A Match Made in HEAVEN....

There is a couple I know who I truly believe are a match made in heaven. They celebrate all the joys and endure all the challenges of life because they are soul mates who are eternally bound. A genuine team, always together in this earthly life and beyond.
In a strange way this is how I feel about the classic color combination: Black and White. Don't misunderstand, I am a color fan as indicated in my last post. I adore color on a bride somewhere on her ensemble ranging from an accessory whisper to a pale blue gown with hot, pink stilettos. It's just the crisp, sophistication of black and white is so chic and FRENCH I can't resist it as an inspiration for a bride and/or the wedding aesthetic.

Over the years I've seen horrible versions of black and white wedding gowns that are way too literal in my opinion. You don't need black flowers to drip down a white wedding gown to achieve the effect. Black accents need to be bold, but balanced and not consuming as done beautifully in this gown via a black and crystal sash. Belts/sashes are still going strong this season and are a perfect way to accent a gown in just the right presence of black or any other color. I also like how belts flatter beautifully and provide an instant hour glass to any body type. Black achieves this the best as it provides the boldest contrast.

Maybe wearing black is not your thing or your mom can't fathom even a hint on you for your wedding day. It is a bit edgy and somewhat daring, which understandably is not for everyone. Perhaps black and white peep toes under that gown might just do the trick for a little unexpected twist.

Consider the inspiration and may this eternal, pair made in heaven guide you in fashion and perhaps life itself.

colorful RUNWAY magic!

Watters Bride-BLUSH gown! I'm feeling faint:)

Lazaro- Elegant drama with a stunning focal, belt.

Marchesa bringing the gentle, cap sleeve back!

Oscar De La Renta flirtatious, cocktail dress. Perfectly retro.

Vera Wang epitomizes ethereal in this chic, stunning hue.

Miriam Haskell piece - simply amazing on the wrist of my BLUSH bride.

Statement necklace by Kristin Morris.  Modern vintage at its best.

The intricate work of Paris by Debra Moreland.  I was a fan at first glance.

So great to be back blogging after a self-initiated absence.  My brief departure was in part due to October Bridal Market analysis and all the wonderful inspiration I've been seeing from the runway.  The Spring 2012 lines are magical and I just can't help but style the brides in COLOR somewhere in the ensemble if not via the gown itself! My latest obsession- BLUSH! This angelic, peaceful hue has been around on the bridal gown scene for several years, but this season I've been won over by this delicate whisper of color combined with taupe accents. It's fresh- vintage and I'm in love! Above are some of my favorites from the Spring 2012 season. I'm thrilled brides today have so much choice and somewhat sympathetic too because it really can be overwhelming. That is when the stylist at your intimate bridal, boutique becomes your instant friend! As the professional, fresh from seeing the 2012 collections from several designers, he/she will guide you along the road of goodies that await your choice which hopefully in some aspect include COLOR!

The Co-Star...

By definition an accessory is "something added" or  "help", which doesn't sound very chic or exciting. Ahh but when referring to an accessory for a bride, then it gets interesting and the ho-hum word becomes synonymous with style!
Your wedding day look is often referred to as an ensemble. Though you probably don't say to your family and friends when asked what your gown looks like: "My ensemble consists of ..." However, that is exactly what you have when your look is complete. It's an ensemble of stars; some the lead (your gown) and others supporting (accessories) that harmonize beautifully.
After the gown is chosen, your should start thinking about accessories which range from statement necklaces to diamond studs, cathedral veiling to french nets, belts to pashminas, headbands to plumes and of course brightly colored shoes! Whatever you choose, those pieces should reflect the gown but not particularly match and each accessory should stand out on its own. If you are wearing an embellished belt and a chunky, bling bracelet the two compete as the wrist isn't far from the belt area. A large, statement necklace with a crumb catcher neckline will get lost together, but on their own- wow! The colored shoe trend is fantastic, but keep that the only color to give that co-star its time in the limelight.
Even if you're not always an accessories girl, consider at least a short drop or button earring to frame the face which especially impacts photos.

www.popjewelaccessories.com 

When I present a tray of jewelry options to a bride I refer to it as a "dessert tray." A collection of goodies to choose from that have zero calories! How can a bride resist?

more than just a feather..

If you've been wedding shopping, scouring the web for gown ideas, or glanced at wedding publications you probably noticed a common thread- plumage.  Those light, airy bird clothes are everywhere!! Sarah Jessica Parker may have been the catalyst to get the trend kick started, but as we know feather usage has been part of human customs for thousands of years. Feathers are symbols of strength, royalty, peace, energy. All of which a bride should feel on her wedding day. Not just a chic, trendy statement Sarah Jessica so boldly personified, plumage offers the bride a connection to the past and hope for the future all in one accessory!
Of course, as you know I'm a slightly obsessive fan of all things retro. When a bride considers a feather hair piece, I immediately channel those hair bands of the 1920s as inspiration. Ask your bridal boutique to show you a range of feathered, pieces even if you have initial doubt. Brides are usually surprised how much they like them. Some are very diminutive, but still pack that symbolic energy and chic, modern punch. Or you could opt for a large, peacock colored plum that says wow and commands all eyes on the ultra, fashionista bride. I adore a whisper of color on a bride and what better way than with a natural, work of nature that birds need, but brides can enjoy.

a WINDOW to the soul

It was love at first sight. I was 8 when I saw it--THE WINDOW! Little did I know that glimpse, that awestruck feeling that stirred was the beginning of my future career. That day in tow with my mom at "the mall" was the day I saw my first bridal shoppe window. It happened to be Priscilla of Boston, which at the time (without dating myself too much) was actually one of their satellite boutiques strangely located in a mall! With the news Priscilla of Boston in all its grandeur sadly ending its gift to our bridal world, I couldn't help but get nostalgic and reminisce about the moment I fell hard for wedding gowns.

Boutique windows of any kind always fascinate me to this day. I love how artistic, dynamic and simply quaint they always are. They give a sense of comfort and character to any street they grace. Boutique owners large or small take great pride in window design. In fact, it's an art and a skill many get degrees in. The windows in NYC have been famous inspirations for many films over the years.

Of course, the window of a bridal boutique is my creme de le creme. It allows the bride to get a her first, glimpse and perhaps inspiration for her gown. Something about a whimsical, elegant gown on a mannequin under soft lighting makes brides excited to find their special one and future brides (ages 8 to 80) wonder with delight about what they might find someday. It's a momentary, magical escape.

Before you step inside your boutique, take a minute or two to adore the window. Whether you did as a little girl  for years and now can enter those doors with a sparkling ring on your finger or you just happened to notice yesterday while on your way to a meeting. I just implore you to look, admire and escape for a few moments.

FIT is Fabulous and First

Some may say it's all about "the look" and fit comes in second. Perhaps similar to wearing those hot, shoes you just had to have only to suffer dearly with sore tootsies. I'm guilty of the latter. However, shoes do not compare to your wedding gown! You must absolutely love the silhouette and fit of your gown for comfort, confidence, investment integrity and most importantly to proudly show YOUR dress that is a unique, reflection of you!
I've witnessed several brides do the following: (keeping in mind this is normal if you've done it or thinking about doing it) 1. Choose a gown from a photo only to find when the real thing lays on the body it is confusing and disappointing. Photos can inspire, but be weary when you try on the sample in the boutique. It may not be what you had hoped for. Allow the stylist to choose/suggest gowns for you as they are professionals and know how to match body to silhouette.
2. Similarly, from photos a laundry list of "must haves" in a dress is given to the stylist only again resulting in frustration and disappointment when all those items are not found in one dress. I always say brides should have two "must haves" in a dress. If those are satisfied, the bride will love the other details too because they all work in harmony with her "must haves."
3. When a gown is purchased a photograph is taken to capture the excitement of choosing "the one." Then the photos are looked at again and doubt creeps in. This leads to panic and then OMG I chose the wrong dress.  Sometimes it's just a normal reaction to purchasing such a large item, but always keep in mind how the dress made you feel the moment you decided it was "the one" AND most importantly if you loved it as a sample that never fits well, you'll love it ten times over when it's fitted and customized to you and only you.
AND that is the moral of this entry...Choose a gown that suits YOU the bride who will be wearing the garment proudly and confidently. During the appointment, the stylist will manually adjust the gown to give you a sense of fit and how it will lay on you. Once you feel that "glove like" fit and the gown has your two "must haves" that's it! You've fallen in love again (groom don't worry).. with your dress!

eureka! is that a covered shoulder?

Change is good, right? I think so. It's not always easy, but in the world of wedding gown fashion I think it is finally time to see some options beyond the strapless neckline. FINALLY! thanks to the beautiful Princess Kate and some other very, chic ladies around the world whom designers clamor to style the runways will produce a plethora of neckline options for boutiques to purchase and offer to brides. The neckline above is one of my favorites I doubt will be repeated again. In the 60s and 70s this collar neckline was very popular and quite demure. Today the sophisticated, modern bride doesn't want to be covered to the neck and confined. (with the exception of those fanatical vintage slaves like me who would wear that neckline in a heartbeat!)

Even Princess Kate, though her gown was classic Grace inspired, had movement in her illusion lace bodice. Her collar bone was not hidden! This look already has flooded the bridal market and will be in a store near you soon! Yes, long/ three quarter sleeves are BACK!

Another neckline that will make its way to your boutique is the classic boat neck! I haven't seen this neckline in several seasons and yet here it is by Armani looking incredible on Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Let it be known I have absolutely nothing against the strapless gown. It is a wonderful, option for most brides with its clean neckline (zero confinement) that can be styled with a fabulous statement necklace or not. You also don't have to be royalty to set a trend with your wedding gown. Just enjoy wearing it, feel beautiful and be thankful you are a 21st century bride that has many necklines (again!) to choose from!