I saw these gorgeous creations on the Something Old, Something New blog yesterday and just had to share them!  As a true Southern girl I love pearls, but these are really something special.  They have a classic and vintage feel while adding the little more glitz.

Be sure to check out the complete collection from PenelliBelle on Etsy!

Like most of America, I was glued to my TV yesterday watching inauguration coverage.  As an event planner, I love the pomp and circumstance surrounding inauguration day – the ceremonies, the traditions, the parade, the balls.  And on this historic day, I wanted to say I was watching.  But let’s face it, what I really wanted to see was Michelle Obama’s outfits.

I have always admired Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for both her sense of style and her wisdom.  No one knew how to dress better than Jackie.  And now, we have a stunning, young, modern First Lady once again.  I am excited to see how Michelle Obama’s style translates into American fashion over the next four (and hopefully, eight) years and beyond.

Mrs. Obama’s dress for the swearing-in ceremony was a beautiful shade of yellow, a sheath style with matching coat designed by Isabel Toledo, was not only stylish but practical.  The designer took extra measures to ensure the First Lady would be warm during her extended time in the chilly Washington air.  And she certainly stood out in the sea of red, blue and black that more conservation political types are known for.

The First Lady’s stunning white asymetrical gown was the highlight of the balls last night.  Even President Obama remarked, “How good-looking is my wife?” as the couple entered the Neighborhood Ball.  The President looked equally dashing in his notch-collar tuxedo and white bow tie.  Mrs. Obama’s gown was designed by Jason Wu, a 26-year-old designer who has only shown collections since 2006.  What an honor!

How do you think First Lady fashion will translate into bridal fashion?  Share your thoughts here!

(photos from the Associated Press)

There is such a variety of bridesmaid jewelry out there, that finding a trendy piece that matches your wedding colors and theme is easy to do.  Giving the gift of bridesmaid jewelry to your maids is a gift that continues after the wedding.  Finding trendy pieces that both compliment your bridesmaids gown, but also compliment the color scheme is a task in itself.

With vintage with a modern twist being a fashion forward style, this also translates to many styles of bridesmaids jewelry as well.  There are many beautiful filigreed designed bridesmaid jewelry designs, they provide a vintage flair with modern crystals and pearls that add the final touches.

Finding jewelry pieces for your bridesmaids is one of the nice ways to say thank you for being a part of the special day.  Selecting quality made products that offer a timeless design actually gives your bridesmaids a piece that they can add to their own accessory collection and wear for many occasions to come.  Most style necklaces can be worn with a pair of jeans and a great blouse to up the fashion notch a bit.  Trendy bridesmaid jewelry selections also allow for your bridesmaids to wear their jewelry with great skirts and dresses that they may wear to other weddings, celebrations and memorable events.

When you select your bridesmaid jewelry, try to search for pieces that will first compliment their bridesmaids gowns, your wedding style and color scheme.  Finding a great piece that matches their gowns and fits their style as well is a gift to your bridesmaids that will keep on giving.  They will love and appreciate the thought you placed into their bridesmaid jewelry selections.

by Bonnie of Bonita J

info@bonitaj.com
888-430-2623

Last night our team has the pleasure of attending a fashion show and cocktail party at Sharon Batten.We also ran into Christine Hoffman from TPC Sawgrass, super photographer Agnes Lopez, extraordinary floral designer Liza Chung, and Ashley English from Bella Bridesmaid.

We didn’t take any photos during the show, but these are some of the styles that were featured:

Danielle’s fave – Oscar de la Renta

Another Oscar

I liked this cute little number – Vineyard Collection

Also from Vineyard Collection –
this was the last dress of the night and a clear winner in our opinions!

If you haven’t purchased your wedding gown, be sure to schedule an appointment with Sharon’s knowledgeable and friendly staff!

Two of my favorite things in one location!

Sharon Batten is having a cocktail party and fashion show at her boutique this Thursday evening, and you won’t want to miss it.  Our team will be there, so contact us if you would like to join us.

BRIDAL FASHION SHOW
Thursday December 11th

6-8pm

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

RSVP

Available by appointment Friday and Saturday

Oscar de le Renta

Vera Wang

Monique Lhuillier

Melissa Sweet

Priscilla of Boston

Lela Rose

The Cotton Bride

–
Sharon Batten
330 A1A North, suite 212
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Ph. 904.285.4544, Fax 904.285.4244

Here’s a description that Nicole emailed to me:

I hope that you will be able to make this event. This a great chance to see  our gorgeous gowns being modeled. We will also have an assortment of extra gowns from the designers that we carry just for that weekend.  If you can think of anyone who might be interested, please forward along. Hope to see you soon.

If you can’t make it to the event Thursday, be sure to check out Sharon Batten’s Brial Atelier for great designer gowns any time!

I hope that you got to see the premier of David Tutera’s new show, My Fair Wedding, last night.  If you missed it. be sure to visit My Fair Wedding on WEtv.com for upcoming air dates.

This episode followed Wanda and Bert as David transformed their wedding plans into the South Beach vision they had hoped for (in New Jersey).  These pics are from the WEtv website.  You have to watch this episode to see the “before” to really appreciate the end result!  Yikes!

David was the keynote speaker at last year’s Association of Bridal Consultants conference, and he was super nice.  He even attended the closing night Gala At The Grove and spent over an hour talking with his fellow ABC members and posing for photos.  Here’s a shot of David and I (please note, I hadn’t really slept in 3 days since I was on the conference committee!):

Save the date! You won’t want to miss this event!

Sharon Batten will be hosting a cocktail reception and Oscar de la Renta Bridal fashion show on November 19th at her boutique in Ponte Vedra Beach.

This is an invitation-only event, but of course First Coast Weddings clients are invited!  I’m sure it goes without saying that I will be there with sparkly, shiny bells on!  Oscar is one of my favorite designers, but his bridal collection is simply magnificent!

Sharon’s boutique will also be hosting an Oscar de la Renta trunk show for three days (November 20-22) following the cocktail party.  So if you have not bought your wedding gown yet, schedule an appointment right away!