Archive for the ‘Bridal Accessories’ Category

If you haven’t already heard, there’s a wedding happening tomorrow (well, the wee hours of the morning for us Yanks). Yes, the day that everyone has been buzzing about for months has finally arrived. Kate and William are tying the knot at Westminster Abbey, and the whole world will be watching. I remember my parents waking us up very early to witness Prince Charles and Lady Di exchange vows over breakfast. Thirty years later we have DVR, and I get to sleep in. But, you better believe I’ll be watching!

What Kate will wear is a secret guarded more heavily than the crown jewels, but no doubt she will look stunning. Let’s play fashion stylist for a bit and pair up some heels to the occasion. British designer Aruna Seth’s divine creations are making the rounds both here and in Europe, drawing the attention of celebrities like Goldie Hawn and Sophia Bush.

In honor of the royal nuptials, we’ve chosen three heels – in the red, blue and white of the Union Jack — we could imagine Kate and party working down the aisle. Let’s take a look:

Byrony Ivory Satin Bridal Heel

These gorgeous heels feature Aruna Seth’s elegant curve that elongates the leg. Plus, they are specially padded for comfort…something Kate will need for that LONG walk to the altar.

Farfalla Royal Blue Satin Butterfly Heel

Something blue? Perhaps maid of honor and lucky charm, sister Pippa, would sport these stunning shoes with dazzling butterfly embellishment and tiny peep toe platform.

Cerise Heel Red Satin

Did you hear they are installing a disco ball at Buckingham Palace? If Kate’s in the mood for a little sparkle, what better shoe to wear to the after party than these made-to-order red rockstars with Swarovski crystals and a signature red bow. Party on, Kate and William, and many more happy years to come.

For more on Aruna Seth, visit arunaseth.com.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Aruna Seth.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Want to look like a million bucks on your wedding day? Well, let’s be real, what bride doesn’t?! But in all seriousness, now you can rock Elizabeth Taylor-like bling without paying the hefty five-figured price tag.

Introducing Red Carpet Jewels, a new jewelry rental site that launched last month. The jewelry featured is fit for royalty, and can be yours for a day at an extremely discounted price. Necklaces, some worth as much as $60,000, can be rented at a cost ranging from $75-$1,800. The site also carries earrings and bracelets.

So, how does it work? Visit the site and become a registered member to view the specific pieces available on the day of your event. Once you pick your pieces, you’ll check out and pay 25 percent of the rental fee (along with the deposit). You’ll receive the jewelry two to three days prior to the day of your event and the pieces must be shipped back within the two days following said event. During that time, the remaining balance will be applied to your credit card, and once the pieces are safely returned, you’ll be credited for the deposit. It’s that easy, so start browsing for the pieces that will help you really sparkle on your big day!

Blog post by Real Weddings Editorial Intern Kourtney Jason.

Photo courtesy of Red Carpet Jewels.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Ladies, Happy Thursday! I have a confession. At the ripe age of 12, I caught my first and only garter. Yes, I climbed my precious little pre-teen way over the fray of eligible bachelors to snag the ultimate prize. I still shudder a bit when I look at the picture of myself, all braces and awkwardness, standing next to the poor gal who caught the bouquet hoping to be paired nice single guy that night. Can’t win them all. But, I still have my garter!

Today, let’s go beneath the dazzling dresses and uncover the wonderful world of garters! Lacey, silky, bowed or borrowed, there are plenty of lovely options to choose from. So, before you show off your gams to your new husband and his eager groomsmen, check out these designs available at Advantage Bridal.

A touch of “Vintage Charm” ivory satin garter featuring an embroidered chiffon ruffle with gold stitching and beaded accents.

Practical as it is pretty, this garter features a nifty pocket to hold essentials.

Check out this elegant peacock number with a gorgeous feather accent.

Something blue? This silk and lace garter also comes with a blue ribbon.

This fiery garter in red and orange will certainly burn up the dance floor.

Monogrammed…just in case you forget who you are after several reception toasts.

Beautiful in black and white, this one has a rhinestone buckle and scattered Swarovski crystals.

Sink your teeth into this sweet and simple garter in chocolate brown.

Feeling lucky? Try on this Irish Love Knot garter with a shamrock appliqué.

You’ll be in full bloom wearing this lovely Venice Daisy garter in lace.

Old fashioned at heart, you can put on your game face with this charming cameo garter.

Find all these and many, many, many, more garter options as Advantage Bridal. advantagebridal.com.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

 Photos courtesy of Advantage Bridal.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Let’s get to the point, ladies. Being a bride requires a lot of time on your feet.

First you walk down the aisle, then you’re running off for pictures, not to mention dancing the night away with your guests. Just the thought of it is enough for me to run and grab the box epsom salts.

I totally understand a bride’s decision to wear heels. We’re talking about glamour, height and personal style. We’re totally on the same page. But…wouldn’t it be nice to also be comfortable during the long day ahead? If that’s something you desire, may I suggest the ballet slipper? Sweet, simple and elegant, it’s also fabulously easy on your feet.

Our friends over at Advantage Bridal have a bunch of beautiful slippers to choose from, for you, your bridesmaids and your flower girls. Here are a few of our favorites for the darling bride:

These gorgeous dyeable satin ballet slippers are embellished with a stunning pearl and bead applique.

Popular dyeable satin lace-up ballet slipper with durable leather soles, complemented with a dyeable lace-up grosgrain ribbon.

These beautiful satin ballet slippers adjust with a drawstring top. They are embellished with gorgeous satin bows with a rhinestone accent and feature leather soles. Very comfy!

Colorful Creations Beauty is a stylish flat ballet slipper with pleating and adorned with a gorgeous rhinestone encrusted ornament.

Find these and other beautiful ballet slippers online at AdvantageBridal.com.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of Advantage Bridal.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Last week we were mad about the boy…but this week, we’re gaga for our gals. In addition to sharp selections for grooms-to-be, J. Crew also opened a new concept store on Madison Avenue in New York City. Yep, J. Crew went bridal!

I, personally, was really intrigued to see what the casual clothier will come up with for their new collection. And, you better believe it’s as fresh as a garden party on Martha’s Vineyard. Here’s a sneak peek:

Want to see more?  Check out:  J. Crew Bridal. 

And, it gets even better — if you’ve followed Real Weddings Magazine at all, you know we love custom millinery. One of our favorite milliners — Leah C. Couture Millinery (“Leah C.”), internationally known milliner and designer of hats and veils — has created unique headwear for J. Crew.

It has been “super exciting to work with J. Crew,” says Leah Chalfen, owner and designer of Leah C. “The demand for beautiful and unique wedding accessories is rising,” she adds, also noting that, “J. Crew has paired Leah C’s unique, couture headpieces with J. Crew’s flattering, comfortable and simply elegant wedding gowns.”

Leah’s partnership with the retailer is fitting as J. Crew emphasizes unique accessories and becomes more than just a clothing store. “In the past couple of years we’ve been looking at elevating every category,” said Jenna Lyons Mazeau, executive creative director of J. Crew. Ms. Mazeau notes that “when it’s quality, the customer gets it. We’re looking at doing special incredible pieces.” Molly Carey, designer for J. Crew Wedding Collection and Jewelry Designer is also “so excited because we are now collaborating. Leah C. will be doing some one-of-a-kind bridal pieces for J. Crew´s Wedding Collection!”

Leah C. Couture Millinery creates hats, veils, and hair accessories for weddings and special occasions in New York City and can be seen online at leahc.com.

Here’s a sampling of her work…

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of J.Crew and Leah C. Article cited: Edelson, Sharon. “J. Crew pushes accessories to the front.” WWD, Conde Nast Publications, Inc., 2008.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!