2011 Bridal sales and trunk shows ...is it January already?

Here’s wishing you a very happy engagement!  My advise to you – BREATHE!!  Take your time, don’t let anyone pressure you into making decisions and by all means…enjoy the process.  As we move forward in 2011, I’ll be sharing some great vendors, trends, ideas and commentary with you.  Until then (and if you can’t wait) here are some trunk shows and sales for you to put on your January radar.  Some happen as early as Jan 1.

Vera Wang is inviting you to her Madison Avenue Bridal Salon now through January 1, 2011 to preview the Fall 2011 bridal collection. Call 212.628.3400 to schedule your appointment.

Vera Wang Bridal Salon
991 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 1007

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier is one of my favorites.  I want you to also keep on your radar the brand new “The Aisle” which launches on Jan 3 at 11:00am.  You will find beautiful gowns from all the hottest designers up to 50% off.  Sign up by clicking here.

In the mean time, visit Mark’s salon for these special sales and trunk shows.

Vera Wang Selling Day - January 5

Junko Yoshioka Trunk Show - January 6 - 8

Lela Rose Collection Preview - January 10 - 12

Elizabeth Fillmore - January 13 - 15

Lela Rose Collection Preview - January 17 - 19

Peter Langner Trunk Show with Personal Appearance - January 27 - 29

The Park 55 Building
110 East 55th St., 8th Floor
To schedule an appointment, please call: 212 319 6778

The salons and amazing service will always have me posting the sales from Bridal Reflections.  They seem to get it right time and time again (according to brides who write to me who have visited them) 

This is a great list of their sales through January.  I especially LOVE they are having a special sale for Military Brides on Jan 31.  Way to Go Bridal Reflections!!

Sample Sale January 2nd - 9th – Carle Place/Westbury salon – Fifth Avenue salon

Designer gowns from 40%-75% off.

Martina Liana January 7th - 9th – Fifth Avenue salon

Christine Anthony - Exclusive to Bridal Reflections! January 7th - 9th – Massapequa salon

Ines Di Santo January 21st - 23rd – Fifth Avenue salon

Simone Carvalli January 21st - 23rd – Carle Place/Westbury salon

Romona Keveza January 28th - 30th – Fifth Avenue salon

Marina K. January 28th - 30th – Carle Place/Westbury salon

Bridesmaids: Jim Hjelm Occasions January 28th - 30th – Carle Place/Westbury salon

Mother of Bride/Groom: Rina Di Montella January 28th - 30th – Massapequa salon

Gowns for Military Brides! January 31st – Carle Place/Westbury salon – Fifth Avenue salon – Massapequa salon

Address for NYC

260 Fifth Avenue
(At W. 28th St)
New York, NY 10001

212.764.3040

Address for Carle Place

80 Westbury Ave
Carle Place, NY 11514

516.742.7788

Address for Massapequa

3 Broadway
Massapequa, NY 11758

516.795.222

Ok so that should be good to get you started.  Again Congratulations and if you didn’t get the bling-bling for Christmas…there’s always New Years eve.  May all your bridal dress-dreams come true.

Romona Keveza sets the stage for couture glamour with her 2011 collection

 I’m convinced that Romona Keveza doesn’t sleep.  She had a successful ready-to-wear collection and then she created two different bridal lines.  She is truly a special kind of designer.  The fall 2011 legends collection takes on the glamour of Camelot and elegance of the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Once again Romona has captured glamour that ranges from short and sassy to full ball gowns that have amazing movement as the models walked.  The legends collection features classic chic and underscored by modern minimalism.  This is a marriage of Parisian style all with American girl spirit.
Her second collection begins with “Darling, won’t you join me?” The collection inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly and the Aristocratic soirées of the 1960’s NY high society.  Each piece in the collection really was a throw back in time where women wore gloves, and weren’t scared to wear something a bit more ‘shocking’ yet looked as if they effortlessly stepped off a fashion page.

Playful lengths, colors and cuts, bold and feminine touches, equal luxury and unassuming grace.  The Keveza bride won’t play by the rules…she creates them.  One of my favorites is a new spin on the ‘little black dress’.  Who am I kidding?  I love the entire collection.

Quick Beauty Fixes for the Holiday Hangover

I can't believe that it's just a few days before Christmas and New Years eve...already. Seems like it was just September and now, I can actually see the New Year just a few days away. So I know that you will be partying, some of you may receive a little something “shiny” and in your excitement, may forget that taking care of your skin is an ‘every-day-kind-of-thing’ especially as you begin to plan for your wedding.  So here are some tips that I hope will help you.

The Night Before: 

Take the easy way out: Reach for KORRES^® Natural Products Milk Proteins Makeup Removal Wipes.  These soft wipes gently and effectively remove all traces of face and eye makeup.  Rich in essential amino acids, milk proteins offer nourishing and moisturizing benefits, while Aloe and pro-vitamin B5 soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation.

Go on the defensive: If you wear contact lenses, opt for a daily disposable lens you can throw out at the end of the night.  Your eyes will look and feel better with a clean, fresh lens the next day. New 1-DAY ACUVUE^® TruEye^TM combines the gold standard in comfort (silicone hydrogel) with the flexibility and freshness of a daily disposable. 

In The AM:

Perform a vanishing act: Whiten your peepers with VISINE^® Maximum Redness Relief Formula^®(You can find at your local drug store) so no one knows how much fun you had last night.  This amazing long-lasting HYDROBLEND Formula acts like natural tears to provide up to 10 hours of comfort.  I would also recommend that you give your eyes a break.  Leave your contacts out for the day and break out your old eyeglasses.  Trust me, your eyes will thank you.

Makeup is your new BFF: You can read a party all over your face – puffy, patchy, wrinkly, and splotchy – it’s so not pretty.  Create a bright, polished palette with KORRES^® Natural Products Quercetin and Oak Face Primer.  This silicone-free skin-perfecting primer treats wrinkles to provide a smooth, even surface for long-lasting makeup.

IF you don’t want to go full make-up, fake a healthy flush: Dust the apples of your cheeks with KORRES^® Natural Products Zea Mays Powder Blush in Peach.  Your dry skin will benefit from the botanical blend, including zea mays (corn), soy and licorice, all while sporting a smooth, long-lasting glow.

Bring on the light: Apply a shimmery light shadow to the inner corners of the eyes to reflect light and instantly brighten eyes. KORRES^® Antioxidant Sunflower & Hydrating Evening Primrose “Cool” Eye Palette offers both a white and a silver option to choose from. 

Give yourself a lift: Pull your hair up into a youthful ponytail, which will give your facial features a “mini-lift”. Goody has great and “safe for hair” ouchless hair products in so many different colors, you can find one to match yours. (You can find at your local drug store)

Ok so Happy Holidays to you and more importantly may all your wishes come true.

(All products can be purchased at at korresusa.com and SEPHORA unless otherwise noted.)

2011 Simon Carvalli Couture Collection

“Simone Carvalli dresses incorporate principles of architecture and romantic design.  With unique construction and patent pending ‘Magic Fit’ that reduces between two to four inches off a bride’s waist, gives her a flawless hour-glass shape.  This is why we can say, with sincerity that we have mastered the fitted silhouette.” Terry Brumley, manager of sales for Carvalli.

Known for designing a sophisticated silhouette, this season the Carvalli designs feature Swarovski crystal embellishments, blended with luxurious fabrics creating a contemporary ad classic style.  These styles are truly timeless and their elegance combines with his signature style are surprisingly affordable.

The Carvalli bride is confident, alluring, has a sense of style because she is a style-setter.  She also seeks a gown that won’t be worn by the masses.  This is a bride that knows couture fashion and her gown reflects her personality.

This 2011 Collection delivers a couture sensibility that began with a classical base yet reinterpreted for today’s modern bride.  

Bridal: $1,600 for the short dress; $2,500 - $3,900 for the long gowns.

Bridesmaids: $215- $285

Color Trends Brides: Champagne, Dia, Ivory, White and Silk White

Color Trends - Bridesmaids: Black/Lime, Forest Green, Wine, Espresso, Turquoise, Amethyst, BlueMarine, Taupe, Eggplant, Sienna, Cosmo, Cobalt, Avocado, Cranberry, Magenta and Sienna

Fabric Trends: Silk Chiffon, Silk Taffeta, Silk Organza Satin, Silk Charmeuse and Lace

DC Company Punk Rock Bride

Are you a punk rock bride?  Don’t let the name fool you.  Designer Stephanie Ward has launched her third collection incorporating non-traditional fabrics and mixing layering textures.  The focus of this Capitol Hill, DC based company is to maintain very simple yet classic silhouettes to flatter every figure.  Their Motto “For Punk Rock Bride dresses, the devil really is in the details.”  This is truly a fashion forward line and the value you are looking for.

Punk Rock has been known to reflect personal expressions that are alternative to the norm and individual style.   Therefore if this reflects your personality, this new rising star in the industry may be the brand for you.  

Special Note: All of their dresses are designed and manufactured in the US, and each is made to order.  The collection retails under $1,000.

Fabric Trends: Silk Cotton, Cotton Eyelet, Silk Chiffon and Charmeuse

Almost end of the year wedding trunk shows and events

Can you believe it’s almost the end of the year?  Where did the time go?  Here are a few events that I wanted to let you know about and in some cases, shops and designers have posted their final trunk shows through the end of the year.  Don’t forget, even if you haven’t found your dream gown yet, a trunk show is a great opportunity to find a ‘bargain’.

WEST COAST:
Vera Wang Event: November 11-13, 2010. Receive 10% off of your gown  and $450 off of any Vera Wang Bridal Accessory if purchased during the trunk show.
By Appointment Only
8445 Melrose Avenue – West Hollywood, CA 90069    Tel. 323.602.0174

NY Trunk Shows:
Reem Acra
Nov 5, 2010 from 10-6pm and Nov 6, 2010 9:30-5:50
14 East 60^th Street – 212.308.8760
Saks Fifth Avenue remaining trunk shows for 2010

OSCAR DE LA RENTA
November 11-13^th, 2010
MARCHESA
December 9 -11^th, 2010
611 5th Avenue – NYC – 212.753.4000

Bridal Reflections remaining trunk shows (Fifth Ave) for 2010
Ines Di Santo November 5th – 7th
David Tutera November 12th – 14th
Simone Carvalli November 19th – 21st
Romona Keveza November 26th – 28th
260 Fifth Avenue – (At W. 28th St) – 212.764.3040


Bridal Reflections remaining trunk shows (Carle Place/Westbury) for 2010

Alvina Valenta Bridal and Bridesmaids November 12th – 14th
Anne Barge November 19th – 21st
Simone Carvalli November 26th – 28th
80 Westbury Ave – Carle Place, NY 11514 – 516.742.7788

NYC Events:
The Wedding Salon is once again having a luxury event at Manhattan Center Studios.  Of course their incredible lineup with everyone from Sylvia Weinstock to Shawn Rabideau (RHONY- Bethanny Frankle Wedding Planner) to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings (by Alfred Angelo – my article will be posted on these ‘grown-up princess dream dresses’ next week).  Nov 15 from 4-9pm at Manhattan Center.   Go to www.WeddingSalon.com to get your ticket.

Are you looking for a special gift for your mom, his mom or your maid of honor?  Phillips Frankel designers Lisa and Danielle Frankel will be presenting their fine jewelry collection at Henri Bendel on November 19^th and 20^th.   I love these ladies. Their pieces are colorful, fun and would make a special gift.  They are not inexpensive but, worth the memory they will create.
Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY – 10:00AM – 8:00PM

Are you DIY kind of girl?  Have you ever wanted to learn how to create a beautiful centerpiece?  Well there is a Thanksgiving Centerpiece special class given by Blossom and Branch and Pasanella & Son, Vintners.   They are calling it an evening of flowers and wine.
November 18, 2010, 7-9PM
Pasanella & Son, Vintners
115 South St. – NYC – 212.233.8383
* $150 for Floral Design Class, Flower Container & Wine Tasting
* RSVP and advance payment is required, as seating is limited
* For reservations, call Sarah @ 347.422.7066 or email sarah@blossomandbranch.com

2011 Farah Angsana Bridal collection

Always fresh and uniquely modern, Farah Angsana Bridal Couture exudes femininity, elegance with a timeless sensuality.  Meeting Farah is always a joy.  Her energy and laugh is contagious and her design are what dreams are made of.

This season she decided she wanted a more intimate editor viewing experience, which is pretty rare in the industry.  “I want editors to understand my work, to see the details up-close and feel the quality of the fabrics I use.  One simply can’t see that as models are racing down the runway.”  How right she is.
Her silk felt like melted butter; so creamy soft is her silk charmeuse the fabric could be your most comfy pajamas.  You really wouldn’t want to take your bridal gown off.  Farah also showcases various parts for her brides: A crystal neckline, pleated bust line, or a sweetheart bodice added to the exquisite details that she has become known for.

Things to love (beyond her obvious talent) she designs and creates for all sizes and how perfect that her models reflected a range of them.

 Having viewed her extensive ready-to-wear collection, I’m amazed that her bridal is so different.  Where does she find the time to create two very distinct collections?  While I can’t answer the question, I’m sure glad she did

To see more photographs of her collection, please visit my Facebook page and look in the photo section for Farah