Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Wedding Accessory Styling Service

The Left Bank is pleased to announce a brand new service, exclusively for Chicago Brides!

Photography by Rick Aguilar Studios

How We Can Help

At The Left Bank, we know it can be difficult choosing the perfect wedding accessories and shoes to reflect your personal style without your gown.  A wedding stylist from The Left Bank meets you at your fitting with hand selected pieces to help you complete the finishing touches to your ensemble.  We'll consult with you prior to the fitting to determine your event style, from ceremony details to reception.  This highly personalized accessory styling service enables us to customize your complete look and offer helpful tips and suggestions.  Exclusively available to Chicago brides, this highly personalized service is available seven days a week with no obligation to purchase.

How it Works

Select pieces from The Left Bank's extensive collection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, veils, and wedding shoes that  you think will complement your gown and let us handle the details.  We'll arrive with your chosen pieces and a few more pieces in tow!  This complimentary styling service allows you to try on your accessories with your dress so you can see exactly what looks best for your wedding day.

Allow us to assist you, contact us today to schedule your appointment.  Please call our boutique at 773-929-7422.

Photo Details
Bride: Megan Bennet
Gown: Peter Langner, Roma at The Ultimate Bride
Headpiece Selected: Ivory Fleur Petals by Brideshead Revisited
Photography: Rick Aguilar Studios

Monday, March 29, 2010

Black Jewelry for Bridesmaids


Black?  Is that right?  Can I do that

Of course!  Black will always be a chic, slimming, universally popular color.  I love the color combo of yellow and black, or pink and black that have been popular lately.  We've even seen brides donning black birdcage veils!  So why not treat your girls to some beautiful bridesmaid jewelry they're such to wear over and over?  Have your girls in their matching yellow dresses for spring and some black accessories to add a hint of sophistication.  Here are some of our newest black jewelry finds.  Above, the Dazzle Brooch, $29.



Gorgeous black crystal bracelet set with silver from young, local designer Alex Agudo.  Bracelet, $52.


These fun flowers are magnetically attached the hairpin, so you can wear them in limitless ways.  Designed by MEG Jewelry.


Crystal Ball Earrings are stunning yet simple.  And at only $22 a pair you can afford to buy one for all your ladies.


Another fabulous Alex necklace, made of black onyx and silk.  The irregular cuts of the onyx keep this necklace feeling modern.  $60.


We threw in a pair of shoes just for fun!  4" Grazia Valentine in silk black with a something blue insole and sparkling Swarvoski crystals, $195.


Where to Buy

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Friday, March 26, 2010

Sophisticated Bridal Hair Combs


Looking for a hair comb that is sparkly and fun but still grown up?  Check out these three favorites.  All have plently of glittering crystals but are chic enough for any bride.  From top to bottom, Giselle $129, Charlize $149, and Vilmarie $179.



Love them?  Find out Where to Buy.

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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Pretty Pieces from Laura Jayne Bridal


A big thank you to all our brides who helped make the 2010 Laura Jayne Trunk Show a success.  We had a great time playing with all Laura's new pieces and helping match them with the right bride.  Did you miss the Trunk Show?  No worries, check out some of our photos and see the what you missed. 


(This was my favorite of Laura's new pieces)



Monday, March 22, 2010

My Top 5 Bridesmaid Shoes

The population is still split on matching bridesmaid shoes...some think they're a do, and some think they're a don't..  Personally, I love shoes, and think any excuse to buy new ones is a good one.  If I were a bridesmaid and was asked to wear matching shoes...these would be my top five picks.


1.  Summer by Pink Paradox London, $79.  A sexy d'Orsay back with a modern lattice peep toe and 3.5" heel would look great dyed in almost any color.  The lack of an ankle strap makes it a perfect choice for a tea length dress.  Don't forget to grab a pair of cushion-y Footpetals, this shoe needs them.  Best yet?  Even if they're dyed to a color you don't love, you can dye them black afterwards.


2.  Jessica by Salon, $75.  The pretty metallic color (available in gold or silver) and moderate 3" heel give these shoes a high "wear it again" factor.  They're simple and comfortable and look fabulous with a pair of vintage inspired shoe clips if you want some extra sparkle.


3.  Angelica by Salon, $79.  This no fuss mule pump has a cute bow and a wide heel.  At only 2.5" tall, it's perfect for a short spring dress and would look dazzling in a number of colors.  Salon shoes are available in 15 different colors of silk.


4.  Fizz by Pink Paradox London, $78.  What lady doesn't love a little bling on their shoes?  The name is as fun as the sparkly t-strap.  The 3" heel makes them a "do" for girls of almost any height.  Don't forget the Solemates if you're wearing them outside.

5.  Daisy by Dyeables.  $79.  Another chic d'Orsay back shoe blends just the right amount of sophistication with "girly" bling on the toe.  These look fabulous in black.  3.5" heel.

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Friday, March 19, 2010

Trash the Dress




Check out these deliciously dramatic earrings worn by model Jennifer Longo at a "Trash the Dress" photo shoot seminar taught by Chicago lifestyle wedding photographer and self proclaimed "Queen of trash the dress," Melissa Diep.  This looks anything but trashy to us!  They're as beautiful in person as in the photograph.

Anyone interested in these lovelies, we have only two pairs available and are offering them at a very special price of $44, half of the regular price of $88.  Call to order, 877.77.SHOE (7363).

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Something Green - Wedding Colors


Who says your "something" has to be blue?  Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with something green.  An easy color to add to any wedding, green is the color of all your flower stems.  It is abundant in nature, and communicates growth, renewal, and the environment.  We love these green gems for brides, bridesmaids, or anyone who wants to feel festive.  Above, Honeycomb Earrings, $62.  Also available with a matching necklace.

Petite Crystal Brooch, $18

Deco Green Earrings, $48

One of a kind Deco Prisim Necklace, $149

Mini Isabella Earrings by MEG, $48
Matching neckalce available.


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Friday, March 12, 2010

Dainty Bridesmaid Earrings


Looking for the perfect dainty yet beautiful earrings to match your champagne bridesmaid dress?  Or maybe you need the perfect gold earrings to match your honeymoon cruise dress...we've found them.  These gorgeous gold vermet earrings are paired with semi precious stones to insure that you'll look beautiful no matter what you're wearing.  The semi precious stones, from left to right, Amethyst, Peridot, Citrine, and Tiger.  All gorgeously priced at $46 each.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Out of the Box Bridal Event - Tonight!


Photo Courtsey of Angela Nuran

Join us tonight for an evening of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages to taste, plus entertainment that will help you plan your wedding!  We will be at the fun Out of the Box Bridal event tonight!  It's listed as "an engaging cocktail party," and we'll be there giving away free goodies!  Stop by our table to see a small assortment of our fabulous shoes, veils, headpieces, and jewelry...then you can register to win a Christian Dior Bridal Bijoux case and earrings!

The Details
Out of the Box Bridal, An Engaging Cocktail Party
Date:  Thursday, March 11, 2010
Time:  5:30 - 8:30 pm
Place:  Spiaggia, 980 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 3

Other fun giveaways happening at the bridal event...

- The first 75 brides recieve Oscar style swag bags
- Northwestern Mutual Financial is giving away a Wii game system
- 1154 Lill Studio will give you a chance to win  Custom Handbags
- Foodieregistry.com has a $100 gift certificate to give away
- Stop by and talk with Nancy Jackson for a chance to win a free bridal preview makeover
- Stop by Left Bank Jewelry to win a Christian Dior Bridal Bijoux Case and Earrings

We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Birdcage Veils 101

Who started the trend?  Movie stars, of course!  Reese Witherspoon donned one in Sweet Home Alabama, then Grey’s Anatomy star, Katherine Heigl wore a bird cage veil at her 2007 winter wonderland wedding in Park City, Utah. This glamourous star has true old Hollywood style and wore it just shadowing her beautiful eyes for a sultry vintage feel .


 Traditional bird cage veils, or face veils as they were called in the 1940’s, are crafted with either French or Russian netting. French netting has a delicate soft lace feel and Russian netting has a bit more volume and has more pouf. Wearing a bird cage veil is a terrific modern alternative vs. a traditional and often fussy tulle veil. They are great on short hairstyles and are so light they can be easily pinned on.

Wearing it on an asymmetrical angle brings on the air of vintage charm and adds instant style to simple contemporary style wedding gowns. For added kick, add an embellished fascinator of feathers, silk flowers or a fabulous hair gem to it. Depending on your face shape, lash length and shape of bird cage veil you choose, we recommend wearing them above your lips, so there’s no hesitation to your first kiss!

Come see more of these gorgeous veil alternatives at our Laura Jayne Trunk Show this weekend, March 13th and 14th.  Come meet Laura Jayne herself and custom design something gorgeous at The Left Bank.

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Monday, March 8, 2010

Laura Jayne Trunk Show


March 13th and 14th

Laura Jayne Bridal Trunk Show

Come see couture veils, birdcage veils, gorgeous hair gems, flowers, bridal jewelry and more...all without the luxe pricetag!  Meet the designer Laura Jayne and custom design your dream piece for your wedding day. 

Makeup artist Sharzad Kiadeh will also be on hand offering free mini makeovers and advice for the bride. 

Appointments are recommended and filling up fast, call us today for yours at 877.770.SHOE (7363).

 
 

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High & Low Bridesmaid Shoe Sets


Would you love to have all your bridesmaids in matching shoes but one is 5'1" and another is 5'9"?  Fear not, we've found some fun and functional bridesmaid shoes that come in high and low heel heights.  Now you can appease short and tall bridesmaids alike!  These three fabulous shoe sets have matching fronts but different heights and budget friendly prices.  Above, from the Dyeables Special Collection, Flamingo has a 2.5" heel and Riviera has a 4" heel.  Both are only $56 and come in your choice of metallic bronze, gold, or silver.


The Dyeables collection features these two fabulous shoes with a subtle accent of crystal.  Dyeables Fiesta has a 1.5" kitten heel for $72 and Natalie has 3.5" Heel for $79.  These shoes can be dyed almost any color (for only $20 extra) and are also available in silver metallic. 


From Colorifics we have the Fantasy d'orsay back shoe with a 2" heel and the matching Victoria with a 3" wedge heel.  Both styles are $98, and available in white satin that can be dyed almost any color for only $15 extra.

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Friday, March 5, 2010

Favorite Wedding Earrings


If was able to get married all over again, I would choose to wear these Glamorous Cushion Cut earrings by Haute Bride!  They're handmade with gorgeous Swarvoski crystals cut to sparkle beautifully.  The French hooks are studded with crystals as well, finishing these light weight silver earrings beautifully from top to bottom.  The only negative thing I can think of?  They're so popular, we can't seem to keep them in the shop for me to look at everyday.  Prefer Champagne?  No worries, check out their sister pair in a fun mix of clear and champagne crystals below, the Crystal Glam Drops. 


After all, what better day to use the pharse "Go big or go home?" than on your wedding day.

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Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Do My Bridesmaids Have to Wear Matching Jewelry?


This one is totally up to you. We love the look of gorgeous matching earrings walking down the aisle, but there’s no reason your girls have to be all matchy matchy as long as they coordinate. You just want to avoid three ladies showing up in chandelier earrings and the fourth one in a chunky necklace.


A look we love? MEG Jewelry in coordinating colors. You can pick from a variety of earring or necklace styles that compliment each other, while allowing your girls’ personality to shine through.  Better yet?  Come meet Meg Lammers in person and let her design custom pieces for each of your bridesmaids.  The Meg Jewelry Trunk Show will be at The Left Bank April 24th and 25th.  Call us for an appointment today, 1-877-770-SHOE (7363).

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Antique Cameo Wedding Bouquet Brooch


Weddings are a beautiful symbol of old and new.  Old traditions mingle with new ones, families come together, and what better way to incorporate all your traditions than with an antique cameo brooch pinned onto the wrap of your bridal bouquet?  A bouquet is a perfect place to pin an heirloom piece, it gets the attention it deserves but stays in a safe spot.  Ask your mother, grandmother, or even mother in law for a brooch that can be your something borrowed.  


Flowers courstey of Fleur Chicago.

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