A Dress for the Cure

Brides magazine is hosting the first ever “Something Pink” gown sale in New York City on October 4, 5, and 6 in support of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this organization, Making Memories raises money through wedding gown sales across the country to grant wishes to women with terminal breast cancer and their families.

Amazing designer gowns have been donated by top designers, bridal salons, manufacturers, and brides. Let me tell you, there are some GREAT deals to be had! Prices range from $75 to $1000, and are all well below the retail value of the dress.

And for all of you that are eager to get first pick of the gowns, on Thursday, October 4 there will be a VIP preview event hosted by the editors of Brides. In addition to be the first through the doors, you will be able to meet the editors of Brides magazine, have a chance to win a honeymoon to Maui, and get a fabulous gift bag valued at over $300.

There are three ways you can give your support to this wonderful cause: purchase a gown at the sale, donate your own gown to be part of the sale (which is also tax deductible) or simply purchase a ticket and attend the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to their website www.brides.com/somethingpink.

Best,

Julie

Tip of the week: The Great Slim Down

It’s not a secret that most brides want to loose weight before their wedding. Its normal…all eyes will be on you and you want to look your most beautiful. Weather its 5 or 25 pounds, my tip to you is to do it before your first dress fitting. What many brides don’t realize is that altering a wedding dress isn’t always an easy process. And to have to adjust the same areas to compensate for your shrinking size makes things much more difficult and can produce less than perfect results. It is especially important to maintain your weight between your last fitting and your wedding. If you don’t, there is a good chance that your dress will be a little roomy on the big day.

Best,

Julie

Something Old: Vintage Lace Gowns

As a bride, you want to look unique on your wedding day…especially when five of your closest girlfriends have gotten married in the last year. A Jana Starr wedding dress is the perfect way to do it. Reconstructed out of antique lace by Jana herself, each dress is completely and utterly unique, not to mention absolutely gorgeous!!! She also has an amazing selection of antique lace veils, and wraps.

For more information check out her website at www.janastarr.com

Best,

Julie

Best in Bridal Event

If you are in the NYC area on September 25th, you MUST attend the Best in Bridal Event at the St. Regis Hotel. It’s been created by our friends over at BFF Bridal who are the ladies to turn to for in the know bridal tips. The event will be staged like a real wedding, and many of our favorite vendors will be there including Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Badgley Mischka bridesmaid’s dresses, Jennifer Behr accessories, and Harold Heckler Photography.

Not to mention there will be a fantastic gift bag!

For more information, and to purchase tickets ($85 for one, $150 for two) RSVP to events@bffbridal.com or call 646.417.7071.

Something pretty for the Bride and Mom

Few people know wedding dresses like seasoned bridal designer Paula Varsalona, who has been in the business for over 30 years. She’s known for classic designs, attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, and all at a reasonable price (wedding dresses start at $1800 for the V collection). I can tell you first hand that one of my clients recently purchased a wedding dress at the showroom in New York, and had a wonderful experience. Not only did she find the dress of her dreams that was within her budget, but Paula herself was there to help us. The bride looked beautiful and was thrilled!!!

Recently, Ms. Varsalona has launched a line of Mother of the Bride dresses which are based off of her very popular bridesmaid line, but have more couture details. The gowns are done in silk satins, taffetas and chiffons and have a sophisticated style that is great for mothers. The above photo is of Chandra Wilson (star of Grey’s Anatomy) wearing one to an awards show this year!

Paula Varsalona dresses are sold in over 40 stores across the country and for more information on where to find them you can call 800-761-1707 to find a location near you or check out the website at www.paulavarsalona.com.

Best,

Julie

Von de Luxe

If you’re in the New York area and looking for a custom made bridal gown, check out Caroline Thelen’s Von de Luxe. With a background in patternmaking and couture sewing, Caroline creates gowns that are elegant and romantic while staying away from what she calls “cookie cutter” designs. You can choose from already created dresses in her showroom, or design something completely custom with her. Either way, the fit will be perfect as she does a muslin for each gown. Prices start at $1500 and need to be ordered at least two months before the wedding.

For more information or to make and appointment call 212 354 3382 or check out her website at www.vondeluxe.com.

Best,

Julie

Photos by Barnaby Draper

Great dress for an expecting bride

If you follow celebrity gossip at all, you’ve heard by now that Usher and Tameka Foster have finally married. The reason I’m pointing this out is because the bride, who is about 6 months pregnant (she’s due in December), looked fabulous!

Her Vera Wang dress was the perfect choice, as the rushed bodice and a-line shape nicely camouflaged her pregnant belly. From the pictures you would hardly even know she’s expecting! There is very little detailing on the dress itself which I love because it lets the focus be on her face. And she definitely has that pregnancy glow!

So for all of you out there who have a bundle of joy on the way or who tend to be a little thick in the middle, this is a great dress shape for you.

To see a photos of the wedding go to www.essence.com.

Best,

Julie

How to Choose a Makeup Artist, Part II

Last week we started talking with Keri Berman, the New York City makeup artist about how to choose the right makeup artist for your wedding day. Here is the rest of our interview with Keri…

Q: How far in advance should the bride do her consultation?

A: As soon as the bride selects the wedding date, she should make a consultation appointment. Makeup artists can get booked very far in advance, so call as soon as possible.

Q: What are the most important tips you can give a bride?

A: She should come into the consultation with makeup pictures from magazines that show a makeup look that is too light and a look that is too heavy. The bride’s idea of a smoky eye can be very different then a makeup artist’s, but with makeup pictures you are sure to be on the same page. This is the best way to establish clear communication which will result in your perfect bridal makeup application.

Thanks Keri! Your advice and insight is much appreciated!!!

For more information on Keri Berman, please check out her website at www.keriberman.com or call 917-566-6426.

Best,

Julie

Fall Collection Preview: Christos

Every once and a while a dress goes down the runway that is truly different than other dresses out there. When I saw this dress by Christos, I knew it absolutely fit the bill. The Queen Anne neckline sets it apart, and in my opinion is a very pretty detail.

And for all of you brides out there that hate your arms, this is a great dress for you! It provides great coverage without bulk or heaviness. Plus the organza a-line skirt will be flattering on many body types.

Best,

Julie

Photo by Meagan Camp

How to choose a Makeup Artist

Makeup is a very important part of your wedding day look, and more often than not it is a bride’s first experience hiring a professional makeup artist. I get a lot of questions from my clients about who to choose and how to choose them. So I thought I would ask the question to one of the best makeup artists in New York, Keri Berman. With years of experience helping brides and celebrities look their absolute best, Keri is an expert!

Q: What should a bride look for in a makeup artist?

A: A bride should look for someone who can accentuate and enhance her beauty, while making her feel confident and comfortable on her special day.

Q: How should she decide on the look she’s going for?

A: The makeup artist should discuss the bride’s vision of herself as well as the level of makeup she is comfortable wearing. From there, the makeup artist should interpret all the data and create the bride’s perfect look.

Thanks Keri! Your advice and insight is much appreciated!!!

For more information on Keri Berman, please check out her website at www.keriberman.com or call 917-566-6426.

And check back next week for Part II of the interview!

Best,

Julie

Cashmere Ring Pillow for the Chic Bride

The luxury cashmere company, White + Warren has introduced a fabulously chic ring pillow. It’s made of cashmere (of course!) and is available in a multitude of colors. It’s the perfect accessory for the stylish ring bearer, and at $50 you can’t beat the price!

For more information and to purchase, check out their website at www.whiteandwarren.com

Best,

Julie