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Amsale – 2013 spring collection

17 May

One thing that really hurts my pride is when I can’t pronounce the popular things correctly. You know, like the whole Bon I-var / Bone ee vehr thing? And when you say it wrong, people just do a little cough and it becomes abundantly clear to everyone that you haven’t been a fan SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME.

Well the same happened to me in New York when my friend was talking about the bridal designer pronounced “Ahm-sah’-leh” and I had NO idea who she was talking about. Turns out it’s the designer that I formerly knew as “Am sale”. Whoopsies.

Nevertheless, we both agreed, the lady can design and she’s proven this again with her spring 2013 collection. There’s a lot of asymmetric designs this season and I’m also loving the dresses with the shortened hem showing off the delectable shoes. And while you’re looking for bridal inspiration, don’t you think those swept to the side chignons are a great, relaxed bridal hairstyle?

The red hair and red lips is almost edible!

Great to see some short dresses popping up in the collection.

And to finish….. my two favourites – there’s a bit going on but still structured, contrasting fabrics and peek-a-boo shoes. Perfect!

I think Amsale’s dresses are great inspiration for a more traditional bride who wants to feel elegant and modern at the same time.

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Short wedding dresses (and some shoes to match) – day 2

1 Mar

Continuing on from yesterday’s post about short wedding dresses (and some possible shoe suitors), today I bring you more littl’ dresses from around the globe.

First up is New York designer Matthew Christopher. His dresses draw a lot of inspiration from the old world glamour of Hepburn, Monroe and Kelly. To complete your outfit, pair a Matthew Christopher dress with gloves, pearls, a pillbox hat or a birdcage veil…. and of course some fabulous shoes!

Matthew Christopher - Josyln

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Jimmy Choo – Garland

Matthew Christopher - Arabesque

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Jimmy Choo - Tema

The next dress is from London-based Marchesa who you might remember from my blog about their latest haute couture collection. I love the lacework on this dress and the really strong silhouette. The asymmetry of the bust line and the v-shape detailing on the back view add some edge to what would otherwise be just a pretty dress. They have it spot on with the model having her hair tied back to accentuate the shoulders. The Louboutins that the model is wearing are a great match…. or you could add a bit of sparkle with Kate Spade’s fabulous gold (or silver for that matter) charm heels.

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Kate Spade New York - Charm Gold

Moving on to the Etsy set. All three Etsy sellers that I’ve picked out offer a completely personalised service. So the dresses are made-to-measure (you measure, they make), you will select the fabric colour and in some cases you will be able to instruct on other elements of the dress such as the length. Although I’ve never purchased from these three shops – I find it quite reassuring that they all have 100% positive feedback. If they’re like other Etsy sellers that I’ve encountered, they’ll work with you until you’re happy.

First up is a shop called ouma who is a girl close to my heart because SHE. LOVES. TULLE. Other than her tulle-loving tendencies, Ouma loves a bit of colour too. Her range is definitely worth a look – for brides and also for their maids. I couldn’t resist pairing this pretty little dress with Kate Spade’s charm shoes but this time in multi sparkle glitter.

Etsy - Ouma

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Kate Spade - Charm

The next dress is definitely channeling Kate Middleton and the bride’s tousled hair / fresh flower halo absolutely rocks this look. Brought to you by Bridal Bliss Designs – they have plenty more to offer in the elegant / vintage style.

Etsy - Bridal Bliss Designs

Etsy - Bridal Bliss Designs

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BHLDN - Elizabethan Heels

We finish up today with two sassy dresses from the incredible KT Jean (who happened to grow up sewing with the tulle-loving Ouma). KT also likes to use headpieces in her photoshoots from Mignonne Handmade – if you’re in the market for something a little boho band then she’s your girl.

Etsy - KT Jean

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Carven - Suede Slingbacks

Etsy - KT Jean

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BHLDN - Brilliant Axis Sandle

There you have it…. my snapshot of some short wedding dresses. I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that you can often take designs to dressmakers and they will be able to create something that you want. If you’re in Melbourne try Alice Haute Couture or if you’re in London try Carla Kirste. Good luck!


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Short wedding dresses (and some shoes to match) – day 1

29 Feb

You saw in my recent posts about Tom and Libby’s wedding (here, here and here!) that Libby looked so divine and chic in her short wedding dress. I also loved the tea-length wedding dress on this bride who teamed it with her customised Converse sneakers. So how do you get your hands on your own? You can follow Libby’s lead and cut out lots of pics from magazines and take them to an experienced dressmaker who will be able to draw, then create, your one-of-a-kind wedding dress. Or if you’re not confident to go down the working with a dressmaker path, there’s plenty of places where you can get a ready-to-wear or made-to-measure short wedding dress.

Today (and tomorrow) I feature a few of my favourites which are a mixture of designer, mid price-points and some cute Etsy finds. And as your shoes are going to be fully on show with your short wedding dress – I’ve also had a bit of a hunt around for some stylish shoes to match.

First up are some Sarah Seven frocks. Haven’t come across Sarah Seven before? Well your next move should be jumping onto her website and looking through the full range. She’s a wonderful success story – starting with opening up a little Etsy shop and now she has a massive following and an extensive waiting list! Her made-to-measure dresses have elements of modern, boho and vintage; and importantly they all look like so much fun to wear! Make sure you check out her blushing brides, who typically team her dresses with wild jewellery or fabulous headpieces both of which I think go particularly well with her dresses.

Sarah Seven - Elope

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Alannah Hill - Come follow me

Sarah Seven - Enrapture

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Steve Madden - Intrude

Sarah Seven - Lovestory

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Asos - River Island Colour Block

Sarah Seven - Golden Lights

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Kate Spade New York - Mona

Another essential bridal stop-off is Anthropologie’s bridal offshoot – BHLDN. They have a lovely collection of reasonably priced off-the-rack gowns plus a selection of shoes, accessories and decor – all of which can be ordered online. I haven’t made any shoe suggestions as I think the stylists have done a smashing job by teaming the dresses with shoes from BHLDN’s shoe collection.

BHLDN - Seraph's Whim Shift

BHLDN - Saturnalia Dress

I love, love, love the dress below. The lace strip and sheer sleeves are divine and then to combine it with the loose hair, sparkly shoes and knowing smirk. Spot on BHLDN.

BHLDN - Spun Sugar Shift

BHLDN - Pinwheel tea dress

So there’s a few to get you thinking, I’ll be back tomorrow with lots more short dress ideas.

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Oscars 2012 wrap-up

28 Feb

The most exciting part about the 2012 Oscars for me was the Best Supporting Actor award going to Christopher Plummer. Not only did he already hold a very special place in my heart after playing Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music but his portrayal as the affable Hal in the film Beginners was an absolute delight. If you haven’t seen Beginners – please, please, please grab a copy! It is a touching film, filled with discovery, love and humour – you will fall in love with each character. So congratulations Christopher Plummer!

Other than that excitement, I can’t say that I was particularly excited about the couture on show. However I’ve picked out five of my favourites that I also think would look fabulous on a bride.

Lots of layers but still figure hugging – this would work well in a light shade of grey or this season’s favourite blush.

Love her or hate her, Gwyneth always nails the red carpet. This gown is simple and sophisticated, set off nicely with the thick cuff.

Gwyneth Paltrow - Tom Ford

You could grab the following two gowns from the red carpet and take them straight down the aisle.

Kristen Wiig - J Mendel

Cameron Diaz - Gucci

Finally – the Best Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer. This dress has been designed to complement her curves and that it most certainly does. If you too are a little bit “hippy” – use a pattern like this to accentuate your waist. Octavia also shows that despite having a lot of detailed beading on your dress, you can still accessorise with quite large earrings. Congrats to her on all fronts!

Octavia Spencer - Tadashi Shoji

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Fall 2012 NY Fashion Week – Marchesa RTW collection

22 Feb

Continuing on the same line as my post last week about Dior’s spring 2012 collection, I think that brides can find inspiration for their wedding dress design in collections that aren’t just aimed at brides – in fact more kudos to you if you have the creativity to do something a little different! So what better place to turn to than NY Fashion Week? There’s been some incredible designs flittering through the press but one collection that caught my eye was that of British design duo – Marchesa. Despite Marchesa having a bridal line – it’s actually their ready-to-wear collection that I want to show today. My favourite dresses have copious amounts of silver and golden tones – I guess another way to describe them would be bling central but don’t let that put you off! There are elements of each dress that could definitely be translated into the bridal world and I even think some could be worn as-is.

This is one of those ones that could be worn just as you see it. The heavily bejewelled bodice is set off by the sharp-edged layered tulle and I love that you can see her shoes peeping through. The shade of gold is simply delicious.

The cut of this dress is awesome – it’s like a modernised 70s shift with a little bit of beading to finish it off. Get rid of the crazy boot/gladiator/pumps and throw on a pair of Badgley Mischka’s like the ones below and you’ll be one stylish, modern bride.

Another bejewelled bodice combined with a tulle mermaid skirt – it’s kind of like a glammed up cinderella! Lose the wrap and go strapless – there’s enough going on without that extra element.

This one is my favourite of the collection. The bodice is almost like a gladiator’s breastplate – I love the weight of it, completely contrasting with the luminescence of the skirt. The silver / grey / gold combo is divine.

The pleating on this skirt is exceptionally tight and there is layer upon layer – it looks almost like the down of a swan. Lengthen the skirt and drop the fan on the bodice – then you’d have a striking gown on your hands. Consider using a lighter colour bead (perhaps gold) to decrease the chances of the dress dating.

Love the golden straw colour of this gown – I think it’s a fabulous colour for someone that is looking for something a little different. The movement in that skirt is also divine – I can hear it swishing from here!
This gown is bold and edgy – you could consider having a two-tone skirt in more subtle tones (I’m thinking ivory and blush but would love to hear suggestions!).

Now it’s off to gazing at London Fashion Week for me!

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Bridal inspiration – Dior Spring Summer 2012 Haute Couture collection

16 Feb

Every year during the awards season one of the best bits is taking a peek into the world of couture fashion, seeing women walking the red carpet in divine gowns that we can only dream about wearing. These gowns are often provided (for free!) by the best fashion houses in the world so we’re talking names like Valentino, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana. You’re probably not going to get your wedding dress given to you by Vera Wang for free but I think your wedding day still presents a window of opportunity to don a fabulous gown – who doesn’t like getting all frocked up?

Many of the famous fashion houses don’t create bridal lines but this doesn’t mean that you can look to their gowns for inspiration. I was so excited when I saw Dior’s latest Haute Couture collection. It wouldn’t be couture and it wouldn’t be Dior if they weren’t a little out there and a little extravagant but they are also so wildly sophisticated and glamourous - perfect fodder for bridal gown ideas! They may not be in your traditional bridal colours but with a little tweaking, these would make for stunning bridal gowns (and who says you need to wear traditional bridal colours anyway?).

The structure around the shoulders and the cinched waist together with the almost sheer skirt with beading are a fabulous combination.

This one screams fun, good times and go-go dancing. If you’re on the brave side, it could definitely be worn as is with the two colour tones. So. Much. Fun.

No changes required. This season’s bridal wear is all about blush tones so this slinky number fits in swimmingly.

I do love a pleated skirt with a tulle underlay. The semi-sheer beaded corset add so much drama.

Possibly a little OTT (just a little!) but another great example of the pleated organza / tulle combo – the volume of the skirt is up to your imagination (and possibly the size of the aisle you’re walking down).

Last season’s bridal gowns were all about tulle that was swirly and floaty with all the layers rolled in together (think Vera Wang’s Diana gown), whereas this gown goes the opposite way with hard-edged, definitive layers. I think it works particularly well with the contrasting colours. No bow required, your partner is getting enough of a present in a wife that day.

There’s nothing really to say about this silk showstopper. Change it to white or ivory or blush or nude or whatever and I think it would still look just as incredible!

 Not long now till the Oscars and I’m sure some more inspiring gowns!

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Can you be Converse cool?

2 Feb

I can’t say I’m a massive Converse sneaker fan in “everyday life” but there’s something about seeing a bride stomping around in a cool pair of high-tops that really excites me! So imagine my delight when I saw this super cool Swedish wedding on Pretty Chic Blog where not only does the bride take a spin on a funky yellow bike but she and her groom are sporting matching pairs of customised Converse sneakers tagged on the back with Du Och Jag which if my Swedish serves me correctly (ok I speak no Swedish, they translated it in the blog) means You and I. Perfect!

Check out some pics of said sneakers below from the gorgeous Anna of smallpigart (who tells me she’s more than happy to come to Australia if anyone is seeking a Swedish photographer!).

As I am a sucker for shoe customisation, I thought I’d better check out the Converse tool – well as expected it’s fun and addictive and now I NEED a pair! Check out some of my “bridal” designs below….

The observant ones amongst you might have realised that I got MY OWN wedding date incorrect on the shoe above…. it’s actually 26 03 11!!!! Oops, I will not have a leg to stand on over the years when Andy forgets our anniversary!

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Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 collection

10 Jan

Nothing gets me more excited than a new Vera Wang collection. I think she’s the ultimate bridal gown designer, setting trends for bridal-wear with each collection – over the past few collections she’s featured heavily (and often first) dresses with layer upon layer of floating tulle (think Chelsea Clinton’s wedding dress), lace sleeves long before Princess Kate (Ivanka Trump’s 2009 dress) and also mermaid gowns (Brooklyn Decker aka Mrs Andy Roddick). Although there is something quite princessy about the gowns that she designs, she’s not afraid to add a little edge too….. or in the case of her just released Fall 2012 collection – a lot of edge!

Fall 2012 is inspired by witchcraft. In Vera’s words, these gowns are “Light, airy, concoctions of froth…. inspired by black and nude undergarments, both mysterious and sexy, frivolous and fun, with transparent wisps of carefully organized tulle.” Excited? Yes, me too. Overall, there are some gowns in the collection that I would LOVE to wear. Tight corsets, blush-coloured tulles and satins, trumpets, dual colour tones and lots of detail. I’m looking forward to seeing which of these design elements will flow through to bridal trends – I’m guessing that tight corsets that look almost like undergarments is definitely one to look out for.

Below are some of my favourites but you can also check out the rest here.

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Tony Bianco – bridal shoe collection launch

30 Nov

I’d like to think that the shoe designers over at Tony Bianco read One lush day and it was from my Shoes of Prey blog that they came up with the inspiration to launch a bridal shoe collection. I’m 99.99% sure that this isn’t the case but I was nevertheless very excited to get their newsletter in my inbox recently announcing the launch of their new line of shoes – targeted at brides and their maids.

For the uninitiated, Tony Bianco is one of my favourite Australian shoe brands. They are constantly updating their range, release most styles in different colours (so yes, you sometimes walk away with more than 1 pair of the same style!), they’re not afraid to experiment with colour AND they’re really affordable. Tony Bianco also has one other credit… I’ve always vowed that I’d never, ever wear wedges. Tony changed that. I now have no less than FOUR pairs of Tony Bianco wedges in my wardrobe. Eek!

Anyway, for all these reasons you can see why I was a tad excited about their bridal collection. I’ve got to say that I have mixed feelings on the collection. They’ve gone conservative (read: beige, white, ivory, champagne) on the colours which I was a bit surprised about. There are definitely some cool styles and materials – I love the patent champagne ones (the Palais and the Betty) and their suggestions on some beachy sandles are great too.

On the other hand, they did have some fabulous bridesmaid suggestions which I actually think would be perfect for brides looking for a bit of colour. I’ve picked out some of my favourites below:

So all in all, it was a reasonable start to their bridal footwear collection but I’m looking forward to seeing them bring some more Tony Bianco flair is the future!

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A few wedding dresses from I Do Gowns that took my fancy

24 Nov

In my last blog I talked about a Temperley dress that I’d seen on I Do Gowns that I thought someone needed to buy. Well it looks like someone did make the purchase today – not sure if I can take the credit but I’m very excited anyway!

As promised I’ve spent some time hunting around I Do Gowns for some more little pretties that I think are worth investigating further! I will note though, that I think it’s a real pity that most of the brides upload such poor quality photos – probably not the best way to promote a 10 thousand dollar dress!

Vera Wang

 Collette Dinnigan

Pronovias

Oscar De La Renta

Johanna Johnson1

Johanna Johnson2

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