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Brides of a Feather: 2012 Wedding Gowns with Plumage

dena — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:10:59 +0000

For the bride who wants something exotic, a gown embellished with feathers is the way to go. Long or short, slinky or princess-y, adding plumes to your dress is a sure way to turn heads! We love it! Take a look at these gorgeous gowns and let us know what you think of the feather trend!

Below: This gown mixes soft tulle with a vibrant skirt of ostrich feathers, silk flowers, and crystals. (Ines di Santo via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: The skirt of this ball gown is made up of a mixture of frayed organza and feather embroidery. (Legend, Monique Lhuillier via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: Italian tulle and silk organza gown with feathered tulle skirt. (Style 4888) Strapless gown with hand-beaded drop torso with full skirt in tulle and silk organza. (Style 4879) Liancarlo.com via Weddingish

Below: Dimensional flower petals and fanciful feathers bloom from the waistline of this romantic tulle gown. (Going to the Chapel, Matthew Christopher via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: V-neck dress with full feathery skirt by Reem Acra

Below: (L) Douglas Hannant gown. (R) Feathered one-shoulder gown by Ines Di Santo (via firstVIEW via weddingish).

Our Favorite Bridal Pumps!

dena — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:45:05 +0000

Gotta have the perfect wedding shoes? Here are ten of our favorite pumps, from super glamorous styles (with super price tags) to demure, ladylike looks (with medium range price tags) and a few beauties with teeny-tiny price tags you won’t believe!

feature image: Flickr

Paris Hilton Bonita Ivory Wedding Shoes; $84.00 my glas slipper.com

Evelixa Peep-Toe Pumps; Price: $89.95 Nina Shoes.com

Grace Sienna Bridal Shoes, $130 Bellissima Shoes

Stuart Weitzman High-n-mighty Wedding Shoes; Swoon $369.00 my glass slipper.com

Liliana By Adi Side Bow Satin Stilettos $34.99 Target.com

something bleu “Clarke” $260.00 my glass slipper.com

Heel, Boy $320 Hey Lady.com

Martinez Valero Vida Bridal Shoes $149.00 Bellissima Shoes

Shanghai Exotic Peep Toe Pump $44.99 Payless.com

Benjamin Adams Charlize Wedding Shoes; $399.00 Model Bride.com

Glamorous Updos for the Bride

dena — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:45:34 +0000

Upswept hair styles have long been favored among brides for their elegance, versatility, and ease. This style is low-maintenance and best reveals the bride’s face, jewelry, and dress.

Your wedding-day hairstyle should flatter your face and also be in keeping with your overall look. A sleek, sculpted updo is more formal; a soft upsweep with a few loose tendrils is more romantic.

Have a good time playing around with hairdo’s, either at home or with a stylist. Bring pictures of styles you like, and try them with your headpiece and veil. Take photos of yourself from different angles so you can study them later on and decide which is the most flattering. In order to feel comfortable in this new style, try to incorporate your every day look somehow– keep your bangs down or part your hair the same way your normally do.

Here are some beautiful looks to try out!

Top Knot: This style is formal, simple, and elegant. Hair is swept completely away from the face, so it’s great for an outdoor wedding. In keeping with the look, makeup is graceful and subdued with creamy eye shadows in smoky hues.

Get the Look: Step-by-step instructions and make-up tips here!

Half and half: For this romantic look, consider flushed, glowing skin a requirement.

Get the look: Step-by-step instructions here!

Side Chignon: Fresh, easy, coquettish, timeless. We especially love the combination of peekaboo bangs and bright-red lipstick!
Get the Look: Step-by-step instructions and make-up tips here!

Polished Ponytail: A classic pony turns sophisticated with a neat tuck and a sleek twist. Instant transformation from schoolgirl to lady. More Bridal Hairstyles here!

Classic Chignon: Today’s loose styles are arranged either high on the head or at the nape. Add pearl and diamante hairpins for sparkle. More Bridal Hairstyles here!

Distinctive Boutonnieres for the Boys!

dena — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:38:45 +0000

Nothing like a splash of color on the lapel to dress up on otherwise black-and-white affair! Whatever the color or style of your men’s suits, a boutonniere is an eye-catching and attractive addition.

Here are some ideas that are both formal and fun! Fresh flowers, ribbon, fabric, crepe paper, berries, herbs, acorns… this little ornament provides a great little outlet for your creative abilities!

All photos compliments of Martha Stewart Weddings

Dahlia + Polka dot tie = Cheerful and fun!

Flowers + Berries + Leaves = Striking and Earthy

Beaded flowers + Ribbon = Handsome Keepsake

Crepe paper + Creativity = Long-lasting flower!

Orchids + Ribbon = High Style

Ribbon + Button = Loads of fun (Get the How-T0)

Beads + Floral tape = Very vintage

Mini rosebuds = Gorgeous (roses never need anything else!)

Nerines + Mizuhiki cord = Japanese good luck

Ribbon + Fabric glue = Unique!

Oak leaves + Acorns = Jaunty and Autumnal

Muscari buds + Jacquard ribbon = Refreshing

Edelweiss flowers + frog berries + dusty-miller leaves= WOW!

Boronia branches + Hot pink = Manly (oh yes!)

??See even more gorgeous boutonnieres– floral and otherwise– at Martha Stewart Weddings!

Wedding Dress Inspiration from Past Era’s

dena — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:39:55 +0000

The rage today in wedding fashion is all about asserting your own style. But in doing so, many brides are finding inspiration in the page of yesterday’s fashion magazines. As you may have noticed, terms like “classic” and “vintage” are hot in everything wedding-related.

So when it comes to your wedding gown, taking a look back in time is a good place to start. Are you a fun-loving flapper from the 20′s or an elegant lady of the 50′s? Take a look at these gowns, each one reminiscent of one of America’s iconic fashion eras (thank you, Martha Stewart) and be ready to be blown away!

Rococo 1700′s: Big hoops. Big drama.

Victorian 1800′s: Aristocratic. Ladylike. Fascinating.

Roaring 20′s: Audacious. Glitzy. Glamorous.

Art Deco 20′s & 30′s: Simple. Elegant. Functional.

1950′s: Crisp. Tailored. Polished.

Swinging 60′s: Relaxed. Revolutionary. Real.

Disco 70′s: Captivating. Groovy. Dance til you drop.

Punk 80′s: Audacious. Flirty. Sexy.

21st Century: Dramatic. Unique. Contemporary.

More gown inspiration: Martha Stewart: From the Runway

Bridal Beauty Countdown: 6 Months to the Day Of

dena — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:57:32 +0000

Glowing, blushing, beautiful… certain adjectives ring true when attached to the word “bride.” But if you are somewhere in the months or weeks leading up to your wedding, you may find the preparations leaving you tired, stressed, and haggard.

So when is that fabled “glow” supposed to arrive? Well, it will, regardless of how much time you spend cultivating it, but there are things you can do now to ensure you’ll look your best. Follow these tips from Martha Stewart Weddings, and whatever else you do, don’t forget to smile– the one thing that makes anyone instantly beautiful!

Six Months Before:

Hire a Hairstylist
This might not be something that needs so much advanced notice, unless you mean to try something new, like highlights, bangs, or a different cut. If you don’t have a stylist that you love, ask friends and fellow brides for recommendations. Once you find someone, he or she can help you come up with a wedding-day hairstyle, or experiment with different options. Now’s the time book your wedding day appointment, too.

Schedule a Makeup Artist
While you’re at it, some hairstylists also do makeup and offer packages. If not, ask for a recommendation, talk to other brides, or inquire at your favorite cosmetics counter or salon.

Price: Prices for makeup and hairstyling are similar, ranging from $75 to $300. In-salon application costs less than on-location. Request references and ask to see photos of recent work.

Clear Your Skin
Blemishes such as acne, scars, and sun damage can be diminished through treatments like retinol cream, lasers, and skin lighteners, if you begin a regimen now. Consider monthly facials and treatments like fruit-acid peels, which refresh skin’s outer layer. Microdermabrasion, a form of exfoliation that uses tiny crystals, is better for sensitive skin.

Price: $100 to $200 per session.

Three Months Before:

Target Areas
If your gown bares your shoulders, arms, or decolletage, you can define these areas by doing two sets of 10 to 12 push-ups every other day, says Christi Masi, a personal trainer and the author of “The Healthy Bride Guide” (Sasquatch, 2006).

Shape Your Brows
Over-plucked brows will need time to grow in. If you want to reshape, visit a specialist. Try threading (where hairs are wrapped with thread and pulled), or find an aesthetician who pairs waxing with tweezing to shape brows better. Go for follow-ups every three weeks.

One Month Before:

Brighten Your Smile
Drugstore whiteners, like strips and gels, take about three weeks to work. It might be nice to get a teeth cleaning at the dentist, even if you’re not due for one. A one-hour whitening by a dentist fades stains significantly, but is much pricier than the drugstore variety. Results can last six months to a year.

Price: Dental Whitening starts at about $650

Hold a Beauty Rehearsal
See your hairstylist and makeup artist for trial runs, with your veil and accessories. Take along a camera so you can recreate the look on your wedding day. If you’d like a sun-kissed look but don’t have time for sunbathing, try airbrushing, where color is applied by an esthetician, or spray tanning, where tanner is misted on via jets. If it’s your first time, try it out a month before the wedding.

Price: Airbrushing $50 to $100, Spray tanning $25 to $35

Two Weeks Before:

Cut and Color
Cut your hair two weeks in advance so it won’t look too blunt, says Boston-based hairstylist and makeup artist Anne Marie Laurendale. If you need to have color touched up, do it now to give it time to settle in.

One Week Before:

Bye-Bye hair
Make an appointment to have your eyebrows shaped. Have other areas, like bikini line and legs waxed now so there’s enough time for any redness to fade.

Pack an Emergency Kit
Fill a cosmetics bag with supplies: tissues, a nail file, dental floss, breath mints, and bobby pins. Some makeup artist will supply pressed powder, lipstick, and concealer to put in a custom makeup palette. Bring your nail polish for quick fixes.

Go for Your Last Appointments
If you want to get a facial for the first time, don’t do it less than one week ahead of your wedding, as some people experience acne or develop an allergic rash, or just look red. If you want to get tan, do it two days ahead of the wedding for the best color, says Richie Perna, co-owner of Bond St. Tanning in New York. If you thoroughly exfoliate before application, the tan should last about a week.

The Day Before:

Banish Blemishes
If the stress of sleeplessness leads to a breakout, don’t panic: Your dermatologist can administer a cortisone injection to reduce a pimple’s swelling and redness. “Almost all my brides have an appointment the day before their wedding,” says Ingleton. Within twenty-four hours, the blemish will be barely noticable.

Put on Polish
Get a manicure and pedicure a day ahead so nails can thoroughly dry. If you do nick or smudge a nail, gently even out the area with a buffer and smooth on a dot of color.

Wash Your Hair
What you may not know is that the buildup of oils overnight actually makes regular or dry hair easier to work with the next day. Fine or oily hair should be washed and styled the day of to keep it from falling flat.

The Day Of:

Just Relax
The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll look. Stress shows itself on your skin, in your eyes, and in your manner. To help stay calm, take slow, deep breaths, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Pace Yourself
Allow plenty of time for hair and makeup. Many brides start their hair three hours before the wedding, followed by makeup (each session should take about an hour). Pull on your dress only after hair, makeup, and perfume are set (oils in fragrance can discolor your dress). Lastly, arrange hair accessories and veil.

You’re all ready! We don’t have to remind you to stand up straight and smile– if you’re not doing it already, your mother or best friend is sure to remind you!

Winter Wedding Gowns with Cover-up’s

dena — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 10:40:41 +0000

Winter wedding dressing is all about layering. A gown that comes with a removable jacket, wrap, or cape will keep you cozy for your romantic outdoor portraits in the snow, which you can lay aside for your indoor reception. Fur, velvet, and silver detailing are all hot extras this winter season!

A gown with sleeves is another cold-weather option. Sleeves are in, and a perfect way to protect yourself against the chill. More winter fashion perks include heavier fabrics such as luxurious silk satins and richer hues.

Gown by Alfred Angelo, via Brides.com

Here are some more lovely winter cover-up options!

Gown by Ann Frances via Brides.com

Gown by Cosmobella via the knot

Silk taffeta cream ruffle stole via the knot

Gown by Jim Hjelm via Brides.com

Monique Lhuillier by Kleinfeld via the knot

Gown by Pnina Tornai via Brides.com

Silk satin pull-thru wrap via the knot

Gown by Rivini via Brides.com

Gown by Temperley London via Brides.com

Satin and faux fur cape via the knot

Bridal Fashion 2011: Understated Wedding Gowns

dena — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:28:41 +0000

No flowers, bows, or ruffles. No crystals, sequins, embroidery, or lace. Whether your style is simple and elegant or modern and edgy, it’s your wedding and that’s the way it’s going to be. Luckily for you there are plenty of lovely wedding gowns for your taste, amid this season’s dizzying array of florals, flounces, beads and bows! The drape of the fabric and your own poise will speak for themselves. Here are some absolutely lovely, understated wedding gowns for 2011.

All photos from Martha Stewart Weddings

Jewel by Priscilla of Boston, Spring 2011, priscillaofboston.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

J. Crew. Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Anne Bowen, Spring 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Monique Lhuillier, Spring 2011, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Douglas Hannant, Spring 2011, douglashannant.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Amsale, Spring 2011, 800-765-0170, amsale.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Jenny Lee, Spring 2011, jennyleebridal.com, Photograph by firstVIEW.

Ines di Santo, Spring 2011, 866-899-INES, inesdisanto.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Oscar de la Renta, Spring 2011, oscardelarenta.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Bowen, Spring 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Angel Sanchez, Spring 2011, 212-921-9827, angelsanchezusa.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Barge, Spring 2011, 404-873-8070, annebarge.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Douglas Hannant, Spring 2011, douglashannant.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Spring 2011, nicolemiller.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

See more beautiful gowns, including other styles, silhouettes, and designers at Martha Stewart Weddings

Bridal Fashion 2011: Stunning Sheaths for Fall

dena — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:36:39 +0000

Designers are coming out with some truly gorgeous bridal gowns this season, and the sheath seems to be a favorite among many. The shapely silhouette is elegant and timeless, and the gentle curves are flattering to just about about every woman. But if you’re looking for something daring and edgy, this is the style for you too- just try it in a clingy fabric with a plunging neckline!

A sheath is anything but simple! These amazing gowns come strapless and with sleeves, in silk and lace, embellished, embroidered, beaded and ruched, in styles both modern and classic… it’s all here! Take a look at some of these beauties, and let us know what your favorite is!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau, Fall 2011 Collection; moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kenneth Pool, Fall 2011, kennethpool.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Amsale, Fall 2011 Collection: 800-765-0170, amsale.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com.

Valena Valentina, Fall 2011 Collection, valenavalentina.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2011 Collection, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Lela Rose, Fall 2011, lelarose.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau, Fall 2011 Collection; moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Bowen, Fall 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Randi Rahm, Fall 2011 Collection; randirahm.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection, kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2011, reemacra.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2011 Collection, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2011, reemacra.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Jenny Lee, Fall 2011, jennyleebridal.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau,Fall 2011, moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Johnna Ho, Fall 2011 Collection; johnnaho.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Randi Rahm, Fall 2011 Collection, randirahm.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

For more photos, styles, and designers visit Martha Stewart Wedding Fall 2011: From the Runway

Fall 2010 Wedding Fashion: Gowns with Sleeves

dena — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:25:28 +0000

Wedding gowns come in myriad shapes, styles, and silhouettes, lots of interesting materials and embellishments, but there’s one thing they often have in common. More often than not they’re strapless, and that does get tedious!

That’s why I’m loving these new fall fashions with sleeves! Long sleeves, cap sleeves, sheer sleeves, lace sleeves… sleeves, glorious sleeves! Not only are they pretty, but they’re great for the blushing bride who wants to cover up a bit, or the bride who just doesn’t like the strapless look.

Take a look at these beauties and if you want to see more, hop on over to Brides.com.

Gown by Oscar de la Renta

Gown by Monique Lhuillier

Gown by Claire Pettibone

Gown by Lela Rose

Gown by Melissa Sweet

Gown by JS Boutique, available at nordstrom.com

Gown by J Kara, available at nordstrom.com

Gown by Temperley London, available at net-a-porter.com

Gown by Priscilla of Boston