Houston Wedding Blog » Fashion

Are You Ready for the I Do! Bridal Soiree Runway?

NGarber — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:04:34 +0000

There’s nothing that gets a bride’s heart pounding like designer bridal gowns in all their sumptuous, silken, Swarovski-sparkling glory. Well, we suggest you do a little cardio prep before Sunday’s I Do! Bridal Soiree, because our 2012 bridal fashion show promises to be our most incredible runway production yet. Renowned runway producer Lenny Matuszewski promises a totally “fresh and new” look to this year’s show—our first ever in our gorgeous new digs at the InterContinental Houston Hotel (whose ballroom Matuszewski calls “one of the most glamorous rooms for a fashion show in the city”).

We know how much you love surprises—especially designer surprises—so we’ll leave the unveiling of this year’s wedding dresses ’til show day. But we will tell you that you’ll see some of the hottest emerging trends in designer bridal style, including, notes Matuszewski, “intricate ‘origami’ pleats and folds,” “fun and daring minis,” “soft, layered ruffles” and “voluminous layers upon layers of tulle, chiffon and net, that create a ‘lighter than a feather’ feeling.”

Are you feeling it? ’Cause—thump, thump, thump, thump—we sure are. See you on Sunday!

Photos: Nhan Nguyen Photography

We’ve Got Etsy Envy!

NGarber — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:51 +0000

You love Etsy. We love Etsy. So what’s not to love about a new HWB Etsy feature? Periodically, we’ll be putting together some of our favorite finds from everyone’s favorite “everything handmade” site. This week, our picks feature vintage-contemporary delights, including jewelry, accessories, perfume…and the sweetest lil’ silver cake forks EVER. Dig in and enjoy! And if you see something you really love, drop a comment—and tell a friend. There’s plenty for everyone.

1. Olive Yew Jewels ~ 2. Bag Noir ~ 3. Saras Boutique ~ 4. Trinkets 818
5. The Lonely Heart ~ 6. SIGNS2LOVE ~ 7. Olive Yew Jewels ~ 8. Simple Traditions

Bridal 2012 Preview: Winnie Couture

NGarber — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:39:02 +0000

With roots in Houston—she attended university and opened her first flagship bridal salon here—Winnie Chlomin is without question a local star. But the design director behind Winnie Couture is fast becoming a major media magnet, and her gowns, with their fine fabrics, signature embellishments and oh-so-glamorous silhouettes, are winning the hearts of exceptionally stylish brides across the country.

Now based in Beverly Hills, and exhibiting a deeply luxurious aesthetic inspired by that city’s inimitable sense of style, Winnie Couture is turning out some of our favorite gowns of the coming season. As the designer revealed on the recent New York International Bridal Market runway, the Winnie Couture fall/winter 2012 collection is all about romance and femininity. Along with magnificent Swarovski accents on bodices and belts, the new collection features a nod to the inherent beauty of nature, with intricate petals, roses and luscious leaves.

We’re in love with the lacey “Willow” (top right), a stunner with its elegant simplicity and figure-loving silhouette. For serious glamour, we’re dazzled by the beautifully beaded “Cordelia” mermaid gown (top left). Some lovely blush shades and more billowy, ballgown styles, plus drop waists with intricate, full skirts in the new collection, too, so make sure to visit Winnie Couture’s Houston flagship salon to view them all!

Photos: Winnie Couture

Bridal 2012 Preview: Kenneth Pool,Plus Mia Bridal Couture Trunk Show

NGarber — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:02:38 +0000

As 2012 bridal collections hit local salons, we’ll be offering you glimpses at some of our favorites. Fun, right? We think so!

Let’s just go ahead and kick things off with Kenneth Pool —a favorite of Houston brides, who will find plenty to go ga-ga over in the sumptuous spring and fall 2012 bridal collections. Designed by the exceptionally talented Amsale Aberra (also the artiste behind the Christos and Amsale bridal lines), Kenneth Pool spring 2012 (below) will not disappoint brides who crave the intricate crystal beading that gives the designer’s wedding gowns their signature sparkle. Among our favorites is the alluring “Alana” silk taffeta ballgown, with its heavily beaded bodice and absolutely gorgeous draped skirt. Some stunning fit-and-flare and trumpet styles, too, featuring dramatically bustled trains, and, again, that spectacular (but never over-the-top) beading on bodices, belts and train appliqués.

For fall 2012 (above), which just walked the runway at October’s New York International Bridal Market, Kenneth Pool turned up the volume—as in voluminous skirts and bustles, full of tiers, layers and big fluffy ruffles, many with a modern asymmetrical slant. It’s an exciting new angle for Kenneth Pool wedding dresses, and we LOVE it.

See these gowns for YOURSELF this Friday and Saturday, when Houston’s very own Mia Bridal Couture hosts a Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 trunk show. A Kenneth Pool style expert will be on hand, and brides who purchase during the show will receive a 10% discount (no small savings, with Kenneth Pool’s couture gowns in the $4,000-$10,000 range, and beyond). Appointments are required; call 713.622.2022 to make yours!

Photos: Kenneth Pool

To Do This Week: Badgley Mischka at Ivory Bridal Atelier

NGarber — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:44:55 +0000

When Mark Badgley met James Mischka at Parsons School of Design in New York, something beautiful happened. That something will be showcased in Houston this Friday and Saturday, when Ivory Bridal Atelier hosts a Best of Badgley Mischka Bridal 2011 trunk show featuring favorite styles from the duo’s 2011 collections. Badgley Mischka’s 2011 gowns are standouts in a standout line, so if you’re looking for an understated, impeccably crafted wedding dress that exudes the pure, distilled essence of “bride,” we strongly suggest you GO. But before you do, make sure to schedule your appointment–they’re required. Call 713.550.1622 to lock yours in!

To Do This Week: Henry Roth at Brickhouse TODAY & TOMORROW

NGarber — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:28:40 +0000

This week’s Henry Roth trunk show–the scorching hot bridal designer’s first-ever foray into the Southern U.S.–is creating quite a stir. Saturday’s appointments at Brickhouse Bridal are already fully booked! But you can still get in on the “affordable couture” wedding dress gorgeousness (and take advantage of Brickhouse’s very attractive designer incentives) if you call 281.681.3430 to book your appointment for TODAY or TOMORROW. If you haven’t yet found the wedding gown of your dreams, wake up and get thee to Brickhouse, girl!

Priscilla of Boston to Close at End of Year

NGarber — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:38:50 +0000

Well, it’s a sad day on the bridal-design scene. We just received news that the venerable Priscilla of Boston design house will cease operations at the end of the year. Salons, including Houston’s Uptown Park Priscilla of Boston store, will remain open through December 31, 2011, to serve existing clients and complete remaining orders. No new dress orders are being taken at this time. Click here for more details on the closure and what it means for brides.

If you’ve ordered a Priscilla of Boston gown for your upcoming wedding, please don’t panic. We suggest you phone the Houston store at 713.526.1886 to confirm your order, discuss details…and get some much-needed reassurance.

Those of you who were looking forward to shopping for a Priscilla of Boston gown–you’ll simply have to turn your attention to the MANY other amazing designers featured in our favorite Houston salons. A good place to start: This weekend’s Labor Day sales at Parvani Vida and Winnie Couture!

HWB Adores: Jewel-Heeled Wedding Shoes

NGarber — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:14 +0000

We all know how ya’ll love your bling. And we’re right there with you, Houston brides. But here’s the thing: Sometimes just a touch of sparkle, in the exact right spot, delivers more dazzle than a truckload of diamonds.

Though we’d let that truck park in our driveway any ol’ day. Just sayin’.

Today’s object of our affection: jewel-heeled shoes. Because they’re so darn pretty. Because they were made for celebrating. Because they’re exactly what the well-heeled bride needs to complete her perfect wedding-day ensemble.

Photos: (clockwise, left to right) Brian Atwood~Paris Hilton~Miu Miu~TheCrystalSlipper~Giuseppe Zanotti~EvaCouture~Grace

HWB Inspiration Board: Pink, Black, Green & Chic

NGarber — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:00:59 +0000

Think pink and you’re likely to think demure femininity, youthful girlishness. Think pink and green, and you imagine madras plaids and preppy propriety. But add a chic slash of black and a bit of grown-up edge–a vintage choker, a sexy heel, an ombre range from palest blush to deep rose–and you have one seriously sophisticated wedding palette.

Photos: Lanvin for H&M dress, Bisou Online~Choker, Aranwen~Boutonniere, Amie Otto Photography~Cupcakes, Dotty About Cake~Cocktail, Cointreau~Handbag, SueJack~Peep-toe, Vera Wang~Wedding Dress, Vera Wang~Peonies, Fos Decor.

To Do This Week: Carolina Herrera & Jim Hjelm Trunk Shows

NGarber — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:00:54 +0000

Photos: (Top) Jim Hjelm Bridal Fall 2011~(Bottom) Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring 2012

If you’re searching for a seriously standout wedding gown in Houston, this Friday and Saturday’s WOW trunk shows may just be your best bet to strike gold.

At Joan Pillow A Bridal Salon, the spotlight shines on hot-off-the-runway gowns from fashion legend Carolina Herrera’s spring 2012 bridal collection. Look for crisp silks, antique silver and crystal embellishments and origami-inspired accents. With gowns this dreamy, it’s no surprise Herrera was tapped to design the wedding gown for the “Twilight” series’ Bella Swan—to be featured in the much-anticipated (by us and zillions of other hopeless romantics) “Breaking Dawn” installment, out this fall!

From designer Francesca Pitera, it’s the Jim Hjelm fall 2011 collection at Ivory Bridal Atelier. Pitera applies bridal-worthy materials and exquisite embroidery to prêt-a-porter silhouettes; the result is a luxury line of wedding dresses with runway-chic presence—the choice of many a fashion-forward bride. Look for plenty of silk organza and Alençon lace, elegant dropped-waist bodices and petal-pretty skirts.

Make your appointments now…and happy shopping!