Preowned Wedding Dress Roundup 05/01/12

We didn’t think today’s preowned wedding dresses had anything in common until we looked at the same side by side and noticed that there was a theme. All but one feature flattering sweetheart necklines, and they all have a fuller element to the skirt plus one stand-out detail (like an abundance of ruffles, beading or a floral flower). Of course, there’s another thing that they share, and that’s that we love each of them.

1. La Sposa Lauria, $600/originally $1,400

There’s a lightness to this flowy dress that pairs so well with outdoor weddings (take a peek at the current owner’s island wedding to confirm). Even better, where some Grecian-inspired gowns can leave you looking heavier, the Lauria somehow still flatters. You’ll have to take a trip to the island to pick it up, but when has a mini-vacation ever been a bad thing?

2. Le Ann Belter Mathia, $2,250/originally $4,000

If you leave a mermaid shape with a sweetheart neckline but are sick of all the lace versions, this is a great alternative that has more of a modern touch. The whole thing is made of duponi silk, and the covered buttons at the back will photograph way better than any zipper (though you’ll have to sew couple back on and replace a couple too).
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Sample Sale This Saturday At Isabelle’s Bridal

Another Saturday, another sample sale. We know, we know, you wanted to wake up late and have coffee and go out for brunch and take it easy. But, there are wedding dresses starting at $99 waiting, and that makes it so worth waking up early to get in line outside Isabelle’s Bridal in North Vancouver this Saturday.

Here’s what you need to know: The Isabelle’s Bridal one-day sale starts at 9 am and goes until 6 pm (though we wonder if they’ll have anything left by that time). Sizes will range from 6 to 20—it’s safe to always assume you’ll be needing alterations on a sample sale dress—and bridesmaids dresses will also be available (starting at $30!).

Some of the designer dresses being featured include Jim Hjelm, Jasmine and Paloma Blanca, and you can check out pictures of a few of the dresses here.

You can always sleep in Sunday, right?

p.s. Don’t know much about sample sales? Here’s the scoop.

Advice From The Editor: Wearing It Your Way

One of the first things most brides think about when they get engaged is what they’ll wear, and even brides who say they’ve never considered their future wedding much usually can tell you a bit about what they want to put on. Of course, things get a little more complicated the moment you step in a wedding dress shop and see the plethora of options available (and, sometimes, can’t find one dress that’s even close).

In the end, however, there are some good guidelines to picking a dress that you’ll feel great in and that will stand the test of time (pictures last a lifetime, people).

Opting for a classic is an easy way to ensure your dress will still look pretty in 20 years (think simple lace styles with relatively minimal detailing and sleeker silk designs). Stay away from trends except in subtle ways since wedding dress fashion changes just as fast as street styles, and never opt for any trend that doesn’t do great things on your body. Continue reading

At Caroline Calvert Couture It’s All In The Accessories

Sometimes it’s not the wedding dress that ends up wowing everyone, but what you wear with it, and if you pick up some pieces from Caroline Calvert Couture, that’s likely to be the case.

Raised in Vancouver, Caroline carefully hand crafts every type of accessory you could need for your big day, from old-world shrugs (wouldn’t the wool one pictured above be perfect for a winter wedding?) to veils, belts, jewellery and more. The end results are so pretty that you could save money by purchasing a simple dress and making it into something spectacular with a couple of Caroline Calvert Couture items.

Wish you had the skills to come up with creations like these? You can book a workshop with Caroline and learn how to make beautiful fascinators. There’s a minimum of four people required to book, so consider gathering your girls for a unique stagette—and having your bridesmaids wear the pieces they make for the wedding.

Preowned Wedding Dress Roundup 04/10/12

Today’s preowned wedding dresses that we’ve rounded up all share a common element: They’re uncommon. Creative silhouettes and detailing make them not only beautiful but unusual, and wearing one will definitely help you stand out from the pack.

1. Lillen Collection, $1,600/originally $3,300

 In line with all things unique, wearing a dress from a Vancouver design house is rare in itself (we don’t have that many wedding dresses designers hanging around Lotusland), but this gorgeous gown is born and bred right here. The flowery strap shouts “summer” to us, and we love that you can wear it shawl style (as shown), one-sided, or not at all (it’s removable). You can check out more photos of the dress on another bride at this stunning vineyard wedding in Osoyoos.

2. Alvina Valenta 9709, $750/originally $2,000+

Pleats are a modern twist on ruffles and the ones on this gown are perfect for a bride who doesn’t want to go too girly, but still wants a soft silhouette. The scallop detailing near the bottom pleated ruffles is an extra touch that will turn heads as you walk away.
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Jenny Packham Dresses Now Available At Bisou Bridal

We are so excited to report that you can now purchase Jenny Packham dresses right here in Vancouver.

There are very good reasons why big names like Kate Middleton, Jennifer Aniston and Miley Cyrus are fans of Packham’s designs (as evidenced by the photographs above). Packham has ethereal down to an art form, and can detail a dress unlike anyone else, and we can’t think of better qualities to look for in a wedding gown.

If you want to wear an Oscar-worthy Jenny Packham of your own, don’t except to find it anywhere in town other than Bisou Bridal, which is the only current retailer for the designer’s wedding dresses in Western Canada. Now if only they sold matching red carpets…

I Do(nut)

The donut is making a comeback, ladies, and we found these fried rings for a little wedding inspiration. Don’t love donuts quite enough to make them part of your wedding? Try incorporating them in your wedding shower.

{Sources (clockwise from top left): Carpe Donut Truck | Andrea Dozier Photography | Intimate Weddings | Ivy And Aster | Sweet And Saucy Shop}

A Tiny Tiara To Inspire You

This might be the boldest take we’ve seen on the wedding tiara, but it’s also the one we’re swooning over the most. Seriously, does it get sweeter than this?

You can see the whole wedding here on the photographically stunning blog of the Swedish-based Hilda Grahnat.

Preowned Wedding Dress Roundup 03/27/12

Today’s preowned wedding dress roundup is all about designer bargains (and jaw dropping dresses), so if you’ve been looking for something affordable that’s going to have the quality craftsmanship and beautiful fit of a big name dress, read on.

1. Monique Lhuillier BL0916, $1,000/originally $2,900

Monique Lhuillier knows how to make a dress fit, and that’s one of the reason brides will splurge for her stunning creations. Thankfully, this preowned gown can fit both you and your budget. Plus, the ruched bodice and trumpet shape are the epitome of flattering. You can check out more photos of the dress at the bride’s beautiful B.C. wedding here.

2. Tara Keely 2052, $1,500/originally $3,000

Our own editor can vouch for how great this dress looks and feels on, and it’s easy to appreciate the tiers and lace detailing. The bride has listed it for sale now, but it won’t be available until after her wedding this July. You’ll save big for your patience, however, and the dress won’t have been sitting in storage. Continue reading

Five Bridal Hangers Worthy Of Holding Your Gown

There are so many big things  to remember when wedding planning, and it’s understandable that smaller details sometimes slip through the cracks. Sometimes, however, it’s so worth devoting some of your limited time (and budget) to sweating the small stuff. Hangers are a perfect example.

Hangers don’t usually crosses your mind until the moment that you’re looking through photos from the big day, and then it’s too late to do anything about the plastic hanger detracting from that gorgeous shot of your gown. Our advice? Take a moment now and find a hanger that’s going to hold up to photographic immortality.

Here are five of our favorites.

1. Shabby Chic Bridal Hanger by My Fair Maiden, $39.00 CAD

Sometimes more is more, and the feathers, buttons, and miniature roses decorating this shabby chic hanger are not going to disappoint in your pictures. We love the idea of a simple lace gown hanging off of it (maybe for a sweet countryside wedding?).

2. Vintage Wood Advertising Hanger from Morgen Bladet, $15.00 USD

One for the groom (even if he doesn’t notice it, you will in pictures of his not-yet-donned suit). It’s simple with a ruggedly suave look. Plus, the “mens, young mens and boys clothing” emblazoned on the side are fitting to your guy and his groomsmen. Continue reading

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