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Philip Treacy Designer Shoes a Unique Wedding Couture Addition

Our fellow blogger and friend, Jackie from Merci New York, posted these amazing, gorgeous (add your own adjectives here) “shoes” that she came across when she was at Paris Fashion Week. (We use shoes lightly as for some they may be considered a ‘work of art’ and to others an investment). Famed milliner Philip Treacy is the designer behind the elegantly embroidered tulle and lace confections (you won’t find these on his website as they were a collaboration with Valentino, but this designer is such an artist … take a look  through some of his collaborations).

Anyway, they are just now beginning to trickle into some of the fashion boutiques in your area. We think they would be a stunning addition to your wedding couture. Of course, this is high fashion, so nothing comes cheap (average price around $795).

Wedding Color Inspiration: Pink and Gold

Hello readers, this is Jacqueline Weppner from Merci New York, a styling service for the busy city bride. I’m delighted to be back on StrictlyWeddings.com, discussing the hottest trends in wedding style and fashion.

Today we’re talking pink. And not just the ho-hum girly variety, but the overwhelming resurgence of lush blush pink with hints of metallic. It’s certainly become one of the most popular wedding day palettes for the fashionista bride; and if executed correctly, it can remain one of the freshest as well.

With a decided nod to the nostalgia of the 1940s and 1950s, a blush and gold palette suggests the sass and glamour of old Hollywood, yet it remains firmly nestled in a playful femininity suitable for any wedding day style. It lends itself to soft décor and tiny retro touches (think hints of tulle and a darling birdcage veil, as seen in my inspiration board above)… and it will always encourage a soft, polished calm.

Need more inspiration? Here are some tips and tricks to create a blush and gold look that is elegant without being stuffy:

• Pretty paper: Get thee to Ceci. The luxe bespoke stationer Ceci New York has NYC and all the country swarming for her gorgeous creations. And if custom designs are not in your budget, her ready-to-buy line sports a handful of pink and gold options that are equally divine, such as the Versaille and Antoinette suites.
• Inspiring cakes: Call up our favorite Manhattan confectionary master, the lovely Ruth Drennan, for a custom-made cake. Ruth’s designs are absolutely ethereal and wonderfully inspired, it’s no wonder they’ve found themselves on the pages of countless wedding magazines.
• Blushing beauty: Be sure to provide your stylist with a compact of NARS blush in Orgasm for the big day (considering she doesn’t already have it on hand, of course)! As you may know, this shade has won countless beauty awards for being the best blush on the market. Suitable for literally all complexions, it gives a pretty, yet subtle flush to your cheeks and lasts long into the night.
• Luscious gowns: Hands down, the most confectionery crème-de-la-crème of the blush-gown set hail from Vera Wang’s Spring 2010 collection.  Truly, you’ll look no further.
• Retro Accessories: In this department, famed milliner Philip Treacy is your go-to guy. I adore his sculptural bow headpiece. This exquisite finishing touch is a striking alternative to a traditional veil on your big day. How decidedly retro would it be in your get-away photos?

Inspiration board photo credits: From top: Meringue cake, Jean Tsai {pointe shoes, portrait}, Sarah Maingot {tulle, teapot, mirror images}, Anna Williams {cupcake papers}, favors, candles.

The Glamorous Wedding Day Clutch

Hi there, it’s Jacqueline Weppner from Merci New York.  I’m thrilled to be back on StrictlyWeddings.com.

Spring wedding season has officially sprung, and with it comes the all-too-common flurry of brides scouring the city for the often forgotten (and ever-elusive) accessory: the glamorous wedding day clutch.

As brides, we spend months preparing our wedding day wardrobe. Getting The Dress.  Finding The Shoes.  Coordinating it all with a veil, of sorts, and trekking to fittings galore.  We invest hours in every other part of our wedding day wardrobe, but often ignore the most versatile (and re-wearable) accessory until the last minute.   Our clutch.  Well, shouldn’t it be an heirloom as well?

Enter Judith Leiber’s gorgeous minaudières. The designer is arguably the city’s swankest source for gala and benefit accoutrement, but I just adore her life-saving presence for the wedding wardrobe.  There’s just something so special about her designs… Almost jewels in their own right, Judith Leiber handbags are stylish investments designed to last a lifetime.

Of all her designs, I cannot resist the novelty creations… they’re so whimsical and add a personal touch to any ensemble.  Here are a few that are currently available in the New York boutique:

Of course, if the novelty miniaudieres are a bit too editorial for your taste, Judith Leiber’s classic pieces just ooze glamour and sophistication.  They quickly transition from bridal to evening, and remain the perfect accessory for any high-gloss occasion. (In fact, every First Lady since 1953 has carried a Leiber handbag to the Presidential Inauguration).

Of the four styles below, the “chocolate bar” (lower right) has become an iconic classic.  It’s certainly my pick for a bride who’s looking to add a bit of bling to her wedding day ensemble… (and rumor suggests it will relieve the cupcake miniaudiere of it’s starring role in the SATC sequel this spring).

Fashionista fun fact: Judith (Peto) Leiber’s life was quite the Cinderella story.  She survived World War II in hiding, and met her husband Gerson, an American soldier, in the streets of Budapest when the city was liberated. She moved to the United States as a GI bride and worked as a pattern maker, but always had dreams of owning her own business… She and Gerson worked hand in hand on Judith’s vision, and they formed her namesake company in 1963. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Frugalista fun fact: Saavy summer brides can score perfectly posh Judith Leiber clutches at half off their original prices at the Manhattan boutique’s annual sale, which generally takes place in mid-June.  Check the New York Magazine sale guide for more details. (For those who don’t live here, sounds like a great basis for a shopping trip).

Photos courtesy of Judith Leiber.

Butterfly Appliques add Chic Touch to Garden Weddings

Hi there. This is Jacqueline Weppner from Merci New York, a Manhattan-based blog and bridal styling service that provides “chic and stylish inspiration to the busy city bride.” I’m thrilled for the opportunity to guest blog on StrictlyWeddings.com.

Part of my job as a stylist is to bring insider experience from the fashion industry directly to my brides. Often such inspiration comes from a recent showroom appointment, trunk show, or even people watching along the streets of Manhattan… but with all the fabulous fashion shows that have graced the worldwide stage these past few months, my mind has recently been on the runway.

While runway style is often extremely editorial, Valentino’s Fall 2010 RTW at Paris Fashion Week has some darling details that transcend perfectly into bridal. My absolute favorite were these gorgeous butterfly appliques… Either softly woven or ornately bejeweled, I adore their delicate perch on the collarbone or hip… They add a decidedly chic, of-the-moment touch to any garden-inspired wedding. Enjoy!

Fashionista fun fact: The Valentino butterflies are said to be inspired by the early works of Damien Hirst. In his controversial first exhibit, “In and Out of Love,” Hirst filled the Woodstock Street Gallery with hundreds of live tropical butterflies. As visitors admired the art, some butterflies even hatched from the monochrome canvases that hung on the walls.

For more information on Merci New York and Jacqueline’s services, please visit www.mercinewyork.blogspot.com.

Photos via ImaxTree