A Sweet Note for your Bridesmaids!

A unique way to ask your friends "would you be your bridesmaids" with a sweet French twist. These darling macaron trinket boxes can hold any type of sweet note.  

Ours says: "My wedding day would not be as sweet without you by my side. Will you be my bridesmaid?"



Available is an array of soft candy tones, these macaron trinket boxes are available at The Left Bank Jewelry & Bridal Finery for $9.95
Ring us at 773.929.7422 or







 For any questions please email: Bonjour@LeftBankBridal.com

Bridesmaids Dresses They'll Actually WANT To Wear Again

It's a problem almost as old as weddings themselves: if you've ever been a bridesmaid there's a good chance you were forced to drop a pretty significant chunk of change on a dress the bride gushed "you could totally wear again" that, in reality, would get stuffed in the back of your closet and never see the light of another day. 

Luckily, this scenario is becoming much easier to avoid. The options for bridesmaids are as limitless as your imagination and creativity. Try going somewhere unexpected for your dress, like a favorite retail or online shop (sites like ModCloth have great dress options). Even if you stick with traditional wedding-oriented shops, it is so much easier to find a dress that -- gasp! -- your maids will actually want to wear! We rounded up a few of our favorites that we wouldn't mind hanging in our closets...

Blake // Alexa // Justine // Kate

Jenny Yoo Collection makes beautiful, simple dresses for both brides and bridesmaids. Available in a range of colors and fabrics, her styles are timeless and flattering. They're perfect if you want a classic look for your bridesmaids. (PS - like what you see? We are partnering with Jenny Yoo for a sample sale July 31st-August 1st, 2012 at their Chicago flagship salon!)

Lemon Meringue Dress // Vivacity Shift (more colors available)  // Seaside Holiday Dress // Gens Du Monde Dress 

BHLDN is a favorite of brides looking for that vintage, chic flea-market vibe. (Which makes total sense given that it's a divison of Anthropologie!) It's no surprise that their dresses are listed under "bridesmaids and partygoers" -- they're perfect for attendants and guests alike.

Arabelle // Heidi // Lucienne // Sinclair

J. Crew is another favorite with beautiful, wearable dresses. Simple and chic, their styles are perfect for a contemporary wedding. The flirty chiffon styles above would also be perfect for dates, summer soirees, or even as a wedding guest!

Becca Halter Dress // Ethereally Ombre Dress // Mariposa Lace Dress // Sangeet Dress

Anthropologie is perfect if traditional wedding shops seem a little too... well... traditional for you. Their dresses were not designed specifically for bridesmaids or weddings, which makes them perfect "wear-again" candidates. Like their sister company BHLDN, Anthropologie dresses have a distinct vintage vibe, but many of their dresses would work well at more traditional or classic weddings too (like the navy one above!)

And for a fantastic selection of designer bridesmaids gowns, visit Bella Bridesmaids which has locations in many major markets.

With just a bit of savvy and creativity, it's possible to find dresses that your bridesmaids won't have to clear space in the back of their closets for... in fact, don't be surprised if you see them out and about in their fabulous new frocks!

Inexpensive Bridesmaid Jewelry

Looking for inexpensive but still beautiful bridesmaid jewelry option?  Look no further, we've found some pretty, inexpensive baubles perfect for your bridesmaids.  Above, we just received these pretty bridesmaid sets and love them.  They're a perfect, colorful, and budget friendly option to adorn your bridesmaids.  Each candy colored necklace comes complete with with matching stud earrings.  

Palette Crystal Collier Set, $39 each.  Available in Fuchsia (shown below and above left), Jet Black, Violette, Tanziete Light Purple, Baby Blue (shown above right),  Mint, Turquoise Teal (shown above, center), Aqua, Champagne, and Emerald.

These pretty chandelier earrings comes in an array of poppy colors perfect for matching with almost any dress.  Their light weight and post mounted making them perfect for all your girls.  Sassy Earrings, $21 each.  Available in Clear, Aqua (shown above left), Fuchsia, and Turquoise (above right).  Select other colors available as well, please contact us to see if we have your color.

We often show off these beautiful stretch bracelets!  They're comfortable, colorful, and inexpensive!  Crystal Glam Cut Bracelet, $42 each.  They also match perfectly with our Pave Post Earrings (not shown) $36-$42.

Another fun bracelet option, the Sassy Bracelet $29 each.  Available in Clear, Aqua (shown above left), Fuchsia, and Turquoise (above right).  Select other colors available as well, please contact us to see if we have your color.

Still looking for more options?  Check out our previous posts on Inexpensive Bridesmaid Sets or shop online at our website on a whole page dedicated to Bridesmaid Jewelry.

Bib Necklaces for Brides or Bridesmaids

Welcome to our "big bling" week.  All the posts this week will feature larger than life stones and shapes for bridal jewelry that is truly show-stopping!  A trend we've been in love with for a while has been seeing big crystals and pearls make their way to weddings.  These bib style necklaces are the perfect adornment for a simple wedding dress or a great way to unify your bridal party look if you're letting the bridesmaids select their own dresses.  My favorite of our new necklaces, above, is the stunning White Gem Pearl and Crystal Necklace, $329.

Another sophisticated stand out necklace, The Chere Necklace Set, $109, comes complete with matching earrings.

Nineveh Necklace, $315, can be custom designed with or without pearls or in a small selection of colors. This would look gorgeous in vintage rose!  See some other customizable statement necklaces here.

This necklace looks gorgeous with a number of dress colors!  We especially love it with a fushia dress.  Honeysuckle Necklace, $48.

The clear crystal color makes this necklace a great match for almost any dress, $169.

What do you think about the new trend of statement necklaces?  Would you wear a big necklace if you had a simple dress?  Would you let your bridesmaids shine in a bib necklace?

Where to Buy

Jewelry for Beige Bridesmaid Dresses

Brides Chicago has declared "Barely There" colors like beige, taupe, greige, and ivory to be a trend for bridesmaids.  Outfitting your bridesmaids in a beautiful neutral color gives a gorgeous look, and one they're more likely to wear again, but how do you accessorize?  Fortunately, neutral colored gowns have a plethora of accessorizing options.  Try these looks!  Each has a totally different feel, but all look amazing!

Black Accessories

We love the look of black and beige.  It's edgy and sophisticated!  Gifting your girls with black jewelry will make them doubly happy, not only will they look fashionable and beautiful in all your wedding photographs, but they're sure to wear your jewelry again and again.

Some of our favorites?  Clockwise from top left, Valentine Hidden Platform Peep Toe Shoe, $195 by Grazia.  Dazzle Brooch, $29.  Bow Horse Hair Fascinator, $120 by Avant Bride NYC.  Necklace cluster created with Jolie Necklace, $36, Monseiur Pamplemousse Crystal Necklace, $80, and Long Flower Accented Necklace, $29.

Champagne Accessories

Selecting champagne, sometimes called golden shadow, accessories with sparkle keep this monochromatic looking feeling sophisticated not boring.  Keeping with one color scheme allows you to pile on the accessories.  Try Chocolate for a slightly deeper statement.

Try these gorgeous pieces, clockwise from top left, Hermatite Crystal Necklace, $48.  Cushion Cut Champagne Hairpins by Haute Bride, price upon request.  Champagne stretch bracelets, Crystal Glam Cut Bracelet, $42, Embrace Crystal Bracelet, $68, Round Stretch Bracelet, petite or grande, $72.  Kristen Necklace in Golden Shadow, $135 by MEG Wedding Jewelry.

Crystal Clear & Gold Accessories 

Clear stones will make sure your bridesmaids have a little sparkle, while the gold tone and settings will blend perfectly with the neutral dress palate.  

Get this look with these fun pieces, clockwise from top left,  Gold Pave Ball Earrings, $46.  Vintage Inspired Necklace, $82 by La Vie Parisian.  Selena Metallic Strappy Sandal, $88 by Salon Shoes.   Casique Gold Brooch, $56.

Vintage Rose Pink Accessories

Vintage Rose Pink is the perfect color for spring and summer weddings.  Romantic and sweet, pink feels youthful and flirty.  Mix it with clear crystals or honeysuckle pink for a multi-dimensional look.  Plus if you're bridesmaids are girly-girls, they'll love wearing these pieces again.

Our favorite pink pieces, clockwise from top left.  Geo Earrings, $59, by MEG Wedding Jewelry.  Astoria Ballroom Inspired Bridal Shoe in soft pink, $279, by Angela Nuran.  Alexia Pink Pearl Necklace, $299.  Dazzle Brooch, $29.

What do you think?
Are your bridesmaids wearing a neutral colored dress?  What color jewelry will they be wearing?  Are there any color options you think we missed?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Where to Buy

Pink & Red Wedding Jewelry

What more appropriate way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by sharing some of our favorite pink baubles?  Gorgeous soft pinks and reds have been a Valentine's Day staple for years, but there's no reason not to share the love with these pretty pieces every day of the year!  A pop of color is always welcome, whether on the bride or bridesmaids.  Above, new earrings for 2011 from Meg Wedding Jewelry.  Geo Earrings, $59.

Another Meg piece, the Joen Necklace, $44,  is available in a rainbow of colors, one of our favorites being Raisin.  A delicate mix of champagne, pink, and purple.

 Even Peacocks celebrate Valentine's Day.  Haute Bride Piece, price upon request.

Perfect for bridesmaids' gifts, these gorgeous Swarovski crystal tear drop pendants and earrings available in Vintage Rose, Amethyst, Montana Blue, Champagne, or Clear.  

Fleur Jolie Vintage Flower earrings painted in pretty colors, starting at $26

Add extra glamour to your look with Benjamin Adams' Sissy shoe, $600. 

Happy Valentine's Day from all of the Ladies at The Left Bank!

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Bangle Bracelets for Brides & Bridesmaids

Clusters of bling wrapped around the wrist of you or your bridesmaids offer a fun, no fuss look.  Above, Simple Crystal Bracelets, $18 for a set of three (2 sets shown).

Our best selling bracelet, the Crystal Glam Cut, $42 each.  Made with jewelry grade stretchy elastic, these fabulous bracelets fit almost any wrist.  Available in silver with clear, black, purple, or bright green stones and gold with amber or green stones.

Square Bangles are a perfectly edgy and modern.  $36 for a set of three.

Where to Buy

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Glitter Solemates - NEW!

Those wonderful ladies at Solemates, the "as seen in Oprah Magazine" chic plastic covers for your high heels, have improved an already amazing product.  Introducing Glitter Solemates!  Now you can accent your heels with a bit of glitter.  This new style is perfect for your metallic shoes.  Great for attending an outdoor wedding or for the girls in your wedding.  Once your bridesmaids select their gorgeous metallic shoes, gift them with these new Solemates to keep them clean.  Available in traditional clear (small or medium heel widths), gold glitter, or silver glitter (shown). Purchase a pair for $10.95.

I'm so in love with this new design that I think I'll buy another pair!  Read my review here. 
Thank you to our friends at Solemates for sending us a free sample of this just released design so we could check them out for ourselves! 

Our pick for a shoe to match?  Natalie by Dyeables in Pewter leather.  This deep silver is perfect to match the cool colors of fall and a great shoe for bridesmaids.  Better yet?  It's also available in two other heel heights.  Also available in gold leather, 4" heel, $78 each.


Where to Buy

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Layered Bridesmaid Necklaces

Surprise your bridesmaids with a moder and stylish collection of necklaces.  With multiple chains, beads, crystals, and pearls wrapped around their neck, your girls will be feeling young and hip.  A great look for fall?  Black and gold chains (above),$36.

Pair a sophisticated little black dress with a cluster of black stones.  Shown above, Jolie $36, Long Flower Necklace $29, Alex Agudo Crystal Necklace $80.

Subtle silver with a hint of pearl can be dressed up or down.  Shown above, Long Necklace with beads and fabric, $48  (also available in gold).

Simple glittering balls of gold would look smashing with almost any dress.  Shown above, Sugar Ball Necklace $29 (one shown) and Sugar Ball Lariat $36 (two shown).

Love this idea?  See more long necklaces perfect for layering here.

Where to Buy

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Bridesmaid Hair Jewelry

Let your bridesmaids in on the hair accessory fun!  We made these chic crystal and feather haircombs for a bride to gift her black bridesmaid dress wearing girls.  The Marseille haircomb, $169, can be made in a handful of colors including black, white, and ivory.  A beautifully finished piece mixed with crystal and pearls will add the perfect touch to any hair style!

 

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Spunky Pearl Jewelry

Who says pearls have to be traditional?  These fun baubles are tradition with a twist.  Perfect for an engagement part or to adorn your rehearsal dinner dress.  Our Jolie Collection is all fun.  Above, an asymetrical crystal bow adorns this two stranded pearl necklace, $36.

One strand bracelet, $29

4 Strand Bracelet, $36

Single strand necklace of mixed pearl and crystals, $36.

Where to Buy

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Tote Bag Gifts for Bridesmaids

All of us at The Left Bank love jewelry and think it makes a perfect bridesmaid gift, but if your girls already have tons or you decided they don't need to wear matching jewelry, what should you give them?  How about stylish and fun tote bags?  There's always an occasion for a great bag!  These are our top five picks for perfect carry all bags to gift your bridesmaid.  Nothing says thank you better than a fun and functional gift they're sure to use long after your wedding is over.

1.  Our super popular Polka Dot Bag is one of my favorites.  Available in six different colors with your choice of one initial embroidered free in a variety of thread colors.  These wooden handled bags are big enough for beach towels, books, and just about everything else.  Measures 18.5" by 16.5".  $39 each.

2.  The Weekender Tote Bag is also large enough for almost all your life essentials and features a zippered top to keep it all from falling out.  Natural cotton canvas is trimmed in black and monogrammed with up to three initials in your choice of 11 thread colors.  Gift this multi-purpose bag to the ladies early and they can pack all their wedding weekend goodies in it.  Better yet?  Get one for yourself too!  The weekend bag is also available with "Bride" written on it, complete with a Swarovski crystal dotting the "i."  Measures 22" x 16" x 6".  $36.

3.  This cute Damask Tote Bag  is fashionable and functional.  Double handles, interior pocket, key chain holder a fully lined damask fabric interior, and a cute ribbon tie round out this stylish option.  Chose from seven thread colors to embroider a monogram or single initial on the front.  Measures 18" x 12" x 8.5".  $42.

4.  If you're looking for something shiner, then the Buckle Tote Bag is for you.  Black and white leatherette bag with adjustable straps and silver buckles makes it perfect for almost anyone.  Embroidered with your choice of one to three initials in black thread.  Measures 16" x 13" x 4".  $38.

5.  Having a beach wedding or weekend girls trip?  The Striped Canvas Bag is perfect!  Reminds me of a weekend at the beach, blue stripes and extra long handles hold flip flops, sunscreen, towels, and spare shoes in one place.  A big front pocket can be embroidered with a monogram or name (up to 12 characters)  in six different thread colors.  Measures 13" x 7" x 25".  $34.

And of course we totally support your need to buy one for yourself!  You can never have too many bags.

Where to Buy

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Metallic Bridesmaid shoes

Want all your bridesmaids in matching footwear?  Make their day by selecting versatile, fashionable metallic shoes that are high on the "wear it again" scale.  Silver and gold shoes match almost anything and are a great alternative to black.  The Selena ($88, above) is one of the newest shoes in the Salon collection.  The lack of an ankle strap makes them a perfect pick for a tea length dress.  Available in Silver or Gold.

Riveria and Flamingo feature tall and short heels with matching fronts.  These shoes are great if your girls all want different heel heights.  Available in Bronze, Gold, or Silver, $56 each.

The Gina shoe is a great choice for bridesmaids on a budget.  And the short heel is great for tall ladies.  Available in Silver, $46.

A simple shoe matches almost any dress, but the sparkly bead on the strap will jazz up any outfit.  Capri boasts a moderate heel height and a wide base, perfect for an outdoor wedding.  Don't forget the Footpetals, this shoe needs them.  Available in Silver or Gold, $75.

Our most popular bridesmaid shoe, Jessica is super comfy and easily dressed up with a sparkly shoe clip.  Available in Gold or Silver, $75.

Where to Buy

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