Best of EB: Kirralee & David: Australian Beach Wedding

Originally posted on July 1, 2010

Best of EB: The Amazing Technicolor Dress

Originally posted on July 8, 2010

It takes a lot of courage to wear something other than white (or ivory or diamond white or pearl) on one's wedding day.  So when I saw this Stephanie James Couture confection I sort of fell in love.  It's bold not only in color, but also in cut- long in the back, short in the front? Yes, please!  Paired with a birdcage veil and lipstick red pumps, this is perfect way to make a big statement on your big day!

"Fifi" by Stephanie James Couture

{Image via Stephanie James Couture Blog}

What do you think of this gown?  Think it's couture perfection?  Think it looks like she rolled around in a fabric remnant bin?  Let EB know in the comment section!!

Best of EB: Pretty Heapieces that Aren't Tiaras...

Originally posted on May 10, 2010

Not that I'm hating on tiaras or anything, they can also be really pretty, but you know me, I'm all about thinking outside the box.   Here are some equally as gorgeous hair accessories that dare to be a little different...

Sara Gabriel "sophia" silk and Swarovski crystal headband with removable tulle overlay

Best of EB: Can you tell I need a vacation?

Originally posted on May 17, 2010

So in keeping with the last few days' beach theme, I've put together a list of super cute options for a beach wedding!  I tried to feature a variety of styles, while still maintaining a level of beach-appropriateness.  Enjoy!

Perfect for the beachy goddess bride

Gossamer Chiffon gown by Maggie Sottero; style# AD3395

Classic tea-length style for a plus sized bride.

Lace dress by David's Bridal; style# 9T9948

Best of EB: Style Icon Inspiration: Silent Screen Vamps

Originally posted on May 13, 2010

Those of you who know me know I draw a huge inspiration from dark, moody color palettes and vintage styles.  So it should come as no surprise that I've created a style icon inspiration board based on silent film stars.  My final college collection was inspired by 1920's couture and Tim Burton films, so I've included two of the designs in the board because they fit so well.  I know the mood is very dark and not for everyone's taste, but I find it gothically romantic and fitting with current trends (vampires anyone?)  Part of what appeals to me about this era is that it was one of the first times in history where women were finally allowed some freedom in their appearance, as well as their attitudes.  Unfortunately the great depression hit and everyone had to reign in their newfound attitude and style to fit the somber mood of the day.  But for a short while, these female were able to let their hair down (or in most cases, just chop it off) .  They were confident bad girls and they owned it!

Russian starlet Alla Nazimova

The term "it girl" was coined for her- Clara Bow

Best of EB: Neil & Natalie Part I: Engagement Photos, Chicago-style

This was originally posted on April 25, 2010.

Best of EB: Veils: An Illustrated Guide

To wear a veil or not to is the eternal question asked by brides the world over.  It really just depends on your own personal preference and style, and there really isn't a right or wrong answer.  If you do decide to wear a veil, here is a guide, featuring the lovely designs of Sara Gabriel, to help you through the decision making process. 

There are a few things to consider when choosing a veil- width, length, cut, color, and what types of embellishments you want.  I will explain each of these in greater detail below...

Width:

The width of the veil is determined by the width of the fabric before it is gathered.  Veils typically come in two standard widths- 108" and 72" wide.  Basically, the wider the veil, the poofier it will be.  Most veils are 108", but if you are going for a simpler look then the 72" size might be the way to go.  Veils can be made out of any width fabric, so if you want something even fuller than 108" or slimmer than the 72", then some veil companies will make custom changes. 

Length:

There are lots of different lengths to choose from when picking your veil.  The exact measurement differs based on your height, so they will either order a standard measurment (each company's are different) or they will do a custom measured length. 

Chin length

Chin length is most typically seen in a Russian or French netting style, but can sometimes also be seen in tulle (like the one pictured) and can be worn either as a blusher or as a veil.  It is best paired with sophisticated, minimalistic gowns.

Veil by Sara Gabriel, style "Drew"

Best of EB: How to Mix and Match Bridesmaids Styles

Originally posted on May  6, 2010

I've received a request from a bride inquiring how to style bridesmaids using different dresses.  I'm actually so glad she brought it up because it's definitely worth talking about. There is (in my opinion, anyway) a right and wrong way to do it. This has become a pretty popular trend in recent years, and I have seen it turn out super cute and, unfortunately, also seen it look really bad.  Note: you can click to enlarge the photos below.   

For example, you have a bride who wants to be laid back and conscientious of her girls' budgets, tastes, and figures.  She says to them, "just go buy a short, red dress.  I don't care where it's from or what style it is, just as long as it's short and red."  This way, she thinks, everyone can pick a style that they feel comfortable in and can afford, but also still look uniform.  This is actually a horrible idea.  What the un-bridezilla doesn't realize is that every designer has their own version of "red" and that "short" can mean anywhere between upper thigh and ankle length.  This is what horrifying results would inevitably occur:

Don't do this!

These are all super cute "short" dresses with "red"-like names, and yet, they all look so different!

Top row, from left: Suzi Chin dress in "tomato" from Macy's, Wtoo #751 in "azalea", Mossimo dress in "red" from Target, B2 #B3091 in "cranberry", David's Bridal #8585 in "apple"

Bottom row, from left: After Six #6559 in "valentine", Alexia Designs #972 in "scarlett", Love by Enzoani #B16 in "burgundy", Calvin Klein dress in "rouge" from Nordstrom, Jessica McClintock #53789 in "red"

Best of EB: Top Ten Gorgeous Movie Brides

This was originally posted on May 24, 2010

A week or two ago my friend shared a link with me featuring the top ten most beautiful movie brides and so  I've decided to compile my own list of gorgeous, memorable movie weddings.  I included a few from the original list, but I've also added a few of my own.  Take a look and be sure to add your favorites that I missed in the comments section below because I want to do a sequel to this post!

1. Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette, 2006

From the meticulously coiffed hair to the several feet wide pannier skirt, everything about this wedding screamed royalty.  Très magnifique!

Best of EB: A Guide to Recognizing Your Fabrics

This was originally posted on May 19, 2010.

It's very important (in my opinion anyways) to know at least a little bit about fabric before you go shopping for wedding gowns/ maids dresses/ mom's dresses etc.  Most assume that the price of a dress is mainly based on the how much detail it has (embroidery, beading) but that's not totally true.  Fabric actually has a much greater impact on the price of a dress.  Because most dresses are made by machine in far away places like Taiwan or China, they really don't cost very much to make because the labor costs are (sadly) so cheap.  The materials, along with the complexity of the design, are actually what really drive the cost up. A dress that is made of polyester satin and covered in embroidery and beadwork will still most likely be less expensive than a dress made of silk satin with no embroidery or beadwork because silk satin is really expensive.  There are pros and cons to different types of fabric, so it really just depends on what your looking for and how much you want to spend.  Being a fabric junkie (design school will do that to you), I am partial to richer fabrics but everyone is different.  So, here is The Ethereal Bride's handy fabric guide to hopefully help you make sense of the big sea of white that lays before you. 

First of all, there are two aspects of fabric that you need to understand- how it's made and what it's made of.  How it's made refers to whether or not it's knit or woven and what type of knit or weave it is.  Typically, most special occasion fabrics are woven, except for some stretch jersey, so I'll just focus on those.  The way a fabric is woven determines how it feels to the touch and how it flows on the body.  Some examples of different types of weaves are satin, taffeta, and organza.  What it's made of refers to what type of fibers were used to make the fabric.  Some examples are cotton, silk, acetate, linen, and polyester.  Sometimes a combination of fibers is used such as a silk/cotton blend.  Below, I will discuss the most common bridal fabrics in greater detail.

Polyester Satin

Most people have horrible 1970's flashbacks when they think of polyester, but it's actually super versatile and probably the most common fabric used in the bridal industry.  Shocking, I know.  Poly satin is a super common satin because it looks very similar to silk satin but is way less expensive, more wrinkle resistant, and way less delicate.  Keep in mind, there are many different quality levels of poly satin.  There is definitely a difference between a $99 poly satin gown and a $1900 one.

Pros: Less expensive than silk, more wrinkle resistant than natural fabrics, comes in any color, durable

Cons: Not as rich looking or feeling as silk satin, heavy and can be hot to wear

Best time of year to wear: Fall, winter or spring, however, it can definitely be worn in summer,too, just note that you may get overheated during an outdoor ceremony or photos. 

Polyester satin gown by Allure Bridals; style# 8759

Best of EB: Style Icon Inspiration: Grace Kelly

This post originally ran on May 1, 2010

I've decided to start a series of inspiration boards based on various style icons.  To kick off the series, I've chosen Grace Kelly, an Oscar winning actress who then became Her Serene Highness Grace, Princess of Monaco when she married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in April 1956.  She was born in Philadelphia to self-made millionaire parents and starred in some of the 1950's biggest movies including Hitchcock's Rear Window, The Country Girl (for which she won her Oscar), and High Society, a musical remake of The Philadelphia Story.  Some of her most memorable fashion moments were created by the remarkable Edith Head, including her black top and full tulle skirt from Rear Window and the aquamarine silk satin confection worn on the night of her Oscar win.  Her style was so influential that Hermès re-named a bag after her (the Kelly bag) because she was photographed with it.  Her wedding gown, designed by Helen Rose of MGM, included a rounded collar, a full skirt made of ivory peau de soie, and a fitted bodice made from Brussels lace embroidered with seed pearls. The lace was over a century old and had flower designs in it. Twenty five yards of silk taffeta and 100 yards of silk net were used in the construction of the dress.  Her patrician looks and timeless style are still relevant inspiration for brides and fashionistas today. 

Grace Kelly, in a publicity from Rear Window, wearing a quintessential 1950's look; designed by Edith Head

 Grace wearing her aquamarine silk satin Oscar gown.  The fabric alone cost over $4000! 

;also designed by Edith Head

Best of EB: Get inspired by... The Costume Institute Ball's Red Carpet

Originally posted on May 4, 2010

Last night was the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Annual Costume Institute Ball, pretty much known as the the year's biggest night in fashion.  As usual the night was filled with amazing designs, creating an amazing source of inspiration for you wedding.  Here are some of the best looks translated into wearable styles for your biggest night in fashion!

Camilla Belle in Jason Wu (with the designer)                   Watters style# 6345 in "Cardinal"

Best of EB: 17 Ways to Keep Your Sanity While Shopping for Maids Dresses

 {Image via WEtv}

1.    Know the difference between the types of gown retailers.  There are many different places to purchase bridesmaid dresses, and the trick is knowing what you can expect from each type.  Always keep in mind that you get what you pay for.  Think of it in terms of how your purchase your everyday clothes.  If you shop a little boutique, you will pay a higher price, but you will (hopefully) get exceptional customer service, because they are a small business and their reputation is on the line.  If you shop at large chain retailers you might score a great deal but won’t get a whole lot of insight from sales personnel, and if something goes wrong they will be less likely to help you out.  Think about what is most important to you- either getting a great bargain or getting great customer service and go from there.  Buying online can be great too but is also tricky because you have even less of a chance of someone helping you if something is wrong.

2.    Research boutiques in a widespread area.  Just because there is a boutique five minutes away from your house, doesn’t mean it is the right one for you.  Research online for boutiques within a ten to twenty mile radius and find ones that fit they type of store you are looking to buy at.  Trust me, it is so worth it to travel a little farther away in order to get what you want and have a great experience!

3.    Always always always make appointments.  You will have a better overall experience when you make an appointment, rather than just walking in to a shop.  Even if you only call a few hours ahead of time, it will give the salon a chance to prepare for your visit.  When a salon knows you are coming, they will have a consultant and a fitting room waiting for you.

Best of EB: Black and White and Pink All Over!

 For this week's "Best of" post, we're revisiting this lov-er-ly inspiration board featuring Audrey as Eliza in My Fair Lady! Enjoy!

I've decided to make an inspiration board based on one of my favorite movies, My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn.  You can find tons of inspiration from pretty much every Audrey film, but I've decided to begin with this one.  Her iconic black and white lace Ascot dress, paired with the mother of all race-day hats, created one of the most recognizably chic looks ever put on film. Hope you enjoy!!

A few publicity shots from the movie 

click to enlarge

{Publicity stills via IMDB}

Photo Credits

 Top left gown: Legends by Romona Keveza style L108;
Bottom right gown: Enzoani style "Diana";

Flowergirl dress: Wawa by Watters style 44262; 

Cake (directly inspired by film, as seen on WEtv's Amazing Wedding Cakes): Merci Beaucoup Cakes

All the rest: The Knot

Best of EB: I Want Candy!

Here is this Monday's "Best of EB" post... Enjoy!!

If ever a jewelry line could cause a toothache, this would be it.  Ever since I interned at Tenacity Boutique a few years ago, I have fallen victim to the obsessive, sparklicious world that is Tarina Tarantino jewelry and accessories.  Her broad sources of inspiration combined with her psychadelic use of color make up an amazing array lucite and Swarovski crystal confections and let me tell you, it's very addicting.  And, if your as hooked as I am, there is no reason why the addiction can't carry over into your wedding day!  There are plenty of options for you and your bridesmaids and these are pieces that you can't almost guarantee will be worn again.  The quality is fantastic, and they are made in her "Sparkle Factory" in Los Angeles. I've created some inspiration boards showing a few of the many different ways Tarina jewelry can be worn on the big day.  As always, click the images to enlarge.

 These bright, floral inspired pieces would look great at a tropical destination wedding!

Best of EB: 21 Ways to Keep Your Sanity While Shopping for Your Gown

So lately I've gotten into the routine of not posting anything on Monday's because, let's face it, everyone needs a day off.  But then I got a bright idea- I will start re-posting some of my old features from when EB was brand new, because many of those posts went relatively unread since I didn't have a whole lot of visitors in the beginning.  It's a win-win situation- I still keep my day off and you get a chance to catch up on what you may have missed! So, for my first Monday re-post, I bring you "21 Ways to Keep Your Sanity While Shopping for Your Gown"!  Enjoy!

 

 {Image via WEtv}

Before you shop:

1.   Know the difference between the types of gown retailers.  There are many different places to purchase your wedding gown, and the trick is  knowing what you can expect from each type.  Always keep in mind that you get what you pay for.  Think of it in terms of how your purchase your everyday clothes.  If you shop a little boutique, you will pay a higher price, but you will (hopefully) get exceptional customer service because they are a small business and their reputation is on the line.  If you shop at large chain retailers you will probably score a great deal but won’t get a whole lot of insight from sales personnel, and if something goes wrong they will be less likely to help you out.  Think about what is most important to you- either getting a great bargain or getting great customer service and go from there. 

2.   Research boutiques in a widespread area.  Just because there is a boutique five minutes away from your house, doesn’t mean it is the right one for you.  Ask around and research online for boutiques within a ten to twenty mile radius and find ones that fit they type of store you are looking to buy at.  Trust me, it is so worth it to travel a little farther away in order to get what you want and have a great experience!

3.   Always always always make appointments.  You will have a better overall experience when you make an appointment, rather than just walking in to a shop.  Even if you only call a few hours ahead of time, it will give the salon a chance to prepare for your visit.  When a salon knows you are coming, they will have a consultant and a fitting room waiting for you.

4.   When you book the appointment, ask if you can do an hour and a half instead of only an hour.  Every place is different, but most book a standard one hour appointment.  Usually this isn’t enough time, at least for your first time out.  It can’t hurt to ask for a longer appointment, and as long as it’s not on a super busy day they will most likely be more than happy to oblige you. 

5.   Avoid weekends if possible.  For obvious reasons, weekends are the busiest days for bridal salons.  Even if you make an appointment ahead of time, you may still have to share the 3-way mirror with other brides and that can be frustrating.  Do yourself and your sanity a favor and try to go during the week when it’s way less chaotic and overwhelming.  Tuesdays are typically the slowest days of the week and many shops have one or two late nights during the week to accommodate the “after work crowd”. 

6.   Look at gowns ahead of time.  I can’t tell you how many brides I’ve worked with who came into their first appointment having zero idea as to what kind of gown they wanted.  I’m not saying you need to come in knowing exactly what you want, but at least have some clue about what type of message you want to send.  Are you going for a modern, minimalistic vibe?  Something soft and romantic?  Is dramatic and edgy more your style?  Look through magazines and websites like The Knot and Brides and tear or print out pictures that catch your eye.  Even if it’s just certain elements you are drawn too (like a certain type of lace or an interesting neckline), it can really help your consultant pinpoint what styles to show you. 

7.   Know your budget.  Hopefully your consultant will ask you what you’re looking to spend at the beginning of your appointment, but if they forget make sure you tell them.  There is nothing worse than falling in love with a gown and then discovering that it is way out of your price range.

8.   Keep your eyes out for trunk shows.  Trunk shows are when a gown company sends the entire current collection to a store for a few days.  Usually bridal shops (at least small ones anyway) only purchase certain pieces from each collection, but during trunk shows give you the opportunity to view the pieces you may not otherwise get to see.  Also, many times shops offer a 10-20% off if you purchase your gown during the trunk show.  You can find trunk show information on bridal shop and designer’s websites.