Everything But The Dress

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.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Vow in the City Photos

Just wanted to share some fabulous photos that photographer Leigh Loftus of Ocken Photography snapped during our most recent event. We were at the lovely White House Black Market for Vow in the City and Out of the Box Bridal Event to share in gems, goodies, and gourmet treats with brides to be this past February 17th. Here were some of the fabulous pieces we shared...above the Petals Hairpin Set by Haute Bride. $125 for a set of two. Available in organza (shown) or taffeta.

French Blue Astoria by Angela Nuran, $279

French Fascinator, $199

Left Bank Owner Susan with Chris Ocken of Ocken Photography who sent us these pretty images. Susan is wearing the Nineveh Necklace, $315 and Glam Filigree Earrings, $149, both by Haute Bride.

Missed the event but love the look? Don't worry, learn where to buy here or contact us directly.

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!

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.