J.Crew Swim

This weekend I am braving the yearly search for a bathing suit. I've been scoping out a couple of my favorites online this week and I have landed at the same place I always do: The Crew. I am so predictable when it comes to suits. Colors: blue, grey and white. Pattern: stripes, polka dots or anything that resembles them. Fit: comfortable but still fresh and young. Style: classic. How many suits do I have that already have polka dots on them? It's not worth the embarrassment of sharing. But do I stop looking at them? Of course not. Each year they are just different enough to call my name again and again...Brides, I know you're on the hunt too and I would steer you toward my alma mater, J. Crew. They never disappoint. Look smokin' on your honeymoon and skip the trendy metallics and crazy sequins, or the disappearing seats of bikini bottoms. Go with fresh sophistication :)

My two favorites?  The Marina-striped ring bandeau suit and The Annik-stripe string bikini.  In LOVE.  I wish they carried more swim wear at their stores...

{Images: J.Crew}

BHLDN Hair Adornments

Have you spent some time looking through BHLDN's hair adornments?  Oh my, it's just as you would expect: stunning.  My favorites?  The Marzipan Halo Headband in ivory (above right), the Voluminous Silk Headband in pink (above left) and the Pompom Rose Headband in deep blue (below right).  But really, they are all amazing...

Loving: Side-swept hair

I've had short hair for about a year now and seeing so many beautifully side-swept hair styles makes me long for long locks again.  This is so romantic--love it!

{Image: Pintrest}

BHLDN Shoes

BHLDN has captured the imaginations of wedding adorers all over.
Their shoe collection is sweet, sweet eye candy.  So in love...

Trendspotting: The hair double knot

Who isn't looking for a chic way to just throw your hair up and out of the way??  Check out the hair double knot.  Four simple steps and you are out the door and looking fab!  And isn't this just perfect for a line-up of pretty maids in long maxi dresses for a summer wedding?  Easy chic, ladies.
Go here for the simple instructions.

{Images:  #1-2 Refinery 29 & #3 Fashionising}

Etsy Find of the Week: Linden Lovebirds

Having trouble finding the perfect shoe? My new favorite trend in the shoe world is the shoe clip. They take a shoe from plain to fabulous in seconds! I'm loving these adorable options from Linden Lovebirds. Cute, simple, and chic, they are just the thing for a bride looking for that extra bit of shoe charm for her wedding day.

Etsy Find of the Week: Doloris Petunia

You all know I am a big fan of the statement necklace. But how about the statement cuff? These jaw-dropping designs from Doloris Petunia have me giving a resounding 'Yes, please!' Each piece is handmade with love and can be completely customized in any color or style. They are the perfect extra bit of glam for any bride looking to add some sparkle. Or let your maids join in the glitz and give them each a custom cuff to complete their wedding day look. Either way (or both!), this is one look that is a definite must for 2011 brides!

The designer for Doloris Petunia, Courtney Prince Miller, has many other amazing designs that are wedding musts, including the most stunning flower girl dress I've ever seen! So go check her out!

this just in...

Just got an email from the ladies at Anthropologie entitled, "What if Anthropologie did weddings?" Surely if you know me, you know that the only other sentence that could possibly grab more of my attention would be "What if Anthropologie was giving stuff away for free?". So naturally, I had a look.
Turns out, that February 14th, Anthro is launching BHLDN (i'm pronouncing it "Beholden"?) presumably a wedding shop (online? physical stores? don't know). That's virtually all I know. There wasn't much to the email other than a bunch of gorgeous pictures of wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, wedding shoes, accessories and all manner of other loveliness.
I will BHLDN my breathe until I see more!

right in the middle...

Taking it to the next level are these gorgeous beaded and bejeweled sashes and belts to jazz up your ensemble from Bridal Couture Girls. I think these could really give a homemade/handmade dress the extra polish that comes with a little sparkle.

Mignonne Hairpieces

Good morning!  I love these boho chic hair pieces by Mignonne Handmade.  A perfectly whimsical embellishment for your wedding attire!!

BOGO!

One of my favorite wedding accessory shops, Little White Dresser, is starting the year off with a BOGO! Buy an exquisite headband, get a cute pair of earrings, or a belt, or another headband (for yourself, or maybe as a gift for your maid-of-honor?) FREE.
Let me know if you take advantage of this, I'd love to see what you picked! Everything is so gorgeous!

The Aisle New York!

Good morning!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I won't be doing much this week on Weddings Fresh, as my family and I are enjoying a nice extended stay-cation at the house.  It's just what we need after a busy holiday!  But I did want to share this bit of news with you:  The Aisle New York will be debuting Monday, January 3rd at 10:00 am EST!  I have mentioned this breakout online marketplace for designer wedding gowns, shoes, accessories, and lingerie a couple months ago, but the time has finally arrived!  If you haven't already become a member, visit their splashpage to be one of the first to gain access to their opening day.

On the 3rd, Monique Lhuillier, Angel Sanchez, Elizabeth Fillmore, Oscar de la Renta Jewelry, Suzanne Couture Millinery will be available for your purchasing pleasure.  The gown below is Monique Lhuillier, one of my favorites from her fall 2011 collection, and her designs will be ready for purchase from your computer at any moment of the day--I love technology.  Lela Rose, Mark Ingram Boutique, Pour la Victoire Shoes, and Stephanie Browne Accessories will be showing the following week on Monday, January 10th, with more still to arrive in the coming weeks.

I can't wait to dive into all of the eye candy that will be hitting our Internet!  I'm just glad I'm married already because there would have been a good chance of me maxing out all of my credit cards through this site... 

{Dress Image:  Marthastewartweddings.com}

What to wear...

What to wear this winter wedding season?  A beautiful capelet, bolero, or a shrug.  Vintage weddings are a hot trend for 2011, and accessories seem to be the main attraction.  Everything from headpieces to vintage engagement rings are on every bride's must have list.  So add to it these gorgeous embellished wedding cover-ups adorned in fabulous fur, bows, ruffles and crystals.  And go for the fur, ladies!  It's big right now and it has been a classic for decades.  Which is your favorite?

{Images: New York Wedding Magazine}

1. Maxmara Sposa
2. St. Pucchi by Rani
3 & 4. Adrienne Landau
5. Taikonku
6. Adrienne Landau
7. Lotus Bridal

DIY WEEK: For the Bride and Guests

DIY Week is here!! If you haven't heard, this week is DIY Week at Glamour and Grace, a whole week dedicated to the very best in DIYs from around the wedding blogosphere! To start off the week, I thought we'd begin with amazing DIYs for the bride, her maids, and her guests.

[A little guide for the DIYs: Those marked with ** come with downloadable content!]

1. Style Me Pretty | Flower Bracelet

2. Ruffled | Vintage Lace Headband

3. Green Wedding Shoes | Pretty Shoes

4. Once Wed | Birdcage Veil

An easy and personal DIY to do is adding something special to your own look. Whether that be a fresh flower bracelet, a glam headband, some ruffled shoes, or a sweet birdcage veil, all are easy, chic, and cheap!

1. The Bride's Guide | Out of Town Guest Box**

2. Inspire the Bride | Bridesmaid Guide**

3. 100 Layer Cake | Bridesmaid Gift

4. Elizabeth Anne Designs | Bridesmaid Tote

5. Ruffled | Transparent Soap Gifts

Give your gals and your guests something they'll love! Let your ladies feel the love with a cute personalized tote filled with a sweet locket, some aromatic soap, and a wedding guide to keep them on track. A chic and simple out of town box will help your guests feel at home and excited for your big day.

__________________________

So what do you think? Which ones are your faves? Have you got what it takes to create a stunning bridal look and happy maids? With how simple all these DIYs are, I know you do! Be sure to check back tomorrow for all the best ideas for cakes and DIY flowers, you won't want to miss it!