My bestie is getting married this June to the man she dreamed about when we played M*A*S*H together. We have been best friends since second grade and lived on the same little street for sixteen years. So many of our days after school and weekends were spent meeting each other at the stop sign right between our houses, trying to mix our own Black Bear Soda in the dead of summer, create lotion out of what I would call weeds today, ride our bikes to the golf course for pizza, and just do what best friends do. It came to no surprise when I received the phone call last February that she was engaged, this would be a memorable and bittersweet time for all of us. From wedding dress shopping to bachelorette party planning, I want everything to be perfect for her. My idea of a perfect bridal shower is a little inspiration board I put together below. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

This passed weekend served as New York Fashion Bridal Week featuring Spring and Fall 2011 Collections. I have to remember that for next year, because I would love to go. Bridal gowns just fascinate me. Probably for the main reason it’s one of the most important garments a woman will wear in her lifetime, especially if you consider yourself a fashionista. And if I ever took upon designing my own line, it would definitely be in bridal wear.

Sometimes, I just have to laugh at myself. Normally, you would think if I’m having dreams about my wedding day, it would consist of questions such as, “Am I making the right decision?” “Am I marrying the right person?” Oh no, my dreams consist of my wardrobe. For example: I hate my veil, I don’t have the right flowers, my dress is hideous, my hair isn’t done. I guess those are true worries of a fashion major!

Anyways, for those designers that produce both ready to wear lines and bridal lines for fashion week, I have to give immense credit to. New York Fashion Week was just in September, and right around the corner in October, hits Bridal Fashion Week. I can’t even imagine worrying about two totally different lines in such a short period of time. Monique Lhuillier, whose show I was fortunate enough to see in September, also showed her bridal line this week.

“Romance and extravagance are back,” Lhuillier said in her program notes, no small statement during a time when the number of marriages in the U.S. is seeing a steady decline. Lhuillier has been most famous for her use of flowers which were dominate in her ready to wear and bridal collections this year. She intersects the layers and depth of flowers into her designs to transform them into fanciful fantasies. Her work is exquisite.

One aspect that definitely prevailed in terms of trends for bridal is the ball gown silhouette. The timeless silhouette was modified by many designers, incorporating a tight bodice, but less of a full skirt. It resembles more of an A-line look. See below.

If I could see one bridal designer’s fashion show, it would be St. Pucchi’s without a doubt. Her designs are extreme, over the top, extravagant gowns that are fit for a queen.  I’ve idolized her designs ever since I came across my first St. Pucchi gown. I hope to be fortunate enough to have one of her designs as my own when it’s my turn to walk down the aisle. There are a few things that should never be skimped out on in a wedding, and number one is the dress, in my opinion of course. Check out St. Pucchi’s Fall 2010 Collection!

PS: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness this month, please pick up a Dannon product at the grocery store, such as Activia, DanActive, Light and Fit, etc. Under each lid is a code that should be entered at www.cupsofhope.com. For each code that is entered, Dannon will donate $.10 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Not only are you eating healthy, but you’re also helping out a great cause. Make it your good deed for the day.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

The day that so many girls dream about came true for a few celebrities this past weekend.  Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, TI and Tiny Among, Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky are among those that said “I do.”  Of course the best part on the big day is all about who you’re standing next to, but the second best is all about the dress.

Chelsea Clinton’s dress was a phenomenal, one of a kind design, by Vera Wang herself. And wow did it make a statement. So much of one in fact that it overshadowed Alicia Keys’ and Tiny Among’s entire wedding. All of the press is about Chelsea Clinton. Only footnotes recognize the weddings of the other two celebs.

And of course after seeing Chelsea’s fabulous dress, I thought why not put up my dream dress. So some may think I’m a bit loony for already knowing the type of dress I want and by which designer, but I’m a fashion guru. It’s what I’m about;it’s what I love. So, why wouldn’t I know what I would be wearing on the day that I’ve thought about since my mom bought my first BRIDES Magazine at age nine?

I just can’t get myself to post my ultimate dream dress. I’ve had it picked out for years and I won’t let myself believe there isn’t a chance that I could wear it one day. But this gown, in my top five is by couture wedding dress designer, St. Pucchi. The gowns are brilliant, over the top (along with the price tag, but a girl can dream),  and totally my style.

Dream big. It’s what makes life worth working for.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

Carrie Underwood is an artist that has been one of my favorites since her time on American Idol.  If I am going to see country music, she is the first on my list. When I heard that Carrie was engaged back in December, my first reaction was, “She’s dating someone?” That someone was hockey phenomenon, Mike Fischer. The couple’s engagement lasted for a little over 6 months and they wed this past Saturday in Georgia at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation.

Carrie graces the cover of the new People Magazine Issue in her beautiful Monique Lhuillier chantilly lace and silk organza gown. The designer also created a strapless cocktail dress for Carrie to change into after the ceremony.

Do you see that beautiful tiara graciously resting on her head? It was a gift from the hubby on their wedding day. A whopping 40 carats of diamonds were beautifully strewn through the entire tiara. No big deal or anything. Did I mention they rented out the entire hotel for their guests to stay as well? Yes, all 250 of them. Cha ching.

Carrie was quoted in People saying, “There was pink lighting and pink things having from the ceiling, flower ball and ribbon and sparkles.” But hubby, Mike Fischer, did add his own little touch to the feminine mix. The table assignments were placed on painted hockey pucks. Love it.

Country music is something that I grew up with, it’s in my blood. It’s one of the main connections I have with my dad since I was a little girl. It brings me back to my childhood and I will forever love and cherish it.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB