Engagement Ring Trends 2011

Just as there are trends for wedding gowns, there are also trends for bridal jewelry and engagement rings. Here are some engagement ring styles that will be popular in 2011.

The old is decidedly new for 2011. Vintage-inspired engagement rings are instantly recognizable by their square Asher cut and Old European round center cut. The defining details include tiny microset diamonds, raised beaded edges, filigree, and scroll-like engraving. Better yet, get her an actual vintage ring!

Thanks to celebrity engagement rings, pink and yellow diamonds have become trendy, as well as natural sapphires in various colors. These colored gems are either the center gemstone or used as an accent.

Wedding Rings: Choosing the Perfect Wedding Bands

Finding the perfect wedding bands may not be as difficult as choosing the right engagement ring, but it still presents a bit of a challenge as the wedding band is usually supposed to match the engagement ring. Whether you want a classic, plain band or one that is studded with stones depends on your own taste in jewelry.

Picking out a wedding band for the groom is a lot easier because he doesn’t have an engagement ring that you need to match it with. What’s important is that you consider the thickness of the band; if it’s too thin, chances are the wedding band will break, especially if your husband-to-be lives an active lifestyle. Consider getting a titanium band as its durability makes this the most popular metal for men’s wedding rings today.

Ethical Wedding Jewelry

Several months ago, I talked about the importance of buying ethical wedding jewelry, especially diamonds. Not only does the average manufacturer fail to consider their business’s impact on the environment; if you buy from the wrong sources, you may end up indirectly supporting conflict in war-torn African nations. When you buy jewelry – even if you’re not getting married – it’s important that you ask the manufacturer where the jewelry is coming from, how the gems are extracted from the earth, and what the business does to preserve the environment from which the gems are from.

A few days ago, I discovered a Philippine pearl farm and jewelry company who produces the most gorgeous South Sea Pearls I have ever laid my eyes on. Jewelmer has been farming their own rare Palawan South Sea Pearls since 1979 and is one of the world’s most prominent suppliers of this precious gem. Their pearls have an excellent lustre that last a lifetime, and they are regularly purchased by European jewelers and affixed to exquisite necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Jewelmer also has their own jewelry boutiques in high-end malls and five-star hotels in the Philippines so that we too can enjoy the beauty of these gorgeous pearls.

Hello Kitty Wedding Rings

It may be overkill to have Hello Kitty wedding jewelry to go with your Hello Kitty wedding dress. But for fans of the Japanese cartoon kitty who plan on wearing more traditional bridal gowns, these platinum bands are a discreet way of celebrating your fandom during your big day.

The guys at Sanrio were pretty clever about designing these rings. The groom’s ring looks like an ordinary wedding band, but there’s an engraving of Hello Kitty on the inner ring.

Bridal Bags from Bolsito

All eyes (and lenses) are going to be on you during your big day, and surprise beauty mishaps can happen even if you have your pre-wedding skin and hair routine all planned. The last thing you want is for your makeup to fade before dinner or for your lipstick to smear right as soon as the photographer’s lens is pointed at you. It helps to bring a compact, mirror, lipstick, comb, and a small eyeshadow palette with you so you can retouch your makeup in between photographs. Of course, these must-have items should be kept in a chic bridal handbag so you don’t spend the whole reception keeping your makeup tucked under your wedding dress.

Unlike a normal handbag or evening bag, a bridal bag has to be unobtrusive; it should be pretty but it should not take attention away from your dress – unless it is simple, unadorned, and calls for loud accessories to complete the look. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect bridal bag, check out the gorgeous items from Bolcito Bags. These fashion-forward purses will not only keep your makeup in one place; they come in versatile, timeless designs so you can use them again and again. Look under the cut for my favorite pieces from Bolcito’s debut collection!

Bridal Shoes at Rosa Clara

Spanish bridal house Rosa Clara has always been known for creating distinctively romantic wedding gowns (as well as a line with Karl Lagerfeld), but I didn’t know they also made bridal shoes until I saw the photos on their website. Their shoe collection is nothing short of spectacular – there’s a stunning mix of modern and daring designs with high heels, to more classic styles with discreet platforms hidden in satin or leather. As usual, I’ve posted all my favorite designs below.

If I ever get married, I’d definitely wear espadrille wedges. They add a good two or three inches to my height without killing my feet entirely, not to mention that the soft material will make them easy to wear all day long. I’ll definitely keep my eye out for a pair like this, with white hemp instead of the usual beige.

Simple Wedding Dresses

Feminine, beautiful, and timeless are three words that best describe the simple wedding dresses from Alyne Bridal. This Canada-based bridal house offers stunning designer wedding dresses that feature clean lines and polished details. Ideal for women who want couture wedding dresses without overstepping their budget, the gowns from Alyne bridal channel an elegant and timeless image that remain classically beautiful for years to come.

MIDSUMMER BRIDE COLLECTION

Tulle and lace were the inspirations for Midsummer Bride, this year's capsule collection from my Dioresque line.  From the purest whites to tea-dyed tulles, these full silhouettes have layers and yards of skirt. The bodices are adorned in lace motifs, some shirred and pleated in tulle. All the dresses you see here are available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bride and my Etsy store and can be customized.

Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trends

Spring is that perfect season we all wait for impatiently. As for spring/summer 2011 fashion season, it seems this will come with a whole new feeling of optimism, colors, romantism, and flirty, cheerful fashion trends. At least, this is the most appropriate conclusion one can draw when seeing the first spring 2011 fashion shows presented on the big catwalks. For every fashion addict, here are some of next season's main trends.