Atha Sharod Bridal Fashion Show

We are pleased to announce that we will be participating in the Atha Sharod Bridal "Sneak Preview" fashion show on Sunday August 7, 2011 from 4 to 7 pm at Loft on Lake, 1366 West Lake Street in Chicago.  The Left Bank will be styling the models with the finest in couture wedding accessories.   Come see Atha Sharod's new collection of custom made wedding gowns and indulge yourself with champagne and other wedding treats from local vendors.

Click here for ticket information.

Cathedral Wedding Veils... Tradition or Trend?

Veils have always been a wedding tradition. Different styles have evolved throughout history, leaving brides with many options as to what they can adorn themselves with on their special day.

While it is unknown exactly where the tradition of veils originated, what is known is that their significance in a wedding ceremony has typically been the same. Used as a cover or shield, the veil would protect the bride from evil spirits before her wedding day and be a symbol of modesty. It is also said that the tradition of the groom removing the veil from the bride's face is a sign of him accepting his bride.  

Just like their history, the trend in veils shifts from long to short, short to long, face and birdcage veils...you name it, we've seen it.

As of late the trend seems to be shifting back to a traditional cathedral veil.  Cathedral wedding veils are typically 90" to 120", but any length is available that suits your personal style. Television star Star Jones' stunning veil measured at 27 feet long, which just beats the beautiful 25 foot veil worn by Princess Diana, as the longest veil in history.

Star Jones wearing the longest veil in history

Model Kate Moss wearing a gorgeous ivory lace cathedral veil

Singer Lilly Allen in a Victorian inspired veil

Actress Marcia Cross and her six flower girls showing off her cathedral veil

Real brides wearing cathedral veils

The Other Royal Wedding...

The long awaited marriage of Prince Albert of Monaco to former Olympiad South African swimmer, Charlene Wittstock was held on July 2, 2011.

Just months after the "other royal wedding", many asked if they were overshadowed by Will and Kate. The couple didn't seem to notice as they looked enamored throughout their day. 

Lovely Charlene donned a custom Georgio Armani off the shoulder ivory silk gown encrusted with 40,000 Swarovski crystals and an ultra sheer and elegant cathedral veil.   

Princess Charlene wore simple silk ballet flats so not to tower over the Prince.  So, if you're looking for an elegant low heeled wedding shoe as to not tower over your own "Prince", here's the perfect silk ballet flat named "Renee" with a barely there heel and scattering of Swarovski crystals over the vamp crafted by Benjamin Adams London.



Renee by Benjamin Adams London- $195 



True Love, True Luxury With Sara Gabriel

WedLuxe Magazine features Lori and John's beautiful October wedding. What caught our eye about these gorgeous photos was the Sara Gabriel "Wendy" veil that Lori wore with her Prada dress and crystal earrings with a petite pearl drop. Couture wedding accessory designer, Sara Gabriel created the eponymous Wendy veil that features a hand formed silk organza rose with an adjustable tulle wrap. Its unmistakable chicness is what sets her line of bridal headpieces and veils apart. 

We recently spoke to designer Sara Gabriel and asked her a few fun questions to share with you and give you a little more insight into a designer's world.

5 things you can't live without: (in no particular order)

1) My iPhone

2) Lindt chocolate

3) My kids and hubby

4) Swarovski crystals

5) Escaping to the movies with my hubby every couple of weeks for some "non-bridal" time.

2 things on your ultimate wish list:

1) Growing my company to 10 people.

2) That my children grow up to be happy and productive adults (corny, I know, but true!)

Sneak peak at the Sara Gabriel 2012 collection....trends...anything new in store?

-Slightly edgier face blushers...more lace in headpieces (but not like the 80's!)...the fascination with fascinators continues (thanks to guests at Will and Kate's wedding)...feathers abound...headpieces with enough visual weight to make a traditional veil unnecessary...ironically, traditional veils are also making a huge comeback thanks to both Kates' (Princess Kate and Kate Moss).

Thanks Sara for answering our questions in the midst of your busy bridal season! For more information about the Sara Gabriel line visit her website and The Left Bank to find your perfect Sara Gabriel piece.

Here are a few of our favorite photographs featuring the "Wendy" veil
from the WedLuxe post by Ikonica.

Midnight in Paris....Without the jet lag

Midnight in Paris is a must see movie for the serious francophile or romantic for that matter. Paris is pure magic.  For first time visitors it's like walking into a virtual movie set.  There is no other city in the world that can compete with Paris's romantic and elegant atmosphere.  We've had so many clients that fell in love and became engaged in Paris that shop at our Parisian boutique, The Left Bank and relive the wonderful memories.

Bravo to Midnight in Paris' costume designer, Sonia Grande for the amazing costumes and clothing capturing the belle epoch to the roaring 20's to contemporary fashions.  We can completely see actress Marion Cotillard playing the character, Adriana, wearing the Fancy New York "Diedre" gown made in luscious duchesse silk.

A pivotal point in the movie features a stunning pair of earrings given to leading lady Adriana. We immediately thought of these Deco Fan earrings available at The Left Bank for $78. These are a close match to the deco inspired pair seen in the movie.

The Perfect Birdcage Veil

Our gorgeous bride Katie wore a custom made French tulle veil edged with sparkling Swarovski crystals created by one of our designer lines, Laura Jayne Bridal. Katie's wedding day look was beautiful and modern and the birdcage veil added just the perfect touch of vintage elegance. 

 

Come Celebrate Bastille Day 2011!

This Thursday, July 14th, 2011 from 12-7 we are celebrating Bastille Day! This French national holiday marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the Bastille became a symbol for liberty. Le Tricolore (the French tri-colored flag) also came to life during this revolution to represent the three French ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens.

Stop into our store at 1155 W. Webster Ave. Chicago, IL where we will be serving our favorite sparkling rosé and also our Eiffel Tower collection will be on display. There will be bonbon seize "Sweet 16" birthday specials and a sale on our coveted Monsieur Pamplemousse bijoux. Stop in for a day of Parisian fun and celebrations!

Here Comes The Guide Featured Online Salon!

The Left Bank is now the featured online bridal salon at Here Comes The Guide!, a great national online wedding resource site to find top notch, certified wedding locations and professionals. For all your wedding needs and questions, head over to their website and stop in to see us or visit our online store for your perfect wedding accessories!

The Romantic Summer Wedding

We were honored to have some of our accessories featured in a photo shoot with Elizabeth Anne Designs for the new Marry This! Guide No. 06: The Romantic Summer Wedding! This romantic summer wedding photo shoot is truly an inspiration for all brides looking for that very theme. Beautifully capturing the trends of vintage china and lace, as well as vibrant summer flower tones by Fleur Chicago, this is a great guide to creating a unique summer wedding with some do it yourself tips along the way.

The photos feature our Haute Bride Glam Earrings in Vintage Rose as well as our Mitzi Feather Comb and Leila Birdcage Veil. For ordering information call or stop in to see us at The Left Bank or take a look at our website.

Mitzi Curly Feather Comb and Haute Bride Glam Earrings in Vintage Rose

Here are a few of our favorite photos from the shoot but for the complete post and more info, information,  check out the post by Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Romantic Photo Shoot by Dennis Lee Photography Part 2

Continuing our showcase of Dennis Lee Photography, today we are pleased to share with you these stunning photographs from our photo shoot that features our Mirabelle Earrings phenomenally priced at $29! These earrings are perfect for a bride who is going for a glamorous and vintage-style look.

Mirabelle Earrings

Also captured during this photo shoot were our Mariette Earrings in this fun and pretty photo. The Mariette Earrings offer a timeless look for any bride looking for a classic and romantic accessory.

Mariette Earrings

Thank you again to Dennis Lee Photography, The Bridal Team Chicago, and Factor Women for all of their exquisite work!

Romantic Photo Shoot by Dennis Lee Photography Part 1

 

Chicago based photographer Dennis Lee captured our Priscilla Earring and Penelope Flower headpiece beautifully. The two pieces combined show a sophisticated elegance and the photographs really capture their romantic essence. To see more of his work take a look at Dennis Lee Photography! A big thank you also goes out to The Bridal Team Chicago and Factor Women for the beautiful models and a job well done on hair and makeup for the shoot. Also stop into The Left Bank to see our wonderful pieces captured by Dennis!

The Priscilla Pearl Earring and Penelope Silk Hair Flower