Out With the Old, In With the Nearly New

A true taste for couture is not always accompanied by a budget to match. Thankfully, Nearly Newlywed has created a high fashion community for brides vying for designer duds to adorn on their big day.

Cultivated by Jacqueline Courtney, a former NYC fashion-publicist, Nearly Newlywed features the finest frocks from the likes of Marchesa, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Elie Saab, Temperley, and Reem Acra, to name a few. Unique celeb-inspired services are offered, such as the ‘Buy It, Wear It, Send It Back’ option and ‘Personal Shopping via Pinterest’, all while showcasing the best of the best at a fraction of the regular retail price.

A glimpse into the glam;

Vera Wang 'Eliza' Lace & Tulle Princess Gown

Elie Saab Crystal & Silk Chiffon Gown

Marchesa Tulle Rosette Princess Gown

Monique Lhuillier 'Lumiere' Lace & Crystal Mermaid Gown

Reem Acra Grecian Strapless Gown

If you’re on the hunt for your perfect dress, or want to make another bride’s dreams come true by consigning your former wedding attire, you’re nearly there.

Sincerely,

S

The Rich and Famous

"As an unmarried woman, I was thought to be a danger." - Grace Kelly

It is no surprise that celebrities are major trendsetters.  Star-gazers follow in awe to see what a celebrity will do next, what they will wear and, of course, who they will marry.  Weddings have become such a craze and it seems Will and Kate’s wedding proved that once again.  For months in advance, people were making bets about which designer would be selected for her gown, what it would look like and who would attend.  Those of us (commoners) at home, followed her every move as she prepared for the big day and we couldn’t help but be amazed by the lavish affair that took place on April 29th.  Unfortunately, it was not just royalty that drew such an audience this year; fans tuned in to ‘admire’ Kim Kardashian’s estimated 20 million dollar nuptials, which didn’t last more than a couple of months.

Whether an A-list celeb or a high-society diva, it seems we can’t get enough of the rich and famous.  We turn to them for dress do’s and don’ts and everyone loves to critique the brides’ choices for hair, flowers, cakes, venue and men.

Below is a selection of stunning and iconic celebrity brides who have given every girl something to dream about (at least with respect to the weddings, not the marriage):



Kate Middleton - wearing Sara Burton of Alexander McQueen

Grace Kelly

Carolyn Bessette - wearing Narcisco Rodriguez

Ivanka Trump - wearing Vera Wang

Gwen Stefani - wearing John Galliano

Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi - both wearing Zac Posen

Chelsea Clinton - wearing Vera Wang

Kate Moss - wearing John Galliano

Nicole Ritchie - wearing Marchesa

Kim Kardashian - wearing Vera Wang (all three gowns)

Who's next - Brangelina?? I hope so! That is sure to be one star-studded affair! And we might see Brit tie the knot yet again this year.  Either way, I'm sure we will continue to be entertained and wowed by celebrity brides alike.

Yours truly,

A

Up My Sleeve

“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.”  – Epictetus

After perusing some of my favourite designers’ Spring 2012 collections, I noticed that sleeves are a comeback.  I have always been a big fan of sleeved wedding dresses (especially beaded cap sleeves) as I find them very romantic and modest for your walk down the aisle.  Unfortunately, majority of the dresses found in salons are strapless, which is frustrating for many brides that are not comfortable without the added support.  Dresses are now being featured with feminine, sheer sleeves, beaded shoulder embellishments, lace, simple cap sleeves, one shoulder sleeves, and off the shoulder sleeves. I personally welcome this fad as I don’t think every girl can or should attempt to wear a strapless gown but many have not had options in the past.  For some brides, strapless dresses come with the fear that they will constantly have to readjust their dress, they might look busty or they simply prefer being more covered up and avoid the risk of flashing too much skin.  It seems that designers are paying attention and have met those requests with their new looks.  I’m sure it also helps that the Duchess of Cambridge sported a stylish long sleeved gown making many brides-to-be consider this style.  Furthermore, many places of worship require a bride's shoulders to be covered, so these dresses are not only fashionable but also lend themselves to such requests. 

Below is a collection of beautiful bridal gowns with sleeves that just barely skim the shoulder all the way to sleeves that graze the wrist bone.

Marchesa

Jenny Packham

Parma Opal, Damask and Foxglove



Reem Acra

Badgley Mischka

Calista and Desiree




Angela



Nicole Miller

Monique Lhuillier

Catherine (how original!?)

When it comes to your wedding day, less is not always more.

Yours truly,

A