Bring Back The Peignoir!

Elizabeth Montgomery Bewitched

As I watched an episode of Bewitched as Samantha Stevens came running down her stairs in the middle of the night I had the same thought I always have when I watch a show or movie "before my time": What ever happened to the peignoir!?! I know that they still exist, but the foot of fabric that we call a peignoir/dressing gown today cannot hold a candle to the vintage fashion statements I see in classic movies. The elegance and style of the peignoir makes a great gift for a bride. Here are only some examples of the beauty of the classic peignoir piece; You can easily mistake some for dresses!

Vintage Peignoir

Carole Landis

Marilyn Monroe

Katharine Hepburn Bringing Up Baby

The First Dance: Choosing a Song

Photography by Kevin Weinstein

By: Amber Cooper (@TheHoneyLife)

For many couples the first dance is where they can finally decompress and take in their newlywed status, if only for a few minutes. After much socializing and picture-taking, to be in the arms of your beloved as your guests quietly look on can be a true "Cinderella"-moment.

Here are 15 of my favorite songs (in no particular order) for The First Dance:

1. "Like a Star" - Corinne Bailey Rae
2. "The Look of Love" - Diana Krall
3. "Spend My Life With You" - Eric Benet
4. "All of Me" - John Legend
5. "The Only Reason" - JP Cooper
6. "Whenever Wherever Whatever" - Maxwell
7. "Our Love is Easy" - Melody Gardot
8. "Unforgettable"-  Nat King Cole
9. "Collide"-  Nayanna Holley
10."Baby It's U"-  Brian McKnight
11."Imposible Vivir Sin Ti" - Buena Vista Social Club
12."If I Never Get To Heaven" - Javier
13."Lovers Rock" - Sade
14."That's Where It's At" - Sam Cooke
15. "So Amazing" - Luther Vandross

As you can see I'm a bit of a classic R&B/jazz-head. If you're more of the country or classic rock-type check out these posts from The Knot!

Wedding Songs: 35 Country-Flavored First Dance Songs
Wedding Songs: 33 Rockin' First Dance Songs

Guest Post: For the Bride on a Budget!

Inspired by this photoset from The Tiny Closet. Natalie, the bride, is wearing a vintage reconstructed Max Mara dress

Calling all soon-to-be-betrothed beauties of the world!

Are you on a tight budget?

Does the trial-by-entourage process of choosing a wedding gown give you ulcers?

Is your wedding months away and you haven’t found “the one”?

Are you looking for a style change?

Is saying “I do” more important than a high price tag?

If you’ve answered “YES” to any of those questions then this post is for you! Read on for dresses and gowns under < $150!!

J. Crew Wedding Sale

25% of J. Crew wedding items when you use the code LOVE at checkout. Available now throughout March 4th. This includes Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses and accessories. Had your eye on something? Get it today. Share with your friends and don't let them miss out on this sale!

Spring Flower Bouquets

I purposely left out pictures of bouquets in my last post, because bridal bouquets need a post of their own! Here are bouquets composed of wonderful spring flowers.

These tulips in Radiant Orchid are perfect for the warm spring season

Tulips also come in white; Classic and romantic

Perfect arrangement of sorbet tones

Lilac grows wild, and because of that, they give a wonderful fullness to the bouquet without using too much

A tight bouquet of roses and peonies

Less roses and peonies, but they have been opened for a natural garden feeling

Lady slippers are unique in shape, adding to its beauty.

An entire bouquet of viburnum: just gorgeous

Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

What to give your bridesmaid as a gift is tougher question than it sounds. You want the perfect gift that shows shares your appreciation for your girls, and be something that they will love as well. Monogramming is one way to make each gift personal for each individual bridesmaid in your wedding party. Jewelry is another option that can also be used as accessories for the wedding day. Simple, matching pieces are perfect and your bridesmaids will want to wear them everyday. You do not have to restrict yourself to conventional gifts. Every bridal party is different, and you know them best. Here are a few ideas:

Perfect for the destination wedding

Personalize these robes with initials in the wedding colors, and wear them as you prepare for your wedding day.

Girls also want to have fun!

"I Do" Spotlight: Krikor Jabotian

I do not have much to say that would do any of these dresses justice. For the bride that wants a one-of-a-kind dress, these couture creations, by designer Krikor Jabotian, will make a bride want to re-wear her wedding dress even after her wedding day.

Say Yes To The Dress Silhouette

I am a fan of bridal shows such as Say Yes to the Dress, and Four Weddings. Although all of us watching may be adamant that we won't be that bride who has no idea what kind of dress we want.....good for you if you accomplish this. I personally have no idea what I would want in a wedding dress but I know that every female should at least be familiar with the common silhouette's and how they look on your body, in ANY dress. Here are the most popular wedding dress silhouettes:

A-Line
Amsale Bridal

 

Ball Gown
Lazaro

Fit and Flare
Lazaro

Sheath
Oscar de la Renta

Short
Monique Lhullier

"I Do" Spotlight: Pronovias

Pronovias fashion house has been a prominent member of the bridal fashion market since the beginning of the 21st century (1960s), and continue to make brides happy with their designs everyday. Their Manuel Mota 2013 Collection is ready-to-wear, creative designs with lace, feathers and embroidery. The collection's pieces are truly one-of-a-kind and flattering for every bride.

Preparing for the Honeymoon

The wedding gown is the most important outfit that all of your family will see you in on your special day, but that does not take away from the importance brides put on finding the perfect lingerie for their honeymoon. For all those brides looking for something sweet and sexy, I have the perfect brand for you. La Petite Croquette offers a wide arrange of bras, panties, babydolls, chemises, and bustiers in bridal white or even champagne. Right now La Petite Croquette is offering an additional 30% off online and in-store on their already reduced items.

Gabriella New York Bridal - New SOHO Location!

Gabriella New York Bridal is a small bridal boutique with a new location in SOHO. I have never been to this boutique, but took the time to go through their website. Gabriella carries a variety of designer bridal gowns and bridal accessories. Owner, Gabriella Risatti is opening her salon doors May 17-19 for designer Angel Sanchez's Spring 2013 trunk show. Angel Sanchez's collection focuses on texture and movement. The "bling factor" is non existent and not missed. The creative choice of  fabric and material is perfectly composed into a dress that a bride would love to wear not only on her wedding day, but for the rest of her life. The dress is simplistic with a personal flair that allows the bride to shine and not be out shined by the dress. Click the link above to find instructions to make an appointment, or look at dresses.

Bridal Headpieces

This is my first post for my blog, and I spent a while trying to decide what to post about first. I decided to continue the theme of bridal headpieces that I spoke about on my tumblr account, brooklynbridal.tumblr.com

Headpieces can be another way for a bride to add a personal, creative touch to her special day. A headpiece can be simple, or extravagant. They can be worn with a veil, or take the place of the veil all together! Twigs & Honey, LLC (www.twigsandhoney.com) has an assortment of headpieces that will make any bride feel gorgeous. Some of the headpieces are simple, and perfect for a bride that follows the 'less is more' mantra. They also have headpieces that provide the 'wow' factor and glam appeal. Twigs & Honey creates these hand-crafted pieces with the goal of creating an individual look to be worn by each bride. The attention to detail is evident, and their goal truly comes alive through their pieces. Take a look at the pieces below: