vintage advertisements (wedding gowns)

Check out these old advertisements for wedding gowns -- to think you could buy a gown for $40!!!!

Queen rose -- you, on your wedding day, in Priscilla of Boston's rose-patterned imported lace spreading wide over nylon tulle. On the long, (?)-slim bodice, a loving touch of hand-embroidered crystal and pearl. Cap and veil are by Priscilla, too.

The new filmy look for Spring, magnificently interpreted in lace and nylon tulle…and making much of the exciting new longer torso. Left: Full-flowing nylon tulle skirt…taffeta midriff…detachable stole…captivating back bow. Right: Lavish full nylon tulle skirt…graceful panel…taffeta midriff. In beautiful new Spring shades. About $40 each.

Photo source: ManoloBrides.com
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COLOR FANATIC: #006 Bright Japanese Fun

You're the epitome of the non-traditional bride, with a love for anime since childhood, also sparked by Asian inspiration and just a festive kind of person. You envision a bright reception, very colorful and one sure to make the eyes wander. Why not have a little fun and put some punch into your collective vision and incorporate some Japanese flavor? Yes, we've explored a truly animated creative board, spawning from a wonderful color combination and the cherry blossom theme -- down to the fingernail artwork and silk adorned invitations.



Photo sources: LotusHaus (invitation), PriceScope (centerpieces), Squidoo (paper lanterns), BayAreaBags (nail artwork), Australia Entertains (cake), CAPow (red clutch), Red Hot Brides (reception), JapaneseCultureShock (dress), Cheapest Toy Eva (Hello Kitty dolls), Hello Naomi (cupcakes), Papier Damour (parasol) . . .(click for full post)

STREET INSPIRED :: LAPS 20th Nat'l Exhibit Poster

Profound inspiration from this piece, and you'll see why tomorrow. I was one of the lucky people who was able to take one of these prints home from the LA Printers Fair. By the way, the LAPS (Los Angeles Printmaking Society) 20th National Exhibit is going on until January 3rd, so for you print lovers, don't miss out! This is their biggest event with over 190+ artists showcasing outstanding print work and craftsmanship! Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park | 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Hours Thursday through Sunday • Noon to 5PM

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wedding forecast by JM :: BLISS by Monique Lhuillier

"BLISS by Monique Lhuillier"
Monique Lhuillier is, without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with. Her wedding gowns possess an unequivocal charm making her one of the most in-demand couturiers. Hand tufting and delicate embellishments are her signature, and her gowns are only made with the finest laces, silk satins and organza.



And now, we can love her even more as she launches a new label. BLISS by Monique Lhuillier. Monique Lhuillier has re-worked her most popular styles and created fifteen gowns for the first season. All the current dresses are strapless and a new collection will be presented annually. So what’s so special about BLISS? Well, being that they are priced at nearly half is pretty spectacular -- $2,300-3,500 spectacular! ML’s dresses are a dream, and the new prices makes that dream come true. I must say, this recession has brought on some positive projects. Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, who’s next?



Photo sources: MoniqueLhuillier, mspmag, AwaySoiree, and LCeventsky . . .(click for full post)

mardi gras + mauve love {details sneak peek}

SNEAK PEEK! B&W had the honor of designing and creating an entire invitation suite + matching paper goods (table #s, escort cards, favor tags, ceremony + reception programs) package recently. The creative theme: Mardi Gras mixed with mauve and ivory, to capture some of the groom's New Orleans ties and the bride's color palette selection, which to me, is a perfect combo to illustrate her sweet nature. These are teaser shots of the booklet ceremony programs and the Mardi Gras masks we custom made (trimming each mask, painting, designing, die cutting numbers, and assembling). The 26 hand-made masks turned out to be such a festive and original way to distinguish each table and promoted interactivity, as guests managed to put these on and rock the night away on the dance floor!





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glamorous Pronovias wedding gowns with sleeves

Pronovias (Barcelona) has proven to be one of the most well-recognized brands in the wedding gown industry. From magazines, to bill boards, to wedding articles, and the online wedding network, Pronovias is a couture brand that makes its presence in almost every bridal salon in the United States. From extravagant beading, to delicate ruching, lots of floral accents, array of fabrics, and use of multiple layers, Pronovias has been the answer to many brides searching for a glamorous gown. What I have fallen in love with is the fact that Pronovias' 2010 collection, which features the elite group of designers Manuel Mota, Pronovias, Valentino Sposa, and Elie Saab, features a broad range of gowns with sleeves -- cap sleeves, quarter sleeves, three-quarter sleeves -- and even full necklines, like bateau, sabrina, portrait, jewel, and queen anne.* While I am a fan of the strapless gown, which is probably the most popular style of them all, the sleeved gown can still be a downright sexy and sophisticated piece -- and it doesn't necessarily mean it's for the conservative bride. Take a peek at some of my favorite Pronovias gowns from the fabulous 2010 collection. And yes, I LOVE lace.

















Photo source: Pronovias.com
* Source: ArcaMax.com . . .(click for full post)

DARING DIVAS: intimate dress solutions by bristols6

Daring Divas: Ever try wearing a pasty?...the "nippie patch of freedom" as bristols6 would call it? This is a fun one -- especially for the wedding night!


The wedding dress can weigh up to 15 lbs. What a great way to take off some of that weight by not having to wear the sometimes-uncomfortable bustier. I know these may not work for everyone, but may definitely prove to alleviate a really tight dress fitting or simply make a bride more comfortable. Just another small detail we (b&w) think about!



Bristols6 also carries a line of designer styling tape, for the low cut dresses that need some extra reinforcement. They come in an array of styles, from lace to faux snake skin, to patterns -- and they'd truly make your new husband's eyes pop, especially if these are out of your element! Check out their site for more stylin' dress solutions.





Photo source: bristols6.com
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wedding forecast by JM :: sebastian professional FREE

"Complimentary Styling Session with Sebastian Professional"
If you want to get a trial done for FREE and pamper yourself at the same time, RSVP for Sebastian Professional's event in Hollywood for next Thursday, Nov 19 -- your chance to have a pro try that wedding 'do' you've spent so much time researching.


Photo/content source: InStyle.com . . .(click for full post)

king and queen stamps

Here's another small detail I would consider getting creative with -- the stamp. I spotted these LOVE: King and Queen of Hearts stamps while browsing the USPS' (United States Postal Service) online catalog of stamps in search for stamps for a save the date project we're working on. Love 'em! These are individual stamps, but when butted up next to each other, create the cutest puzzle piece fit for any bride and groom. Note: Post offices have additional stamp options at their satellite offices; just ask to browse their stamp collection (in binders -- they have more than 1, usually, and are behind the counters).


Photo source: USPS.com
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tiffany & co.'s mens cuff links

Does the husband-to-be spoil you with Tiffany & Co? Return the favor and embellish his suit with one of Tiffany's signature cuff links. It's a small detail, but definitely one your photographer will love the opportunity to snap. And, more importantly, he'll have a set of really nice cuff links for future occasions. It's his day, too! Click here to view more Tiffany cuff links and pricing information.


Photo source: Tiffany.com . . .(click for full post)

alina pizzano trunk show (Nov. 7, 09)

"Trunk Show in Pasadena -- Alina Pizzano"
If you're in the Pasadena area tomorrow, Alina Pizzano, couture bridal gown designer, is having a trunk show and cocktail reception (4PM)! Ms Pizzano will extend an additional 10% off if you place an order on a gown during the show. *Please RSVP if you'd like to attend.



Alina Pizzano Couture Bridal
235 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, Ca 91101
Tel: 626.584.0076 Fax: 626.584.0957
www.alinapizzano.com
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fabulous wedding hair

I write about dresses, accessories and shoes, but haven't quite touched one of the most obvious -- the hair. As some of you know, I used to do wedding up-dos (for almost 8 years) as a part-time weekend gig. As most stylists start out, I first started doing hair for my girlfriends for dances in high school. I find it amusing, as I always managed to end up at the dance with my hair looking like it did on a normal school day -- flat. One thing led to another, and I found myself doing huge bridal parties, from brides, to moms, flowergirls, to bridesmaids. But with hard work comes results, and because B&W is now a full force, my weekends dedicated to doing hair are literally gone. This doesn't stop me from making my daily dose of hair observation though! If anything, I'm more in tune with what's in, what looks good, and what's different.


Photo: Me doing hair for a wedding (2008); Photography by: Chaz Cruz

Here are some of my favorite hair styles for any evening event, especially a wedding. As you may notice, I've posted lots of modern styles, and looked none elsewhere than a pool of celebrity photos -- they have the best hair styles out there. I find the more natural, loose curls, with volume to be the look many stylists are going for -- purely sophisticated, sexy, and timeless.



Long, medium, short, thick, thin -- find a few hair styles to present to your stylist. Half up/half down, all down, short, all up -- determine your style and preference, keeping in mind your comfort throughout the day/night. Bring a photo of your dress and describe the formality, colors, time of day. A proficient stylist will be able to absorb the info and give an honest opinion on what style will flatter you. Sometimes, the hair style doesn't end up exactly like the photo -- no need to worry, remember that your hair is probably a different thickness from the person in the photo AND many celebrities and models use hair extensions.


Photo: Carrie Underwood showing off her half up/half down looks

Photo: very romantic 1940s style finger waves on short hair


Photo: Kim Kardashian has the "all down" hair style on lock

Photo: Katherine Heigl and Tyra Banks sporting an elegant do

Photo: Classic pulled back hair do with a side swept and layered bun

Photo: half up half down

Photo sources: DramaGeek, HJI.co.uk, TimeInc.com, HairCutStyles.com, Zimbio.com, IAmTheBeholder.com, TheKnot.com, HairStylesUp.com, IDailyMail.com, ImageAndStyleNews.com, EOnline.com, DotComWomen.com, Splendicity.com, ZAbout.com, Inquisitr.com, StarPulse.com, JewelMagazine, BridalUpdos.com, HairStyleBob.com, HairStylesChat.com
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NEWS: b&w is finally trademarked!

NEWS: Finally! After a really long, legal and formal process, Bellz & Whistlez is officially a registered trademark (per the United States Patent and Trademark Office)! We get to add the ® to anything and everything -- and only shows you we take pride in our professionalism as a small business. We've already posted our new blog header reflecting the change and have yet to make the revisions throughout all our collateral. Whew! It was a daunting process, but well worth the time. And now, on to making moves with the company! This is a milestone in our business development. More to come in 2010 as we expand and improve... . . .(click for full post)

bow to chanel

I like these darling Chanel booties with bows. Too bad they're $1,500. I'll settle for admiring.


Photo sources: (top) unknown; (bottom) NCS Fashion Network . . .(click for full post)

rockin' the one-shoulder dress at a wedding

Though people mistake the one-shoulder dress as being a trend, it has been around for centuries; one of the most infamous pieces of art donning the fashion style is the 190 B.C. statue of Nike of Samothrace. Throughout time, designers, fashionistas, and entertainers have kept its popularity afloat. Grace Kelly, seen below, graciously models a ruched one-shoulder draped dress. Surprisingly, the one-shoulder dress has never "come and gone," actually, it has always been an option for bridesmaids and brides on the hunt for the perfect gowns -- recently, I've noticed a growing popularity for the one-shoulder dress, even seeing guests rock the iconic style! So take a peek at some of my finds and don't be afraid to consider it -- add appliqué, adorn it with a fancy belt or choose a printed fabric.


Above: Grace Kelly models a one-shoulder gown; Photo source: DestinysBride.com

Photo source: (top L–R): L) NewportNews.com, M) LelaRose via intheircloset.com, R) Charles Chang via mediaonsugar.com; (bottom L–R): L) La Femme via PromDress2009.com, M) Karen Miller via Asos.com, R) via altamodabridal.com

This post is more so, directed to bridesmaid gowns. The trick to choosing a one-shoulder dress for a formal affair, like a wedding, is to select a one-shoulder dress that isn't too form fitting nor too short. Chiffon fabric always makes a sophisticated statement, and pull your hair up or back to bare your beautiful neck/shoulder line.


Photo source: Terani Couture via CarrazGowns.com

Photo source: L) Mango via thestylespa.com; R) Topshop via Florasbox.com . . .(click for full post)