Short and Flirty

I love this gorgeous number from Monique Lhuillier. The Jules is part of the Spring 2011 Collection.

It's a short and flirty strapless mini in ivory and silver featuring an intricately beaded bodice and a full, textured mini skirt. For fun brides only!

YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS - The Future of Shopping

A random discovery about the future of shopping from Cisco. Please watch the entire video, it's only about 50 seconds long.



Is this a blessing or a curse?

"Princess for a Day" translation "That will be a Million Dollars Please!"

Interesting article from http://www.aisledash.com/:

Every bride wants to look and feel like a princess on her wedding day. And who better to help make that happen than an actual princess ... or in this case, a principessa? The Rome Cavalieri, the Waldorf Astoria Collection, a five-star deluxe hotel, is launching what they call their destination-wedding "Something Borrowed" program. Have your wedding ceremony and reception at the Rome Cavalieri and you can borrow jewelry designed by Italian princesses Lucia Odescalchi and Grazia Borghese -- whose pieces range from $1,350 to $135,200 in retails stores such as Barneys New York -- for no charge.

You'll work closely with the hotel and the princesses' studios to make your selection from their striking signature collection, constructed from luxurious (though, in some cases, unconventional) materials like mabè pearls, bronze, fossils, diamonds, wood and 18K gold. Their collections includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and more. When you arrive in the Eternal City, you'll visit the studio of your choice for a viewing and to make any additional requests or changes. The baubles will then be yours for 48 hours, so you're sure to shine when you walk down the aisle.

The Rome Cavalieri, the Waldorf Astoria Collection, set in a lush 15-acre Mediterranean park overlooking the rooftops of Rome and St. Peter's Basilica, offers one of the city's most opulent wedding backdrops. Couples can choose from one of several stylish reception rooms, including the Salone dei Cavalieri, which recently underwent a $10 million renovation. Contact the hotel's events office via e-mail at events.rome@hilton.com or phone +39 06 3509 2000 for more information.

According to the hotel website, "for the bride and groom there is a private jet to Rome, the palatial Penthouse suite with panoramic roof terrace and "his and hers" monogrammed linens, and a horse-drawn carriage to one of Rome's famous churches".

All this for the measly sum of $1 MILLION DOLLARS!!!! As outrageous as it may seem The Rome Cavalieri is pretty spectacular.

 

One Dress from Two Birds

Two Birds have cleverly designed one style of bridesmaid dress which can be worn 15 different ways, flattering basically any body type. The dress is offered in 18 colours and in four lengths' and is made of a luxury jersey. If you need some extra support there is a wonderful bandeau that can be purchased and worn for extra support. Just lovely...

Sarah Jessica Parker at the Met Gala

Sarah Jessica Parker looking lovely at the 2010 Met Gala donning her own design, reminiscent of the 1970's, for Halston  Heritage. Accessorizing with a suspiciously Carrie like floral fascinator (SATC 2 promo?) and on trend with lots of Fred Leighton vintage diamond bracelets and cuffs. I'm thinking this would be great inspiration for a more casual wedding. Light and breezy with a few stylish accessories.

Pantone 2010 Color of the Year - Turquoise

Drawing a blank for wedding palate inspiration? Pantone have declared Turquoise as their Color of the Year for 2010. Adding a splash of color by way of shoes or accessories could be a lovely way to infuse some fun into the day. 

Inspiration boards provided by: 
http://itsajaimething.com/index.php/inspiration-boards/
http://www.onewed.com/blog/savvy-scoop/2009/12/10/turquoise-black-and-white-wedding-inspired-pantones-2010-color-year

Vintage Treasures

I absolutely love The Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection which can be found at http://caroletanenbaum.com/index.php.

Carol is a purveyor of fine costume jewelry and has been adorning ladies like Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Obama, Natalie Portman to name just a few.

Her work is a collection of wonderful pieces she has uncovered over a 25 year period with items dating as far back as the Victorian period. Her fabulous costume jewelry allows us to pay homage to the past but also gives us the opportunity to recycle and be somewhat “green” (well that’s what I tell myself anyway!).

Not much to say but take a look.

Porsche 356 Speedster = Completely Delusional

I know nothing about cars EXCEPT that I love the Porsche 356 Speedster. I don't know if it's my delusions of grandeur but one day I'm sure I' will be picking up my groceries in one of these beauties.   In the meantime, back to my delusions - 

OK so, here is the scene:

*  My betrothed and I (a ridiculously wealthy, handsome, philanthropist) have just run off to the South of France to elope.

          (Cut to adorable centuries old limestone courthouse at sunset)

*  After a short time we burst through the doors with laughter in our eyes and  pep in our step. We stop, clasp hands, then stroll to our egg shell white convertible with caramel leather interior Porsche 356 Roadster. 

           (Cut to disgustingly gorgeous happy couple entering the Roadster)

*  There's a rumble and off they go. Into the sunset in the direction of the first random vineyard to sample the local wares.  

            (End scene)

Well, it could happen! 

Can't you just see a sassy summer bride arriving to the church in one of these. Just love it.

  

A little about the The Porsche 356:

This was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2 door sports car available in hardtop and convertible configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture contributing to its motor sports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austria where approximately 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its debut in autumn 1963. It is estimated approximately half of the total production of 76,000 356s still survive.

Running of the Bride - Boston style

Ever heard of the Running of the Bride? It's a little thing that happens twice a year in Boston and annually in many other cities. Department store, Filene’s Basement, buys up designer Bridal Gowns from all over the US and Europe and puts them on sale in one central place and brides from far and wide come to shop for a bargain. The Bride assembles a team to snatch and grab off the rack. Why you ask - to save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a designer wedding dress. Prices range from $250 - $700. 

So, my sister-in-law Ena decided this was a good thing and corralled a group of gals and off we went. We arrived at the Boston Convention Center in the very , very early frigid morning to wait. Even at that time there were hundreds of women in line before us. I thought it would be organized chaos but I was NOT ready for what was about to develop. When the clock struck 8am and the doors flew open I can only say that I was ill prepared for the frenzy of screaming adult women pushing me from behind into a sea of white frocks on racks. It was Crazy!

After gaining my composure off I went, grabbing at just about anything I could get my hands on. Whatever I could find, I took. Tensions were high but team Ena was on a mission. When I say we had a pile about 6 feet high of dress in every size and color I am not kidding. Now, this is where you need to know a little bit about my Ena. She is TINY, like a size 0/2 tiny. Needless to say most of the dresses were way too big. After literally hours of dress swappin we thought we found the one. It was pretty in a “oh, that’s nice” and “aren’t I saving lots of money” kind of way. As we were starting to wrap up someone found a pile of dresses we had missed and picked up a huge handful of satin. Nothing much to speak of UNTIL, she put it on. Gasp... Everyone got quite and still. Not just Team Ena but all the ladies close to us. Now THIS was the dress. It was perfection! I think every woman looking at Ena was spitting chips of envy. She looked phenomenal. We had our dress. 

The moral of the story – a little effort goes a long way. Ena got her dress for 10% of the original price. You couldn’t have bought the fabric alone for what she paid for her dress. 
So ladies, if you are up for it you should check out "Filene's Basement World-Famous Bridal Event”. You might just get the deal of a lifetime, Ena did.  See for yourself.

It's Chanel Time!

To paraphrase Rachel Zoe, "I die".

For those brides who have loads and loads of dollars to spend on themselves I have a suggestion.  One of my TO DIE FOR items is the Chanel J12 GMT White Ceramic Unisex Watch H0967.  It is a 38mm automatic watch, white high-tech ceramic, bezel set with diamonds. It's kinda pricey at about $10,000 but it is an investment don’t you know. It will get you to the church on time!

Peacock in Plume

I love a splash of color in a wedding. So when I came across Emici Bridal I was giddy with delight. I can think of no better way to brighten up the traditional wedding dress than with this fantastic floral brooch. It could be attached to a sash, applied directly onto your dress or worn in your hair. 

Marie, the designer behind Emici Bridal, created this gem from peacock feathers, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and rhinestones. These beauties are perched on a bed of teal silk dupioni flower petals.

Visit Emici Bridal on Etsy to peruse all their floral beauties. You won't be dissapointed!

Hair Do's by Boston Magazine

I came across this article by Brittany Jasnoff  in Boston Magazine Spring/Summer 2010 edition and I thought it would be very helpful for those brides still thinking of what to do with their hair. Simple helpful coiffure hints to flatter all shapes and sizes. Check out BM on stands now.