Fashion Fridays - Dotted Perfection

I fell in love with doing Fashion Friday, which we started last month and just had to continue them for June!  In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy New York line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  These vintage inspired dresses are all made to measure just for you and celebrate the "Sunday Best" concept.

Meet Emily, the ultra sweet and chic swiss dotted gown that is pure simple elegance. A dropped waist, strapless dress with full skirt of dotted tulle. Vintage grosgrain sash at waist available in wide range of colors. Also available in Tea-length for a more 1950's feeling.  Don't be scared of this unique pattern!  Check out our advice for accessorizing the Swiss Dot fabric here.  Or check out these pretty pieces we like as a pair for Emily.

Contrast all those dots with a structured and unique headpiece.  I love the Jaclyn Headband by Sara Gabriel.  Created with horsehair and uber chic.  $135, available in diamond white, ivory, or black.

Round pearls accent the round dots in the fabric while the linear look and baguette style crystals add a nice contrast.  Imane Drop Earrings, $88.

Match the pearls in your earrings, but a more modern feeling bracelet adds a textured, multi dimensional look.  This gorgeous cuff opens in the front.  Georgette Cuff, $129, also available in gold.

I love these deliciously retro feeling shoes.  Bisset, $220, designed by Benjamin Adams.

Fashion Fridays - Ballgown with a Twist

I fell in love with doing Fashion Friday, which we started last month and just had to continue them for June!  In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy New York line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  These vintage inspired dresses are all made to measure just for you and celebrate the "Sunday Best" concept.

Meet Suzanne, a 1950s inspired strapless ball gown accented with a full gathered gown and pleating detail.  Add a gorgeous sash or petite belt at the waist!  Here are some of my favorite accessories to match.

A great structured dress demands a structured hairpiece.  I love this oversized Aubrey Flower by Sara Gabriel, $135.  Also available with silver or gold wire in the center instead of black.

Make a statement with a chunky or bib style necklace.  White Gem Pearl & Crystal Necklace, $329.  Also available in all crystal.  Check out some of our other favorite bib style necklaces here.

If you wear a big statement necklace, opt for simple earrings.  I love these oversized coin pearl studs by Haute Bride.  They feel deliciously retro and are available surrounded by clear, champagne, or vintage rose colored crystals.  Coin Pearl Earrings, $98.  Also check out these other pearl stud earrings we heart.

Simple, structured, and ultra comfortable!  Angela Nuran Eternity Ballroom dance inspired wedding heels.  Available in 2.5" or a 3.5" heel.  $199.

Don't forget a chic wedding clutch!  The structure and sweet bow compliment the dress, while the subtle lace adds a bit of contrast.  Chantilly Wristlet, $120.

Shop all these fabulous finds online anytime.  

Don't see it on the website?  Where to Buy

Fashion Friday - Ruffled Perfection

I fell in love with doing Fashion Fridays, which we started last month, and just had to continue them for June!  In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy New York line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  These vintage inspired dresses are all made to measure just for you and celebrate the "Sunday Best" concept.

If you saw our previous post on Romantic Ruffles, you know we love them!  That's why Caroline was a perfect choice for Fashion Fridays.  Ruffles are soft, romantic, and feminine and when paired with the structure of this gorgeous dress, also sophisticated.  Caroline features a lovely belted full-length sleeveless dress with ruffle detail at fitted bodice and at skirt hem. Available in satin-faced organza and cotton organdy.  Here's what I would pair her with.

Let the ruffles stand out by selecting a hairpiece that is structured and tailored like the rest of the dress.  This pretty Callie Fleur Headpiece, $166,  piece by Sara Gabriel  is created with pressed bamboo and features two calla lilies, coque feathers, and crystal accents in the center of each flower.

No need for a necklace with all those ruffles, opt for killer earrings instead.  I love these Toulouse Drop Earrings, $42, for their decisively vintage feel and fabulous budget friendly price.  

Stay away from shoes with ruffles since the hem has a little ruffle to it.  Cinnamon, $88, by Pink Paradox London features a short 2.5" heel and some fun bling on the toe to peek out from under the dress.

Check out our other Fashion Fridays!  Short & Chic Pam, Tea Length Linda, Long & Flowing Dora, Short & Sassy April.  

Fashion Fridays - Tea Length Wedding Dress

In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, I give you "Fashion Fridays."  Each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy NY line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  Each dress in the Fancy line was created by a design team of two brothers with a passion for the "Sunday Best" concept.  Their vintage inspired dresses come short or long, are made to measure and available in a variety of sizes.

Our most popular dress style, Linda features a princess line full skirted silk taffeta dress with empire waist detail at bodice.  Wear it with or without a crinoline underskirt for two different looks.  A popular dress that looks great on everyone!  We love it with a petite belt or sophisticated sash at the waistline.

A face veil is the perfect choice for this 50s inspired bridal dress.  We love the look of traditional French Tulle, or try a petite cocktail hat like this beauty designed by Sara Gabriel.  The Daisy Hat, $168, features French tulle wrapped around a horsehair ribbon hat accented with a pressed bamboo flower on top.

Let the dress, belt, veil, and gloves do the talking and accent with simple studs or petite earrings with a touch of sparkle. Petite Pearl Pamela Earrings, $54.

A tea length dress puts shoes in the spotlight and makes the finding the right shoes extra important!  Opt for a sleek, hidden platform shoe to give you the extra height a tea length dress needs.  My pick?  Jewel, $140, by Grace Footwear or it's sister shoe, Valentine, $195, if you prefer an all crystal accent.

What do you think about the Fancy Dresses?  Do you love the look of a vintage inspired dress?   Contact The Left Bank today to schedule your personal dress fitting or to order any of these pretty pieces.  Where to Buy.

Bridal Caplets, Cocktail Hatlets & Wedding Fascinators

The new Duchess of Cambridge certainly wasn't the first person to don a fascinator, but she has thrust them into the spotlight like never before.  We love that the cocktail hat and fascinator trend has crossed the pond.  But why should the wedding guests have all the fun?  Here are some of our favorite new bridal caplets, cocktail hatlets, and wedding fascinators.  They're the perfect, fun accessory to pop on in place of a traditional veil or to change your look for the wedding reception.  Above, a new designer Jillian Marie Designs, creates gorgeous vintage inspired hats full of old school glamour.  My favorite?  Aptly named, Diana, $300, a silk hat with gentle pleats rosettes and a traditional tulle accent.

Toni, $160

This gentle piece features tradition tulle accented with a feather and soft fabric pouf.  Each of these pretty Jullian Marie pieces are made in the USA and come complete with fabric finished backs and two small combs for easy securing to your hairdo.

Diana sans tulle and petite pearl accents, $300

Shelly,  $240

A gorgeous petite fascinator with a vintage inspired crystal accent and gorgeous feather.  Wear these pretty pieces back and to the side of your head.

Lily, $150

This traditional style is edged with hand sewn crystal details and accented with Russian tulle.

Are you considering wearing a fascinator or cocktail hat to your wedding instead of a traditional veil?  How are you wearing these pretty pieces?  We'd love to know.

Fashion Fridays - Long and Flowing Wedding Gown

In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, I give you "Fashion Fridays."  Each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy NY line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  Each dress in the Fancy line was created by a design team of two brothers with a passion for the "Sunday Best" concept.  Their vintage inspired dresses come short or long, are made to measure and available in a variety of sizes.  Check out week one, "Short and Sassy" here.

For our second Fashion Friday, we meet Dora.  Elegant. Demure. Feminine. This soft draped full circle skirt gown with flounce at front and back neckline offers a bit of Deco Glamour.  Dora begs for classic accessories with a vintage twist.  The dress makes a beautiful statement by itself, so there's no need to stress about adding accessories, just a few beautiful, simple pieces and you'll be looking gorgeous.  Here are some of my favorite options.

This gorgeous headpiece by Sara Gabriel is the perfect piece for the bride that wants to skip the veil entirely. Or, swap out your veil and wear this for the reception.  Sakura Fleur Haircomb, $173.  See other pretty veil alternatives by Sara Gabriel here.

Since the neckline speaks for itself, opt for larger earrings mixed with pearls and crystals.  Vintage inspired Rena Earrings, $169 by Regina B.

A feminine, pearl bracelet is the perfect finishing touch and a great "wear it again" piece.  Alicia Bracelet, $178 by Meg Wedding Jewelry.

A simple, classic shoe is the perfect finishing touch. 

Sienna by Grace, $130.

What do you think?  Did we make the right choice?  What accessories do you love or hate with this dress?

Love the look?  Contact The Left Bank today to schedule your personal dress fitting or to order any of these pretty pieces.  Where to Buy.

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.

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?

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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.

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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!

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