Monday, August 9, 2010

Colored Bridal Accessories Photoshoot

Photography by Dawn E Roscoe

We sent some of our gorgeous bridal and everyday pieces into the park for a gorgeous summer photo shoot.  Why not take a playful feel with your bridal accessories?  This lovely bride wore ebony and ivory colored pearl and crystal jewels, a something blue cocktail ring, and a stunning black cocktail hat with French netting.  There's no reason to be scared of color on your wedding day.  The results can be stunning!  Take a peek at the photo shoot shot by photographer Dawn Roscoe, then stop by the shop to try on these pieces for yourself!





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Friday, August 6, 2010

Flower Girl Gifts

 

Make the littlest members of your wedding party feel special with gifts selected just for them.  Your flower girl will love feeling like the "big kids" when you gift her with any of these fun and sweet gifts.  Above, A personalized embroidered pint sized tote bag, $22.

 Start out her jewelry collection in style with pretty pearls and a silver pendant.  From left to right, Simplicity Pearl Bracelet with circle engraved charm ($29), Friendship Bracelet with your choice of crystal colors and an engraved heart shaped charm ($29), Simple Pearl Bracelet ($24 each).

 Pink pearls are elegant and age appropriate (Single strand, $42) while a simple sliding pearl necklace is fun and casual (Pearl Float Necklace, $29).


A small, heart shaped keepsake box engraved with her name is a perfect place for her to keep all those little treasures (Monogrammed or Name engraved, $26)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Accessories for Bridal Events and Parties

Everyone always thinks about shopping for jewelry for the wedding day.  But don't forget about all your other bridal events.  All you lovely brides will have a full social schedule with parties and showers to celebrate you and your fabulous fiance.  So make sure you arrive in style with jewelry for all your outfits.  Here are some of our ideas for the perfect look for all your perfect days.

The Engagement Party - Classic and sophisticated pearls make sure everyone knows who they should be toasting!

Flower Crystal Stud Earrings ($54), Jamie Bracelet by Meg ($84), Elisa Necklace by Meg ($249) wear it long or short.

The Bridal Shower - Go for a look that's light and fun.  Bright colors help you celebrate in style while small clustered bracelets lend a modern feel.

Purple Three Strand Necklace ($46), Peacock & Pink Crystal Earrings ($29), Crystal Glam Bracelets ($42 each).

The Bachelorette Party - Let out your inner vixen with sultry, dark colors to match your smokey eyes perfectly. 

Hematite Crystal Necklace & Earring Set ($48), Deco Glam Cuff in Smoke ($98), Mini Gunmetal Coin Purse by Sondra Roberts ($36)

The Morning After Brunch - A perfect blend of sass and sophistication goes from morning after to the honeymoon.

Freshwater Pearl Illusion Necklace in Champagne ($56), Freshwater Pear Drop Earrings in Champagne ($26), Cotillion Fleurette Hair Flower by Camela Nitschke ($79).

Where to Buy

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Find Your Bridal Style Event!

See our pretty jewelry and meet some other wedding pros that can help make your wedding gorgeous at this fun Chicago Social Brides Event.  Stop by the shop for a reminder postcard for this sure to be fabulous event taking place at the Susan Fredman At Home in the City showroom.


Monday, August 2, 2010

Bridal Headpieces - Defined!

Shopping for hair jewelry can be overwhelming, so many styles, terms, and names.  We're here to make it easier.  When shopping for hair pieces, here are the five most common styles you'll find.

1. Tiara - Sits on the top of the head, princess style.  A showcase piece, usually with lots of sparkle.  It is similar to a crown, but doesn't circle around your whole head.  A half crown sits like a tiara but without the height.  One of our most popular tiaras is the Les Beaux tiara (above, $229).

2. Headband - Sits flat across the head and extends down to the ears.  Some headbands stop above the ears while others extend behind them.  The ends of the headband are usually hidden with hair.  Above, Callie Headband by Avant Bride NYC, $220

3.  Haircomb - A small jeweled piece usually one to four inches in length, attached to a comb.  Haircombs are very versatile and can be worn in front, back, or on the side of just about any hairstyle. Above, Emma Comb, $98

4.  Hairpins - Tiny gems attached to an open hairpin.  Usually sold in sets or three, five, or six.  Hairpins are worn by sliding them unto a bun or updo.  Learn how to wear hairpins here.  Above, Hollywood Glam Pins, $149 for a set of three.

5. Fascinator - A delicate headpiece made of fabric, feathers, or flowers.  Usually sits on top of the head and is worn in place of a traditional veil.  Learn more about fascinators hereTessa above, $150 by Avant Bride NYC.

Where to Buy


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Still confused?  Need Help?  Try our our Wedding Accessory Styling Service

Friday, July 30, 2010

Simple Headbands for Brides


Add some subtle sparkle to your wedding day by adorning your hair-do with a simple and elegant headband.

From top to bottom
Emerald, $129
Coleen by Meg $149
Crystal Rhinestone, $249
Marie, $129
Deco Bandeau, $129


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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Unique Wedding Clutches


So you've decided to carry a purse or clutch on your wedding day?  Now comes the fun part, selecting that gorgeous clutch.  Give all your guests clutch envy with a wedding purse that's so unique, you won't care that it's white when you're carrying it after the wedding!  My personal favorite, the Raquel Clutch (above, $82), It's super spacious and adorned with larger than life sized faux diamonds.


The Posey Clutch, $88, would be perfect for an outdoor fete.


Small, discreet, and decisively vintage feeling, Beaded Handbag, $86


This hard sided Beaded Pearl Clutch, $169, by Sondra Roberts feels very Jackie O.

Shop more unique wedding clutches here.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

Wedding Accessory Shopping 101


Ready to shop for your wedding accessories?  Seven things to know before you go.

1.  Bring pictures of your dress...don't even think about trying to buy a veil or jewelry before you've found your dress.

2.  Wear a white top to help you visualize.  Bonus points for wearing a neckline that matches the neckline of your dress.

3.  Bring one trusted person, whether it's mom or a friend, you'll want a second opinion.  But don't bring a whole gaggle of girls, too many opinions can be overwhelming.

4.  Bring any jewelry you already have.  It's easier to match Grandma's pearls if you have them with you.  And leave the watch and other personal jewelry home.  You don't want to risk losing anything at the store.

5.  Have a vision.  Do you want to feel like a knock out glamorous bride?  Do you like the look of vintage jewelry?  Having an idea of what you're looking for will help keep you focused.

6.  Style your hair.  It's hard to try on hair accessories for an updo when you have your hair down and curly.  Consider coming to shop for accessories after your hair trial to get the best idea of what you'll look like.

7.  Have fun.  Accessory shopping should be enjoyable.  Try not to get too overwhelmed by the small stuff.

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Shoes for Beach Weddings


Whether you're the bride or a wedding guest, the key to a happy beach wedding is to keep from sinking in the sand.  The best way to do that is with a shoe that has a wide, flat base.  We suggest a simple strappy flat like Summer, $120, above.  If you want more height than a flat can offer, try a wedge heel.  Either choice will keep you happy in the sand. 

Some other helpful beach wedding tips?  Don't forget the bug spray and avoid scented lotion to keep the bugs away and wear sunscreen if you'll be arriving a few days early.  No one wants to be a bride with tan lines!

Brooke, $130

Cherry, $79


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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Happy Blogaversary!

Hard to believe it's been a whole year since we started blogging!  Everything But The Dress is celebrating it's one year anniversary today. Thank you to all our fabulous fans for following us as we show you all the tips, tricks, and trends for creating a fabulously accessorized wedding!  Here's a look back at our very 1st blog post!

An outdoor wedding shoes solution? Awesome Product Alert - Sole Mates!


Photo by TheSoleMates.com

The website says "Never sink into the grass again!" So I took the Sole Mates out for a spin. As a Matron of Honor in a wedding involving outdoor photographs, I thought they would come in handy, and they did. My favorite things?

1. No one knew I had them on - they're clear.
2. They made it more comfortable to walk on cement and rocky side walks.
3. I felt totally stable on the grass.
4. They collected all the dirt that would have been on my shoes! You can flip them over and see all the dirt your shoes avoided.

The only downside is that they are not “one size fits all.” My shoes had a pretty thin stiletto on them so the poor Sole Mates ended up spinning around a little. They also give you a little extra height, so you should practice walking in them first. But a great extra “pro?” When you do walk around your apartment in them, the rubber bottoms totally quiet the heel, so there’s no fear of annoying your neighbors.

My final verdict? Sole Mates are an I DO! Available at The Left Bank for $10.95 a pair.

Check out some of our other posts from the early days!
Do I Need a Wedding Day Purse?
How to Wear Hair Pins
5 Tips for Buying Wedding Shoes
Contemporary Pearl Wedding Jewelry