Friday, April 29, 2011

Princess Catherine's gown...simply (Mc)Queen-ly!

How amazing was the Royal Wedding?? I can't seem to tear myself away from all of the pictures and articles and tweets! So many fabulous details to dissect and discuss! I'm not sure about yall, but I was up this morning at 3:15 watching E!'s Live from the Royal Wedding coverage, and it was fabulous! First of all, let me say that I love Giuliana Rancic! She is adorable and so funny.

Ok, back to the wedding! What did you think of Princess Catherine's gown? I think that Sarah Burton did an exquisite job with this. It was so elegant and royal, but with a touch of modernity to it. And I must take a moment to celebrate the lace sleeves that were a part of the gown. They were to die for! I hope this dress helps to bring a style other than strapless back into style. And the lace at the bottom of the gown was a perfect finishing touch. It was interesting this morning, Giuliana was showing a picture of Grace Kelly on her wedding day, and made the comment that Catherine might draw inspiration from this gown. The other commentators didn't think that would happen, that Catherine would go with a slimmer silhouette - they were wrong! Catherine's gown was such a modern take of Grace Kelly's dress!

Grace Kelly, left; Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, left
What a stunning gown! Royal simplicity
 I could just look at these pictures all day! On to the church - what did you think about the use of trees INSIDE Westminster Abbey!? I think it was an absolutely inspired idea! It made that space so warm and intimate. Such a lovely way to add nature into that grand space without doing the traditional flower arrangements.

It's almost as if the wedding took place outside
I have a feeling that we are going to see quite a few weddings with this same theme! However, I am not sure if we could all find trees to bring inside of the church where the wedding will be taking place...it might be just a bit outside the budget!!

Here are a few more of my favorite wedding moments...

Prince William was so handsome in his uniform! And I loved that the camera caught him telling Catherine that she looked beautiful!

Father of the bride

Very royal
The happy couple kissing for the world

Catherine is just the second commoner to ever be on this balcony!
Well, there are my thoughts on the Royal Wedding! Now, I just need to get this dress!! What did you think? What were your favorite moments? Post your thoughts below!

As always, much love

The Bridal Belle

It's the Big Day!

Happy Royal Wedding Friday! I am busy reading every article possible about Prince William and Princess Catherine's (she's not Kate anymore) fabulous wedding! Watch for a blog post sometime this afternoon with my complete report on all things Royal!

Much love,

The Bridal Belle

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

All you need is Love!

Happy Wednesday afternoon! I am so excited to post today! First of all, we are just a day and a half away from the Big Day! Have you made your watching party plans? I know that I am going to wear a fabulous jeweled tiara (even though that really isn't my favorite look) and darling pajamas and watch the wedding from the comfort of my bed! Speaking of tiaras, I wonder which one Kate will wear? Will it be the same one that Diana wore when she married Price Charles, or will she wear one borrowed from the Crown Jewels? Personally, I simply adore Diana's tiara and would wear it every day if I could!



This topic leads me to my next big announcement...The Bride's Room has been chosen as a Flagship Store for the most fabulous new designer, Love Veils and Accessories! I am beyond thrilled to be adding this collection to our other amazing accessories offerings! Love was just launched by an adorable UT Longhorn, Cori Middlebrooks. Cori is absolutely darling, and her personality shines in her collection. Precious headbands, hairpins, and birdcage veils are just part of the line. Her veiling collection is absolutely inspired. She has designed a wide range of shapes and then given the bride an array of trims and each bride designs her custom veil!

I love that every veil will end up being slightly different from the last, and each veil will speak to the individual bride's unique style and personality. It becomes rather easy as a bride to just pick a veil out of a small selection at any given salon and decide that that veil works. With Love, you get to pick every detail of your veil right here in The Bride's Room. This way, you will know how your veil will look with the dress you are about to buy! I love it!

Take a peek...

Madison 

Santa Barbara

Austin

Boston

Minneapolis

Folded Mantilla - custom veiling

Waterfall - custom veiling
Are you as obsessed with Love as I am?? How could you not be? All we need is to have a design named for Fort Worth! I love the clean elegance to the pieces. So simple, yet so fabulous! And the greatest thing about these pieces is that they can be worn over and over again to every fabulous event you get invited to!

We will be debuting the collection in June, so watch for upcoming information about the launch!

As always, much love

The Bridal Belle

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Spring Sample Sale April 29 through May 7!

First of all, happy Royal Wedding Week! Can you believe that we are just 2-ish days away from the most anticipated wedding in almost 30 years?? I know that I am beyond excited! I already have set all of my recordings on my DVR, just so I don't miss a minute of all of the coverage! Of course, the big question is what the dress will look like and who designed it - what do you think? I have pretty much come up with my idea of Kate's dress...lots of lace, a fitted silhouette, and long, lace sleeves! Of course, I have to wait and see if I am right!

Ok, enough about the wedding - I will post more about it tomorrow and Thursday! Onto the fun stuff! The Bride's Room is hosting its' first Spring Sample Sale! I found all sorts of goodies at market a few weeks ago, so it's time to sell some fabulous stock to make room for the new pieces!

If you are running a bit behind in your planning process and need a gown on short notice...this is your sale! If you have a short engagement and are running into issues with ordering a dress due to the production process...this is your sale! Or, if you have plenty of time to order a gown but want to save a little money..this sale is for you too!!

Let me break down all of the savings going on:

Selected sample gowns: on sale up to 50% off!
Custom ordered gowns: 10% off!
All accessories or jewelry purchased: 20% off!

That is quite a bit of savings! And I know that you will be able to find the gown of your dreams during our event! We have a great range of prices, so if budget is a concern, we can find your dream dress at every price!

Here are more of the gowns that we have on sale...

Charlotte, from Junko Yoshioka is a stunning gown and I love the bolero!
Original price: $4620 Sale price: $2800

Collette is gorgeous in its' simplicity - but for the wow effect, add a jeweled belt!
Original price: $3520 Sale price: $2000

Estee is very in keeping with the ballet inspired looks on the runway!
Original price: $5500 Sale price: $3200

I adore Celine - the ruched bodice is incredible!
Original price: $4070 Sale Price: $2200

The champagne lining on Charlize is so rich!
Original price: $4400 Sale price: $2400 

Juno was featured on the cover of Brides Magazine last April! Perfect for a summer wedding!
Original price: $4400 Sale price: $2700

I simply adore the back of Juno! It looks like you are wrapped up like a gift!
All pictures from www.marthastewartweddings.com

Aren't these dresses to die for?! And we have quite a few more on sale as well - ball gowns, mermaids, fit to flare! Also, take a look back at this posting for other gowns that are on sale! Call today to book an appointment to find the gown of your dreams!

Much love,

The Bridal Belle

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Untamed Petals has stolen my heart!

I am so excited to announce some big news! The Bride's Room is officially carrying a new accessories designer! Untamed Petals is a fabulous line that is a little vintage, a little lace, and a whole lot of sparkle! If you are looking for a great jeweled belt to wear with your wedding gown but then want to still use it after the wedding - then this collection is for you!

Amanda Gilbert, the designer, has created a fabulous line that can be worn at the most elegant of occasions as well as thrown on with a blazer to the office. Started in 2009, Untamed Petals has gained a great following, including a listing on Style Me Pretty's Look Book!

I think the greatest thing about this line is that it appeals to all different types of brides. The glam, over the top bride would just adore the gorgeous jeweled headbands. At the same time, for the bride really into the Anthropologie, shabby chic feel, the silk flowers or vintage-y jeweled combs would be just perfect!

Take a look and pick your favorite!

This comb would be gorgeous tucked into a soft chignon and peeking through the tulle of the bride's veil

I love the combination of crystals and pearls in these combs...very elegant

This headband has just the right amount of sparkle on it

Such a soft touch with such big impact

I think the asymmetry of this piece adds to its' beauty

This flower would be spectacular tucked into a loose side bun for the reception
This belt would be spectacular on a simple while silk ball gown

I love love love the scallops on this belt

Wouldn't this be the perfect bridesmaid gift?
 Don't you just love this line?? I could wear just about everything they design! And the best part about the pictures you just saw...all of these pieces will be available soon in The Bride's Room! Stop in and find a goody for yourself!

As always, much love!

The Bridal Belle

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Designer Spotlight...Lea Ann Belter

When you dream of your wedding dress, what does it look like? Scrumptious silks and lavish lace? If so, then I have the designer for you! Lea Ann Belter is a favorite of The Bride's Room! She designs feminine, soft gowns that are truly breathtaking. Lea Ann's use of pleating and draping helps to create gowns that are flattering on all body types.

Another great detail that Lea Ann is known for is her use of hand crafted flowers. These are used in all sorts of places - at the back of a gown where a sash ties, on at the waist to add just the right detail, or, scattered all over the bottom of a gown to create drama. Not only does she use dupioni silk for the gowns, but she uses silk organza, tulle, and duchess silk as well.

Our favorites...

Zara is a silk duchess ball gown with graceful draping across the bodice 

Annabelle is a beautiful mermaid gown that is accented with beautiful lace details and a full train

Tess is an elegant silk organza gown with lace details a dramatic train

Ursula is a stunning tulle ball gown with an exquisitely rushed bodice and a touch of sparkle at the waist 

Lucy is gorgeous in her simplicity and the draping at the bodice is flattering to every body type
Aren't these gowns just a bride's dream?? Which one is your favorite? It's a tough decision, but I think mine is Zara! With the incredible train and that full skirt...amazing!!!! However, they are all utterly to die for!!! The most exciting thing about these gowns - they are all available at The Bride's Room! Come in to see these gowns, as well as our full collection to find the gown of your dreams!

As always, much love

The Bridal Belle 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Flowers and Headbands and Veils, oh my!

As we all know, the gown is the real start of the wedding day. You dream about it growing up, you spend ages trying on 100 different dresses before making your decision, people talk about it every time your wedding is mentioned. But I think the accessories truly make the bridal ensemble complete.

Long luxurious veils, sparkly jeweled handbands, and flowers made from the most delicate organzas are the scrumptious icing on the wedding cake! You can transform a simple gown into the most dramatic ensemble by adding a cathedral length veil with just the right trim - maybe a few swarovski crystals to add a bit of sparkle. For the romantic bride, adding a gorgeous flower to your hair will give you the details that you crave.

As much as I love a fabulous veil, I think the thing that makes the biggest difference to the bride's final look is a gorgeous jeweled belt! I am so in love with jeweled belts - I actually ordered about 10 more for the store while I was at market!! Jeweled belts give you that WOW factor on any gown! They can even be done on colored ribbon for the more daring bride!

Some favorites from The Bride's Room...

These stunning belts from Desla and Cheryl King Couture add just the right amount of sparkle to any wedding gown

Cheryl King Couture's Royal Flush belt dresses up this simple Junko Yoshioka gown

The jeweled belt on this Jewel by Priscilla of Boston dress is highlighted by it's silver sash 

Cheryl King Couture's Bellissima veil is just the right addition to this gown by Priscilla of Boston 

Gorgeous flowers and headbands to complete the bridal ensemble

I hope you loved the sampling of our accessories! Stop in and see what your crowning glory is...a jeweled headband, or a fabulous flower? And don't forget, you can always add a jeweled belt to a black cocktail dress for a stunning one-of-a-kind outfit!

Much love,

The Bridal Belle

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Not your mother's sleeve...

Ok, I know what everyone thinks of when the words sleeve and wedding dress are used in the same sentence. Big. Pouffy. Princess Diana. Scary. Well, let me tell you, sleeves are one their way back and they are fabulous! Cap sleeves started showing up and have been making a place for themselves in the bridal line up. But this season, the look was a tailored, feminine, long sleeve. Most of these sleeves are done in lace with a little tulle thrown in the mix. Gorgeous!

I think the biggest reason that this look is making its' way back is the Royal Wedding. As much as we all love our strapless wedding gowns, that is not as formal a silhouette as sleeves are. And Kate must be completely proper in her dress that day which more than likely means sleeves. Given her fashion choices in the past, I don't see her going with the Leg of Mutton sleeves that Princess Diana rocked on her wedding day.

*Disclaimer - I love love love Princess Diana's dress! What girl didn't want that dress growing up?! But it is slightly dated...

Here are some of the fabulous dresses that were shown at Spring Market this past weekend!

This gorgeous gown from Modern Trousseau is simply stunning!
It is named for Jackie Kennedy - can't you just see her wearing this?
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

This dress speaks to a modern bride that is looking for traditional elements in her gown.
Gown, Legends by Ramona Keveza
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

Monique Lhuillier's all lace gown is so elegant!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

I love the use of both lace and tulle on this Oscar de la Renta!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

Vera Wang did a gorgeous cap sleeve on this gown that a daring bride would adore!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com
As you can see, these sleeves are pretty fabulous! They would make any girl that only ever considered strapless wedding gowns take pause and think about sleeves! Which one is your favorite...I think mine is Kennedy!

Much love,

The Bridal Belle

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Short and sweet...and just a little bit sassy!

Well, I am back from market and in love!! I saw more gorgeous gowns, fabulous flowers, gleaming gems, and amazing accessories than I can even handle! There were many trends this season, but my favorite one is the short dress. Yes, short dresses are here to stay! Every designer had at least one short party dress if not 2 or 3 in their collections. Lace, tulle, flowers, jeweling - the short dress has it all!

Take a look at my favorites!

Betty Draper would go mad for this fabulous lace cocktail dress from Lea Ann Belter!
Picture, Lea Ann Belter

The perfect party dress made with spring's other hottest trend - sleeves!
Modern Trousseau is my new obsession!
Picture, www.givingweddings.com

This fabulous Jewel gown is a timeless choice that has just the right amount of sparkle in it!
And you are in luck, we have this gown in the store!
Picture, Priscilla of Boston

I love the whimsy that the flowers along the hem add to this dress by Alyne!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

This Ines De Santo dress is the perfect glam party dress for the most over the top bride!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

This combination of lace and tulle on this Marchesa dress is fabulous!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

This cocktail dress from Monique Lhuillier is perfect for a summer wedding in Texas!
Picture, www.marthastewartweddings.com

I could just die over these gowns - some many different styles and silhouettes to appeal to every bride! Also, don't forget that you can always change from your ceremony dress into a party dress...what girl doesn't love having a wardrobe change halfway through the party?

Much love!

The Bridal Belle