Ethereal Beauty: {No. 21}

The gorgeous clothes and beautiful scenery make me want to hop on a plane and jet off for a roman holiday ASAP!

 

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!!

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 20}

Although I couldn't re-post all the photos from this editorial- they were mildly scandalous and I don't know if my grandma will one day figure out how to go online and ready this- I am able to show you a few. Also, random side note: Rosie, the model featured, is Megan Fox's replacement in the third Transformers movie!

model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley photographed by Nico and styled by Belén Antolín for the April 2006 issue of Vogue Spain

{View these and the rest of the images at Fashion Gone Rogue}

Shoes+Storytime

The other day I was strolling through my local Von Maur when these sparkly beauties caught my eye!  My love of glittery shoes goes way back to when I was 3 and was obsessed with The Wizard of Oz.  I actually told people my name was Dorothy.  And yet, for some reason my mom dressed me as the wicked witch for Halloween.  But I digress...  Basically I can't help but love anything covered in glitter and these have the added bonus of somehow still looking classy.  Because the color and style are fairly conservative, they can get away with all the sparkle.  How cute would these be on your wedding day?? 

Nine West "Escher" Shoes $78 at Zappos

I'm not sure if that pissed off look is because I'm trying to look "wicked" or if it's because I had to forgo ruby slippers in favor of green facepaint.

Carley & Jordan Part II: Vintage Glamour and Croquet

Remember that supercute engagement photo shoot I featured back in September that featured the couple in the Minneapolis Public Library shot by Brooke Ringdahl of  ta'rooke photography?  Well here is their equally adorable wedding!  Enjoy!!

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

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 19}

This Spain-inspired editorial features Julia Stenger, the German model featured in my first "Ethereal Beauty" installment.  Pretty!

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

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 18}

I love red hair, which is why I chose these photos for this weeks installment of Ethereal Beauty.  Sasha Pivovarova sports a fiery hue that looks amazing with her bright blue eyes and pale skin.  Enjoy!

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

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 17}

Since it's halloween, I wanted to find an editorial that reflected the day's creepiness.  I came across this shoot featuring Natalia Vodianova and though it's pretty moodiness was perfect!  Enjoy and happy halloween!!

How to Dress Your Body Type: Wedge Shaped

Two Fridays ago I began a five part series of posts helping you find gowns that will flatter your body type most.  This week I am going to focus on the "wedge" shape.  Like I said before, the key to flattering any body type isn't necessarily about "masking your flaws", it's more about creating balance.  Once you figure out which body type you have, you can then find ways to balance your figure, making it look more proportioned.  Because every figure is different, these posts are meant to act as a guide, not a list of hard-fast rules.  Once you start trying on gowns, utilize your consultant because she will be able to find gowns that will look great on your specific figure.  Remember, these are just to help get you started, if you love a dress and it doesn't fit these rules, try it anyway!  You never know how it will look until you try it on!

The Five Major Body Types: Pear, Apple, Wedge, Rectangle, & Hourglass... and yes, you should be jealous of my drawing skills hehe

What is a wedge shape? A wider shoulder and (typically) larger bustline, compared to a narrow waist and hipline.  It is also known as the "T" shape. 

How to flatter a wedge shape: Create the illusion of fuller hips in order to balance out a larger upper half.

Some styles to try: Sweetheart necklines, subtle mermaids, a-lines, scoop necks, wide v-necks, simple bodices paired with more elaborate skirts

Some styles to (possibly) avoid: Halters, narrow sheaths, racerbacks, straight across strapless necklines, dramatic mermaids

Some famous wedge shapes: Gabrielle Reece, Angelina Jolie,

Styles for Wedge Shapes:

These dresses that I'm going to feature this week will pretty much flatter a wedge shaped bride of any height, including petites.  If you are petite, just remember to avoid anything that has to full of a skirt or you'll risk looking overwhelmed by fabric.

Essance of Australia Style# D989

Tom & Beth: A Joyful Australian Wedding

Once again, EB's Australian photographer friend Kirralee Ashworth has submitted another gorgeous wedding!  This one features adorable couple, Tom and Beth, who were married just a few months ago.  

According to Kirralee, "Beth and Tom were married under a marquee at the back of the Anthelstane House. As Beth walked down the aisle with her dad, she gave the tulips from her bouquet to her closest friends and to her mother and mother in law. By the time she reached her husband to be she didn't have a bouquet anymore. It was very beautiful and had all of her friends in tears. The ceremony was taken by Remi Messenger and it had lots of beautiful, personal touches.  The flowers and decorations were put together by Beth and her family and friends. Creative photos and family photos were taken before the ceremony. Straight after the ceremony, Tom and Beth joined their guess for a cocktail party inside the Anthelstane house. Instead of having the usual wedding cake, Tom and Beth had a big cheese platter."  Uh yum!!! Tom and Beth were married on July 31, 2010.  Tom's "best woman" was Janet and Beth's "man of honour" was John. 

They walked down the aisle to Peter Gabriel's "The Book of Love".

Spring 2011 Bridal Preview

I can't believe it's already this time again, but here you go- a gorgeous cross section of what the spring collections have to offer!  Enjoy!!

Alfred Angelo

Alvina Valenta

Wedding Submissions

Hey EB readers!  We are looking for more real weddings and engagement photos to feature. Please click here to find how you can submit your wedding or engagement shoot and get featured on The Ethereal Bride!!

Click to enlarge

Click here to learn more about the weddings featured in the photos above!

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

This was originally posted on April 25, 2010.

Ethereal Beauty: {No. 16}

I pretty much love everything about Crystal Renn.  The curves! The brows! The story!  What's not to like??  Basically, in a nutshell, she's an all-American girl who became an unsuccessful skinny-minnie model and then became a plus-sized model phenomenon!  Her memoir, Hungry, was a really inspiring and eye-opening read, and I pretty much feel that you all run (RUN!) to your library and read it! Now!!  Here is an editorial featuring the bombshell in all her healthy glory.  Enjoy!! And seriously, read her book!!!!

How to Dress Your Body Type: Apple Shaped

First of all, I want to apologize for not posting anything for the last week!  It's been such a busy few days, and I couldn't find the time to put out any quality posts.  Don't worry, though, I'm not going anywhere!!

Last Friday I began a five part series of posts helping you find gowns that will flatter your body type most.  This week I am going to focus on the "apple" shape (I know, what's with all the fruit comparisons??  I have no clue, I didn't make them up).  Like I said last week, the key to flattering any body type isn't necessarily about "masking your flaws", it's more about creating balance.  Once you figure out which body type you have, you can then find ways to balance your figure, making it look more proportioned.  Because every figure is different, these posts are meant to act as a guide, not a list of hard-fast rules.  Once you start trying on gowns, utilize your consultant because she will be able to find gowns that will look great on your specific figure.  Remember, these are just to help get you started, if you love a dress and it doesn't fit these rules, try it anyway!  You never know how it will look until you try it on!

The Five Major Body Types: Pear, Apple, Wedge, Rectangle, & Hourglass... and yes, you should be jealous of my drawing skills hehe

What is an apple shape?  a wider waist compared to a shoulder and hipline that are narrower. It's also known as the "O" body shape. 

How to flatter a apple shape:  Create the illusion of a slim waist, making a balanced hourglass shape

Some styles to try:  ruching, empire waists, corset style bodices, a-lines and ball gowns, v-necks,

Some styles to (possibly) avoid:  sheaths, mermaid styles

Some famous apple shapes: Queen Latifah, Mia Tyler, Mo'Nique

Styles for Petite (aka 5'4" and under) Apples Shapes:

David's Bridal style# 9T3060

How to Dress Your Body Type: Pear Shaped

I've been planning to do a "dress your body type" post since I first started writing The Ethereal Bride, but have been a little unsure on how to go about it because it's a relatively large undertaking.  There are a few different body types and factors like height and waistline that come into play, so it would be hard to cover everything in one post.  After a lot of thought, I've decided to do a series of 5 posts, each focusing on a major body type- pear, apple, rectangle, wedge, and hourglass.  Within each post, I will focus on three height categories: petite, average, and tall.  The key to flattering any body type isn't necessarily about "masking your flaws", it's more about creating balance.  Once you figure out which body type you have, you can then find ways to balance your figure, making it look more proportioned.  Because every figure is different, these posts are meant to act as a guide, not a list of hard-fast rules.  Once you start trying on gowns, utilize your consultant because she will be able to find gowns that will look great on your specific figure.  Remember, these are just to help get you started, if you love a dress and it doesn't fit these rules, try it anyway!  You never know how it will look until you try it on!

For my first post (these are all in no particular order), I've decided to focus on the pear shaped body type.  A person with a pear shaped body type has a larger hip in relation to a smaller shoulder width.  Please keep in mind, the shape has nothing to do with weight, just how your bone structure is- you could easily be a size 4 or size 24 and still have a pear shape.  It just depends on your proportions and bone structure.

The Five Major Body Types: Pear, Apple, Wedge, Rectangle, & Hourglass... and yes, you should be jealous of my drawing skills hehe

What is a pear shape?  Larger hips in relation to a smaller shoulder width; It is also known as the "A" body type

How to flatter a pear shape:  Create an illusion of a wider shoulder and fuller bustline, in order to balance out the lower half of the body.

Some styles to try:  halters, A-lines, sweetheart necklines, ball gowns, v necklines, ruching

Some styles to (possibly) avoid:  sheaths, straight across strapless necklines, some (but not all!) mermaid styles

Some famous pear shapes:  Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Shakira, Jennifer Love Hewitt

Styles for Petite (aka 5'4" and under) Pear Shapes:

First of all, I seriously can't say enough about the power of ruching (the diagonal/horizonal pleats running across these bodices).  Ruching is one of those miracles of design that flatters EVERYONE.  It makes curve-less girls look curvier and curvier girls look svelte.  I featured three ruched gowns (the first 3) for petite pear shapes because the key is to flatter a wider hip by wearing a fuller skirt yet without overwhelming a short frame.

Alfred Sung style# 5259

Etsy Finds: October Edition

Back again for EB's monthly "Etsy finds" post featuring a few of the finest things Etsy has to offer.  As always, only seller's with 100% approval ratings made the cut.  Enjoy!!

The Cufflink Maker

Snazzy cufflinks are an awesome way for your groom to add a little personality to his wedding day while still looking totally put together.  The Cufflink Maker offers a whole bunch of different styles that are perfect not only for your groom, but also for groomsman gifts.

Union Jack cufflinks $24.99