Filed under: Trends VS. Traditions
The royal engagement ring, first shown on Diana with Prince Charles, then on Kate with Prince William. (courtesy of weddingdresscolection.blogspot.com)
Alright, Kate Middleton, you win… again. According to recent findings, sapphire engagement rings are becoming all the rage in 2012, and while diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend — a sapphire makes for an awfully close second and not mention, one heck of a ‘something blue.’
Penelope Cruz showing of her sapphire bling. (courtesy of since1910.com)
Due to their conflict free, less pricey existence, as well as their Princess, Duchess and Penelope Cruz support staff, these true blue ‘Will you marry me?” details have wedding trend watchers on high alert and with good reason.
They can be found just about anywhere — from eBay and Overstock to antique jewelers, department stores and more; many collections of sapphire stocked engagement rings are popping up all over the grid and it’s no wonder why.
While mainly known for their brilliant blues, sapphires also have a wide range of colors, varying in shades of pink, yellow, white and even green, but it’s not necessarily their colorful personality that has brides’ heads turning… it’s their beautiful meaning.
According to Gemstone Gifts, Sapphires are symbolic of sincerity, faithfulness and truth, and what is more perfect than those three things to accompany you on your marital journey??
But no matter what rock you choose, just be sure it’s backed by the right man ;)
January 10, 2012
Kirsten Dunst as Betty Warren in 2003's Mona Lisa Smile. (courtesy of blue-ray.com)
So, I must confess I thought about this budding re-trend while flipping through the channels last night after coming across the wedding scene from 2003′s Mona Lisa Smile. Starring Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst, the movie itself is mediocre at best, but the wedding scene is undeniably amazeballs.
Kirsten Dunst, who plays Betty Warren — a viciously rotten, wanna-punch-her-in-the-face type character – has an uncanny way of looking incredibly breathtaking while remaining painfully irritating. Even though her character’s a real hoe’s beast, Dunst still looks fiercely fabulous in her bridal best… but how could this be?? How could such a hard personality create such a soft silhouette??
Well, with an illusion neckline, of course!!
Like any good fashion trend, I’m referencing this one as a “re-trend” because it’s already had a killer past… currently has a fantastic present and will undoubtedly continue with an incredible future. Hence why this trendtastic retro rewind has become one of my faves! And there’s no area I love to see a fave trend embraced more than (drum roll, please)… the wedding gown!!! Duh!
Because the illusion neckline creates a sort of subtle drama, it’s perfect for bridal royalty… and I mean that for seriously too! Several Princesses – including but not limited to – Grace Kelly, Princess Consort of Monaco; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway in Disney’s The Princess Diaries), Princess of Genovia, haha, used this trend impeccably while they dishing out the ‘I do’s'! Even celebrity royalty like Ivanka Trump, Princess of the man with serious hair issues, couldn’t resist a sheer neckline to celebrate her nuptial debut :)
from top, Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, Ivanka Trump and Anne Hathaway (courtesy of whiteweddingdresses.onsugar.com, 100worldnews.blogspot.com, the-weddingdresses.com and hotflick.net)
All these princesses knew the importance of creating a killer illusion, and it’s no wonder why so many designers are jumping on board this bridal trend. Check out below and see some of my faves from their 2012 Spring and Fall Collections!
courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) Alita Graham, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Alvina Valenta (inset), Elizabeth Fillmore, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lhuillier (one shoulder), Alvina Valenta (inset), Lela Rose, Reem Acra and Marchesa via brides.com
December 29, 2011
courtesy of w-weddinggowns.com
After co-worker (what it do, Jessi!) forwarded me on an email this morning, I knew I couldn’t pass up posting its brilliant notion to the masses.
Black is BACK, and it’s in your wedding! Not that black was ever was gone, of course, but this season, it’s taking the wedding market by storm… and in new, uber cute ways. Mayhaps the biggest way is through the bridal gown. Sure, anyone can accent their wedding day with the tuxedo colored canvas, but what about doing your whole dress in it???
You heard me.
The bridal gown – perhaps the epitome of a little girl’s wedding day dreams – has always been the epicenter for wedding plans. When that big day rolls around, it legitimately is all about the dress. And with brides taking on all kinds of trends in order to better suit them, it was only a matter of time before the standard ‘little black dress’ became the I-gotta-have-it-can’t-live-without-it bridal gown blowout! Just check out these incredible creations from etsy.com:
photos courtesy of etsy.com from vendors (left to right, top to bottom) LOVEKARLAK, CoralieBeatrix, Chabri (inset), hollystalder, CobarCollection, hollystalder and herlbd
But if tradition still tugs at your heart strings and you can’t bear to wear a dress made entirely of black… why not try accenting it with a fabulous sash and still get your kick of ooh la la!
photos courtesy of etsy.com from vendors (left to right, top to bottom) elitewomen, SammysBridalShop, finkshop, VenustBridal, VenustBridal, BridalShoppe, SomethingIvory, BCGirls and icing101
November 3, 2011
Waterford Dinnerware versus Vera Wang Wedgwood Dinnerware (photos courtesy of macys.com)
While we all know how I feel about the bridal registry – click here if you need a refresher – I think there is something to be said for the never-ending debate of what should or shouldn’t go on one. In particular, I especially like discussions revolving around items which toe the line between Trend VS Tradition… in today’s case, Everyday Dishware VS Fine China.
When registering for a wedding, pre-nup pups almost always think of dishes first. No longer are the days of mismatched plates, cups and plastic ware; now are they days getting hitched, moving up and into some grown up dishes! And with this at the forefront of every bride’s mind, tradition almost always leads them straight down the fine china path.
But is this the way for every bride to go?
In a word… no. While registering for our wedding back in waaaayyy back in ’09 (haha!), the hubs and I were met with quite a quandary. While we consider ourselves a lot of things as a couple, ‘fancy’ would not rank among the top of our list; so, you can imagine our predicament when we were already in the possession of three - count them 1, 2, 3! – sets of fine china, inherited over the years from family… I mean, if fancy we’re not, how could we possibly pick out a fourth set of luxe-ware when we didn’t even have a home for the first three?
Answer: we couldn’t. After discussing this with our fabulous Bed, Bath & Beyond bridal consultant, we went with her recommendation of simply registering for a nicer set of everyday dishes, while still picking out other big ticket items for people looking to spend a little more. (Shout out to my boss, Cathy LaValley, who purchased the six remaining sets of our dishware to complete the registry! Dead sere, can’t eat without thinking of you, haha!)
It seemed to be a win / win for all, especially since not a single piece of our three fine china sets has ever seen the light of a guest whilst dining with the Dietzes. Um, oops? Look, I said we weren’t fancy, haha! But we did pick a registry that worked for us, which is what I would implore all of you to do too! Find things that work for you and work them… more importantly than giving you the finest, most expensive wedding gift ever, guests really just wanna a give something they know you’ll use and love!
Cheers and happy shopping!
October 13, 2011
The woman who pretty much owns the bridal market on wedding dresses, Vera Wang, is dishing out some seriously good advice in a her weekly email newsletters, and I would highly recommend for all brides-to-be to check it out! Being a lover of all things bridal, I’m a HUGE fan. Obvs.
And this week’s treat was no disappointment! Often times, brides find themselves wanting something new and original to add to their wedding lineup; so, they look for alternatives that would best suit them. In today’s email, Ms. Wang offered some suggestions for the traditional bridal bouquet. Among the ideas?
Wrist Corsages. For a touch of grace.
photos courtesy of tulledreams.blogspot.com (top left), blog.weddingish.com (right) and sheenaholland.com
Pinned Corsages. For high-necked or off the shoulder gowns.
photos courtesy of stylehive.com (left), wmagazine.com (top right) and seattleflowers.com
Bible, Psalm or Prayer Books marked with a Favorite Flower. For additional sentiment.
photos courtesy of etsy.com (top left), answerstolife.tv (right) and godswordhasanswers.com
I love all the ideas for their unique nature and alternative appeal. Plus, having a corsage frees up your hands to hold onto other things… like your man’s hands :)
October 11, 2011
courtesy of mywedding.com
Everyone knows that a wedding day is all about the bride ((insert groom to be polite)), but of all the brides I’ve ever known, not a single one of them has ever been dead set on leaving everyone else out in order to achieve her grand status. Sure, there will always be the boo-tastic bridezilla exceptions, but generally speaking, most brides want their big day to be a big day for everyone else too.
Brides ((okay, and grooms)) want their guests to laugh and enjoy. They want their bridal party to dance and cheer. But most of all, they want their family and friends to leave feeling with a feeling of exhaustion from all the fun and excitement… it’s simply how they roll. After all, what bride wants the day that’s “all about them” to be one everyone else marks with distain and ill repute? Um, I’d hope none!
Which is precisely why I love Love LOVE the idea of statement bridesmaid dresses! I mean, helllloooo!?!? Your bridesmaids are not cookie cutter friend prototypes; so, why would you ever want them in cookie cutter dresses? You wouldn’t!
Hence, why so many brides are turning to retro patterns, colorful pallets, hand-me-down favorites and vintage accessories, in order to create the perfect look for their big day. More and more, today’s modern bride is pairing similar colors with different shapes and patterns in order to create a unique, fun ensemble that suits both the bodies of her bridesmaids, as well as her overall aesthetic… truly, making it a win / win for all involved!
Don’t believe me?? Check out below, and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) weddingchicks.com, greenweddingshoes.com, marthastewartweddings.com, bridalbook.ph, snippetandink.blogspot.com, weddingobsession.com and greatexpectationsky.com
This kind of look can be achieved in a number of ways. You can find a dozen or so dresses that you enjoy and let them select personal favorites or for you braver brides, you send some of your most trusted ladies out to raid closets and find what works best for those on TIGHT budgets. One of my personal favorite solutions: hit up your local paint store, pick out and pair up your favorite color swatches. Then, provide your ‘maids with a base color pallet they can use to find their dress.
It’s really up to you, but the conclusion will no doubt be the same… unique dresses for unique girls for a unique day! Whoop, whoop!
September 27, 2011
courtesy of movies.tvguide.com
Come on babe, why don’t we paint the town? (bom, bom) And all that Jazz? I’m gonna rouge my knees and roll my stalkings down. (bom, bom) And all that Jazz!
Firstly, I would like to start by saying that I am a HA-HUUGE fan of the Roaring 20s and all that Jazz! Was it an era known for corruption and gangster hullabaloo? Well, yeah. Buuuut it was also a time filled with economic prosperity, trend-setting musicality and over the top fashion. There was a kind of daring romance – both scandalous and progressive – that seemed to encapsulate the 1920s, which has gone unmatched ever since.
And it’s because of that unmatched style that the Twenties have become an excellent source of for brides to find inspiration when planning their big day – scandal aside, of course. Whether it’s in the choice of dress, the kind of favors, the type of venue, equipped with Speakeasy or Cigar bar or simply the overall ambience and atmosphere created, the Roaring 20s leave brides, their grooms and all their guests with a little extra . Check out below and see what I mean:
photos courtesy of joshgoleman.com and pacoandbetty.com
The hubs and I actually took a lot of 1920s style and weaved it into our wedding. My favorite part? All the bridal party dudes were given a little extra swagger when we topped them off with dress fedoras and bowling caps!
courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography
And if you’re looking for some 1920′s inspired tips and tricks, feel free to check out the 2002 film, Chicago, or read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby — two incredible representations of the times!
September 22, 2011
courtesy of Xposure via graziadaily.co.uk
Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, laaaavender’s green, when I am king, dilly dilly, you shall by queen!!
Purple has never been my pick of the litter when it comes to color, especially considering what works best on a wedding dress. However, after a work friend (holler for a dollar, Carolyn!) sent me a link revealing Sofia Coppola’s wedding dress, I have to admit, I pretty much fell in love :)
Recently wed this past weekend in the garden of the Coppola family’s Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda, Italy, the daughter of revered film director, Francis Ford Coppola, looked like a breezy bridal dream sporting her tee-length, lavender wedding dress… and I gotta say, she (and it) deserve a double snap. Not only does this trendy tress look amazing, but it compliments her chic, nonchalant style impeccably. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself and see! It looks like she should be twirling in every pic!
courtesy of Xposure via graziadaily.co.uk
See, she needs to be aswirly twirly in these pics :)
courtesy of Xposure via graziadaily.co.uk
And if you’re a bride who loves this lavishly lavender trend but still longs for the more traditional look, why don’t you pull a Khloe Kardashian and just accent your gown with the pretty purple??
courtesy of okmagazine.com
And while Khloe K did it via Vera Wang, I also love love love this Claire Pettibone vintage number :) It would make for a super chic DIY project!
courtesy of blogs.wishpot.com
September 1, 2011
courtesy of doveweddingphotography.com
Because so many wedding trends tend to fashion around color, it’s no wonder that this colorful topic is among the hottest in industry news. Whether it is an unusual color combination or funky patterned table linens or even seasoned and stylized bouquets, brides everywhere have become aware of making their big day a bright and colorful occasion.
But what about the bride looking to create a cleaner look?
Well, she might try all white! Both simple and chic, all white weddings have a look that can be stylized both for vintage glam or modern flare. And if an all white pallet is simply too modern for you, try accenting it with another neutral color that will compliment its crisp design, while brining in a pop of interest. Blushes, creams and hydrangea greens all seem to do the trick. Check out below and let the inspiration begin!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blog.weddingpaperdivas.com, doveweddingphotography.com, kaboodle.com, dreamyapartment.com, weddings-invitations.org, blogs.dexknows.com and stevekoophotography.com
August 23, 2011
courtesy of news.asiantown.net
This day in age, there are all types of brides, and often times, many of those brides are second chance brides. No matter what pomp or circumstance lead to it, there are several reasons why a first marriage maybe didn’t work out as planned, but more importantly than the reason why it didn’t is the fact that that these ladies continue to find enough faith to give it another try. It’s these brides that I especially love… the ones who never stop believing in ‘happily ever after.’
Recently, a family friend (holler Jennifer!) got married to the man of her dreams, and even though it was her second husband, it was his first for everything; so, the sisters of said dream man wanted to spare no expense. The dream man and Jennifer, however, had other plans in mind. Being that they were both older and already living together AND that she already had the big, whoo-whoo celebration before, neither one felt the need to have all the hoopla a wedding can often bring.
One of the first “hoopla” items to go was the shower. Because they already had several of your typical shower gift items under lock ‘n’ key, they didn’t find it necessary to register for a whole bunch of things they already had. Plus, they were both already well established and struggled to combine what was already there in the first place… But the sisters persisted and decided that if a shower was out of the question, then they wanted to throw a ‘Sprinkle’ for Jennifer instead.
First of all, the name alone… Addddooorrrraaabbbllle… But the idea behind it??? Even cuter! Instead of having Jennifer register at a bunch of places for gifts they didn’t need, they simply took her out to dinner at her favorite spot and showered her with well wishes, advice and sentimental gifts. Ummm, helllooo? Love!
And you wouldn’t even have to go out to dinner necessarily either. You could even plan a luncheon or girls night in. Really, the choice would be up to you!
It’s also a great idea for the non-traditional bride… or even the non-traditional groom to use. Because Sprinkles are intended to be less formal, many couples may choose to make it a couple’s event. This way, there’s no obligation for guests to get traditional gifts, but rather, still spend an afternoon or evening celebrating your love! It would also work famously for older brides and grooms already living with each other, who don’t feel the need to register for new China or spatulas or couples looking to downsize what they already have. The possibilities are literally limitless!
August 16, 2011
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