Photo: Adrienne Gunde
We asked The Official Preppy Handbook's Lisa Birnbach to field your bridal dilemmas. Listen up, ladies. Her tips will help you keep your sanity—and friendships—in tact.
"One of my bridesmaids is constantly complaining about how much she hates the dress, while all the others like it. What should I do?" —Jennifer C. of Providence, via Facebook
Dear Jennifer,
Assuming you still like this carping, uncooperative friend, take her aside and ask what is really bothering her. Is it the dress? Is it the price? Is it her weight? Is it something about being single? If it's really the dress, perhaps there's a way to modify hers to make her a little happier and therefore a better sport. Your bridesmaids are a team—playing together (and drinking together) for the greater good. If that doesn't work, sic your mother on her.
—Lisa Birnbach
Browse thousands of bridesmaid dresses in our Runway Gallery.
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Photo: Brides
We're just catching our breath from yesterday's preview of the Spring 2013
WHITE by Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection, which was held at Vera Wang's sleek Flatiron showroom. The collection is comprised of seven new gowns, each featuring signature Vera Wang details such as laser-cut flowers and organza roses. Pictured at top and below is one of our favorites from the collection, a halter-neck ball gown with draped taffeta bodice and full skirt made of degrade tulle petals.
Photo: Brides
Below, this tulle ball gown with sheer straps and asymmetrically draped skirt also features a satin sash with antique jeweled bow.
Photo: Brides
A rack of bridesmaids dresses in a rainbow of colors including charcoal, ebony, amethyst, and mulberry. All bridesmaid dresses are priced under $250, ranging from $158 to $248, and are available in sizes 16-26.
Photo: Brides
For more Spring 2013 wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses from Bridal Fashion Week, visit our Runway Gallery.
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Photo:Courtesy of The CW
Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here... Gossip Girl costume designer (ahem, mastermind) Eric Daman gave us the inside scoop on the inspiration behind dressing Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen, and the other bridesmaid's for the royal wedding. And while he wouldn't give away if Blair weds Louis or goes running back into Chuck's arm, we xoxo what he chose for the big night. —Stephanie Davila
Blair's Wedding Dress: "I think Blair is an American princess and that she would look to an American design house that had a couture legacy to it, and Vera really embodies all those things. When I went to Vera's showroom to look at gowns, this one almost had a halo around it—it just felt like the perfect dress. It was so demure and tasteful. It had like six layers of hand embroidered silk lace. It feels couture and I knew the shape would really show off Leighton [Meester]'s tiny waist."
Continue reading after the jump...
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Wednesday January 18, 2012
Photos: Fairchild Archive (Golden Globes); Conde Nast Digital Archive (bridesmaid dresses)
The Golden Globes' red carpet was awash in vibrant color as celebs arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel dressed in bold, bright hues. The two major color stories on Sunday night were zingy yellow and peacock blue, both of which happen to be of-the-moment bridesmaid dress colors, too.
Zingy Yellow
Citrusy yellow was a hit on the red carpet, but also made a splash on the bridal runways. The sunny hue is perfect for spring and summer weddings, and works well in a color scheme when paired with a neutral shade, like slate grey or cream.
Top row: Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier, Mireille Enos in Naeem Khan, and Maria Menounos in Blumarine
Bottom row: Bridesmaid dresses by Ivy & Aster, Alfred Angelo, and Wtoo
See the stars who wore peacock blue—and bridesmaid dresses in coordinating colors—after the jump.
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Photos: Kimberly Sentner (dress); courtesy of the vendors (all others)
Somewhere in your rack of once-worn bridesmaids dresses is an ensemble just itching to party this holiday season. From full-length to cocktail, formal to relaxed, we re-styled a variety of dresses for a range of festive events. Take this bridesmaid dress by Alfred Sung, for example—the cap sleeves are conservative enough for an office holiday party, while the vibrant fuchsia hue keeps the look feeling fun, especially when set against understated gray and black accessories. So what if you tipsily admit to sometimes napping in the supply closet? At least you'll look professional. —Phillip B. Crook
See all of the re-styled ensembles in the full slideshow, and visit our Bridesmaid Dresses page to find more great ideas.
Style D500, $190, Alfred Sung; DAY Birger et Mikkelsen necklace, $170, net-a-porter; Prada Mary Jane pumps, $503.99, Saks; Effy Collection earrings, $1,200, Lord & Taylor; invitation, Paperless Post
Photos: courtesy of Modnitsa Atelier
Not interested in the same old (read: lame) bachelorette party options? Try a jewelry-design class instead. New York-based image stylist Dina Rudman offers such a class through the jewelry design division of her company Modnitsa Atelier, located in midtown Manhattan. During a one-hour, hands-on workshop, an expert instructor will give a brief overview of color theory, examine elements of design, and guide students through the proper techniques for constructing their own pieces. Then you and your gals will create your own stylish custom earrings or necklaces using semi-precious stones. Perhaps you can treat your gals as a bridesmaid gift—and maybe they can even design their own jewelry for the wedding day. One hour classes cost $85.
Give a unique bridesmaid gift that is socially responsible and affordable. Consider the product offerings from Lotus Jane, a fair trade shop with handcrafted goods from marginalized producers throughout the world, mainly Cambodia.
Photo: Courtesy of Lotus Jayne
After adopting a daughter from Cambodia in 2000, Jill Kimball was determined to give something back to this devastated country. A year later, she launched Lotus Jayne, a company through which she sources fine handicrafts from disadvantaged populations and sells them here in the United States. She works only with suppliers whose efforts assist in bringing these underprivileged communities into the global marketplace.
Lotus Jayne offers a range of goods—from 100 percent hand-woven silk scarves (from $22) to jewelry made from recycled materials like brass artillery shells (pendants from $18) and magazine pages transformed into paper beads (cuffs from $10)—that would make lovely keepsakes for your bridesmaids. Visit the Lotus Jayne website to see the full scope of products. —Danine Alati
Tuesday November 22, 2011
Photos: Courtesy of Sight Unseen
One of two things would bring you to Sight Unseen's shop of artisanal accessories: You're a bride on the hunt for one-of-a-kind wedding jewelry or you've got a dozen fashion-forward bridesmaids to shop for. Either way, you've landed in the right place. Co-founders Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer curated a collection of handmade wearables from artists and designers the duo have featured in their online magazine. The items range from futuristic brushed-brass bangles to silver rings inspired by broken machine parts to a necklace fashioned from strands of square brass tubes. Unconventional designs like these not only make a graphic statement with streamlined gowns, but they're the kind of pieces you'll wear in umpteen combinations with the rest of your wardrobe anyway. Discover more shoppable ideas for your wedding look on our Wedding Accessories and Jewelry pages. —Phillip B. Crook
Tuesday November 22, 2011
Photos: Getty Images (Pippa); Courtesy of net-a-porter.com
Was anyone not taken with Pippa Middleton's sleek white bridesmaid dress at the Royal Wedding? From the moment she appeared in the Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton design, Kate's older sister had the world captivated with her demure smile, buxom derriere, and silk-crepe gown that so beautifully framed both. Now, the signature draped neckline and cap sleeve shoulders are up for sale in a modified version of the gown on Net-a-Porter's UK site. There the dress sells for 1,995 British pounds—or about $3,100—although shoppers waiting to swipe the gown in their own currency should call in advance to secure a reservation. —Phillip B. Crook
Love Pippa's look but can't afford the designer price tag? Revisit our guide to stealing her style for every budget.
Wednesday November 2, 2011
Photo: Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta
Admit it: the last time your friend gave you a scarf or set of pearl earring as a bridesmaids gift, you thought "oh, how original" while putting on your best happy face. We've all been there, so why not shake things up and give your gals something they will be thrilled about.
I couldn't help falling in love with this new Oscar de la Renta Esprit d'Oscar solid perfume ring that landed on my desk yesterday. It's fashion meets function—which I am a total sucker for. The perfume has a classic powder scent that's clean and light, and not overly floral or woodsy. And the lucite flower ring is cool enough to wear even after the perfume goes poof.
Oh, you should probably snag one for yourself while you are at it. Just saying...
—Stephanie Davila
The ring with refill ($65) is available exclusively on Oscar de la Renta's Facebook page, starting today.
Carrie Bradshaw may have spawned the jewelry trend, but I've always thought nameplate and initial necklaces make such a charming bridesmaid gift. My latest find is a calligraphy version ($195 each) by jewelry line Brevity, in collaboration with Crystal Kluge, one of my favorite calligraphers. Each necklace is a custom design: the name is hand-lettered by Crystal and then etched in stainless steel. Buy one for your bridesmaids and order one for yourself, too. —Heather Lee
Photos: Courtesy of C. Wonder
Hey there, New Yorkers. Next time you're in SoHo for a round of shopping, swing by C. Wonder, the 5,000-square-foot home décor and gifts retailer recently opened by Christopher Burch. (As in the ex-husband of Tory, queen of preppy ballet flats.) I stopped in this week and instantly fell for the store's "more is more" approach (think: bright neon-striped walls and graphic geometric-patterned rugs—fabulous). With most items priced around $40, C. Wonder is a great one-stop-shopping destination for stylish bridesmaids gifts. My favorites are featured above: The nylon cosmetic pouches (top left), $38, are perfect for your jet-setting girlfriends; those gal pals who love hosting brunch will appreciate the ikat-patterned dinnerware (bottom left), $38 for a four-piece set; and the charms (right), $15, would make, well, a charming gift for any jewelry addict. Many of the items in the shop are monogram-able, in case you're searching for a customizable gift for each bridesmaid. Not in NYC? Not a problem—C. Wonder will expand to an online shop in November. —Rosie Purdy
Thursday October 27, 2011
Photos: Courtesy of Sue Wong (bottom right); courtesy of Maria Lucia Hohan (bottom center); Fairchild Archive (others)
Calling all Twihards. Bella and Edward are finally getting married in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I, which is undoubtedly the on-screen wedding of the season. Details of Bella's wedding gown, designed by Carolina Herrera, remain under wraps, but at least we already know what actress Ashley Greene will wear as Alice, Bella's vampire bridesmaid. While Alice's dress is a vibrant shade of lavender, a flapper-style frock looks smashing in any color like black, pink or white. Designers such as Ralph Lauren (bottom left), Maria Lucia Hohan (bottom center), and Sue Wong (bottom right) have all evoked a similar aesthetic in recent collections. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I hits theaters November 18. —Stephanie Davila
Above (left to right): Ralph Lauren Collection, $6,000; Maria Lucia Hohan, $595; Sue Wong, N2152, $419. Below (left to right): Alice and Olivia, Lydia, $550; Rivini, Tempeste, $3,940; Alice and Olivia, Tibby, $440
Photos: Courtesy of Alice + Olivia (left, right); Conde Nast Digital Studio (center)
I've been a bridesmaid more times than I can count, and I always take my duty very seriously. Having been known as the flighty friend in my earlier years, once my girls started getting hitched, I vowed to be the responsible bridesmaid, ready for any unforeseen mishaps on the day of the "I Dos."
So I devised The Bridal Bag: my emergency kit of any- and everything a bride or bridesmaid could possibly need on the wedding day, all contained in a white, lace, drawstring bag. Safety pins, fabric tape, sewing kit? Check. Tissues, Q-tips, hairspray, breath mints? Check. Tylenol, Tums, tampons, Tide-to-Go stain remover. Check.
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Photos: Condé Nast Digital Studio
A mid-market report on some trends we're seeing among bridesmaid dresses: lots of colorful lace, chic takes on the little black dress, and romantic shades of soft pink. Clockwise from top left: Alvina Valenta, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, Noir by Lazaro, and Amsale. Check out our Bridesmaid Dresses Gallery to see all the newest bridesmaid dresses that debuted at bridal market thus far. —Heather Lee
Photo: Adrienne Gunde
