Bridal News: Vera Wang for David's Bridal

Attention to all my budget conscious but couture at heart brides! Vera Wang now has a line for David's Bridal! *Jumps for joy* I'm surprised that it has taken this long. She's given brides everything else they need for the day from fragrances, shoes and accessories. Now you can complete your bridal ensemble with the most important part, the gown!

The dresses are finally up on the David’s Bridal website, after being announced last year in April. Beginning February 11, the dresses will be available for special order at all David’s boutiques, though initially only a select 150 stores will have the gowns on hand to try on. Call your local store to see if they will be carrying the gowns on hand to try.

At first glance the gowns look absolutely amazing and gorgeous. However I didn't expect anything else from a Vera Wang line. The crazy thing is I told myself in high school that I didn't care what man was going to be standing next to me when I finally decide to get married, and I didn't care about anything other aspect of the wedding (although we know that's a lie) but I wanted a Vera Wang gown. This makes my dream just a little bit more real and obtainable.

The dresses cost between $600 and $1400, and will be offered in sizes 0-14. Starting midyear, bridesmaid dresses and shoes will be introduced, and certain styles will become available in up to size 26. Lace, tulle, organza and chiffon are among the fabrics of choice; colors include soft white, ivory, champagne and blush.

*peace love & couture*

Couture Crush: BCBG Shirred Jersey Dress

I must have this dress! I have a soft spot for BCBG garments and the color blue. The Shirred Jersey dress is part of the new Spring '10 SubAquatic line and I'm loving it. Loving the neckline and the peek-a-boo back. For $258 this will have to be added to my closet soon and very soon.

Dizzy for Drapes

Draping has me dizzy this season, most likely indefinitely. I get flustered and fall in love each time I see a draped garment. As meticulous as it can be for a designer to drape a particular garment, it always tends to look effortless and elegant. 

I adore the way draping accentuates and or hides given features on a woman's body. Want to draw attention to a bust and minimize the hip? Want to accentuate your curvy figure? Want to create curves? Draping is the way to go! 

Drape yourself in something luxurious this season! Here are a few samples of draped dresses that I'm loving right now. 

[all photos courtesy of Asos]

Beautiful Blue Birthday Options!

My birthday will be here in a matter of 30 days and I can't wait. I will be 25 and I'm quite excited unlike most of my friends that are also encroaching the same age. I mean hey, my car insurance will go down again. That's something to be grateful for. I'll have more money to spend on frivolous things.

I had already made my mind up that I wanted the theme for my weekend to be Sapphire & Diamonds. I'm really obsessing over blues and greens right now and Sapphire is my birthstone so it seemed only right.

I went to a few stores and thought I would be able to do it on my own but I quickly realized I was lost and disappointed. So I enlisted help. I asked a new friend and fellow style and fashion maven on twitter Shakirah Hill (@StyleAtelier) to help me find a blue dress for my birthday. And she is a fellow University of Maryland graduate. (I have TREMENDOUS love for my school).

As I sent my S.O.S. to her via twitter she rapidly responded with some options. Here is what she came up with.

As I clicked on each link I was more and more intrigued. She said she will continue looking but so far I'm very pleased. Just might have to break her off with a fee for services rendered!

Option 1 from Bloomingdales is cute and flirty and I can see myself wearing it.

I love the one shoulder look of Option 2 as well as the length.

Option 3 was more embellished than I would have picked for myself but not something that I wouldn't ever try. I was wondering what shoes I would wear with the dress but as soon as I caught a glimpse of the back of the dress I didn't care too much. The back of the dress is amazing.

And then came my favorite....Option 4.....

As soon as I saw it I literally called out "THAT'S ME". There wasn't much I could say. Perfect shade of blue. Perfect length. Something to look at in the front and the back (have to be memorable when you walk away) and it has pockets! I could just feel the accessories coming to mind and the whole ensemble coming to life.

Fab Store Find

I haven't been shopping or even window shopping for that matter in quite some time. But I had to go to one of the most dangerous shopping neighborhoods recently for an interview. I had to go to Georgetown. I call it a very dangerous shopping neighborhood...financially. Its almost impossible to leave the area without spending all your money, unless you're very financially responsible. Me...I'm a recovering addict so its a little tempting. But like they say, "one day at a time". 

So I was leaving my interview (at a place I will not disclose until I officially land the job. don't want to jinx it) and I was brave enough to walk down the main strip and I came across a little store that you can't even see from the main street. The store is down a set of stairs and in the cut. I just saw a sign that said "Wink" and I kinda ignored it. That was until I saw brand names on the sign. I immediately turned around and ran down the stairs into the store. I think I took out a person and nearly ran them over to do so. But I think she understood. 

I was in love. I had to leave quickly though. There were just too many cute things and I just got paid but I hadn't paid any of my bills yet. But in my quick scan I was very excited and there were so many things that I wanted to try on. I went on the website when I got home and I'm even more in love. Here are a few looks that I love and want to try on. 

Frankie Fringe Dress (Alice + Olivia)

Stella Linen Dress

Stella Petal Dress

Sara Shorts

Olivia Dress

I still can't believe I haven't heard of this store before. I'm excited to get some money so I can play. The sale section on the website looks rather tempting. And there are a lot of looks that I would like to dupe in a more budget conscious way. 

Gotta Have It!

I am totally loving the "High Ball" dress by Nanette Lepore. It's ultra chic and sophisticated. This black merino wool dress has feminine touches with a ruffled collar and adorned with pearls. No need to even wear a necklace with it. Gotta love it when your outfit already comes with attached accessories. For $230 I gotta have it!

Inaugural Ball Gowns

If you're planning on attending an Inaugural Ball as I am, then I'm sure you're desperately looking to find the perfect gown if you haven't found one already. If all goes well I will be attending the American Music Inaugural Urban Ball hosted by Ludacris and Big Boi of Outkast. Tickets are very inexpensive at $350 (compared to some balls where tickets are starting at $3000). Please visit the website for pricing and other information.

I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for young people to get out and celebrate our new President that we supported so strongly during his campagin. No other ball will be this affordable and offer this amount of diversity in attendees and performers.

Although the dress code does not have to be formal you must dress to impress. Here are a few looks that are elegant but still young and chic.

Dresses Shown (starting at top left): BCBG Beaded Silk Gown ($239); JS Boutique One Shoulder Matte Jersey Dress ($138); BCBGMaxAzria One Shoulder Jersey Gown ($378), Calvin Klein Halter Gown ($208)

BCBG Introduces 2009 Resort Collection

Ready to plan your summer vacation now? BCBG has debuted their 2009 Resort Collection online and in stores. Described as a "celebration of style from beach bound to city chic", this collection has clean and classic separates, as well as flirty dresses with a little bit of pattern.

Although the peices in the collection are nice and well tailored (as all things BCBG are) I do not get the "resort" feel from most of the items. Some collection items include leather jackets and cardigan sweaters. Is this for fall or summer? I'm confused where the continuity in the collection is. The looks are best suited for a weekend in the Hamptons. I expected a different color pallette but it still works.

My favorite pieces are the Bubble Hemi Dress and the Colorblock Strapless Dress. There are also very adorable swimsuit cover ups that can double as day dresses.

Although I generally adore all things BCBG...this time I was thoroughly underwhelmed.