Gown Lust: White by Vera Wang

When I was younger, still a long way from marriageable age, everytime I hear of a bride gushing about her dream gown, it will always be a Vera Wang. At that time I couldn't understand what the fuss is about. Why dd every girl want a Vera Wang?? Seems like a sheep mentality and a name drop for those who don't really know designers.

It was only recently in the last year or so when I started my own research for my wedding gown that I was enlightened. I totally fell in love with her creations. Vera Wang really really knows what every little girl dream of. Her gowns seem to be crafted out of wispy clouds and makes every bride look like a floating angel. What I admire most is her finesse with ruffles and layers. Her styles incorporates tons of tissue like layers and yet they never add bulk. Instead the effect is one that gives texture and softness to anyone who wears them. No one does it better than her.

She uses materials and layers to celebrate a woman's shape and femininity instead of relying on embellishments and bling. Thus even the most sosphisicated and no fuss women will find it a pleasure to wear her gowns.

Fiona by Vera Wang, Spring 2011

Her recent Spring 2011 is stunning as usual and here's my favourite.

Freida by Vera Wang, Spring 2011

Sadly, normally a Vera Wang gown will remain just a dream for many of us as they cost up to $10, 000 or more. But Vera Wang, being the fairy godmother who knows little girls' secret dreams, recently launched a more mass market and most importantly more affordable line called "White by Vera Wang" exclusively for David's Bridal. This range only costs from USD$600 to USD$1400!! Totally affordable!

Now before you think that a cheaper range means simpler, less lovely designs, be assured that they are just as gorgeous!!

Style VW351010, White by Vera Wang

Style 351029, White by Vera Wang

Equally dreamy and at a fraction of the cost!!

Style 351011, White by Vera Wang

This is my favourite and it also happens to be one of the colours of my wedding palate! This would have been perfect as my morning dress.

Style 351007, White by Vera Wang

This is a close second, wouldn't mind this as my 1st march in dress too! ;)

Oh if only they have it here in Singapore, I'll die just to be able to try it on.

By the way, all images above are taken from The Knot Wedding Dress Look Book iPhone app which could be downloaded here.

I can't wait for my first gown fitting at The Aisle this Saturday! Think I'l start with selecting my morning gown first.

My criteria is simple:

Tulle, no train, no bling and probably blush pink.

Bella by Christos 

Bridesmaid Invite Reveal!!

I am most excited to reveal the photos for my bridesmaids' invites! Actually I gave them out in Dec but only got round to posting the photos now ;p

Most brides in Singapore or perhaps even Asia have a brood of 'sisters' or 'Jie Mei-s (姐妹）to help out with the nitty-gritties of the actual day. Similarly the groom will also have a bunch of 'brothers' or 'Xiong Di-s' (兄弟）as support.

They are normally siblings or best friends and can go from 3 to even a dozen of them. They form an integral part of the celebrations and are a great help to any bride and groom, helping them from dressing up to handling guests at the reception.

Usually the bride and groom will ask their friends and siblings to be their 'sisters' and 'brothers' either by just asking, through SMSes or emails or even by just involving them in the wedding discussions.

My 'sisters' comprise of my very own sister, cousin and best galfriends from various stages of my life. They are my dearest gals and it means a lot to me to have them by my side on my biggest day, thus I thought I couldn't ask them any old way. Plus it's a good chance for me to try out some of the many DIY projects I've found on the wedding blogs I've been following!

Ready?
Here we go!

I made them using the fabric envelope how-to and recipe card template at Wedding Chicks.

For the recipe cards, I used Halo Handletter font and edited the template using Photoscape. If only I had started using Photoshop earlier, then my bridesmaid invites would have followed the same theme as the wedding invites I'm now designing.

For the labels, I printed their names using Carbon Type font and cut them out. I punched out the sakura shape using a paper punch. I used ordinary pink envelopes bought from Popular and the fabric is my favourite candy stripe from Spotlight. I bought the bubblegum bakers twine from Made with Love at Plaza Singapura.

There you go! My recipe for a perfect wedding day, having my 8 lovely, gorgeous, adorable sisters by my side!

They were loads of fun to do and I loved the reactions I got out of giving them. They ranged from the usual "Oh so sweet and pretty" to an incredulous "Are you serious??" (which I wasn't sure whether it was because I did an actual invite or that I'm asking her as my bridesmaid haha) to my favourite "OMG YES! YES! YES!" One would think I had just proposed to her if they didn't know better LOL.

If you are also interested to do your own invites, there's a plethora of free editable templates by kind-hearted very talented people online. Places like Wedding Chicks, Martha Stewart Weddings and Project Wedding Blog are good places to start.

Pinterest love : Pink!

Source: stipje.blogspot.com via Tracey on Pinterest

Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: eatdrinkchic.com via Meikel on Pinterest

Valentine's Day Inspiration!!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Panicking yet? Well don't fret, you could either be like me and have a mutual agreement with you better half not to stress over V-day or take inspiration from the lovely images I found on Pinterest!
You could also click on the link to go to the source to find out more or perhaps learn how to create them!

Source: twigandthistle.com via Tori on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: eatdrinkchic.com via Lucie on Pinterest

Source: partyperfectblog.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: thesweetlovemachine.tumblr.com via Steph on Pinterest

Source: 3beekmanplaceapartment.blogspot.com via Melody on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

First post from my new MacBook!

Hi all!! My first blog post from my brand new MacBook!!
I finally have a proper laptop to work on and when I get Photoshop installed in here, hopefully I'll be able to blog more often and with better pictures!

I know I have been neglecting this blog but blogging from my slower-than-a-tortise netbook has been a major pain and just totally puts me off updating this blog. I already have an unfinished post regarding my bridesmaid invites that's waiting to be rolled out and I have my first gown selection coming up this Saturday so hopefully this blog will come alive again!

For those who have been reading (actually I don't know if I have an audience out there ha ha), please hang in there a little longer and stay with me. I'll try my best to document my wedding preparations and share more lovely inspirations and tips.

Sometimes life needs more than a good cup of tea...

My Christmas handmade gifts

For my colleagues

2011 calendars that I designed using brushes I downloaded from here

For my dearest girlfriends

Personalised 2011 organisers and pouches in boxes I decorated with washi tape

I'm a little knackered out from the festive chaos so if I ever have the energy I'll share how I made these.

Meanwhile it's 2011 so wedding preparations are gonna take a big step forward! It's gonna be very exciting so I hope I have lots more posts to share with you all.

Enjoy the first weekend of 2011 and Happy New Year to all!