And the events begin...

Starting the 2010 bridal season with Alfred Angelo

Visionary Michael Shettle for Alfred Angelo Photo by Dan Lecca

It's a brand new year and I've lots of great information coming your way, including a GIVE-A-WAY of products in two weeks. I hope you stay tuned because I'm going to continue to bring you the best in the business.

Last year was a banner year for the bridal industry, and 201 is shaping up to be the same way. I wanted to kick-off this first week with Michael Shettel, the designer extraordinaire behind Alfred Angelo for the last 11 years. During that time, Michael has seen a lot of different dress styles come and go. “To find the perfect dress”, he said, “is to try it on and see how it moves, because movement brings the dress to life.”

It’s always great to get to know the designer behind the dress. Michael is an FIT graduate, beginning his career as a teacher and then became a merchandise designer. He worked for the likes of Givenchy in Paris, Tommy Hilfiger, Arnold Scassi, Diana Vreeland and others notables. Yet once he began to design, it was as if ‘things started to fall into place’.

“Bridal has been such a wonderful experience because it allows me the opportunity to work directly with all types of brides. I have the luxury of making elegant and beautiful gowns, every season, that are special to the bride long after her wedding day is over. To be able to have that 'one-on-one experience' with a bride, helping her choose her perfect dress, then seeing her when she’s found “her dress”….it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Truly I believe that Alfred Angelo is at the forefront of blending and presenting gowns with colors that ‘pop’ for all shapes and sizes. Did I mention their dresses come in size 0 to 30? Dresses come in ivory or white, yet with 55 different colors to add to a panel train, a trim on a neckline, or a sash, they really become part of the final design. By offering so many different options, the bride can personalize her wedding to her linens, flowers, bridal party, the overall theme of their wedding if she chooses too. The end result is truly bold, personalized and modern.

Known for classic silhouettes, like the A-line, empire and strapless styles, every dress that floated down the runway was, very feminine, very sexy, very 2010.

For more information about Alfred Angelo visit their website for a location near you.

Happy 2010 to you all in bridal-land!

Marc Wilson Design wedding blooms

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Did you get engaged yesterday? Well, first of all, congratulations. You are in for lots of excitement, parties, and to be honest…there maybe some sad, frustrating and even aggravating days ahead. It will all be ok, I promise. Just remember to have fun, plan as early as you can and enjoy this time. Trust me, it will pass in the blink of an eye.

So to help you start off the New Year and celebrate your engagement, allow me to introduce you to two people who are surely to make this process easy for you.

Marc Wilson Design. Marc gets to know you, your vision and then brings it to life. When we met this summer – before the colors for 2010 were announced, he told me what he thought would be hot for this upcoming season. Sure enough his predictions were true. If he has that much insight on colors, six months before they are announced, imagine what he can do to make your dreams a reality.

This is not to say that there aren’t lots of wonderful event design houses out there, but remember I don’t and WON’T recommend anyone that I wouldn’t use myself. Marc truly creates an event that is elegance personified.

Twobirds Bridesmaid

Have you already picked your bridesmaids? My suggestion is to make the bridal party as small as possible, but if you can’t, you need dresses that will work for everyone. This means that the dresses you pick are comfy, pretty; in your color scheme, and in a multitude of sizes to compliment every girl and yet, allow them their personal style. When I first saw the dresses by Twobirds Bridesmaid, I wanted one for myself. In three words, these dresses are hot, hot, hot! This company listens to and knows what is flattering to your body and best yet, your girls can and will want to wear these dresses out again and again. Remember the economy isn’t ‘fixed’ yet, so consider this when you are shopping. When you provide an option (wear it once – the wedding, then wear it again) your bridal party will be on board. Hey, you might just get one for yourself to change mid-way through your wedding.

Bottlerocket Wine and spirit

Let’s get this party started -

Ok, so you’ve been engaged for 20 minutes and someone is already planning your engagement party. You want something different; somewhere it can be more interactive and mingling of the family and friends. I have just the place for you. I hosted an event there last year and people are still raving about it.

Bottlerocket Wine and Spirit, is a wine specialty shop that serves brides/couples who have an interest in wine or just want to add an element of fun and elegance to their events. For all couples that are interested in purchasing specialty wines, this company has a great selection of organic, biodynamic and environmentally sustainable wines. I love a good eco-find!! A wedding registry of wines and spirits can be opened at the 1year, 5year and 10-year anniversaries or compiled "starter cellars" giving the gift of daily wine pleasure. They will also host a tasting for your guests and nothing says relax like a 2007 Chateau Ollieux Romanis.

Hope you enjoy these the first of hundreds of helpful hints in 2010. Please feel free to subscribe to my column or send me your inquiries. I love getting mail. I’m bridalease (at) gmail (dot) com. I look forward to getting to know you and help during your wedding process.

On Monday, one of the bridal designers I happen to know and love. See you then….

2009 Best of the best for Grooms

Close shave by and photo credit - Craig the Barber

Who loves ya guys?? I do and can’t wait for you to see what’s happening in the ‘Grooming-the-groom’ column in 2010. I hope you are as excited about it as I am. What this column has done has opened a dialogue for you the grooms (and the women that love you), to read information beyond what’s out there. It’s a different view of what's happening, that I hope you have found helpful and useful to you.

Having met with some great professionals on the ‘groom’ side of the business and here are my top 2009 Grooming The Groom winners.

When it comes to a proper and close shave, there is an art to it. I didn’t realize it until I met Craig. With a nationwide following as well as his own celebrity salon in CA., Craig the barber is the premiere expert in getting that stubborn facial hair under control.

How does he do it – he’s a real guy’s guy who uses simple common sense. What makes him a favorite, he won’t endorse a product he hasn’t tried himself or believe it. Surely that’s why there are lines of men waiting at his shop (and when I met him in NY at an event, guys waiting for up to 1hr) and everywhere he goes, there is a line just to ask him questions and perhaps get his signature shave. I’m very lucky that Craig has also agreed to be one of the celebrity guest writers with me, but you can and should follow him on Facebook or twitter.

photo credit J.M. Weston

Humeurs, by J.M. Weston – the Manolos for men
I’ve been to enough weddings and worked with enough grooms that I tell them, like their bride, they must have comfy shoes. They will be standing and dancing for hours. Nothing ruins a picture faster than a grimacing groom because his feet hurt. The Humeurs collection by J.M. Weston, are the best (and yes a bit expensive) shoes for the man who demands quality. These are truly custom made and yes, they are worth every penny. Many styles and colors, you will find one that you absolutely love, promise!

Grooms having fun - photo credit Lisa M. Barr

Alternative to the same old party –
Aren’t you tired of ‘those kind of clubs’? You want to hang with your fella’s and have that party where you can have a good scotch, perhaps a stogie and just fun. The thing is, you want to bring it ‘up a notch’ and have a classy event. Well, I know I was supposed to pick just one and if I did, it would have to be the Brandy Library. Since I can’t, I’m giving an ‘alternative to the party’ award to:
The Brandy Library, Carnegie Club, Club Macanudo, ESPN Zone, the 40/40 club and Johnny Utahs. Yes it’s a group award, but I honestly feel that you will find within this group a place for every type of groom. Hey, I’m looking for places in 2010, so if you have a favorite, let me know.

Lab Series skincare for men –

Isn’t it about time you had a product that was for your face, helped you to have a close shave and was made just for you and not the ‘female version' of a product?” Well the people at Lab Series have done just that. Yes, they are an Estee Lauder brand, but they were created for men, by men and have products that have created the easiest way to get a flawless shave, smooth skin and that ‘I’m too sexy for my…” look. I’ll tell you that my husband, brother and best male friend are hooked!! I’m sure you will be too.

Shanghai Tang Groom –
Yes I highlighted them yesterday, but they get my award for innovation in men’s design. If a groom is looking for a unique way to ‘stand out’ at his wedding, then a designed jacket by Shanghai Tang or membership to their Mandarin Collar society is the way to go. I love that they are bring an updated version to their mens' division and they have designers who will personalize the style of your jacket. If you want a traditional black jacket, but a wild plaid lining, consider it done. What’s more, this is something that is also a one-of-a kind and something that you can and will wear long after, your wedding day. It’s worth the investment (and it’s no more expensive than a rental, but definitely looks and smells better!)

OH MY GOSH…TODAY is New Years Day!! Well, Happy New Year to you all. I’m really excited about the people, places and things that I’ve in store for you. You wouldn’t believe the amount of mail I get from you and how many of you stop me at bridal shows to ask me questions. I LOVE IT and please don’t stop. All I can say is, 2010 is going to be AMAZING. If you are a new groom-to-be (meaning you got engaged last night) CONGRATULATIONS

If there was ever a time to celebrate the men in your life, it’s now.
So here’s wishing all your dreams for 2010 to come true and if you didn’t like 2009, do what I’m doing. Shake the 2009 dirt off your shoes (or just go buy new ones) and get ready to rock and roll.

Celebrate 2010 with 'new' designers who will knock your socks off

Photo credit AcQuachiara Bridal

There is something to be said about a ‘newbie’ that not only comes on the scene, but one that makes such a dramatic impact, you’re left with saying “surely they’ve been here for years?” Well I’ve been über lucky this year to be at the launch, or to ‘discover’ some of the winners of my first “New Kids That Rock The Bridal-Block” award.

What makes them amazing? Let’s face it, this industry is tough. In a lot of way, tougher than the fashion industry, because you only have one shot to make a first impression. Impress these folks did. It was the hot, hot, hot bridal designs bringing a bit of their cultural flare to the drawing board, which eventually became the actual creations that caught my eye. It’s fresh, it’s hip, it’s WOW and it’s the newbies who will be on the lips of everyone in 2010. That’s a bridalease prediction and I’m willing to place a bet on.

There are about 20 photos in the slide-show below and the one time I really wish, you could reach in and 'feel' the quality...AMAZING!!

Jorge Perez - photo by Lisa M. Barr

Jorge Perez de la Habana does Cuba proud in the debut of his collection. There is something that is so '1940’s Cuban romance' that will immediately call to you. It’s so caliente, all your groom will need, is a cigar to transport you to this Caribbean island. You can tell every stitch is placed with love and care. I can’t wait to see what his sophomore collection brings.

Minna K - photo by Lisa M. Barr

MinnaK is the next bridal designer you will know on a first name only basis. Clean lines, supple fabric and innovative design. Her cut and color have already captured many in the bridal world this season. MinnaK is truly on her way to bridal stardom.

Photo credit Shanghai Tang

Shanghai Tang for the Bride and Groom (yes a double winner!) for a bit of Asian-chic without flying to Shanghai yourself. Pick your fabric, your design and a few weeks later, a custom one-of-a-kind creation. With options for the entire bridal party, this may be the ultimate one-stop-shop.

Photo credit AcQuachiara Bridal

AcQuachiara Bridal – direct from Italy, their exquisitely made fabrics, rich textures and unique styles were truly a standout for me. There are gowns for everyone – and I do mean everyone. While they have been on the scene in Europe for years, this was their freshman year in the states and I’m sure their sophomore collection will be an immediate hit. The only problem for brides, which one to pick.

I am so thrilled to have been a part of introducing you to these designers. Will they continue to knock your socks off, absolutely. What I really want you to take away from them is, if you truly want unique, one of a kind bridal attire, these are among the designers you should seriously consider.

Congratulations to the winners, I look forward to all the new, new kids on the block for 2010 and tomorrow the best of my ‘Grooming the Groom’. Have to show love for the men in our lives. Until then…

Happy New Years Eve. Be Safe and Have Fun!