December 2010 Archive

Photo via Siri

I have heard from so many mothers, that after the stress of assisting with planning, they haven’t left much time to find that important Mother of the Bride dress. And then, when they start looking, it’s hard to find something they like. I think Siri (bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses) has done a great job of striking the right balance between fashionable and appropriate. This dress is shown in rose damask organza and jade tissue taffeta, but it is available in many different colors.

Photo via Brides.com

As you’re reading this, I’m waking up in the Bahamas! It’s the first day of my cruise, and I can’t wait to share how this might fare as a honeymoon when I get back for our Honeymoon Friday feature. In the meantime, here is a dress I’ve been waiting to share by Liancarlo. They do a great job of designing beautiful silhouettes for a woman’s body. I especially love the beading and v-neck illusion front and back of this dress. It’s an unusual look that takes illusion to a classy level.

A few months ago, I flipped through some travel books, and, based on photos alone (and then some research!), I made a Top 10 Travel List of Places I’d Like to Visit. Some are resorts, some are cities, but over the next couple of months, I’ll be sharing my #1 travel destinations. Because really, who could pick just one?

First up is the Villagio Inn and Spa in Yountville, California, nestled in next to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is synonymous with wine country exclusivity in the US, and I fell in love with this family owned and operated boutique hotel.

The hotel is located on the 23-acre Vintage Estate, which is home to Michael Chiarello’s Bottega restaurant and other lifestyle shops and galleries, restaurants, a wine cellar, and even a small country inn. Villagio, however, was recently named one of the Top 50 Hotels in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure. Now it’s time to check out the gorgeous Villagio Inn and Spa and the Vintage Estate. Enjoy!

Photos via Villagio Inn and Spa

Today is our first Bridal Complete Look: an a-line Jenny Packham gown (photo via Fashionable Bride) with a silk tulle skirt and v-neck with crystal detailing on the shoulder, a modern bridal updo with a slim antique headband, and two-tone sparkly heels by Giuseppe Zanotti (photo via The Beauty of Life Blog). I love how the heels look like classic bridal shoes until the rest of them is revealed.