What could be even better than finding THE dress? Winning it for FREE of course!

This gorgeous gown will be available for brides to win on February 6th!  That’s right-one lucky bride will go home with this amazing dress! The Cotton Bride is giving away the dress that was on the cover of the premier issue of Eco-Beautiful magazine!  It will be given away at the Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium’s 2nd Annual Luxury Bridal Show on February 6th! Click here to view more photos and register to attend the event. You surely do not want to miss this opportunity.

photo courtesy of Eco-Beautiful. Visit their blog for great information and inspiration.

Yes that’s right, I spelled it B-L-E-U. That’s because in today’s “something blue”  we are featuring the fabulous fashions from Bleu Garters.

These garters are jewelry for your legs!  I feel feminine and sexy just talking about them! I find these adornments truly beautiful and unique and I think you will too. Each one is lovingly handcrafted in California using the finest silks and antique laces.

Artist and designer Jamie shared with us that she gathers inspiration from the beautiful laces that she finds. Other inspiration is found in the thought of “the story of a gorgeous bride walking down the aisle with a little secret on her leg under her dress!” Fascinating! I adore her use of color and of course I am drawn to the vintage appeal. Did I mention how much I love the designs that tie in a bow?!

There are so many delicious designs to choose from! Something naughty or something nice? Instead of sweet and frothy perhaps you may consider something a little more daring under your white wedding gown? Whichever direction you choose there is certainly a Bleu Garter for every taste.  And if you desire something extra special they will work with you to create a custom masterpiece.  Create a keepsake for you or a loved one by incorporating an heirloom jewel or piece of lace. Select the style and colors that suit you best. Feast your eyes on some of our favorites below.

all photos courtesy of Bleu Garters

David Tutera celebrity wedding planner and star of My Fair Wedding always has new and creative ideas.  Now you can get excited about his new line of wedding gowns! I happened to be in NYC and able to attend The Wedding Salon and view his fashion show. I  was also fortunate enough to contribute a guest post for Brenda’s Blog of BestWeddingSites.com. Be sure to have a look at the article and see the gorgeous gowns.

Wow, women back in the day certainly knew how to dress! For our “something old” we are sharing these amazing gowns available on Etsy by Timeless Vixen Vintage. Have you ever worn or even tried on a vintage gown? You really do feel like a old Hollywood movie starlet. Be sure to visit the online shop often as “new” gowns are consistently being added so there is always another beauty to fall in love with. Perhaps you will find the perfect vintage gown for your wedding day (remember-wedding gowns are not limited to white). How stunning to outfit your bridesmaids in some of these lovelies or you can be ultra-chic for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or the fancy cocktail party you’ve been invited to. Have a look here at some of our current favorites.

I am swooning over this beauty! Wouldn’t this make the most darling wedding gown? Perhaps with a pair of pink strappy sandals or peep toe pumps?

Description: 1950′s heavenly white heavily ruffled tulle strapless low-cut shelf-bust with floral applique cocktail length bombshell circle skirt.

Oh be still my beating heart! I can picture myself sipping cocktails in this beauty if only you were my size…

Description:1950′s mocha latte shimmery silk taffeta and nude net tulle low-cut plunge ruffle ruched shelf bust cocktail length princess full circle skirt

row 1:1950′s Turquoise blue silk organza cocktail length halter top with full circle skirt, 1950′s Designer-Couture midnight black taffeta halter top with cocktail length full-circle skirt, 1950′s ivory-white pure silk-organza gown with full swing skirt with pearly pink appliqued silk floral detailing, 1960′s sparkling metallic silver & yellow silk brocade sweetheart plunge neckline hourglass cocktail length wiggle dress

row 2:1950′s black taffeta & silk jersey cap sleeve gown with ruched bodice, 1950′s white embroidered nylon-chiffon one-shoulder asymmetric velvet bows w/sweetheart bodice, 1950′s ruby red tulle & metallic shimmer silver lace gown, 1950′s black Chantilly lace & pink tulle pleated circle skirt

row 3:1950′s metallic-shimmer copper-taffeta & pink ruffle net tulle with full skirt, 1950′s black silk jersey and mocha latte polished silk cotton nipped bodice and embroidered circle skirt, 1970′s semi-sheer flowing nylon-chiffon ruched strapless draped gown, 1950′s navy blue lace-applique on silk taffeta wiggle dress with fishtail

all photos courtesy of Timeless Vixen Vintage

I love high heels. They really do make your legs look better and as long as they don’t squeeze my toes I actually find them quite comfortable. And let’s face it, shoe shopping is much more fun than clothes shopping. Shoes never make you look fat.

We are seeing more and more brides steering away from the tradition boring wedding shoes and incorporating their own personal style.  That style may be colorful slingbacks, rhinestone embellished strappy sandals, black patent leather Mary Jane’s, dark red peep-toe pumps or even cowboy boots! Here’s a few favorites of ours to swoon over…

both black peep toes: Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus, blue pump Manolo Blahnik via Bergdorf Goodman

white slingback Cole Haan via Neimann Marcus, chocolate bow Kate Spade and rose bow J Renee both via Nordstrom

red rose pump Nanette Lepore, nude and black L.A.M.B., champagne pump Linea Paolo all via Nordstrom

I am so very excited to share these gorgeous vintage inspired gowns with you today!  If you have not yet seen these amazing creations please feast your eyes on these pretties by Stephanie James Couture.  Sexy, sassy, stylish. Stephanie is so talented! I love that she provides a unique option for today’s savvy brides.

Did I mention how much I love colored crinoline? The Audrey gown just lights me up! You know how I adore when brides add a little (or a lot) of color to their ensemble. What could be more perfect than colored crinoline (perhaps maybe a colored headpiece and shoes to match?)  Now Audrey, I can’t play favorites. ..

Just look at Roxanne’s flattering fitted bodice. And the pretty detailed hemline is most divine.

Betty’s off the shoulder panache is straight out of an old Hollywood movie!

Lucille’s strapless sexiness. *Sigh*  Girls, have a look at that flirty hemline-such fun!

And Janet, the tiny polka dots, the gathered skirt; Janet you are beyond words in both black and white.  I totally dig your retro vibe!

Imagine dancing in these flouncy skirts. Ladies, let me tell you…when you show a little leg and have a full skirt swirling around you not only do you look like a million bucks but you look like  a much better dancer than you really are. Try it…it’s a little known trick for those short on rhythm.  Another plus-you can choose a drop-dead gorgeous pair of shoes and everyone will get to see them.  A huge plus in my book.  Another note ladies; a fitted bodice and full skirt is a very flattering combination. Be sure to visit Stephanie James Couture’s website to view all of the beautiful styles available and to find out where you can purchase one of these lovelies.

photos courtesy of Stephanie James Couture

“Oooh baby, I think I love you from head to toe”. Remember Lisa Lisa and the 80′s?  Big hair, spandex, neon, leggings. We are certainly not suggesting that you include all or even any of these in your wedding.  We’re just here to give you some ideas…From Head to Toe.

A bad hair day is a total Debbie Downer, wouldn’t you agree? This is not what you want on the wedding day.  Whether you desire natural cascading curls, sleek and straight tresses or  up-swept locks you want your hair full and shiny and perfect.  Here’s a few tips:

• Plan ahead. Bring ponytail holders, barrettes, clips and camera to your gown fittings. Take photos of your hair in different “styles”. Be sure to get front, back and side views.
• Clip out photos from magazines or save online pics to a folder on your laptop. You will want to bring these to your stylist along with photos of you in the gown and your headpiece/veil .
• Think about it. Many brides opt to do something a little different and dramatic for the big day ie: up-do, curls, etc. Will you feel like yourself? Will you be self conscious of the new look that is not quite “you”? Will you be worried all day that the curls will flatten out or the up-do will fall? These questions bring us to the next all important step:
• By all means do a trial run. You want to feel beautiful and confident on your special day. Try it out and see what happens. Do you feel pretty? Are you worrying about the curls drooping? Did they in fact fall out after only 2 hours? Be sure to take pics as well.
• If you bring someone along for the trial run be wise when choosing. You don’t have to bring Mom or MOH. Choose a friend who is honest and has a good sense of style. Some of you non-traditional types may even want to bring the groom.

photos clockwise: Jeff Krieger, Jeff Krieger, Martha Stewart Weddings

photos (clockwise) Jeff Krieger, Brides, Jeff Krieger, Brides

I adore vintage dresses. I think they can be equally sweet and sexy, especially with a pair of really high heels. Oh how I wish my Mom had saved her wardrobe; especially this dress! Here she is (still a teenager) in her aunt and uncle’s wedding back in the 50′s. Though it’s hard to tell from the photo, my Mom had beautiful blazing red hair which must have been absolutely striking in this seafoam green gown. We see so many brides with a vintage inspired gown, how about those bridesmaids?

Wouldn’t this darling little number from Anthropologie would be a sweet bridesmaids dress?  I think it has a French feel to it and would be sexy with a pair of really high black patent leather pumps.  Tres chic!  I also love grey and black with yellow so I’ve put together a little collage of ideas.  Add some fun accessories like maybe a black ribbon choker, red necklace or yellow wrist corsage.

photos: black slingbacks via BCBG, yellow & white bouquet by Orchid Dynasty via Utah Bride and Groom, yellow heels via Nine West, Red peep toe via Steve Madden, dress via Anthropologie,  all red bouquet via The Knot,  red poppy bouquet Gene Smirnov via The Knot, yellow bouquet via Waldman Photos, black pumps by Linea Paolo via Nordstrom