Always a Stylist Never a Bride

Almost two years ago my cousin asked me to help her plan her out door summer wedding and more importantly find her a dress. Never a slave to fashion, while I was super excited my cousin said "I want something that's comfortable, so I can dance all night, something that's me, that's it". Scouring the racks for weeks? Think again. Our first stop, a Brooklyn bridal shop, we find the perfect dress for her, a wrapped tulle floor length halter gown with traditional long veil. She looked beautiful, felt confident and danced all night.

Now I'm back at it...again. A really close friend of mine is getting married, congratulations to her! She asked me to help her pick out a wedding gown and I just couldn't say no. A bit more fashion conscious than my last bride, she is looking for something "different". What that means to her I really don't know but here are the looks that I thought fit the bill. Take a look at the new bride.

The New Princess Bride 

 This layered tulle Paget skirt made with a  pleated Italian metallic foil printed tulle base topped off with volumes of solid French gossamer tulle and paired with a slouchy white t shirt, both from J. Crew is ultra modern take on the princess gown. With its floor sweeping dreamy appearance you still get the look of a full skirt but with a edgy twist. 

Jenny Packham's Dearest gown is a more traditional princess bride look than the one pictures above. Layers upon layers of floral appliquéd tulle form an A line skirt that is just breath taking. It's toned down with a simple fitted bodice with low back and spaghetti straps for just the right amount of sexy. 

The New Grecian Gown

Marchesa's silk crepe strapless gown with flowers along the bust and draped organza and tulle detail (L) is the perfect match for the fashionable bohemian bride.

This gown by White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal is the perfect balance of softness and structure. With it's long lines and jewel encrusted belt that cinches the waist, it is elegant and oh so glamorous. 

The New Romantic

Oscar de la Renta's silk faille strapless trumpet gown with corded chantilly lace overlay worn with corded chantilly lace and tulle bolero, straw wide brim hat with draped tulle (L) creates a look straight out of Gown With The  Wind.


Another appearance from White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal. This dress is made of corded lace that is hand-cut and applied in an asymmetrical pattern over soft netting. Hand-cut shoulder ties adds a romantic, ethereal touch. A soft A-line skirt features layers of organza and net and the three dimensional bow at the waist adds an element of drama.
Halston Heritage's kimono-inspired embellished off-white tulle gown (below) with a beautiful leaf pattern and silk ribbon belt is simple, sexy and feminine. 

The Modernist


   Victoria Beckham's sculptural white matte silk-gazar gown (top left) is an exquisite choice for a modern minimalist bride. The beaded chain-link grosgrain belt gives the waist definition make it much more flattering. 
Alessandra Rich's draped silk cady gown (top right) with bat wing half sleeves is perfect for the contemporary bride. Make an entrance an an exit with slits going down the back and up the leg. 
To wear Rick Owen's cotton and silk blend dress (above) with its strong neckline and loose pleats is no easy feat. This minimalist gown, is for the fashion involved bride who definitely has a vision. Not for everyone but for that lucky girl who can pull this off...killer. 


The Bold and the Beautiful

Vera Wang's sand one-shoulder gazar and French tulle ballgown with asymmetrical peplum bodice, draped skirt with tulle petal detail and horsehair and tulle corsage (top) is perfection. I am truly at a lost for words and your almost husband will be too. And the pale pink strapless mermaid gown (bottom), also by Wang  with pleated chiffon bodice, tissue organza blossom peplum with draped petal technique detail and grosgrain multi-bow sash takes a more sexy approach. With a slim fit and bustier top your sure to turn heads and break a few hearts as well. 
The Visionary

This gown by Givenchy Couture  with it's translucent bodice and complex feathered skirt is for the bride who wants to push the envelope. Before your trip down the aisle may we suggest a few alterations like adding some fabric to cover up the girls! 

Joe Challita's origami inspired gown is design at it's best. The simple, slim fitting bottom balances out the bold architectural construction on top.