Are you still struggling with finding the spot on perfect dress for your girls? You know, a style that looks great on all their body types, is fun and flirty enough to really be worn again and that each and every one of your lovely ladies will fall in love with as much as your did. Fat chance and keep dreaming; or…

Look closely at that picture. Each dress is different with a couple of distinct common denominators: color, length, skin on top and dark hose. At first I thought that there wasn’t enough variation to make a difference but look closely at the skirt shapes. They range from really full and poofy to that sleek little number on the girl in the middle. The same goes for the necklines; they are all completely different to suit different figures. It is the flash of skin at the top and the dark hose under the shorter length that does the magic. Brilliant! Now tell me which one of your bridesmaid couldn’t use another flirty little black dress just suited to her style.

These are all from Bill Blass but I have every faith that you can take this concept and run with it across a multitude of price points. Hmmmmm, I think I may forward this to a few of the manufacturers I know.

I can not go to Harrogate with out checking out the always fab Ian Stuart. Named Bridal Designer of the year 4 years in a row, twice winner of the Debi Awards and a handful of various other awards, Ian is the darling of the UK bridal scene.

The biggest trend I saw this season is that it seems Ian has fallen head over heel for shark taffeta. A truly luxe Italian silk, it has an almost mat finish. He has paired it with sheers like organza and chiffon for some interesting textural effects.

As I did with all the designers I am showcasing this year, I asked Ian to pose with his favorite gown in the collection. This sexy little number is just gorgeous and I have to agree with his choice. I’d wear it in a heartbeat.

Available in the States at Kleinfelds in Manhattan, The Montclair Collection in Santa Monica, CA and the just arrived at Roma Sposa in Birmingham, MI

Cheers Ian.

Ritva Westenius is the Grande Dame of British wedding couture. Celebrating 30 years of dressing the likes of Jane Seymour, Faye Dunaway and Jacklyn Smith she is not even slowing down. This year marks the launch of a new collection, Capital Bride which is being designed in conjunction with her amazing daughter Chenca.

Chenca, a former principal ballet dancer is the real story here. Her glamorously bubbly, high energy personality absolutely shines through every one of the pieces. From a stunning short gown with a bit of fifties inspiration to the Jane Austin inspired “Sense and Sensibility” each one is more red carpet worthy than the next. What really knocked me out are the gowns in the Capital Collection that whisper Hollywood. The gown Chenca is holding is named Fabulous, and rightly so, don’t you think? The gown on the hanger is “Bronte”.

Gowns from Ritva Westenius are available in the states at Pure English Couture Bridal House in Virginia Beach, VA.

I had an interesting discussion with a client today about alterations. In trying to figure out how to present some copy on alterations we began to wonder just what brides think really goes into altering a wedding gown. How much work does it take? How much skill does it require?

I do know what goes into it; on both the high end and the low end and I will be happy to share that with anyone. That is- anyone that first tells me what they think it takes.

Help me out. If you would pass this along to your friends I would really appreciate it. Newlyweds are welcome to join the discussion. Respond by leaving a comment here or by emailing me through my website,
Think Like a Bride

Thanks so much and wait until you hear the truth on this one. It will boggle your mind.