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

A Golden Glance

"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress." - Coco Chanel 

The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards took place in Hollywood last night, and while it may not exactly be a wedding related affair, it is most certainly a star-studded fete of the finest fashion and we simply could not resist sharing our thoughts on the copious couture.

Our best dressed list includes Kate Beckinsale, who looked flawless (as usual) in a strapless, pale blush chiffon and lace gown by Roberto Cavalli, paired with Lorraine Schwartz gems and Casadei pumps; Jessica Alba, who dazzled in a head-to-toe sparkly lavender number by Gucci and Bulgari baubles; and the fiery Emma Stone, who rocked a beautifully belted, plunging plum Lanvin dress, along with shoes and jewels by the famed designer.

Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Abla and Emma Stone

Our choices for ‘runners up’? Claire Danes, who wore a gorgeously glam black and white (a colour combo expected to make major appearances in spring 2012), open back J. Mendel  dress; newcomer Shailene Woodley made her mark in an incredible Marchesa gown and Tabitha Simmons heels; the ladies of Modern Family looked lovely as always - Julie Bowen in a pale pink Reem Acra and Sofia Vergara in a navy Vera Wang (we’ve got soft spots for these designers!), and last but definitely not least, Miss Golden Globe, Rainey Qualley, wowed us on the stage in Alberto Makali. 

Claire Danes

Shailene Woodley

Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara

Rainey Qualley

We're opting for a different approach than that of Joan Rivers and the Fashion Police by keeping it classy and skipping our picks for the ‘worst-dressed’.

Can't wait to see what these stunners will rock at the upcoming Oscars!

Until next time,

A & S

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

All Dressed in White

“A man has his clothes made to fit him; a woman makes herself fit her clothes.” Edgar Watson Howe

It would come as no major shock to anyone who knows me that my wedding gown was purchased long before even choosing a venue.  The process of deciding which dress to say yes to can be a fun filled one, but it can also be lengthy, frustrating, and in all honesty, a little ridiculous.

For instance, and please try not to be offended if this is you, but I cannot understand why a girl would bring an entourage of 8 people to an appointment in a bridal salon. Who wants that many opinions? Not to mention it must drive the bridal consultants completely insane (if you watch Say Yes to the Dress, you get what I mean). If you’re smart, bring your mom (and dad if he’s into that sort of thing), sisters, and MOH – but cap it there.

Luckily for me, the journey of finding the “one” in this case was fairly seamless.

In the end, I visited four bridal stores, three in Ottawa and one in Montreal. Each establishment featured collections from different designers, so while styles did not become repetitive, the act of getting naked in a tiny enclosed space where a total stranger is on the floor, staring straight at your thong while helping you into an often puffy, white monstrosity weighing more than an Olsen twin, can be a little tiresome. But a bride’s gotta do what a bride’s gotta do.

I ended up falling in love with a gorgeous Vera Wang number back in November, merely one month after becoming engaged. I customized the design and made several tweaks to the original to really make it my own. I had my first fitting in August, the second in early September and the third, and final I might add, is on Friday! I can’t wait to see the finished product! I must admit, I suffer from a severe case of buyer’s remorse, and have found numerous dresses that have since begged the question “did I make the right choice?” In the end, there are so many stunners out there that you just have to be comfortable with your decision and know that it will look beautiful (at least that’s what they tell me).

Though I don’t plan on sharing my choice with you until after the main event, check out these beauties that have entertained my wandering eye:

Monique Lhuillier - Averie

Vera Wang - Farrah

Watters - Pheobe

Reem Acra

Melissa Sweet - Gigi

Vera Wang - Gemma

 

Now I understand why Kim Kardashian changed 3 times at her wedding - it’s so hard to pick just one!

Sincerely,

S