what we’re loving now
Since it has been more than a little gloomy here in Chicago throughout this very rainy spring, it was important for us to stay inspired and find our inner fabulous as we head into summer wedding season. In the search for that inspiration we found some things that we just LOVE and wanted to share them with you along with where you can find them…and we ended up with so very many things to share we may have to split the blog up into parts!!!! We hope you Enjoy!
Since 1963, Judith Leiber has been an American luxury brand with a distinct heritage, timeless quality and international
appeal. Judith Leiber handbags are part of permanent design collections at museums around the world including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Los Angeles Museum of Art. Almost every First Lady dating back to the nineteen sixties has carried custom-made bags to the Presidential Inauguration.
Judith Leiber Wedding, a collection of miniaudieres and clutches, was inspired by the desire to capture the fantasy of that special day. The collection, which features not one, but two stunning wedding cakes, as well as lace- and flower- adorned satin clutches, also makes a nod at the tradition of “something blue” by incorporating a lining in the timeless shade of blue in all the bags. Not only do I LOVE all things Judith Leiber ( I included my first JL, the heart bag, in the photos) – all the time, I especially love the nod to tradition with the blue lining. Where can you check out these gorgeous bags?? The fabulous Belle Vie Bridal Couture on Oak Street carries the collection.
Christian Louboutin helped bring stilettos back into fashion in the 1990s and 2000s, designing dozens of styles with heel
heights of 4.72 inches and higher. The designer’s professed goal is to “make a woman look sexy, beautiful, to make her legs look as long as he can.”
In his U.S. trademark application, Louboutin explains the inception of the signature red soles: “In 1992 I incorporated the red sole into the design of my shoes. This happened by accident as I felt that the shoes lacked energy so I applied red nail polish to the sole of a shoe. This was such a success that it became a permanent fixture.” I will not actually admit out loud how many of these fabulous red soled shoes live in my closet (I stopped counting several years ago – It’s a sickness, I embrace it:)! What more perfect way to really feel glamorous on your wedding day than to rock out the same sparkly shoes as seen on Mariah, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce!!! For more information on the Louboutin wedding collection, click here
Maria Elena head pieces were created over a decade ago when Maria created a headpiece for her daughter on her
wedding day. Today, Maria and her daughter Marile share the gift of headpieces with brides all over the world. Each headpiece is crafted by specialized jewelers and set with Swarovski crystals.
Quality, originality, and elegance are the three words that capture the essence of Maria Elena Headpieces. Each piece is handcrafted in the United States by specialized craft jewelers and set with Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones.
Each item is hand crafted, heirloom quality, and vintage inspired. Their products include bridal headbands, tiaras, side and back combs, fascinators, bracelets, earrings, brooches, flowers, and purses.
Depending on the day of the week I am inspired by vintage as much as I am inspired by more modern looks – Maria Elena certainly caters to whatever look may currently be inspiring you!
Next is of course – the Royal Wedding! I mean, who wasn’t inspired by some part of the beautifully planned and executed day?
Everything about her look was personal, symbolic, and lovely. What a treat to see a bride who has every opportunity for opulence at her disposal and yet both she and her groom chose to make the day about celebrating their marriage. I loved that!
Personally, I loved everything about the tradition and simplicity of the bride’s look, but we especially loved her earrings and found that a fabulous place to find many options definitely inspired by the royal wedding is the left bank. They offer wedding jewelry from vintage to vogue, hand crafted veils, headpieces from feather fascinators to silk fleurs , tiaras, bridal shoes, lovely gifts for your attendants and essential bridal accessories. My favorite part is really the overall experience here – you feel like you are in some delightful Parisian boutique. To see some earring options that will make you feel fabulous (but won’t break the bank like Kate’s earrings) click here
One more favorite item that we LOVE (that the left bank carries) are the “I do” shoe stickers! These crystal shoe stickers add an element of fun to your wedding day shoes. The back is adhesive, basically like a sticker – simple, easy and fun!
We hope you enjoyed reading about some things we are loving as much as we have enjoyed sharing them with you!
