Racy? No Lacey!

            For those of you living underneath a fairly large rock allow me to give you the 411…Kate Middleton now Princess Catherine charmed the world wearing a stunning wedding gown adorned with intricate lace while tying the knot with her Prince Charming.  Now let me just say that I adored every single inch of her attire and felt that she was the epitome of a modern princess! As you can guess, lace and lace sleeves will truly be covering the runways and new bridal fashions. If looking like royalty isn’t the goal for your wedding…never fear…lace can be manipulated to ‘fit’ countless styles!

            Let’s take a look…

Via Monique Lhuillier

            This more covered lace look by Monique Lhuillier is not for the “style conservative” bride! With a high-neck lace cape, a sleek silhouette, and bold lace…this is an incredibly fashion forward gown.

Via Monique Lhuillier

            Looking for something that isn’t completely covered in lace and possibly a bit more seductive…well here is your gown! A Monique Lhuillier stunner from the Fall 2011 collection is a much more modern choice.

Via Ulla-Malja

            Are you a bride who rejects the traditional silhouette and who wants a gown that will make your guest stand in awe?! Well ladies, here it is…a dress from Ulla-Malja. This wonderful garment features unique lace and a totally unique neckline…perfect for your non-traditional day!

Via CNN

            Last but certainly not least…Princess Catherine in her “Grace Kelly like” wedding gown. Doesn’t she just look so stunning and ecstatic?! 

P.S.- Forgive me for jumping on the Royal Wedding band wagon...I just couldn't resist...I am sure you know what that feels like! Until next time! J

April Showers...

            Hooray!  Today is finally a sunny, warm, spring day…I am so thankful that the skies are clear and happy! J Lately we have been totally bombarded by April showers and I am certainly hoping that all the rain will positively affect the May flowers.

            One of the most whimsical ways to infuse some style into your wedding is by whole-heartedly embracing the season that your ‘big day’ falls in.  Now I am not talking about candy jars with faux-hands sticking out of them for the fall (unless you are aiming for a frightening Halloween bash) but gathering inspiration from the gorgeous golden tones streaming through the autumn trees…looking at the early blooms of the spring to decide your color palette!

I absolutely adore the months of May and June because there are such wonderful changes occurring outside…bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming!  Beside the yellow tones of pollen swirling in the air, there are such incredibly lush colors surrounding you…like bright magentas, mixtures of greens, and the pure blue of the sky.  Take some of your favorite shades from outdoors and blend them into your celebration. 

Want to pull more from your chosen season…how about selecting a wonderful bloom such as the cherry blossom and creating a vivid floral inspired reception?!  Be certain to look below at what we have come up with!  What are some of your ideas for spring weddings…please feel free to share with us! Oh and get outside to enjoy the scenery while there is a break in the rain! J

Let Them Eat...Fruitcake?!

            Royal napkins, royal mugs, royal faux engagement rings, royal life-size cardboard cutouts…oh my!  The frenzy surrounding the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate (Katherine) Middleton has descended upon us.  Speculation regarding hairstyle, make-up, the potential wedding gown, members of the bridal party, the guest list, and even reception food has seemingly popped up in every possible media outlet.  Perhaps the most odd bit of reported information is that the wedding cake chosen for the celebration will be a traditional FRUITCAKE!  A dessert that could be used as a doorstop, a gift that receives annoyed sighs, something that could nearly be considered a family heirloom!

            In an attempt to save the royal reception from being overshadowed by a terrifying cake selection, we here at Cocroft & Delbridge have decided to give our opinion on great colors for the day. 

o   Grass Green – A lovely light yet bright shade that will bring a smile to each guest’s anticipating face!  It can also aid in representing Ireland, one of the United Kingdom’s stunning territories.

o   Sky Blue – In a cool contrast to grass green, this shade will bring a calming tone to the reception décor and would look great with Kate Middleton’s complexion.

o   Daffodil Yellow – This sunny hue will go a long way in illuminating what will likely be a cavernous ballroom!

o   Diamond White – A pure tone that will certainly highlight the décor in a chic yet classic manner. 

Attempting to Color by Number

             All over the world, children simply adore color by number worksheets…who would have ever thought that this simple little activity would have a direct influence on major runways?!  Designers are now getting in on the fun and mixing bold, striking blocks of color into their collections.

            Here at Cocroft & Delbridge we love combining neutral tones with bright shades to make a unique personal statement.  Not wanting to be ‘behind the curve’ of fashion, we have been experimenting with mingling rich jewel tones and other sunny hues!  What are some color combinations that you would want to see from us?  Are you thinking of any funky pairs for your wedding colors?!  Here is a short list of mixes we thought of…let us know what you think!

o   Sapphire + Raspberry + Pewter Grey

o   Lime Green + Aqua + Tan

o   Royal Purple + Yellow + Diamond White  

o   Tangerine + Coral + Onyx

P.S. – Here are some runway looks that we are loving right now! Who are you using as your muse?!