Gowns, details and trends I love--
Alvina Valenta's strapless ballgowns--a straight-necked blush satin with waist bow and alençon lace hem, and a sweetheart-neck with shirred bodice details and silver beading. Simple but sensational! Some of the less formal evening gowns are nicely understated as well.
Reem Acra and Kenneth Pool for Amsale-- a potpourri of lovely details and accents this season. Silver beads, silver embroidery, colored embroidery and three-dimensional detailing. Not your run of the mill "lace-and-bead" detailing!
Demetrios-- a slender strapless with scatter-beaded satin bodice and embroidered sheer skirt. Oh-so sophisticated, but still feminine! Plus, a very nice collection of gown styles and silhouettes that draw on some really lovely historical costume influences. I love that stuff!
Alfred Angelo-- when you want access to a variety of styles within a reasonable price range, they have a lot to offer. Brides, maids, large sizes...there's a lot to see!
Eve of Milady-- their sweetheart tank with pattern-beaded bodice and complete confection of sheer skirt and train. Make an entrance!
Vera Wang-- a wider range of shapes and fabrications than I seem to remember some years from this manufacturer. Still straight-forward and savvy, as always.
Jessica McClintock-- I love her classic boned corset bodice, bustled back strapless gown. Easy to dress up or down, depending on your overall wedding personality.
Priscilla of Boston-- still lovely in fabric, line and detailing. No wonder they're a mainstay!
Lazaro--what can I say. Always something special in design and beauty!
Winters & Rain-- authentic pearl tiaras converted into jewelry after your wedding. I've not seen them in person, but I love the concept!
Occasions from Jim Hjelm--the seperates are continued practical style for grown-up maids. Not appropriate for EVERY wedding, but fabulous for the RIGHT wedding! Nice lines in the sexier and the more traditional maids' gowns as well. Seems like they have a style for almost any wedding in ONE of their collections.
Watters & Watters-- there's just something about their buttery yellow striped taffeta halter seperates for two-piece dressing. Too much fun to resist for the right set of maids.
Jordan Fashions-- hanging in there with the basics, Bill Pesce's continuing the tradition with some extra style. Always worth looking at.
Teleflora-- loved the simple round bouquet with pink roses, white button mums, off-white alstromeria, and heather accents.
The Precious Collection-- I loved their invitations in the 1980s when I was getting married; they still have wonderful style.