{Jim Hjelm + Blush} Known for luxurious fabrics, flattering silhouettes and trademark craftsmanship and dresses start at $2500. Blush dresses are all under $1500. {Jim Hjelm; Blush; Blush}

{Watters + Wtoo} A Watters bride is fresh and sophisticated. While Watters gowns start at $1500, the Wtoo line are around $1000. {Watters; Wtoo; Wtoo}

{Monique Lhuiller + Bliss} Fashionable and elite, this designer stormed the wedding dress market in 1999. Her dresses are for the modern feminine bride. Dresses start at $3000. Bliss is the classic yet-affordable dress line from Monique. Dresses are less than $3500. {Monique Lhuillier; Bliss; Bliss}

{Enzo Ani + Blue} Modern embellishments paired with traditional silhouettes makes Enzo Ani a classic designer. Continually pushing past the threshold of wedding fashion. Gowns start at $1500. While the Blue line offers brides deliciously designed dresses without compromising quality for all under $1500. {EnzoAni; Blue; Blue}

In addition to these lines, Vera is joining forces with David’s Bridal and creating a line of wedding gowns ranging in price of $600-1500. This is an extraordinary opportunity for brides to wear Vera on their day without spending $4-25K tag. The dress line is expected to hit stores around Spring 2011.

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Creative and artistic designs made their way to the stage {Marchesa}

Classic silhouettes and fabrics graced fashion show guests {Christos}

Unique fabric embellishments and hemlines were also found in this year’s Bridal Fashion Week {Douglas Hannant}

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Silver Bullet: Steel gray tulle pours out from a corset-like black lace bodice. {Modern Trousseau}

A soft and feminine look made of French corded lace  is paired with a  sweepy Italian silk skirt. {Modern Trousseau}

Gather Together: The ruched bodice dips into a drop waist and meets a skirt of taffeta and organza. {Alfred Angelo}

Grecian Gal: One shouldered looks are back. Dripping with fashionable refinement, this Grecian inspired gown is gorgeous. {Jenny Packham}

Twist and Shout: Twists of tulle flowers swirl around the skirt of this ballgown dress. {Kenneth Poole}

Petal Pusher: Droplets of flowers dot the skirt and slowly fade away into the bodice. The delicate sheer straps give a touch of sophistication. {Christos}

Flounce N’ Bounce: The trumpet form is a show stopper silhouette and demands attention. A dazzling belt binds at the waist. {Kenneth Poole}

Glitter Girl: Head to toe in shimmery sequins. This a-line silhouette is perfect for a late night nuptial complete with a champagne and dessert bar. {Jenny Packham}

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Thinking Cap: Lace accents sweep across the a-line gown. The sweetheart neckline and lace cap sleeves add a soft feminine touch. Delicate beading forms along the bust line and sheer fabric covers the semi-exposed back. {Mia Solano}

Pure and Simple: This regal strapless ball gown has hidden, yet useful pockets. A beaded organza belt binds the waist. {Watters}

Flora and Fauna: Taffeta flowers are splashed along the hip and slowly thin out on the skirt. Laceup back allows the dress to be extra snug for support and comfort. {Claudine for Alyce Designs}

Svelte Sophisticate : Swank silk shantung sweeps over the body. A slightly ruched sweetheart neckline offer clean lines and simple design. {Siri}

Unbalanced Beauty: Soft asymmetrical layers of organza flows from the fitted bodice into a feathered skirt. The structured bodice features ruching accents and a scoop neckline.  {Allure}

Raise the Roof: Tulle adorns the organza gown and shows off the raised lace appliques on the bodice. The bodice of the dress dips into a sheath silhouette of airy organza. {Anjolique}

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This week’s collection showcases the latest in bridal fashion. Black accents. Some might go as far as wearing a black wedding dress (eg. Sarah Jessica Parker). I may be more a traditionalist, but I would stick to black accents via accessories.

Black and White: Tulle lines the v-neckline and swoops into a dip in the back and ties with a halter. Hand-cut tulle rosettes deck the hem. A solid black grosgrain sash clasps in the back with a crystal jeweled brooch. {Vera Wang; $4600+}

Bold and Beautiful:  Cascading layers of white taffeta fit the bodice and drop down to a sweep train.  A contrasting black waist band is accented with crystals for a  bit of bling. {Jacquelin Exclusive; $850}

Black Bow Affair: Strapless sheath gown with keyhole neckline and black bow detail. Slender strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. At the neckline is a tiny keyhole cutout that features a prominent pert black bow. {Jenny Packham; $3000+}

Black Wrap: An aerated ball gown twisted with a black horsehair halter tie outlines the body with stylish flair. The French tulle sashays around the waist and fans out to a floating rosette bodice and black horsehair halter tie. {Vera Wang; $4600+}

Black to Basics: An embellished beaded neckline draws the eyes to a flattering part of the body. Dropped waist and ripples of silk  are gathered at the hip. {Enzoani; $1500-3000}

Triple Threat:  Three layers of French lace with contrasting patterns are layered in the skirt. A and thick and plush velvet ribbon underlines the empire waistline. The velvet rose add demure accent. {Cymbeline; $2200}

Would you add black?

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The color of a wedding dress can give direct insight on the cultural influences of the bride (or groom). In Western cultures, white is the standard color is white. While in China, India and Vietnam the wedding dress is often red, to represent good luck. Before the white fad, brides would wear their Sunday best to the alter. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria was married in a white dress in 1894, making white an option that was not yet considered. The color white was (and is for me) an impractical color and reserved for the elite. Or if a white dress was purchased, it was often dyed to another color after the wedding for more practical reasons.

If you decide to add some color to your dress, be forewarned, you may have some naysayers and traditionalists who are quick to give their opinion.

Branch Out: Increase the drama of the dress by adding a long olive green sash that trails behind. A cuff neckline is the only detail in this simple a-line dress. {David’s Bridal; $349}

Green With Envy:  Stop & drop traffic with a bold and bright halter ball gown in citrus. Dropped waistline is accented with silk satin ruching. {Peter Langner; $3000+}

Au Natural: Unbleached silk chiffon and organic cotton flows naturally on the body. Handmade floral accents the waist and the bubble hem. {Thread Head; $699}

Grass Is Always Greener: V-neckline conforms to the bodice and torso. The revealing back shows off nature’s best feature. {Tara Keely; $1400}

Tulliciously Green: Sweet tulle confection peeks from under the hand tucked skirt. Pleated bodice and springy green sash places an emphasis on the natural waist. {Vera Wang; $4300}

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Are you…..

Classic: Traditional necklines like the bateau neckline is a timeless option. Lines of lace run the length of the bodice, creating a contrasting detail of lace and silk. Elegant silhouettes and classic details like fabric covered buttons make this style classically beautiful. {Priscilla of Boston; $4700}

Beach Casual: This breezy chiffon dress is lightweight and represents a stylish bride who wants to say her I Dos with her toes in the sand.  Floral accents cascade down the shoulder and spill across the bodice. {J Crew; $895}

Bohemian: Champagne tone dress with lace overlay shows off the craftsmanship of the dress. The v neckline and fitted bodice shows of the upper body, while the swinging mermaid shirt allows the bride to get down. Simple, earthy and free spirited is a bohemian bride. {Sue Wong; $498}

Romantic: Swirls of Chantilly lace dance with fans of pleated organza around the voluminous skirt. A crisp black sash made of horsehair and organza tie the mounds of whipping cream-like fabric at the waist. Making any romantic bride go gaga over this gown. {Vera Wang; TBD (Fall 2010 line)}

Glamorous:  Layers of pleated satin shimmy down the body. Satin fleurs ring around the top of the skirt to break up the pleated bodice and free flowing skirt. Remove the skirt after the ceremony to which makes this dress a fabulous frock for the gal who wants a two-dress-kind-of-wedding. {David Tutera by Faviana; $1250}

Modern: What the dress lacks in intriciate details, makes up for it in the minimalistic and trendy silhouette. This svelte and streamline dress shows off a fitted bodice and features a silk shantung peplum. {Melissa Sweet; $2700}

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Wedding Belle: Voluminous pleated ruffles canopy over the tulle ballgown skirt. The loose diaphanous wrap can be removed for the reception to allow freedom on the dance floor. {Eugenia Couture; $3000+}

Crystal Clear: The ethereal silk chiffon dress glides across the floor. Exquisite beading emphasizes the plunging décolleté. {Jenny Packham; $3000+}

Whispy Confection: Vaporous layers of chiffon are gathered at the natural waistline for a pleated skirt. The decorative brooch adds a hard texture in this otherwise soft and whispy gown. {Pronovias; $1700+}

Swept Away: Ruffled sheer sleeves will flutter with the gentlest of breezes making it a perfect destination dress. The shirred bodice distracts the eyes busy from a potential problem area, while the deep cut neckline shows off the bustline. {Dessy; $350}

Streamline Svelte: The sheer lace straps have flourishes of beading that cascasde to the rest of the dress. Swarovski crystals, covered buttons and scalloped hemline are just a few details in this consumate wedding dress. {Mon Cheri; $1000}

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Oysters & Pearls: Delicious and feathery chiffon ruffles cover the bodice and delicate vintage pearl are nestled in the chiffon. The ethereal and free-flowing chiffon skirt contrasts with the  somewhat structured bodice. {Elizabeth Dye; $900+ dependent on length}

Persuasion: The empire silhouette is paired with a structured lace embellished sweetheart neckline.  Tiers of English tulle float over Silk shantung adds a bit of flounce to the hem.  {Elizabeth Dye; $950}

Feathers & Lace:  A slight sweetheart neckline connects with thin straps. Full length alencon lace sweeps over the body with a sweep train trailing behind. {Elizabeth Dye}

{Photos by Lisa Warninger Photography}

For more pictures that are obviously WAY better than my P&S digital camera. Head over to the fashion show’s photo gallery to see all the dresses featured.

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Please enjoy the sampling from Sunday’s fashion show.

Tiptoe through the Tulips: Ruching defines the bodice without overplaying the layers.  Slight flare in the skirt creates a flattering silhouette. {Jenny Yoo; $1025}

Fancy Free: Split seam Strapless sweetheart neckline with a twisted knotted at the bust. Double layered skirt shows off the soft under layer. {Jenny Yoo; $935}

Flora and Fauna: Fabric covered buttons line the side of the dress for a twist on tradition. Slimming a-line skirt falls from natural waist. Add a flower for a punch of color or use the detachable sash. {Jenny Yoo; $825}

The Sophisticate:  The crinkle chiffon bodice overlaps on the neckline and  gives . The mermaid skirt is cut on the bias and adds length and volume. {Jenny Yoo; $800}

The English Dept. 2010 Bridal Fashion Show credits
Millinery – Dayna Pinkham
Accessories – The English Dept & Twigs & Honey
Shrugs and Jackets – Elizabeth Dye
Veils – Modern Romance Bridal
Flowers – Ink & Peat
Hair – Salon 220
Makeup – Madeline Roosevelt
Host – Ace Hotel

More to come….

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