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A few months ago I wrote about the trouble I had finding the perfect bridesmaids dress.  Many dresses later, an off the rack BCBG dress was the winner.  After finding the dress, I decided on a bouquet of light and dark pink tulips for the ladies.  I thought the pink would really pop off the navy blue.

With the bouquets and dresses in place I was able to think about completing their look with shoes and jewelry.

One of my bridesmaids found the great shoes below, so jewelry was the only item left.

I had decided early on I wanted to get the jewelry for my bridesmaids as a gift.  On a recent trip to Nordstrom I spotted some great Kendra Scott earrings but the colors were not quite right.  A quick visit to her web site and I scored big.  On Kendra Scott’s web site you can actually custom create the jewelry by first selecting gold or silver and then the gem colors.

I have included two screen shots of the earrings and bracelet I created for my ladies.  If you are stumped in finding jewelry for your bridesmaids or yourself I encourage you to check out the web site and try your hand and creating a custom design.

With an amazing color palette, flowing chiffon, gorgeous charmeuse and the most lovable lace you ever did see, it is no wonder that everyone is smitten over Joanna August’s new line, “Ceremony.”

So, contact Lacey at Bella Bridesmaid to make your appointment for their upcoming trunk show, from November 17th – 20th. Happy shopping!

One particularly beautiful line that we cannot wait to get our hands on over here at District Weddings is the Theia collection, which can be found at the exquisite Georgetown boutique, Carine’s Bridal Atelier…

The Theia collection is named after the Greek Goddess of Light. It was designed to bring out a woman’s inner Goddess through the finest fabrics, embroideries and silhouette. The ML Evening collection is an exquisite extension of Monique Lhuillier’s style. When asked about the line the designer said, “this is an important milestone for me – to bring my design sensibility to a larger demographic of women who seek glamorous, modern evening wear.”

The ML Evening collection offers gowns and cocktail dresses featuring Monique’s signature touches such as lace, embroidery, and draping. Both lines boast a wide range of pieces for many different styles and events.

From lace to beaded and embellished gowns, with these dresses the holiday season is sure to be filled with striking textures and shimmery metalics. Whether you are headed to a winter gala or you are the mother of the bride at a black tie affair, the season’s latest trends are to die for!

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After finding my own dress, the hardest wedding style decision was choosing dresses for my two bridesmaids.  That’s right, two bridesmaids.  I can’t even imagine having to consider and please 5 or 6 bridesmaids with a dress choice!  Yes, I realize it is my wedding and the choice is mine, but who wants miserable bridesmaids?  After a few “almosts” I recently stumbled upon a great dress for my girls.

Here are a few tips and highlights from my experience…

Think Outside the Box: If you have a large bridal party this may be tricky, but for brides with fewer maids, think about looking at the dress department in your favorite stores.  Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and BCBG have great dress selections and bonus – some will be much lower priced than the standard bridesmaid dress.

If You Find It, Buy It: A few months ago, I came across a Monique Lhuillier dress on Nordstrom’s web site, and it was perfect (see above).  I hesitated, and a week later both the sizes we needed were sold out.  Nordstrom has a fantastic return policy and had I gone with my gut and ordered the dresses, returning them would have been easy.

Flowers, Shoes and Color Choice: Starting out I thought going with a light pink would be flattering on my blonde, fair-skinned bridesmaids.  As planning progressed, and I came to flower choices, I realized navy blue flowers would be hard to come by.  Also, what shoes would I pair with the pink dresses?  After some thought I realized, pink flowers would pop against a navy blue dress and discovered some great shoe choices (see above).

Maids Style: There is nothing worse than a girl uncomfortable in her dress.  It shows, in pictures, in her confidence and the worst –it shows as she tugs and pulls at her dress through out the ceremony.  While it is your day, take into account what your bridesmaids will be comfortable in.  A larger chested girl will appreciate straps and not everyone is comfortable in mini skirts.

And finally, have fun! Does the nail color of each bridesmaid really matter?  Let them show some individual style or buy their day of jewelry as a thank you gift.  Check out pictures of the almost ML dress (above), the final choice (top) and a few potential accessories my bridesmaids may wear down the aisle.

What advice do you have for brides when choosing a makeup look for the big day?

I usually advise brides to choose a look that makes them feel special and beautiful.  Once they have an idea for their wedding day look, I can customize that look to best match their facial features.  I also discuss and provide recommendations based on other factors such as the time of year, location, time of the wedding, and wedding theme or style.  All these should be considered when determining the bridal makeup look.

Photo Credit: Greg Gibson Photography

What make up looks best in photos?

For wedding photos, a mix of natural and glamorous makeup looks is one of the best choices.  My signature classic yet modern makeup styles offer more versatility when creating an individual, customized look.  Overall, a great wedding makeup look should be a timeless style for wedding picture keepsakes.

Photo Credit: Greg Gibson Photography

What looks best in person?

The best makeup look to wear in person are those that are well blended and well finished so that it will stay intact for several hours.  Some radiance on the skin adds a fresh and healthy glow, highlight effects on the eyes and sculpted eyebrows refines the eye makeup look.

For a sultry look choosing sheer bronze earthy tone eyeshadows with a mix of grayish semi matte finish adds intensity and glamour.  Red lips creates a very luscious look and naked lips with lipgloss are always amazing. People notice your face first so it is important to make it appeared effortless and perfectly done.

Photo Credit: Len Depas; Amanda Gilley

What make up trends are you most excited about for the upcoming season?

For the upcoming season, I am excited about my blend makeup technique by using airbrush makeup in addition to the traditional makeup application.  It helps keep the makeup intact for a longer time with a light, even coverage.  It provides the best makeup finish for a live event, high resolution photography and high definition videography.  The latest beauty trends right now are the return of the porcelain skin look, contouring effects for a natural blush look, fresh face makeup and sheer finish lipstick rather than opaque for the “wine-stained lips” look trend.

Where do you get your inspiration or ideas for new looks?

My ideas for new looks are ongoing and come from all around – the change of season, colors in nature, and the latest trends in designer fashions. For instance, I have been using a dewy and fresh makeup finish recently, as the season changes and we lose humidity, we have to create visual effects with creme makeup foundations and liquid blushes for the right texture .

I rely on the latest makeup products but my inspiration comes from simply listening to the client.  From each new bride I learn and am inspired to bring out the best of their personal beauty styles.

Carine, a total fashion show-stopper and owner of Carine’s Bridal Atelier, tells us what is out there and in style this upcoming season for evening wear…so very suitable MOB options!

The ML Evening collection (pictured above) is an exquisite extension of Monique Lhuillier’s style. When asked about the line the designer said, “this is an important milestone for me – to bring my design sensibility to a larger demographic of women who seek glamorous, modern evening wear.”  The ML Evening collection offers gowns and cocktail dresses featuring Monique’s signature touches such as lace, embroidery, and draping. Both lines boast a wide range of pieces for many different styles and events.

The trends for Fall 2011 and this Holiday season feature brushed metallics and luxurious textures through laces and brocades. From pewter to soft bronze fabrics or re-embroidered lace to  fully beaded gowns, women are sure to be shining this coming season.

The Theia collection (pictured above) is named after the Greek Goddess of Light. It was designed to bring out a woman’s inner Goddess through the finest fabrics, embroideries and silhouette.

Also, don’t forget about all of the fun happenings around town for the bride this weekend!

What kind of trends have you noticed for rehearsal dinner dresses this fall?

I carry a few party dresses that girls have ordered for their rehearsal dinner and I have seen that overall, girls want a “party dress” for their rehearsal dinner.

I have seen all short dresses. I think they like to have a little more fun with their rehearsal dinner dresses, maybe be a little more daring in their choices than they would be for their actual wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses. I never hear girls saying “I’m going to look back on my rehearsal dinner dress…”

What are a few of your favorite rehearsal dinner dresses?

The Tear Drop Bride dress from Ciarla is very fun and fashion forward – D.C. girls love it!  It comes in multiple colors but most girls get it in white. I imagine Carrie Bradshaw would wear this dress.

The new Rosette Dress by Two Birds has also been popular for rehearsal dinners. This dress comes in multiple colors including ivory. Depending on how they tie the dress they can look very sexy for their last night of being single but still have bit of girly accents on the bottom.

I have also heard girls saying that they liked this dress because it can be tied so many different ways. It is wearable again and every time they put it on they will always remember it being their rehearsal dinner dress so it special to them.

How about accessories? Do brides have fun with any other part of their rehearsal dinner ensemble?

I have definitely heard girls say “oh this will be so cute with my Pink/Purple/Blue shoes”. Because the rehearsal dinner dresses are almost always short, I think girls also like to have fun with their shoes. A lot of girls still like to wear ivory or “winter white” to the rehearsal but no one wears white shoes in the fall/winter. I think bright pumps that match their wedding colors will be popular for fall rehearsal dinner shoes.

Thank you so much Lacey! Check out Bella Bridesmaid for the latest fashions!

Shop TOMS wedding styles, and as always, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. SO freakin’ awesome!

For more information email weddings@tomsshoes.com for discounts.

Photo Credit: The Wedding Chicks

Dresses by Amsale and Kenneth Pool

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You’re invited to grab your best gal pals and join the Hitched ladies, Carin and Julia, at their lovely new boutique, Hitched Maids, for an evening of bridesmaid dress fun at their Amsale Bridesmaid Buying Party, on Thursday, September 30th from 5-8pm!

Amsale bridesmaid dresses are chic and fashion-forward, but far from fussy, and their lightweight, versatile fabrics (think cool chiffons and easy breezy jersey) are suitable for all types of wedding locales and formality levels. At the buying party, your girls will have the opportunity to try on a wide variety of Amsale dress styles (including ones they don’t normally have in the store!). As a special bonus, any dress purchased that night will be 15% off! To continue the fun, they’ll be extending  the trunk show through the rest of the weekend and continuing to offer 10% off through Saturday, October 2nd.

What: Amsale Bridesmaid Buying Party & Trunk Show

When: Thursday, September 30th from 5-8pm (with certain discounts continuing through the weekend!)

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com
(No appointment is necessary for the event on the 30th, but please schedule an appointment to try on bridesmaid dresses at any other time!)

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Chevy Chase Bridal is pleased to host a Mother of the Bride Trunk Show

September 24th – October 6th

Dresses by Michael De Paulo

Featuring designers Michael DiPaulo, Catherine Regehr, Tina DiMartina, Daymor, Enzoani and Siri.

To make an appointment, call 202.363.9301.