Save the Date - Indie Wed

Save the Date!  We were lucky enough to be selected to attend the Indie Wed Bridal Show in January 29, 2011.  This great show focuses on the fun, hip, and fashion forward.  Check out their website to purchase tickets.  This is sure to be a great show with a great swag bag did I mention our goodies will be in them...?

Designer Spotlight - Pink Paradox London

Our latest designer spotlight goes to the lovely folks at Pink Paradox London.  This London based company is home to a line of fabulous, fashion forward, affordable footwear for brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and wedding guests alike.  Pink is the sister line to another fabulous shoe collection we carry, Benjamin Adams.  We love their contemporary style and amazing dye skills.  If you can think of the color, the talented team at Pink can dye it for you!  Check out their fabulous shoes here.  Above, my new favorite from their colletion, the Hot shoe, $98.

Crush and Heaven Pink Shoes dyed a poppy lime green.

Where to Buy

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Where to Buy

Kirsten's Gift List

Happy Black Friday!  May your official holiday shopping begin!  Here are my five favorite picks for fabulous gifts any lady on your gift list is sure to love.  The Left Bank is brimming with tons of new trinkets, baubles, and gift-able items.  Above, Crystal Pendant Necklaces in assorted crystal colors from La Vie Parisian, made in France from vintage molds from the 1910-1930s, $46 each.

Metallic Card Cases, $16 each, perfect for business cards or credit cards and cash at that holiday party.

Pave Stud Earrings, in gold, silver, and assorted colors.  Large $24 each, small $22 each.  These sparkly studs can be both dressy and casual.

Simplicity Pearl Bracelet, $29 each.  Simple and sweet, a engraveable pendant dangles from fresh water pearls.

Need more gift ideas?  Stop by the shop for some personal shopping help! 

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, & Shopping Local

We simply heart the 8th annual "Buy Local Week" and Shop Local Holiday Campaign that kick off on Black Friday Weekend with "Small Business Saturday."  We want to encourage you to join the fun and "eat, drink, and buy" local at fun, independent shops, restaurants, and boutiques...like The Left Bank.

How are we celebrating?  To say thank you for all the great publicity generated by the first-ever "Small Business Saturday," we'll be giving every customer who spends $100 or more a free $15 gift card to use in December!  We'll be celebrating all weekend Friday 11/26/10 through Sunday 11/28/10.   Stop by the shop to see all the new sparkles and gifts we brought in just for this celebration!

So as you're shopping this black Friday, think about staying in the city to help local businesses and the environment!  Learn more at Local First Chicago ,  Yelp.com, and the Small Business Saturday Facebook Page.

Happy Shopping!

Bridal Accessory Q&A

Brides have lots of questions when it comes to choosing the right accessories...jewelry, veils, shoes, it can get overwhelming.  But we're here to help.  Here are some of our most frequently asked accessory questions!

 Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios

Do I have to wear a veil?
No.  If the thought of wearing a veil makes you unhappy, don't pressure yourself to wear one.  There are lots of veil alternatives now.  Try a birdcage or simple face veil, cocktail hat, fascinator, or flower instead. Everyone will know you're the bride, even if you're not wearing a veil.  If you want to make mom happy and wear a veil, select a simple and elegant veil for the ceremony and switch to something more sparkly and fun for the reception.

Should I keep my veil on all night?
This one is totally up to you.  Most brides opt to remove their veil as it can tend to get caught and tugged on by all those hugging wedding guests.  We recommend removing the veil immediately after your ceremony and formal portraits or after your first dance.

What hand do I wear my bracelet on?
Wear it one which ever hand you are most comfortable with.  No preference?  Then slide that bangle on the right so your ring can get all the attention on the left.

Do I have to wear a necklace?
No.  A necklace can be a nice compliment to a simple or daring neckline, but is not a necessity.   If you prefer big, showstopping earrings, it's best to leave your neck line bare.

Can I wear open toed shoes in the winter?
Absolutely!  There are no rules anymore for closed toe and open toe shoes. Go ahead and show off those strappy sandals in the ballroom in February.  No one will think anything of it.  Still worried?  Opt for a peep toe or d'Orsay back shoe with an open center.  It's the best of both worlds.

Have more questions we didn't answer?
Leave a comment with your question and we'll be happy to answer!

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New Designer - Introducing Boutique de Viole

We're pleased to announce that we've added a designer to our list of favorites.  We met the lovely New York based ladies of Boutique de Viole at the New York Bridal Market and found some new bridal jewelry we just had to have.  Above, easily the shop favorite, the dramatic Diva.  A double headband with a huge asymetrical accent.  It takes on almost a facinator like quality, perfect for the glamorous bride.  Available for $299. 

Ada Haircomb, $109

Measures 3.25" long



Betty Headband, $269

Endora Haircomb, $109

Measures 2.75" long by 2" tall

Heirloom Barette, $98

Also available as a haircomb

Measures 2.5" long

My personal favorite, a show stopping headband...Hermia, $349.

Measures 1.5 wide

Mini Betty Haircomb, $149

Measures 2.75" long

Matches the Betty Headband

Orpha Headband, $269

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A Special Visit

Meg Lammers, one of our favorite jewelry designers, popped into our shop with her family on a weekend visit to Chicago.  We always love seeing Meg, who was in the city to celebrate her birthday, one of her daughter's birthday, AND her wedding anniversary with her husband, Rod.  A celebration weekend indeed.  She even came bearing sparkly gifts!  A special treat for us!  Thank you to Meg and her family for stopping by!

See our Designer Spotlight on Meg Wedding Jewelry

Asymmetrical Bridal Headbands

Add some sparkle and spunk to your bridal updo with an asymmetrical headband.  These over sized details keep you looking grown up and refined.  They're a perfect touch for the bride wanting to make a glamorous statement or as a compliment to a simple gown.  Above, Rosalinde, $16.

 Babette $149

Clarice $149

Where to Buy

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One Day Sale ~ 20% Off Personalized Gifts

One day only, save 20% off all personalized items!  The perfect time to shop for friends and family. All monogrammed sterling silver and embroidery items are on sale...bracelets, necklaces, tote bags, cufflinks, jewelry boxes, scarves, frames and more! Free personalization and embroidery included, one day only!

Shop at The Left Bank Thursday, November 18th from 12 - 7pm or over the phone by calling 773.929.7422


Happy Shopping!

Matching Bride & Bridesmaid Brooches

This gorgeous vintage inspired brooch has just added a "mini" to its collection!  We love the Stunning Baguette Brooch, $88, and it's new small version, $48.  How fabulous would it be to gift your bridesmaids with matching brooches for their bouquets or dress sashes?  The bride wears the larger version and the bridesmaids wear the smaller version.

Large brooch measures 2.5" long by 1.5" wide
Small brooch measures 2" long by 1.25" wide

Where to Buy

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