Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia bridal accessories’

Meet the new Style Guru

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
The Style Guru

The Style Guru

I am pleased to introduce my latest Guest Writer, Style Guru Josh Hedrington. Josh knows the fashion scene and is probably the sharpest dresser in the DC area. With his knowledge of style and sense of humor, I thought he would make a greater contributor both to the pages of my planning guide,  Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia, as well as the Bridal News Blog. Hey - I thought he was so good, I even had his likeness preserved for posterity with his own caricature!

The following is an article he wrote for the upcoming edition of Brides & Weddings (available at over 150 jewelers, bridal salons, reception sites and book stores in July). I’ll be featuring the Style Guru’s words of wisdom regularly, so check back often!

Do’s & Don’ts for Saying “I Do”

Use the following do’s & don’ts and you’ll have all your fashionable “ducks in a row”:

1. DO choose accessories that work with your dress style. Don’t wear an elaborate necklace with a gown that features an already adorned neckline. For a sleeveless dress, try a simple bracelet rather than big bangles. Avoid excessive hand jewelry - keep a clean pallet so your wedding ring will shine.

2. DON’T over accessorize. The only distraction from the dress should be your glowing face. All accessories should complement the dress - not compete with it.

3. DO keep jewelry classic, yet elegant. Pearls, diamonds, neutral colored metals and stones are always safe choices. You may choose to abandon this rule for themed weddings, or if your dress is avant-garde.

4. DON’T distract from beautiful hairstyles with too much “stuff”. Consider jeweled hair pins, a mother-of-pearl comb or a diamond tiara - and choose just one.

5. DO enhance a backless dress with the Cartier Backdrop Necklace. Look around to find inexpensive versions and vintage look-alikes.

6. DON’T forget that good tailoring is critical. An inexpensive dress can be transformed to an eye-stopping piece of haute couture with the stitching. A well altered garment should fit the body, without bunching or pinching the skin. Select a tailor with superb credentials - now’s not the time to show off your Home Ec sewing skills.

7. DO enhance your look with a body shaping undergarment. These garments can bring an instant hour glass shape to the body, straighten posture, and even cause you to instantly appear two sizes smaller.

8. DO remember good tailoring for the groom. Jacket sleeves should be long enough to expose a half-inch of the dress shirt. Avoid cuffing formal trousers. A gentleman should stand out on his wedding day - play with colorful ties, bow ties, pocket squares, boutonnieres and cummerbunds. Now’s not the time to wear Chuck Tailor - unless they’re part of the wedding party’s ensemble.

In the end it’s all about you and your individual style. Always trust your inner feeling when choosing dresses, suits, tuxedos and accessories. And remember - have fun and say “I Do!”

Thanks Josh! In addition to being our Style Guru, Josh is also a representative for Ardyss International. To learn more about reshaping your figure with their foundation garments, call Josh at 202.445.7114.

Save big on your accessories at Annalee’s

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Buying a wedding gown is more than just buying a dress - you need to think about the whole ensemble, literally from head to toe.

Annalee’s Prom, Bridal & Special Occasions is have a great sale through the end of the month. Mention Brides & Weddings when you purchase your wedding dress and receive 25% off your “must have” accessories.

With hundreds of styles available, Annalee’s is located in the Brambleton Center on Ryan Road in Ashburn. To schedule your appointment, call 703.722.2588.

Happy Shopping,

Cindie

Great gowns at great prices at LeReve

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

I dropped by to say hello to my friend Sonia Sibay, owner of LeReve Bridal in Leesburg, on Friday. The name of Sonia’s store means “The Dream” in French and it really is a dreamy wedding boutique, housed in a historic home on Loudoun Street.

In addition to Sonia’s own designs, she also carries some lovely gowns from top designers. As they makes way for new inventory, LeReve is having a sample sale on selected wedding fashions, with prices from $99 to $299. Featured designs include Casablanca, Moonlight, Symphony, Mon Cheri and Venus. And the samples are in “real girl” sizes - 10 to 16.

And if something else strikes your fancy, LeReve is offering a 10% discount on a wide selection of bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses when you mention Brides & Weddings. You can also save 10% on tuxedo rentals & sales, headpieces, shoes, jewelry & accessories, alterations and gown preservation.

Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always great to schedule an appointment to ensure the best in personal service. For more details call 703.777.3757.

Happy Shopping,

Cindie

Keep is kissable on your wedding day

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Want kissable lips on your wedding day? My friends at Brush Stokes Salon in Herndon recommend a product called Lip Drink from the Jane Iredale line of pharmaceutical skincare makeup. It’s great for men and women, nourishes your lips and protects against UVA and UVB damage. After all, who wants a pruned pucker!

The ladies at Brush Strokes, located 711 Pine Street, can help you with all of your wedding day hair and makeup needs. And they carry a beautiful line of headpiece and hair accessories from Cheryl King Couture. To learn more about their services and to schedule a consultation, call 703.435.8002.

Cindie

New location for Crystal Bridal Gallery

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Designer Claire Mansir recently opened the new location of her shop, Crystal Bridal Gallery. You can now find Claire and her beautiful designs at 8496-B Tyco Road in Vienna/Tysons Corner.

Crystal Bridal Gallery is having a “White Sale” now through December 31st with designer floor samples from $199. And all special orders will receive a 15% discount.

In addition to Claire’s designs, Crystal Bridal Gallery also offers bridal accessories, alteration services and formalwear rentals. The shop is open Tuesday - Friday, noon to 8pm and Saturday, 10am to 6pm. To schedule an appointment, call 703.288.3066 and be sure to visit www.crystalbridalgallery.com.

Cindie

Cool stuff for you & your maids at Trousseau

Friday, October 9th, 2009

I checked in on my client Sarah Wiener, owner of Trousseau Ltd., the other day to see what new and neat things she has in her beautiful lingerie and bridal accessory store. Countless brides have been expertly fitted with the proper foundation garments to make their dresses look their best. But Trousseau also has a lot of fun things for the bride and her maids. Here are just a few items Sarah showed me:

The Hanky Panky One Size Fits All Thong. This lovely bit of lingerie, available in regular and low rise, makes a great gift because there’s no guesswork when it comes to size. The bridal thongs feature Swavorski crystals spelling the words Bride, I Do, Bridesmaid and Maid of Honor and are available in white, ivory and pastel colors. There are also thongs without the crystals available in 25 other colors.

Bra Bags & Panty Cases by Brag. To keep your molded cup bra looking, and fitting, its best, store it in a bra bag. The panty case makes a perfect traveling companion.

Classy Bride Racer Back T Shirts. These little shirts are a lot of fun for the bachelorette party. Sarah carries the white racer back T’s with Swavorski crystals spelling the words Bachelorette Party, Bride, Bridesmaid and Maid of Honor.

Haley Hill Designs jewelry. These gorgeous chokers are designed around antique shoe buckles with Swavorski crystals and pearls. Bracelets and earrings complete the look.

Trousseau is located at 306 Maple Avenue West in Vienna. Drop by and see all the wonderful lingerie and bridal accessories. For hours call 703.255.3300 and visit them at www.trousseaultd.com.

Happy Shopping,

Cindie

Take a “twirl” at this adorable new store

Friday, August 21st, 2009

If you’re looking for unique bridesmaids jewelery, gifts or bridal accessories, you must stop in and visit Susie Kim at Twirl in Vienna. She just opened her “girls boutique” and the best words to describe it are simply adorable!

Located at 527 Maple Avenue West, next door to Princess Jewelers in Vienna, Twirl is a modern bridesmaids and gift shop. The earring and necklace selections are great looks not only for today’s wedding attire, but pair up nicely with dress-casual clothes for a night on the town. Looking for a groom’s gift? Twirl has a great selection of paisley cuff links from Vera Bradley.

There are photo books embellished with Swarovski crystals for your cherished wedding photos. And here’s a neat bridesmaid’s gift - elegant cut glass perfume bottles. There’s also a wonderful selection of bridal accessories and shoes.

In addition to all the fabulous gifts, totes, lotions & potions, Twirl also carries lovely bridesmaids dresses, including Lazaro and Badgley Mischka.

Twirl is open Monday-Thursday 11-6 and Saturday 11-5. Susie is getting new inventory every day, so be sure to stop by. And visit her website at www.twirlmodernbridesmaids.com.

Happy Shopping,

Cindie