Thursday, November 29, 2012

Bridal Belts..The Finished Look

It's no secret that the hottest bridal accessory right now is the belt. There are so many assortments available, and the variations are endless. Whether you want nothing but the bling, or designate your sash as your "something blue," there is a belt for every bride.

This post is not about where to begin when looking for your bridal belt, it as about how to finish it off.
Allow me to explain...
With all of the options available, many times it is easy to get caught up in the sparkles and dazzle of your bridal image in the mirror, but you must remember that your guests will be viewing you from behind...so make it the best behind you can.

Here's how:

First determine if the addition of a bridal belt will be worn for both the ceremony and reception. (Many brides choose to add their sash as the reception begins to signify a more festive, party look.) Next, take a gander at your tush. Would you like to have a pretty bow draping down the back? Do you want a tailored, belting synch at the waist? Are there buttons that you want to make sure are not covered up? Does your gown have a lace up corset back?

Sounds like a lot to digest, but it is really a personal preference, and easily customized.

Here are some of my favorite options:


This is the easiest and most common of closures...the bow. Good enough for these Lazaro lovelies on the runway...good enough for me!! :) My only hint for making the prettiest placement possible is to ensure that the ribbons hanging down from the bow are at similar lengths. Other than that, pretty much the "loop, swoop and pull" technique works just fine.



This classic gown is from Paloma Blanca , and instead of taking the bow to the back, they have made the front brooched and bejeweled bow their signature. This look will work with any gown and satin ribbon, just make sure that the length is sufficient. The ribbon will be placed flat in the front of the, at an equal length, looped around the back as tight as possible, brought the the front and finished off with a side bow. Once the bow is complete, a brooch can be placed in the middle to add a touch of sparkle. 


 These two next beauties are from Jim Hjelm, and are a great example of a fully beaded belt. The backing is translucent, so all you are adding to your waist is sparkle, no color. Typically, these belts are finished off with a double, large hook and eye closure, so your seamstress will need to cut it to your exact measurements. These belts are often sewn directly on to gown to ensure perfect placement. One fair warning, stones can often snag lace and organza fabrics very easily, so make sure that someone else helps you put it on and remove it.



This is our very own "Dylan" belt from our exclusive Grayson Elise brand. This new season was filled with front closure belts such as this precious piece. Once again, it is an exact size, so there should be alterations after it is ordered. This particular belt can be worn again and again. It looks adorable on a LBD, and even as a headband. Too cute!


 Another Grayson Elise piece that we are so fond of is the "Keegan" belt. This catalog shot shows how to create two looks with one show stopping accessory. The peachy flower placed in the back for the ceremony is a beyond sweet style, and switch around to the front of the gown is instant couture. If


 We love WTOO's  "Camden"gown. This lovely lace gown has an already prepared obi tie in the back of the gown that adds instant glam to this already chic dress. This can be recreated with a more tailored and stiff fabric such as silk taffeta to ensure that the lux look of the layers in the obi take shape. This technique can definitely take a couple of tries, but the end result is so worth it. The best way that I know how to explain it is to begin the process as if you are making an exaggerated bow, but only pulling one side through the loop. From that point you can fold it over and let it lay flat like "Camden", or raise it up and add a brooch to keep it in place.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Wedding Wednesday

We thought that while we are in the festive mood of the season, we could start our own tradition...WEDDING WEDNESDAY!!

I have pulled my favorite inspirational pieces from real weddings via Pinterest and paired them with some amazing wedding wardrobe styles.

I love the idea of playing with pumpkins, and these new orange hued lace bridesmaids dresses from Watters creates a textural softness that is perfectly paired with these fall hues.


My two top bridal picks for a rich fall style....none other than Lazaro. The first gown is a supple satin in a deep ivory that is a classic bride's dream! For any season really....

The champagne lace gown and golden hued sash is such a lovely example of how an unexpected texture such as lace and tulle can take a whole new life in a deeper color and be perfectly suited for an Autumn climate.




Thursday, November 15, 2012

Pronovias 2013 Collection Trunk Show

Yet one more reason to give thanks...November 23 and 24th we will be having an unforgettable Pronoivas Trunk Show for their advanced 2013 collection.

Gowns featuring the most luxurious laces, flirty feathers and spectacular sparkle will be on our showroom floor, and ladies, I assure you: you will not want to miss this. These dresses are not yet available in salons, so this is an opportunity to be among the first to wear these fabulous styles. As if that is not exciting enough, there will also be a discount extended to our beloved brides to be for the occasion!

There is a reason why the press went bananas for this collection at the runway show in Barcelona...come see for yourselves. :)

These gowns from the highly acclaimed 2013 collection are among my favs:








Be sure to schedule your appointment for this show! It will book up QUICK!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Giving Thanks..Military Weddings

Hard to believe that it is the infamous time of the turkey, and the Holidays are just around the corner. Keeping with the tradition of giving thanks, I wanted to continue to give huge gratitude for our Veterans and active Military. Our hearts and hands extend for a million thanks, and I want to dedicate this post to a few of my favorite snap shots of Military weddings that make me smile.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea of using patriotism throughout all of the details on your big day. Kudos to this adorable real bride and her savvy ladies at her side. I gathered two other detail shots from other real wedding via Pinterest that continued the theme.


Here is a version of my styling based on this inspiration bride. I love the tradition look of this Pronovias 2013 collection gown paired with these two drapey numbers from Jim Hjelm's latest group of gorgeous dresses. 


The idea of dressing a bride that will soon be standing next to her hubby in his Military Blues gives me goose bumps every time. 


From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Spring 2013 Bridal Collections

OMG. OMG. O-M-G.

The latest collections from our fabulous designers are beyond beautiful, and spectacular does not even begin to describe the magic behind these pieces.

Every season, I depict the a theme that is portrayed consistently from each collection, and for me, there was no question how I could group together Spring 2013 across the board...."Modern Fairy Tale."


Everything about this Jim Hjelm gown is dreamy. The modern, flowy skirt practically glides across the floor, and the beaded top is uber glam. Love the mixture of textures.

Yes! Yes! Yes! This layered multi-colored silk tulle skirt and perfect lace peplum strapless bodice is  a  dream come true....only Lazaro. We heart you.

The newest fabric introduced into the WTOO by Watters collection is dripping with dazzle. The lighter than air sparkly skirt makes this dress a WOW piece that I just cannot get enough of!

And this special one....pink confection perfection. Watters created this one of a kind show stopper for the uber fashionable fairy bride in mind. The fit, the texture, the flow.....FAB!

There was a softness and magical essence to the designs, and I am pretty sure that each dress has been sprinkled with tiny bits of fairy dust...don't you agree?!?!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Watters Spring 2013 Ad Shots...

Everyone knows that I am a sucker for interesting bridal ad campaigns and look book shots. In most cases, the designer is onsite to ensure that the gowns are styled and displayed as they had intended and envisioned. That is a very cool insight to have.

As expected, Watters has done an INCREDIBLE job showcasing their Spring 2013 collection, and I cannot wait to get my hands on them at the trunk show this weekend.

The detail work is truly amazing, and as always, the fashion forward and savvy, Watters, has produced a completely fresh and individualist collection.















Above is a peek at some of my favorite bridal, bridesmaid and adorable flower girl shots! Would love to hear which ones are at the top of your list!!