How to Tie A Tie

I found this great little website, Tie-a-Tie while browsing Stumble Upon and I just had to share. I've always wanted to learn to tie a tie but I always seem to make a mess of it. you'd think with a dad and two older brothers I'd have gotten the hang of it by now. The great thing about the site is the video tutorials which walk you thru each knot step by step. Great for the guy in your life or if you want to brush up on your skills. I'm off to practice my Half Windsor knot.

New York Bridal Market - The Short of it all

I'm wrapping up this week's coverage of New York's Bridal Market shows with my favorite short dresses. If you've been following up til now, you know my affinity for short wedding dresses. A perfect choice whether you're ceremony is at the beach, your grandmother's carefully tended garden or you want to spice things up at the reception.
I love this dress from Lela Rose. The crystal beadwork is amazing.
This Marina K beaded mini is a perfect dancing dress. If you've got the gams, no need to hide them. Show them off!
This beaded coat by Melissa Sweet reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. Love it!
Swingy and flirty at Priscilla of Boston Platinum. This gown is perfect.
Now I know this last gown is far from a shortie but the train is too incredible to ignore. Romona Keveza's detailing on this gown is nothing short of amazing. It's like an unexpected burst of excitement!

New York Bridal Market - Part Deux

Continuing with a few of my favorite designs from New York Bridal Market shows, quite a few designers pulled out all the stops. We saw lots of embellished skirts and great detailing, really one of a kind pieces. Enjoy!
What I love most about this gown from Douglas Hannant was the feather appliques. If it's your desire to make a statement with going too far over the edge, this gown is sheer perfection.
Can we talk about this incredible Anne Barge design? There is beading and lots and lots of ruffles without being overpowering. The gown retains its shape and silhouette so the model is wearing it and not the other way around. Exactly what you want for your wedding day.
Refined. Elegant. Sophisticated. This gown by designer Junko Yoshioka is all of that and more. I can just picture the movement of this gown as the model walked. Take notice of how her hair and necklace echo the lines of the dress.
Ladies, I need you to take a deep breath and exhales very, very slowly. Ines Di Santo is known for creating glamorous, sexy gowns for the confident bride. This incredible dress is no exception. Definitely not for the shrinking violet. In this gown, you know your groom will not be looking anywhere else but at you the entire night. LOVE it!

**Images courtesy of Brides and Mark Ingram

New York Bridal Market - Christos

Happy Monday, Everyone! I hope your week is off to an amazing start. This weekend was all about New York's Bridal Market and the fashion shows. Though I did not make it to the shows, I was kept in the loop, quite brilliantly I might add, by the team over at Brides.com. Saturday evening was the live streaming of Priscilla of Boston's stunning show. It was almost as good as being in the front row! This week I'll be posting a few of my favorite designers offerings. First up is Christos.
Lace bodice with tiered tulle ballgown. Can't you just imagine the movement?
I love the button detailing on the back of this dress. Skims your curves perfectly.
Really feeling the understated elegance of this gown. Real flower power in the accent.
The ribboned waist sets the delicate beading off perfectly.
This gown is my favorite. I love the shimmering gold floral pattern. Imagine how divine it would look at a candlelight ceremony. Fabulous!


**Photos courtesy of Brides

Bride of a Certain Age

Happy Monday, dear readers. I trust everyone had a glorious weekend. I spent a little time over the weekend reviewing the current Spring 2010 collections while watching Say Yes To The Dress. (If you've never seen the show, watch it for Randy alone. I so love him!) Amid all of the 20-something brides-to-be, there was a beautiful woman in her early 50s who'd found true love and was preparing to say her I do's. While watching this lovely woman try on gown after gown, I started to think...if I'm a 50+ and fabulous, where would I find an ensemble befitting a woman of a certain age? Leave it to Oscar to understand that love may find you at any age. While I'm not terribly fond of the chosen headgear, a jazzy birdcage veil would do nicely.
I love the hint of sparkle at the waist. And yes, when I'm 50 I'll have legs as fly as hers. Me and Tina!
This coat and ribbon belt are utterly divine.

Not Your Mother's Wedding Dress

Happy Monday dear readers! Newsweek recently published an article showcasing some of the season's most fashion-forward, seductive gowns. These are definitely not your mother's wedding dresses. Plunging necklines, body-hugging silhouettes and sheer fabrics will ensure your groom doesn't stray too far from your side. Do you dare?
Priscilla of Boston's edgy feather hemmed gown
Platinum by Priscilla of Boston sheer top with strategically placed beading and ball skirt
Tara Keely gown with plunging v-neckline
Curve hugging dropped waist with tiered dress by Lazaro. One of my favs
Kenneth Pool with classic cowl neck
Loving this bared-shoulder design by Anne Bowen
Show off your gorgeous back with this Douglas Hannant gown
Your legs will take center stage in this corseted mini with ballroom skirt by Ines di Santo
Designer Jenny Packham, famous for her Bond Girl gowns, does not disappoint with the down to there neckline of this gown

**images by Luke Walker, Jennifer Davis and Erik Ekroth

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2010 Trunk Show

Happy Monday, my dear readers! I just know your week is off to a fabulous start. I received something very special in my inbox this morning. The fashionable Mark Ingram is hosting a trunk show for my all-time favorite designer Oscar de la Renta this week at his New York Atelier showcasing Mr. de la Renta's Spring 2010 collection. Be sure to call asap to make your appointment.

Every Princess Should Have A Suitable Crown

When it comes to your wedding, I absolutely believe you should be princess for a day. As such, every princess deserves a custom crown. One of my favorite shops, M&J Trimming has recently opened a bridal salon in New York, right in the fashion district fittingly enough. They offer a myriad of embellishments for everything from your gown to your veil and tiaras. Perfect for the DIY bride (or planner) with an artful eye. I use M&J regularly to give my designs that extra sparkle. Oh and they're having a sale on rhinestones this week. Time to stock up!
Loving the chandelier and chair treatments; very glam
Paillettes and double-faced satin ribbon transform plain votives into something special.

Hello Lover

Since Richmond, and much of the East Coast for that matter, are still digging out from the effects of Sunday's snow fall, when I came across these gorgeous Christian Louboutin Petal sandals I was immediately whisked away to sunny skies and balmy breezes. The higher heels would be sheer perfection when paired with your fabulous gown or the flats incredible with a maxi dress at your rehearsal dinner. It's starting to feel warmer already...

Designer Spotlight: Priscilla of Boston & Melissa Sweet

Atlanta and Richmond brides-to-be are some very lucky ladies this month as two of the biggest names in American bridal couture are showcasing their newest lines. Melissa Sweet caught my attention a couple of years ago with the sweetest knee-length dress and she's been a favorite ever since. Her Reverie collection is brimming over with some of the dreamiest dresses I've seen this season. My standout favorites are Positano, Capri and Antigua; perfect for fetes in those sophisticated locales.

Positano, I'm in love!
Capri, can't you feel the breeze in the air?
Antigua, the kicky pockets are a standout detail
Priscilla of Boston's Vineyard does not disappoint. The line overflows with sensuality, refinement and flirtatious silhouettes. My standout choices are Jules, Parker and Darci.

Jules, FABULOUS!
the haute Parker
the stylish Darci
Bella Rosa of Richmond is hosting a trunk show for both lines March 6, 7,& 8. Be sure to make your appointments asap! Atlanta's betrothed Priscilla of Boston's Salon is hosting the Vineyard collection March 5th-9th and Reverie line March 12th-16th. Again appointments are necessary ladies. Happy shopping!