zara bridal?

So I have a bit of a thing for Zara- I mean what isn't to love? The key to finding the good stuff is to visit often, as Zara is constantly changing their stock.  During one of my Saturday strolls I stumbled on this dress.  How adorable for a beach wedding, country wedding, or day time wedding.  Much like the blank canvas of a j.crew dress, there is so many ways you could take this dress. Add some sandals and a hair piece and you are wedding ready, oh and did a mention its only $119.00. Trés Bene!

Dress: Zara; Shoes: Loeffler Randal (on sale here); Hair Piece: Cecile Boccara 

Gifts for the Bride (my idea of an engagement gift)

Can we just have a moment for these items.  I mean how adorable are these!??? I love buying gifts that are both special and useful. But cuteness sometimes wins!  What lady wouldn't treasure any of these goodies.  Because just imagine for a moment, how cute is that girl wearing tight jeans, baggy sweater, hair in bun when she whips out her "Mrs." passport cover in the airport.  

1. Kate Spade Passport  Cover 

2. Anya Hindmarch Leather Pouch

3. Smythson Wedding Planner and Honeymoon Memory Notebook

4. Vintage Weddings: One Hundred Years of Bridal Fashion and Style 

5.Meadham Kirchhoff T-Shirt

6. Kate Spade Cosmetic Case

Just a lovely wedding

I like to constantly check the websites of my Chicago Wedding Trifecta: photographer (emilia-jane), florist (Pistil & Vine), and wedding hair stylist (your stylist AJ) for wedding inspiration.  These ladies are such creative artists and I love to look at their work.  Thanks to them- I stumbled upon this wedding and just had to share it. I really don't have much to say about this, but boy does it take my breath away. I know I am not one for a traditional wedding, but hmmm-this wedding sure looks lovely! Maybe it is because the bride and groom are beautiful, or maybe the photographs are amazing, or maybe its the details on the dresses-or maybe.... I don't know, but sigh isn't is something! Just a beautiful wedding!

Photographed by Stoffer Photography, click through for more AMAZING IMAGES including the reception!

The Dior Bride

Maybe its just me, but I have and always will have  an assostiation with brides and Dior.  Christian Dior in my mind will always remind me of the movie stars of yesterder year- like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. 

If you are looking to spend the big bucks on a gown- why only look in a bridal boutique- why not head to the designer stores? At least that way your white gown can be worn again!

Also I love how Raf Simons never pairs heavy jewelry with his designs.  Bare Neck, bare ears, hair slicked back- so youthful!

Some bridal inspiration from the recent Dior show:

Dior Couture Fall 2013

 

Dior Fall 2013 RTW:

 DIOR RESORT 2014:

Images from style.com

Monday Bride and Groom Inspiration

I love details, sometimes the subtly of the simple is so much more of a statement.  I saw these flowers from the dreamy Chicago florist Pistil & Vine and created this couple to go.  Why not start with the perfect bouquet!

THE BRIDE

FLOWERS: Pistle & Vine (originally from this lovely wedding)

DRESS: RED Valentino

SHOES: Charlotte Olympia

EARRINGS: Cathy Waterman

THE GROOM

SUIT: Gucci

SHIRT: Charvet

TIE: Charvet

SHOES: Church's (would also look great in Ebony)

and the bride wore-overalls?

Photos by Simon Howell

When I was getting married I stressed too much about what to wear. The decision to not wear white ate at my soul!  I would be fine with it until I stumbled upon yet another photo of a glorious bride in a white gown and think "am I making a huge mistake?"


I came across this adorable couple on A Cup of Jo and took it as an inspiration.  If she can look that great in overalls- I can wear whatever I want! It's hard not to be swayed by all the images we see. Pintrest, blogs, and magazines morph a wedding into a never ending idea fest! On top of that people have lots of opinions about what you should wear and how your wedding should be, but it is YOUR wedding so go with your gut and be yourself. In the end you will have less regrets and be happier in the moment! Maybe its just me, but I think this wedding looks dreamy!

For more images and info about the couple head over to A Cup of Jo.

To the groom

Weddings by default become all about the bride, and grooms as a result tend to loose interest rapidly.  In my experience most grooms are interested in a few details, maybe the food or the guest list, but overall they are relatively apathetic about the affair.  Objectively can you blame them- the whole event is bride focused, starting with a diamond continuing with dresses, flowers, and all things girly.  

So what to do if you want your hubby to be to enjoy the day too! 

Three pieces of advice I savored when planning:

1. Spend as much on the grooms outfit as on yours- if you can justify $700 dollar shoes, why shouldn't your groom get to wear an equally special pair. Rental tuxes are ill fitting and generic, spend the time searching out a great suit for your groom and his excitement level may just increase! 

Groom's shoes by Alden's by Leffot - (available here)

Brides shoes by Christian Loubutian-no longer available (similar available here)

Suit Jacket by Mario Matteo (old)

Shirt by Bespoken

Tie by Drake's

Pants by Marni (no longer available)

2. This day is not just about the bride, the wedding should be a reflection of both of you and that means compromise on both sides.  So have the discussion and make him compromise and get involved and make the compromises he wants too! 

3. Remember in the end the wedding is just one day of an awesome life together.  You have already had amazing memories and will create many more.  Be allies not enemies, the truth is if you can't plan a wedding you might have some serious trouble dealing with the more trying issues of life.  So put it in perspective! 

I compromised a lot at my wedding, but all and all the day was glorious and my husband was over the moon! 

All photos by the talented Emilia Jane

On Sale Now

I personally shop the outnet.com on a regular basis- you never know what goodies you might find!

Spotted at TheOutnet.com

 Mikael Aghal Beaded Gown for $608

and the bride wore plaid

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love a good pattern. It should be no surprise that I am completely and totally obsessed with this unique elopement I spotted on A Cup of Joe. The brides plaid dress was a replica of a Ralph Lauren number she loved! How very cool.
How happy does this couple look!

For those looking to elope- read over to this brides advise here: A Cup of Joe. She has some wonderful pointers.

These amazing photos are by Jon Zander Photography

and the bride wore magenta

I saw this dress and nearly squealed.  I had a vision of a bride in it.  I don't really know what appealed to me about it, I think it was the color, but to me it screams winter wedding in a city. With simple everything, I think it would be to die for.   I love how the cut is super classic, but the colors are off beat.  For the right person- this dress would be a moment!

Images and dress from my-wardrobe.com

The use it again dress

I am personally not a fan of the wear it once dress.  It seems silly to spend so much money on something that you can never really wear again. However as with all things, if your dream is a white gown, then by all means go for it, but if it isn't here is a more practical option.

Meet twobirds, a company specializing in the buy one dress- tie it 12 different ways.  With a rainbow of colors to choose from, and a price point of $310- I am beyond a fan.  I love how you could jazz it up with shoes and earrings.  Wear it to your wedding crisscrossed, and then go for a halter to another event, dress it down strapless style in the summer for a maxi look. Versatility is the name of the game.

I also love how this company will send you a sample, so you can make sure the look is flattering, before you commit, as it doesn't seem to offer much support!

I might pick up one for myself in black!

For more styling options, and info visit twobirds

All images from twobirds

The Blank Canvas

I love a great dress, but hate the idea of spending so much money on something to never be worn again.  In comes J.Crew. I love the J.Crew Bridal dresses, as they are essentialy a blank canvas for accessories.
A bridal outfit under $1500.

Dress from J.Crew available here

Hair Piece by Jennifer Behr available here

Shoes by René Caovilla available here

Add any color flowers and fini!

Outfit total: $1425 (with the two pieces you could wear again, and a dress you could shorten and wear again)

Unique Hair Inspiration from Chanel

While I am completely obsessed with the knuckle rings brought to us by Chanel, and am already planing a purchase... 

I love this bridal hair idea from Chanel Couture Autumn/Winter 2013.  I find it classic with a twist. and best of all the look could easily be achieved with a trip to a fabric store. 

Image Source Vogue

Couture Bride- Giambattista Valli

I love the idea of wearing a designer couture dress- who says it needs to be a bridal dress. So lovely.  
Straight from the runway Giambattista Valli Autumn/Winter 2013/2014

All Images from Vogue

Unique Wedding Cake

If there is one thing in the world I love, it's sweets.  I wouldn't dream of any happy day not ending in some sort of sugary high.

So if you aren't a cake person, don't feel pressure to have one! 

One of my favorite wedding ideas for cakes and deserts:

Croquembouche:

A traditional dessert in Italy and France. 

Image from Martha Stewart

The French Bride

Is there anything in the world better than looking as chic as the "french girl?" How about being as chic as the Parisian Bride! French designer Laure de Sagazan effortless bridal creations are very much timeless and classic beauty with an edge.  I love girls who look like they naturally just always look this great! Yes I just woke up on my wedding day, threw on a gown, tossed up my hair and I am perfection!