Inspired Designer: Legends by Romona Keveza

Looking for elegant and timeless wedding gowns?  Look no further.  The Spring 2012 Legends by Romona Keveza collection is perfect for classic bride.  Soft silks, luxurious laces, and a variety of romantic silhouettes sure to flatter all types of figures.  Here are some of my favorites:

You can find the Legends by Romona Keveza collection at Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection located on Reisterstown Rd., 410.484.4600.  Chevy Chase Bridal, located in Chevy Chase, MD will be hosting a trunk show Jan 6 - 8, 2012.

Inspired Designer: Vera Wang (Fall 2012)

Vera Wang's Fall 2012 bridal runway show was full of fabulous details and sexy silhouettes!  But, not a white dress to be found.  Take a look: 

The black gowns were amazing!  But, I wonder, how many brides are wearing black?

Ladies, mark your calendars!  Hitched is hosting another Sample Sale Soiree! 

So why head down to Washington, D.C.?  Can we say sweet deals?  Up to 60% off couture bridal gowns!  Including designers Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija, Amsale, Judd Waddell, Christos, and more.  Take a moment, catch your breath! 

When: Thursday, October 13th, 5pm - 8pm.  First come, first serve!

Where: Hitched Bridal Couture, 1523 Wisconson Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

How: Call 202-333-6162 to RSVP (recommended)

Inspired Designer: Dolly Pearl

Feminine, flirty and totally fashionista!  I love the designs of Dolly Pearl.  Born in Texas, inspired by Dolly Parton, and trained in New York, Vi Hoang brings joins whimsy and sophistication in her bridal collection. 

Tara Keely Trunk Show

 What:  Tara Keely Fall 2011 Bridal Collection trunk show!

When: September 30th - October 8th, by appointment.

Where: Garnish Boutique, 1515 Labelle Ave., Suite 3, Baltimore, MD 21204

Why: The collection is gorgeous!  And any order placed during the show will be 15% off! 

How: Call 410.321.1406 or email to set up an appointment.

Curvy Inspiration: Vera Wang

I recently started a series called Curvy Inspiration, for all those gals trying to cram themselves into the typical size 8 samples at their local wedding boutique.  I'm on a mission to find some hot style for my hot curvy girls!

When Vera Wang announced her collection for David's Bridal, you may have heard my squeals of excitement.  Vera Wang was making her fabulous designs available to the masses, the skinny-size-14-and-below masses, that is. My squeals quickly turned into sighs of disappointment.  But, here is the good news...  The collection now includes select gowns and dresses in sizes up to 26! 

So get over to David's and check them out.  Local stores can be found in Glen Burnie, Bowie, and Rockville.

Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown Trunk Show

Modern Trousseau designer Callie Tein is headed to D.C. this weekend! 

She will be showing her collection at Hitched Salon, this Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th.  Not only can you discuss gown customizations with her, but she is offering 10% off to any gowns purchased during the show! 

The show is by appointment only,
call Hitched at 202-333-6162 or
email appointments@hitchedsalon.com.

Modern Trousseau designs use luxurious French and Italian laces, imported silks and delicate beadwork.   Don't miss this!

Curvy Inspiration: Plus Size Wedding Gowns

As a plus-sized woman, I am well aware of the problems with shopping for clothes.  If you are lucky enough to find something cute, its likely not flattering.  If its above a size 14 (note that's the average size of the American woman), its likely more expensive and of lesser quality.  When it comes to wedding attire, the same holds true.  Worse yet, if you can find a wedding dress designer that offers your size, you will likely end up standing in a store where they have only one or two dresses in your size for you to try on.  Meanwhile, the size 2 next to you has a room full of choices.  So, where are the gorgeous plus-size wedding dresses?  Well, I am on a mission to find out!  I am starting a series, "Curvy Inspiration" to help out my fellow big girls.  Don't settle for some tasteless dress that a cousin would have worn to her Quinceanera- in the 80s!  Which, quite frankly, the majority of the gowns designed for plus sizes look like! So here are some top picks from my recent search:

Jasmine Couture

Allure Woman

Jim Hjelm

Galina

Alfred Angelo

Fashion Forward Shorties

For the fashionista bride!  Gorgeous designer short dresses...

Fashion Forward Shorties by alexawebb featuring cotton dresses

Lanvin cotton dress
$4,955 - net-a-porter.com

Valentino floral dress
$11,000 - net-a-porter.com

Lanvin strapless dress
$4,960 - net-a-porter.com

Lanvin wedding dress
$8,100 - net-a-porter.com

Lanvin cotton dress
$4,875 - net-a-porter.com

Kirstie Kelly at Costco

I recently posted about Kirstie Kelly's collection for Costco.  Just a reminder...

When:  August 18th - 21st

Where: Columbia Costco

6675 Marie Curie Drive, Elkridge, MD 21075

Why:  Designer gowns at half the price! 

How: Walk ins are welcome, but suggested you make an appointment.  Call: (410) 423-4050.

Real Inspiration: Amy & Jon

Cheer and merriment were in the air the day this couple got married!  It was the annual Charles Street St. Patrick's Day Parade in Baltimore!  The couple had their ceremony and reception at the Tremont Grand, located in downtown Baltimore.  Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography did an amazing job, as always, capturing the event.  Amy, the bride, says "We loved Anne Sachs and her entire team; they made us feel like ours was the best wedding they had ever been to."

 

Amy's gorgeous gown was designed by Paloma Blanca.  The bride's hair and make up were done by Baltimore Bridal Makeup, which Amy highly recommends.  Christine of Fleur de Lis, provided the gorgeous flowers.  She worked closely with Jon, the groom, who was in charge of all of the flowers and decor.  Great job!

Jon planned an amazing proposal for Amy.  He had both his mother and hers flown in for the event.  With some elaborate planning, he proposed at the Brewer's Art (the location of their first date) in front of family.  On one knee, he said, "You know that I’m not perfect; And God knows you’re not perfect.  But nothing could be more perfect than us continuing to Live, Learn and Grow together. Make all my dreams come true… Will you marry me?"  After many tears, Jon stood up and they embraced, he whispered "Does that mean yes?"  She responded, "Yes."  But, the surprises weren't over!  After dinner, Jon led Amy downstairs to the dark bar area where she found about 20 of their closest friends (some from as far as New York) waiting to celebrate with them!

 The amazing centerpieces included limes, peacock feathers, hydrangeas and ribbons, also from Fleur de Lis.  Really beautiful!  The cake was from Woodley Bakery.  The custom cake topper, scuplted to resemble the couple's dog, came from Etsy.  Lauren of the Tremont did a fabulous job of coordinating and taking care of the details.  Jason of Absolute Entertainment was their DJ.  Amy said, "he gave us the party we asked him for!"  Amy also wanted my readers to know that their dance instructor, Demitri of Atlantic Ballroom, did an amazing job preparing them for their first dance!

Congratulations Amy & Jon!

Warehouse Wedding Gowns?

These days everyone is getting into the bridal "game."  J. Crew, Anne Taylor, Anthropologie, and now... Costco.  That's right, Costco.  But, before you shake your head and close your laptop, take a look!

Costco has partnered with designer Kirstie Kelly to create a line of affordable gowns.  The prices range from $699 to $1,399 (comparable to Vera Wang's White collection, available exclusively at David's Bridal).  Kelly's gowns are usually priced $2,000 - $7,000.  They are available in sizes 2 - 24, a much better size range than Wang's White (sizes 0 - 14). 

The gowns aren't at any given Costo, they are currently traveling around the country.  But, they will be at the Costco in Columbia this August 18th - 21st.  Mark your calendars (and be sure to make an appointment)!  Columbia Costco - 6675 Marie Curie Drive - (410) 423-4050.

Inspired Designer: Badgley Mischka

If you have read this blog you may have noticed my love of Badgley Mischka shoes, especially for weddings.  However, the most amazing designs from this dream team, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, are their amazing red-carpet gowns.  Oh yeah, and a bridal collection to die for!  Take a look...

You can find the Badgley Mischka bridal collection at Chevy Chase Bridal in Washington, D.C.