Everything But The Dress: 3/1/11

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Spring Newsletter

We're happy to announce our latest venture here at the boutique... our newsletter! Here's the first edition below...make sure to sign up for our email list to receive all the future editions delivered right to your inbox!

Bonjour et Bienvenue!

Welcome to our Spring newsletter.

We are excited to bring you the latest happenings and

events at The Left Bank Jewelry.

Fancy That!

Our latest venture... Dresses! You heard right, we are now the exclusive Illinois retailer of the Fancy New York dress collection. This vintage inspired line is fun and flirty with a unique retro vibe. Check out the fabulous dresses on their website and come meet the designers on May 3rd and 4th at our boutique. And speaking of websites, The Left Bank's site has been beautifully redesigned. Take a look around our new online store for all your wedding accessories.

Save the Dates ...

For these great events we have coming up.

April 14 ~ April in Paris Soiree
May 1 ~ Our Sweet 16 Birthday begins
May 3 & 4 ~ Fancy NY Trunk Show, Meet the Designers
May 14 &15 ~Toronto based wedding accessory designer, Laura Jayne

A Shoe for the Soon To Be Princess

If you are looking for a shoe fit for a princess, look no further than the Catherine. This latest creation by Benjamin Adams was designed and named in honor of the future princess, Kate Middleton. Check out our blog post for details on these gorgeous kicks.

French Word of the Month

"Printemps" meaning Spring... which we are all looking forward to!

Testimonial

I just wanted to let you know how appreciative I am for all of your efforts in getting my beautiful Angela Nuran shoes to me... I was so amazed at your outstanding service. You were an absolute delight to communicate with and I had 100% faith in your business which is why I chose The Left Bank.

-Rebecca H.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bridal Statement Necklaces

We love the look of a simple wedding gown and a bold statement necklace. Big, chunky necklaces have been a trend not only walking down the bridal aisle, but for everyday. Even celebrities have been sited on the red carpet wearing these gorgeous gems. Check out Kristen Chenoweth wearing a custom designed Haute Bride piece.

At our recent Haute Bride Trunk Show, we were given a chance to see some of their beautiful statement necklaces. Their perfect pieces were made with crystals and pearls in all different shapes and sizes. Check out some of our favorites.

Love these necklaces? Want on for yourself? Haute Bride statement necklaces start at $345 and our completely customizable. Contact us today to get your very own.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Real Wedding - Rachel & Eric

Say congratulations to our newest bride and groom! Rachel and Eric tied the knot October 8, 2010 in Bloomington, Indiana. Rachel wore a beautiful, custom designed french tulle veil accented with delicate feathers and crystals designed by Laura Jayne Bridal. And looked stunning, if we don't say so ourselves!

Their Ingredients...
Photographer ~ SB Childs Photography
Florist ~ Kathy Bodle-Perez
Ceremony ~Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington, IN
Reception ~ Indiana Memorial Union, Alumni Hall, in Bloomington, IN

Congratulations to Rachel and Eric!

Want your wedding featured on our blog? Learn more here.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

11.11.11 Wedding Giveaway

Want to win a free wedding? Who wouldn't love that? Our friends behind the eleven eleven wedding are giving away another free wedding this year! As a proud sponsor of their previous giveaway, we're happy to announce that submissions for the Friday 11.11.11 wedding giveaway are being accepted now. Just hop over to their website, elevenelevenwedding.com to find out all the details and enter to win that fabulous, free wedding for yourself! Enteries are being accepted through April 15, 2011.

To get a taste for all the fabulous wedding goodies the lucky winner will receive, take a look at this fun video that was shot for the last eleven eleven couple while they shopped in our boutique.

And of course...learn about the goodies we donated to the bride here.

Best of luck!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sparkling Statement Headpieces for Brides

This year, big and sparkling is the perfect look for brides. Looking for a dramatic headpiece to accent a simple dress or strike the right balance with an ornate gown? Search no more. We've added these fantastic, glittering headpieces to our collection and couldn't be happier! Above, the stunning Hermia Statement Bandeau, $349

Looking for a haircomb? The Majesty Comb, $189 is perfect for adorning a large bun or swept back curls.

This asymmetrical statement headband is perfect for a contemporary gown. The Diva Headband, $349.

Slightly more understated, but by no means simple, The St. Tropez Haircomb, $249.

Gorgeous and fairytale inspired the Chantesse Statement Band, $439, lays flat on top of the head.

A perfect piece for tucking into a French Twist, Vilmavie Haircomb.

Another gorgeous haircomb, the Puccini Comb, $369, is a versatile as it is sparkly.

And statement pieces aren't just for weddings! Wear one to your next black tie event and be the bell of the ball! Shop online now, or contact us for more information.

Bridal Tiaras, In or Out?
Dramatic Headbands
Sophisticated Bridal Haircombs
How to Find Your Bridal Style

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Blogging Day of Silence

We love this philanthropic cause and are proud to be a part of it, which is why we'll be participating in the blogging day of silence Friday, March 18, 2011.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Our Spring Window

Check out our new window display! We were tired of waiting for spring to come around, so we're hoping to push the weather in the right direction with our new window. Our window also unveils our new adventure...bridal dresses! We're going to carry gorgeous dresses designed by a team of two brothers called Fancy New York. Keep checking the blog for details on the early summer Launch Party we'll be hosting.

Hope you love our new spring look as much as we do. See our creative director, Marios Stamos', sketch below!

We hope you love it as much as these ladies did! Leave a comment and let us know!

Lockets, The Romantic Wedding Accessory

Lockets have long been a symbol of romance and long distance love. The wearer can tuck a secret, or not so secret, portrait into it's tiny frame as a reminder of their love. These sweet little portable picture frames date back to at least the 16th century. Most vintage lockets were created of gold and were accented with tiny gemstones, cameos, or ornate carvings. Once technology allowed for mass production, lockets became increasing popular, and now are made from a number of different materials. They come in all shapes and sizes from the simplest round, or studded with crystals, even miniature envelopes with a secret message inside. Interested in the history of the locket? Check out the "Love Tokens" collections article from Martha Stewart Magazine.

We love the idea of a locket for your bridal look. Wear a crystal encrusted one with a photo of your fiancee from Haute Bride, or wrap a vintage style locket around your bouquet with a photo of loved ones who are no longer with you.

Some of our favorites? From left to right Petite Locket with Champagne, by Haute Bride, $215, Filigree Locket, $75, French Vintage Locket by La Vie Parisianne, $82, and Grande Locket by Haute Bride, $239.

Shop the look at our shop!

Romantic Hair Flowers
Romantic Ruffles
Wedding Looks - The Romantic Bride

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Ballerina Inspired Bride

Ballet has symbolized romance and grace for years. Thanks to the popularity of great ballets like "Swan Lake" and Natalie Portman's star showing in "The Black Swan" ballet has been thrust into the spotlight. We love the idea of copying that gorgeous, chic style for weddings. After all, what better day to be graceful and romantic? Here are some of our favorite ballet inspired wedding accessories. Adorn your gown and channel your inner swan with this beautiful Sloane Bracelet, $279, by Sara Gabriel. Hand crafted of soft feathers and accented with a cluster of crystals, Sloane can be worn as a bracelet or a headpiece. Available in Diamond White, Pale Ivory, or Black.

Ballet Dancers can't wear big earrings while dancing, so petite pearl and crystal studs are the perfect compromise. From left to right Hepburn Pearl Post Earring $68, Cheri Studs $62, and Pearl Studs $36.

Any perfect ballerina bride needs chic crystal encrusted ballet flats of course. Renee by Benjamin Adams, $195.

The creamy ribbons on this delicate bandeau echo the feeling of the ribbons on pointe shoes. Jessamine Bandeau, $199. Can also be worn as a sash. See some other Ribbon Headpieces here.

Channel your inner Swan Lake with this gorgeous hand curled feather hair comb; looks perfect worn as a fascinator on the top of your head, or wrapped around a low chignon. Mizzi Curly Feather Hair Comb, $149. Designed by Lori London.

Add some extra sparkle to your sophisticated ballerina bun with these Petite Crystal Stud Hairpins, $36 for a set of six. Also available in a larger Grande size.

Love the look? Has the Black Swan or any other movie influenced your bridal look?

Friday, March 11, 2011

Crystal Bling Wedding Shoes

It's no secret that the ladies of the Left Bank love sparkle. Fortunately, our designers do too, and in the past year we're seeing more and more fabulous crystal wedding shoes having their designer debut. We love these crystal encrusted shoes for their posh, panache, and most importantly, affordability. No $1000 shoes here! The newest from Benjamin Adams was designed in honor of the upcoming Royal Wedding of Catherine and William. Created with Swarovski crystals and ivory mesh, it debuts in May 2011 and is sure to be as smashing as the soon to be Princess. Catherine is available for pre-order for $399.

Here are some other drop dead gorgeous crystal shoes...

Gaga, all crystal wedding pump with a 3 3/4" heel. $375.

Electra, Sling back peep toe with a 4.25" heel and hidden platform. $375.

Charlize, the most popular of the all crystal shoes by Benjamin Adams features a hidden platform and 4.25" heel. $399.

Sissy, the ultra haute couture shoe by Benjamin Adams boasts a sky high 5" heel and is available by custom order only, $599. Contact us for more information, Please allow a minimum of eight weeks.

Starletta Glitz by Angela Nuran features her ultra comfort padding and a heel encrusted with 1000 hand applied Swarovski crystals. $675.

Found just the sparkle you need? Order a pair today! And of course...don't forget the crystals for the bottom of the shoe with these cute "I Do" blue shoe stickers.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

2011 Haute Bride Trunk Show

Searching for the perfect wedding jewelry to compliment your gorgeous dress? Stop by our Haute Bride Trunk Show. 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! Their signature chunky stones and bold designs are perfect for any bride wanting to make a statement.

Haute Bride Wedding Jewelry Trunk Show

Friday, March 11th ~ 12pm- 9pm
Saturday, March 12th ~ 11am - 5pm
Sunday, March 13th ~ 12pm - 5pm

Come try on baubles galore, open house style, no appointments necessary.

What is a Trunk Show?

Monday, March 7, 2011

Bridal Fascinators & Veil Alternatives

Brides are donning chic fascinators, hatlets, chapeaus, and hairpieces now more than ever. Call it the european influence or the Kate Middleton effect, either way, fascinators are a glamorous and chic way to make a statement on your wedding day? Want a little history? Check out our previous post "What is a Fascinator" for a little lesson.

We love their chic look and versatility. Wear one for the entire day or stick to a traditional veil for the ceremony and switch to a petite hatlet or chapeau for the reception. Since fascinators are gaining popularity with brides and wedding guests alike, the options available continue to grow. Pick out a sweet piece designed by one of our designers like Sara Gabriel, Laura Jayne Bridal, Haute Bride, or custom create something unique just for you. The possibilities are endless! Here are some of our newest favorites...above, the over sized Aubrey Flower, $135, by Sara Gabriel in white is perfect for the bride or in black for the wedding guest.

This new French Tulle and Flower combination is perfect in place of a longer veil. Bride's Head Revisited Leila Birdcage, $300.

Perfect for bride or bridesmaids, Betz, $72, is available with black or natural pale ivory flowers.

One of my favorite cocktail hats, the Lulu Chapeau, $98.

Don't think you can pull off a fascinator as wedding guest? Of course you can! As long as you stay away from white, ivory, and French Tulle, you'll have no problem.

Need proof? That's me above in a petite pink vintage fascinator at a friend's July 2009 wedding in St. Charles, Illinois.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Romantic Ruffles - Ruffle Inspired Bridal Jewelry

We love the soft look of frills and ruffles that serve no purpose but to look beautiful. These ruffled bridal pieces will make sure you look as romantic as you feel on your wedding day. Real Simple Magazine declared romantic ruffles to be one of "The Most Wearable Trends Right Now" and we agree! Here are some of our top picks for bridal inspired ruffles. Above, the perfect ruffled clutch, Rufina Chiffon Clutch, $129.

The gentle overlapping of this Custom Pearl Necklace,$85, by Monsieur Pamplemousse mimics the feeling of soft ruffles.

The Daniella Fleur Comb, $250, by Bride's Head Revisited features gentle organza and silk atop soft French Tulle netting.

A perfect blend of romance and sophistication with a chic mid-height heel of 3 3/8". Liza, $175 by Benjamin Adams.

Layers of crystals feel just like ruffles, but sparklier! Above, Monsieur Pamplemousse Pink Chaladay Earrings, $46. Below, the Althea Bracelet, $149, a delicate mix of champagne, blush, and clear crystals and pearls by Meg Wedding Jewelry.

Feeling romantic yet?

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Royal Wedding Accessories - Our ideas for Kate

We all love speculating about the royal wedding! And Brides.com has done a fabulous job of keeping everyone in the loop. They recently asked a handful of wedding gown designers to dream on the very mysterious royal wedding gown. Each designer sketched a gown just for the soon to be Princess Catherine. They gowns were all amazingly gorgeous (see them all here)...they were just begging to play metaphorical dress up. So I picked my top three favorite gown designs and paired them with the matching wedding accessories!

Brides.com says Amsale designed "Kate in this subtly beaded Alençon lace gown that features cap sleeves, a romantic, ballerina neckline, and a cathedral length train. 'The gown is reflective of Kate's young, fresh style with a nod to tradition,' says Amsale."

Nothing is more romantic and traditional than pearls, which is why I would pair this gorgeous gown with...
Glamoura Bracelet, $72
Sienna Wedding Shoe by Grace, $130
Lorna Earring by Avant Bride, $129

Brides.com says designer Angel Sanchez "wanted to create something for Kate that was sophisticated yet modern at the same time..'The neckline and sleeves add a touch of old world sophistication and glamour, much of what Kate embodies in her day-to-day life,' he says. 'The trumpet silhouette is very sleek and flattering, and the draped ruffle skirt adds a touch of drama.'"

A dress like this speaks for itself, so I selected a stunning shoe and earrings with a little roundness to counteract the vertical lines...
Casique Brooch, $56
Parisienne Chandelier Earrings, $129
Valentine Silk Wedding Shoe by Grazia, $195

Brides.com says..."In response to the long, slim silhouettes and sometimes-plunging necklines that Kate often favors in her everyday wardrobe, Watters created a Chantilly lace dress with a V-neck and a slim skirt that is extra full in the back. 'We would use a delicate Chantilly lace because it veils bare skin but is not too sheer,' says the Watters design team."

A nod to the art deco seemed perfect to keep the gown feeling contemporary with all the lace. My pairing...
Savoy Deco Drop Earrings, $78
Astoria Ballroom Inspired Wedding Shoe by Angela Nuran, $249.
Crystal Chandelier Necklace, $98

What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite? And just in case any of Kate Middleton's wedding planners are reading this...all these fabulous pieces can be found at The Left Bank Jewelry in Chicago.