The Bridal Kit

To look and feel absolutely flawless on your wedding day, you need a few must-have items that your maid of honour or mother will keep with them. A small make-up bag will suffice, and is easy to prepare ahead of time.

Of course, Kleenex, antibacterial gel, hand cream and gum will be the first items in your kit! But it goes without saying that you will have a chap stick, a lip-gloss or a lipstick, as well as a face powder.  Do touch ups before your wedding photoshoot and before the reception. Make sure that, at your make-up trial, your make-up artist shows you what colour and brand she is using on you, so you can purchase the same for your kit. Also—a face powder with matting effect or oil control will keep your complexion even and smooth.

For freshness all day, a deodorant and a roll-on perfume are a non-negotiable! Sephora has a ton of amazing roll-on and spray perfumes in portable sizes that you can keep in your purse even after your wedding. As for deodorant, go with what you trust the most and apply as needed.

Baby powder and a stain-remover stick are also important and can cover up any little mishaps. Baby powder will absorb any wet mess and blend in with your dress, then you can clean up the rest with your stain remover. (Baby powder is also a good solution for freshness in the bust area and for your feet!)

Your hairstyle will slowly let go as the day progresses, but maintain it with travel-size hair spray, bobby pins, clips and an elastic that you have stashed in your kit. Just remember not to mess with your hair too much, as playing with it will undo the volume and create frizz.

Lastly, the dress, the dress, the dress! Your maid of honour should have safety pins, white string and a sewing needle for any last-minute alterations, especially on the bustle and on the bust. Safety pins could be attached to your bra (if you are wearing one) to avoid slippage, and to the bustle to reinforce it. If your dress has lace, ask your dress designer or boutique for a small swatch to cover the safety pin.

And we always recommend a comfortable pair of shoes: foldable slip-ons or flats, or a wedge with a cushion insole will do wonders for you!

 

Swoon!: Badgley Mishka

 

Our favourite perfume! La Vie Est Belle by Lancome

 

How darling!: Pinterest

Pretty Little Rings!

Yesterday was National Proposal Day, and the lucky brides-to-be got the ring of their girlhood dreams from the loves of their lives. Diamonds, white gold, and cushion settings are the classic idea of romance and eternity, and suit every woman. But! What if you’re the kind of lady who likes to wear something more flashy, rare, colorful, and totally unique? Here are a few engagement ring inspirations (if you're already married, let your hubby know you want a new ring for every anniversary!)

Rose gold:

The newest trend in gold accessories, rose gold is actually real gold with a hint of bronze mixed into the metal. The colour suits any kind of gemstone, such as diamond and emerald. Mix pink tones and choose morganite or lavender sapphire.

 

Halo rings:

For ultimate luxury, halos around the gemstone are made with real diamonds and can be looped, with two or three rings around in different sizes. These can also be added on later, called crowns. A jewelry designer will be able to make crowns and halos that suit your ring.

 

Colorful Gemstones:

Emerald and sapphires are making a huge statement comeback and appearing on engagement and bridal accessories over the last three years. Sapphires don’t only come in blue: try pink, yellow, purple or green sapphire.

Or, choose a gemstone for a specific month: it could be for a birthday, the month you got engaged, or first said, ‘I Love You’… then symbolism lasts a lifetime!

 

The Modern Bride

The modern bride looks for a dress that is elegant, beautiful in its simplicity, and is haute gamme, while being unconventional and making a statement. Adding small touches to the dress, such as coloured underlay, unique lace, or a custom-design belt or back, will give the dress a sophisticated modern flare, while still feeling bridal. The bride can also opt for accessories without precious stones, like Swarovski crystal and pearl, and choose colorful beads in ornamental, abstract designs.

Dresses in atypical materials is coming out strong this year, too. Designers are experimenting more with the feel and design potential of fabrics such as silk and stretch crepe, and fringe laces, as well as the lengths of the dresses: tea cuts and asymmetrical, multi-layered and varied material trains to add extra volume and dimension. Simplicity is definitely in vogue this year, with structured lines and straight silhouettes, harkening to the early 1920s fashion.

Love this necklace? See more at Olive+Piper www.oliveandpiper.com

 

Trunk Show at Galleria Della Sposa!

It’s all about the bride here at Galleria Della Sposa. We take so much pride in styling and glamourizing our brides, so it’s no wonder that our favourite time of year is the Trunk Show! We love to highlight the best features of the bride and make her feel and look beautiful.

Bling! And Malis Henderson accessories are all on show for our brides, and they are falling in love with what we have to offer. We have headpieces and headbands; bracelets, necklaces and earrings in all shapes and shine; belts for every dress, and veils to top it all off! The accessories come in crystal and pearl, silver and gold, and we are on hand for bridal styling tips and advice.

 

See their collection online! We would be happy to serve you!

http://www.bridalbling.ca/

http://www.mhtiara.com/

 

 

 

 

All that Glitters, Shimmers, and Shines!

 

Accessorizing your dress can be as difficult as choosing the dress. Do you go with a veil and crown, or a simple birdcage and headpiece? A necklace, or elaborate chandelier earrings? Maybe you’re not into big earrings: something subtle, like pearl studs and a bracelet, will suffice.

So how do you choose what to bling your dress with?

Decide on the theme of the wedding: if it’s a modern flare wedding (think glass tables, crystal accents with colour splashes), then your look could go more into haute gamme: a large crystal headpiece or crown will be a perfect match. A more rustic or vintage-themed wedding with floral décor can be more subdued: a small side-comb with mixed elements, or a thin headband will be such a delightfully delicate look.

With larger headpieces, forgo chandelier earrings and look for something a little simpler. It doesn’t mean that your earrings will have less pizzazz: choose earrings with a colored stone (a la Angelina Jolie!) or with pearls and different metals. They will stand out right at the cheeks and bring attention to your face.

If you go with larger earrings, a necklace will probably not be necessary. As well, necklaces best suit strapless cuts, or open backs, where you can wear a drop crystal or pearl down the spine. Big collar necklaces are beautiful on strapless satin or silk gowns that don’t have too many embellishments (such as lace appliques or embroidery). It’s a statement, classic piece that is front and center in both elegant vintage and modern bride looks.

Belts are also a very viable option and there are so, so many different kinds to choose from. From satin bows, to full crystal; gold, silver or any metal tone; flowers and couture center pieces: it’s up to you! Once you’ve chosen the dress silhouette that compliments your body, see if a belt is advantageous to you.

To balance out your accessories, choose a bracelet that recalls elements of your dress and of the other accessories you have chosen. They don’t need to be matching sets! Freshwater pearls beautifully evoke ivory lace, and are also a very stylish contrast to crystal tones. A new European trend is bicep bracelets—super vogue for sleeveless numbers and beach weddings!