Thursday, October 27, 2011

Trend Alert! Delicate Details



Okay, so you've seen the abudance of lace gowns, frothy skirts and general femininity of this bridal market. But we think it's the delicate details (think: crystals, appliqué and feathers) that totally take this trend to the next level. How much do you love this lace one-shoulder Lusan Mandongus on the left? Or this tiered Jasmine Couture on the right? (Insider's Secret: The bottom tiers of the Jasmine Couture detach for a short reception option!)

Totally Digging: Boho Bridesmaid Dresses



Break out your side-braids and daisy chains, ladies. It's the year of the Boho bridesmaid. We are all over these Bari Jay maxi dresses in rich pastel colorways -- perfect for a destination (or any laid-back) wedding.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Trend We're Loving: Light-As-Air Skirts


Skirts that looked like they had been whipped up by a KitchenAid mixer were all over the runways this season. Tulle NY created some of our favorites, using frothy organza and tulle materials to create feather-light skirts that would be so much fun to twirl in. Photos: Clark+Walker Studio


Meanwhile, Demetrios (always a strong choice for high-drama ball gowns) showed lightweight tulle skirts in both a simple A-line gown and an intricate mermaid dress. And get this -- the skirt of the mermaid gown detaches, meaning you can easily transform your look into a short cocktail dress in time for your reception.

Most Genius Accessory Ever: "Festoons"


It's one of those ideas that's so obviously brilliant that you think, "why didn't anyone come up with that before?" Erin Cole, one of the hottest bridal accessory designers we visited during the week, debuted her "festoons." They're gorgeous shoulder straps that you can attach to any strapless dress to completely change your look. We love the idea of putting one on before your reception to add a fun element to your look, taking it from a strapless traditional style to a party-ready one-shoulder dress.


Ready to Party? Funky, Frilly and Flirty Dresses

We literally gasped when we saw this short, party-ready frock from Carmen Marc Valvo (under parent company Designer Bride). It's made out of hundreds of carefully arranged loops of satin ribbon -- so perfect to change into if you want to cut loose at your reception.
This flirty tea-length dress (left) from Novia d'Art (also under Designer Bride), complete with lace illusion neckline and kicky hem, is so ready for a dance party. And can we talk about the ridiculously fun feathered fringe on this beaded dress from Atelier 36?


If it's a party dress you're after, make sure to check out Issue New York. These two reception dresses, a blush pink mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, and a one-shouldered sheath with a pleated accent, could totally be worn on a night out on the town after the wedding.


And finally, what's more "party" than layers and layers of ruffles? These gowns from Lillen Collection take the cake when it comes to celebration-worthy volume.

Trend Alert! Cap-Sleeved Wedding Dresses


We've seen lots of Kate Middleton-inspired touches throughout bridal fashion week, but there was also plenty of influence from the other Middleton -- Pippa! Cap-sleeved dresses, similar to the one Pippa wore at the royal wedding, proved that strapless isn't the only way to be sexy. One of our favorite cap-sleeved creations is this dress from Elda de la Rosa. The deep V-neckline adds the va-va-voom factor, while an oversize rosette at the waist brings plenty of femininity.


We also loved this cap-sleeved dress from Rania Hatoum (a newcomer to the bridal market). Her debut collection was inspired by castles from around the world, including this gorgeous sheath -- it was the ombre beading and sheer cascading sleeves that sold us on this one.

Spotted: Pretty Lace Wedding Dresses


Lace was everywhere this season (thanks, Kate Middleton!). Some of our favorites were from designer Justin Alexander -- just look at the intricate lace appliques on these two sleek gowns. One has a fashion-forward illusion neckline and sculpted satin sash -- the other is a simply sweet lace mermaid dress, proving that any bride can find a lace dress that fits her style.


We also couldn't resist this delicate lace and crystal bolero from Justin Alexander -- so gorgeous.


We also spotted these more traditional lace options from Mikaella Bridal and Paloma Blanca. We loved the simple elegance of the Mikaella strapless lace sheath on the left. Looking for more drama? The lace mermaid gown from Paloma Blanca, center, combines the classic with the glamorous. And we couldn't resist including the Paloma Blanca ball gown on the right -- a dead ringer for Princess Kate's dress, complete with lace three-quarter sleeves, V-neckline and sweetheart silhouette underneath.

Finally, we also stopped by to check out the dresses from Carrafina -- a private dress line (so we can't show you any photos). We saw lots of feminine lace styles, as well as some unexpected touches -- think accessories accented with camo (you read that right!).

Something Old, Something New, Something Sparkly...

Every bride needs something glitzy to complete her look. These shimmering purses from Judith Leiber (who has celeb followers like Sarah Jessica Parker and Mila Kunis) make instant heirlooms. We especially love the top left clutch (the chunky crystals update its traditional shape) and the colorful selection of purses on the right (hello bridesmaid gifts!).


Meanwhile, the appropriately named company Bling offered sparkly accessories in every style. We couldn't take our eyes off the dragonfly-accented headband and bracelet set on the left, perfect for a whimsical garden wedding. The modern shape of the bracelet on the right would be right at home at a loft or museum wedding.


Finally, we loved the near-blinding sparkle coming from the displays of sister brands Halo & Co. and Urban Angels. The jeweled sash, from Halo & Co., doubles as a sweet headband, and the burst of pearls and crystals would add glam to any wedding dress. The crinkled metal headband from Urban Angels (the more moderately priced line), is a not-too-girly way to bring flair to any hairstyle.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Spotted: Bold and Colorful Jewelry and Accessories!

It's always nice to see a splash of color in bridal accessories, and that's exactly what these designers brought to the table. We loved trying on these candy-like bracelets from Lasting Memories -- a great way to do your "something blue" or coordinate with your bridesmaids.


Andrea's Beau, a newcomer to the bridal market, brought some truly sweet floral-inspired accessories, like this blush pink rolled rose hair pin (we love this for a romantic garden wedding for both you and your flower girl!). We loved that these designers used true-to-nature colors and totally nailed recreating life-like floral shapes. You could actually recognize different blooms, like roses and ranunculus -- so you can match your bouquet!


Finally, bridal jewelry veteran Windsor had some truly timeless and classic pieces on display -- but also some gems with colorful panache. Check out the crystal bracelet on the left, which sparkled in pretty much every color of the rainbow, and the feminine lavender pearl bracelet on the left -- perfect for a romantic ballroom wedding.

Trend Alert! Eco-Friendly Wedding Accessories and Dresses


We're loving the new "love the earth!" attitude entering the bridal fashion world. Check out these chic accessories by Megan Hamilton Weddings. Megan's well-known for her gorgeous custom wedding dress sketches that she sells from her Etsy shop, but her new eco-friendly accessories are totally buzzworthy too. What makes these trimmings green? She loves using "found" materials: The above necklace is made from an "upcycled" vintage white sweater layered to create a cute flower pendant, while the comb (which we love for a stylish winter wedding) is made of layered leaves, also cut from a vintage sweater.


Speaking of interesting materials, we were completely stunned to find out that this chic bateau-neckline dress from Wrapture Collection is made out of none other than eco-friendly pineapple cotton! Yep, you read that right -- you can even smell the citrus when you iron the fabric. We love the subtle sheen of the material -- it adds just the right amount of formality to this laid-back bridal look. And the other great thing about Wrapture Collection is that each bridal gown and bridesmaid dress is -- you guessed it -- a wrap dress, meaning you probably won't need a single alteration.

3 Bridal Services That Will Save the Day

We're all about gorgeous dresses and accessories this week, but where would we be without the fabulous behind-the-scenes masterminds that make it all possible in the real world? Megan Garmers, the founder of MG Hair and Makeup (one of our favorite beauty experts!), was on hand at the Wedding Channel Couture fashion show to give touch ups to some of the models and designers -- and let's just say everyone looked fabulous. Megan's top tip to real brides? The nude lip is out, and the bold red lip is back in a big way!
We also heard all about Save the Veil, a super-smart new product whose tag line explains it all: "When the wind blows, your veil won't!" These stylish little magnets, which come in four shapes and styles, attach to the bottom of any veil, and keep it weighed down and under control. They're a must-have for a breezy destination wedding or even a windy city wedding. Genius!

And finally, we stopped by to chat with representatives from The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, a group of seasoned experts on wedding dress preservation. Whether you're looking to save your gown for your grand daughter, restoring a vintage gown to its original color (a growing trend, according to these pros), or getting your gown ready to be sold to another bride, look for a local business that's part of this great collective -- they have members all over the country.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Fade to Black -- New Wedding Dresses from Vera!






Don't worry -- if your'e not willing to go bold, we're 99% sure that these dresses will also be available in white.


All photos: Clark + Walker Studio

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Crazy Gorgeous Headpieces for (Literally!) Every Style


Okay, so we knew that we'd be seeing some great bridal headpieces this week, but these designers really stepped it up this season! We saw some really unique new ideas -- as well as new takes on the classics, like the above crystal headpiece by Siman Tu. This coral-inspired  (hello, destination wedding!) stunner would be the perfect complement to a classic and sleek chignon or french twist.



If vintage glamour is more your thing, check out the above comb by The Wedding Dresser (we've been keeping a close eye on Susan Ruddie's work ever since we featured one of her gorgeous feather boleros in a fashion spread). Made of black millinery velvet, this would add some major drama to a loose, wavy down hairstyle. Love love love!



For a more bohemian bride, we're obsessed with this organically shaped crystal headband from Christie Lauren (who was kind enough to model it for us!). And get this -- it's completely flexible, so it conforms to the shape of your hairstyle for a perfect fit. That combined with the luxe/natural vibe it has going on and this one's a winner. Below, check out this blinged-out version, also from Christie Lauren -- we love this for a high, curled bun at a ballroom-worthy affair.


And finally, we couldn't get enough of this new take on the fascinator by Nilah and Company. The perfect mix of chantilly lace, ostrich feathers and crystal makes this hair piece perfect for a half-updo hairstyle at a rustic affair.




Friday, October 14, 2011

Spotted: Ridiculously Pretty (Purple!) Carolina Herrera

You might have caught us drooling a little bit when we feasted our eyes on this purple Carolina Herrera dress. Yum.

Seriously Cute Bridesmaid Dresses by Monique Lhuillier


There's something so sweet and simple about this soft pink knee-length number. The ribbon accents lengthen and trim the waist while the light and airy fabric would keep your bridesmaids cool.
A few more....


You have to love forgiving ruching like this.

The structured one-shoulder design -- it's great for formal weddings and looks super chic with a platform heel.


No cheesy matching bridesmaid necklaces needed here.

Finally, all hail the LBD -- sexy, sophisticated and perfect if you actually want them to wear it again. (Wink.)

A Not-So-Modest Dress With Sleeves by Dennis Basso



This one caught our eye for obvious reasons. It's from Dennis Basso's new spring 2012 collection...

Steal These Bridal Fashion Trends (Spotted at Pronovias)!

Pouf veils (usually tull or netting fastened to a comb to create height) were all over the Pronovias runway show...a total head-turning style if you know what we mean.

Rhinestone "braided" belts! 

The lace dress with sleeves and a V-neckline (thank the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton for that one).  

Beautiful, long veils trimmed with lace (obviously)...

And can we talk about the hair and makeup?! A pulled-back ballerina-style bun (no flyaways there), dramatic eyes with an empahsis on the liner, and perfectly natural cheeks and lips. Love, love, love!