{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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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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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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In the Clutch of Time: Silky and fabulous. Roomy enough to keep all your baubles without toting along heavy luggage. {Murwati; $25}

The Edge of Ruffle: This reasonable cake plate will elevate the cake to a standing ovation. A simple ruffled edge adds class with flirty appeal. {Williams Sonoma; $53}

Fluffy Fleurs: Peonies are naturally ruffled and have layers of soft petals. The Parrot tulip is another flower that replicates the look of layered fabrics. {Brian Adams Photographics}

Flirty Femme: Allow your bridesmaids to look fabulously fresh in a layered look. Choose dresses that will flatter your girls’ figure and wallet. {J Crew; $70}

Bridal Bliss: Beaded lace bodice provides structure and contrast to the free flowing ruffled skirt. {Watters; $1350}

Pretty in Petals: Bedeck the backs of the chairs for added flair. A variety of textures and colors will sure to make your reception incredible. {Chameleon Chairs}

Step by Step: T-strap with sky high 5 inch heel is accented with a feathery flower. {Badgley Mischka; 215}

Layered Cake: White  chocolate layers the sides of the cake, creating a rough edge. The rolled chocolate flakes are bunched together to create a bouquet of ruffles. {Nicky Grant}

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Christina Applegate: Makes a dazzling appearance in an ice blue Roberto Cavalli gown {SAG Awards}

Airy Delight: Crinkle silk chiffon flows elegantly. Wide illusion straps and a detailed bodice adds simplicity and beauty. {Jenny Yoo; $880}

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This weeks’ collection feature six dresses that have shimmery fabrics that resemble metallic tones, perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration. What is better than starting off the new year than partying with the ones you love?

Heart of Gold: Wrapped bodice fits the torso then flares from the hips. Splashes of beading and embroidery outline the gold taffeta dress. {Mia Solano; $900}

Glimmer of Hope: Luxurious and shimmery silk charmeuse freely flows down the length of the body. The deep v-neckline and halter strap meet with an ornate brooch. {Jenny Packham; $3000+}

Champagne Toast: The mermaid silhouette embraces the body with tulle and lace overlay. Delicate lace details adorn the gown. {Raylia; $800}

Gleaming Gown: Silver satin shimmers from under the intricate embroidery. A basque waist elongates the torso creating a slimmer body. {Christina Wu; $700}

Metallic Bonding: Sleek and glamorous are two words that describe this satin gown. A single strap attaches to the dress with a dazzling brooch. The bodice features assymetrical ruching. {Maggie Sottero; $800}

Heavy Metal: Lustrous silk shantung gives off a soft glow. Strapless ballgown with pickups in back of the skirt. Complimentary sash twists into a bow at the waist.  {Tara Keely; $1300}

These gowns are just a few that will help ring in the new year.

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BABC is non-profit organziation dedicated to providing wishes and assistance to women with metastatic breast cancer and their families. They also continue to raise awareness by providing educational resources.

How can you not like this organization? In addition, it was founded in Portland. Sigh. Local love. Among the dress donation opportunity, there are other ways you can become involved via volunteering at an event, donatating financial assistance etc. Find a way to become involved!

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Arts and Crafts: Hand cut organza petals compliments the Alençon lace bodice. The organza overlay makes this ballroom gown voluminous without the weight. The matching organza petals and lace shrug really makes this dress stand apart from the rest. {Priscilla of Boston; $3000+}

The Capulet Family: Be Juliet in this romantic cap sleeve lace bolero. Fitted to minimize the shoulders and accentuate the strapless neckline. A dropped waist cinches off the hip with an applique and beading. {Mikaella; $1250}

Bell Shaped Curve: The silk a-line silhouette constructions creates hard lines and structure. The soft lace bolero with bell shaped sleeves softens the overall look. Lace trims the bolero into a sweet bow. {La Sposa; $2500}

Sheer Pleasure: Beaded appliques are are sprinkled over the organza and satin underlay. The sheer lace jacket sits pretty around the shoulders and balances the full skirt and small waist. A thick satin sash in warm copper wraps the waist. {Jasmine; $1100}

High Society: Structured cap sleeve bolero in silk  has a ruffled hem that reaches to the sky. When paired with a simple strapless dress, it creates a sophisticated ensemble. Pleats on the bodice help create an hour glass figure.  {Paloma Blanca; $1500-3000}

Turn Up The Volume: Three looks in one. The slimming trumpet skirt is removable and reveals a mini dress. Or remove the bolero for another look. Silk petals are scattered throughout the mini dress and skirt. The billowy organza shrug adds another artistic feature to this versatile frock. {Reva Mivasagar; $3000+}

The bolero intent is to add character and function instead of taking attention away. Choose the dress first, then find a bolero to match. Try finding a chic bolero from the English Department. Elizabeth’s unparalleled sense of style is found in her dreamy collection of boleros.

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