center/right are Badgley Mischka.
The gowns on the third row are sweet, almost innocent. And yet, they seem so timeless and elegant to me. I absolutely love the detailing on each of these gowns...the first has such a pretty silhouette, the second has gorgeous lace detailing without seeming over the top and the third has such beautiful layering. You don't see gowns like this often. From the left, the designers are Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera and Angel Sanchez again.
If you know about my love affair with all things Vera, you are probably wondering why I don't have any of her designs up here. To be honest, it's a totally different beast. Tomorrow, I am going to have my new favorite Vera dresses...I thought they deserved a post all on their own.
I am a little under the weather today, but didn't want to leave you high and dry. So, how about some shoes!? Aren't they a girl's best friend? Well, maybe diamonds and shoes. I know...diamond shoes. There's a thought.
1. Stuart Weitzman, 2. Hollywould, 3. Jimmy Choo, 4. Jimmy Choo on Bluefly, 5. Stuart Weitzman on Bluefly, 6.Stuart Weitzman on Bluefly
Okay, so most of these aren't exactly budget friendly...but a girl can dream right? Okay, off to rest...I should have another fabulous find up a little later in the day. Check back!
update...one our readers, Sam, has asked for some gold/champagne wedges. Here is what I found!
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/15827868/c/1430.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/12456012/c/61789.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11587016/c/4950.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/12308046/c/54681.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11437829/c/49749.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/13244296/c/55409.html
Definitely scour Zappos and Bluefly:)
I was perusing the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style site today and completely fell in love with some of the gowns that they feature for 2007. The magazine's focus is style and high end design and it shows... the gowns on the 2007 runways that are highlighted really are drool worthy. As is everything else on this site. The flowers are GORGEOUS, the event designers are over-the-top beautiful...I could go on and on and on. Okay, focus.
Today's post is a splurge vs. save. I tried to find gowns that were comparable either in cut or style, or at the very least, gave that ahhhh how pretty feeling for both the splurge and the steal. Here we go! The splurge gowns are all $1500 and above (most of them far more). The save dresses are $1500 and below (most of them far less).
Top Row, left to right: Rosa Clara, Junko Yoshioka for Bonaparte NY, Oscar de la Renta; Bottom Row: Vera Wang, Ruben Perlotti (most photos from Wedding Style)
Top Row: J Crew $1000, Carmen Marc Valvo at Bloomingdales, Ramona Keveza on The Knot $1500; Bottom Row: J Crew $250, ABS by Allen Schwartz $300, Mary L. Couture at Nordstroms, $238
The main element you should look for, if you are dress shopping on a budget, should be simplicity. Find a dress you love, then scour stores to find a simpler, toned down version. If you take away some of the ruffles and beading, even an inexpensive gown will look chic and sophisticated.
update...one of my favorite people, Melissa, just pointed out that I mispelled the word splurge...spluge on the photos. Yes, it's finally out in the open. I am a TERRIBLE speller. That is why design works for me! No words! I once spelled the word Massachusetts wrong on an invitation that went to 50 Massachusetts natives. and now, I am just a little too lazy to go in and change all of the photos:) The secret is out!
First and foremost...only 1 day left in the Mindy Weiss planner contest. A winner will be announced tomorrow morning, so there is still plenty of time to post a thoughtful and unique idea!
Let's get to it. Today is the first (of hopefully many!) Splurge vs. Steal posts, focusing completely on bridesmaid's dresses. I think that the settling on a bridesmaid dress is one of the trickier components to the wedding process. With different heights, shapes and sizes, not to mention budget constraints, it is incredibly difficult to find a gown that all the maids will agree on.
With that said, so many everyday designers are coming up with really great, affordable options that are MADE to flatter all different types of girls. Here are some of my top picks for all budgets:
You can't go wrong with a slimming little black dress (plus, your girls will be more likely to cough up the cash if they really can wear it again)...
(Below) ABS Satin Dress $375, Diana Cotton from J Crew $270, As U Wish from Nordstrom's $68
An empire waist dress (with a little breathing room) is another style that will flatter a wide variety of figures and hide ALL sorts of flaws...
(Below) Anna by thread $400, Camilla by J Crew $250, Brocade Mini dress on sale at Anthropologie $129.95
Chic and sophisticated NEVER goes out of style. Scour stores that you wouldn't typically think of for simple silhouettes, like major department stores, chains, sale racks at places like Anthropologie and J Crew and even places like Target and TJ Max sometimes have dresses that are timeless in cut and color.
(Below) Vera Wang, Emma by J Crew $195, JS Boutique at Nordstroms $118
If you're bridesmaids feel gorgeous, your wedding day will be so much easier. Here are some dresses that will make your bridesmaids feel like a million bucks...
(Below) Group USA on Brides, Lighthouse Dress on sale at Anthropologie $84, wrap dress by Victoria's Secret $98, Satin dress at Nordstrom $130
(Below) ABS Style $275, Lola at Jenny Yoo $382, Dot Shirtdress by ABS $220 and Tara by J Crew $340
Hopefully these dresses will give you a good idea as to where to begin...if I am being completely honest, I think that the new J Crew Spring line and the Vera Wang collection are the best. I am a bit biased, as my bridesmaid's wore Vera Wang, but it's true. In Vera, everyone looks good. It doesn't matter what shape, size or coloring they have, Vera's gowns just fit.
**Remember, send me YOUR ideas for bridesmaids dresses (or anything else wedding) and I will create an inspiration board for you!**
I thought that in honor of NY Fashion Week, I would do a couple of posts on wedding attire. The only thing is that I am in Boston right now, visiting family, and it is difficult for me to make all of the pretty picture collages that I usually do....so, bear with me.
I am sure a lot of you have heard of this super fab designer, Amy Kuschel, based out of San Francisco. For those of you that haven't though, I wanted to share with you the great work that she is doing.
In a nutshell (I think that I use that phrase a little too much by the way:), Amy creates affordable couture. From satins to silks, empire wastes, to A-lines, to ball gowns, her work is all handcrafted in her San Francisco studio. You can pick from a ton of different silhouettes, fabrics and trims to create a gown that is completely "you" though without that completely "you" price.
My favorite silhouettes are the Applique Belt for an ultra chic, city wedding, the Caroline for a ballroom wedding and the Coco for the oh-so-flirty bride.
Here are some real photo's from Amy's 2007 runway show...
Aren't they beautiful? The prices start at $1500 (yes, you heard me right!) and go up to $3500 and beyond, depending on the complexity of the design. Then, you can pick from a variety of veils, wraps, jackets and sashes to complete the look. Now how many of your married friends can say that they wore couture to their wedding!
