OK, Now What Bride

Where Do You Think These Designer Dresses Are From?

They're absolutely dreamlike with the multiple layers, the embroidery and look close for the detailing on the tulle. The bodices are are fitted and tailored just for you. Give up yet? I didn't know right away either. 

They're David's Bridal! The dress above is from none other than Vera Wang and her exclusive line White by Vera Wang made just for them. Imagine your dream dress at a fraction of the price. 

I loooove this dress! Too beautiful for words, really. If you don't believe that these are all available, see for yourself here and tell me which one you're choosing! 

Too Pretty To Worry: Spring Things to Look Forward to

This week's been about troubleshooting and all the catastrophes that could happen. But when I sat down today, I kept thinking about spring right around the corner (ok, it's still really a month away) but it got me excited for the pretty florals and colors and darnit! I just wanted to do something happy for Wedding Wednesday. So here you go - a dose of color and cheer for the middle of the week. 

What are you looking forward to this spring? Here are some of mine. 

From top clockwise: I'm attending an upcoming wedding at Café Cortina this spring and have heard wonderful things. | A splash of color in a scarf and a lightweight shirt - springtime musts. Anthropologie | I'd love to see my toes in sandle-ready shape again! Matiko shoes at Soulstruck | Sweet and short party dresses for the kids again. Crewcuts line at J. Crew | A scarf to tie my hair up or around a bag. band.do's signature scarf | Great neautrals and sleevelss. Imagine that! J. Crew Spring campaign

Fashion Week Round Up: What Would Work for Wedding?

New York Fashion Week closes today and there were a lot of trends returning including more floral but in smaller form, or "micro floral" along with a lot more coats, sportswear and high end. With a mix of luxurious materials like velvet, heavy embroidery and brocade, it's easy to see how we could see a lot of crossover to wedding and evening wear. 

What were some of your favorite Fall 2012 looks and by who? Here are a few of mine that I could see jumping from the catwalk to the aisle. 

Daytime sweetness at Anna Sui

Ethereal and floating at J. Mendel

Beyond bridal, unstoppable in red by Carolina Herrera

Gladiator goddess at Max Azria

A look for the experimental and unexpected bride at Cynthia Rowley

No nonsense and understated elegance at Luca Luca

Images: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

 

Ladies in Red: Would you let your bridesmaids wear red?

How was everyone's Valentine's Day? I hope you got what you wanted!

I saw the prettiest red dress today and I realized that it's really rare to see a red dress on a bridesmaid. Is it because it's such a brazen color and steals too much attention from the bride? Or is it because it's color overload with red floral, tables, favors? At one time I wanted my bridesmaids to wear the primary colors (I had somewhat of an art-theme wedding). But I thought the one wearing red would steal too much attention. I guess there is something about that color. Would you let your bridesmaids wear red? And if you have photos, please share!

Here are a few of my picks for the best red bridesmaid dresses. 

Stretch taffeta bustier dress, Jessica McClintock, $155

Loft Modern Pleated red dress, $69.50

Herve Leger Phoebe scalloped edge a-line dress, $1590

Bow Tulip dress, Topshop

Crinkled silk chiffon dress, Max Studio, $248

Happy Valentine's Day! Three Ways to Say "I Love You", no roses or chocolate involved

When I was in 7th grade, my crush and later sort-of boyfriend for about five minutes (he basically walked me to and from class and held my books), gifted me a gigantic, I mean huge Hershey's kiss the size of my head for Valentine's Day. Granted, I was only 12 but this thing was probably three pounds and couldn't be carried with my books at the same time. That along with the biggest bouquet of flowers while everyone was getting measly $1 carnations from the Valentine's Day drive made me the IT girl for a week. Girls whispered and swooned as I walked ceremoniously to my locker at the end of the day. It was more "romance" than a tween could handle at the time. I was pretty delirious and impressed but ultimately, we drifted apart as all young couples do. Our hands just didn't fit right during our date to Home Alone (his mom drove). 

Pro Flowers, 100 Blooms of Love, $29.99

Now years later, I can say that I should've known that a drug store droplet-shaped rock of chocolate wasn't going to win over my love. As much as we joke about it, my husband knows that a Snickers is still just a Snickers even if it's wrapped in pink with hearts dancing across it. 

What means more to me than anything is what we do -- dinner at home, a walk in the park or museum outing is way more memorable than what we got each other. Unless, that is, you want to get that emerald ring I mentioned. I might just remember a gift for once. 

1. Visit a museum that you've never been to before.

There are plenty of free or low-admission museums, non-profits and organizations that will adore your presence any day of the year. Make your day even more special by doing something that you wouldn't normally do. It might just surprise you and make you a lifelong member. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

2. Take a hike.

This one may sound a little silly since the winter can be a brutal time to go outdoors. But there's nothing like layering for a day out in nature looking at ice formations, birds and woodland animals. And if you live somewhere that it's warm year-round, head to your nature conservatory. There are so many things to discover each time you go. Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

3. Take a class together. 

There are plenty of workshops around this time of year. From baking to cooking to wine-tasting, learning something together is a great way to bond whether it's your first or fiftieth date. Find a local cooking class here. 

What're you doing for Valentine's Day to set it apart from the rest? I want to hear from the guys too. What ever you do, I hope that you'll treat yourself and preferably not with a three pound brick. Happy Valentine's Day!

Special Bride Board: What's Your Valentine's Date-Night Style?

It finally happened - winter hit in mid-February. It snowed about three inches and the temp dropped thirty degrees overnight. We braved the cold and actually found a park and trails about five minutes from our place over the weekend. Between all the layers, snow pants and boots, it was one of the funnest dates we've ever had. But for Valentine's you'll probably want something a bit more refined for dinner and a movie. 

What're you doing tomorrow night? I've put together three special bride boards with my dream outfits. Whether you're usually jeans and ponytail or drama all the way, I'm sure you'll find one you love!

And if there are any of you that have that feeeling that he's going to pop the question, I especially want to hear from you. Email me and let me know how he does it and maybe you'll get a feature on OKNW Bride. xo

Downtown Casual

Dress it up with a slip or pair with leggings for casual chic. Minutiae Dropwaist Dress, Anthropologie, $128

Effortless and adorable to boot. Olympia Leather wedge, J. Crew, $198

Carry it all, perfectly mismatched. Perfect for running wedding errands. Embellished Native Clutch, Forever 21, $26.80

Layer for warmth and for looks. Dancer slip, Free People, $98

Top off the look with a striking hat. Sam Feather trim fedora, Free People, $128

Business Not As Usual

Sure, it's a work night but you can toss on a cute sweater over this work-appropo skirt and make it into a darling date look! Corded Dobby Stripe Skirt, Loft, $59.50

Mixed prints lend just the right amount of texture and playfulness.  Marta Printed tie neck blouse, Banana Republic, $69.50

Ribbit. You'll be kissing your prince by the end of the evening. Frog-clasp bracelet, J. Crew, $68

Your day shoes have just a bit of sparkle for night. Ron White, Bonnie pump, $525

Toss the work bag aside for this gorgeous leather and it'll pop with the navy wear. Optical Izzie Weave clutch, Cole Haan, $198

Vamp Chic

Jaws will drop with this "wet-look" number. Cladiana Off The Shoulder Dress, BCBG, $248

A lovely go-to bag for night time. March by Marc Jacobs Classic Q clutch, $258

Wear these for Vday and then again for your bachelorette party. Versace, print suede pumps, $248.99

So handsome and chunky, he may want to wear it! Michael Kors Bradsaw watch, $250