Inspiring Design by Anya Hindmarch

The Girlie Stuff travel bag. $ 120.
Zip Top Purse $ 365.

The Pimlico Bag $ 1250.



British designer Anya Hindmarch leads a busy life in London as a world famous handbag designer and mother of five children (ages 7-21). She is an inspiring figure as she consistently designs handbags, journals, travel bags and accessories intended to organize and delight other busy women.

At just 42 years old, she runs a global luxury brand that includes 54 retail stores, a collection for Target and a very popular line of coats for Barbour outerwear.

Hindmarch says she gains inspiration from everyday events such as doing homework with her children, attending parties, and observing life around her. Her labeling inside of the handbags such as "lipstick", "phone", and "coins" are an attempt to organize busy women like herself.

Must Haves for Fall

According to Adam Glassman, the creative director at O Magazine, there are 14 "must have" items for chic dressing this Fall, so get shopping!

*Bold Pearls

*Animal Print Clothing (especially leopard)

*The Peacoat

*Draped Jersey Dress

*Structured Satchel (this never goes out of style)

*Circle Skirt

*Knits (especially cardigans)

*A 50's Style Dress

*Faux Fur

*Feminine Tops

*Kitten Heels (thank goodness, my favorite)

*A Fitted Blazer

*Touch of Military in Clothing

* A Statement Ring (yes please)

Heel Savers

I've written about this before but with the new season of outdoor weddings coming up, just a reminder about SoleMates High Heeler. This ingenious little add on to your highest of high heels keeps the heel from sinking into the grass and keeps heels looking good. They can be purchased on line at SoleMates for just $ 11.95 per pair. They are reusable and fit most heels.

Hot Date, Hot Dress

Whether it's your first Valentines as an engaged couple, married couple, with a baby, or your 25th Valentine's Day together - you want to look your best and feel great.

BCBG Max Azria Strapless Floral Silk Dress

$338 from Nordstrom

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Faux Wrap Matte Jersey Dress

$140 from Nordstrom

Maggy London Sleeveless Silk Dress

$148 from Nordstrom

Cute Shoes!

All of your bridesmaids are very different people - that's why you love them.  If you're set on the idea of having them in the same dress - why not give let their personalities shine on their feet!

This image from Mrs. Coconut on WeddingBee  

And how cute are her yellow shoes!

Trunk Show!

There are Trunk Shows happening in February!

Gamberdella Salon for Brides
February 1st and 2nd
Regalia Veil Trunk Show

www.gamberdellabridalsalon.com
410.828.7870
30 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson MD



Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection
February 6th, 7th, and 8th
Matthew Christopher Trunk Show

www.robinsonsbridal.com
410.484.4600
1848 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore MD


Hitched Salon is having a few shows this month.

February 6th and 7th
Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown and Mother of the Occasion Trunk Show

February 12th, 13th, and 14th
Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show

February 20th and 21st
Reva Mivasagar Trunk Show

February 27th and 28th
Ulla-Maija Trunk Show

www.hitchedsalon.com
202.333.6162
1523 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC


Be sure to call for an appointment!

Mini-Maid

For the flower girls and mini-maids in your wedding party--they can be tricky to outfit. Do they match the bridesmaids or the bride? Our vote: make them super cute and everyone will be happy. Have a gaggle of them if you wish - just make sure they're ready for the role. A crying flower girl isn't fun at the back of the aisle.

Us Angels, Style 104

Us Angels, Style 217

Johanna Grace, No. 2b Chatham

Johanna Grace, No. 3g Sorbet

My Feet Hurt

Christina writes:

I'm not good at wearing heals.  They always pinch my toes or rub my heals.  I'm perfectly tall enough as it is so I don't need the added height.  I looove the way they look but hate the way they make (my toes) feel.

So to that end here are some of my picks for cuter than cute shoes for your wedding day that will last through cocktail hour - if you can't deal with heals like me.

Kate Spade, Elissa $277.95 on Zappos

Stuart Weitzman, Honey $295 on Zappos

Benjamin Adams, Renee $199 on MyGlassSlipper.com

Filippa Scott, Lori $360.00 on MyGlassSlipper.com

Stuart Weitzman, Blada $265.00 on MyGlassSlipper.com

Grazia, Sabrina $175.00 on MyGlassSlipper.com


Such a bummer because I know we'd all really prefer to wear these:

Manolo Blahnik, Something Blue Satin Pump $945.00 on BergdorfGoodman.com

A Vera Win

Love this sweeter than sweet Vera Wang?  Wear it on your wedding day for the best price of all - free!

Enter to win the gown with a quick email to weddings@instylemagazine.com with your proposal story in 250 words or less.  Be sure to include your full name, wedding date, email address, and phone number.

This gorgeous gown could really set the tone for the wedding - imagine including that super chic bow on all of your accessories.

Psst... Your Slip is Showing

Add a slip of fun to that little black dress.

Your Slip is Showing has a full collection of slips with a little something extra at the bottom.  Feathers, lace, and sparkle to add to your favorite skirt or dress.

You can buy two or three!

Snow!

If you're getting married in the winter, in the North, in Alaska, or at the Ice Hotel then you should probably think about some snow appropriate footwear.

Never fear - the perfect boots are out there.  You can get your outside photographs without losing your toes to frostbit or soaking through your heels.  Plus, they'll make for cute pictures and that's what it's really all about.

Juicy Couture Snowzip Boot

Ugg Snowpeak Tall Boot

Cole Haan Air Alexa Boot

Helly Hansen Skuld Boot

Ecco Winter Zone Boot

Who even knew there would be so many options for white boots?  All from Nordstrom.

Whats In - For your Head

Still trying to figure out the whole veil vs hair accessory thing?  How about these ideas?

They are the Top 5 Accessories

Beaded Clips

Hold your hair back with a touch of glamour. Of course, there are tons of great options along this theme that aren't as large.

-from Jenny Packam's runway

Headband

Adds polish to flow-y curls and keeps your hair in place without you tucking it behind your ears all evening.

-from Watters runway

Feathers

This little hat may be a little much for most brides, but feathers are fun and festive.  Look around for other feathered accents - they maybe even be perfect to change up your after the ceremony.

-from Melissa Sweet runway

Floral Pins

If you're worried about fresh flowers holding up in your hair all day and night - think about one made from fabric.  This is also a terrific idea for changing up your look after your veil comes off.

-from Amy Kuschel runway

all images from InStyleWeddings.com

Ties for All

Esty seller toybreaker has sets of matching ties for your Groomsmen.  They are all hand screened in a range of really neat patterns.

The ties come in sets for your number of Groomsmen and range according to how many you need.  A set of 6 is $162.00 and a set of 12 is $288.00.  The more you buy the more you save!  They can even make one to match for your little ringbearer.

Trunk Show!

On December 12th, 13th, and 14th Alvina Valenta will be at Betsy Robinson's Bridal Salon to show her Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids Dresses.

image from theknot.com

www.robinsonsbridal.com 

Hitched Salon is having a trunk show with Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown and Mother of the Occasion  on December 12th and 13th.

image from theknot.com

www.hitchedsalon.com 

Top Tips For Moms

Mark Ingram (from Mark Ingram Atelier in NYC) recently shared his tips for Mothers of the Bride and Groom on the Wedding Bits blog on Brides.com

"Let the Bride Shine:

Mothers today are so independent and modern; they should incorporate their own individual style while remaining appropriate and tasteful. They should remember to never out shine or overshadow the bride. It may be your party but.. it is her day!"

The Bride's Mom Comes First:

Mothers of the groom should respectfully call the bride and her mother to inquire about the wedding's color palette and formality. She should also defer to the mother of the bride.

Flatter Your Figure:

Mothers are usually as concerned about their figures as the bride. Shop someplace that will give you the personal attention needed to directly address your figure concerns and special needs. Choose a dress that highlights your best feature. For example, if you have great legs, try something with a slit in the front or a knee length cocktail dress.

Cover Up!:

If the wedding is a religious ceremony to take place in a house of worship, you may need a cover for your shoulders or arms. A high service salon can always customize a stole, shrug or sleeve to coordinate with your ensemble.

Mark Ingram Atelier 2 (his newest boutique for Mothers) is located at 108 West 39th Street in New York City. For more information, visit bridalatelier.com ."

image and text from brides.com

Tux Questions: Answered.

GQ has all of your tux questions answered.

Question: I wore my white dinner jacket when I got married in June, and now my boss’s daughter is having a black-tie wedding. Is it appropriate for a guest to wear a white jacket?

Answer: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is considered proper by the authoritarians to wear a white dinner jacket or mess jacket in place of a black dinner jacket. So if you feel the need to stand out, this is a good way to do it—far better than with the folly of “creative black tie.” I find white more joyous.

Question: I've received an invitation for a wedding starting at 1:30 p.m. Dress is black-tie, but given the timing, I would prefer to wear a morning suit. Would this be seen as a faux pas by the bride's and groom's families?

Answer: You would be dressed properly by traditional standards, but such standards are superseded by the wishes of the celebrants. Rule number one is never to show up the bride and groom. Wear a tux and dark glasses and pretend it's after six.

Question: What color socks are considered appropriate to wear with a white tux? White, black—does it matter?

Answer: Everything matters. If you mean a white tux jacket with black trousers, then you should wear black socks. If you have one of those showbizzy all-white ensembles in the manner of the great Cab Calloway, then wear white shoes and socks.

image from men.style.com

Trunk Show!

Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection is having a Monique L'Huillier Trunk Show on December 5th, 6th, and 7th.

image from theknot.com

www.robinsonsbridal.com

Hitched Bridal Couture is having a Augusta Jones Bridal Gown Trunk Show on December 5th and 6th.

image from theknot.com

www.hitchedsalon.com

Stop by!

Fashion for the Rain and Snow

We've encountered more than our fair share of rainy wedding days this season.  Now that winter is approaching a new form of precipitation is upon us - snow.  Whether it is rain or snow - it's important to be prepared.

These rain boots are the best way to get some great outdoor shots without ruining your cute shoes.  Plus - your photographer will love them!  A pair for you and a pair for each bridesmaid too.

all boots from Nordstroms

youropenair.com