BRIDAL LINE: IVY & ASTER

Let's face it. Almost every girl has dreamed about her future wedding, I know I have. I'm a bit ashamed to say I've devoted hours to planning out my special day, including the location, color scheme, centerpieces, and bouquet. But the true star of the event, the dress, has always been kind of fuzzy in my mind. That is until now. I've always known I wanted something simple, but extremely elegant, with a trumpet or bell silhouette, and a short train. No floral appliques or bows, no gaudy rhinestones, no ruching, and definitely no strapless dresses (don't get me wrong, I love strapless dresses, but they're just not for me).

I came across Ivy & Aster, a recently launched bridal line that creates gorgeous, ethereal wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Created by two best friends (Ivy and Aster) from Atlanta, their dresses are now selling in bridal boutiques across the country. I've happily decided that my future wedding dress will be the one on the left (below) or one very similar to it. Now all I need is a groom!

Here are some more pictures from their dreamy collection.

Image Source: SweetLittlePhotographs, Ivy&Aster

HIPSTER WEDDING

Imagine an intimate affair with under 100 guests, handmade flower garlands draped through the tress of a magical outdoor wedding, the bride wearing a wedding gown with an unfinished hem , and large taffetta bows complete with a bohemian headband...and oh did I mention all of this was purchased from Urban Outfitters!!!

The ever so popular mass produced, "hipster" brand Urban Outfitters, Inc. is set to launch a bridal collection, Bhldna on Valentine's Day (a little ironic don't you think). The collection will be available online and later expand into stores in 2012.

The wedding and bridal industry is transforming into a more mainstream and accessible fashion outlet, and with Urban Outfitters participation I think the industry will gain even more success. With more and more young couples getting married in non-traditional ways, UO believes that they are "filling in space that no one's filling in. We're offering a take that's not out there" to brides that are looking for something unique and stylish for the big day.

The dresses will be created by Anthropologie's design team and other guest designers, which means you are bound to see a lot of detail work and eclectic versions of traditional gowns. The collection will have a lot of shorter dresses, lots of color and prints and no optic white dresses. Wedding gowns will be priced from $1,000 to $4,000 -- and special occasion frocks from $200 to $600.




Of course, Urban Outfitters is looking for even more ways to expand, as they plan on offering bridesmaids' dresses, jewelry, shoes, accessories and invitations, as well as wedding planning services.

image source: Women's Wear Daily