One of the parts of wedding plan I’ve been enjoying the most is planning out the little details. Like, what color my nails will be on my big day. Obviously, I have all the time in the world (my wedding isn’t until January 2013!) to think about this but let’s have some, shall we?

Add a pop of color with a bright neon nail. Even if it’s not in your color scheme, this subtle detail will definitely add some character to your look!

Add some sparkle (if you haven’t already!) with a glitter-filled ombre nail look. Here is a great how-to which can help you achieve this look at home!

Keep it classy with a red nail. You really can’t go wrong.

If you rather opt for something subtle and simple, then a natural color is definitely the way to go.

Feeling creative? Get some nail art done or do it yourself by adding simple dots to a pink nail. You’ll be sure to impress everyone around!

I’m pretty sure I’ve already told you all how much I looove Elie Saab. His dresses transport to me a magical place filled with textual butterflies, floral appliqués, and streams made of glitter. Sounds amazing, no? Going beyond his ready-to-wear collection, Saab’s Haute Couture collections really define what it means for a collection to be considered haute couture. Don’t really understand what haute couture is all about? Time for a lesson in haute couture from the school of all things Lovely!

In France, the term haute couture is actually protected by the law. A fashion house can only use the label “haute couture” after they have been granted the ability to do so by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris. Fancy! Established in 1945 and updated in 1992, the criteria for a fashion house to call itself a “couture house” and use the term haute couture in any form are as follows:

• Design made-to-order clothing for the house’s private clients. One or more fittings necessary.
• Have an atelier in Paris that employs at least 15 people full time.
• Each season (two times a year), the house must present a collection to the Parisian press containing at least 35 looks that are comprised of both day and evening wear.

You might recognize some names like Chanel, Christian Dior, Givenchy Alaïa (“…this is an Alaïa! An a-what-a? It’s like a totally important designer.” Major points to the first person who gets this reference!), Elie Saab, Valentino, and Versace who are all officially couture houses.

See. Learning is fun! Okay, now let us immerse ourselves in all that is Elie Saab Haute Couture SS 2012.

That deep v-neck has me wishing it was totally appropriate to walk down the aisle baring half my chest to all of those attending my wedding. But it’s not. So instead, I’ll opt for the high-neck option which is still beyond.

Nude. I’m loving nude. I’m even considering going against tradition and wearing a nude color dress for my wedding. Any of these will do thank you very much.

This light blue reminds me of cotton candy. I’m not a huge fan of cotton candy (it’s so sticky!) but I am a huge fan of cotton candy blue when it’s in the form of an Elie Saab gown. Also, if The Little Mermaid eventually got married, I imagine she would wear that last dress.

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a taping of The Martha Stewart Show, which was featuring Winter Weddings. Between Martha and her wedding wing-woman Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings, I picked up tips on everything from choosing your gown to registering for gifts!

Finding The Dress:

One of my favorite tips from gown expert Randy Fanoli was to find a dress that represents your story as a couple. A great example of this was real bride Crystal, who had originally wanted to be married in Tuscany, but since many of the guests would not be able to travel, ended up having the wedding in the states. She chose this beaded gown for its Tuscan feel so that they could incorporate that element into the big day!

Wedding Day Beauty:

For Her: Estee Lauder’s Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. This new intensive serum for all skin types helps reduce dark spots, blotchiness, redness, and traces of acne. Anit-oxidants will also help prevent a breakout when your stressing out about the big day! I’ve been using it all week, and I love the light-weight formula!

For Him: LAB Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion. The bride isn’t the only one who should be glowing on the wedding day! Your hubby will love this fragrance free moisturizer to rejuvinate , smooth, and hydrate.

Wedding Registry Ideas: 

Martha and Darcy recommend you find a “Sip and Scan” event near you, to help make registering for gifts a treat for you as a couple! Browse at your leisure while sipping champagne? Why didn’t I think of that?

Martha’s new collection of dinnerware comes in many different patterns and colors, but my favorite was the Water Blossoms pattern. This china will serve all your entertaining needs as a new couple!

A new Tag Luggage Set isn’t a bad idea either! Try a fun print or bright color so your bags are easier to spot coming into baggage claim!

The Big Day:

Instead of having your guests throw rice, hand out these adorable confetti canister’s by Wendy Addison for a post ceremony celebration! (from Tinsel Trading Co., 212-730-1030).

Porcelain java cups make great favors! Send your guests away with a piece they will use and appreciate everyday! (The environment will thank you too!)

A Recipe For You:

Having a specialty cocktail is fun and personal, and also won’t have the wallet- slimming effect of the open bar! Try this recipe for The Sweet Pear!

It’s also a cute idea to print the recipe on napkins so that your guests can take a little piece of the wedding home with them.

 Thank you to all of the wonderful people over at Martha Stewart, and for more tips from the Queen Bee, check out the Winter issue of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine!

We are floored by these images shot by Claire Rosen! Claire set out to create a clean and elegant setting, with textures that mimic the dresses. Through in some cinematic drama and sophistication, and you have the perfect inspiration for a black tie wedding! With sultry makeup by Kim Harrison of Makeup Pages and dresses by Ivy & Aster, we know our ladies are going to get inspired by these looks for their big day!

Here is a little more info on Claire, one of our new fav photogs by far!

Claire Rosen is a photographer and video artist blending a fine art sensibility with commercial work to create whimsical imagery inspired by fairy tales, fables, and other children’s stories. Her fashion, fine art and advertising work touch on the bizarre and unusual with the themes of vintage circus, burlesque, magic, curiosities and natural science interwoven throughout the images. Rosen is drawn both to beauty and darkness as it exists in life, and her images explore this duality.

Claire’s work has been recognized by Communication Arts Photography Annual, The International Photography Awards, Prix de la Photographie, The Sony World Awards, Artists Wanted: Exposure, The Art Project: W Magazine as well as most recently being included in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2012 for Art & Design. She has been featured in Communication Arts Insights and Fresh Profile, Creative Quarterly Journal, Direct Art, FotoTv, The Montclair Times and Photocine News.

Claire’s fine art work is represented by Asymmetrick Arts, Gallery 51, Ken Fulk Inc and Verve Gallery; She has been exhibited widely and her work is included in many public and private collections.

I know it’s really hard to find a vintage wedding dress. Mainly because, I really really enjoy searching eBay and Etsy for vintage anything and I know what a daunting task it can be. However, every time I come across an awesome vintage wedding dress, I save the link in hopes of one day might needing it (wink, wink!) Given that it’s the Holiday season and the time for sharing, I thought I’d share some of my awesome vintage Etsy finds with you because like I said, it can be extremely hard to find the dress–especially if said dress is vintage.

(Top Left & Clockwise: Vintage Irish Crochet Lace Dress, 1960′s Wedding Dress, Vintage Wedding Dress, Vintage Crochet Dress, Vintage 1960′s Lace Dolly Dress, 1970′s Buttermilk Lace Dress,

Here are some tips for finding your own vintage wedding dress online:

1. Search by era, decade, or century. The more specific you are, the better your chances of finding just the dress you’re looking for. If you’re not familiar with styles, fabrics, or silhouettes that were popular during a certain era, refer to your favorite period pieces, books, or even old issues of Vogue. Looking for a certain designer? Search it!

2. Communicate with your seller. Remember, sellers want you to buy their dresses just as much as you want to buy their dress. This usually means sellers are more than willing to communicate with you about their product. Don’t be shy about asking even the most specific of details. Ask for more pictures and exact measurements (if not already given.) If you’re lucky to be close enough to your seller, even consider asking to see and try on the dress in person. After all, this is one of the most important dress purchases you’ll make in your lifetime.

3. Find yourself a good seamstress. Remember, this is vintage. So that means the dress was more than likely made to perfectly fit another woman so chances are you’ll need to make some alterations. You can even find a seamstress that specializes in vintage apparel.

4. Don’t be shy to take your search beyond the internet. There are so many vintage shops around that I just know that for every woman in the world, there is the perfect vintage wedding dress waiting for her. Traveling to Europe for the summer? Make sure to check out their vintage shops as well. All European countries have been around for decades so you know what that means–a larger selection of vintage dresses! Oh yes, and don’t forget thrift stores and second hand stores!

4. Don’t give up! Keep searching. You won’t find what you’re looking for right away, trust me! Make sure to search anything that interests you and make sure tell your girlfriends to save anything they might find along the way!