A perfect pair: Louboutin and Champagne

Christian Louboutin and happy customer/photo by Lisa M. Barr

Nothing gives a woman, especially a bride more pleasure than beautiful shoes and a perfectly chilled glass of champagne, in crystal (of course). This past week I was so lucky to be apart of two days of perfect pairings. First, meeting Christian Louboutin and then, a pairing from the best from Piper-Heidsieck and Seasonal Resturant & Weinbar.

First the shoes. What can you say when it comes to Christian Louboutin? His shoes are synonymous with passion (hence the red sole), sensuality, and height. They are on the feet of well-heeled celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, Jenny Packham and yes, even Barbie. It would also seem every assistant, to the assistant during both fashion and bridal market had a pair. His shoes are such a status symbol, that many will stand in line for hours, just to buy a pair and have a few moments with the man himself.

This past week, Christian Lououtin made himself available to sign hundreds of shoes for his faithful followers at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC. I met two brides who were on a mission to find the perfect shoe for their upcoming wedding and they did. I love the bride who is willing to buck tradition and wear the shoe of her dreams especially if they are high and with lots of sparkle! After all, it is your day and you can wear what you want to.

With thanks from Piper-Heidsieck

If your future husband ever suggested that he would drink champagne out of your shoe, let him. Champagne-maker Piper-Heidsieck, has partnered with Louboutin to create a glass slipper that connotes both Cinderella fantasy and Parisian decadence. The shoe flute is packaged as part of the $500 Le Rituel gift set, which also includes a bottle of champagne. Ok, so this might be a bit extravagant but a lovely keepsake that you both will enjoy time and time again. It’s a great way to have a touch of Christian Louboutin even if you can’t truly ‘wear this shoe’. It will only be sold in select Neiman Marcus stores and online at www.le-rituel.com.

Dessert by Seasonal Resturant/Photo by Lisa M. Barr

Concluding a perfect week was the opportunity to taste seven different types of Piper-Heidsieck: Piper-Heidsieck Brut, Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, Piper-Heidsieck Rare Vintage 1999, Charles Heidsieck Blanc Des Millenaires 1995, Piper-Heidsieck Rose Sauvage, Charles Heidsieck Rose 1999 and Piper-Heidsieck Sublime. This was a unique opportunity to ask questions of Regis Camus, the head winemaker of Charles Heidsieck and taste wonderful culinary delights paired with the wine from the Michelin starred chefs of Seasonal Restaurant & Weinbar. I hope to have an interview with Mr. Camus in the very near future and if you ever have the opportunity to eat at Seasonal – do it.

Christian Louboutin will make any day, especially your wedding day just a little extra special. From the very start, the wines of Charles Heidsieck managed to seduce the royal courts of Europe and great patrons of the times. If it was good enough for the Royal Houses, isn’t it good enough for yours?? Just kick-up your heels and raise a glass to your extra special day. Cheers!

For more info: If you want information about any of these vendors visit them in person, or their website: Christian Louboutin http://www.christianlouboutin.com/
Piper-Heidsieck
http://www.charlesheidsieck.com/en/index.html
http://www.piperlerituelparchristianlouboutin.com/
Seasonal Resturant & Weinbar http://www.seasonalnyc.com/

Not your bubbies wedding...

Ketubah by Daniel Sroka Designs www.modernketubah.com

I don’t want to portray myself as an expert on all things Jewish, but I do love the beauty, tradition and history when I attend a Jewish wedding. I can appreciate the breaking of the glass, the terrified look while participating in the ‘Hora’ and other traditions that are, well, just for someone of this faith. I wanted to honor this tradition with sharing some wonderful information that I’ve been proud to gather.

What happens when JDate actually works? That was the predicament Sara Marcus found herself in when she first became engaged. While print and online wedding resources abound, she found that none specifically addressed the needs of planning a Jewish wedding. So being enterprising, she created one.

JewishWeddingNetwork.com is for those faced with questions like “Where do I get a ketubah?” “What Jewish traditions should I incorporate in to my wedding?” “And what exactly is the Mezinka Dance?” JewishWeddingNetwork.com is a one-stop resource for Jewish wedding planning needs; from finding vendors, to researching traditions, to connecting with others who are sharing the same experience. You’ll find a group of Jewish brides from Unaffiliated to Orthodox who blog about their wedding planning from engagement to wedding day, vendors, DIY projects and a lot more. What I particularily loved was the beauty of traditions and customs. Everything from AufRuf to Yichud is demystified with straightforward definitions.

“JewishWeddingNetwork.com is the resource I wish I had when I was planning my own wedding,” says Founder Sara Marcus. “It truly fills a void. I believe it will become the premiere destination for couples planning a Jewish wedding.”

There is a wonderful vendor who does the best Ketubahs I’ve ever seen.
Couples from all different religions and cultures have embrace the Jewish wedding tradition and its beauty. I think it’s a wonderful daily reminder of the vows you have made to each other on your wedding.

Daniel Sroka is an artist and designer who creates fine art wedding ketubahs from his collection of abstract photography of nature. While I am not expert in the Jewish Wedding tradition, I do know a work of art when I see one. With one of Daniel’s creations you will have a unique and meaningful daily reminder of your love and promises made. In my opinion they are simply beautiful. As a lover of photography and flowers, I think ModernKetubah.com has some that are truly breathtaking.

I happen to love ModernTribe.com. They are a Judaica and Jewish Gifts Shop that brings modern design to Jewish lives. They also have lists of Wedding contracts, a Jewish registry, guides and tons of great information.

Some of the beautiful articles they have for sale are:

* Ring Bearer Bowl from Paloma's Nest -- specially made for ModernTribe with the Hebrew word "Ahava" which means love.

* DIY Jewish Wedding invitation templates -- modern designs that are customizable and can be printed out at home so brides & grooms can use their own paper, embellishments and have beautiful wedding stationary at a low cost.

I know this is just the very tip of the many sites and blogs that you may have information on. I do happen to have to give a shout out to ‘Not Your Bubbes Kitchen’: http://notyourbubbeskitchen.blogspot.com/ who taught me how to make a proper chicken soup, and my dear Sue and Stuart of ArtDecoDiamonds.com http://www.artdecodiamonds.com/ who have helped me pick out some beautiful bridal bling.

To all my friends of this beautiful faith I say Mazel Tov.
L'Chaim to you all.

For more info: Modern Ketubah : fine art ketubot inspired by nature - modernketubah.com
Daniel Sroka Designs LLC : v/f 866-285-0164
ModernTribe.com
JewishWeddingNetwork.com
Art Deco Diamonds http://www.artdecodiamonds.com/ Toll Free: 1-877-321-3326 (DECO)

If you know of an ethnic group, site, organization or vendor that you think I should profile, let me know.

It's Wednesday, so it must be about green products

nuNAAT products photo with their compliments

During bridal market this week, I met several designers that are creating the most amazing eco-couture gowns - I can't wait to share them with you. These designers have taken up the call to provide you with the best in natural, or environmentally-friendly fabrics available, while creating couture you have to see, to belive. Of course this is just the latest in going 'green'. Yes, there are designers and brides that are concerned about the environment and being 'green' is not a fad. Today, here are three companies will help you get your hair, nails and skin bridal-ready, all the while being good to the environment.

HAIR - nuNAAT offers a line of hair and skin products specifically designed to combine the latest technology with a variety of natural ingredients, mainly found in the Amazon Rainforest. The natural ingredients used to make nuNAAT’s products are obtained through ecological processes and sustainable development, which helps to generate income for the local comminutes and contributes to the forest’s preservation. nuNAAT is committed to the development of breakthrough product formulations with new and exiting natural ingredients that are proven to deliver hair and skin types. nuNAAT products are available for purchase through the company’s Web site at www.nuNAAT.com

NAILS - G2 Organics is an innovative line of natural and organic products with healing powers based on the teaching of Reiki. Good for you good for the environment. The brand's mission is to provide consumers with safer alternatives as well as to encourage the wondrous benefits to being spiritually present in all that we do. The nail polish remover is organic, and has all the effectiveness of traditional removers minus the offensive odors and harmful carcinogens. Having mothers that battled cancer, Cherie and Marie are giving a portion of all sales towards cancer research. "One drop at a time" that's what we are trying to do. For more information, please visit www.g2organics.com

BODY - Votre Vu is a luxurious skin care brand that brings the best naturally-based skincare solutions to the U.S. market and beyond. Harold Zimmerman, the CEO of the company introduced the best of both beauty worlds to the American market by merging French traditions and American ingenuity. Their extensive line offers high standard skincare products including facial care, body creams, and hair care. Votre Vu products not only tend to outer beauty, but ensure that every area of a person’s skin care health regimen is tailored to their concerns and needs. For more information, please visit www.VotreVu.com

There are so many more vendors to share with you and I will in the next few weeks. Do you have a favorite vendor that I should know about? Tell me. I'm always interested in what you're using. Next eco-Wednesday... couture bridal.

Introducing MinnaK...

Sandra Nyanchoka from America's Next Top Model

For the last four days, I've been in the midst of bridal market. It's just like fashion week, only a lot more tulle, lace, silk and bridal-bling. This is also the time when buyers, magazine editors will be viewing the spring 2010 designs and preparing the photos that you will see in their upcoming magazine issues. I can't wait to be able to share with you the experience of meeting some of the top people in the business and their insights.

Before I get to my first designer MinnaK, I must share the inside SCOOP that I received from Get Married Magazine. If you don't have a copy, it's on stands now. Becca Leish, director of marketing told me that Get Married is "marrying WE TV" beginning Jan 2010. That's right, you'll be able to now find your favorite bridal show on the 'WE' chanel, Saturdays beginning at 9:30AM. I was so thrilled to be able to post that news on twitter last night and now all of you know. I'll have more with Becca as well as Stacie Francombe, the president of Get Married in a few days. With out further haste...

There are so many wonderful designers out there and then there are ‘the names’. You know like: Oscar, Vera, Amsale, Monique... Their very names symbolize grace, elegance, and quality. I was very lucky to meet a new designer (during Fashion week, but I wanted to introduce her to you now while in bridal market) who I’m sure will soon join the ‘first-name club. It is an honor to introduce you to MinnaK.

What are the 'hot' types of gowns are girls asking for (either type of material (cotton, silk) style, shape etc.)?

Girls usually ask for custom - they want to design their own gowns, or mix one part of one style with another. The majority of brides go for strapless with a-line skirt or ball-gown type silhouettes. I don't generally design this type of gown since there are so many out there. Plus I am more into clean, modern, sexy, clingy type of gowns. Not all my gowns are like this, but this is what I am more known for.

What motivated you to do a 'bridal line' and what is your inspiration?

When I was apprenticing in Paris and doing a study abroad program at The Paris Fashion Institute, I had the opportunity to attend couture shows. I absolutely fell in love with the art of fashion. I carried this with me when I moved to New York, and after studying at Parsons School of Design, I worked under a bridal house - Amsale. She became my mentor. To see the beauty and craft of each gown being made was inspirational. This is how I began doing bridal. Once in awhile I would veer off and do other dresses (as you saw in the show), but from now on, I'm focusing heavily on bridal and evening wear. That's where my passion lies.

My main inspiration is Vionnet. She is my favorite designer, and she is known for Grecian style bias cut gowns. I refer to her when I design my gowns.

Do you use 'natural fabrics/are you eco - if yes why and what other ways do you think a bride be more 'environmentally friendly?

I am not eco but I do use natural fabrics. 99.9% of the wedding gowns in my last collection were silk and lined in silk. I love the organic aspect of natural fabrics, and the way that they feel. Things that come from nature is beautiful to me.

How long does it take to create a dress and what are your price ranges?

I usually ask for at least three months, longer for custom. I am still a small design house, but more established design houses need 6 months or more to create the gown for one bride. It's labor intensive but worth it in the end. My bridal collection starts at $2100.00

Anything else you want the readers to know about your designs?
If a bride is interested in any of the bridal rtw, they can contact Kleinfeld Bridal, or contact me directly. My information is located at minnak.com

I enjoyed the freshness and modesty of both MinnaK and her designs. If you are looking for young sophistication, that is flirty, and YOU are wearing the dress, not the other way around, please check her out.

Guest Blogger shares her confesions of Fashion Week : Ms. Gemma Seager UK

Recently I was asked by a fashion student what it's like to attend Fashion Week. Well, what can I say? Its simply amazing, tiring, and the best dessert all rolled into one. I had a blast, met lots of friends (thx Twitter!) and especially found my FIRST guest blogger delightful. So when she wrote about her experience in London, I absolutely had to share it with you. If you love fashion in general - especially retro-chic fashion, you should read her work. While I know it's not 'bridal', I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. As I get ready to attend bridal market in NY next week, a lot of this insight holds true for all you new bridals bloggers out there so take note.

Confessions of a Fashion Week First Timer
by Ms. Gemma Seager - AKA Retro Chick

In case you didn’t already know, this was my first season with a Press Pass at London Fashion Week. Lack of organization, lack of confidence and a lack of belief that I would get approved for a pass in the first place meant that in the end I decided to attend just the Saturday with the intention of checking out the exhibition, soaking up the atmosphere, and generally getting a feel for what London Fashion Week means without completely killing myself.

This meant I had to turn down a couple of invitations, for other days, but some last minute emails and a bit of begging and borrowing from Reena at Fashion Daydreams meant I bagged an invite to the Louise Gray and Cooperative Designs presentation and the Bryce D’anice Aime catwalk show at Fashion Scout.

I was hellish nervous beforehand. To be honest I’m probably that kind of person anyway, but London Fashion Week (or any Fashion Week) has a gloss of glamour and in crowd, air kissy, bitchy girl judgment about it which had me in a heightened state of awareness about everything I put on that morning. Not wanting to stand out too much (I’m such a wallflower) I stuck to black tights and jacket with a short black and beige silk dress.

Arriving at Somerset House alone to pick up my Press Pass and get to the Louise Gray presentation I felt 2 things:

• Fear – I had NO CLUE where I was going, there were signs and maps, but they meant nothing to me
• Excitement – The atmosphere really was amazing.

Suffice to say I managed to find “Registration and Fast Trak” at the back of the Courtyard behind the Catwalk Space and swapped my print out email for an exciting press pass to wear round my neck

Essentially Fashion Week is a huge trade show. Two years ago I somehow ended up at the National House Builders Exhibition in Birmingham (don’t ask) and I spent the day walking round stands while PR reps attempted to give me leaflets, mouse mats, mugs and keyrings. Fashion Week is basically the same, but with less mouse mats and mugs (shame)

Focus is often on the Catwalk shows, with their glamour, mystique and front row celebrity, but there is A LOT more to see, even if you’re a blogger or buyer with a focus on more affordable fashion this is definitely a place to find out about labels and designers you might otherwise miss.

So, as a Fashion Week First Timer these are the tips that I will take forward with me next season:

• Wear flat shoes

There are 2 types of people at London Fashion Week. The ones that want to take photos and the ones that want their photo taken. If you are one of the former then no one gives a crap what you look like except you, so you might as well be comfortable. If you must wear heels then at least take flats with you so that when you are stood at the front of a queue for a show that is running 45 minutes late and the clipboard Nazis are running up and down ushering more important people straight to the front of the line you won’t be tempted to cry/sit on the floor/kill them with your stylishly spiky heels.

• Take a big bag

If you are a blogger there is a lot of potentially useful information you can collect and you’ll need a bag to put it in. Look Books, Press Packs, copies of Drapers, free chocolate (thanks Oxfam) they’re all big and heavy and need somewhere to live. They did give you a LFW Tote Bag when you registered, except I somehow missed out as I went to Fast Trak and to start with everything was in my handbag (my Lulu Guinness City Tote, why not try and win your own ;o) ). I did grab a tote later on, which brings me to my next tip.

• Ask for help

There are people dressed in black, generally hovering around the info signs. They are wearing big badges that say “HELP” (or something like that). Oddly enough they are there to help and when you ask them a question what they do NOT do is fix you with a withering stare like you don’t belong. They tell you what you need to know, and then they smile. Weird.

• Take plenty of Business Cards

Seriously, I took about 10 (I mean, who gives a crap about me?) and I’d run out by lunch time. The PRs on the exhibition stands are there to make contacts just as much as you are, and they want your details, make sure you have them to give.

• Look at the Exhibition

Like I said, the Catwalks have the glamour, but not only is the exhibition stuffed with useful new discoveries, but each stand tends to be manned by PR people, and they don’t only represent one client. Making contacts here, even if that specific stand isn’t of massive relevance to you, could really benefit you in the future.

• Be yourself

Some people are arses who will demonstrate not the slightest bit of interest in discussing their product or design with you. Some of them are lovely, friendly, open people who want to chat with you about life, let you admire their shoes, try on their hats and form useful business relationships. Don’t try and impress the first kind, they’re not worth it, they’ve already read your badge and decided you’re not important enough to talk to. Their loss.

• Don’t buy lunch at Somerset House

This salad cost £5.25 (Yes, I’m a Blogger, I’m allowed to photograph my lunch). There are cheaper and yummier places round the corner.

No matter where you are, this story is so true...and yes there is better food outside of the venue and less expensive - even in NYC. Thanks so much to Gemma and check out Retro Chick http://www.retrochick.co.uk/