If I could, I would wear heels day in, day out. I would wear them to bed (sometimes I do when it’s a new pair that needs to be broken into) I would run in them (if they were comfortable enough) I would even take showers in them! I’ve been in love and I mean in serious love with shoes since college and I don’t see this love affair going away anytime soon. So, from now on, I’m thinking every Monday, we’ll feature a stunning pair to start the week of.
While visiting one of my favorite spots, I came across these stunning little numbers on Net-a-Porter and I had to share.
Without a doubt, the shoes below are simply delicious and would compliment any gown your heart so desires. But personally my favorite is the white leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.
The is features a four and a half inches brushed silver-tone heel with half inch floating platform. The sandals have a silver diamanté-embellished trim, silver-tone hardware, stud detailing, an open toe, cutout sides, ring detail, a buckle fastening at the side and ankle and a back zip fastening. Uhm, you can stop dreaming now.
Which one’s your favorite?
A shoe lover,
Violaine Diogene
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Looking for design insparations? Well, look no further! Take a look at the exclusive and might I say, dreamy, Matthew Williamson wedding collection available at Net-A-Porter.
What can’t you design around these gowns?
Loving Matthew Williamson,
Violaine Diogene
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Well, you all know just how much I love and adore everything Ines di Santo puts her brilliant hands on. I can easily stare with my mouth open at Ines Di Santos fall 2010 collection as this collection is nothing short of a feast for my eyes.
Now, these gowns are not for the fainted heart bride. These shockingly beautiful gowns are designed for making a dramatic entrance! These gowns are for the romantic drama queens whom demands attention. As if you expected less, the fall 2010 collection features nothing less than the most luxurious European silks, impeccable details in the beading and trims in every gown which brings glamour to the highest power.
As usual I cannot choose just one or two gowns from the collection and claim it to be my favorite as I love each and every single gown.
Well, what are your thoughts on Ines Di Santos? Tell me about your gown. Tell me why you choose your designer. What drove you to him/her?
In love with Ines Di Santos,
Violaine Diogene
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For as long as I can remember, every Sunday afternoon I’ll spend some quality time turning the pages of one of my favorite wedding magazines and this Sunday was no different. This little time that I refer to as “Bridal Magazine Time” usually gives me something to think about, chat about and definitely obsessed about and my new obsession (at least for this week) is Stephanie Browne of Australia.
Who is Stephanie Browne? Am I glad you asked…
Stephanie Browne is a designer of elegant couture jewelry with a combination of classic and uncomplicated pieces through to strikingly bold “must have” fashion accessories. Several of her collections are highlighted with head turning feather hair accessories, bejeweled belts and headbands, and stories inspired by the increasingly popular styles of the 1920’s showgirl era. Yes, I know; this must be an incredible collection and let me assure you my sweet darling brides, it is!
Stephanie’s awareness of her customers is legendary. Her unique styling allows the wearer to be reminded of classic elegance of a time gone by. Each design reflects originality and beauty, with each hand made piece ensured to become a treasured possession.
According Stephanie Browne, every piece of her work is an original designed, hand-made collection is made using only the finest of components, from Swarovski crystals and pearls, rhodium non-tarnishing bases, flowing emu and peacock feathers, through to silk flowers. And you know I love peacock feathers and Swarovski crystals.
I’m going to start this favorite category off with this stunning and simply to die for piece and you’re right… these pieces are not for the fainted heart. These pieces are for the bride whom adores boldness and dares to make a statement. My absolute number one pick had to be this piece referred to as St Tropez Headpiece and WOW is all I have to say about that.
Obsessed with anything and everything wedding,
Violaine Diogene
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Vera Wang is certainly one of my favorite bridal gown designers. I love how she stays true to herself as an individual, I love how she stays true to her designing style but yet she’ll often push the trends while remaining classic.
Vera Wang’s fall 2010 Vera collection simply radiates with sheer beauty and elegance. And I do mean sheer! From I’ve read, this nostalgic collection is inspired by Cecil Beaton’s “My Fair Lady” whose interpretation can be seen through its dramatic lines and daring silhouettes. These gowns are whimsical and dreamy with their heavy use of French tulle, organza pleating, flange skirting, horsehair detailing and touches of black.
I have to tell you that I’m loving this black gown that she has. The gown is made up of several different layers of black French tulle and an oversized black bow tied to the side of the gown. Pay close attention to the gown as even though it’s a black gown, it does shimmer a bit because of the light brown organza underlay. Did I mention how much I simply adore this gown? I just need to find a bride to wear it and you know what? I might through a black tie party or find one to attend just so that I can wear this beauty.
My second favorite has to be this dark shade of white dreamy gown which features heavy French tulle, accentuate with organza sheers with light touches of lace. Do allow your eyes to go the bottom of the gown with the French pleating made of organza. The black belt adds a very nice touch to gown. Can you imagine yourself in a black wedding gown? Why and why not? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Plotting to wear the black wedding gown,
Violaine Diogene
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When I tell you I LOVE my job, please believe and understand that I do love my job! One of my favorite brides called me today to ask my opinion on her brilliant idea on purchasing three different gowns. I’m thinking, three different gowns to wear that evening? YES, she said and we begun discussing her point of change. While putting our ideas together, we came up with the change for the wedding cake cutting gown and you guessed it, I wanted to share it with you.
I’m loving this idea and what a way to make you’re a statement and to keep your guest guessing about what you’ll do next? So, her idea is to get married in a formal wedding gown, she’ll be introduced in that gown and just after the first course is served she will go into the bridal room and change her entire look! After the cake is cut and a mere hour later she’ll once again change her entire look and will emerge in her last dance gown. Yes, I know it’s brilliant!
Below are the gowns she and I are looking into. Now, you know I LOVE Oscar de la Renta and when one of my brides decides to wear his gowns, believe me when I tell you I’m over the moon.
Well, what do you think of this idea? Do you see yourself changing three times or twice? You know just how much I love to hear from you.
With three gowns in mind,
Violaine Diogene
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Ok, Kenneth Pool has some of the most amazing gowns I’ve ever seen. Now, I know I love wedding gowns, you know I love wedding gowns and yes, I go crazy over the gowns but seriously, Kenneth Pool has amazing gowns. Well, the fact that Amsale Aberra was already renowned for her Amsale and Christos collections should make you pause for a moment.
The Kenneth Pool label has long been recognized for its embodiment of fantasy and drama with its grand ball gowns, luxurious fabrics and exquisite beadwork. As the Creative Director, Amsale Aberra’s creations for the collection carry on the legacy of the label, with each of her gowns for Kenneth Pool celebrating and catering to the bride who commands the spotlight. Yes, for the bride who commands the spotlight!
“I am so excited to be designing this collection,” says Ms. Aberra, working in her New York Atelier where all of the gowns are designed and sewn. “I have always loved the Kenneth Pool bride and the fantasy she represents. My other collections are more about softness and simplicity, and designing Kenneth Pool allows me to express the more elaborate side of my personality.”
This season there is a special emphasis on unique fabrications and couture details. Organza ruffles, sensuous silk jersey, and creamy duchesse satin dominate, whether artfully draped, elaborately beaded, or delicately trimmed with Swarovski crystals. Each gown encapsulates the essence of the collection: Ultimate Femininity combined with Kenneth Pool’s signature brand of sexy, opulent, unapologetic glamour. Now you know, I love this unapologetic glamour thing these gowns carry so brilliantly.
I could go on for days about Kenneth Pool and I almost posted every gown, but that would have been one long post. Below are my absolute favorite gowns in this collection. The first two are my “must have” gowns. The first one is FASHIONISTA; and Fashionista is correct. I love, love and I do mean love this gown. This amazing gown is made of tulle with strapless mermaid gown with shirred Tulle bodice and low dropped waist. Skirt features layers of seamed tulle and clear paillettes. Available in Ivory only. My second gown is ROYALTY. Did I mention that I love the names of these gowns? Well, I love the name of this gown. Royalty and that’s exactly how one will look in this gown made of Royal Duchess Satin. Strapless Satin ballgown with softly draped bodice. Full skirt is adorned with self-fabric roses, Crystal accents and pickups. Natural waist is accented by Crystal beaded belt. Available in Champagne as sampled, Ivory and White.
What do you think? Have you seen one of these gowns in person? Are you a bride who’s worn of these gowns? I would love to hear your thoughts on these gowns. You know your feedback is wanted and needed. Let me know your thoughts.
Inspired by you, my brides.
Violaine Diogene
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Lazaro blends ultra-glamorous vintage details, stunning floral embellishments and signature hand-beading and embroidery in his latest collection. Lazaro’s hallmark craftsmanship, combined with sumptuous fabrics and perfectly cut silhouettes, give every gown an haute couture feel.
In traditional Lazaro style, his latest collection channels old-fashion glamour with vintage-inspired beading, romantic cap sleeves, scalloped sweetheart necklines, lovely tiered pleated tulle trains and lace appliqués. Lazaro introduces sparkle net charmeuse this season, combining it with embroidered Chantilly lace and hand-crafted, ornate beading.
This season, Lazaro is really turning some heads with my two first favorite gowns. What do you think of these gowns? You know I would love to hear from you.
With you in mind,
Violaine Diogene
Ivory organza plume formal bridal ball gown, silk faced satin banded bodice with hand ruched flowers on ribbon at natural waist, organza plume A-line skirt, chapel train.
Ivory floral net formal bridal gown, curved neckline, embroidered bodice with sheer tulle overlay, drop waist, circular floral net skirt with beaded accents, chapel train.
Ivory silk shantung formal bridal ball gown, ballerina sweetheart bodice, ruched cumberbund accented with vintage fresh water pearl brooch, full gathered skirt with silk flowers at back, chapel train.
Ivory hand beaded and embroidered tulle formal bridal gown with floral accents, sweetheart neckline, elongated bodice with circular skirt, chapel train.
Ivory English net formal bridal ball gown, sweetheart neckline, silk Mikado yoke bodice with vintage fresh water pearl ivory ribbon belt at natural waist, full gathered embroidered English net skirt with sequin tulle underlay, sweep train.
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It’s official as I’m absolutely crazy, head over hills in love with everything and anything that Ines Di Santos designs. I’ve had the sheer joy of seeing some of the most talented designers design some amazing gowns but I find myself at awe with just about anything this brilliant designer puts her hands on.
I must tell you that I can easily stare with my mouth open at Ines Di Santos 2010 Collection as this collection is nothing short of a feast for your darling eyes. These gowns, to simply put are amazing, gorgeous and yes, beautiful. If you’re the bride whom demands absolutely nothing but the best, you’ve met your match as the 2010 collection features nothing less than the most luxurious European silks, impeccable details in the beading and trims in every gown which brings glamour to the highest power.
Ines Di Santos designs her gowns to fit a particular bride’s silhouettes and I promise you that these gowns are designed as if they have a body of their own; yes, the gowns have a body of their own! Well, what do you expect from a woman who’s the embodiment of romance? This amazing designer was born in Italy, raised in Argentina with strong Spanish heritage. I know, it made me giggle when I thought of how it all played into her dresses. To me, not every bride can wear these dresses. An Ines Di Santo bride is a special bride. Just like Ines Di Santos, she too is the embodiment of romance in her own right. She’s daring, she’s bold, when she walks into a room she owns the room with her confidence! She’s exquisite, sophisticated, and can stop traffic dead on!
Now, you know I have to tell you about my personal favorite gown. My only issue is, I love each and every single gown in this collection. Forgive me, I had to include all the pictures below and I had to allow all the dresses a personal moment by not aligning them on the same roll (I know, I’m weird like that) but I’m hoping that you’ve fallen in love with this collection just as much as I have.
After you’ve seen it all, you know I would love to know your thoughts. Tell me about your gown. Tell me why you choose your designer. What drove you to him/her? What do you think about these gowns?
In love with Ines Di Santos,
Violaine Diogene
What can I say about this gown? Can you hear it? Listen closely and you can literally hear the collective gasp that spreads through the crowd the moment you walk onto the aisle to your future husband….. I need to get remarried so that I can wear this gown!
Yes, I know. I too was speechless when I saw this work of art in the form of a gown. Where do I start? This gown features a translucent beaded corset bodice with lace-up back and heavily Swarovski crystal jeweled neckline along with a amazing ballroom skirt.
How many times can I renew my wedding vows? I promise you I’m going to have a reason to wear this gown.
I told you these gowns had a “body” of their own right? Do you believe me now? Gown features fully beaded bodice and beaded appliqué on one side of hip; pick-up skirt.
WOW, WOW and another WOW! Gown features a ruched bodice with peek-a-boo hem revealing handmade roses in soft pink and green hues. Detachable overskirt has roses at side, front and diagonally across centre back.
I know; I was in awe when I saw this gown as well. Gown features ruched bodice and asymmetrical beaded tulle with Swarovski floral motifs on skirt.
I love that this gown features this very prety ruched bodice with the dropped waist and tiered skirt. A pair of daring red stilettos would be stuning!
Have I told how much I love Ines Di Santos?
This gown is the simplest one on this collection but make no mistake as this is a stunner! This gown features a one shoulder strap made with handmade large flowers and the detail skirt has princess seams down front and back with pleated detail.
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As the year 2009 comes to an end, designers all over the world are showcasing their 2010 collection with hopes of catching a bride’s eye. This designer Far Pepe Botella certainly caught our eyes at André Winfrye Events. From the typical stereotypes of the Mediterranean, Pepe Botella is inspired by his own origins, thinking of the present and the future. Beyond the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, the Mediterranean is a modern, active, entrepreneur culture. It is the Mediterranean of the Ciudad de las Artes in Valencia and the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona. The same sea, the same light, the same colours that inspire post modern architecture, looking at the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, bathed with its light.
The new collection from the Alicante firm is based on highly developed patterns, treated from an architectural point of view. Structured shapes, made with material, needle and thread, playing with the elegant, classical materials of brides, in which silk fabrics are the protagonist, with mikados, dupioni and organdies. You will also find light, supple gauzes and coupé organdies.
It is my sincere hope that you will take a moment to visit this amazing designer and view this collection. Certainly if we can answer any questions for you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kindest wishes,
André Winfrye
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