With This Bling: dresses

Showing posts with label dresses. Show all posts

Friday, 25 May 2012

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,

Monday, 30 April 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey

“You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince” - Fifty Shades of Grey

After reading the captivating and erotic trilogy by E. L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey is definitely on my mind. If you haven't already read it, start now. I found myself turning the pages at lightening speed and becoming completely entranced into the world of Christian Grey. It will make you blush, squirm and giggle...and maybe even the slightest bit curious ;)

I am not suggesting handcuffs, whips or canes at your next affair but I am a big fan of the hue in the book's title. Grey is such an extraordinary shade for your bridesmaids' dresses; it's perfect for all seasons and pairs well with just about any accent color. Grey also photographs beautifully, is flattering on most skin tones and will allow your white gown to pop!

Check out these stunning grey-infused bridal party pics:

'Shades of Grey' bridesmaids' dresses - Photo taken from Love and Lavender

Yellow and grey pair oh so well! Photo taken from Pinterest

Photo taken from Pinterest

Photo taken from Style Me Pretty

Photo taken from Wedding Chicks

Photo taken from Pinterest

Many 'shades of grey' - photo taken from Style Me Pretty

Blush and grey are a great combination - photo taken from Creative Push Photography

Laters, baby.

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Divine on a Dime

While certainly considered a tribute to friendship, being named a bridesmaid for a close pal can be one costly honour. Bridal showers and bachelorette bashes are often accompanied by a slew of pricey purchases, such as gifts and of course, fabulous outfits. Typically, one of the most expensive pieces of the bridal party puzzle is the wedding day attire; the dress, which almost always requires new shoes, jewelry, and accessories of all kinds.

Shop Ruche offers a unique collection of vintage-inspired numbers to suit the big day and all occasions that come along with it. Best of all? They stay kind to your wallet with the majority of styles priced under $100 USD!

Beautifully budget-friendly.

Until next time,

A & S

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Be Mine

"Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!" - Thomas Hood

Today we celebrate love in a variety of ways; from romantic gestures to candlelit dinners for two, to cute little heart shaped notes in the schoolyard, Valentine's Day inspires all sorts of people (and of course the chocolate and greeting card companies too) to send a touch of sweetness to those nearest and dearest.

In honour of a holiday filled with flowers and candy (two of our favourite things), we couldn't resist sharing some lovely V-day themed creations.

Some Sweet Treats...

Candy Cane Heart Cupcake found on Pinterest

Heart Candy Cookies found on Pinterest

A Valentine's day Inspired Wedding Cake found on Laced in Weddings

Love Letter Cookies for your Sweetheart from Slashfood

Single Red Velvet Mason Jars by My Sweet and Saucy

Beautiful bouquets...

Stunning Red Centerpiece found on Style Me Pretty

Deep Red bouquet found on Style Me Pretty

Red Peonies found on Pinterest

Red Rose and Coxcomb bouquet taken from Pinterest

Pretty in Pink Bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings

and wearing your Heart on your sleeve...

A.L.C Bent Nail Heart Pendant found at Shopbop

Wildfox Sparkle Skinny Sweatpants found at Shopbop

Valentino 'New Dome' Satchel found at Nordstrom

Plain Shift Dress in Red found at Topshop

Marc by Marc Jacobs Annabelle Pave Heart Earrings found at Nordstrom

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Until Next Time,

A & S

Tuesday, 10 January 2012

27 Dresses

"Don't you think this [bridesmaids] dress could stand to be a little shorter?" - Samantha Jones (SATC)

If your closet is starting to look like Katherine Heigl’s, filled with bold and bright coloured dresses, that you swore you would never wear again, you may be in luck. Solid coloured sheaths are very much in style, as are long maxi dresses, and so those over-priced bridesmaid frocks might actually serve a purpose. Often brides will say to their maids, when purchasing their dress, “it’s perfect to wear again and again...”. The bridesmaids smile and nod knowing very well that it will never happen. They appease their friends by buying the expensive, simple gown and hope that at some point it might see the light of day again.

Here are some tips on how to successfully re-wear your bridesmaids dresses:

- Have it shortened or altered – many long dresses would look great at a cocktail length and you might be more likely to rock it. Also consider changing the style to make it more ‘you’. Remove one sleeve to make it more dramatic, or take a halter dress and make it strapless. Worst case scenario is you don’t like your new creation...but at least you tried.

- Accessorize! Add a bib necklace, belt, broach or jacket to a dress to spice it up (or camouflage) the original dress.

- A different crowd; if you're attending a wedding as a ‘plus one’ for your man, opt for wearing one of your bridesmaids dresses that no one will recognize.

- Use this as an excuse to buy new shoes! Sport an old dress in order to justify splurging on a fabulous pair of pumps (totally logical, I know).

If you're nervous about showing up to a wedding looking like one of the bridesmaids, something to keep in mind; do your homework. Make sure you find out the colour scheme and any details of the ladies’ dresses to avoid looking like one. It would be humiliating for you and the bridal party to show up looking all matchy matchy. After all, you don’t wear white to a wedding for a reason. Take your cues from the chosen hues to judge if your dress colour works for the affair. If so, wear it proudly! You'll feel better staring at those dresses hanging in your closet knowing they were worn more than once.

Yours truly,

Thursday, 22 December 2011

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,

Friday, 2 December 2011

Dress to Impress

“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.” – Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Sex and the City

It would seem the fall season is a pretty popular time for poppin’ the question. I got engaged last October, as did 3 of my closest friends. Putting a ring on it in the autumn ensures ample planning time if you’re hoping for summertime nuptials, and even more if you’re looking to secure one of the few long weekends fall has to offer.

Along with becoming a fiancée often comes some fun pre-wedding festivities – there’s the potential shower, the bachelorette, and of course, the engagement party. While not necessarily conventional, the engagement party has become an increasing phenomenon in recent years. I’m a huge fan of this fete for a number of reasons; it can act as a sort of dry run for the happy couple (having all the attention on YOU and becoming comfortable with ‘working the room’ before the big day), it also allows you to become friendly with prospective vendors (florists, photographers, caterers, etc), and most importantly, it’s always a good time.

Styles for this sort of soiree vary; our engagement was celebrated with a beautiful brunch at a French brasserie while A and Mr. X had a backyard bash at family member’s home (with a mozzarella bar that still has people talking) that was absolutely epic (unexpected dips in the pool ensued).

Whether it’s toasting at a tea or an elegant evening to remember, the engagement party is yet another excuse to pick out an outfit. The selection of attire will clearly depend on the type of affair, but nevertheless, it’s a fantastic excuse to do what we love; SHOP.

I’m fully aware that not all ladies love to peruse the racks as much as I, so let’s make it easy by showcasing several dress options that can be worn day to night (thank you very much, Shopbop).

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white (and cream, blush, or another pale, pretty shade)...