THE ELEGANCE OF BASILICA GOWNS

Via the lovely Polka Dot Bride, I came across the stunning wedding gown designs of Patty Panatou of Basilica. Although she is based in Australia and her designs are made to order through detailed consultations, if you had the budget it'd be so worth the trip.

The dress that is 2nd from left is exactly what I was looking for when I got married, but never came across stateside. In hidesite, I should have had it made. ; )

BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL HEADBANDS

After watching the fianle of Project Runway (Yes, I'm completely addicted and devastated that Rami didn't win) : ( But...did you notice the beautiful headbands that he used on the girls for his evening collection?

I have no idea who the designer is the for headbands used on the show, knowing Rami, he probably made them himself. It inpired me to post about some of the exceptionally talented headband/accessories designers out there who make these stunning pieces, appropriate both for the bride or your maids. Take a look...

Jennifer Behr

From top left:

Victorian crystal and silk satin designed after an antique brooch on a silk satin headwrap $162

Petite crystal and satin. 5/8" satin ribbon with swarovski crystals designed after an art deco jewel. $68

Antique gold antique metallic lace is hand-stitched onto a delicate satin ribbon, and then freshwater pearls are stitched down the center on top. satin ribbon ties at the back that can be tied or else pinned into your hair.$625

Champagne delicate crystal twist stitched to a fine silk chiffon. $345

Swarovski crystal encrusted headwrap lined with satin and finished at the back with elastic. $575

Overlapping crystal twist delicate and elegant crystal headwrap. Six woven strands of swarovski crystals finished at back with elastic. $162

Miu Miu

Beaded Crystal Headband
Various-sized crystal studs fashion this satin headband for an elegant finish $225 Available at Saks

Stacey Lapidus

From left:

Knotted Crystal & Chain Headband $200

"Tao" Headband $300

Crytal Eye Headwrap $250

Vintage Clover Brooch $100

Colette Malouf

Silver Crystal Mesh Headband

Hermatitie Mesh Wave Headband

Admittedly, I have expensive taste, but if you're on a budget here's a lovely white brocade option from Erin Fetherston For Target. Add a little brooch or applique from MJ or Ejoyce and oua la!

FASHION REPORT - MONIQUE LHUILLIER AUTUMN 2008

Take a sneak peek at Monique Lhuillier's stunning Autumn '08 Bridal Collection here. How unbelievably elegant is this little number?

FASHION REPORT - 2008 PRONOVIAS VINTAGE COLLECTION

I heart the 2008 Pronovias Vintage Collection of wedding dresses. My dress #1 was a Pronovias cap sleeve bateau neckline silk mikado number, quite similar to the dress in the top left of the photo below but with cap sleeves, that sadly never got to see the light of day. (It was ruined by the seamstress a month before the big day…don’t ask...)

This dress was so elegant in it’s simplicity, so perfect. I think that's what tripped up the seamstress. One false move on a simple dress and it'll definitely be noticed. Pronovias dresses are well made and very well structured. With a little wink and a nod to the 40’s and 50’s they are reminiscent of bygone era in fashion. If you’re planning a 40's movie star glamour inspired wedding, like Classic Bride in the inspiration board posted below, how perfect would it be to wear a dress from the Pronovias Vintage collection? Now available at their recently opened a flagship store in NYC at 14 East 52nd Street.

PREOWNEDWEDDINGDRESSES.COM

I’m all for a bargain, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. However, ever the fashion plate I don’t care to sacrifice style for price. Enter preownedweddingdresses.com. Most dresses are worn but well preserved. Some are designer samples and some (sadly) are from broken engagements. However, I suppose one girl’s heartbreak is another girl’s $1,000 off a brand new Vera Wang! Just look at some of the beautiful gowns they are currently offering for sale on their website.





Top Left: Vera Wang Retail $5000 asking $4000
Top Center: Vera Wang Retail $4200 Asking $2500
Top Right: Kenneth Pool Retail $4500 Asking $2250
Middle Left: Monique Lhuillier Retail price $6500 Asking $4000 NWT
Middle Center: Monique Lhuillier Retail $4800 Asking $1600
Middle Right: Monique Lhuillier Retail $7700 Asking $3800
Bottom Left: Alvina Valenta Retail $2996 Asking $1500
Bottom Center: Amsale Retail $6000 Asking $2650!!
Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier Retail $3000 Asking $1750

LOEFFLER RANDALL AT TARGET

Jessie Randall, designer of the renowned Loeffler Randall brand, is teaming up with Target and launching a limited-edition accessories collection. The line will be available at select Target stores nationwide starting December 30, 2007.

Designer Jessie Randall started her design career working under Katayone Adeli. Later, she created the accessories line for Banana Republic. In 2004 Randall and her husband, Brian Murphy, created Loeffler Randall starting with a collection of shoes and then handbags. In fall 2007, Loeffler Randall launched a beautiful ready-to-wear collection, and in 2007, Jessie Randall won the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.

The young brand, just 3 years old, is the embodiment of downtown elegance and now at Target for affordable prices. All shoes are priced at $29.99 and handbags range in price from $19.99 to $49.99.

COUPON CODES FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Tis the season for holiday shopping. Why leave the comfort of your home when you can shop online and save a bundle while you’re at it? While searching for this ridiculously overpriced Juicy Couture sweatsuit that my neice asked for, via Reesycakes, I came across a coupon code (Cakes20) for 25% off at Fashion Chateau and saved $49!

Here’s a few more codes I stumbled across from some great online stores. Happy shopping!

A fan of jewelry designer Zoe Chicco, how can I not splurge a little on myself with 25% off her modern yet delicate pieces. Coupon code: HOLIDAY07, expires 12/15/07.

Top left: 14K yellow gold small circle necklace with bezel set 1 pt diamond $264; to right, textured circle necklace with a 3 pt bezel set diamond available in yellow, rose or white gold $363 and without diamond $253; Top middle: Long textured bar necklace in sterling silver $75; Top right: personalized charm necklaces from $79
Bottom left: Large gemstone rings textured and hammer set in fine silver from $240; Bottom right: Set of 5 thin yellow gold hammered stack rings, one with a 1 pt diamond $264

20% off designer clothing and accessories at Couture Candy with coupon code: Splendora, expires 12/31/07

$30 off $150 purchase at Bluefly with coupon code: THIRTY9753, expires 12/31/07

20% off at Basic Boutique with coupon code: People10, expires 12/24/07. Basic Boutique features a very well edited selection of simple yet interesting pieces. Here are some of my favorites:

Top left: Lewis Cho Tie blouse; Top middle: Mint; Top right: Mint

Bottom left: Draped skirt from Rozzae Nichols; Bottom right: 12th St. by Cynthia Vincent Beaded Tank

20% off $100 or more purchase at 'the other H&M' Mangoshop. Unfortunately, the offer excludes the Penelope & Monica Cruz and Milla lines, but still some great stylish pieces to choose from and they offer free shipping to the US even though they are based in Europe. Coupon code: 5marieclaire, expires 12/31/07. I bought these great pieces for my stepdaughter for Christmas. Okay well, the red cape is for me ; )

SAMPLE SALE - AMSALE, KENNETH POOL, CHRISTOS

The Amsale Design Group will be holding a two day stock and sample sale on 12/1 and 12/2 that is by appointment only. Bridal gowns from Amsale, Kenneth Pool and Christos, as well as dresses from Amsale bridesmaid and party collections will be priced 30-70% off retail. A large selection of brand new gowns will be included and discounted up to 30% off retail. Sale gowns are priced as low as $750!!! Gowns that retail for $5,000 are now marked down to just $1,500! All sales are final. For appointments, call 212-583-1700.

BEAUTIFUL YET SIMPLE WEDDING DRESS

I want to get divorced and married again, just so that I can wear this silk white brocade dress with from Oscar De La Renta. ($3,190 at Saks). Don't get me started on those beautiful white satin dorsay shoes with the diamond buckle. ; )

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PART 2 (FOR HER)

What girl wouldn't appreciate a little bling at Christmas? There are so many gorgeous options, you’re sure to find something in your price range. Here’s a few of my favorites…

Fresh, feminine and glamorous are the best words to describe Marcela Castillo’s fashion forward jewelry, Urban Embellishments. As designer and silversmith, Marcela crafts each piece individually, for many pieces selecting from vintage and antique elements, semi-precious stones, beads, and custom-made silver pieces. She creates her distinctive style by contrasting old and new. Stunning!

Charmed and Dangerous, the creation of mother and daughter team Sally Daner and Ariana (Daner) Falerni features a lovely collection of charm necklaces and earrings perfect for personalized gifts. Below is the ultimate gift for a new Mom or even a mom to be. Baby feet charm with a star personalized with the first initial of the baby’s name. ($35)

Anything from jewelry designer Max B is sure to please...(hint hint, honey if you're reading this...)

and ditto for Abigail Percy
like these Sweet Horse Chestnut leaves hoop earrings on the left ($240) or on the right, these dark smokey quartz cluster earrings which are hand-wired and clustered together to hang from hand-made ear hooks. These earrings are made from solid Sterling Silver wire that is then plated with 18ct gold for a soft antique look. ($50)

Sterling silver earrings from Indiaylaluna are dainty simple and perfect. (From $30)

and of course, my all time favorite, Lisa Levine

KATE SPADE SAMPLE SALE

No lines, just click, click click to some great deals on Kate Spade bags, wallets and shoes. Brilliant! I scored a great baby tote for a friend's shower gift for $99. : )

LISA LEVINE JEWELRY

I'm loving Lisa Levine's jewelry collection. Clean, simple, elegant and modern are the best words to describe her designs. If you're in Brooklyn, check out her store at 536 Metropolitan Avenue bet. Lorimer and Union. Or you can purchase online at Shop Bop.

BRIDAL GARDEN

If you happen to be looking for a wedding dress in NYC or the tri-state area and have champagne taste on a beer budget (like me ; ) definitely check out Bridal Garden . Bridal Garden is a not for profit resale boutique benefiting disadvantaged children in New York City. They sell donated couture and high end designer dresses (Amsale, Amy Kuschel, Anne Barge,Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, and Carolina Herrera to name a few). I got my Eugenia dress here for a steel (a $3500 dress for $1200, not bad). I was in a hurry as my original dress had been ruined a month before my wedding (that's a story for another post) and the saleswoman, Gina, was very understanding and helpful and even made my cathedral legnth veil in a matter of days. She, and the other talented ladies who work there, also do alterations. They're by appointment only as their space is tiny and they like to provide individual attention to each bride. (212-252-0661; 54 W. 21st St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 907.) If we're going to spend so much money on a dress we'll only wear for one day, it's nice to know that by buying it at Bridal Garden, the money is going to good use. Here's a couple of shots of me in my Bridal Garden scores...

BRIDESMAIDS GIFTS - HELEN FICALORA

I recently had the pleasure of creating a promotional piece for the lovely editorial photographer Miki Duisterhof. I refused to accept a fee as her agent is a dear friend of mine. To my delight, I came home last week to a package containing a gift of thanks from Miki. A beautifull paw charm necklace from designer Helen Ficalora. Miki knows I adore my two dogs Mabel and Max more than life itself and so what a perfect and thoughtful gift! Helen's SoHo boutique opened recently and you can also order by phone on her website. She features a wide variety of embossed initials, punched-out motifs, and even pavé diamonds. The initials would make an ideal bridesmaid's gift. Prices start at $75.