Fall Favourites

It's taken me a while but I've done it! I've poured over hundreds of photos from the runway, the latest collections of all the best designers worldwide. This season is diverse, with many designers' collections being vastly different from one another. However there is a decided trend towards more sophisticated silhouettes and experimental embellishments; unique little touches and loud unusual adornments placed on the gown in areas which are not traditionally used for detail. Here are my selected favourites, the unique, exceptional and classical. Some of these gowns may not yet be available, some only available overseas and some only as couture, so please keep in mind that a trusted dressmaker could be your new bestfriend for making a dream dress come true.

Angel Sanchez

Badgely Mischka

Reem Acra

Elizabeth Fillmore

Farah Angsana

Monique Lhullier

Melissa Sweet

Jim Hjelm

Jane Wang

Rosa Clara

Watch out for future posts featuring in more depth the collections of Monique Lhullier, Angel Sanchez and Rosa Clara, three collections I absolutely loved for their inventiveness. I found it so difficult to chose a favourite from each show that I have to post on all of them seperately!

(Image Credits; Cedar Creek Estate Winery; All others Brides)

Nautical Style in The Naughties

There was a decided trend last summer in fashion of navy touches and prints. Blue and white stripes and touches of red, navy style cut jackets and buttons to match and those cute little white shorts that looked straight out of the 1950s which was when the last major surge of naughtical fun happened. The look spilled over a little into this season as well and its one I delight in. It brings to my mind images of old movies in technicolour set on the french riviera with a blonde bombshell heroine and a dark, silent hero setting out on a boat looking so picture perfect in their blue, white and red. I love the ocean, I love sailing and I love seaside interior style. Nothing makes me calmer than walking into a whitewashed room filled with pieces of furniture in pale worn wood, shells everywhere, and navy blue and white ticking stripes on cushions and upholstery. Especially if the view out the window is of the ocean... clear blue water stretching all the way to the horizon, only broken by the flash of white sail. Now imagine your wedding in such a setting. Bliss!

In our inspiration board, touches of white and navy blue striped ribbon adorn bouquets, daisy pomanders and table centrepieces. A seating chart is made up using old navy sea crests and an ornate gold easel. Table numbers are stencilled onto the sails of model sailing boats and guests are given old fashioned sea compasses which double as escort cards. For the bridal party; a pair of retro bright red heels for the bride, a sleek navy blue suit and white tie for the groom and pleated skirts for the bridesmaids. The brides dress has white on white striping for a more subtle take on the navy trend.

Brass Anchor Paperweight. Available at Red Sky At Night.

Lightouse lanterns from The Style Salon.

Blue and white striped corset dress from Victoria's Secret.

(Image Credits; Brides; Inspiration Board: Style Me Pretty; The Knot x 6; Style Me Pretty x 2: In Style Weddings; The Style Salon; Victoria's Secret.)

That's just the ticket!

I've noticed as i sift through the numerous blogs and sites I scour everyday trying to find new ideas that there is a decided trend for invitations and save the date cards to have a fun fair or concert ticket theme. I love this idea because it is so different and since an invite is a preview to the event the ticket type theme really promises a fun and different kind of day. If that's what you're after than consider some of these clever designs.

(Image Credits; InStyle Weddings; The Knot; Marit522 on Etsy)

Beautiful Butterflies

This season is one of butterflies fluttering about enjoying the heat and the flowers. An outdoor wedding with touches of butterflies here and there is whimsical and fun. Try some of these great ideas.

These little butterfly decals in many designs (along with dragonflies) can be found at Clear Cut Crafts on Etsy.

(Image Credits; Project Wedding; The Knot; Clear Cut Crafts.)

Magnolia Paper Monograms

I found these fantastic little premade monograms over on The Etsy website. Made by Magnolia Paper, they can be personalised with your own names and colours. They're also very affordable and you can use them on almost anything! Go to Magnolia Paper on Etsy to find out more.

(Image Credits; All Magnolia Paper.)

Favours to grow

Coming up with an idea for a favour that suits not only you but also your guests is at times very hard to do. A mini pot plant or seedling is a nice way to add to the tablescaping of your reception as well as creating a talking point for your guests. Try using herbs and traditional plant spikes in each pot as a guest place card.

(Image Credits: Project Wedding; In Style Weddings; Pink Frosting; Celebrate with Seedlings)

Modern Preppy

(Image Credits: Top Row; The Knot x 3; Oscar De La Renta: Middle Row; The Knot x 3: Bottom Row; The Knot x 4.)

Oscar De La Renta Spring 2009

Oscar De La Renta is a designer in New York who works magic with exquisite bridal gowns. This seasons collection of couture bridal is stunning. The collection favours simple silhouettes, with strapless gowns being featured heavily, adorned with unusual bows and inventive embroidery and applique. See below for my favourites. The whole collection can be viewed by visiting the Oscar De La Renta website. Oscar De La Renta is now available in Australia through Helen Rodrigues which is based in Neutral Bay in New South Wales.

(Image Credits; All Oscar De La Renta)

Organic City

These two contradictory styles when brought together create a fresh modern look which is both sophisticated and earthy. Perfect for styling a reception venue thats large and open like a warehouse or loft. For a wedding held in the centre of the city the earthy touches add a beautiful and refreshing contrast to the new and old architecture which surrounds. Mix earthy elements like moss with industrial touches like the open beams of a warehouse roof, or unfinished wood with highly polished stainless steel. Monograms would add a nice sophisticated touch and keep the colours light but strong. Very vibrant hues of green mix well with natural colours of wood or steels whilst a base of black and white keeps the look fresh and bold. Add touches of dark brown to warm the palette up.

COLOUR WHEEL

INSPIRATION

(Image Credits: From top to bottom; Southern Weddings Blog; Project Wedding; Southern Weddings Blog; The Knot; Southern Weddings Blog; Project Wedding.)

Flower Girls

Traditionally a flower girl carries a basket of flowers or petals, sprinkling them on the aisle before the bride, which is meant to bring extra good luck to the couple. She follows the ring bearer and precedes the bride. These days she may carry a basket or a pomander or even blow bubbles. If you're a bit worried about having little ones in your bridal party consider having two flowergirls, or have the ring bearer walk with her. The buddy system is great as partnering the smaller ones together makes them feel a whole lot more comfortable. To ease flower girls into the role (after all it can be quite scary with all those people looking at them!) give them pep talks and preparation dicussions before the day, even giving them a chance for rehearsals. If you seat her parents toward the front of the ceremony it will give her a chance to focus on them instead of the people around and she can be seated there after her duties are done. Don't forget to thank her after!

Inspired Idea No.1

The traditional basket becomes something else entirely with a little bit of innovation. Try moss covered wicker ones or carved pumpkins. Tin buckets and ones made out of bamboo stems also make lovely ideas.

(Image Credits for Grid; Top Row; The Knot x 3; Bottom Row; The Knot; Beth Helmstetter; The Knot.)

Inspired Idea No.2

Tropical flowers and moss create unusual pomanders.

Inspired Idea No.3

Flowergirls blow bubbles down the aisle instead of scattering petals.

Inspired Idea No.4

A little cart was decorated with flowers and toted the little ones down the aisle by the older kids in the bridal party.

Inspired Idea No.5

Flower girls carried small paper parasols, whilst the bridesmaids carried full size ones. Makes for great photographs.

(Image Credits; All The Knot; for grid picture see above.)