Everything But The Dress: 2/1/11

Monday, February 28, 2011

Designer Spotlight - Benjamin Adams

One of our favorite shoe lines comes from the father and son team that is Benjamin Adams. This London based design studio which is a part of Paradox London is recognized as the market leader in the United Kingdom for bridal footwear. The Paradox London design team is completely focused on translating cutting edge designer styles into bridal footwear. In 2010, they were nominated for a "Perfect Wedding Award." Their shoes are the perfect addition to any wedding gown (or for that special black tie party) because of thier creamy duchesse satin, genuine leather, Swarovski crystals and always fresh and current designs.

In fact, our very own Beth loved one of their new shoes so much, she wore it to the DEBI Awards last year. Above, is all of the Left Bank Ladies with the Benjamin Adams boys. And we're all clamoring to get our hands on the new Catherine shoe. Here are some of our favorite new styles, or see them all here.

Salma, $199

Gaga, $375 (the shop favorite!)

And of course their clutches are as chic as their shoes! Stone Silk Clutch, $98.

Designer Spotlight - Pink Paradox London

New Wedding Shoe Styles for 2011

Princess Catherine Wedding Shoe

Friday, February 25, 2011

Monsieur Pamplemousse Jewelry Sale

The weather has been so dreary...we wanted to have a special to brighten things up! This weekend, we're offering a fantastic sale on local designer Alex Agudo's hand crafted jewelry line Monsieur Pamplemousse. This young, daring designer travels the world to collect gorgeous gems, beads, and stones to create into unique jewelry perfect for weddings, parties, and even everyday.

Here's the details...
Friday, February 25th ~ Sunday, February 28th
All Monsieur Pamplemousse pieces are 30% off

Stop by our shop to see these pretty pieces yourself. Here are some photos of our favorites to tide you over..

My favorite...pink cluster drops, originally $46, now $32.20

See something you love but can't make it to the shop? Contact us and we'll wrap it up and send it out to you! 773.929.7422.

Princess Catherine Wedding Shoe Photo!

It's here! The long awaited photo of the brand new shoe by Benjamin Adams designed in honor of Soon-to-be-Princess Catherine and Prince William.

The Catherine shoe is even prettier in the photo than in the design sketch! We are taking pre-orders for this shoe, expected delivery date is May 2011. We're sure they will be just as popular as their other all crystal shoe styles, which sold out within weeks of their debut and continue to be on back order now in popular sizes. So if you've just fallen in love, we suggest you pre-order a pair now.

Learn more about the Catherine shoe here.

Vintage Inspired Bridal Earrings

We love the look of glamorous and beautiful vintage inspired bridal jewelry. There's something so elegant about jewelry that has been passed down through generations, but some of us aren't lucky enough to have a jewelry box of special occasion vintage pieces at our disposal. Thankfully, jewelry designers feel the same way and create gorgeous pieces that not only look vintage, but will be able to become your heirloom pieces. Invest in a smashing pair of bridal earrings and your great-great granddaughter will thank you. Above, my favorite of our newest pieces, Lorraine Earrings, $129, by Laura Jayne Bridal.

Vintage Glam Earrings, $129

Created from actual vintage clip on earrings.

Emme Earring $159

Rena Earring, $169

Venice Stud Earrings, $132

Vintage Hair Jewelry

Matching Bride & Bridesmaid Brooches

A Return to Sophistication

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Real Wedding ~ Ally & Ryan

The Wedding of Ally Kaulen and Ryan Nevett
December 11, 2010

We're happy to congratulate another amazing couple on their wedding! Ally Kaulen and Ryan Nevett were married in a European inspired ceremony on December 11, 2010. Their chic Stan Mansion ceremony and reception echoed their love of London, where the two first met.

A fun candid, photo from right after the wedding! Steal their style for portraits that are sure to look smashing on the wall!

The bride wore our stunning and oh so comfortable Glamoura Cuff to say "I Do." Ally also shopped at The Left Bank for her gorgeous Italian Tulle Veil by Laura Jayne, Earrings by La Reine de Jour, and Les Beaux haircombs.

Their Other Ingredients
Ceremony & Reception ~ Stan Mansion, Chicago
Event Design ~ Art of Imagination
Photography ~ Colin Lyons
Videography ~ Ben Mahoney Productions
Flowers ~ Flower Firm
Music ~ American English Beatles Tribute Band, Backthird Events, Sounds Abound
Catering ~ D absolute Catering
Cake ~ TipsyCake
Wedding Planner ~ Linda Smith Weddings

Congratulations to the Newlyweds!

More Real Weddings

Monday, February 21, 2011

Princess Diana Blue Wedding Accessories

Everyone is buzzing about the upcoming royal wedding, us included! We love speculating about what the dress, accessories, and cake will look like, and we know one thing for sure, we LOVE the deep sapphire blue of Kate's vintage Sapphire engagement ring from Princess Diana. Do you love it too? Here are some pieces that will help you add a little bit of Princess Diana Blue into your wedding look. There's never been a more fashionable time for "something blue." Above, a gorgeous and huge Swarovski crystal cuff designed by Haute Bride. Montana Cuff, price upon request.

Custom created, one of a kind, Alexa Bracelet, $129.

Daisy Drop Earrings, $46.

Lily Brooch, $46.

Parisienne Chandelier, $129.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Top 5 Bridal Hairpieces by Sara Gabriel

Our recent trunk show with Sara Gabriel was a smash success. It was so much fun to see all their gorgeous pieces in person. There were so many favorites...but I challenged myself to narrow it down to five. Here are my top five favorite bridal headpieces from Sara Gabriel's 2011 collection. Above, the Aubrey Clip, $135. A stunning pressed silk flower 5" in diameter with a black crystal and wire center.

This gorgeous headband is created with extra wide horsehair ribbon and a side bow accent. Jaclyn Headband, $135. Also available as a sash for $185.

Perhaps the favorite haircomb I've seen in anyone's 2011 collection, the Aja Comb, $115 is created with uber soft ostrich feathers and features blush pink crystal and feather accents.

The Dotty Hat, $168 is perfect for the bride looking for that European cocktail hat look!

This fun hair ribbon can be made with double sided crystals in a contrasting color so you're sure to wear it again! Haleigh Hair Ribbon, $190. See the purple side (above) and clear side (below) of the same piece! Also available single sided for $117.

To purchase any of these Sara Gabriel pieces, please contact us and we will start your special order right away!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

2011 Wedding Trends - Part Five, Big Ballgowns are Back

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 Five ~ Big Ballgowns are Back!

Here's a trend almost everyone is excited about...big and fabulous ballgowns, back to the princess inspired gown from our little girl dreams. But this year's styles are all grown up and so are the accessories. Big dresses mean you need to pay extra attention to proportion, think show stopping earrings and no necklace or statement necklace and studs. Go for fairytale inspiration, drama, and of course, don't be afraid of a little extra sparkle.

Larger than life and full of tulle, this power flower by Sara Gabriel will stand up to even the best of the ballgowns. Janet Comb, $195. Available by special order.

Extra sparkle is required and instantly satisfied with Haute Bride's Glam Cushion Cut Drops, $169.

A sparkling sash adds instant glamour and drama to a simple waistline. Melanie Sash, $299.

Keep your gorgeous proportion with tall heeled shoes and a little bling for your feet. Grazia Valentine, $195.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Vow in the City Bridal Event

Come join us for a swanky bridal event! We'll be showing off a limited collection of our shoes and special gifts at this Out of the Box Bridal Event. Plus, we're giving away a special gift to everyone lucky enough to grab a swag bag. The event is complimentary, but you'll want to RSVP to skip the line.

Thursday, February 17, 2011
5:30pm - 8:00pm
White House Black Market
116 East Oak Street
Chicago, Illinois

We hope to see you there! Click here to rsvp.

Monday, February 14, 2011

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!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sara Gariel Trunk Show Photos

Check out photos from our fabulous Sara Gabriel Trunk Show. Sara Gabriel designer Donielle (above right) is in our shop this weekend to help brides create the headpiece and veil of their dreams...along with hundreds of beautiful pieces. Stop by on the last day of the show Sunday, February 13th from Noon until 5pm.

As a special Trunk Show offer...for every $100 you spend in the shop, we'll give you a $10 gift card to spend on your next purchase between 2/18/11 and 4/18/11.