Steampunk Style

{rosario dawson’s soft bob – image from celebstyle }

A big trend on the red carpet this year has been the ‘fake’ bob of soft curls. For girls with long hair, this is a great way to take the hair off your shoulders without getting rid of any volume, style, or elegance. This romantic, yet modern hairstyle will look great on any bride.

{lauren conrad – image from the hollywood gossip }

Here’s a nice step by step video on how to create this look. I think I’m going to try it on my own time and see how it looks.

Excited to share that there’s a new Canadian bridal gown line, Anais Anette . The ladies recently sent over some shots from their debut collection and I must say it’s quite impressive. My favorites are the textured, feminine details on the gowns and the gorgeous lace covered heels.

At the moment, the only location where the gowns will be found is Vogue Sposa Bridal Boutique in Toronto as of January 2013. Check out their site for additional information.

Anais Anette was created by two sisters, the daughters of a dress maker and a tailor. As young women growing up in Europe, the sisters found themselves surrounded by designers known for quality craftsmanship and developed a palette for fine textiles and high style. These influences became the foundation on which Anais Anette was built. Influenced by the enchantment of Parisian culture, each Anais Anette garment is designed for the effortlessly chic and admirably confident woman who dares to indulge in a Piece de resistance. Every gown is draped, beaded and crafted in the sister’s Toronto studio, which is adorned with inspiration for the debut collection of Anais Anette. “It is said that history repeats itself, for us, our desire to create and share beauty manifested itself in a way we did not imagine or plan.” Infusing the flare of Parisian romance with meticulous design and the finest materials created a collection that is timeless in beauty, elegance and quality.

Collection Photography: Mike Lewis Photography
Jewelry worn by model: Nancy Ciccone

Have you checked out Kate Spade ‘s own little collection of wedding and party dresses, accessories….and SHOES? The site itself just cheers me up with all the vibrant colour combinations. A little white cocktail dress as your reception dress, or just something to wear for your bridal shower.

And of course, you wouldn’t think I would feature Kate Spade and not show any shoes right? Sparkle is in big time. This definitely ties in to this week’s latest obsession. Love it!

{images: kate spade }

It’s been three years now since I left the world of hairdressing. I specialized in wedding hair and I still dabble, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on hair for “the big day”.

DO Be Yourself

You want your groom to recognize you as you walk down the aisle, don’t you? If you’re a low-maintenance, always wearing a pony-tail type of girl, make sure your wedding hair reflects that. Something simple and tasteful that still represents you. Unless of course, your dress and the theme are over the top, go for it! If you’re used to spending more time on your hair on a daily basis, then by all means go with a more detailed style or accessory. 20, 30, 40 years from now, you don’t want to look back at your pictures and ask, “What was I thinking?” Stick to your comfort zone. Chances are your dress will follow your usual sort of taste, so your hair should too.

DON’T Be Afraid Not To Use Your Regular Stylist

Whether you’ve been going to the same stylist since pig tails or just for the last few cuts, don’t feel pressured to use them on your big day. They should be honest with you if wedding hair is not their strong suit and maybe they’ll even recommend someone else at their salon. Ask your friends for suggestions. Look online. If your wedding venue is out of town, do research, or be prepared to pay extra for your trusted stylist to travel. A lot of stylists will consider coming to your home, hotel or wedding venue and there are many companies that specialize specifically in weddings with a portfolio available to back up their work. Another option is a session-stylist, someone who typically styles for photo shoots and film, they know how to make a style last and look fabulous from all angles.

DO Bring Pictures

Bring pictures! More than one, but not a billion. It wouldn’t hurt to bring a shot of your dress as well. Photos will help you explain what it is that you would like, especially when it’s hard for some of us to put visual cues in to words. A good stylist will be able to pick up on a reoccurring theme in your photos and blend them all in to something that works for you, whether it’s sleek and elegant or soft and romantic.

DON’T Be Too Drastic

If you usually wear in-your-face colour or Crayola brights, consider toning it down just a bit for your wedding. Although you love your pink chunks or dramatic red right now, you might grow out of it in a few years but your wedding photos will not. As an example, blogger Elycia has had her hair every colour of the rainbow, but for her big day she decided an awesome white-blond was the way to go. Natural looking or solid vibrant colour is best and timeless, in my opinion. (Don’t forget, rule #1 is be yourself!)

DO Have A Trial

A trial run is a must, in my opinion. Your stylist will be able to tell you if the look you’ve picked is unrealistic due to your hair texture, length, etc. This is when you’ll get to see all those thoughts, ideas, and magazine pulls put in to action. Maybe you’ll realize it’s “just not right” or maybe the stylist will have a better idea. Either way, a practice run is a sound idea. If you’re trying your dream bridal hair for the first time on the day of your wedding, there’s a lot less time to change your mind if it turns out that the look you wanted just doesn’t suit you. Make sure you also bring any hair accessories or a veil to your trial.

DON’T Be Cheap

You get what you pay for. I say this all the time. This doesn’t mean you have to shell out a week’s pay for your style. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Do you really need the ritzy salon? Is that what you want? What you can afford? If you’re trying hard to save, think about trying some up and coming talent. Perhaps a junior stylist or call a beauty school and ask if they have promising students that might be interested. Usually they’ll be more than willing to come to the location of your choosing and price their services fairly. (Don’t forget to offer them photos from your photographer for their portfolio.) Furthermore, if you would prefer or insist that all of your bridesmaids (and family members) look their best and have their hair done professionally, consider chipping in. Costs can really add up quick for the wedding party and this often causes friction and stress. Be honest when booking appointments about what sort of style they’re each looking for, or if they have very long or short hair. Salons will probably be willing to charge accordingly, instead of booking the mother-of-the-groom for an $80 up do when all she would really like is a sleek blowout.

(Ontario wedding) photo via Rock And Roll Bride

DO Leave Yourself Time

The last thing you want is to be stressing, eyes glued to the clock rather than your beautiful self. Leave lots of time for complicated ‘dos or style emergencies.

DON’T Leave Colour To The Last Minute

Especially if you do your own colour, make sure you leave plenty of time to correct any mishaps. You never know what might happen, even if you’ve done it the same way, “a million times”. The night before is not the time to freshen things up with a dash for drugstore dye. Considering it’s such an important day, it’s the best possible time to leave things to the professionals. Consider it an investment in yourself. Make sure your roots are touched up, highlights fresh, ends trimmed. I suggest a week to a week and a half before the big day.

DO It Your Selfers

Practice makes perfect, as they say. Doing your own hair is not out of the question. Just make sure not to attempt too ambitious a style and practice often before the big day so you won’t have any last minute frustrations or panic. Invest in some quality styling products. Don’t forget hairspray and shine products, to look your best. There are lots of hair tutorials on the webs. This one is my all time favorite. You can find loads of inspiration online.

DON’T Wash Your Hair

Most stylists will ask that you not wash your hair the day of your wedding. A day old blow dry is the best texture to work with for wedding styles. Confirm this with your stylist though, and make sure you pass along the news to your wedding party as well. Flat-ironing your hair before it is styled will cause curls to fall out as well. Consider going to your stylist the day before for a good round brush blow dry, your hair will be coiffed for the rehearsal and prepped properly for the style the day of the wedding.

DO Bring Your Accessories Or Veil

Have your stylist put these in for you. They have the know-how and experience to make sure accessories stay in securely and comfortably from vows through pictures to the last dance. Don’t wait until two minutes before you walk down the aisle. You’ll find yourself scrambling for pins and everyone around you will be too nervous already.

By the way, a lot of these “rules” can be applied to your wedding makeup as well!

Where did you find your bridal hair inspiration?

– Krista

It has definitely been a long time coming for this feature and I’m so excited to finally share it. Laura & Alison are the talented duo behind live beautiful. , a jewelry line based out of Ontario. Much to my adoration, their pieces are classic, feminine & timeless. There are also a lot of fashion forward details that you just can’t buy anywhere. Below are some pieces from their new lookbook, along with some details from the ladies themselves describing their inspiration and a live beautiful. bride.

Tell us about live beautiful.

We are co-owners and best friends, Laura Hart and Alison Nasmith, and live beautiful. is our vessel for dreaming up and delivering contemporary, unique, and handcrafted jewellery with a conscience. Working with ethical and recycled materials sourced from small suppliers means that our pieces are thoughtful and sustainable. As well, almost all of our packaging and marketing items are made from vintage and/or recycled sources. Having worked together in a Kingston jewellery shop to help put ourselves through university, we discovered our love of the medium, and the real need for ethical, creative, and uncompromising new designs. We hope you enjoy our work.

Who is a live beautiful. bride?

Our bride is the woman who wants something different. She wants her wedding to be authentic, to represent her love and her life, not what is expected or on trend. She is fiercly independant, and loves the details – the little surpises that make a moment memorable. She appreciates the beauty of this most complicated world and strives to live her most beautiful life within it. She is connected to her history, but is not constrained by it. Her wedding will be an invitation to her guests to share in her world for a day. She is looking for those who can help bring that dream to life, and live beautiful. is here for her.

What kind of products do you create?

We LOVE custom work, which is the basis for our bridal business. We don’t believe that a woman should have to compromise, and we want to create a piece that she will cherish, and actually be able to wear, for the rest of her life. We do it all, from headpieces to shoe adornments. We love taking a vintage heirloom from our bride’s family and incorporating it into our designs, or starting right from scratch. We offer a vast array of techniques, from metalsmithing to hand sewing, and we will not stop until our bride is 100% satisfied. We consider being a small part in our bride’s celebration to be an honour and a priviledge, so we take our work very seriously. Let us take care of you, and your jewellery, on your most special of days.

Jewellery: live beautiful.
Dresses: Pearl Bridal House
Wardrobe and Set Styling: Love by Lynzie Weddings and Events
Photography: Beth and Ty in Love
Floral Design: Blush and Bloom
Macarons: Nadia and Co.
Makeup: Sarah Smith
Hair: Madeleine McGriffin
Models: Jacklyn Barber, Jess Janz

I hope you’re all having a fabulous week! I’ve got a stunning bridal session for you today by Robyn Michelle-Lee Photography , based out of Vancouver, BC. This session is understated, yet it’s totally modern with the bold, large necklace paired next to a strapless Alfred Angelo lace gown. I can’t get over how much I love chunky necklaces paired with wedding gowns! For those of you interested in this particular necklace, Robyn tells me it’s from the 2010 Club Monaco summer collection. Oh how I love Club Monaco… enjoy!

Thanks Robyn. Hopefully we’ll see more from you in the future! Be sure to check out her blog for more beautiful inspiration.

So I’ve been thinking long and hard about what I want my hair to look like on my wedding day because as we all know, it’s a big deal! Remember when you took your graduation pictures and people kept saying: “keep it natural and style your hair so it looks like your everyday look.” Unfortunately, most girls ignore this advice and end up curling their hair like crazy and then crying about how they look ‘unnatural’ in their grad pictures.

Well, keeping that in mind, I think I really really like the hair above on the model. Her waves are medium sized and half her hair is pulled back with a side part, with the fringe nicely skimming her forehead. Plus, the hair is set so that a veil can be easily be added on or removed over the course of the night.

Always put together and always stunning, Charlize Theron stepped out at the premiere of her movie The Burning Plain at the 2008 Venice Film Festival with an effortless, wavy, messy updo. My goodness! I saw this and thought immediately how great it would be paired with a wedding dress. (I’m not crazy…I just think it can serve as great inspiration when you’re choosing how you want your wedding hair!)

It seems rather simple, though I’m sure it probably isn’t. Medium waves parted in the middle and then tied up into a lower, yet messy side bun. Top it off with some long jeweled earrings and you’re good to go!

This one is for you Mel! Here are some updo images for inspiration. In my opinion, it’s always nice to have the bride’s hair distinctly different than the bridesmaids. This can either be done by adding a single flower, hairpiece or taking on a completely different hairstyle.

I think the hairstyles below of Kate Beckinsale and Rachel McAdams are fabulous. They’re perfect for a bride who doesn’t have the long locks needed to create a decently sized chignon. Then again, there’s always hair extensions!

{images: top 4: theknot.com , kate beckinsale: project wedding , rachel mcadams: about.com }

Pull back your hair and show us that pretty face!

And for those who want a modern ponytail for daily wear, here’s a great video (sorry..guess this isn’t helpful for those with shorter hair!)

{images: one two three four }

Carefree..yet so chic.

{images: one: brides , two: oncewed , three: brides , four: theknot }

I had a look at the recent hairstyles on the runway for 2009 ready-to-wear and found one resonating trend: chignons. Whether ornamented with accessories or kept neat and simple, all these low chignons were paired with slicked back hair and plenty of hairspray. While I’m not always a fan of stiff hairdos, it’s comforting that the style will stay beautiful throughout a long day for a very busy bride.

{all images as seen in style.com }

Braids create an ethereal and bohemian look that’s perfect for a bride who is a laid back beauty. It’s best paired with a grecian/draped wedding gown or one with an empire waist. I love it because it adds dimension to hair, especially when you have highlights. Beautiful!

{Image sources: one: cosmopolitan scan – two – three – four – five – six }

This post has been on my mind for several months now and I’m glad I have a chance to finally share it with you. Carol Chan Photography captured some amazing pictures at Bridal Fantasy (a bridal show in Edmonton) and one particular set captured my attention – Rooy Couture & Consulting , based in Edmonton & area (Alberta). In addition to getting these pictures, I contacted Lani Van Rooyen, the genius behind the custom wedding gowns, to learn more about what she does. This is for all of you brides who are currently in the process of choosing a gown or just love all things wedding!

Tell me a little bit about yourself –

Growing up I always found myself having to decide between science & math versus art & creativity – and somewhere in between found the great middle road of fashion. I love pattern design (which I do by hand), the study of textiles and costume history in particular. Needless to say I am a very big fan of historical films. I moved to Canada at the end of 2007, following my soon-to-be husband after meeting online (of all places!).

Any random additional facts about yourself?

– I’m South African
– I studied Fashion Design at a private design academy after completing high school in 1995
– I lived in England for two and a half years where I was able to attend London College of Fashion’s Bridal wear and Beading courses
– Did a lot of traveling between a youth exchange program to Europe and working on cruise ships for a year – I love traveling!
– To learn more about the world of business and weddings, I spent a year at hotel school and more recently took the WPIC wedding planner certification course.
– In my spare time you’ll find me running stage lights at church, doing floral arrangements or spoiling friends/family by cooking up a storm alongside my husband.
– It truly is an absolute passion for me to work with brides and to design and create wedding gowns – simply said, I believe this is what I was born to do.

How long you’ve been designing wedding gowns?

About 13 years now. I opened my design studio in South Africa while still a fashion design student in early 1997, designing and creating everything from prom dresses to office apparel to wedding gowns. Over the span of the next three and a half years, I realized my dream of working with brides and focusing on wedding gowns, and shifted direction. In 2000, although exceedingly busy, I decided to change from full-time to part-time design while I pursue further studies and travels to compliment my business goals and aspirations. I was finally ready and ‘re-opened’ R O O Y Couture in March 2009.

What ‘type’ of bride typically chooses a custom-made bridal gown?

I would say a bride who is confident in herself, who knows her own expectations and more often than not has a specific vision – whether it be the type of gown she would like or simply how she wants to look on her big day. The brides I dress have faith and trust in my design ability, textiles and production – something which in a culture of ‘off-the-rack’ gowns could be a bit daunting, especially as you don’t see the finished product initially. As a photographer friend wrote recently: ‘Don’t be scared of custom wedding dresses – They are amazing and you are bound to get EXACTLY what you want.’

A couture gown is like a special journey a bride takes – with memories along the way of how it all came together and the end result of a twinkle in the eye and a gown which represents who she is.

If brides in Edmonton are looking for a custom gown, how long does it normally take to get one designed and then made?

The design and production process takes on average about eight to twelve months, especially if we are looking at a specific fabric or lace which is ordered in from Europe. That way we can also space the fittings and have it as stress-free as possible building up to the big day. However, I’ve designed and made gowns in as little as 4 weeks – I try to assist brides as much as I can.

There’s always brides, like myself, who know what they have in mind and can’t quite find the dress that they’re envisioning. This is definitely the option you should consider. Be sure to check out the Rooy Couture site & facebook for more info.

{all images courtesy Carol Chan Photography }

I’ve got to say that I wasn’t blown away by the gowns displayed on the red carpet at this year’s Cannes Festival! However, if I had to choose one gown and one look that I found stood out, it would be the always beautiful Penelope Cruz. She wore a violet grecian inspired gown to the Broken Embraces Premiere, paired with a half up ponytail and diamond teardrop earrings.

Inspiration for all you ladies looking to get that effortless, yet elegant look for your wedding!

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{images: picapp & daylife for reuters}

For those who don’t know, I consider myself a CBC – Chinese Born Canadian. But having lived in Canada my whole life, I sort of lost a sense of my Chinese heritage and it took the wedding for me to realize that I don’t know much about it. There have been SO many traditions and customs regarding weddings for the Chinese that I did not know existed and has been part of the frustration in planning my wedding. For example, if two friends get married the same month, you’re not supposed to attend each others weddings as it’s considered a ‘clash of fortune’ or bad luck. As well, if there’s a death in the immediate family within a month, you cannot attend a wedding for the same reason. While I have my own opinions about this (ugh), I’ll keep it to myself but I will say that it’s been hard juggling respect for tradition and history versus what I want or believe in!

So one of the things I did for my parents was get a Qipao/Cheongsam which is a traditional Chinese gown. I will be wearing it during our very small tea ceremony in the morning and will change into it during the reception for one or two courses of the reception. Normally, you will see asian brides change three to four to five times at a wedding, as it’s a sign of wealth – but for me, I love my white gown, so I’d hate to not wear it for majority of the night.

Anyways, here’s some pictures of the dress which I purchased at Little Boat Fashions in Edmonton.

Based on the results of my last survey, there’s still a lot of you that are looking for some vintage wedding inspiration, so today is your day! Samantha Clarke Photography , a photographer based out of Toronto, sent over this FABULOUS 20’s inspired photoshoot that makes you oooh and ahh over the glamour. It’s like watching an Old Hollywood movie star on set! Enjoy..

Details

Photography: Samantha Clarke Photography
Photoshoot Location: Windsor Inn on the River Bed and Breakfast
Makeup: Glow Makeup Studios
Gown: Daniela’s Bridal Boutique
Bridal accessories: local vintage and thrift shops in Toronto, ON

Happy weekend everyone! All you engaged brides or those who just love rings, this is for you! I’m excited to introduce Classic Creations , a provider of wedding rings in Toronto . It’s a family owned business specializing in engagement rings, loose diamonds/gems and custom designed jewellery.

Below are just a few of their wedding rings that I just can’t stop looking at.

Classic Creations is currently hosting a social media promotion on their facebook page. They’re asking for engagement photo submissions on Instagram with the hashtag

#YOPO

(You Only Propose Once). It’s that easy!

To learn more please visit their facebook page !

I know a lot of you have instagram and want to share photos of you & your partner, so be sure to send them in! Your photo may be shown on their facebook tab, as they’ll be doing a feature album of their favourite photos once Valentine’s Day comes to an end.

One of my goals for this New Year is to bring to you stronger Canadian content and in particular, support Canadian vendors and professionals. We have a LOT of local talent here in Canada and sometimes we really forget that!

Meet Elsa Corsi .

Elsa makes absolutely stunning custom jewellery for brides. Infused with a sense of vintage and hollywood glamour, this Vancouverite started the bridal collection in 2006 to celebrate her own wedding. What I love about her pieces is that you can wear them again after the wedding and they truly can become heirlooms. Love!

How do you describe an ‘Elsa Corsi’ bride?

The Elsa Corsi Bride has a love for the glamour of Old Hollywood, loves tradition but is not old fashioned. She loves quality and fine things, but isn’t frivolous. She is sentimental, and adores wearing her jewellery to commemorate her special occasions and those of her loved ones.

What is your favorite color palette for a wedding?

Right now, I love the black and white color scheme. There is something elegant and timeless about it, it’s Chanel-esque- which I adore.

Elsa was recently awarded Best Jewellery Design at the first 2010 Professional BC Wedding Awards. Check out elsacorsi.com to see more of her gorgeous pieces and how you can snag one up for your own wedding.

Here’s a bunch of looks you might find useful in your hunt for the perfect hairstyle – courtesy the celebrities arriving at the 15th Annual Sag Awards. I spy plenty of updos with waved fringes paired with dropped earrings.

{images: E! }