Ulrich Engler Is Chic

I can't help it...I buy British bridal magazines even though most of the items cannot be found in the US. But there are some fantastic ideas that can be used. In UK's Brides, I saw an ad for Ulrich Engler. The paleness of this photo, the ruffled detailing on the back of the dress, and jet necklace draped behind instead of in front has such an allure. I don't know where you can get his stuff in America, but where there is demand....

Stamp Counselor

I just sent out my invites! My wedding is 86 days away (TheKnot.com keeps me informed of the countdown) and we wanted to get them out early since 99 percent of those invited are traveling for our big day, which is taking place in New Orleans. I knew from my sister's wedding that my handwriting was good enough to address all the envelopes, but anything we could do to not tax my hand too much would help. So we purchased a rubber stamp that looks super chic...the only problem? The last name is in the center with the address written around it in a circle. Obviously, we didn't think it through. It's fine for a return address, but we didn't think we could stamp it on the RSVPs as it wasn't clear enough for the post office to read. So I hand-addressed those as well.

I was browsing on Etsy and came across these well designed and post office-friendly stamps by Sweet Papery. They sell many with horizontally placed addresses and feature slick fonts and styles. They can also customize. Your hand will applaud you for this purchase, plus most of them are in the twenty dollar range!

Victorio & Lucchino Are Chic

Spanish scenesters Victorio & Lucchino have been designing together since the '70s. Their Spring/Summer 2008 collection includes these styles, which, to me, evoke the feel of delicate forest nymphs. All are gorgeous in ivory!

Head Case

Erin Fetherston not only makes amazing clothes, but she adorns her models in the most terrific headpieces. Sadly, they cost hundreds of dollars and I cannot justify spending that much for mine. So...I am attempting to make my own. My sister and I popped into Toho Shoji on lunch break (it's in Midtown, NYC) to purchase some pearls, feathers, and various other findings. I spent just over fifty dollars, but with those items, along with some other trinkets I bought from vintage shops, I think I can make something work. I'll post my creation, but these photos from various Fetherston ad campaigns are my inspiration.

Stylish Celebrity Wedding: John and Caroline

September 21, 1996
John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Caroline Bisset get married.

Love Birds

Being a bride-to-be can be stressful and that makes me want to reach for my comfort standby...chocolate chip cookies. I've been resisting (sort of) and I'm trying to get back on my gym schedule. So when Self magazine came across my desk with the coverline "Quickie Workouts You'll Love" I was intrigued. Little did I know that while flipping through the magazine, I found a little article featuring Twobirds Bridesmaid dresses. You know that cute dress sold at American Apparel that you can wear a zillion different ways? It's just like that, but in a jersey spandex/nylon blend, making it all the more fancy. New Yorker, Ariane Goldman created the line when she dressed her bridesmaids for her wedding. You can style each dress to flatter each of your 'maids in their own way. Go for a Grecian look or a basic strapless with a braided back. Try out the halter version or one shoulder style. There are ten options and ten color swatches...you won't have to stress and reach for that cookie...or whatever your sweet tooth craves. Plus, your bridesmaids can express their individual style. See more at TwobirdsBridesmaid.com. Now I'm hitting the gym!

Suzanne Ermann Is Chic

From Paris with love comes Suzanne Ermann, a couture designer whose resume includes collaborating with Chanel and Thierry Mugler. Her sometimes whimsical wedding dresses are as adorable as La Vie En Rose star, and now Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard.

With many styles to choose from, Ermann brings on drama and romance. I love the one that goes from ballgown to mini with just an unsnapping of the bottom. Check out more of her designs at Suzanne-Ermann.com.

Stylish Celebrity Wedding: Elizabeth and Arun

March 3, 2007
Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar get married.

Sonia Rykiel Is Chic

She's French, got her start by crafting a fashionable maternity dress for herself, once wrote an erotic novel (along with a children's book), sells sex toys at some of her stores, and creates incredibly dreamy clothes...who is she? The incredible Sonia Rykiel! Here are some heavenly looks from her Spring 08 collection that would make amazing wedding dresses. It gives me the feel of a bride rushing to the altar with a blushed excitement in her cheeks, making an exuberant entrance. Check out more of her styles here.

Picture Perfect

Many couples go for a photo session to capture that newly-engaged glow on film. Sometimes the photo is for the local newspaper, or it's a keepsake for the happy couple or your families. But what about a portrait? This Chicago artist will take one of your photos and make a custom drawing. It's perfect for framing or you can even have her design it as a wedding invite or save the date. Love it!

Check out her designs and options on her Etsy page.

Kitty Chen Is Chic

Not only is she adorable, but 30 year-old designer Kitty Chen makes charming dresses that you (and your groom) will fall in love with. The details on this Brier Rose gown offer a vintage feel and the lace and chiffon on the cap sleeves are straight from a fairy tale.

Check out more of her designs on her website, KittyChenCouture.com.

Stylish Celebrity Wedding: Slash and Perla

October 15, 2001

Slash and Perla Ferrar get married.

Carolina Herrera Is Chic

Romantic and feminine, Carolina Herrera's gowns show off her exquisite style. Happy Valentine's Day!

Stylish Celebrity Wedding: Grace and the Prince

April 19, 1956
Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly get married.

Mintee Fresh

I just discovered a new designer named Mintee Kalra. She used to work for Alexander McQueen, but she started her own eponymous line, Mintee, and it's divine! These dresses would be amazing for three bridesmaids at a Springtime wedding.

Inviting Invites

Shopping for wedding invitations is a daunting task. If you head to a stationary shop, there are far too many to choose from, so you should go in with a direction. Want flowers? Love shapes? Prefer a clean modern design? How many color combos? What kind of fonts do you like?

I've seen more invites than I care to admit and what's funny is that my hubby-to-be and I went with our first choice. Colossal waste of time? No way! I can share them with you.

These unique designs found on EvaPaul's site on Etsy are refreshingly different. The crossword puzzle look is sweet and I love how the designers really had fun with typography.

Fashion Week: Zac! Reem! Vera!

Above: Fairytales can come true as seen in Zac Posen's dresses. That's Karen Elson (Jack White's wife in top photo.)

Above: Drama and sophistication ruled on Reem Acra's runway.

Above: Vera Wang showed great draping and drop-waisted dresses.

Dreamy silhouettes on willowy bodies graced Bryant Park. With Fashion Week coming to an end, these designers had some impressive standouts.

Hey Shorty

Who said wedding dresses had to be long? All found on Priscilla of Boston (top dress by Melissa Sweet, rest by POB), these minis don't have to be preserved after the ceremony—wear them again and again.

Tiny Petals

Asclepias, better known as milkweed, are small and delicate blooms that can make a big impact on a bouquet.

Pucker Up For Pink

Fashion Week isn't just about the fashion. So much goes into the makeup looks on the models, and for the Thakoon show, the desired look was minimal with sun-kissed cheeks and sweet pink lips. Lancome's newest color, Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink (now on lancome-usa.com and in stores in March), was created specifically for the Thakoon show with makeup artist Gucci Westman. It's a deliciously sheer raspberry, perfect for a Springtime wedding.

Photo by Sean Cunningham.

Beautiful Makeup: Backstage At Marchesa

Stila Cosmetics supplied the makeup looks for the Marchesa show, and as much as I loved the dresses, the makeup was just as well done. Star makeup artist Talia Shobrook took Marchesa's inspiration of Elizabethan and Spanish style to give models angelic faces. The look is great for your wedding day!

For Skin: Go matte and pale with Stila Sheer Pressed Powder, then use Perfecting Concealer on any trouble spots.

For Eyes: Neutral-toned smoky eyes are accented with super long lashes and dramatic brows. Use Stila Eye Shadow in Chinois for brow bones, and Bouquet and Kamet to the crease of eyelids and bottom lash line. Line your lower, outer rim with Kajal Liner in Smoky Quartz. Go heavy with Major Lash Mascara in brown and apply the same in black to tips for added effect. Fill in brows with Brow Set.

For Cheeks: Flush apples of cheeks with Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain. Blend well for only a hint of color.

For Lips: Go shiny on your kisser to contrast with matte skin. Use Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain again, but place directly on lips and top with SPF Lipstick in Caicos.

Super pretty!