Happy Sweet 16th Birthday to Us

Sweet Deals for our Sweet 16

The Left Bank just turned 16 and we want to celebrate with you!

Sweet 16 And Can't Be Missed

$16 Specials 

Stop by every week in May for a  special item on sale for only $16!   

Our first item has that special sparkle, perfect for a birthday celebration or Mother's Day, come in and see...we think you'll agree

16% Discount on the 16th  

Why celebrate for only a month? Stop by to pick up a 16th BirthdayCoupon Card for monthly savings to enjoy birthday discounts for the rest of the year!  Simply shop with us on the 16th of any month and receive a 16% discount on your entire purchase.  It's our little way of saying "Merci beaucoup" for 16 sweet years.  

Chunky Crystal Bridal Bracelets

Sometimes you just need to make a statement with a great piece of sparkling jewelry.  Whether you're walking down the aisle or making a splashing entrance for a cocktail party, these chunky, sparkling crystal bracelets are the perfect accessory!  Best yet?  They're all make with a comfortable, stretchy jewelers elastic.  Above, this double stack Carrie Bracelet makes a gorgeous statement with a wedding dress or even with a pair of jeans.  $129.

One of our best selling bracelets look perfect when stacked on the wrist in sets of two or three.  Crystal Glam Cut Bracelet, $42 each (three shown, also available in purple, pink, green, and black).

Elegant, chunky, and sparkly, the Carrie Ann Bracelet, $68, is available in square cushion cut crystal stones (above) or marquis cut crystals (below).  Why not pick your favorite for yourself and select the other one for your bridesmaids?

Do you love the look of a statement bracelet?  Or are you planning to let another piece of jewelry stand out?  Tell us about your bridal look in the comments.

Where to Buy

Fancy NY Wedding Dress Trunk Show

Looking for that perfect vintage inspired wedding gown?  Stop by our shop this week and see the brand new to The Left Bank line, Fancy NY

Inspired by the tradition of "Sunday Best" on your wedding day, Fancy introduces beautiful dresses that are the alternative to the formal gown. A Fancy dress is perfect for the bride that exudes elegance and has that flair for creativity

   

See this fabulous collection of retro inspired dresses and meet the designer for a personal fitting.

Tuesday and Wednesday   

May 3rd & 4th, 2011   

Please call to make an appointment 

773.929.7422

We hope to see you there!

Pearl & Vintage Crystal Wedding Jewelry

"Something Old" AND "Something New"

We love the look of vintage jewelry, but sometimes matching those vintage pieces to modern gowns can be tricky.  That's why we adore this line of vintage jewelry converted to new pieces by a local Chicago designer.  All the crystal pieces shown here are vintage, but given new life with contemporary pearls and updated clasps.  A perfect gift for any bride!  Shown above, Sorrel Necklace, $269, five creamy strands of pearls mixed with a gorgeous, statement necklace style crystal piece.

Since all these pieces are new to us and one of a kind, contact our shop for availability.

Sophisticated Earrings, $88

Josephine Bracelet, $138.

Six strand Mandolin Bracelet, $224

Double stranded necklack with deep, black crystal accents that can be worn in front, back, or on the side.   Eloise, $196.

Check something off your list...contact our shop for availability.

What are you wearing for your "something old?"  Do you like the idea of combining "something old" with "something new" or are you going the traditional route with two separate pieces?

Happy Royal Wedding Day!

Good Morning, Royal Wedding Watchers.
Looking for something to do during the commercial breaks while waiting to see William and Catherine's Big Day?  Check out these royally inspired blog posts...all with a nod to the royal wedding and feeling like a princess of your wedding day.  So make yourself a something blue cocktail, check out our posts, and watch the nuptials.

Royal Wedding Accessories...Our Ideas for Kate

Princess Catherine Wedding Shoe

Princess Diana Blue Wedding Accessories

And make sure to check back later to see some Princess Catherine inspired bridal accessories based on her wedding gown and headpiece!  Happy Royal Wedding Watching!

Architectural Anarchy Launch Party Tonight!

 

Join Susan tonight at this chic, launch event featuring tons of goodies tonight at Architectural Anarchy!  See a sneak peak of our new dress line, Fancy NY, as well as beautiful headpieces, veils, wedding shoes, and jewelry from The Left Bank! 

We hope you can make it!

April 27, 2011

6pm - 9pm

2229 South Halsted

Chunky Crystal Bridal Hair Jewelry

Our second post in our series on "big bling" for brides is hair jewelry.  Check out these fabulous chunky crystal hair jewels.  Perfect for accessorizing a simple dress or an elaborate hair do.  Because sometimes you just need some extra sparkle...especially on your wedding day!  Larger stones in your hair jewelry also allow the pieces to been seen better if you have very curly or wavy hair as well.  Above, a great versatile set, Marquis Spray Hairpins, $98 for a set of two.

Sweet and sophisticated, Donielle Veil, $187 by Sara Gabriel.  (See more beautiful Sara Gabriel headpieces here.)

Haute Comb, $109.  Will match with almost any style updo!

This beautiful piece is vintage and one of a kind.  Vintage Marquis Comb, featuring A.B. or "rainbow" crystals.
Contact us to see if it's still available!

Crystal Cluster Comb, $98.  Set on a wide hairpin making it perfect for slipping into an up do or french twist.

These pieces are so new, they haven't made it to the Left Bank Jewelry website yet.  So see our Where to Buy section, or contact us for more details!

Still looking?  Check out these other posts featuring fabulous, sparkling hair jewelry.

Tiaras - Are they in or out?

Selecting Bridal Hair Jewelry

Bridal Headpieces - Defined!

Bib Necklaces for Brides or Bridesmaids

Welcome to our "big bling" week.  All the posts this week will feature larger than life stones and shapes for bridal jewelry that is truly show-stopping!  A trend we've been in love with for a while has been seeing big crystals and pearls make their way to weddings.  These bib style necklaces are the perfect adornment for a simple wedding dress or a great way to unify your bridal party look if you're letting the bridesmaids select their own dresses.  My favorite of our new necklaces, above, is the stunning White Gem Pearl and Crystal Necklace, $329.

Another sophisticated stand out necklace, The Chere Necklace Set, $109, comes complete with matching earrings.

Nineveh Necklace, $315, can be custom designed with or without pearls or in a small selection of colors. This would look gorgeous in vintage rose!  See some other customizable statement necklaces here.

This necklace looks gorgeous with a number of dress colors!  We especially love it with a fushia dress.  Honeysuckle Necklace, $48.

The clear crystal color makes this necklace a great match for almost any dress, $169.

What do you think about the new trend of statement necklaces?  Would you wear a big necklace if you had a simple dress?  Would you let your bridesmaids shine in a bib necklace?

Where to Buy

Brooches for Wedding Dresses

Vintage Inspired Brooch, $89 shown on the Linda Dress by Fancy

Brooches have become a popular way to adorn your bridal look.  These little sparkling pins have grown from a practical and necessary way to keep clothing together to a stunning, classic way to accent a multitude of wedding day accessories.  Pin them in your hair, adorn your bridal bouquet, or as a meaningful gift your bridesmaids.  One of the most popular ways to wear a brooch on your wedding day continues to be as an accent to a simple wedding dress.  We love this look!  

Here are our top five tips to pick out the perfect brooch to accent your bridal gown.

1.  Size Matters.  Make sure the brooch size matches the area you're planning to put it.  Looking to pin one in the center of a bow or sash?  The brooch should just reach the edges or completely cover them.

2.  Shape it up.  The shape of your brooch is as important as the size.  Look to the rest of the dress for hints.  If the whole dress is structured and geometric, an asymmetrical leaf brooch may look out of place. Aiming to pin something in the center of a bow?  Make sure the brooch is round.  Sashes usually also need a structured shape like a square, rectangle, or round.

3.  Look at the details.  Keep all the other dress details in mind when shopping for a brooch.  If your dress has all crystal details and no pearls, a completely pearl brooch might look out of place.

4.  Consider Customization.  A hairpiece can easily be sewn onto a sash or pearls can be wired into that all crystal brooch.  Found vintage earrings you love?  Add them into an existing brooch or connect them.  Two petite brooches can also be a stunning look.  Think outside the box for a completely unique look.

5.  Placement is Key.  Looking for a sophisticated, classic look?  A symmetrical brooch in the center of your gown will do the trick.  Try placing your brooch in a asymmetrical position for a more contemporary feel.

No matter how or where you wear it, a wedding dress brooch is sure to be beautiful.  Shop a small selection online now!  A brooch is also a perfect piece of jewelry to lend another bride as her something borrowed.

Need help tying that sash before you put your brooch on it?  Check out our step by step guide here.

Jewelry for Beige Bridesmaid Dresses

Brides Chicago has declared "Barely There" colors like beige, taupe, greige, and ivory to be a trend for bridesmaids.  Outfitting your bridesmaids in a beautiful neutral color gives a gorgeous look, and one they're more likely to wear again, but how do you accessorize?  Fortunately, neutral colored gowns have a plethora of accessorizing options.  Try these looks!  Each has a totally different feel, but all look amazing!

Black Accessories

We love the look of black and beige.  It's edgy and sophisticated!  Gifting your girls with black jewelry will make them doubly happy, not only will they look fashionable and beautiful in all your wedding photographs, but they're sure to wear your jewelry again and again.

Some of our favorites?  Clockwise from top left, Valentine Hidden Platform Peep Toe Shoe, $195 by Grazia.  Dazzle Brooch, $29.  Bow Horse Hair Fascinator, $120 by Avant Bride NYC.  Necklace cluster created with Jolie Necklace, $36, Monseiur Pamplemousse Crystal Necklace, $80, and Long Flower Accented Necklace, $29.

Champagne Accessories

Selecting champagne, sometimes called golden shadow, accessories with sparkle keep this monochromatic looking feeling sophisticated not boring.  Keeping with one color scheme allows you to pile on the accessories.  Try Chocolate for a slightly deeper statement.

Try these gorgeous pieces, clockwise from top left, Hermatite Crystal Necklace, $48.  Cushion Cut Champagne Hairpins by Haute Bride, price upon request.  Champagne stretch bracelets, Crystal Glam Cut Bracelet, $42, Embrace Crystal Bracelet, $68, Round Stretch Bracelet, petite or grande, $72.  Kristen Necklace in Golden Shadow, $135 by MEG Wedding Jewelry.

Crystal Clear & Gold Accessories 

Clear stones will make sure your bridesmaids have a little sparkle, while the gold tone and settings will blend perfectly with the neutral dress palate.  

Get this look with these fun pieces, clockwise from top left,  Gold Pave Ball Earrings, $46.  Vintage Inspired Necklace, $82 by La Vie Parisian.  Selena Metallic Strappy Sandal, $88 by Salon Shoes.   Casique Gold Brooch, $56.

Vintage Rose Pink Accessories

Vintage Rose Pink is the perfect color for spring and summer weddings.  Romantic and sweet, pink feels youthful and flirty.  Mix it with clear crystals or honeysuckle pink for a multi-dimensional look.  Plus if you're bridesmaids are girly-girls, they'll love wearing these pieces again.

Our favorite pink pieces, clockwise from top left.  Geo Earrings, $59, by MEG Wedding Jewelry.  Astoria Ballroom Inspired Bridal Shoe in soft pink, $279, by Angela Nuran.  Alexia Pink Pearl Necklace, $299.  Dazzle Brooch, $29.

What do you think?
Are your bridesmaids wearing a neutral colored dress?  What color jewelry will they be wearing?  Are there any color options you think we missed?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Where to Buy