Anaiss Bridal Wear

image (c) Anaiss Bridal

It's come again readers: the holy dress post. Not words-- just dresses! This time I've delved in to Anaiss and their Bridal section. Gorgeous! And some of their styles are carried at Stella's Bridal in Winnipeg!

OK I lied-- a few more words! What drew me in to Anaiss was their amazing styling and photography! They are dress sample sheets, but they are so awesome! Gives you all the information while still remaining totally beautiful to look at! CONGRATS ANAISS! As always, click the images to get an even better look!

The next two I'm going to post are actually not from the Bridal section, but their 'Occasions' section. HOWEVER-- they are still jaw-droppingly gorgeous and completely Bridal appropriate in my eyes!

<3 Miss Charlie

Perfect at Pronovias

Alison

Shhh don't talk. Just stare. Oogle. Drool. Dive in to the designs of Pronovias.

Agosto

Alcala

Alcira

Festin

Flama

Fress

Alce

Alma

Silaba

Templo

Gorgeous, gorgeous dresses. I know Stella's Bridal in Winnipeg carries Pronovias designs! Can't say for sure what styles they have, but you could always call and ask or stop in and check it out.

Dressgasm

'Claire' by Maggie Sottero

No witty words, no heart warming anecdotes, no advice. I'm just going to lay this before you plain and simple.

Wedding Gowns by Maggie Sottero

Enjoy.

Asha

Bernadette

Bernadette back detail

Geneva

Giselle

Isadora Ann

Milana

OK I lied I'm going to say one thing: the Milana above is my favourite dress of all time

Winona

One Gown Fits All

 

Christina Wu avail. at Stella's Bridal

Following Miss Bee's post about the acceptance of beauty regardless of size, here are some of my favourite gowns available in up to size 28-30. And the best part? They are from Winnipeg retailers!

Alfred Sung at Helene's Bridal

Not every woman is comfortable showing too much arm (I am one of them) and this gown by Alfred Sung fully encompasses everything I love about a wedding dress without having to be strapless! Sweet heart neckline, antique lace and a vintage-feel. Beautiful! This is probably one of my top five favourite dresses of all time! When you're a bigger girl it's not always great to have a ton of fabric wrapped around you, and this dress definitely has a light and airy look to it that I love.

Jai Style at LA Collection

Here we have something more traditional for you classic-wedding lovers. Strapless, A-line, gathered... there is a reason it's the most-used gown formula-- it works! This one is more unique for it was designed specifically for the plus-size bride. The pleating and folds work to help show off the dip in the waist and the brooch draws the eye upwards. I love this dress by Jai Style!

Alfred Sung at Helene's Bridal

This is another Alfred Sung gown that is perfect for the curvy-girls. Forget those spaghetti straps ladies, these thicker bands will hide a good supportive bra that'll bring your 'girls' up and make your waist appear smaller, and hey... maybe give you a little 'wedding-appropriate' cleavage... wink wink.  The empire style waist also helps hide your stomach if you find that's your 'problem' area. (It is for me!)

Christina Wu at Stella's Bridal

Christina Wu dresses are always fantastic. I especially love the detailing on the this one. It's great for a curvy bride who wants to show off her waistline. The band emphasizes the hourglass shape and with a pair of control-top pantyhose (don't judge me now, we've all been there) this would look fabulous.

Mori Lee at LA Collection

This dress by Mori Lee is so gorgeous! (I think partly because I am a sucker for styling and this photo is fresh to death). Again the shape is amazing for plus-size women, drawing the eye to the smallest part of the waist, and then tapering slowly away for comfort. I love the fabric, I love the ruffles--- I love everything about this.

Mori Lee at LA Collection

Another one by Mori Lee. The off-the-shoulder straps are great for covering the not-so-great part of your arms (if you feel the need for that), and the beading at the waist again accentuates the upper body, drawing attention away from the hips/thighs. Here again it's a classic a-line shape, which works on every figure.

I know it's hard to get out there and try dresses on sometimes, but you have to do it! Trying it on is one of the most important steps, and it can totally transform your idea of a wedding dress. From experience I know it can also totally kill your confidence if they don't carry a sample dress in your size (boy do I know that one...) but you have to keep on keepin' on! I did eventually find a dress I could try on in my size (this was for a prom dress by the by) and I still loathe it to this day. I had to order in a few sizes larger (couldn't zip the sample all the way) and it was horrendous. Retailers are smartenin' up however. There are WAY more sample sizes than ever before, and now with designers focusing JUST on the plus-size customer, samples are made up to a size 24 now!

♥Miss Charlie

Have Your Cake and Wear It Too

No. Not THAT kind of cake.

The Exchange is by far my favourite part of Winnipeg. Named for the culminating businesses that used to house the offices of the Grain Exchange, it's the seat of the commerce that built the city. Gorgeous turn-of-the-century Chicago architecture, foreign film theatre Cinemateque, venues for partying (site of the annual-super-awesome Winnipeg Jazz Fest as well as home to my favourite pub, The King's Head!), delightful cafes, shops, bakeries, and just generally a beautiful place to take a stroll (especially in the summer . But I think the Exchange would be perhaps dulled without it's diverse array of shopping. Shoes. Hats. Furniture. Antiques. And, of course, bridesmaid dresses!

Cake Clothing Co.

Back in the days of being a poor English student, I worked a summer at the artist run gallery The Keepsakes Gallery, which is in the basement beneath designer Rebecca McCormack's Cake Clothing, on the corner of McDermot and Arthur (264 McDermot). I won't deny that I would often sneak upstairs on my breaks to ogle and covet their amazing selection. Then I'd open my wallet and the usual moths would escape, and I would be a sad panda. Anyway! Their shop is an extra-trendy little spot and a must-visit when you're trouncing through the Exchange. From chiffon, to jersey, to print, Cake has something you're going to gravitate toward.

BUT. Don't let the image of my poverty stop you! Because not only does Cake offer an epic selection of dresses for all occasions, they are also hella affordable. I think this store is honestly your best bet if you want something chic, elegant, and not too insane on your pocket book, especially with the Way of the Bridesmaid being thus: bride chooses colour, bridesmaid chooses any style dress (which is the best thing to do IMHO, because not ALL styles are going to suit ALL shapes!) 

Also, for all you soon-to-be-prairie-brides-and-bridesmaids, not only have Cake's spring dresses come in, but they're having a 30-70% off sale for all summer stock! And summer's coming early, so definitely take advantage of that. ...Argh. I'll need to send my boyfriend there as my emissary then. That's such a good deal Or start walking from Toronto to Winnipeg I guess. Dammit! 

Want to know more about what your bridesmaid dress choices/colours are saying on your behalf? Check out what Rebecca McCormack has to say, from her article as featured in Winnipeg Wedding Magazine. Also be sure to follow Cake/Rebecca on Twitter and their blog for store news and updates, as well as to take a peek at the recently launched Cake Clothing video blog, Cake TV! Rebecca is also available for private consultation/fittings for you and your wedding party on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday evenings. Plus sizes and custom colours can be ordered. Wine and cheese is also available for your personal fitting! Contact Rebecca at rebecca@cakeclothing.com for info and booking.

♥Miss Bee

Cake Clothing
264 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0S8
Canada
204-415-0712

Hours of Operation
Monday - Wednesday 11:00-6:00
Thursday 11:00-7:00
Friday - Saturday 11:00-6:00
Sundays - By appointment only.

*All photos are images of products sold at Cake Clothing Co.

Runway the Real Way

McQueen, Chanel, Valentino, Balmain, Versace...

You are one of the lucky ones if you can afford to have a gown designed by one of the greats for your wedding. Though if you're like me (or most anyone I know of) then the dreams of a designer wedding gown are more than far fetched. They're pluto dreams (aka they don't exist!). However, there is a simple solution to this: inspiration!

 

Valentino Spring 2011 Couture via Style.com

 Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 RTW via Style.com

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 RTW via Style.com

Valentino Spring 2011 couture via Style.com

 Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2011 RTW via Style.com

Following the trends of runway couture and ready-to-wear collections is a great way to find ideas for a dress. I took the feel of the romantic sheers, ruffles, and easy elegance of the Spring 2011 collections, and found comparable dresses (at more affordable prices) that are just as beautiful and fantasy-inspired as their designer counter parts.

 Dress by Demetrios Blue 

Dress by Demetrios Blue

Dress by Jenny Packham

Dress by Jenny Packham

Dress by Elegance Bridal

Demetrios Blue label is available at Stella's Bridal and Elegance Bridal is carried at L.A. Collection, both stores on Portage avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Trends for spring 2011 varied, but the theme was evident across the board: romantic, and simple. Delicate lace, nudes, blushes, and tulle were overwhelmingly the main pieces in most bridal collections. 

♥ Miss Charlie