Two Days Down...One to Go - Checking in on Bridal Market 2012

After two days of hustling from booth to booth, showroom to showroom - we wanted to check in with Kathleen via text amidst taxi rides to hear some scoop on how the 2012 collections are shaping up.

Q: So far, what collection are you most surprised by or excited about?

A. Jenny Yoo!  We really were so surprised.  She is introducing a VERY exciting new social collection featuring a variety of colors, prints and laces at affordable price points that are immediately available.  She really listened to what brides were asking for and DELIVERED!  I know there will be a lot of Bella girls sporting these dresses on their own bodies soon!

Fabulous patterns in Jenny Yoo's new social line

The Jim Hjelm Exclusive to Bella Bridesmaid features some pretty incredible, interchageable bodice and skirt style options in elegant chiffon.  It is a really strong and cohesive capsule collection!

Jim Hjelm Exclusive for Bella Bridesmaid

Q. Name the best or most artistic presentation and styling?

A. We just loved the LulaKate booth feauring their Sassy Stripes gown on the mannequin.  So shiny and fresh looking. 

LulaKate's booth at the Piers

Also loved the chalkboard idea at Ivy & Aster. The frame is brilliant!

The Ivy & Aster/Love Lane team and Bella Girls - LOVE the chalkboard!

And Dolly Pearl designer, Vi's studio is just lovely.  Bright and darling.  We wanted to move in! :)

Working session with Vi at Dolly Pearl's studio.  LOTS of dress up going on before the appointment was over.

Q. They say three is a trend. Anything you are seeing triple of?

Well, it's day 2 - so we're not done yet.  But lace and prints are popping up quite a bit across the new collections at Amsale, Jenny Yoo, Mamie & James and Monique Lhullier.  Have to say, the lace at Monique Lhuillier really takes my breath away and is such a sophisticated compliment to her bridal gowns!

FABULOUS print by Amsale.

Mamie + James 'Lorene' print.
It is recreated after a dress the designer's grandmother, Lorene, sewed herself.

Jenny Yoo - Lace & Leopard.

Monique Lhuillier LACE!!!

That's all for now, but keep watching Kathleen and the girls on Twitter and Facebook. 

We'll keep the scoop coming!

 Oh - and one last Bella group shot. :)

GREAT looking group!

KATHLEEN CASEY, WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG!?

I am so excited to enjoy my first bridal market as co-owner of the Bella Bridesmaid Franchise Group! My daughter, Erin, and I recently acquired the franchise, but she is having her second child in 3 weeks and is unable to attend Bridal Market this year. Erin, we will miss you and make sure not to eat anything spicy until I get back!!

As the face of the new franchisors in NYC and the "mom" of the group, I need to be organized on behalf of 43 franchisees, but also make sure everyone is taken care of mentally and physically! My purse is consequently a hodgepodge of vitamins, itineraries, and personal pick me ups. Here are the things in my bag that will keep me and my Bella family in good spirits and on track all week. Cheers!

-Kathleen Casey

To pack for Market, I do my best to pick dresses in basic tones so I can rotate my accessories and pack *relatively* light (to accommodate all of the line sheets I'll be flying home with). ;)

Here are my three new additions for 2012:

 The perfect collarless topper for EVERY outfit - my black 3-button overcoat from Club Monaco that I bought here in NYC two years ago. An INDISPENSABLE oldie, but goodie!

 Just as sleek as a little black dress, my Russell + Hazel Audrey Five File Expanding Tote....

                                        

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG!?

Happy Bridal Market Week to All!!

It's that time of year again. The leaves are falling, the temperature's dropping, and the bridal industry is gathering in New York City to showcase and view the latest and greatest dresses for 2013 brides and bridesmaids to be!

Be on the lookout for more bridal market updates and pictures throughout the week!

To kick off this week of frocks and fun, we interviewed Maureen Schulte, manager of Bella Bridesmaid Chicago, to see what she packed for the big trip to NYC! 

1.What are the 5 key pieces that you will take with you?

A. My glasses. They are the ‘Denison’ frames from Oliver Peoples and I literally cannot leave home without them. 

B. Day to Night Dress. After an exhausting day of shopping and playing dress up on behalf of future brides everywhere, we usually head right to dinner with a designer or drinks with the other Bella ladies. I try to pack dresses that work for both occasions to save time and space in my suitcase. I am loving my new Alice + Olivia cut out frock with a blazer for day and a chunky necklace and dark red lip for night!

C. Oversized Clutch. Perfect amount of space for papers and a pair of flats. Function and fashion combined!

D. My mom’s Burberry trench from the 80s. Versatile, classic, power suit topper- thanks, mom!

E. Parker combo wool/leather blazer.  Business on top, party on the bottom. Best mullet jacket ever!

2.How will you put your outfits together? Any strategies?

There is always a significant amount of freaking out pre-Bridal Market about what to wear. I try to plan each outfit from head to toe before heading to NYC, which not only helps my bank account (less “investment” pieces purchased in bulk), but also makes it much easier once you arrive and only have 30 minutes before your first meeting to pull it together.

Layers are ideal for the time of year and to add different palettes and textures to your ensemble. I try to keep them neutral so I can mix and match throughout the week.

Relatively comfortable shoes are a must! This year, I am sporting these Ivanka Trump two-tone booties with a nice, chunky heel so I can walk around the city for 4 straight days without crying myself to sleep. Plus, the pair of metallic flats stashed in my clutch to wear ‘in transit’ are a life saver!

3. What piece are you most excited to bring with you?

I recently purchased a T by Alexander Wang neoprene skirt- the material of a scuba suit- from SHOPBOP. It also happens to be incredibly comfortable so I am super excited to buy bridesmaid dresses and possibly go deep sea diving in it next week.

4. Are you wearing any particular designers? If so, who?

My first year going to market, I gathered all of my Bella Bridesmaid dresses and accessories together a la Blake Lively at the Chanel runway show donning a Chanel ensemble personally chosen by Karl Lagerfeld. Very similar, right? However, Erin, one of the franchisors, kindly pointed out to me that since we meet with multiple designers in one day, one should try to avoid mixing labels. When I am not wearing a Bella dress, I love Alice + Olivia, Vince, and Tibi—and if I may include a somewhat mass market retailer under the “designer” category, then yes, please to Zara!

5. What are your beauty essentials that you can’t leave home without?

A. Rosebud Salve or Strawberry- NOT CHERRY- Chap Stick.

B. Benefit ‘Posie Tint’- Works on your cheeks OR your lips.

C. Baby Powder. Perfect for blondes to freshen up a Day 2 blow out or lighten your roots a bit. Plus, they come in mini, travel sized containers!

 

NAIL IT!

Which hue is for you?

Check out these great Essie shades for you and your bridesmaids! From Show Me the Ring to Walk Down the Aisle, these colors are sure to brighten your big day!

  Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and make sure to capture the moment! Consider this fun and unique picture idea, showcasing the bride's dazzling diamond!  

 

http://www.essie.com/ 

WE'RE ENJOYING THE PERFECT PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE THIS FALL...

HOPE YOU CAN ENJOY SOME OF THESE FABULOUS FALL WEDDING IDEAS!

  

HAVE A FANTASTIC FROCK-TOBER!

  

FLORALS, STRIPES and PRINTS, OH MY!!

Monique Lhuillier                                       LulaKate                                                    Ivy & Aster

With Spring just around the corner, there are some new and exciting trends blooming for your bridesmaids! Decking your maids out next season in fabulous florals, popular prints, and sassy stripes are just three unique ways to provide the right amount of style and color for your bridal party!

Florals! Flourish in floral patterns, such as the above featured Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress! Flower patterned frocks can provide the perfect amount of sleek and sophistication for your maids!

Stripes! Choose your favorite color combination for your big day. These sassy stripes provide the perfect amount of unique flavor for your maids. We asked Molly from LulaKate what she thinks about the new stripe trend...

"It seems we are seeing more and more ready-to-wear style bridesmaids dresses. I think the LulaKate sassy stripe dresses are in line with this ready-to-wear feel, and offer the perfect option for girls who looking for great bridesmaids dresses, but with a non-traditional feel!"

Prints! Shake things up and embrace Ivy & Aster's Firework dress in their Butterfly print for your spring bridal party! These vibrant designs will brighten up your day and add a great twist to the everyday bridesmaid dress.

Dress Information:

Monique Lhuillier: Style, 450093, Drape Printed Taffeta Cocktail Dress

LulaKate: Style, Kristyn (bodice) in Off-White and Cobalt Faille

Ivy and Aster: Style, Firework dress in Butterfly Print

Our Bella Bridesmaids!!

Check out these Friday Fav's!  These brides are keeping up with color trends by choosing dresses that range from a vibrant shamrock green to an elegant deep purple. Such beautiful ideas for your favorite gals!

Send pictures of your big day to your local Bella Bridesmaid and we would love to share them!

Bella Bridesmaid Madison   Bride: Kate McMahon  Designer: Love Lane  Style: Tori, Long   Fabric:  Poly Crinkle Chiffon  Color: Shamrock

Photographer: Kay English Photography

Bella Bridesmaid Boston   Bride: Michelle Akin  Designer: LulaKate  Style(s):  Varied Fabric: Silk Shantung   Colors: Off White, Flamingo and Almond.

Photographer: Casey Connell Photography

Bella Bridesmaid Jacksonville   Bride:  Caroline Carithers Close  Designer: Amsale  Style(s): Varied  Fabric: Silk Crinkle Chiffon Color: Slate

Photographer:  Agnes Lopez Photography

Bella Bridesmaid Shreveport  Bride:  Katelyn Roraback Van Zandt Designer: Jenny Yoo  Style(s): Varied  Fabric: Luxe Shantung  Color: Lagoon

Photographer: Sarah Schwartz Photography

Bella Bridesmaid Milwaukee   Bride: Melissa Benson    Designer: LulaKate Style(s): Varied  Fabric:  Poly Shantung   Color: Eggplant

Photographer: Urban Anchor Photography