I Guess I Do

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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween



Meet Sad Cat & Unhappy Hobo - apparently Halloween's weren't always so happy in the Kelley family. 

Maybe it was the fact that I was wearing at cat onesie as a fourth grader. Maybe it was the Amish bonnet. Or quite simply that I had eyelashes for eyebrows. Either way I knew my costume was crap that year. 

But I have to give to my mom, she was never Suzy Homemaker when it came to costumes, but she does know how to create gems for your graduation board, or pictures that come in handy in the off chance that her daughter decides to start a random blog. 

And now I get to do the same to my son Harry - doesn't he look thrilled??

Have a safe and candy filled Halloween my friends!

xo


Monday, October 28, 2013

Bridal Fashion Week Awards

As my coverage of Bridal Fashion Week comes to a close, below are some designers I would like to highlight for their achievements.

Mark Zunino is steadily becoming one of my favorite designers. He caught my eye when he designed the stunning dress Tamra Judge wore for her wedding. His designs are classy and feminine, with just the right amount of sex appeal. 

I can see his name being a staple among the Monique's and Vera's in the years to come. Click here to check out more from Mark Zunino. 

This season, St. Pucchi launched their new budget friendly line Mila. It was my favorite of the cost conscious collections. 

The fabrics are still beautiful and the designs still modern. It's a great option for brides looking for the couture look without the price tag! Click here to see more St. Pucchi designs. 


What I love about Vera Wang is that she, like her collections, are constantly evolving. She has been the biggest name in the bridal industry for decades, but her looks keep changing with the times. 

An all pink collection is a risk, but in my eyes the risk paid off. Click here to see more of Vera Wang's collections.

The best overall experience I had at show in New York was by far at Jenny Packham. Not only was her collection perfection, but so was the music, the lighting, and the atmosphere. She definitely created a "moment" that everyone will never forget.

Click here to see Jenny Packham's stunning show for yourself.



And last but not least, my favorite collection from this season's Bridal Fashion Week goes to - Lazaro. The collection was cohesive, yet the pieces were each different and bold. I absolutely loved the lace pantsuit and this gold and white dress is something I wish I would have worn on my wedding day!

Not many dresses make me want to travel back in time, but this one surely does! They played with colors, pattens, and pants this season - and I loved it all. Click here to see more from Lazaro. 


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Bridal Fashion Week Collections Continued

Here is a look at more of the collections from Bridal Fashion Week. Up first, the one who truly set the scene:




This show was more than just a runway, it was a total atmosphere. Set in a loft in the Meat Packing District, lighted trees surrounded the brick room. The music and feel only enhanced the dresses. I love Jenny's whimsical yet refined look. It may be vintage, but has just enough sparkle to stand out!

Photos Courtesy: Jenny Packham 



Maggie Sottero is known for her modern dresses at affordable prices. She played with lots of texture and lace this season while still staying true to her body flattering designs. 
 
Photos Courtesy: Kurt Wilberding via The Knot




Yes, it's everyone's favorite Say Yes to the Dress designer. Pnina stayed true to her sultry style, but one new trend she went with this season was long sleeves. Even though you may be covered head to toe - she still finds a way to make you look sexy. 

On a side note, Randy, Lori and Monte were at many of the shows I attended. It took everything in me not to say to them, "Let's jack her up!" But much to the surprise of Kyle, I showed some restraint. 

Photos Courtesy: Dan Lecca via WeddingWire





DYING over these - from the pantsuit to the prints. Lazaro took a risk this season and it definitely paid off. After a while at all of these shows, all the dresses can start looking the same. It was so nice to see something different come down the runway, yet wearable at the same time.

Photos Courtesy: Kurt Wilberding via The Knot



I really like what Watters has done with their collection this season. All of their dresses, from fit and flare to empire, do a great job at enhancing each woman's shape. So many styles, and all so flattering! These dresses would photograph well - which is what matters most!

Photos Courtesy: Watters

What are you favorite collections Un-Brides? I want to know!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Bridal Fashion Week Collections

Here is a closer look at collections from the heavy hitters in the bridal industry. First up, the one making all the news. 





I love it. Now I'm not going to lie, I gave Vera a hard time last year with her black and white collection. I wasn't a big fan. But I think she totally redeemed herself. In person, the structure and fabric of these dresses was superb. Even if you aren't a fan of the pink, any of these dresses would look amazing on you guys in ivory.

Photos Courtesy: Vera Wang Group








This year, Monique's collection featured tons of simple short dresses. She also had many vintage sheath dresses along with her signature textured ball gowns. It was definitely a return to elegance and glamour.

While I think the 'wow-factor' may have been missing this season, there are options for every type of bride and their various personal styles.

Photos Courtesy: WWD

Oscar de la Renta may have stuck with simple designs, but to me his style never gets old. Classic and timeless never goes out of style. I may be a bit partial too, since he was always my Nonna's favorite designer!

Photos Courtesy: WWD



Claire Pettibone is always a go-to for our vintage brides. I do like how she played with color this season. Those subtle colored flower petals are just the right touch for those who can pull off this rustic look. 

Photos Courtesy: WWD



Marchesa is known for their use of chiffon and appliques in both bridal and on the red carpet. I always feel their dresses have an airy elegance about them. While there may not have been many jaw droppers in this collection, I am a big fan of their flirty short dresses. 

Photos Courtesy: WWD

Stay tuned...more of your collections to come this week!



Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Bridal Fashion Week Trends

After a hectic and exciting trip to New York,  I bring to you the major trends coming out of Bridal Fashion Week. While there was an overall tone of vintage, airy, elegance – some trends stood out above the rest.


Whether it was bold like Vera Wang’s, blush like Watters, or barely there like Kelly Faetanini’s, PINK was a commonality on the runways this season. While celebs like Gwen Stefani, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Biel donned pink on their wedding days, designers are now making it available to the mainstream.

Personally, I think it’s a great way to push the envelope. And as you can see from the photos, you can be as subtle or as daring as you’d like.

It was all about the low backs this season.  Never has there been a season where I’ve seen the same amount of emphasis put on backs as on the front of dresses! Designers like Rafael Cennamo, Cristiano Lucci, and Anne Barge went for the plunging, unique backsides.

If only brides could walk down the aisle backwards.

For years I’ve heard the same request from brides when it came to dress shopping – “Strapless, strapless, and strapless.” But the long sleeve is making its comeback. My mom’s lace wedding dress from the 80s is back on trend. (Don’t let her know I’m admitting she was right all along!)

Maybe it was Kate Middleton that inspired us all to stay classy and cover up, but either way it’s a trend that’s here to stay.  Pnina Tornai shows us that long sleeves can be sexy and provocative, while designers like Hayley Paige and Dennis Basso go for the clean, classic look.

This season was all about pushing boundaries. Who said you needed to wear white on your wedding day, let alone a dress! Lazaro, Rivini, and Aria designed jumpsuits as a great chic option for your day.

And as more states are legalizing gay marriage, designers are supplying the demand for more options. Now all women can feel confident and comfortable on their wedding day – dress or no dress.


Photo Credit: Kurt Wilberding via The Knot




Sunday, October 13, 2013

Bridal Fashion Week

It's 11:22 PST. I just got back home to the hubs and Harry (who by the way got a haircut while I was gone, and isn't really living up to his name...don't you hate when that happens?) 

Anyways, I'm back. I had a layover in Denver and when I arrived, I saw that I had missed a text from my mom, who came to fashion week with me, saying that her flight was canceled and she needed to fly out of Newark.

Luckily she ran into a friend at La Guardia, who happened to be the mother of the designer I featured a couple weeks back - Kelly Faetanini. Thank God she found someone, or else it's a safe bet she would still be wandering the Tri-State area. 

After attending a ton of shows and meeting great people, I'm excited to share all of my pictures and opinions on Bridal Fashion Week with you in the weeks to come. 

For now, here's a sneak peek at Vera Wang's eye catching pink collection, and one of my favorite shows of the weekend - Jenny Packham

Night all!





Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Rafael Cennamo

With Bridal Fashion Week almost upon us, I'm excited to bring you an interview with the designer of my favorite show last spring - Rafael Cennamo

He has dressed the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Carrie Underwood on the red carpet, and has now expanded his talents to the white carpet - the bridal world. With the perfect combination of elegance and edge, Rafael's dresses are certainly making him One to Watch in the bridal industry.

Rafael opens up about his beginnings, his inspirations, and gives us a sneak peek at his Rafael Cennamo White Couture Spring 2014 Collection, which I am beyond excited to see in person!





Sunday, October 6, 2013

St. Pucchi

I am very excited to be heading back to New York this week, this time for Bridal Fashion Week. And to kick it off, we have a Designer Profile on not only one of my favorite designers, but one of my favorite people - Rani Totman of St. Pucchi. This year, her New York show is a highly exclusive event - definitely a hot ticket for the weekend.

As I've said before, I fell in love with one of St. Pucchi's couture designs way back in high school. But now more than ever, a St. Pucchi gown is no longer out of reach. Rani has just launched - MILA by St. Pucchi - a more affordable and budget friendly line for brides. 

Below is a look inside the exciting new line.