Everything But The Dress: 1/1/11

Monday, January 31, 2011

Friday, January 28, 2011

2011 Wedding Trends - Part Two Outdoor Venues

Our friends over at the One Wed blog have released their annual list of wedding trends and it couldn't be more on point! To help you make these trends your own, we've taken their list and added some fabulous accessories.

Part Two - Outdoor Venues and Scenic Settings

It may be hard to envision the perfect outdoor wedding right now with all the snow, but come spring, we'll all be clamoring for soft pastels and floral inspirations. Don't make your outdoor venue feel out of place with traditional indoor feeling jewelry and decor. Opt for something nature inspired and airy feeling. We love designers like Avant Bride and Meg Wedding Jewelry who take their cues from nature and all things organic.

The Tessa Haircomb, $150, by Avant Bride

A birdcage veil feels right at home at an outdoor ceremony. Vintage style Cocktail Hat, $88.

Keep your bridesmaids and guests from getting chilly with Embroidered Pashminas, $36 each.

Soft and subtle, the Gabrielle Lariat, $269 is the perfect earth toned necklace, by Meg Wedding Jewelry.

2011 Wedding Trends ~ Part One

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Solemates - Outdoor Wedding Help

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Boutique de Voile Trunk Show This Weekend

"Why purchase a headpiece when you can wear a piece of art?"

Come see these stunning pieces from the Boutique de Voile line, new to our shop for 2011. Gorgeous headpieces, veils, and jewelry all handcrafted in the US.

These gorgeous pieces will be in the shop and 20% off for one day only!

Sunday, January 30, 2011
Noon ~ 5pm

Check out some photos of what's in store for this special event. Can't wait to attend? Rsvp and stay up to date on the facebook event page.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Fabric & Mesh Bridal Bracelets

2011 is sure to be full of soft and gentle details, and what better accent to your wrist than a fabric bracelet? Not to be confused with the simple friendship bracelets you had in 6th grade, these fabric and mesh bracelets are all grown up. Hand stitching, gorgeous Swarovski crystals, and delicate fabric make these bracelets the perfect alluring touch to any bridal gown. Designed by Justine M. Couture, we snagged these two brand new designs from her 2011 collection. My favorite of the two above, The Shannon Bracelet, $240. Available in silver or gold.

Cinderella Mesh Bracelet, $249, available in silver or gold.

Friday, January 21, 2011

2011 Wedding Trends - Part One, Return to Sophistication

Our friends over at the One Wed blog have released their annual list of wedding trends and it couldn't be more on point! To help you make these trends your own, we've taken their list and added some fabulous accessories. Here's what they said the top five trends for 2011 are...

1. Return to Sophistication
2. Outdoor Venues and Scenic Settings
3. Grey is the New Black
4. Mad for Metallics
5. Big Ballgowns are Back

Welcome to Part One - Return to Sophistication

It's back to the basics featuring elegant and sophisticated styles. Think pearls, lace, and all things romantic. While gentle silks and delicate alencon lace with help you feel understated and beautiful, there's still plenty of room for sparkle.

Our must list for a sophisticated wedding includes...

The Lady Sash, $229, delicate hand-cut silk box-y flowers on a creamy ribbon accented with vintage inspired crystals.

One of a kind pieces, like the Beau Bracelet, $179, add whimsy and glamour.

Creamy pearls dangling from flower inspired crystals are completely romantic and anything but stuffy. Lorna Earrings by Avant Bride, $129.

A sophisticated shoe will complete your look! Brand new for 2011, Benjamin Adams' Salma, $199 with a fold over pleat and Swarovski crystal accent will look classic for years to come.

We're pleased to have blogged about this trend back in September and glad it's here to stay. Read our post on the "LadyLike" Wedding for more ideas.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Contemporary Veils by Sara Gabriel

Want to wear a veil for your wedding but aren't crazy about the traditional full length tulle number? We have you covered. We always love seeing new styles and designs come into the shop, and we're really excited about these new veils. All these gorgeous veils give a nod to the fascinator style that's so popular right now and are perfect for the bride that wants a veil that's just a little unique. Sara Gabriel uses their millinery expertise to hand craft these lovely pieces! My favorite of our new for 2011 collection is the Cammy Veil, above for $355, it's a gorgeous ovesized tulle "bow" created with a silk velvet and organza flower. Makes me want to get married all over again.

Here are some of the other fabulous veils in the Sara Gabriel Collection! Sweet and contemporary Ashley, $200.

Charise, $225, created with French Tulle Netting AND traditional English Tulle.

The delicate bandeau style, Wendy, $239.

These are only a few or Sara Gabriel's fabulous veils. See more in our shop and online! We'd be more than happy to custom create something just for you too! Do you love these unique styled veils? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Monday, January 17, 2011

What is a Trunk Show?

Our 2010 One of a Kind Meg Jewelry Trunk Show

Welcome to Wedding Trunk Show Season!

So many brides ask us, "What is a trunk show?" A trunk show is when designers send amazing pieces, literally in trunks, to boutiques that carry the brand. Designers send anywhere from 50 - 150 special items from their most recent collections that the boutiques do not necessarily always carry, to give brides all over the city a chance to see, feel, and fall in love with these pieces.

Some perks about trunk shows are that you have a chance to see pieces that will be in Chicago one week and New York the next. You don't have to spend all that extra money to travel to New York just to find the jewelry and accessories of your dreams. Also, be on the look out for our designer attended shows. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with the actual person designing your wedding accessories. They have first-hand knowledge of gown designs, colors, styling and can create a piece for you. Some shows also give you an incentive or discount of you purchase during the trunk show dates.

You must be quick to take advantage of this opportunity, because trunk shows typically last only two to three days. You may see and try on a headpiece or bracelet you love one weekend and may never see it at our boutique again. If you don't purchase during the trunk show dates, the discounts from designers are no longer honored. But on the plus side, you'll be the only bride in Chicago wearing something no one else has!

See our 2011 Trunk Shows here.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Wedding Sashes and Why We Love Them

A wedding sash can add a perfect touch to your look and accessorize a simple gown. Shown above, The Lady Sash, ~~$229~~ $172. Here's a few reasons why we love wedding sashes:

It's a inexpensive way to modernize a simple dress
Enhances a silhouette of any gown, flatters any shape and wonderfully defines a waist.
A meaningful piece to wear on your wedding day and on each anniversary
A thoughtful piece to pass on through future generations
A great way to update an old dress, or an heirloom dress
One sash, two ways to wear them: a waist sash or as a headband
You can wear it again, always love that one!

Melanie Sash, ~~$299~~ $224

Our wedding sashes at The Left Bank are made in a variety of colors and can be crafted with finished edges or simply taken to your tailor and a hook and eye closure added. They are hand sewn using the finest silk, satin, velvet, lace, organza, pearls and Swarovski crystals to create these stunning pieces. Wedding sashes radiate exceptional taste, making you simply elegant.

Anne Marie, ~~$249~~ $212

Sara Ann Sash ~~$299~~ $254

To kick off the wedding season, our wedding sashes are 25% off through the end of January 2011!
Shop now on our website.

Related Posts

How to Tie the Perfect Wedding Dress Sash

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Petite Blusher Veil

Veils and headpieces are continuing to go the way of the fascinator...soft, sweet, and romantic! We've found the perfect petite blusher veil! This new veil came into our shop the other day and I fell in love. Meet the Ballroom "Peep" Veil. A delicate and sweet mini blusher, is perfect for the bride looking for a touch of vintage glamour. Wear it as a twist on the traditional blusher, a fun petite covering for your hairstyle, or puff it up and wear it as a fascinator.

The tulle portion of veil measures 6" from top to bottom created with a folded double layer of tulle stitched into a 3.5" long comb with moderate gathering. Available in diamond white or pale ivory, $149. Can't wait to have one? Order yours now.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

2011 Great Find

Not to brag, but we're thrilled to be featured as a 2011 Great Find in Wedding Guide Chicago's newest magazine! Our Electra Shoe was their pick. You can grab a copy out now on new stands or check out their preview Flipbook here.

Here's the fabulous shoe they loved so much. Grab a pair of your own by shopping our website.

Electra by Benjamin Adams, $375

Monday, January 10, 2011

Win Free Tickets to Indie Wed

We have FREE tickets to one of Chicago's most popular and unique wedding events...Indie Wed! We'd love to send a handful of lucky brides to the show for free! All you have to do is check out our newly redesigned website and fill out our contact form by Friday January 14th, 2011. Mention that you want tickets to Indie Wed in the comments section and you'll be automatically entered to win tickets to the show (a $12 value).

Click here to fill out the form and enter to win.

Announcing our 2011 Trunk Shows

Boutique de Voile
Sunday, January 30th

"Why purchase a headpiece when you can wear a piece of art?" Come see these stunning pieces from the Boutique de Voile line, new to our shop for 2011. Gorgeous headpieces, veils, and jewelry all handcrafted in the US.

\ Sara Gabriel Headpieces & Veils
February 11th & 12th

Gorgeous veils and hairpieces all individually cut by a professional milliner and finished by hand. Sara is known for her show stopping styles and exquisite headpieces. Her collection of headpieces and hair jewelry is meticulously crafted from freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, hand-sculpted flowers and feathers, and glittering rhinestones. Sip champagne and work directly with the designer to create a custom piece.
Designer attended, please RSVP to 773.929.7422 or theleftbank@sbcglobal.net

Haute Bride
March 11th, 12th, & 13th
June 10th & 11th
Haute Bride has become the hottest jewelry line in the bridal world with their signature chunky stones and big bling. One of our favorite designers! For the hot, trendsetting and fashion forward Bride.
Open house style, no rsvp necessary.

April in Paris Soiree
April 14th 5:30 - 8p

Sip bubbly, eat sweets, and shop for all things French inspired at this bridal event. Hosted by Out of the Box Bridal. No RSVP necessary.

Fancy NY Dress Launch & Preview Party
May 3 & 4th

Introducing wedding gowns at the Left Bank! Come see this exclusive Chicago launch of this retro inspired line. Fun and fancy wedding dresses with a contemporary twist, designed for the alternative bride. Created by two brothers with a passion for the "Sunday best" concept.
Designer attended, RSVP required to 773.929.7422 or theleftbank@sbcglobal.net

Laura Jayne Bridal
May 14th & 15th

See Designer Laura Jayne's beautiful collection of handmade veils and bridal headpieces. Her hand made veils, hair jewelry, and wedding accessories are both elegant and romantic. This annual Trunk Show is always a don’t miss event.
Please RSVP to 773.929.7422 or theleftbank@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, January 9, 2011

A Sky High Bridal Show

Check out some photos from our latest bridal show appearance. Love at Breath Taking Heights, an upscale bridal event hosted by The Metropolitan Club at the Willis Tower. Beth and Susan were there with our sparkly baubles and tons of happy brides!

One lovely bride to be fell in love with the sparkling, all crystal Charlize shoe by Benjamin Adams. It was a delight to meet so many lovely ladies. We hope to be back next year.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Style Me Pretty New E-Magazine

Our friends over at Style Me Pretty (a chic wedding blog with great photos and great vendor ideas) have created a fun, fabulous E-Glossy Magazine. It's stuffed with beautiful photos and tons of ideas...for all types of brides. And better yet? It's totally green! We just heart it. Check it out here.

Plus, if you flip to page 127, you can see our fabulous ad!

Friday, January 7, 2011

More Details on the NEW Princess Catherine Wedding Shoe

More details are available for the eagerly anticipated Kate shoe by Benjamin Adams! This (sure to be gorgeous shoe) will be name Catherine and available for $399 scheduled to arrive in May 2011 with a heel height of 3.25". Benjamin Adams is only creating a limited run, so pre-ordering is strongly recommended. You may pre-order a pair, and learn more about this fabulous shoe, on our website by clicking here.

NEW Left Bank Jewelry Website

We're pleased as punch to finally introduce you to the madeover, redesigned, and NEW Left Bank Jewelry website. You'll notice we haven't been linking the photos of our fabulous pieces back to our website recently and that's why. We now have a whole new look we think you'll love. We brought in lots of new designers and expanded our bridal collection! Now there's even more pieces to love on an easier to browse website. There are now three main shopping areas filled with gorgeous baubles.

Jewelry & Headpieces
Wedding Shoes
Accessories

Please check it out and let us know what you think!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Boutique Bridal Show

Come see our fabulous accessories at this boutique wedding show! This Friday, January 7, 2011. It's our first show for 2011.

You are Cordially Invited to Experience:
LOVE AT BREATHTAKING HEIGHTS

An exclusive boutique wedding show hosted by The Metropolitan Club

Friday, January 7th, 2011
5:30pm-8:30pm

Mingle among Chicago's elite wedding vendors while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails & spectacular views.

All brides will receive a swag bag and can enter on site to win an engagement cocktail party for 20 guests at The Metropolitan Club plus more fabulous prizes from our vendors!

To pre-register please contact Ashley Jorn at 312.993.2529 or ashley.jorn@ourclub.com

Guests registered by January 6th, 2011 - $10
Non-registered guests - $15

For more information, please visit the Metropolitan Club Website.

Selecting Bridal Hair Jewelry

One of the more perplexing wedding accessories to select is hair jewelry. Be it a headpiece, clip, comb, or bandeau, lots of options can leave you feeling overwhelmed. We're here to help like. Here are our top five tips for selecting the perfect headpiece for you.  

1. Decide if you'll be wearing a veil. The size of your headpiece is dictated by whether or not you'll be wearing it with a veil. Ask yourself: Am I wearing a veil? Will I be taking off my veil for the reception? Do I want a piece to wear with my veil? Do I want a piece to replace my veil when I take it off? If you're not wearing a veil, or replacing yourveil with a headpiece for the reception, you can opt for a larger, showier piece like a fascinatoror extra large feather and flower combination. If you're wearing your veil all night, opt for something a bit more structured that will sit under the veil nicely.  

2. Where is your wedding? If you're having an outdoor ceremony on cliff where it’s sure to be really windy, you might want to avoid pieces with lots of flyaway feathers and tulle, whereas a tuft of feathers on a small comb would be perfect for small, vineyard wedding. Keep your location, and the weather, in mind when you're considering what style to choose.  

3. How are you wearing your hair? While sets of scattered hairpins are gorgeous in a swept back bun, they don't really work if you're wearing your hair down. If you have your heart set on a specific piece, make sure you take it to your hair trial with an open mind, so your stylist can make it work.  

4. Think about the other jewelry you're wearing. When putting accessories for an outfit together, it's all about the whole look. Make sure you have one focal piece and fit the rest around it. If you want to wear a very large crystal headpiece, choose that first and then find earrings, necklace and a bracelet to compliment. If you already found drop dead gorgeous earrings, opt for a more subtle headpiece that will compliment and not overshadow.  

5. Know what makes you comfortable. You want to feel like a beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day. So if you're not comfortable in a headband in "real life," don't force yourself to wear one with your wedding dress. Stay true to your style and vision as a bride by selecting a piece that you love.

Pictured: Bliss Hair Comb, $195, by Bride's Head Revisited, Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios

This piece was originally written for Today's Chicago Woman Wedding Planner

Monday, January 3, 2011

New Left Bank Jewelry Website - Coming Soon!

We have exciting news for the New Year! The Left Bank Jewelry Website is getting a makeover! We've excited to let you know that we revamped our online boutique to make shopping for gorgeous wedding accessories, veils, and shoes even easier. Beautiful pink and black will greet you when you begin your shopping experience...this makeover includes new photography, more items, and faster checkout! The new LeftBankJewelry.com will debut any day now. Keep checking back for the new site and let us know what you think!