Spring 2012 Highlights

Light as a feather Marchesa Gown

Marchesa Shift

Monique Lhuillier column gown

Blush Monique Lhuillier tulle gown

Rock and roll satin pant and fur by Oscar de la Renta

Favourite Gowns Under $550

Whether you're on a tight budget or not, it's nice to know that there are affordable, budget-friendly dresses that are easily accessible! Here are some of my favourite picks.

White by Vera Wang Draped Net Dress $600
at David's Bridal

Ruffle Shift Dress $99
David's Bridal



Chiffon One-Shouldered Dress $349
Davids Bridal

 David Meister draped jersey dress $550, Aidan Mattox Strapless metallic print dress $550 (both available at Neiman Marcus.)

Justina McCaffrey Personal Appearance Trunk Show

Hi Everyone,
Just an update- you can now find Justina McCaffrey at Becker's Bridal at 387 Danforth Avenue if you're in the Toronto area. There will be a trunk show and personal appearance by Justina herself next weekend.
Here are their other locations if you're not in the area.
The previous information posted was incorrect, sorry everyone! By the way, please be aware of fraudulent email blasts that look similar to the real thing.
- Melissa

Bridal Gown Fitting Advice from Vera Wang

Here are some great tips from Vera Wang's latest newsletter on dress fittings:

• Most retailers will be responsible for providing the proper fit.
• Make sure you understand the salon’s alteration policy.
• Your first fitting will give you a good idea of how many additional fittings you’ll need.
• Don’t be surprised if the gown does not fit precisely
at the first fitting. You were likely measured six
months before when you ordered the gown and even
slight changes to your physique affect the fit.
• Wear your wedding day shoes at every fitting. This will create a consistent height.
• Always wear the same foundation and underpinnings. The foundation will impact the fit of the gown.
• Maintain a consistent weight. Even small fluctuations may require alterations to a bodice.
• Enjoy the process and trust the alteration team.

Dress: "Eloise" By Vera Wang It's been a while since a dress had made my heart stop! Vera designed this dress with lily of the valley (a symbol of happiness) embroidered in the bust line and did a beautiful job draping gorgeous blush cream silk taffeta.

Little White Dresses by Amsale

We've all heard of the necessity of a little black dress in your wardrobe, but these pieces in the Little White Dress collection by Amsale are adorable. They're fresh and modern, and can really be worn for any occasion.

Pink Princess

This look was inspired by my pink Charming bouquet. Fairy tales do come true!
Dress: Oscar de la Renta's pink-lined ruched dress looks almost good enough to eat. Photo from Brides.com
Bouquet: Fairy tale faux flower bouquet made from pink peonies, garden pink roses, rose buds and feathers, wrapped with lace by Celebrate Beautifully . It doesn't get any dreamier than this!
Earrings: Assael Peach Pearl Earrings from Neiman Marcus $2000
Clutch: Judith Leiber Pink Fluted Beaded Clutch from Neiman Marcus $2995

Shoes: Valentino's Couture Half d'Orsay Pump in Gold from Bergdorf Goodman $695

A Christmas Wedding

Red and green themed Christmas weddings dont needn't be tacky; they can be classy and beautiful like this storyboard inspired by my red and green bouquet available from the Celebrate Beautifully shop.
Dress: Lace gown with a lace caplet by Monique Lhuillier
Bouquet: Faux bouquet with a green hydrangea, and red roses by Celebrate Beautifully
Bracelet: Bow hinge cuff from Forever 21 $11.80
Shoes: We haven't had this much fun with red shoes since Dorothy's ruby red shoes! Sergio Rossi's Cannes Peacock Feather Sandal from Neiman Marcus $1495

Glamour Goddess

Dress: A masterfully constructed cream Zac Posen mermaid gown $3690
Earrings: H Stern art deco Starburst Earrings $4900 from Neiman Marcus
Bouquet: Traditional tied posies of lily of the valley and gardenia, tied with a chartreuse ribbon (from Marthastewart.com)
Art Deco inspired crystal minaudiere by Judith Leiber from Neiman Marcus $1995

The Modern Tradtionalist

My new bouquet inspired me to create a look of a true tradtionalist at heart, mixed with modern elements. The bouquet itself is made of traditional blush pink peonies, roses, lily of the valley and a more modern green mini calla lily. $95
The dress is a Tracy Reese 50's inspired cream lace dress with a black tie from Anthropologie. $288
The elegant earrings are pear shaped diamond earrings by Zoe, available from Barneys . $4380
The shoes are an amazing patchwork platform sandal by Rodarte from Barneys. $1645 (yes, the shoes cost more than the dress :)

Not Your Mother's Dress...

Claire Pettibone's fall 2011 collection features dresses that were all about feminine flower power.

 I love this floral bolero!

 Loving the mandarin collar

 My mother definitely had a dress almost exactly like that!

Marchesa Fall 2011 Preview

I know I have yet to post more up on Spring 2010 but I couldnt wait to preview some of the Fall 2011 collections! Here are my favourites from the Marchesa 2011 collection (photos from brides.com)

 

Winter Weddings: Look 2 - Winter Romance

For the second look, I put together a more casual, romantic-vintage look.

Dress: JCrew. A pretty petticoat lace gown in cream with a faux fur wrap or silk bolero would look beautiful in the winter.
Bouquet: Bardin Palomo. A more casual arrangement of chocolata garden and lovely lydia roses, sweet peas, hypercium berries, tied with a pink velvet ribbon. (photo from Instyle.com)
Cake: Ron Ben-Israel. A gorgeous icy turquoise cake goes perfectly with large burgundy and deep magenta sugar peonies. The cake is a dark chocolate with dulce de leche and raspberry buttercream. (photo from Instyle.com)
Earrings: JCrew. Finish off the look by adding vintage looking jewelry like these pearl glass earrings.

Winter Weddings: Look I - Winter Glamour

I decided to have some fun with winter weddings and post two looks, featuring the work of talented floral designer from NYC, Bardin Palomo.

Dress: Monique Lhuillier. Duchess Satin gown with matching lace trimmed overcoat.

Bouquet: Bardin Palomo. Gorgeous winter white bouquet featuring peonies, French lilac and stephanotis, studded with crystals (photo from Instyle.com).Handbag: Marc Jacobs. Gilda fur & sequin bag. (photo from Saks.com)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin. "Maralena" mesh crystal peep-toe pumps with crystal covered stiletto heel. (photo from Saks.com)

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

I know it's been a long time since i've last blogged- thank you for your patience everyone! Here are a few of my favourite picks from Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2011 collection. I love the combination of her signature soft, feminine details with the more sleek and modern silhouettes. Enjoy!

Photos from Monique Lhuillier.com

Spring 2010 Shoe Candy

I have to admit i've been waiting to post about shoes for a long time but I haven't seen any delicious shoes that really caught my eye. I can see that the luxury shoe designers have noticed a market for designer wedding shoes that aren't your average traditional white satin shoe. Here are some of my picks for this spring:Valentino Fairy Tale shoes (wow!)
I never get tired of seeing these Valentino D'Orsay shoes. This "half" version is in gold.

I'm sure Christian Louboutin designed these for bridal, as they are cleverly lined with light blue leather.

Ernesta T-Strap Louboutin Shoes

Monolo Blahnik's "Something Blue" shoes.

My favourite of all, these gorgeous studded t-strap shoes from Louboutin.

Feature Designer: Partina Atelier

It's getting close to wedding season, and most brides are probably looking for their perfect dress, so it's the perfect time share our very first feature designer interview with you! Tina Cho, who cites Christian Dior and Valentino as her inspiration, is the talented designer behind Partina Atelier, who specializes in elegant custom gowns with sophisticated lines and details. Read our inspiring interview below!Q: What advice do you have for brides who are confused about what style of dress to wear?
A: She should wear a dress that best reflects their personality and one that they're physically comfortable in. A bride should also consider the venue, time of day, and size of the wedding.
TIP: Start by trying on different silhouettes and once you find the right one, consider accents and details.

Q: Describe the Partina bride.
A: My brides understand style and want to be unique. My classic-contemporary style often shies from excess but when exceptions are made, the resulting gown is tame with a twist and still extremely elegant.
Q: What are your favourite materials to work with and why?
A: I love silk. Some of my recent favourites are silk faille, chiffon and my all time favourite is taffeta. It's light in hand, has a beautiful subtle luster and can be manipulated in many ways.

On Custom Gowns "There is truly nothing like a dress that's made just for you. You have the chance to make the dress uniquely yours down to the fine details."

Q: If a bride would like a custom dress made by you, how long would the process be?

A: I typically ask for at least 6 months notice because of the 3- 4 fittings required to perfect the style and fit of the dress.

Thanks Tina, for sharing your beautiful designs with us!

Question: Wedding Dress Guide in Toronto

Q: "Where are the best wedding dress shops in Toronto?"
A: I get this question all the time and with wedding season quickly approaching, I thought I should post it on my blog! Of course, there are tons of bridal shops in Toronto. I'm sure there are great ones I have missed, but most of my picks are from visiting these shops a few times and noting service, quality and value. I've also noted the approximate prices i've seen. Feel free to contribute any thoughts.
For the Couture Budget...
Many times I get asked, "Why are there $500 dresses and $5000 dresses?" The answer is in the materials and craftmanship. While a bride could easily blow a whole entire wedding budget's worth on a dress, set your budget and stick with it.

Vera Wang 38 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON (Approx $2500 - $20,000)
If you want to be surrounded by the most professional experienced service and gorgeous gowns, you must go to Vera Wang. The dresses here have clean lines, elegant silhouettes and are fashioned from the most luxurious light fabrics. When I purchased my wedding dress from them, I received nothing but the best service. Though this store doesn't have the selection as other Vera Wang stores I've been to (New York and London), they went out of their way to fly in a dress for me to try on.
White Toronto 19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON (Approx $2500 - $15,000)
White Toronto is another one of my favourite places. There is a silhouette and dress style for bride looking for a designer dress. Run by a former stylist, the boutique carries a gorgeous selection of Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Lela Rose, Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge and other high end designers. I also love their selection of accessories and shoes. Of course, with that price tag, you should receive the best service, and they get an A+ for their no-pressure, cheerful yet professional approach.
Ines Di Santo 168 Davenport Road, Toronto, ON (Approx $5000 - $20,000)
If you love ornate, hand-beaded and embroidered ball gowns, this is definitely the store for you. Ines is famous for her trademark luxurious silk duchess gowns (which are also insanely heavy!), and her bridal salon in Yorkville makes you feel like you've walked into an empress's closet. The service is on the cool side, but worth a visit if this is what you're looking for.

Partina Atelier
If you're looking for a custom made gown with couture quality sewing, go to Tina Cho at Partina Atelier. Stay tuned for our very first designer interview with Tina coming up on Celebrate Beautifully!

For Mid-High End Budgets...
Dina Alonzi Bridal 3020 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON (Approx $2000 +)
A long time Toronto bridal shop, Dina Alonzi carries Amsale, Rivini, Badgely Mischka, and Kenneth Pool. Again, the service was on the cool side, but they've got a mid to high end selection that is worth taking a look at.

Pearl Bridal House 76 Lakeshore Rd East, Mississauga, ON (Approx $1500 - $3000)
I first discovered this boutique because I was looking for the Melissa Sweet collection in the GTA. They also carry Amsale, Kenneth Pool, and Christos.

For Lower - Mid Budgets...
Bridal & Beyond 100 Vanderhoof Avenue, Toronto, ON (Approx $800-$2500)
If you're looking for selection, this is the place to go. They also carry a wide range of favours, accessories and bridesmaid dresses. The staff was helpful but at some points we were pulling our own dresses. However, in terms of value, it's definitely worth a visit. They carry Provonias, Alfred Sung, Dessy, and Paloma Blanca.

Superior Bridal 7703 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON
Though i've never been, i've heard good things about this store and its deceptively huge selection. I've also heard from a few friends that they found the dresses they wanted there, and was charged less than they would have at other places. Definitely worth a visit!

Davids Bridal
This is a great shop with many ready to wear bridal shops at an affordable price. They carry the exclusive White by Vera Wang collection which is gorgeous and at a great price point!

Suzanne Perron Gowns

I wanted to feature the beautiful designs of New Orleans designer Suzanne Perron because I was struck by the incredible couture quality and detail that sets her designs apart. The designer once worked for Vera Wang, and has helped dressed celebrities and southern belles alike.

Upcoming Trunk Shows

Hi Everyone
I know it's been a while, but just wanted to let you know about two trunk shows coming up. One is at Justina McCaffrey Bridal, who is known for her full silk ballgowns:

TORONTO BOUTIQUE
Saturday & Sunday October 31st & November 1st
10 AM to 5 PM Both Days
114 Cumberland St. Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
T: (416) 928-1334 torontoretail@mccaffreyhautecouture.com

OTTAWA BOUTIQUE
Saturday & Sunday November 14th&15th
10AM to 5PM both days
465 Sussex Dr. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
T: (613) 789-4336 ottawaretail@mccaffreyhautecouture.com

The other is at one of my favourite boutiques, White Toronto, who will be presenting a Rivini Bridal trunk show and personal appearance.

Best Makeup for Weddings & Special Occasions

Ever since my cousin curled my hair with a curling iron when I was a kid, I've always been fascinated with the art of makeup and hair. When I was in high school, I started doing makeup and hair for proms and eventually did stage plays and a few weddings. Though i'm not a professional makeup artist (it really is more of a hobby), I've always been on the quest to find the best products. Here are my picks for the best makeup for weddings and special occasions:

Best Foundation

MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15

This gel based formula blends effortlessly with your skin for great coverage minus the cakey or dry feeling you get with other foundations.

Best Concealer

NARS Concealer

I really have tried almost every concealer under the sun and I find this formula the best to work with. It's pretty resilient to creases, stays well on pimples & bumps, and works well on most skin tones (some concealers I find too pink).Best Pressed Powder
Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation

To finish off, I like to use a big brush with this foundation to set the makeup (although most people like to use transluscent powder). It has a nice fine texture and small reflecting minerals.

Best Blush for All Skin Tones

NARS "Orgasm" Colour

I've been using this blush for years and it is the most flattering ever. It has gold undertones and a peachy colour that gives you a natural flush. It's also great for every day as an instant pick-me-up. (Shown below in the Bridal Palette)

Best Bronzer

Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick

Generally, I wouldnt necessarily go "bronze" for your wedding, but it's nice to take a big huge brush, and lightly highlight your face for the slightly sunkissed look. This is a great product for other special occasions and every day too.

Best No-Smudge Eyeliner

Chanel Automatic Eyeliner- Ecriture de Chanel

My cousin, who jets all over Asia for L'Oreal, introduced me to this while she worked for Chanel. For some reason i'm prone to racoon eyes from liner, but this stuff does not budge! It's amazing! The only thing is that you dont get a whole lot for the price tag.

Best Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Waterproof Great Lash

This is a really tried and true formula, which really is waterproof (very essential for the wedding day!)

Best Eyeshadow for Weddings

Bobbi Brown Eyeshadows

They blend really well, and I think their color palette is the most sophisticated and elegant, which is ideal for weddings.

Best Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown

This is really the BEST for staying power. I really love how it's a thick formula without being dry on your lips or too shiny. Perfect for the big day!

Best Lipstick

Laura Mercier

I really hate the feeling of dry lipstick, so when I use this on people they really love it because it leaves your lips feeling so soft. Plus the colours are very bridal appropriate.