Meet Starletta - The Comfortable Platform Wedding Shoe

One of our favorite comfortable wedding shoe designers has done it again!  Meet Starletta the newest design in Angela Nuran's collection of ultra comfortable ballroom dance inspired wedding shoes.  These shoes are perfect for the bride that loves the comfort of Angela Nuran shoes but wants more height!  

Designed with the principles of ballroom shoes, Starletta is a great addition to the most comfortable wedding shoes on the market. Featuring ultra soft sueded soles, a tremendous amount of padding, and a 1" hidden platform.  An adjustable ankle strap adds extra support or can be switched out with the included satin ribbons for a different look.  Available in silk satin white or light ivory with 4 1/4" heel. The Swarovski crystal adornment is white gold plated for immense brilliance and also adjustable for wider feet. 

Learn about the other styles in the Angela Nuran Collection, Eternity and Astoria then stop by the shop for your custom fitting today!  Can't make it into the shop?  Check out this video to learn more.

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Check out this post we wrote for the new Today's Chicago Woman Wedding Planner Blog!

Something old, something new, something comfy for your feet

Women love shoes. Finding that perfect pair of gorgeous and comfortable shoes gives us a warm, happy feeling unlike anything else. Why should finding your wedding shoes be any different? Here are five no-fail tips for selecting the wedding shoes of your dreams.

1. Pick a heel height you’re comfortable in.Choose a heel that gives you confidence and you can walk comfortably in all day. Switching to flats or flip flops during the reception will change your height and posture, ruining the line of your gown.

2. Think about the shoes you wear most often. Are they peep toe? Strappy sandal? Wear what makes you feel good. If you always get blisters when you wear closed-toed shoes, don’t select a pair that feels the same way. There are plenty of comfortable, fashionable styles from which to choose. (My pick? Angela Nuran’s Astoria, extra cushion and a flexible sole designed like a ballroom dance shoe. Available at The Left Bank Jewelry & Wedding Shoes for $249.)

3. Purchase the correct size. All shoes are not the same size. Make sure to have a professional shoe fitting in the style of shoe you want to purchase. Don’t buy a size that’s too large, thinking your feet will swell. A shoe that’s too big can be just as uncomfortable as a one that’s too small.

4. Shop for your wedding shoes before you have your dress altered. Don’t let the bridal salon talk you into hemming your dress with a stock pair of shoes or using a pair from your closet. Matching heel heights can be difficult, so it’s best to bring the shoes you will actually wear to your first fitting.

5. Break your shoes in. Make sure your wedding day isn’t the first day you’ve worn your shoes. Walk around your house and practice dancing in them to help them mold to your feet. Add foot petals if you need a little extra cushion under the ball of your foot, and make sure to wear thin socks or hose to keep them fresh and unmarked.

Originally Written for Today's Chicago Woman Wedding Planning Blog

Designer Spotlight - Haute Bride

The holiday season always reminds me of extra sparkle, so what better designer to showcase than one of our favorite designers to turn to for extra bling?  Haute Bride of course!  This California based designer specializes in glamorous, larger than life stones.  All their baubles are hand made and completely customizable.  What I love most of all?  This gems are gorgeous for brides but also for any day you want to add a little glamour.  After all, a sparkling cuff bracelet is what any glamour girls needs, whether on her wedding day or New Year's Eve.  Check out some of my favorite pieces from their 2010 collection, champagne hairpins, pearl bracelets, drop earrings, and statement cuffs.  

Love Haute Bride as much as we do?  Call the shop for more information on these and hundreds of other pieces.

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Fun & Fabulous French Tulle

There's no better way to look instantly glamorous and full of vintage charm than with a French Tulle veil.  These gorgeous net veils are chic and elegant, the perfect touch for a bride that doesn't feel a connection to a traditional tulle veil. And never fear if you don't want to wear a veil across your face, there are plenty of beautiful fascinators and hairpieces with French Tulle!  Here are a few of our favorites for inspiration!  And as always, if you stop by The Left Bank, we'd be happy to custom design a veil or hairpiece just for you with some of our favorite headpiece designer...Laura Jayne Bridal, MEG Wedding Jewelry, Avant Bride and more.

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A Wedding Shoe for the (almost) Princess Kate

The lovely team at Benjamin Adams Wedding Shoes has sent us a special preview of a new shoe designed for their spring 2011 line!  Take a first-ever-for-our-blog-sneak-peak of the original designer sketch. Here's what they said about their new Catherine shoe.

"To celebrate the Royal Wedding announcement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Benjamin Adams designer Alessandro Pavan has created an iconic shoe aptly named ‘Catherine’. 

With a host of designers fighting for Kate’s feet, Alessandro Pavan has designed this shoe to specifically cater for the aspiring Princess.  Although the occasion will be incredibly formal and full of centuries of tradition, we must appreciate Kate has already broken old traditions. Therefore a more modern looking dress and shoe are somewhat inevitable.  

The limited-edition style from Benjamin Adams is adorned with lavish Swarovski crystals, with an elegant combination of soft mesh material inspired by the alluring style and sophistication of Kate Middleton.  To bring allure and drama to the shoe, multi-sized Swarovski crystals are hand fixed to the ivory silk.

With Kate Middleton being gracefully tall Alessandro has developed the style with an unassuming yet chic mid-heel height. In commemoration of this auspicious occasion a gold crown will be sewn in to every sock lining, making every bride feel like a true Princess."

I think I might have to have a pair of these.  Keep posted to our blog for more information about pricing, availability, and photos of the first pair! 

UPDATE: More information and link to pre-ordering here.

Designer Spotlight - Monsieur Pamplemousse

Monsieur Pamplemousse is the creative jewelry home of young designer Alex Agudo.  A local Chicagoan, Alex creates gorgeous baubles for brides, bridesmaids, and any lady who wants something special in her jewelry box.  All of his pieces are handmade with semi-precious stones he finds on his travels around the world.  We love his elegant finishing touches, attention to detail, and perfectly affordable prices.  When Alex was here at The Left Bank for his jewelry launch and trunk show December 11th, we asked him to pick five of his favorite pieces of the moment.  "It's so hard to pick," was his response, but here are his top five!  Above, Pink Chalcedony stones with 14k gold fill French hooks, $54.

 Black Agat with Peruvian Blue Opal and Sterling Silver

Bordeaux Pearls With Silk and 14k Gold Fill

Peruvian Opal and Sterling Silver

Champagne Pearls, Smokey Quartz, and 14k Gold Fill

To see more of Alex's gorgeous pieces or to have him create something unique just for you, stop by our shop!

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Brooches - History & Tips

The bejeweled brooch was an accessory that arose from a practical need to attach clothing in the same way we now rely on buttons or snaps.  During the Roman Empire they were used to secure tunics and cloaks, and in the Bronze Age they were encrusted with  gemstones.  Scandinavian women often used them to secure their traditional pinafores.  During the Victorian era, women enclosed pieces of human hair and engraved inscriptions  to memorialize a loved one.  Queen Victoria's love of jewelry helped inspire a wealth of designs from wreaths to insects.  During the roaring 1920s, the fashion world had its way with what the French call a "broche." a skewer, or long needle. 

The vintage inspired Stunning Baguette Brooch, $88, and it's new petite version, $48

Fortunately, brooches are still fashionable and wearable.  Here are our top five ways for wearing brooches today.

1. Add a designer touch to a simple shoe by having two petite brooches converted into shoe clips.

2. Wear one as a hair adornment. Ask your hair stylist to pin it in firmly or let us convert it into a hair comb for you.

3. A stunning brooch accenting a waist sash is still strong and a look we love.

4. An heirloom brooch is always special placed on your bouquet as a loving reminder of who it belonged to. If you don't have an heirloom, a butterfly, bee or dragonfly brooch will add a playful and colorful accent.

5. Add a brooch on a simple handbag or clutch. It will add a touch of sparkle for a completely chic look...even if no one notices, you'll know it's there.

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Meg Jewelry Winter Trunk Show

 

Our favorite holiday tradition continues...The MEG Jewelry Trunk Show.  Every December we have one of our favorite designers send to Chicago her unique and special collection of jewelry for brides, bridesmaids, and especially this time of year...gifts!  December always celebrates shopping local and buying gorgeous one of a kind things and MEG Jewelry is the perfect way to do it!  

MEG Jewelry Holiday Trunk Show

Saturday, December 18th ~ 11am - 5pm

Sunday, December 19th ~ 12pm - 5pm

Take a peek of some of the beautiful hand crafted gems she's brought before.  

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Fashion Managed Feature

Check us out!  We were featured in the Fashion Managed series on shopping local.  These lovely ladies stopped by our shop one afternoon to take a peek, and loved us so much they blogged about our little boutique!

"Left Bank Jewelry is a charming treasure trove of sparkly delights. You’re greeted by a pond of glittering stonesas you enter, as well as friendly staff. The decor nods to the Parisian blend of whimsy and sophistication. It’s a chic boutique that specializes in bridal jewelry and accessories, but doesn’t skimp on the fashion jewelry by any means."

Check out the rest of their photos and thoughts on their blog here!

Ultra Comfortable Wedding Shoe Video

We just had to share this lovely video of one our favorite designer lines...Angela Nuran Wedding Shoes.  We could gush forever, but will let the designer do the talking in the video.  Learn all about her fabulous shoes, Eternity, Astoria, and the brand new design Starletta (soon to arrive at our shop anyday now!).  Starting at $199, her shoes are the perfect treat for any bride! 

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Here are some of our photos from our fun Saturday with Alex Agudo, designer of the Monsieur Pamplemousse. 

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift ideas for all the great people on your list!  Shop these and more fabulous gifts online at the LeftBankJewelry.com  And as always, gift boxing is completely free!

Best Friend...

Bride to Be...

Coworker...

Mom & Mother in Law...

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Circular Bridal Brooches

A brooch is a perfect accent to any bridal ensemble.  With tons of ways to wear them, the possibilities are endless.  Get some ideas here.  Here are some of our newest and favorite round brooches.  A totally versatile shape that will look perfect during, and even after, the wedding!  Above, one of our most popular designs, the Ribbon Twist Brooch, $68.  Also available with pearls for $88, 2" in diameter.

Casique, $56
2 1/8" in diameter

Arrah, $88
2" in diameter, limited quantity available.

Pinwheel, $88

2.5" in diameter

Pemberly, $68

2" in diameter

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Monsieur Pamplemousse Jewelry Launch & Trunk Show

Photos by Element Studios, Inc.

Shop for everyone on your holiday and wedding list this December 11th & 12th.  It's our first ever trunk show with Chicago based designer Alex Agudo featuring his world travelers collection of semi-precious gems and pearls.  As part of our pledge to shop local this holiday season we're bringing the Monsieur Pamplemousse line in for a one of a kind jewelry trunk show.  Shop for special handmade baubles and gifts for everyone on your list, including bridesmaids!  No appointment necessary.  Stop by on Saturday to meet Alex in person and have him custom design something just for you.

Saturday, December 11th ~ 11am - 5pm *Designer Attended
Sunday, December 12th ~ 12pm - 5pm

Sparkly French Gifts

Perfect favors and gifts for your next French themed fete!

 Eiffel Tower Crystal Key Chain, $16

 Eiffel Tower Necklaces by La Vie Parisian 

Flat Crystal Eiffel Tower, $44 (top left)

Charm Amour Necklace with flat and 3D Eiffel Tower, $48 (bottom right)

 Fleur de Lis Mini Brooch, $12

 Fleur de Lis Cocktail Ring, $12

Fleur de Lis Keychain Fob, $16

Where to Buy

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Faux Fur Bridal Capes & Stoles

Just in time for the changing of the seasons, a beautiful look for winter brides, faux fur bridal capes and stoles.

The style of our high quality faux fur capes and stoles are as special as the person wearing them.  These bridal capes are NOT costume by any means, but look like the real thing.  A high quality wedding garment, fully lined in satin and all seams are beautifully finished.  The unique bejeweled closure adds a couture element.  Each is delicately handcrafted with luxurious faux fur which is so soft and fluffy, you will probably want to wear it again for other special occasions.  For a glamorous look, add some opera length gloves for a true Audrey Hepburn feel.

Available in three styles and sizes in Diamond White, Pale Ivory Tipped, or Espresso

Stoles $99 (Top Photo shown with the Glamoura Necklace, $129)
Caplets $149 (Above, shown with the Dallia Necklace by Haute Bride)
Shawl Collar Cape $149 (Bottom Photo, Shown with the one of a kind Mila Necklace, $269)

Sizes:
Small (Should fit US sizes 2, 4, 6)
Medium (Should fit US sizes 8, 10, 12)
Large (Should fit US sizes 14, 16, 18)

Where to Buy

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