Shoes For The Big Day

I don't have a specific direction for my shoes, although you can sort of see a pattern for what I am looking for with these selections below. Basically I can pick any color I want, and I want something punchy. These are some of the selections I have picked out so far. Some have their pros and cons, but basically all are in the running. The top left one is a Valentino love of mine, and the one next to it is a Fendi really-close-to-the-love-of-mine look....with a price tag of about $200 cheaper. (Still coming in at the $400 range though.) Those two slingbacks are totally fun and totally cute. The leader of the pack right is probably the bottom right Kate Spade slingback. I am not normally a fan of this backing but I'll allow it. The heels look super short but it turns out they are still about 5 inches. That's a good thing. I hate low heels.

And if you are wondering why I am cheating on the love of my life, those pink patent leather Louboutins, well, basically I would like to not spend about $1,000 on shoes. Enough said.

And just for kicks I added this Valentino $1,500 pair of shoes at the bottom. I could have a lot of fun with these wild babes.

Check it out

{Vera Wang + J Crew} Textured Up

One of the most gorgeous things about a wedding is texture. Whether it is the view from the ceremony, the building of the reception, or the floral arrangements, creating complimenting textures throughout the space makes for a totally gorgeous event. I love that dresses are taking this same turn by creating an interesting an unique approach to the plain old white dress. Of course Vera Wang just hit the ball out of the park with these dresses. We saw this back with the Diana dress, and here she goes again with another line of multi-dimensional dresses. Oh how I would die to wear this.

J Crew started the whole "lets become a wedding shop" with their totally incredible line of dresses. Again, talk about texture and fabric choices that otherwise haven't been seen all too often. Now we are awaiting Anthropologie's new line and now have a variety of "department store" brands to turn to.

Who else is loving these totally unique textures? I actually purchased a dress that has a lot of texture and a lot of interesting components, so of course I am totally loving this. In all reality, it is much more couture, and I like couture.

And since no look is complete without an amazing pair of shoes, and I am a little wild in the style department, here are two pairs of Louboutin's that would look phenom with these dresses.

{Awesome Dresses} Edition 2

These flowing clouds of luscious dresses are beyond amazing. Textured dresses are coming back in style, and with a designer like this, I couldn't be more excited about the future of wedding dresses. Designer, Krikor Jabotian, created this line of beautiful dresses in 2009 with flowing forms in mind.

{Awesome Dresses} Edition 1

I'm totally in love with this dress! It is definitely not a traditional bridesmaid gown, but since when have I ever been traditional? Something about the wonderful layers, and the great design leaves me wanting more.

And just in case you aren't done with totally awesome dresses for the day, I know I never am, I have a feature later day with another gorgeous set of  flowing gowns.

Photography By: Moja Ma'at Make Up by: Tamra-Marie Make Up

Red Heads and Hairdo's

What to do with my hair for the wedding day....It's the age old question. Essentially I want to die it, highlight it, and curl it. I have been growing it out for SO long for this day, so luckily I will be able to have the long curls that I love. I love this read head look (which is basically my color already) and of course, I am loving the curls. I was thinking of putting my hair in a sort of side pony tail like those below. Love this look.

{Trunk Shows} Sarah Seven

Trunk Show season is upon us! Definitely one of my favorite times of the year. Though there are so many wonderful shows this year, the most anticipated one of the season is from designer, Sarah Seven. For all of us Californians, this is a definite treat. San Francisco and Beverly Hills are never going to know what hit them once Sarah Seven comes into town. Each show will feature her bridal and special occasion line.

Schedule

{January 29-30}

Bella Bridesmaid San Francisco

2250 Union St, Suite 1B | San Francisco, CA 94123

+

{February 6-7}

SLS hotel in Beverly Hills

By appointment only | Please call Jenny at 661.633.2318

I stumbled across Sarah Seven is 2007 or maybe the beginning of the 2008. I was so very obsessed and have continued to be since that very moment. I can't believe how far she has come and how each dress seems to get more and more amazing. I can't wait to meet her in San Francisco at the end of the month, and of course I am dying to stop by her showroom and will do so next time I am in Portland (which believe it or not is kind of often.) One of my favorite dresses (and one that would make an amazing bridesmaid dress) is below. Enjoy.

I will also be at the San Francisco Bella Bridesmaid on Saturday January 29th for the trunk show. Comment below if you are planning to go as well, I would love to see all your lovely faces!

If you just can't get enough of all this pretty (and I know I can't!) make sure to check out the Sarah Seven website and shop it up!

Bridesmaid Inspiration Board

It was way to easy for me to be talked into showing off this board that I created for my bridesmaids. But you know me, I really can't keep my mouth shut about anything.

Source: Necklace, Bouquet, skirt, Hair piece, shoes

I'm getting these incredibly amazing skirts in a few different fabrics, so the girls will be a little mis-matched and a little the same. I've decided to find super cute floral and pearl necklaces (I already have a few from Nordstrom and Anthropologie all on sale!). Still haven't decided if I want the girls to wear the same or different colored hairpieces yet. And of course nude shoes, but all different styles of course.

As far as the bouquet goes, let me just say that I am obsessed with this fabric flower bouquet! I can't seem to get enough of it. The girls would look so amazing with this plus it is totally different than any regular bouquet out there. Now if only they weren't $200 a piece! Eeks.

And the icing on the cake of this whole thing is that just yesterday, none of this existed. I had a totally different mock up and even had ALL the dresses purchased. Somehow I was lucky enough that the store took them back for the full price even though I bought them 5 months ago! Incred. I'm so excited they did because this allows my current inspiration to take it's part in the wedding!

What do you think? Are my girls going to look good or what??

Soft and Simple by Carly Bish

This shoot pretty much speaks for itself. The gorgeous colors

This wedding was put together by a group of talented wedding vendors in Washington to establish a working relationship while pouring over such beautiful inspiration. From Carly, "Establishing good relationships with people and wedding vendors I can trust is a pretty big deal. Being able to say confidently to brides, “If you’re looking for a _______, you should definitely check out _______,” is such a relief, both for me and the bride." This couldn't be more correct and I admire their approach in "testing" vendors before referring. You know you're in good hands now.

As far as the shoot goes, it pretty much speaks for itself. The colors are bold, the lighting is soft and the shoot is just plain beauty.

Photography – Carly Chaney, carlybish photography

Makeup/Hair – Shyn Midili from Pacific Artistry

Flowers/Styling – Geneva Sipes from Geneva Diane Designs

Catering – Kimm Moore from Sweetness Catering

Gowns/Accessories – LaBelle Reve in Bellevue, WA

Boots – Nordstrom

Carly Bish is a member of The Inspired List. Search for other washington-based wedding vendors on The Inspired List.

He Already Put a Ring on it, but Now He Has to Put Two More

Before I start this post, I would love to apologize for my hands. Unfortunately I was not blessed with model hands and therefore they do not do exceptionally well in photo shoots. I went ring shopping yesterday and came out with a decision that I can't seem to make on my own! I asked Ian for his opinion, and I don't know if I am willing to accept it just yet. First off, I want 3 bands. Since I am doing 3 bands I thought it would be cute to add a little color in there just for fun. Ian things the colored ones look like gumball machine rings. I don't know about that, but now I am curious if the color does detract from the beauty of the ring or if it adds something cute and fun.

The simple choice. Diamond bands on each side.

Diamond band plus a diamond and sapphire band. This would be my top choice of the colored options.

Diamond band and pink and diamond band. I would choose sapphire over pink. I don't want it looking too cheesy.

Diamond band and all sapphire band.

Which would you pick??? I need some major help with this decision here :)

Shiny Orb Design Re-Launch!

Today is the re-launch of the site, Shiny Orb! A site dedicated to finding the best for your bridesmaids!

Shiny Orb is a social shopping site for wedding apparel.  The site has a "Dressing Room" feature, where bridal parties can come together to browse, discuss, and shop dresses together.  This site is designed with "long-distance bridal parties" in mind.  Shiny Orb doesn't actually sell the dresses on the site -- but they aggregate them from multiple designers and online retailers so that bridal parties can browse ample selection and find the best ones to purchase!

Talk about fantastic usability! I love when people take their ideas and help other brides by creating something useful. Enjoy brides and bridesmaids!