Hayley Paige...I Love That Name

"I like being a woman, even in a man's world.  After all, men can't wear dresses, and we can wear the pants." - Whitney Houston

Hayley Paige, a former designer for Melissa Sweet and Blush, launched her namesake line under JLM  Couture.  Her new line was first showcased at NYC’s Market with her Spring 2012 collection and it has been getting a lot of young girls’ attention.  Hayley Paige has just released her Fall 2012 designs and the romantic and charming dresses are stunning and flawless, not to mention their price point is very reasonable.  

Here are some of my favourites from her Spring and Fall 2012 collections:

This ombre petal skirt with chapel train is beyond words! - Babs

The perfect reception dress with the ombre pleated peplum -  Kiki

the Hattie - a romantic gown with beautiful crystal detail on the bodice and straps

Tuula - for the boho chic bride with the crystal embellished dropped-waist skirt 

A dreamy Grecian style gown with crisscross tulle detailing on the back -  Nina

To view the entire collection click here.

Yours truly,

A

Fancy Footwork

“Oh yes, I love to do shoes. I'm not a fetishist but I love to do shoes.” – Karl Lagerfeld

It would be an understatement to say that I love my shoe collection. I truly cherish it. Shoes (along with handbags) are the ultimate purchase because, if well taken care of, they can be treasured forever. Sure, trends come and go, but they almost always make a comeback (1970’s revival of the platform pump ringing any bells?).

When our mothers’ got married, they typically bought a pair of satin, white pumps, most likely at the boutique in which they got their gown. But these days we’re faced with a bevy of choices for our walk down the aisle.

Whether it’s a crystal clad statement shoe, a traditional ivory pump, or something practical that can be worn to any formal event thereafter, the options seem endless.

Shoes can change an entire look, or in Cinderella's case, an entire life :)

Some top picks for first steps as a Mrs.:

Alexander McQueen laser cut bootie - $1870 - shop.nordstrom.com

Bourne 'Vivienne' satin sandal - $270 - shop.nordstrom.com

Christian Louboutin Volpi 150 satin covered leather sandal - $945 - net-a-porter.com

Guiseppe Zanotti jeweled suede platform slingback pump - $1,080 - saksfifthavenue.com

Jimmy Choo 'Clue' glitter slingback pump - $720 - shop.nordstrom.com

Kate Spade New York 'Charm' slingback pump - $350 - shop.nordstrom.com

Pour La Victoire Cristella 2 open toe pump - $120 - endless.com

Valentino couture patent leather bow platform peep toe pump - $840 - saksfifthavenue.com

Vince Camuto 'Crane' pump - $160 - shop.nordstrom.com

Too tough on your tootsies? A quick change to comfy kicks does the trick: 

Steve Madden 'Karisma' flat - $99 - stevemadden.com

Toms classic glitter slip on - $58 - shop.nordstrom.com

Dolce Vita 'Felice' leather flower sandal - $162 - saksfifthavenue.com

Marc Jacobs knot-detailed suede ballerina flat - $590 - net-a-porter.com

Converse 'All Star' Candy Metallic - $60 - converse.com

Havaianas Limited Edition slim crystal mesh flip flop -$150 - shop.havaianascanada.com

Which is your glass slipper of choice?

Sincerely,

S

WTB Hearts: Design by Kara

Every Wednesday, With This Bling will be featuring an Etsy shop of the week, showcasing fabulous talent and some of the items we crave! For our first dedicated post, we’ve chosen the creative craftsmanship of Design by Kara.

Bling is obviously our thing, and if you can believe it, we are almost as obsessed with jewels as we are with weddings. After all, the two go hand in hand. Design by Kara boasts a vast collection of earrings, combining traditional elegance with vintage-inspired luxury. And best of all, most designs are very budget-friendly at under $49 a pair.

For all you cost-conscious brides seeking the ultimate ear adornment, you’ve found it – check out some stunners here:

CZ Teardrop - $49 USD

Flower 10mm Pearl - $23 USD

Golden Flower with White Pearls and CZ - $24 USD

Golden Flower Bouquet with Pearl - $26 USD

Silver Flower and White Gold Framed Aqua Quartz - $29 USD

Square Foiled Crystal - $38 USD

Teardrop Foiled Crystal with Luxury White Gold - $35 USD

Crystal Teardrop with CZ - $33 USD

Golden Flower and White Pearl - $23 USD

 all photos taken from Design by Kara at etsy.com

Gotta love Etsy!

Until next time,

A & S

I & A: Incredible and Amazing

Incredible and amazing indeed, but these initials actually stand for Ivy & Aster; a lust-worthy label brought to us by two lovers of fashion, gracing us with a strikingly stunning line of bridal gowns and social dresses. Their whimsical designs radiate with elegant simplicity, while remaining budget friendly with most wedding dress styles falling under the $2400 mark, and beauties for bridesmaids at under $385.

Take a peek at some of these fanciful frocks:

Blossom - $2,310 USD

Duchess - $2,330 USD

Fond Wishes - $1,980 USD

Sweetpea - $2,200 USD

Forget Me Knot - $286 USD

Gemma - $385 USD

Love and Tenderness - $286 USD

May Flowers - $286

Phoenix - $380 USD

Vela - $330 USD

 all photos taken from ivyandaster.com

Another reason to LOVE Ivy & Aster – the brand is offered in 3 bridal boutiques across Canada!

• Frocks (Vancouver and Calgary)
• White (Toronto)
• Novelle Bridal (Edmonton)

Sincerely,

S

Put Your Pretty Face On

“I love the confidence that makeup gives me.” -Tyra Banks

When I was a kid, my grandmother would always say that in the morning, before leaving the house, she needed to go “put on her face”. I swear, until I was 6 years old, I was pretty certain it meant she took off her actual face before bed and then when she woke up, she would literally put it back on. Hey, to be fair, some kids think LMNO is one letter, so I’d like to think this falls into a category above that.

There are SO many affairs coming up; from engagement parties and bridal showers to bachelorette bashes and weddings galore. Our friends are like paparazzi so looking our absolute best in front of the cameras is a must, but it can get quite costly always relying on a makeup artist for a flawless face.

With all the online tutorials nowadays, perfecting your craft is easy; all you need are the right supplies. Smashbox is a phenomenal line of cosmetics, and right now Shopper’s Drug Mart has a brand promo that’s got you covered.  

The Smashbox Studio Stash kit has everything needed to glamorize for the fall season. It includes a blush duo, a 10-colour cream eyeliner palette, a lip gloss, mascara, an eye shadow quad, all rolled up in a travel size quilted bag. A sweet snag valued at over $160 for only $68, the set conveniently fits in your handbag (well, if you like your bags large like we do) or weekender. Visit the “Get the Look” section on the Smashbox site for all your how-to tips.

Sincerely,

S