My good friend Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the shore put together a collection of gowns she thought would be inspirational for Kate Middleton’s walk down the aisle. I have to agree with her– Kate will more than likely wear something classic and conservative, which is not necessary in the same breath as her own style. She is young, upbeat, and tends to gravitate toward modern and fitted silhouettes. So, the question begs– what will she wear on Friday?

1st dress: Oscar de la Renta; 2nd dress: Carolina Herrera
courtesy of The White Dress by the shore blog

As Beth wrote (and we agree), “I felt it imperative that Kate don some sort of sleeve for her Westminster Abbey ceremony. The venue is a 1,000 year old church, where kings and queens are crowned. In respect of tradition, I feel that the coverage is necessary. My hope is that the silhouette that she selects- albeit traditional- will have some shape in the skirt to show off her fabulous figure!” I do agree with Beth that her dress ought to have sleeves– whether they are part of a short jacket she wears and can later remove– or constructed into the gown.

dress by priscilla of boston

1st dress: monique lhuillier; second dress: modern trousseau; third dress: romona keveza

Brides.com asked some of the worlds most famous designers to sketch a dress for Kate.. here are some of our favorites!

1st dress: Melissa Sweet; 2nd dress: Temperley London

1st dress: Amsale; 2nd dress: Reem Acra

And while the dress that she wears to Westminster Abbey will most certainly have a conservative feel, we can only imagine what she’ll change into for that evening’s intimate dinner party! This is where we expect Kate’s true style to shine, and perhaps, she’ll dawn something more slim and formfitting.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about our thoughts and ideas for how both parties might look!

xxoo~

I love a man in a bow-tie.. and this new line from something’s hiding in here promises to delivery beautiful, colorful, and interesting bow ties for your groom and his mates! They are perfect for fun engagement sessions, dressed up suits on wedding day, or to funk up a tuxedo. The new line isn’t out just yet, but should debut very soon! Keep an eye on their blog for more deets.

I’ve never been a huge fan of garters– I’ve gotta admit. Mostly because I think their designs are just flat out cheesy. Polyester strapped to my thigh? No thanks. But these garters by florrie mitton… well, they single handedly made me change my mind all together! The UK based designer has created handmade works of art with vintage finds, lace, and fine silks. You must check out their etsy store to see more of their custom designs. It’s just pretty, pretty, pretty.

xo!

Calling all fashionable brides — our absolute favorite designer in NYC is having an amazing sample sale on July 22nd-25th at their Elizabeth Street boutique. Visit Saja’s website for more information on their collection and sample sales. Happy shopping!

xo

I have such a love for shoes, especially fluffy, ruffly, romantic shoes with flowers, bows or embellishments on them. I was in Nordy’s last weekend eyeing the Badgley Mischka sandals for an outfit I’m planning to wear to a special event and had to share them.

Photography by Carrie Roseman

On Sunday I attended a great party put on by White Dress by the Shore and several vendors who’ve moved into wedding row. One of my absolute favorites is Beneath the Gown, a fabulous company developed by master seamstress of White Dress by the Shore, Josie. Beneath the Gown is a bridal lingerie boutique presenting an exquisite collection of exclusive designer lingerie labels featuring french European couture fine laces and hand-made silks perfect for honeymoon, special events or everyday. Josie’s services include complimentary, professional bra fittings and in-house custom design service where we can customize or custom create bustiers, night gowns, and wedding gowns.

I have to admit — I was doing a lot of window shopping for myself while I was in Josie’s beautiful shop. She had some of the most delicate and stunning pieces of lingerie I’ve ever seen. I love the custom aspect too. In our chat we talked about how we can take a piece of my wedding gown and incorporate it into a custom piece of lingerie. Amazing!! I would love to be able to slip into something special that has elements of my wedding gown.

Visit Beneath the Gown on the web to learn more about scheduling an appointment. They are located in Clinton, Connecticut at The White Dress by the Shore. Be sure to tell Josie we sent you!!

xoxo

from left to right: Simone Carvalli via @carleyroney; Atelier Aimee via @carleyroney; Modern Trousseau via Martha Stewart; Jenny Packham via Martha Stewart; Monique Lhuillier via @brides; Ines di Santo via @brides; Jenny Packham via Martha Stewart

There are so many styles emerging at bridal market this week — and thanks to wonderful technology — we’re able to get a glimpse into each show as they unveil their new masterpieces! Here are a few of my favorites that came through my twitter and rss feed. So much more to come!

New York based designer Yoo Lee emailed me to introduce her amazing bridal line, Saja. I absolutely feel IN LOVE with these gorgeous, ethereal and and flowy gowns. LOVE the bead work on some and the simplicity of them all. All the bridal gowns in Lee’s line are also affordable and attainable — at or under $1,000 a piece. Incredible!!!

Couldn’t you see these gowns on a remote island wedding — or at a ceremony nestled into the forest? They’re so versatile and just gorgeous! To purchase or see Saja gown in person, make an appointment to visit their flagship store at on Elizabeth Street in New York.

I was introduced to Stella & Dot Jewelry and I really LOVE their designs and styles. Their pieces are bold and fashionable. They’d look fabulous on a bridal party – and are perfect for a bride who wants to infuse some of her daily personal style into her look! I love the big necklace “bibs” (as they’re dubbed) especially. It is such a dramatic look!

Pearls are ultimately my favorite jewelry on a bride, with bling being second. I really love colored pearls (I try to wear them as often as possible) and some big colors for spring are yellow, pink (papaya especially), and turquoise.

Big things to come on the blog! Be sure to check back through out the week.

xoxo