Starry Night

I am loving this tent from Raj Tents...it's so dreamy!

found via Style Me Pretty

Crushing Hard

Oh Katie Ermilio...

Are these not perfect options for a reception dress?  Flirty and chic!   I'm loving the bow on the back of the second dress...

found via From Me To You - a favorite daily read

New York International Bridal Week

New York International Bridal Week is held every year in April and October.  This is when industry professionals gather to view the next season's bridal fashions.  Just like New York, London, Paris or Milan Fashion Week, this is a time when the industry trends are determined.

Twice a year I look forward to reading and seeing photos from Bridal Market.  I love seeing all the swoon worthy gowns, the sparkling jewelry and the upcoming trends!  For weeks after I feel supercharged with inspiration for new pieces.

Here is a recap of some of my favorite trends to grace the runway last week...

 

Lazaro 

Embellished sashes are still very much a trend for the upcoming season.  Some say that it is almost necessary for a bride to have a sash for her wedding gown, much like having a veil to compliment the complete look.  Sash embellishments included rhinestones, beads, flowers, ribbon, tulle, lace, millinery supplies or a mixture of these. I am still in awe at the use of these elements, especially the nontraditional ones.

 

1. Lazaro  2.  Anne Bowen  3. Kenneth Pool  4. Jim Hjelm  5. Inez di Santo  6. Inez di Santo

Immaculately beaded bodices were everywhere and oh, how they were stunning!  I think the Anne Bowen is one of my favorites...it's so glam!  In many of the runway shows it was very apparent that the inspiration was the upcoming Royal Wedding.  I think the fully beaded bodice is the perfect execution of a royal wedding look.

 

1. Rivini  2. Amsale  3. Jim Hjelm  4.  Watters & Watters  5. Tara Keely

Many designers were showcasing another take on the already current trend of natural waist accents by using large sheer bows or flowers instead of beads or rhinestones.  Some looks were ethereal like the blush chiffon flower on the Rivini gown above.  Others displayed a structured look and were made using millinery fabrics like horsehair.

1. Elizabeth Fillmore  2. Carolina Herrera  3. Priscilla of Boston  4. Reem Acra  5. Romona Keveza   6. Legends by Romona Keveza  7. Marchesa  8. Modern Trousseau  9. Rivini  10. St. Pucchi

Sleeves graced the runways in abundance this season and that makes me extremely happy!  We've been seeing the sleeve come back for several seasons now and this season was no exception.  I think we can officially say that the sleeve is back in style and no longer a wedding fashion faux pas.  I mean, who wouldn't want to rock one of the many options above?  I'm loving the tailored look by Carolina Herrera, but then again, I love almost anything with her name attached to it.  Romona Keveza mixes the perfect balance of classic and modern;  she's a genius!  And the Marchesa sleeves are to die for with the lovely embroidery and beading.

1. Marchesa  2. Judd Waddell  3. Oscar de la Renta  4. St Pucchi  5. Jim Hjelm

Full skirts were in abundance, many of which were fluffy confections of tulle.  What a perfect fabric to give the bride the look and feel of a princess bride without all the cumbersome weight of a heavy fabric.  Full silhouettes in all fabrics have been making a slow come back the fast couple of seasons.  This year tulle dominated as the fabric of choice for skirts and not only for ball gowns but in many other silhouettes as well.

1.  Elizabeth Fillmore  2. Inez di Santo  3. Ivy & Aster  4. Marchesa  5. Modern Trousseau

Short dresses are so chic!  Personally, I would totally wear any of the above styles.  Also, please check out the full collection from Ivy & Aster...love the styling, their accessories and the gowns!  How do you feel about the short wedding dress?  Ok for a ceremony or should it be left for the reception only?

1.  Oscar de la Renta  2.  Melissa Sweet  3.  Elizabeth Fillmore  4. St. Pucchi  5. Oscar de la Renta

These are a few of my very favorite styles from Bridal Market.  Oscar de la Renta had impeccable styles grace the runway, one of my favorites being a pant suit.  I absolutely love the feminine tailored look as well as the boho inspired pieces.  Melissa Sweet's modern take on the short dress is a mix between 1920's flapper style and 1960's mod;  fun, no?  Detailed needle and bead work is also something that I admire and this type of wonderful craftsmanship can be seen in the St. Pucchi sheer jacket with beading as well as the floral work on the Elizabeth Fillmore gown.

I can honestly say I was blown away by the amazing designs, the wonderful coverage and the endless inspiration!  I can't wait for October Market...it's sure to be just as mind blowing!

Let me know what your favorites are in the comments below!

For more complete coverage of NY International Bridal Market head over to one of my daily reads, Completely Unveiled, a blog by the uber stylish Weddings Unveiled Magazine.

Images from Completely Unveiled and Brides.com

Friday Morning Studio Tunes

Busy day today!!

Prepping several new items to be listed in my Etsy shop.
Going for a run.
Taking care of a few website edits.
Making blog post edits. (I can't wait to show my favorites from New York International Bridal Week)

And then a bittersweet moment this evening when I drop off 3 of the most adorable kittens that I've been fostering for the past week. They were accepted to a no kill shelter and will be put up for adoption in a few weeks.

Are you attending any trunk shows in the area this weekend? If so, I hope you find the perfect bridal gown!

Have a great weekend!

Friday Morning Studio Tunes

Happy Friday!! I'm ready for a beautiful weekend...I hope you are too!

Sneak Peak

I received a big box of goodies last week and I will be receiving the second shipment tomorrow!  I feel like a kid the night before Christmas...I can't wait for the last package to arrive!  This means there will be lots of new designs posted in the coming weeks and I can't wait to show everyone.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone will like them.  Here is a sneak peek of what arrived in the first shipment...

More good news this week...my vendor informed me that they WILL NOT be discontinuing my favorite trim!  I haven't been able to purchase this trim for several months because they weren't sure if they were going to carry it anymore.  With a little bit of pleading on my part they have decided to keep it in stock which means I will be able to offer it to brides looking for something absolutely glamorous and show stopping.  Here is a peek at the trim...keep in mind it's not a finished piece.  It can be made into a ribbon sash or sewn on to the gown itself. 

 

All these goodies make up for FexEx totally loosing my shipment this week.  I can't wait to get started on all the new pieces!

By the way, we are officially into busy wedding season, especially here in NC.  It is also NY International Bridal Week beginning this weekend.  And since I won't be attending, I can't wait for the blog post, tweets and Facebook updates to start rolling in.  With all the updates flooding in it's like watching a live feed of the fashion shows.  I can't wait to see the new trends for next season!  I am also looking forward to seeing collections from some of my favorite designers like Jenny Packham, Claire Pettibone, Rivini - just to name a few.  

What designer's collections are you excited to see?  Any predictions on bridal trends?  Feel free to comment, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Planning!

Friday Morning Studio Tunes

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Sweet Inspiration

  

Oh, Monday morning...sometimes the idea of staying under the covers is so hard to resist! Especially when we are having such strange and gloomy weather today.  My cup of coffee isn't quite enough to get me going this morning but these cakes by the talented Maggie Austin are just the right amount of sweet that I need!  My favorite one has the be the pink ombre with frills and if you can't tell, I am loving the frill technique on all of these cakes.  Delicate and delicious!

I've been busy creating new sash designs to list in my Etsy shop.  They will be listed today or tomorrow but here is a sneak peak...I hope you like them!

Elsa Ribbon Sash

Remy Ribbon Sash

I hope you have a sweet Monday!

images via Maggie Austin

Etsy Giveaway

If you've dropped by the SND Etsy shop or Facebook Fan page recently, you probably know about the giveaway that is taking place!  If you haven't, well, I'm here to tell you about it...

The lovely Morgan at La Chapstick Fanatique contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I might be interested in doing a giveaway on her blog.  She was scouring Etsy and came across my shop.  See, Morgan recently got married herself, so she knows all about planning a wedding and trying to find the perfect accessories.  So of course I was happy to help her readers!

The contest ends tomorrow, March 17th, at 7pm EST.  The winner receives a $100 credit to use in the SND Etsy shop or towards a custom design.  For more information and to enter, please visit Morgan's wonderful blog here.  While you're there, check out her Francophile Friday posts, which are some of my favorites!  Her blog has become one of my daily reads and it's an honor to work with her on this giveaway!


Good luck to all who enter...I can't wait to see who wins!

Cheers!

Monday Morning Inspiration

As a designer I find inspiration almost anywhere!  I constantly read books/blogs, research fashion and art, listen to music or just go for a walk.  Any of these activities can spark my creativity.  So this morning while reading one of my favorite wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty, it happened!!

This is an old savings bank building called Skylight One Hanson.  Located in Brooklyn, NY, the building boasts 40 foot windows and art-deco details.  This is definitely a grand space for a grand event!  And a grand event calls for grand attire;  bridal gown sash included!

I sourced a new trim last week and this photo has given me inspiration for a new design...I can't wait to show you photos!

What inspires you?

original post from SMP