My favorite time of year is upon us.. AWARDS SEASON!  The kickoff  started last night with the Golden Globes. Let me just start off by saying Fashion is back on the red carpet…..finally!  We saw a mormetorrum on fashion over the past few years. Not sure if it was due to the economy or starlets and stylists just playing it safe? You know things are  boring when yours truly prefers to do laundry rather than watch the red carpet. But do not to fear FASHION is here… and hopefully to stay.

Here are our favorites, plenty of ideas to pull from for your own walk down the WHITE AISLE.

Angelina Jolie - Tops our list for BEST DRESSED!

Stunning in a Versace, Jolie perfects how to balance chic elegance with cutting edge fashion. See…you can be unique and fashion forward without over doing it. So for all you brides out there who want to be different but not too fashion forward that you loose the tradition? This is how it’s done.

Julianna Margulies – Cut out chic

The key to being different yet remaining timeless and elegant is to make one element the focus. Here Juliana does this in a luxurious Naeem Kahn cut out backless eggplant beaded gown. We do it similarly with our Siena gown.

Cut out Chic! Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty

Tilda Swinton- Tailored to perfection

Pushing the envelope with a meticulously tailored jacket by Haider Ackermann.  Edgey yet perfectly balanced with a touch of femininity with the silky chiffon mermaid skirt and train. Topping it off with a perfectly placed cuff Tilda took the cake on how to do avant-garde and still be a classic.

Avant-Garde Classicist- Getty Images

All three of these women have their own unique personal style that they show in their choices for the red carpet.

 That is the key to style!

When you’re being yourself  and letting that shine through you will always look your best.

The House of Chanel is always one to watch for the most cutting edge fashion trends, and always proves to be in my shortlist of favorite couture shows.  Fall 2011 didn’t disappoint, with a slew of insanely gorgeous looks that left my jaw on the floor…and filled me with so much inspiration, I’m practically brimming with ideas for next collection, and perhaps even some couture gowns for my custom brides!  Here are some of the looks and details  that are inspiring me right now!

First up, ladylike looks complemented by suggestive accessories that let your skin peek through. Lace and sheer gloves polished off many of Chanel’s ensembles, and I’m absolutely enamored with the elegant but sexy statement.  Slip on a pretty pair for extra editorial photos before your ceremony and save them for your boudoir pics too!

The second peek-a-boo detail that graced almost every model were these transparent , lacey veils. If you’re not the poofy veil type, I’d take a cue here and  opt for something small, face framing, and subtly sexy.

More drool-worthy inspiration came in the form of slightly transparent skirts and sleeves, sheer paneled gowns, belted waists, and the occasional pop of fuschia- one of my picks for best wedding color of 2012! {images}

If you’ve been keeping your eyes glued to the most talked about celebrity weddings of the year, you might have noticed a detail that we did… Itty bitty bouquets! For icons this big, it’s fairly ironic to see them downsizing their bouquet, but we think it’s a detail that’s here to stay going forward.  As we’ve mentioned in prior posts, your bouquet should be considered one of your bridal accessories and just as important to your overall look as your jewelry, hair, and makeup. Keeping your bouquet on the smaller side allows you and your gown to shine through without being overpowered. Where does it work best and who got it right? In my opinion, a smaller bouquet works best when your gown is sleek or form fitting, mermaid, or sheath rather than a ballgown, which I think demands something a bit larger to balance out the proportion.  What do you think? We would love to hear your opinion!

A few years ago when braids started making their way onto the beauty scene, I thought (like most other hair trends that come and go) they would be a flash in the pan.  Boy was I was wrong!!! Braids have been hanging on strong and continue to be the hairstyle dujour for designer catwalks and real women alike.  And with season after season of braids popping up, we’ve seen them in almost every possible iteration I can imagine, a style for every woman, if you will. Braids are one of the most versatile hairstyles, and once again this season, I find myself loving them for bridal… mainly because each style seems to have its occasion and vibe – from beachy to uptown elegant to modern, to indie and vintage.  Here are a few of my favorite variations, all with their own unique twist.

Loose braids worn straight back or off to the side have an indie romantic feel.  I especially love keeping the crown slightly pouffed and loose, letting the hair fall as the day goes by.  From interweaving ribbon to brooches to or hairpins, to flowers, this romantic style is perfect for the aisle.

Neatly woven, over sized braids look modern and contemporary propped right up on on top or “indie wood nymph” at the crown of the head as a halo. For extra impact use hair extensions for extra thickness, try a double row, or create a high fashion architectural do (below right).Adding braids to an up-do creates a pretty surprise from the back.  Fresh, elegant, and romantic… and you won’t have to worry about every piece staying perfectly in place throughout your day… the looser it gets, the better.Check back for more inspired bridal styling tips!

What better way to make your wedding day look unique and your own than with your hair.  We’ve recently featured my obsession with knotted styles (seen here), which exude a carefree, indie elegance and look gorgeous with romantic, ethereal gowns. But for brides that are a bit more prim and proper, or ladies looking for something sleek and modern, the perfect “do” must be the new ballet bun, which we spotted all over the catwalks.  The look is slick, shiny, and streamlined in the front  with an exaggerated thick bun perched right on top in the back. This style is uptown chic meets downtown mod rocker and the perfect complement to a modern bride channeling Audrey Hepburn and Edie Sedgwick.

My favorite way to pull off this look comes straight from the Oscar de la Renta Runways…. To balance this over sized, dramatic do, pair it with bold, statement earrings, clean luminous skin, nude lips, and eyes with a bright burst of color.

Don’t think you’ve got the locks to pull it off ? The secret behind models and celebrities do’s is (you guessed it) fake hair. A great way if done right, to accomplish any look. Just make sure to opt for REAL high quality hair extensions…and purchase them to match the LIGHTEST color of your hair….. Extensions can be toned down, but not highlighted.

{images from Vogue Italia}

There are some ladies in Hollywood who perpetually seem to get it right, always stepping with ideal blend of high fashion, unique style, and a bit of whim.  One of my favorites to watch is Olivia Palermo, who’s personal style is always so spot on chic but never takes itself too seriously.  We spotted her looking absolutely fabulous from head to toe in this bright mustard Victoria Beckham dress with bold accessories and shoes… a look that was balanced out just right, and would be so amazing for your shower or rehearsal dinner!

Don’t be afraid of color! Brides don’t have to wear white to all their events…in fact, we think you’ll stand out even more in a bold hue! Step one is treating mustard like a neutral and accenting it with a bright pink bag.  Ground the look with a non-competing printed shoe like leopard, and add some chunky jewelry, like a gold cuff.  Finally, finish the with a bold shade on your nails, loosely swept up hair, and fresh faced makeup.

Here are our totally attainable picks for stealing Olivia’s shower-perfect style, for a look that will have your guests ooh-ing and aah-ing over more than your china set!

{images: dress by Thakoon via Shopbop, bag by Sondra Roberts, shoes by Barneys, cuff by Vionnet , nail polish by Essie}

One of the most frequent conundrums I’m faced with from my brides is how to look “unbridey” while still, of course, being a bride.  Your gown clearly plays a major part  but believe it or not, your accessories (along with hair and makeup) also have a HUGE impact on just how “bridey or unbridey” you’ll look on your big day.  One piece of advice I offer is to complement your gown with bold, unexpected statement accessories (a’la red carpet) instead of “bridal” accessories to create an editorial edginess, while still feeling classic and chic.  Not only are “un-bridey” accessories fabulous investment pieces for years to come, but these simple tweaks are sure to make your photos incredibly avant garde. Catching my eye this month are  fringed details which have that unmistakeable 1920′s flirty flapper-esque flair! How I’d style fringed and tasseled accessories…. with clean, modern, or architectural silhouettes like our Harlowe,  Armelle, or Noemi gowns for a look that’s over-the-top chic! Here are just a few of my purchase-able picks, and where to find them (see image credits)!

{images: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight}

Throw on a fringed statement necklace,  handbag, or earring in a bold color for ultimate wedding day style impact. Crystals look fabulous with tasseled details, and I’m loving this chain fringed gold ring with diamond accents as an anniversary gift!

Of course, this chic detail is also beautiful inspiration for other wedding day details too!

{images: one, two, three, four}

I love taking the look of fringe and applying it to strung crystals, for a bohemian/vintage but very elegant and feminine look, which would be absolutely gorgeous as a huppah.  For the more whimsical types, fringed tassles strung from above can be done in any color. I love the pops of turquoise, pink, and gold for this kitchy wedding, or monochrome tones of ivory, gold, and silver add a more sophisticated touch. Think outside the box for your table linens as well… adding a fringed trim (bottom right) adds a bit of texture to this elegant table.

Check back for more “unbridey” accessories and details!

Of all the celebrity weddings thus far this year, Kate Moss’ is my hands down favorite. Not only did she look effortlessly stunning as per usual, but her nuptials had the one crucial element that I find most celebrity weddings lack…. restraint.  Not throwing everything but the kitchen sink into your day just because you can afford to do so  (I’ll opt NOT to mention prime offenders here!) It’s just the type of editorial eye that I’d expect from this style and beauty icon, who always seems to exude that glamorously undone, un-perfectly polished look that is so hard to master.  Among beautiful 1920′s inspired wedding-day touches, one of the my favorite details was her choice of spectacular outerwear to add a high fashion Great Gatsby-esque pop to her photos, shot by none other than Mario Testino (and featured in Vogue).  Since first glance at the gorgeous pics, I’ve been on a hunt for attainable pieces to help real brides achieve this effortlessly chic look. Here’s a peek at my finds! (Images of Kate’s wedding via Vogue)

Kate’s fur trimmed velvet coat by Tom Ford

Channel Kate’s definitive 1920′s/30′s elegance and glamour by throwing on a fur or feather jacket, capelet, or bolero to catapult your look straight to the catwalk. I’m particularly obsessed with Matthew Williamson’s embellished rabbit shrug (pictured) which has just the right amount of edge and elegance. A pure white overcoat  is an investment you’ll enjoy for years to come but instead of spending the money on a fur trimmed version (that is a bit limiting for everyday wear) buy a classic white coat like this DVF (pictured) and a separate fur collar that you can affix for the big day and remove afterwards! It will look incredibly chic (think winter white) mixed with all your neutrals for the chilly months!

{images: one,  two, three}

Think you’ve got to spend a fortune for this look? Think again! Vintage shops are the perfect resource to find gorgeous fur pieces for a steal , and check out this fab version we found on Etsy for $55!

Of course, we also loved Kate’s down-the-aisle dreamy style.

Here’s how we’d style up a wedding day look inspired by the famous supermodel! **For editorial photos, ditch the veil and bouquet and throw on one of the jackets (pictured above!)

For a gown that channels 1920′s glamour, our Jesslyn dress is the perfect choice… light, airy, and sweet, with vintage touches like flowy organza and a soft cowl neck.  For shoes, we chose Kate Moss’ exact pair (minus the custom crystal details the designer added just for her). The freshest way to do a veil is… no veil at all! As pictured above (right), use a thin crystal belt like our Garbo to secure rough cut tulle around your head, for major editorial edge. We selected a vintage inspired engagement ring from Doris Panos to complement the look.  Opt for a white and cream garden-inspired bouquet with pops of green and keep it on the smaller side for Kate’s modern-vintage look.

{images}

Having grown up in Chicago with a perpetual love of all things fashion, one of the most exciting times of year was always right around the holiday season… not for the chunky knits, shimmery fabrics, or killer boots, (though layering IS a favorite hobby), but for the unexpected introduction of exuberant, cheerful brights blowing through frosty department stores right at the start of the New Year…. aka the much anticipated Resort Collections. After a few months of the big chill, a little color is just the remedy for a much-need shot of optimism that Spring is only a hop skip and couple months away. More importantly it’s an excuse for snowbirds to start thinking about an early respite out of the freeze to fabulous tropical destinations. Though I now reside in LA, I still eagerly anticipate the annual Resort Runway shows (which happen every Summer around June/July) with their sunny, colorful palettes and whisked away styles that have me daydreaming of far-off tropical destinations …enough to take my mind off the dreary winter months ahead. And this year’s shows certainly didn’t disappoint, with an array of vibrant hues that made the catwalks really pop! Of course, my mind instantly goes to weddings and how these colorful trends will trickle into next years’ nuptials. Among my favorites this year were the vibrant hot pinks and fuschias that strutted the catwalks… giving me endless ideas for how to incorporate this palette into your upcoming nuptials. From letting these bold hues inform your lighting scheme to your bouquet, here’s how I’m envisioning these electric shades.

{Images: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven}

Insider tip!! Lighting is an oft-ignored element to overall decor but a powerful way to transform any space from ordinary to spectacular. Forget dumping your entire budget into flowers – instead, opt for more understated arrangements and use your lighting palette to create an all-encompassing mood and ambience!

Check back soon for more resort runway color inspiration! 

Don’t you just love the end of August, just as Fall starts approaching. With Autumn in the air,  I’ve been thinking about ideal ways to transition your look out of warmer weather into the season ahead… from clothing to beauty and so on…Luckily the perfect hairstyle I spotted on the runways for the changing temps is one that I’m absolutely loving for bridal as well….Knotted styles!  Sweep up your locks in loose knotty buns, slightly messed up twists, or nice and neat in a sleek chignon – either way these knotted styles are SUCH a fresh alternative to a traditional up do, with a definitive editorial/runway/Parisian edge. And even add a jeweled element for sublime chicness, like we spotted on the Fall Chanel runways!

{images: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven}