Category: Fashion

At the upcoming Ulla-Maija “Made To Measure” Trunk Show at San Francisco bridal salon Marina Morrison May 29-30, brides will not only be treated to a preview of the latest Ulla-Maija collection, hot off the New York runways; they’ll also get to work directly with Ulla-Maija designer Charles W. Bunstine II.

Are you still lugging around that tired old suitcase your Aunt Stella gave you for a high school graduation present? You’re not taking that relic with you on your honeymoon, are you? Think of it: Your traveling outfits rock, your face is still glowing from your pre-wedding facial, you’re already sporting a deep bronze tan (thanks, tanning salon!) and you haven’t even made it to Maui yet. You look hot…so shouldn’t your luggage be haute, too?

It’s a shame, really. All that time, effort and money spent on finding the wedding dress, and you really only ever wear it the one time. Fashion designer Hanna Hartnell of HARTNELL Santa Monica feels you, and has come up with an ingenious solution—the Double Dare Gown.

Even some of the best designers can have an off day. A few of the wedding dresses that premiered at the 2009 “Wedding Week” in New York certainly looked like their creator was either PMSd, drunk or filled with delusions of grandeur.

You’ve done it—found “the dress.” Now it’s time to pull the rest of your look together. Before you proceed, it is useful to identify which shade of white your dress really is. (This article should help.) Then you can begin to add the finishing touches like jewelry, shoes, and hair accessories.

Did you see the article in the New York Times about pre-owned wedding dresses? I wouldn’t have either, if it wasn’t for my colleague Jennifer who forwarded the link to me. Anyway, the upshot is that while it’s still “all about the dress,” many brides are watching their budget and shopping for gently used or bought-but-never-used wedding gowns. Not only does this save money, but eco-conscious brides are doing their part in the “reuse, recycle…” mantra.

A short dress can have a life after the wedding, and it’s also a perfect second-wedding choice.

Forget dainty and delicate—today’s jewelry is getting larger, with fresh combos and bold new presentations. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store for the year ahead: