Some gorgeous travel inspiration...

Sardinia, Italy

Islands of Palau

Casablanca, Morroco

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Bali

Cuba

{Images via Natioanal Geographic}

-Alessandra

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 2}

I posted last week's "Ethereal Beauty: {No. 1}, and have since decided to make it a regular Sunday thing.  The only hard part is deciding which pics to post because there are so many amazing ones!! So, without further ado...

Précis: {Week of 7.4-7.10.2010}

Clockwise, starting with the top left:

Stephanie James' stand-out wedding gown

Bridal gets the haute couture treatment

Happy birthday, USA!

Danse, Danse Révolution

Bridesmaids trend forecast

Have a great week!

-Alessandra

Haute Couture Report

Here are some of my favorites from Fall 2010 Haute Couture! Enjoy and share your thoughts in the comments section below!!

Click photos to enlarge

Givenchy

The Amazing Technicolor Dress!

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!!

-Alessandra

"Ecole de Danse" Inspiration Board

In addition to being a huge fashion nerd, I am also a huge art nerd.  I have a poster of Edgar Degas' "Ecole de Danse" (French for 'School of Dance') tacked to my wall that my mom bought in New York City over twenty years ago at a Met exhibit showcasing his work.  As I was staring at it this morning, I thought about what I like most about this lovely work of art and decided that it is the vibrant Impressionist colors and the illusion of textures they give off.  Since these things translate perfectly into bridal style, I've decided to create an inspiration board based on the painting featuring ballerina inspired wedding gowns and rich colors and textures.

click to enlarge

"Ecole de Danse" by Edgar Degas, 1873 Oil on Canvas, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington

click to enlarge

Use Degas' "Ecole de Danse" and other dreamy Impressionist paintings as a jumping off point when styling your wedding, incorporating rich splashes of color, watercolor textures in your flowers and decor, and fabrics like tulle, satin, and grosgrain ribbon.

Top left gown: Vera Wang "Eliza" gown

Top row pink place setting photo from The Knot

Top middle wedding gown: Tara Keely "TK2059"

Top bridesmaid dress: Melissa Sweet "MS318"

Top right flowers from Martha Stewart Weddings

Middle left bridesmaid dress: Wtoo "883"

Middle yellow bouquet from The Knot

Middle ballet flat: Badgley Mischka "Reba" flat

Middle cake from The Knot

Middle wedding gown: Sottero and Midgley "ASM3184"

Middle right centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings

Bottom left photo from The Knot

Bottom left wedding gown: Forever Yours Bridal "410105"

Bottom middle place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings

Flowergirl dress: Wawa "47819"

Bottom right bouquet from The Knot

Bottom right wedding gown: Modern Trousseau "Wallis"

{"Ecole de Danse" image via Google Images}

{All other images via the listed websites}

Share your comments below!!

-Alessandra

Bridesmaid Dresses Trend Report

After looking through 100's of maids dresses, I was able to pinpoint a few major trends that are happening right now!  Take a look!!


Click to enlarge each photo spread.

Two Tone

Left to right: Lela Rose "LR110", Sophia Tolli "BY21050T", Alvina Valenta "AV9033", Siri "9417", Watters "7597"

...

Ruffle Details

Left to right: Jim Hjelm "JH5082", Amsale "G353C", B2 "B3080", 57 Grand "5002", Saison Blanche "SB2124"

...

Rosettes and Flower Details

Left to right: Wtoo "866", David's Bridal Online Exclusive, Monique Lhuillier, Lazaro "LZ3089", Love "B17", Lela Rose "LR121"

...

One-shouldered Cocktail Dresses

(Coincidentally also featuring ruffles and rosettes!)

Left to right: Angelina Faccenda "20105", Pretty Maids "22338", Mori Lee "854", Lula Kate "Bridget", Bari Jay "102"

...

Prints

Left to right: Landa "M818", Alfred Angelo "7059", Belsoie "L3020", David's Bridal Online Exclusive, BCBG

...

Unique Necklines/ Shoulders

Left to right: Mon Cheri "BC21043", Watters "7230", J. Crew "22511", Alfred Sung "D466", 2Be Social by Nathan Taylor "B234137"

{All Images via Linked Websites}

What do you think of these trends? Which would you choose for your maids?? Speak your mind in the comment section below!!

-Alessandra

Happy Fourth of July!!

Happy Fourth of July to all of EB's American readers!! 

{Image via The Knot}

-Alessandra

Over the Rainbow

I can't believe Ethereal Bride has been up and running for almost three months and this is only my first feature on flowers!!  You see, I am not the only wedding minded person in my house.  My sister has been a floral designer for over six years and so, through her great floral wisdom, I have learned quite a bit over the years.  (Check out the floral creations she designed for this wedding!) So, here is EB's first flower feature, showing gorgeous, colorful bridal bouquets!  Enjoy!

Red

Red Lion Amaryllis, Amazon Roses and Chinaberries

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 1}

Kirralee & David: Australian Beach Wedding

So, you want to look like a "princess"? Well, here you go...

There's a reason royal weddings fascinate more than just bridal bloggers like myself.  They are, on the surface anyways, like fairy tales come to life.  An event where not only the bride wears a tiara, but so do many female guests (and they look perfectly normal in doing so).  A type of wedding where the bride doesn't tell her couturier "I want to look like a princess", because, well, she is one.  This is a wedding that even the pampered girls on WE tv's "Platinum Weddings" can't quite match.  From Queen Victoria's white wedding to Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, they serve a major source of inspiration to brides all over the world and throughout history . 

Most recently, Victoria, the Crown Princess of Sweden and heiress apparent married Daniel Westling, her former personal trainer.  They were married on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm.  1200 guests attended the ceremony, including monarchs and statesman from all over Europe making it the largest royal wedding since Princess Diana's televised nuptuals in 1980.  Below are a bunch of photos from the grand affair, so take a look!

The happy couple, along with their parents

Ethereal Bride wants to know...

What are my readers looking to read about??  I am always looking for ideas on what to post, whether it's style advice, DIY ideas, inspiration boards, cakes, travel, or basically anything else you can think of.  Please put your ideas or requests in the comments section below or email me at etherealbride@gmail.com!!!

{Image via The Knot}

-Alessandra

Travel Inspiration: The Fabulous Las Vegas

So, I have a major obsession with Las Vegas and felt like sharing a great pic by the amazing Peter Lik (who I've featured twice before because he's just that good!)  I love how Vegas is full of contradictions- it's simultaneously one of the classiest and sleaziest places ever, and it's also one of the brightest places on earth in the middle of a dark, vast desert- that beam of the light shooting out of Luxor? It can bee seen from space.  Whether you head there for your bachelorette party, your wedding, or your honeymoon, just make sure you go at least once in your life.  Enjoy!

{Image via Peter Lik}

-Alessandra

Trend Alert: Spanish-Style Ruffles!

While layered skirts have been popular for a few seasons now, I feel like full on flemenco-styles are showing up all over the place.  We have every reason to be excited because these styles are so fun and feminine and were literally made to be danced and twirled in.  Another reason this style is so great is they are super flattering!  The key is to choose the best bodice style and skirt fullness level for your body type.  Petite brides are easily overwhelmed with too much fabric, so choose a style with a narrower silhouette.  Plus sized girls can choose a fuller style in order to balance out a larger torso. There are so many styles to choose from, so I went through and picked out some of the highlights to share with you!  ¡Me encanta!

If your going to do flamenco-style, you might as well get your gown directly from Spain!

Gown by Aire Barcelona; style "Bolonia"

Some more shoe love...

So as I was perusing the many bridal shoe retailers the internet has to offer, I came across these beauties and realized that, after falling off my chair, they needed their own post.  They look like they walked right off the Alexander McQueen runway and onto my computer screen.  Basically, if Lady Gaga were ever to get married, I think these would be the shoes she'd pick. 

Behold, my dear readers, the Benjamin Adams "Sissy" shoe-

Inspired by the intriguing life store of  Empress of Austria, Elizabeth of Wittelsbach, AKA "Sisi", this silk satin shoe features Swarovski crystals and a 5" heel, although the platform is 1 1/2" so it feels only like 3 1/2".  The shoe ranges from $600-700 and is custome made, so delivery takes between 8-12 weeks.  So worth the wait!!

{Image via My Glass Slipper}

What do you think of this style??  Let EB know!

-A

Related Posts:

Who doesn't love shoes?

Some shoe love...

Put Some Spring in Your Step!

Everyone Needs Etsy!

I am always a little shocked when I come across people who still don't know what Etsy is, and so in doing this post I hope to spread a little Etsy-love and show a few of the amazing ways you can use Etsy for your wedding needs. 

Etsy is, essentially, an online craft fair where crafty people like you and me are able to set up shop and sell their handmade items to anyone in the world.  When searching Etsy, there are over 30 main categories to choose from, anywhere from art to candles to crochet to music to woodworking.  "Weddings" has its very own category also, where you can find anything from accessories to favors.   I looked through the wedding section and picked out a few seller's stores to feature in this post.  I looked for products that were unique and eye catching, as well as looking well made.  I also only chose seller's with 100% positive feedback ratings.  By purchasing some of your wedding items from Etsy, you are helping support independant artists and also coming away with a unique product that will really stand out at your big day.  Also, many times artists are willing to make custom changes, a perk you usually don't receive from mass produced goods.  So take a look, and also remember to check out the thousands of other artists selling their creations on Etsy!

Via Bella Bespoke Custom Clutches

Via Bella's handmade clutches are gorgeous, and she can customize them with embroidery or using your bridal or maids fabric.  These would make great maids gifts!!

Luxury Big Bow Clutch in Cream dupioni silk; $72

Luxury Silk Clutch shown in Tiffany Blue, Chocolate, and Taupe dupioni silk; $56

Luxury Silk Clutch in Retro Blooms in Silver, lined with fuchsia dupioni silk; $65

...

A Little Hanky Panky...

For years we've been hearing about how Hanky Panky undies are the best fitting most comfortable thongs on the market.  Now, in addition to all these stellar qualities, you can have them personalized with rhinestones for your big day (or any other day, for that matter).  You can put your initials or wedding date or whatever 6 characters you choose.  I created a few examples on their site, take a look...

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Low Rise Thong in "Powder Blue" (not personalized)- perfect for your "something blue"!!

{Images via Hanky Panky}

Would you sport this fun style on  your big day?  Leave your answers in the comments section!!

-Alessandra

Related Posts:

It's Whats on the Inside that Counts

Six Fun New Color Combo Ideas!

Because there are so many color combinations to choose from, it's very easy to get overwhelmed and go with more obvious choices.  But don't!  Your wedding will be so much more memorable if you choose something a little more unusual!  Regardless of your wedding theme and style, there is a unique option for you.  Take a look...

For a vintage inspired wedding, try:

Aqua & Gold

On left: "Cloud" dupioni silk gown by Anna Elyse; style "Jackie O"

On right: "Sand Dune" tulle bobbinet gown by Vera Wang; style "Veronica"

...

New (Bridesmaids) Designer: Cynthia Rowley

Although not even remotely new to fashion design, Cynthia Rowley is launching her first bridesmaids collection.  The Chicago area native has been designing women's ready-to-wear since the early 1980's but has just recently crossed over into the bridal market, bringing along her quirky-classic style.  The collection is being produced by The Dessy Group and debuted in NYC on June 3rd, in Charleston, North Carolina on June 8th, and will also be shown on June 15th in Chicago at Cynthia's Armitage Avenue store.  Below are a few of my favs from the collection which you can check out, in full, here!

Black and palomino cotton sateen dress; style# 8008

Rose tulle and satin dress; style# 8001

Black tulle and satin gown; style# 8016

Amethyst nu-georgette gown; style# 8005

{Images via Dessy}

-Alessandra

Related Posts:

How to Mix and Match Bridesmaid Styles

17 Ways to Keep Your Sanity While Shopping for Maids Dresses

Who doesn't love shoes?

Since I, along with most other women I know, love shoes so much, I decided to do a post featuring a bunch of really fun, unique bridal shoe options.  Enjoy! 

Satin ankle strap sandal featuring feather and crystal embellishment.

Shoe by Nina; style "Vaso" at My Glass Slipper

A sexy satin birdcage sandal is fun and unexpected!

Sandal by Calvin Klein at Zappos

Style Icon Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe

Very few women have had the level of style influence that Marilyn Monroe has had over the last six decades.  Her bombshell looks and magnetic personality combined with the gorgeous, figure hugging styles of the 1950's are why she has remained so influencial over the last half century.  However, proceed with a little caution when using Ms. Monroe as a starting point for styling your wedding.  Because she had so much sex appeal, it is very easy to cross over from glam and elegant into trashy territory and that is probably not necessarily what you want.  The best way to avoid crossing the kitsch line is to not think too literally about it.  Maybe incorporate a bright saturated color palette, similar to the colors of her Travilla gowns she wore in her films.  Or wear a figure hugging gown and a sophisitcated birdcage veil.  Or dress your bridesmaids in richly colored gowns made of elegant fabrics and in classic 1950's silhouettes.  Basically you want to hint at Ms. Monroe, not look like a Marilyn inpersonator. 

A 16 year old Norma Jeane at her wedding to her first husband, James Dougherty