BARBIE GOES BRIDAL

Yes, designers love Barbie and have been dressing her for a wedding or two every decade. Here she is in her premiere gowns reminiscent of the Beach Blanket Era from which she emerged . . .

Even Vera Wang loves Barbie. Here's the latest she's done--a 2008 mermaid with tiers of lace and organza ruffles.

Reem Acra Barbie

You can read the whole Barbie Gets Married story and see more images at Brides.com

BEYOND WHITE

Would you get married in black? Once upon a time most women did. In the 1800's brides wore everyday colors, mostly darker, somber ones. Today when we think black though, brides rarely come to mind. It's usually a shade reserved by society for widows and vamps. But times are a' changin' ladies. We're in the midst of an era where we're looking beyond the white philosophy that's defined wedding fashion for two centuries. No longer restricted to white on white, red, blue and even black dresses are gracing the bridal arena. Not only designers are loving this lift on restriction but photographers are looking at it with an inspired eye as well. Read More . . .

WESTERN WEDDING CHIC

Vera Wang

Nope, you don't have to live in Montana to have a Big Sky celebration the likes of any of these images. Any country setting will do. When I lived in upstate New York, bluegrass was a big attraction and here in California there are plenty of ranch lands to kick up your heels and wing ding it country style.

Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija

These photos are from an editorial on Brides.com called Western Union. Amazing how pritnear any dress when properly accessorized can look cowgirl chic, even Vera Wang. If you're curious to see the ultimate in western wedding wear check out a designer named Martin McCrea. Yee haaaaa!

Claire Pettibone
Below left: Edgardo Bonilla

Right: Junko Yoshioka

LONDON FASHION WEEK: ASHLEY ISHAM

A few images from London Fashion Week. Designer Ashley Isham offers some interesting fabric applications . . .

Especially what he did to this bodice by lacing chiffon asymmetrically across ther front.

All images courtesy of Coutorture

THE EMPIRE WAIST

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Defined, the empire waist was dubbed by and after Napoleon marking a reign in history when women wore high waistlines, evocative of those classical Grecian gowns. Incidentally, the great conqueror found Grecian anything incredibly beautiful and sexy.

Claire Pettibone

An empire waist can be joined to either a loose or more fitted skirt. Empires are extremely flattering on certain figure types and can camouflage a myriad of figure woes. If you're flirting with the idea of getting into a gown with a high waist here are some things to consider.

Paloma Blanca
If your petite and slender an empire will keep that long, vertical line going considering you go floor-length with it. To make the most of this long, lean look, go for slinky fabrics like crepe and silk satin. Tall and slender brides who are small to medium busted will look especially great in the body-hugging empires that show off that long, thin figure.

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Are you full-figured with large hips? As long as you're not too busty, an empire paired with a full flared A-line or gathered skirt looks stunning on you. If you're short-waisted empires make your waist look longer. This style hides as well as elongates the natural waist and focuses on the bust and neck area. An empire can have slim or full skirts, take your pick.

J. Crew

Finally, if you just happen to love the Regency style costumes found in movies like War and Peace and Emma consider the empire waist is all yours for no reason other than you love it. . . .

STREET CHIC BRIDE

fashion freax

Outside-the-box brides will love this stuff. The above looks hail from South Korea, below from London.

graeme black

graeme black

THINKING IN BLUE

something blue - by EllaBoBella on Polyvore.com

Something old,

Something new,

Something borrowed,

Something blue . . .

Old English rhyme and custom