Always a Blogsmaid

Just a Reminder

Space is filling up really FAST for our fantasy shower in the Penthouse at The Morgans'. Unique favor and gift ideas from Melangerie, DIY floral demos from Fleurs, gifts from Agent Provocateur and themes and advice from us, and, many, many more surprises!  Free Registrations  with promo code BLOGSMAID until April 13th! Register here!

Yummy Saipua

One of my brides turned me on to Saipua, the lovely, airy floral boutique (and olive oil soap company) in Red Hook.  I've since become obsessed.  I actually stare at these flowers longingly with emotion.  They remind me of still life paintings (in a good way- the old, french kind) and I want to crawl into them.  Her blog is pretty good too (I mean, she likes Prince). They are gorgeous little bursts of inspiration and airiness.  I'll share some of my favs. 

   

The Best Bra Service

The Q:  I've got a very, very heavy bust and I'm not sure what to do about my foundation garments for my wedding.  I am not wearing a strapless gown specifically for this reason, but I just feel like they seem out of control.  Any tips? 

The A: First, let me say that as a member of the BTC, I completely understand.  If you feel like you aren't "in control" up there, the chances are very, very high that you aren't wearing the right size.  If you are large on top and shop at Victoria's Secret, the chances are you might not be wearing the right size bra (my size, for example, doesn't exist at Vicky's, so they will try and suit me up in a "sister size", but it's not the same).  

For an occasion like your wedding, you might want to splurge a bit on this item and the first step is to get out of a department store and seek out a specialty shop.  Treat the girls right on your wedding day.  You need to be properly measured and mildly traumatized when confirming that you are in the right bra size (hint: they SHOULD touch you, see you half dressed and command you to put shirts on or take them off.)  You might be a DDD or an F (it happened to someone I  know... she was running around in a D and she was really an F.) If a store doesn't carry those sizes, they won't tell you that that's your correct size, so check out a specialty shop.

Here in New York, for big busted bustiers and bras there is always BraSmyths, but there is also a smaller little shop called Ripplu that even offers custom made bras.  In Brooklyn, Mayra and I are obsessed with Arlene who runs E Lingerie on 5th Avenue and St. John's place. The woman is a breast genius!  And she is so complimentary when things fit well!  It's a great pick me uppper on a bad day AND she carries AAA to FFF.  Amazing!

For those of you not in New York, I found this article about lingerie specialty shops that lists a number of great places out of NY as well.  Can you tell I'm passionate about Lingerie???

Bridesmaid Revisited

I love hearing stories about how people started their businesses, but this one might be a favorite. As a bridesmaid for her friend's wedding, Jessica Ciarla didn't want them to wear just anything, so designed bridesmaids dresses for the wedding party. Each one  flattering the individual girl who wore the dress.  Her friend's wedding was then featured in Brides New York and the calls rolled in and, next thing you know, CiarlaBride was born!  The dresses themselves are lovely and they solve the eternal challenge of something uniform that fits each lady.  Not only are these flattering to multiple figures, they express multiple personalities.  Her classic line is featured below, as well as some of the colors and belt options.  She also launched an Alice line, that's a little edgier, and you can check a couple of them out here as well.  

A Bridesmaid Gift to Covet!

Amongst some bridesmaids' gifts that I've received over the years have been a coordinating clutch bag, a champagne glass set that said Bridesmaid and a really weird bolero jacket.  So, when I saw these awesome monogram necklaces from Kacey K Fine Jewelry, I immediately began to wonder where these necklaces were when my girlfriends were planning their weddings.   And, when you place your order directly through Kacey K, and mention bridesmaid's gifts, you will receive 20% off. 
Both styles are available in Gold and Silver.   Gold might be a little pricey for your average bridesmaid's gift ($500), but the silver (with the discount) is pretty lovely!($200) And she will actually WANT to wear it.  There are a ton more styles available.  Visit the site or email [email protected]

Fun, yet Functional?

I know it's awful, but i love to shop off of the registry... as in, totally ignore it. I shouldn't do that, but I love to get fun gifts. It's part of why I love Wishpot, because it lets couples register for fun stuff beyond what the usual department stores have.  SO, i was enamored with Jessica Rust Designs' personalized, high end porcelein pieces, like these Birch Mugs or this family tree or even this personalized China.  And it's priced nicely, And you can add it to your wishpot  (or wait for a rude guest like me to buy you something not on the registry!)

Art for Cocktails

With all my free time, I just couldn't help myself and figured, should I take this time and get out there and try and meet the dude of my dreams?  And then I thought, no, I'm just going to start another blog :-)
Actually, I'm just an insomniac who misses my art history classes.  So, this is my fun little Art History for dummies blog where I wax humorous about topics like how Monet is like Jay-Z and why anyone would like a puppy made out of flowers (beyond the obvious reasons like, a puppy made out of flowers!)  I'll probably update it once a week or so, but please check out Art for Cocktails is you have a minute.   And no worries, The Blogsmaid is still blog priority #1.

Free Dress for Brides from Kathlin Argiro

Big bridal party?  No problem! From now until April 15th, Kathlin Argiro is offering a free rehearsal dinner/ cocktail dress for each bride whose bridal party orders 5 or more dresses!

Choose from over 20 silhouettes, countless fabrics and great accessories like sashes, belts and flowers to design a one-of-a-kind dress that can be simple and sweet or cocktail chic.

Come to their NYC studio for a Brides and Bubbly appointment and meet with Kathlin herself, or order your bridal party and free dress from one of our bridal boutique partners.  Call 212.268.8774 or [email protected] to book an appointment or visit www.kathlinargiro.com.  And for you environmental brides out there, Kathlin Argiro dresses are designed and sewn right in New York!

Your Invited to a New York Fantasy Shower......

Mayra and I called this company Always a Bridesmaid because we were always bridesmaids in weddings trying to create a newer, cooler, bridal shower.  It's a big event for a bride: you have a vision, but so little control!  So, this is our way for your to drop your bridesmaids A BIG HINT and have A LOT OF FUN!  
We're partnering with the Morgan's Hotel to host the swankiest, most inspiring, Fantasy Shower a girl could dream of, and you're invited!  Bring a bridesmaid and sip champagne on the terrace of the Penthouse Suite at the Morgan's.  Get special treats from Agent Provocateur, awesome ideas for gifts and games from Melangerie, and learn how to create gorgeous, simple floral displays from Jessy Wolvek of Fleurs.  If you RSVP before April 13th with the Code BLOGSMAID, your entry is complimentary.  Register here.

 

Bridesmaid Advice

The Q: Hello, I'm in serious trouble.  I've been looking for bridesmaids dresses for months and I can't find anything within budget that fits my "theme" and would look good on my attendants.  I'm wearing a Pronovias gown called "Silencio" which is trumpet shaped beaded lace.  I want something with a bit of a spanish/vintage undertone.  I like netting underneath the dress, like the look of boleros.  I'd like a dress in a very deep pink or scarlet.  Most of my attendants are pear-shaped.  Can you please help?  My wedding is in September and I have 6 bridesmaids in 5 states, so it will take a while to get organized and in order.  Many thanks for ANY ideas.

The A:  Hi!  I understand your dilemma! Finding the right bridesmaids' dress can be super challenging, especially when you sort of have something in mind.  I think I would guide you AGAINST Bolero jackets for the girls, because I think that might, when they are all standing together, look a little bit more like a costume than just an accessory.  Since you have some pair shaped maids, stay away from imitating your trumpet dress style. And, since lace can get busy, what about using a waist accent of lace.
I liked these two dresses, both available in either color that you had in Mind. One is a dress from Dessy that I think captures the glamorous look that you are trying to capture, but is flattering to a pear.  The other is a two tone gown, also available in the colors you wanted. I liked this because the darker bottom creates a comfort zone for  the girl.  This is from Alfred Angelo. I hope that some of this helps!