Everything But The Dress

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.

Friday, February 11, 2011

2011 Wedding Trends - Part Four, Mad For Metallics & Bold Colors

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 Four - Mad for Metallics & Bold Color Palettes

Pair two bright, poppy colors together with a metallic accents or go for a mix of gold and silver, either way, you'll be right instyle with the bold color palettes for 2011. We love a gentle pairing of champagne stones with silver detailing or even an avant garde mix of gold and silver jewelry. Finish off the look with bright patent leather shoes.

These hairpins have the perfect balance of silver and champagne. Alexis Hairpins, $215 for a set of three, by Haute Bride.

An over sized grey, black, and metallic purple feather fascinator will look stunning as a replacement for a traditional veil at your wedding reception. Feather Fascinator & Brooch, $68.

You'll be right on trend with a large statement necklace created with clear, platinum, and champagne Swarovski crystals. Roxanne Necklace by Meg Wedding Jewelry. Price upon request.

Finish your look, or outfit your bridesmaids, in beautiful metallic silver shoes. Sure to be worn again, silver is a popular choice for its ability to match many gown colors. Starletta, features extra cushion and an ultra comfortable platform, $299.

Can't resist? Where to Buy.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Sara Gabriel Bridal Headpieces & Veils Trunk Show

Sara Gabriel Trunk Show

February 11th ~ 12th, 2011

Meet one of the designers behind the gorgeous headpieces, veils, and hair jewelry at Sara Gabriel. All individually cut by a professional milliner and finished by hand, the collection of headpieces and hair jewelry is meticulously crafted from freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, hand-sculpted flowers, feathers, and glittering rhinestones.

Work directly with the designer to create a custom piece! All Sara Gabriel Trunk Show purchases qualify for our Trunk Show Promotion! For every $100 you spend, we'll give you a $10 gift card to spend on your next visit to the store (valid 2/18/11 - 4/18/11).

We still have appointments available, please RSVP to 773.929.7422 or theleftbank@sbcglobal.net
Want to see the pieces ahead of time? Just stop by the store! While the designer will only be available Friday and Saturday, we have all their gorgeous headpieces, veils, and fascinators in the shop now!

Our 2011 Trunk Shows
Shop Sara Gabriel Pieces Online Now

Monday, February 7, 2011

Angela Nuran Creates All Crystal Heels!

Meet the latest in the ultra comfortable wedding shoe line by Angela Nuran. Starletta Glitz. The newest shoe in the collection gets a Swarovski Crystal makeover. The solid crystallized heel is created with over 1000 hand applied crystals! So stunning, and perfect for the bride that wants a classic bridal colored shoe with a little bit of bling. Available by special order only, $675 each.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Indie Wed Fashion Show

We donated our goodies to the lovely models at the Indie wed fashion show and they were a smash success! Here are some of the fabulous photos of Indiewed's hip models wearing our jewelry, headpieces, and fascinators. Special thanks to Evil Kitty for sending over the images of their lovely gowns (LOVE that second from the left white one!) And another thank you toTutto Bene Photography for snapping the photos.

Love these pieces you see? Contact us to order them for yourself.

Parisian Feather Fascinator, $68

Parisian Black Cocktail Hat with French Netting, $98

Pearl Fleur Necklace, $64. Available in White or Black

Parisian French Feather Fascinator, $68
Gold Fleur Cuff, $39

Romantic Bridal Hair Flowers

It's no secret, Brides love flowers! And almost everyone loves the soft, romantic look of a silk, satin, organza, or tulle flower tucket into a wedding updo. These flowers are perfect for wearing in place of a traditional veil or as an accent after your remove your veil for the reception. Here are four of our newest favorite arrivals. Above, the delicate Tilly Haircomb, $149, is created with alencon lace, traditional tulle, and features a pearl center. Below, the ultra soft Pom Pom Haircomb, $169, featuring lighter than air gatherings of tulle and a Swarovski crystal center.

For the bride looking for a more traditional inspired hair flower, The London Hairflower, $109 is created with silk and organza.

The sweet Vanessa Flower, $120, by Sara Gabriel is created with folds of organza and accented with ostrich feathers.

If none of these flowers strike your fancy, check out some other flowers, feathers, and hair baubles on the Left Bank's website. Or stop by our upcoming Sara Gabriel Trunk Show, February 11th - 13th, 2011 to see more gorgeous designs.

Flowers by Bride's Head Revisited

Simple Bridal Hair Flowers

Alternative Hair Flowers - Something Different

Ribbon Bridal Flowers

Selecting Bridal Hair Jewelry

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

2011 Wedding Trends - Part Three, Grey is the New Black

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 Three - Grey is the New Black

Black has been an accent color for brides for a few years, but now enter Grey! A fabulous neutral color, grey pairs well with almost any shade. Mix it with pink for a contemporary spin or navy if you want a classic and sophisticated look.

Shannon Fabric Bracelet, $240, plays host to large crystals and soft, glamorous fabric designed by Justine M. Couture.

The Ababa Earring, $50, The perfect mix of grey and black in a fun earring for your bridal party or pre-wedding events. Created by Meg Wedding Jewelry.

Perfect for headpieces, grey and dark silver have the same effect. Vilmavie Haircomb, $179.

Consider a hint of metallic silver or matte grey satin shoes peeking out from your gown or for your bridesmaids. Selena by Salon Shoes, $88.

We are the ladies of The Left Bank Jewelry & Bridal Finery Boutique . Our bridal blog is here to keep you inspired for your big day. Follow us as we share practical tips and wedding trends so you'll be styled to perfection. We're accessory mavens, so once you find the perfect wedding dress, it's a must to have perfect wedding accessories! We're based in the "Windy City", Chicago, Illinois and ship worldwide on our website www.LeftBankBridal.com We've helped brides all over the world with beautiful wedding jewelry, headpieces, veils and are the flagship retailer of Angela Nuran Shoes, the leader in comfortable wedding shoes.

Learn more about us here.