Pronovias Is Chic

The Pronovias Flagship just opened in NYC and they have some of the most amazing gowns. They feature the Pronovias Vintage collection (top two), which captures a sexy innocence. Love the 50's look. Plus, Manuel Mota dresses are also there! These standouts (bottom two) are totally different, but both are so elegantly crafted. Absolutely stunning!

KT Jean Is Chic

I've been kind of obsessed with Etsy.com lately. It's important to me not to have a "catalog" kind of wedding. I don't want mass produced run-of-the-mill favors; I won't get a French mani; I want to add a unique charm to every detail. Granted, it can get expensive, but it also can save a lot if you go with designers with a DIY ethic.

Which leads me to my dress fitting story. I went for my first fitting and it wasn't as fairytale as I wanted it to be. I am in love with my dress...don't get me wrong...I am just concerned with the length. I've never wore a floor length gown before and I, a girl who lives in heels, had a hard time walking the length of the fitting room. I thought, How am I supposed to dance? I can't show you the dress here since my soon-to-be husband checks this page out every now and again, but it's a vintage-like Melissa Sweet that my friend Steph said had a touch of "rock and roll and country." It's very me, but being me includes wearing heels, and while I can weather trekking around the snow in three-inchers, I fear of falling down in this gown.

Solution? Etsy! Namely KT Jean Designs. I just ordered the mini and in case I feel like I can't shake it on the dance floor as much as I would like to, I can slip into this. Katie Jean also makes full length gowns that are a steal and absolutely gorgeous!

Abbreviated Versions

Want to show off a sexy, yet still sweet, pair of heels? Go short! Oscar de la Renta (top) and Chanel showcase these darling dresses.

Found on MarthaStewart.com.

Amsale Is Chic

From Amsale Blue Label
Spring 2008

Rami Kashou Is Chic

"Project Runway" spoiler alert!

For those of you who didn't see the finale yet...stop reading!

So...Rami didn't win (I am so happy for the fierce Christian!), but he did craft a gorgeous deep champagne dress that would make your wedding day...well, totally fierce!

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....

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!

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.

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.

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.

Carolina Herrera Is Chic

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

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.

Fashion Week: Marchesa

Marchesa's showing at Fashion Week was delightfully gorgeous. The last dress in this post takes my breath away.

Fashion Week

Find inspiration in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 NYC

Rodarte

Miss Sixty

J. Mendel

Herve Leger by Max Azria

Erin Fetherston

Carolina Herrera

Badgley Mischka

Ian Stuart Is Chic

While discussing the construction of a wedding dress with my sister, a designer, she mentioned how a good wedding dress is couture and that's what sets apart a so-so designer with an impeccable one...not to mention why these gowns cost so much. It's about the style, but it's also about the fit, which has to be perfectly suited for your body. Ian Stuart has a background in couture design and it shows. The UK designer has won numerous awards for his work and has even crafted dresses for socialites and members of the Royal family. His dresses show off his skills in draping and a love of detail. I love the surprise of the bubble dress, the flowing bottom of the dress in the middle, and the cocktail length number is asymmetrically awesome.