Party Lines: PartyParty

Posted by Britni Wood, Style Expert

There are few things that say party like sparkly garlands and candy-colored pinatas. And there are few people that make sparkly garlands and candy colored pinatas quite like CONFETTISYSTEM. How fun to throw a bachelorette party and decorate with all of their amazing creations!

Our Style Director, Katie Hatch, blogged about the amazing pinatas from CONFETTISYSTEM in February, and the design duo have had quite a year. From being featured in music videos, fashion shows, and window installations for some of the coolest stores around, they've found a happy home this holiday season at Urban Outfitters with a collaboration called PartyParty. The items should be hitting stores soon, so eat, drink, be married, and for goodness sake, be sparkly!

photos by estelle hanania

Fashion: Ice Cream Candy Headbands

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Expert

If you're a bride to be with a certain hippie flair, you'll love the headbands by Etsy dealer Ice Cream Candy. From flowers to large, sparkly sequins to delicate lace, the details on these hair accessories are more than special enough for your big day. Plus, you can add one of these adornments to your wedding day look for only $30-45.  Find Ice Cream Candy on Etsy.com.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Ice Cream Candy

DIY Craft: It's That Time of Year

Posted by Katie Hatch, Style Director

It's getting cold out now, and you may be getting out your mittens and gloves and sweaters. Some of mine didn't survive the last cleaning very well and were shrunken accidentally in the wash. What's left? Something pretty useful, actually, as shrunken wool sweaters are a great place to start to make bridal party gifts like mittens, ipod protectors or other pouches, or pillow covers. This image has always had a place in my heart, and kind of tells the whole story:

 

Your bridesmaids would love a buckwheat pillow covered like this:

 

Or a sweet, personal ipod cover:

Are you thinking of making any of your bridal party gifts?

Robindira Unsworth Jewelry

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

Robindira Unsworth is the "go to" company for inspired jewels that transport you to another world. This time, the husband-and-wife team channeled the sights and sounds of Turkey and Greece, which they recently visited, to create a collection of eclectic pieces with real Old-World charm.

Robindira's inspiration board

Party Lines: Hen Party

Posted by Britni Wood, Style Expert

I've always loved the idea of a Hen Party. And while nothing takes the place of a fun all-nighter of a bachelorette party, there's something sweet and sincere about throwing a brunch or luncheon before your big day for all the women in your life. I've taken the term Hen Party quite literally here and found some wonderful ideas to help celebrate your bridesmaids, friends, and family.

I know fascinators are all the rage, but how cute are these little headbands from South For The Summer. They'd make such a cute bridesmaid gift they can wear at the Hen Party or for any special occasion, maybe even to your wedding.

And what brunch would be complete without a yummy egg dish. To round out our Hen Party theme, these shredded phyllo nests and eggs over easy are just the thing to serve and enjoy.

 

Are you thinking of hosting a Hen Party?

Fashion: Accessories by Little White Dresser

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

Little White Dresser is hands down one of my favorite Etsy.com dealers. When she's not studying textile design full time in Tel Aviv, 26-year-old Avishag sews, knits, crochets, and paints to create the most amazing belts, hair accessories, and jewelry for brides and bridesmaids—all for under $35. The pieces below are perfect for adding a special touch to your wedding gown and make a great gift for your bridesmaids or yourself!

Fashion: Prints Charming

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

At MSW, we think anniversaries are a good thing. In fact, our 15th is coming soon (more on that as we get closer to the release of our winter 2010 issue), and we just celebrated it with a big party.

So we're thrilled to announce that Alfred Angelo is celebrating 75 years in the business. They're kicking off their anniversary in 2010 by introducing three new bridesmaid silhouettes. From a one shoulder cocktail dress to a floor length halter, there's a style for each of your bridesmaids. You can mix and match the prints within your bridal party, letting each of your friends show off her individual style. Or have some of your bridesmaids wear solid versions and throw in some splashes of print throughout. Using Alfred Angelo's Dream In Color palette, you can even customize the dresses to match your wedding's color palette.

Are you doing pattern in your bridesmaids' gowns? If so, how?

 

Photos courtesy of Alfred Angelo

Justine M. Couture Trunk Show

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

Listen up, all you California brides! Justine M. Couture is having a trunk show on Halloween, but don't expect to find anything scary there! Instead, you'll come across jewelry, fascinators, veils, tiaras, and every other kind of hair accessory for your wedding. Here's a peek at some of the goodies in store.

Images courtesy of Justine M. Couture

And here are all the details:

The White Dress

2853 East Coast Highway

Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

949-723-0121

October 31, 2009

Coren Moore Fall Promotion

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

Coren Moore can make your bridal party look like a unified group in a just a few clicks—simply use their online order form to pick out colors and styles and voila! You've got dresses with serious style. To make the deal even sweeter, they're offering a new fall promotion, so you can save money while checking your bridesmaids dresses off your to-do list. Check out the details below and one of Coren Moore's sweet styles. Add one of the sashes or floral accessories in an alternate color to mix things up a bit.

Images courtesy of Coren Moore

Help! I want to "unbridesmaid" my friend...

Posted by Talley Sue Hohlfeld, Etiquette Expert (and Cara Sullivan, too!)

On Monday, October 12, an interesting question popped up on my etiquette post:

"I am in a pickle and would love your advice! I got engaged in January and our wedding is next August (2010). In the excitement of everything I asked a few girl friends I felt particularly close to at the time. I am realizing now that one of the friends, while I am close to her, drops down into a new tier of friends and I'm now worried that I need to include more friends, so no one's feelings get hurt.

"Other than my sister, I've never really labeled any friends as my "best friend" and I now feel like all eyes are watching who my bridesmaids will be--not to mention it seems like a very public statement about who I consider a close friend. I wouldn't mind having all my girl friends be in the bridal party were it not for cost and the drama some of them tend to bring into things. Would it be tacky to de-ask a friend of mine? What do I do about the other friends I am close to, but just don't want to be a bridesmaid? Thanks so much!"

Great question, right? Well, Cara and I both have pretty strong opinions about this (surprise, surprise!), so we decided to team up for a joint post.