Gown Alert: Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale

It's that time of the year ladies! One of our favorites, Monique Lhuillier, will be having their semi-annual sample sale next Sunday, July 14^th from 10am to 4pm.  The sale will be at a pop-up shop in downtown LA.  They’ll have both Bridal and Ready to Wear dresses with markdowns anywhere from 40% - 90%.  Can you imagine the savings?!?!

This is the perfect opportunity for brides, friends and family to find not only incredible gowns but ready to wear items as well for showers, bachelorette parties and even the rehearsal!

This sale only happens twice a year so we definitely suggest avoiding that July heat and heading downtown to check it out next weekend!  Make a day of it and start with brunch or head to lunch after, enjoy some champagne or lemonade and prepare to get your shop on!

 

 

Happy Shopping!

Bold, Chic and in Love: Vera or Monique?

Recently I was able to assist a stylist for the cover of the September issue of the Knot Magazine. It was a ten look shoot on couture wedding gowns. Needless to say, I was absolutely dying! All the dresses were far more beautiful then I could possibly describe, not to mention that they were being worn by a perfectly stunning model. I also got to play with some of the most beautiful (and expensive) wedding rings I had ever seen!

Naturally, of all the designers that we had there were two that really stood out to me- Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier. Two of the most well-known wedding gown designers, who design to perfection but are so different in style and technique. Monique creates beautiful, feminine dresses that are heavily textured. Vera is equally stunning, also beautiful yet often pushes the envelope with her designs.  They have that extra bit of sass oftentimes.

While we can admire both designers, there must be one that makes you squeal a little louder! Are you more a Monique or Vera bride?

Here are some of the looks for each designers spring 2012 line.

All photos courtesy of Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier

While all designer gowns are lovely and do come with a price tag for a designer label, they can at least provide great inspiration for what you look for!  However, they do have some simpler gowns that start at a more moderate number.  For example, Monique Lhuillier's gowns start as low as $2200.  Also Vera's new White Collection at David's Bridal makes a Vera Wang gown affordable for various price points and budgets too.  

I must admit, I'm definitely a Monique girl myself ;), what are you?

If you ever want a stylists opinion on your dress, feel free to email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

xO,
Jocelyn

Bold, Chic and in Love: Bridesmaid Dresses for Spring

Last time we discussed the perfect strapless bridesmaid dresses for this spring. Today we are covering the rest of your options. We have some beautiful shades and styles for your ladies to strut down the aisle in!

Here are some colorful, fun spring options for your maids:

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom, Bloomingdales & Kate Spade

1. Rosette One Shoulder by BCBCMAXAZRIA 
The draping in front of this rose dress is extremely flattering on any body type, as it is slightly hugging the right parts of the body to give off a very feminine shape. Love the embellished strap for spring!

2. Audrey by BCBGMAXAZRIA
This dress is beautifully simple. Similar yet so different from option one. This is for the bride who is more clean cut and traditional. I love this dress for the more type-A bride.

3. Sleeveless Pleated Chiffon Dress by Maggy London
This orange is absolutely stunning. The chiffon layers are very playful.  The right belt can make this dress very flattering. I would opt for a gold metallic belt over brown to make it a bit dressier.

4. Dotted Chandler Romper by Kate Spade
Who doesn't love polka dots? This dress is for the fun couple that is doing everything a little different. This spring we are going to see many brides choosing non-traditional dresses for their bridesmaids. It is becoming very popular to let your bridesmaids personalities show through their dress- polka dots versus plain make a very different statement!

5. Lavender Label Organza Dress by Vera Wang
This is bridesmaid chic. I love the color, simplicity and yet fashion-forward style of this dress. It is a daring choice! 

6. One Shoulder Metal Taffeta Dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA
Another dress very similar to option one, yet extremely different. This form fitting, metallic dress with the rose on the shoulder is for the sexy bride. This is very Sex in the City.

7. One Shoulder Ruched Chiffon Dress by Monique Lhuillier 
This option is appropriate for many different ages, yet the blue makes it much more fun! The cinched waist makes it a very flattering option. 

8. Heritage Matte Jersey Dress by Halston 
Although you aren't typically supposed to wear white to a wedding, this color hue is becoming more and more popular. Adding a beautiful, colorful bouquet of flowers will make your alter absolutely pop! This dress is flattering, simple, and chic. Dress it up with a colorful pump or statement necklace!

9. One Shoulder by Cut25
This yellow is so fun! Spring weddings should be bright and beautiful, which makes this dress absolutely perfect! Another dress that is easy to dress up with the right bouquet or statement necklace. The yellow can demand its own attention though, making it a very simple dress.

I am confident that your bridesmaids will look perfectly styled for a beautiful spring or summer wedding! If you have any questions on how to choose the right dress, feel free to email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com

Over on The Fashion One this week...

Jersey
and
Baby Love

xO,

Jocelyn

Bold, Chic, and in Love: The Perfect Strapless Bridesmaid Dress

Every bridesmaid has an opinion about their dress. Whether they voice it to the bride or just each other, they have something to say! The color and the cut are the main things to perfect in order to have happy friends that look beautiful for your photos.

Spring colors like blush, eggplant and charcoal are getting all the attention! With these strapless dresses, your bridesmaids will adore their dresses so much they may want to wear them over and over again!

Photos courtesy of Nordstroms

1. JS Collections Strapless Chiffon Dress

This dress is great black option that is still very appropriate for spring. The floral detail and sweetheart cut is absolutely stunning and feminine. The black color gives it a bit more edge. 

2. Jenny Yoo Collection Convertible Strapless Chiffon Gown

This dress is simple and chic. Great option for a beach wedding. The light gray is subtle but would really pop with a bright floral arrangement or statement necklace!

3. Adrianna Papell Tiered Iridescent Chiffon Dress

The ruffles in this dress are very forgiving, which is never a bad quality. Not only is this dress flattering but it is very flirty and fun! 

4. Amsale Rosette Trim Strapless Chiffon Gown

This dress is absolutely gorgeous. It has a very flattering cut. No jewelry required, the two roses steal the show.

5. Donna Morgan Strapless Silk Chiffon Dress

This is a very sweet, innocent color and cut. Another flattering option! You can give your girls the freedom to dress this one up by adding a statement necklace that represents their style, as the dress is so simple.

6. ML Monique Lhuillier Strapless Chiffon Gown

Oh Monique, you are an absolute genius. The color, the length, the ruffle detail. Could not be more perfect. No bridesmaid would complain when getting paired with this dress!

7. ML Monique Lhuillier Strapless Ruched Cationic Chiffon Dress

This dress is extremely sexy! The eggplant color really pops. The ruching makes the dress classy, even if it is very form fitting.

With the detail and flattering cut of these strapless dresses, your friends will be ecstatic to walk down the aisle before you! Have any questions about how to choose the right dresses? Email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com

xO,

Jocelyn

Trunk Alert: Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2012 Collection

Our friend Megan McKenna Volkening over at Monique Lhuillier's Melrose Place salon has sent us an invitation for a private trunk show to share with our brides.


Come see Monique's Spring 2012 collection and prepare to be dazzled. Market is going on right now and this will be the first opportunity for you to view these gowns in person for an amazing trunk show!

Appointment's must be made, so call Megan today to secure your spot.

Red Carpet Favorites from the 2011 Oscars

I know it's been a while but I couldn't not take a little time to share with you our favorite picks from this year's red carpet. Award season as you may know is a favorite around here and the Oscar's are always the perfect ending to the season.

Here are our top 10 pick's from last night! What are you favorites?

Hillary Swank in Gucci Premiere

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Haute Couture


Halle Berry in Marchesa

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier



Helen Mirren in Vivienne Westwood Couture


Lea Michelle in Roberto Cavalli


Natalie Portman in Rodarte


Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco


Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa


Anne Hathaway in Valentino


And of course... we have to round out our list with the unfortunate title of worst dressed too!

Nicole Kidman in Dior


All Photos Courtesy of Just Jared

So there you have it! Our best and worst of the night! We're curious what you think though, who were your favorites? What was your least favorite gown of the night? Did you like seeing all of Anne Hathaway's changes during the show? Share with us and comment below!

For amazing articles on this season's award parties, be sure to visit the Bizbash website and check out our past bride Alessandra Dubin's amazing coverage on these uber chic events.

We heart Monique Lhuillier!

Okay seriously the new Monique Lhuillier Spring 2010 collection may make you weak in the knees! Each gown is better than the next!

Our favorite is the Sunday Rose! This silk organza beauty is a strapless stroke of perfection. The pleated bodice is beyond words, especially when combined with the rose embroidered a-line skirt.


Happy Sunday Rose!

Amazing Opporunity from The Bridal Bar!

Harmony Walton and her team at The Bridal Bar are offering an INCREDIBLE opportunity for 2 lucky brides! If you are a Monique Lhuilleir fan like us, this is definitely worth visiting The Bridal Bar page and commenting on! You have until 5pm on Sunday ladies, so make sure you meet the deadline before the week ends...


"Bridal fashion week ended just a few days ago and now those gorgeous gowns go on the road for trunks shows across the country. Excited to see the new collections? Well, what if we told you that The Bridal Bar is giving away a few coveted spots to see the brand new collection by Monique Lhuillier BEFORE the trunk show actually begins?? That's right girls - we've got a chance for some very special VIBrides in the Los Angeles area to get that Hollywood treatment and preview the collection before the masses. *Insert screams of excitement here, we're that giddy!*

Monique's always fabulous trunk show will take place in Los Angeles on April 23-25. And just before the store opens to the swooning many in hopes of finding that perfect fit; her flagship location on Melrose Place will shut down for six very important bridal bar brides. So what does this mean exactly? That the gowns are in-transit and upon arrival in Los Angeles, on Wednesday, April 22nd from 6:30 to 8pm the Monique Lhuillier store will be closed to the public in order to cater to the every need of six lucky brides-to-be. The collection will be on display to allow YOU to be the first to see, touch, and try on these incredible gowns with the personal attention and service of their oh-so fabulous staff. It's the royal treatment - champagne, sweets, and a store full of dresses just for you.

But wait! This little gathering of gowns is by invitation only. We will be giving away invitations to a few ladies in our store, but two of the spots are reserved for our loyal blog readers! That means you - if you're in the LA area! In order to qualify, upload a comment on this post and tell us a little about your wedding and why a Monique gown makes your day complete. Two comments will be selected and the winners will attend this special private soiree. Brides must be local to the Los Angeles area and available to attend the VIPreview on April 22nd.

Good luck ladies! And have no fear, if you don't get the opportunity to participate in this evening, the trunk show begins the following day so you can still get your fix (and your gown too).

Check back with us for more goodies as this is just the beginning of many very special perks that comes with being a very special bridal bar bride and part of our new VIB3 program - but more on that later. Now tell us why you must wear a Monique (in 150 words or less please)! Contest ends 5pm PST Sunday, April 19th. Invitees will be announced Monday, April 20th."

Good Luck Ladies and Happy Posting!

Trunk Alert: This Friday through Sunday!

Hello all my brides to be! There's some fabulous trunk shows coming up from March 13th through the 15th at the Pasadena Bridal location of Mary Linn's Bridals in Pasadena and Mon Amie Bridal Salon in Costa Mesa. Find fabulous finds from the designs of Matthew Christopher, Bellissima Bridal, Monique Lhuillier and Renee Pawele.

Matthew Christopher and Bellissima Bridal will be featured at
Mary Linn's Bridals
82 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA. 91105
(626)585-8200
pasadenamarylinns@gmail.com

Matthew Christopher


















Bellissima Bridal


















Monique Lhuillier and Renee Pawele will be featured at
Mon Amie Bridal Salon
355 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA. 92626
(714) 546-5700

Monique Lhuillier


















Renee Pawele














Happy Hunting!

GOWN ALERT: Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale this Friday!

Sample Sale!
ONE DAY ONLY

Friday, January 16th, 2009
10 am to 7 pm

Bridal and Ready to Wear
From 40-90% off

1201 S Grand Ave, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90015

No alterations provided.
No appointments are taken.
First come, first serve.
Merchandise is ‘as is’ and all sales are final.

Check out their web site for the latest editorial and celebrity photos, trunk shows and other news.

www.moniquelhuillier.com