June 15, 2009 at 5:00 PM
The days of dying shoes are finally over. Ninashoes.com, an already-awesome site that married style and affordability, recently launched the Design Your Own Collection, which lets brides-to-be design their perfect bridal and bridesmaid shoes.
With six different styles (all under $200!) to choose from, the customization options are endless. There are 16 colors to work with and you can change the hue on every detail of the shoe from the heel to the bow. Worried the color won’t match your dress perfectly? Nina offers a swatch book for under $10!
From design to doorstep the whole process takes about four weeks, so summer brides don't delay! Get started now at ninashoes.com.
— Chrissy Mahlmeister
June 8, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Tiaras are a bridal classic, but we have to admit, we're really into embellished headbands for the big day. Blame it on Blair Waldorf, but there's something so chic about a perfectly polished 'do topped off with a sparkling headband. Plus, it's the perfect unfussy accessory for a summer wedding.
By now, Jennifer Behr is probably synonymous with incredible headpieces, but we wanted to introduce you to a new designer whose headbands are pretty gorgeous, as well. Deena Caruso, who previously worked in the vintage fashion and accessories industry, recently launched a new line of headbands that feature stunning crystal embellishments. Each piece in the D. Caruso line is completely one-of-a-kind and includes stones and crystals hand-selected by Caruso. Even better, the line is pretty affordable for custom work—the most expensive headband is $400.
So if you're not a tiara bride and you don't want to spend your entire ceremony making sure a veil doesn't blow off in the wind, these stylish headbands are a shining alternative. To view the entire collection visit
theberitgroup.com/dcaruso or to order your own headband, call Denise at 212.249.2664.
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
March 9, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Summer is finally on the way, and with that comes the opportunity to bask in the warmth of the sun. Unfortunately, sun exposure isn’t the best thing for your skin. Luckily, being smart about sun exposure doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact it can be quite chic thanks to the Wallaroo sun hat.
These little beauties hail from Colorado via Australia and come in a wide range of styles (we love the Victoria Diva Diva and the Jillaroo) and breathable fabrics like canvas and cotton twill. Most of Wallaroo’s offerings have a UPF (that’s Australian for SPF) 50+ rating, meaning the hats are as protective as they are on-trend. Best of all they’re crushable for easy packing and washable! They are also wallet-friendly with most styles retailing for about $36. So do your face a favor and let Wallaroo help you preserve that postwedding glow...because sunburns are never flattering.
Check out wallaroohats.com for more styles and a list of retailers in your area.
—Laura Wasson
February 9, 2009 at 6:00 PM
As if you've ever needed a reason to buy a new pair of shoes, Jimmy Choo and the American Heart Association have teamed up to put your purchases to good use.
This Thursday (February 12), stop by any Jimmy Choo store for cocktails, treats and shopping, of course. All purchases made that day will benefit the American Heart Association. And yes, bridal styles will be included, so go get your wedding shoes.
Even after the wedding cake and centerpieces are gone, you'll feel good knowing the money you spent on your heels could help eliminate heart disease.
Visit jimmychoo.com for store locations.
—Jessica Derschowitz
January 30, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Long scarves are one of the few truly timeless fashion accessories out there. They look good with everything and always make you feel a little more put together. Now Love Quotes, the scarf brand favored by Lindsay, Hillary, Sienna, Nicole et al. is launching a Spring/Summer 2009 bridal range featuring a rainbow of shades perfect for not only you but your bridesmaids as well.
The scarves are made of Italian linen and viscose (so soft!) and feature chic knotted fringe on the ends. Some of the new bridal shades include Morning Glory (a soft, hazy periwinkle), True Love (a deep crimson), and Solar (a vibrant yellow). Truly, whatever your wedding colors, there’s a Love Quotes scarf to match. There are also a few new scarves made of Italian linen with lurex for the bride who craves a little bit of sparkle on her big day.
And Love Quotes scarves are not only perfectly on trend, they are fashionably philanthropic as well. Ten percent of the net proceeds are donated to various children’s charities, and each scarf comes with a little quote about love (hence the name). If you’re wondering what to get your girls, this could be a great way to not only show your appreciation to them, but to also bring a little bit more love into the world.
To check out the whole line, visit singer22.com.
—Laura Wasson
January 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
It’s safe to say that a great amount of time and effort goes into planning a wedding. After the flowers have been finalized, and the cake design settled on, many brides suddenly find themselves stumped: what to get the bridesmaids?
Jewelry is always a good choice—after all, your girls will keep these pieces forever. And if you’re looking for pieces that are more personal than your average silver or gold necklace, check out egjewelry.com. The site allows you to customize each piece with your choice of stone and metal. Plus, there are plenty of beautiful options to choose from so you can get your kid sister a sassy pair of earrings and your maid of honor an elegant pendant.
Best of all, this gem of a site is having a forty percent off sale until January 25th, so their already wallet friendly prices are virtually sliced in half.
So if you’ve been wishy-washy about your attendant gifts up to now, here’s your opportunity to get them something truly special.
—Laura Wasson
January 12, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Does the thought of slipping into a pair of stilettos on your wedding day frighten you? Before you rule out sexy pumps for a pair of cutesy ballet flats, read on.
Stuart Weitzman (stuartweitzman.com), known for his comfy-yet-sexy spikes, just made his line even more desirable by expanding his collection to include a wider range of sizes. Brides are now able to order his swoon-worthy wedding whites in hard-to-find sizes like 11 and medium, narrow and wide widths at his flagship stores. Stop by one of his boutiques to take the shoes on a test processional (this is, after all, the one time in life you absolutely cannot fall). Then, have the ones that fit like a glass slipper delivered to your home within days of your purchase.
Need to mull it over? Take home a postcard of each style you like so you can get your maid-of-honor’s (or mother's) opinion.
And take note, all you fashionista brides: Weitzman’s stilettos are just as coveted as those Louboutins you’ve been fawning over (but at a fraction of the price). Celebrity fans include Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde and Eva Longoria-Parker.
—Erica Sigel, Associate Fashion Editor
PS: These absolutely adorable peep-toes are on-sale! Love them? Click here to buy them!
January 8, 2009 at 1:55 PM
If you're anything like me, after the engagement ring, all other jewelry is secondary. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be special, especially if we're talking about accessories for your wedding day. And what could be better than dazzling extras that also happen to be eco-friendly? Not much in my book.
So, when shopping for your big-day accessories, check out Dawes Design (dawes-design.com). There are 14 different collections that feature everything from bracelets to earrings. The designs are simple and unique and will perfectly complement any style gown. They also do gorgeous, understated wedding bands if you and your fiance haven't picked yours out yet. What makes Dawes really special, though, is that all the pieces are made from recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds. It's jewelry you'll love and feel good about.
Choose one (or a bunch) of these stackable rings to sport on your right hand and you'll be able to knock the something old (recycled gold), new (it's new to you) and blue (conflict-free topaz) out of the way in one shot!
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
November 19, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Although there may be a recession right now, there's no need to sacrifice style. And yes, there are stylish, affordable gift options for all your bridesmaids. Case in point: Chemistry Bridal (chemistrybridal.com). The amazing website, started by jewelry designer Tracy Kahn, has a plethora of gorgeous designs to thank your girls for all their hard work.
All the gems in the collection are available in sixteen different color options, so you're sure to find one that complements your bridal party’s ensemble. And, the site makes choosing pieces a breeze thanks to the Custom-Maid jewelry planner. You start by choosing one of eight different necklines (i.e. strapless, halter, etc.), then the planner recommends necklaces, earrings, and other jewels. But the best part is, as you move along, the site displays the price of each piece you choose, helping you watch your overall gift budget.
My faves: The Marisa cocktail ring (so chic in Smitten with Sky, a pale blue) which retails for $33, or the Daniele drop earrings, which also retail for $33. With prices so low, you’ll be able to outfit your entire bridal party, and snag a piece for yourself!
—Rachel Jacoby, Assistant Editor
November 17, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Choosing your wedding jewelry and making sure you have pieces that complement your gown should be a priority. If you’re not sure where to start, head over to jewelry designer Anna Bellagio's website (annabellagio.com). There you'll find an amazing guide that outlines different dress necklines and has recommendations for what kind of jewelry to pair with them.
For example, did you know shorter necklaces (like chokers) work best with gowns that have square or bateau necklines? Or, that dresses with asymmetric necklines should be worn without a necklace?
Whether you’re looking for your own jewelry or investigating options for your bridal party, this page is a great reference. And while your dress will probably grab most of the attention on the big day, you can be sure your jewelry will be shining bright too.
—Jessica Derschowitz
