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The Allure and Sensuality of Claire Pettibone Lingerie

Sexy, alluring, lingerie is so much more than a Victoria’s Secret storefront. With Claire Pettibone, our brides can add several pieces of her romantic lingerie to their honeymoon seduction. In these photos by Elizabeth Messina, another fav photographer at StrictlyWeddings.com, Pettibone’s desire to “make a woman feel as special as the delicate creation she is wearing” is realized.

About Claire Pettibone:

When I design a collection I strive to make a woman feel as special as the delicate creation she is wearing; take her to a enchanted time and place where women are princesses and magnificent goddesses. In today’s modern world we need to pause and indulge in beauty.

I spent my early childhood living in rural New York in a 19th century farmhouse on acres of rolling hills. As an only child, most of my time was consumed exploring the surrounding streams and forests, picking wild raspberries, and dreaming. Among the trees, ferns and wild flowers it was very easy to imagine and believe in a world of fairies and magic castles. Some of my earliest drawings are of princesses and brides dressed in elaborate gowns.

My parents are both professional artists, so I was exposed to galleries and museums and encouraged to develop my creativity. I studied classical ballet for years and the stories and costumes of the ballet continue to influence my ideas of elegance and grace. As a teenager I began pouring over European Vogue where the world of couture opened up to me.

It has always been my desire to create exquisite feminine clothing using the finest fabrics and precious details; to combine a vintage feeling with modern style. In 1994, with the partnership of my husband Guy Toley, we began. Over the years, it has been a joy to see our collections carried in the finest boutiques in the world. I have a very romantic vision of how fashion can enhance our beauty and indulge our dreams. I invite you to share that dream.

Vintage Tableware – Unique Wedding Registry Gifts

Chicago’s Michelle Rahn, is a big StrictlyWeddings.com fan and we like watching what she’s talking about as well.

Bridal registry was one of her recent topics, specifically vintage tableware, which we thought our StrictlyWeddings.com followers might enjoy as well.

Antiquaria has collected dishes, pyrex and mid-centruy pieces for years and are finally sharing their gorgeous finds with the world! While most couples sadly tuck their fine dishes into the corner or store them in boxes somewhere to be unearthed down the road once or twice a year, these ladies are bringing back china as cherished object d’arte AND the ceremony of fine dining and elegant, stylish get-togethers on a regular basis.

They scour the markets for vintage china and make it modern by mixing patterns and styles, and creating the chicest type of table – an eclectic mix of pieces instead of a matchy-matchy complete set.  Meaning a home truly unique to you! The collection ranges from china to glassware, kitchenware, serving pieces, and even stamps.

Dreamy Bridal Lingerie by Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone is by far one of our favorite treats to indulge in. Her lingerie will last forever if you wash with care. Here’s something fun to collect that both you and your groom will enjoy! Her lingerie is comfortable, yet oh so sexy. Can you imagine yourself in any of the beautiful pieces below? We can. Feminine, romantic and so unique in her fabric designs. Here at StrictlyWeddings.com we are a fan of her resort wear, her bridal line and couture line – all perfect for your wedding. Check out her website. We know you will be in a dream wearing one of Claire’s designs…talk about sleeping in perfection!

Anichini Linens – Enlightened Luxury

Kay has an obsession (other than StrictlyWeddings.com that is). She loves luxury linens. We had no idea. Some days we’re lucky if all our linens match!

Anyway, she’s experienced this designer first hand and says that these linens feel like butter to the body (so would that be melted or whipped Kay?). Anyway, she says we’ve not slept in luxury until we’ve slept on these linens. (And she’s probably right!).

So for Brides looking for something besides the usual to add to their registry that’s long lasting and promises sweet dreams, Anichini linens sound like the perfect item.

A bit about Anichini. The company, founded two decades ago, has emerged to become the most prestigious brand of luxury linens and home textiles. In an era where the word “luxury” is used to describe everything from a bus ride to a bottle of shampoo, Anichini has raised the bar on the definition of “luxury” with textiles that are the ultimate in opulence and craftsmanship.

At the heart of Anichini is the bedding collection. The Villa D’Este line is manufactured by Italy’s premier textile weaver. Voile, silk twill, and double weight sateen are considered to be the ne plus ultra of bedding. These constructions are virtually unavailable from other luxury linen companies. Anichini upholds a promise-and a practice-that exacting details and finishing will be characteristic of Anichini and lavished on every piece.

Summer Cotton – Feminine and romantic – mulmul

mulmul creates comfy-chic loungewear for style-inspired women.

The clothes and accessories are inspired by this whisper soft cotton muslin “mulmul,” once exclusive to Indian royalty. The collection epitomizes an ethereal femininity and is the brainchild of Creative Director Puja Chodha.

mulmul’s signature styling lies in a subtle balance of dualities; earthy yet ethereal, intricate yet minimal, vintage-inspired yet modern, it flows seamlessly between these realms and creates a subliminal harmony.

About “waking dream” spring/summer 2010

“Inspired by my lucid-dreams and memories of childhood fairytales, mulmul’s debut collection ‘waking dream’ was born,” says Puja. “I wanted to be able to create the romance of dressing up for bed at night and waking up to run quick errands without compromising on comfort and style.”

Perfect for our young brides looking for something feminine and sexy for their honeymoon or wedding night.

Visit the mulmul online store.

Wedding Lingerie – Sexy, Sultry, Lacy Cosabella and more

There is nothing that makes you feel sexier than sexy lingerie. We love it all — the lace, the frills, the sultriness. And now, thanks to a perfect idea from Italian lingerie designer Cosabella, we have one more reason to adore it all: their bridal lingerie registry. Not every one carries Cosabella, but you can search your state on their website to see if there’s a shop in your area; then make contact about setting up your lingerie registry.

If you’re planning a bridal shower with a lingerie theme, then think about Cosabella or some of the other sexy lingerie designer’s such as Coemi. You’ll find them (and so much more) online through Ever So Sexy (being European-based, give yourself extra time for shipping).

Four Bridal Registry Rules You Need to Know

Registering for wedding gifts is fun, but most brides have questions once they actually start the process. Here are some of the questions that might be the most pressing:

1. When Should You Register?
   Your bridal registry should be one of your first tasks after your engagement. You want close family and friends to have plenty of time to “get the word out” about your registry. Also, guests will need gift options for both your bridal shower and your wedding. Complete your registry at least four months before your wedding date. That means that your registry can be a work in progress – start it right away and finish it later.
2. Where Should You Register?
   Beware! Not all registries are the same. First, pick a company with products you love. (And yes, you CAN register with more than one company, but it’s best to limit your registries to two.) Second, look at the registry benefits. The best companies will offer you:
   • Personal service throughout the registry process. Usually direct sales companies (the ones with sales consultants, like Princess House or Tupperware) will give you better service than retail. That’s simply because having a consultant is similar to having a personal shopper.
   • Online purchasing capabilities (a “must” that makes your registry more convenient for guests). A completion discount. This allows you to buy remaining items on your registry (after your wedding) at discounts of up to 20%.
   • Free products. Some companies offer you free buying credits based on the purchases made from your registry. This is even more convenient than you think, because there will almost certainly be “must have” items left on your registry that you’ll want.
3. What Should You Register For?
   This is pretty simple – register for what you need! No two couples will need exactly the same thing. But there are some general rules to follow:
   • Go from room to room in your house, creating a list as you go so you’re less likely to forget something.
   • Don’t hesitate to register for multiples of items like casserole dishes, sheets, etc.
   • Most guests will spend around $50-$100, so make sure there are lots of items in that price range.
   • Bridal couples traditionally register for 12 settings of formal china, but registering for 16 is becoming more popular. And yes, you SHOULD register for formal china. If you don’t, you’ll be sorry when your first dinner party or holiday get-together rolls around.
   • Register for everyday dinnerware, too. Stoneware is a popular and durable material to choose for your day-to-day dishes.
   • Everything else is up to you. Register for what you need, and don’t hesitate to “over register” so guests will have plenty to choose from.
4. How And When Do You Let People Know Where You’re Registered?
   • There are several notification methods you can use:
   • The most formal method is word of mouth. Make sure close friends and family have your registry information, because they will almost surely get calls about it.
   • Put the information on or with your save the date cards. Most companies will provide pretty bridal registry inserts that you can include in save the date card mailings or with your shower invitations. (If your budget only allows for the wedding invitation, then you could add an insert into the invitation, or if you have a “wedding web site” include the URL at the bottom of the invitation and have your registry information on your web site.)

StrictlyWeddings.com Bridal Registry Partners

Tips for Guests Buying Wedding Gifts

Wanting to make sure your wedding gift will resonate with your friend? Here are a few suggestions before you make your purchase.

• Find out where the bride and groom are spending their honeymoon and give them gift certificates to the hotel’s spa or arrange with the hotel to have your gift waiting for them when they arrive, such as a bottle of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
• When in doubt, a gift card to their favorite nursery (if they like to garden); a certificate to a romantic restaurant (budgets will be tight when they return from that honeymoon); a season ticket packet or tickets for two to their favorite theatre, opera or symphony (season tickets are a gift that keeps on giving) or maybe they’re big sports fans.
• If a couple has registered for 12, 16 or 32 sets of flatware (maybe they’re planning for a big Utah family?), don’t feel like you have to buy all the pieces for them. Just buy as many of the sets as you would like and other guests will fill in the rest.
• Keep in mind what you do know about the couple’s interests – maybe she loves to collect unique serving bowls (don’t laugh, it’s possible) or they are the cocktail and hor d’oeurve type, so look for fun cocktail glasses and a few unique “cocktail recipes,” as well as unusual serving plates. If they love to grill and sit by the pool develop your gift around that theme.
• Your friends might have everything they want or need or are just very down to earth people, if so, think about honoring them with a gift to their favorite charity.

 
Crystal and china are important, beautiful and wonderful to give, but you know your friends best, so give them something they will use often (and hopefully think of you with appreciation for thinking of you during this special time in their life!).

Last thought, if you’re attending a “destination” wedding, ship your gift to the bride or groom’s home instead of bringing it to the wedding. Bring a card with a description of what your gift is to give to the happy couple so they’ll know.

Whatever the gift, it IS the thought that counts.

StrictlyWeddings.com partners – Spas

Everyday China Basics

Getting Started

In addition to registering for fine china most couples pick out a set of dishes that they’ll use every day. Choose a midprice pattern that you won’t tire of and isn’t likely to be discontinued. If you fall in love with dishes from a seasonal line at a mass-market retailer, ask if you will be able to purchase more later on.

Assessing Your Needs

12 settings of informal china are adequate, unless you know you’ll be entertaining large groups. Think about what you’ll really use. Many couples register for four-piece place settings of informal china, including a dinner plate, salad plate, mug (in place of a cup and saucer, which are rarely used daily anymore) and cereal bowl (in lieu of a soup bowl).

Cost and Quality

Because the cost of everyday tableware is relatively easy on the wallet‚ you can afford to be more creative with the products you register for, and even integrate informal dishes with higher-end pieces.

Notes on Care

Consider registering for earthenware and stoneware, which are made of clay and often glazed or brightly decorated. Earthenware is susceptible to chipping, while stoneware is chip-resistant. Most clay-based china and glass, is ovenproof and dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Plastic, wood and bamboo pieces are attractive additions to the table but generally not heatproof.

Something Extra

Certain accessories (like salt and pepper shakers) look just as nice on a fancy dinner table as they do in the morning at breakfast. Register for such pieces (serving bowls too) that work in more than one setting.

Personalized Tableware

Always dreamt of doing it in style, with a vintage bug here is your chance. Say what you want, it’s your your bug.

Check out the gorgeous tableware at Jessica Rust Designs and latest creation, the Lovebug Dinnerware, is just perfect as a wedding gift!

The latest offering from Jessica Rust Designs is the introduction of a gift registry service which is a huge plus for any bride who wants to add this dinnerware to her gift list.