May 30, 2012

What Fit Should My Wedding Dress Be?

Top 10 Tuesday and Wedding Wednesday: Trends from the Runway


Nope, we didn't forget that yesterday was Top 10 Tuesday, we were busy going through thousands of beautiful photos from the Haute Couture Runway Shows and the Resort Runway Shows! We also wanted to answer the famous question "What fit will flatter my figure best for a wedding dress?"

Well, after looking through the collections by designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Dior, Erdem, Elie Saab, ect. we found a few similarities. The natural waistline is wear fashion is staying.

The fashion houses of Dior brought the signature "New Look" back for modern audiences. Belts, wraps, sashes and peplums adorned the waistlines of the models wearing the 2012 Haute Couture Collection.
Dior 2012
"Dior's New Look" inspired dress
Dior 2012
Peplum ensemble accented with belt and gloves
Dior 2012, belted off the shoulder
While Oscar de la Renta accented the waistline with belts. Pulling yards of fabric together at the waist to create full skirts with fabulous movement!
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013
Belted dress with sleeves

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013
Movement, neckline, natural waistline this dress has it all.

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013
Flowing fabric, belted waist and a fresh color for the season.
In Chanel's Resort collection, designer Karl Lagerfeld played with proportions, highlighting the waist and bringing more volume to the hips. The detailed panels bring the perfect touch of movement for the eye; allowing a lovely balance to the natural waistline.
Chanel Resort
Cinched waist and fullness at the hips.
Elie Saab also plays with fun and summery colors and accents many of the dresses with fabulous skinny belts.
Elie Saab 2012
Belted at the waist dress in a shade close to Pantone's Color of the Year
Not all of the skirts have to be full skirted in order to belt and show off the waist. Erdem's Resort 2013 line shows the chicness of a straighter skirt. One style shown is belted, and the other show off the natural waist by utilizing a striking black, lace top that stops directly at the natural waist.
Erdem Resort 2013
Different ways to accent the waist: belt or blouse.
With so many designers showcasing the natural waist, it's no wonder why the natural waist fits most figures so beautifully and adding a belt adds a lovely touch! And we couldn't help ending this post in a way similar to many fashion houses end their runway shows, with a wedding gown!

Elie Saab 2012


-Elise

May 22, 2012

Sip Into Top 10 Tuesday

Our Top 10 Favorite Summer Cocktails



It's that time, Kansas City has welcomed summer! Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, the pools are opening and the flip flops are out of our closets. With this weekend we also start the craziness of wedding season. So what better way to unwind after a day of planning then with a cocktail, or maybe you'll add one of our drinks to your menu.

Grab a skinny margarita and enjoy the list of our Top 10 Summer Cocktails!

10. Whiskey-Lemonade, we can't leave the gentlemen out on this list, so make their drink a bit more summery!

9. Mango Spritz. light and fresh with a bit of bubbles!

8. Skinny Margarita, after all, it is wedding and swimsuit season

7. Limoncello, this citrus cocktail will make you believe you are in a lemon grove in Italy

6. Mint Mojitos, why not add a bit more mint?

5. White Peach Sangria, cool and refreshing (perfect for cocktail hour)

4. Giggle-Water, a cocktail as fun as it's name!

3. Cucumber Breeze, a favorite with our stylist

2. Measetique Mimosa, Marty's gift to the brides of Laura's Couture Collection

1. The Couture-Tini, a signature cocktail named after Laura's Couture Collection by our friend Chef Renee at Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle

Thirsty yet? Message us on Facebook for the recipes above, or where you can enjoy these summer cocktails!

-Elise

May 8, 2012

Kansas City Here I Come

Take A Break!

Our weekend is over and we are back in the salon. With so many beautiful wedding dresses surrounding us at Laura's Couture Collection, and the LUXE Wedding Showcase next door it’s not difficult to get swept up in wedding planning and the glitz and glamour of the big day. Right now, we would like to pay a big thank you to Patti Gehring, of Patti Gehring Signature Weddings, we’d like to share a tip of her wedding planning advice,

“Wedding planning can become overwhelming. Plan some ‘wedding planning free date nights’ with your soon to be spouse to keep the focus on the marriage and commit you are about to make.”


With that being said, we used the weekend to have fun with friends! So take a date in Kansas City with your sweetie! 






Top 10 Kansas City Favorite Date Spots:

-          Why not enjoy a staycation at the InterContinental Hotel on the Plaza. A sparkling pool, breathtaking views of the Plaza, luxurious guest rooms and fabulous food to enjoy, it’s sure to feel just like vacation staying at this 4 Diamond Awarded hotel.

-          Touch a Starfish, hold a crab, and take an adventure through Sea Life, the new aquarium right here at Crown Center!

-          There might not be a coastal highway nearby, but take the top off a convertible and enjoy a drive through the plaza and then stroll through the Rose Garden. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!

-          Cheer on the Royals as they host the 2012 All Star Games at Kuaffman Stadium. If you can’t make it to the All Star Games, enjoy a summer evening at the stadium during Firework Fridays.

-          Kansas City is growing as one of the top art venues in the country. Plan a day trip to the Nelson Atkins to see Monet’s Water Lillies or the traveling World’s Fair Exhibit. There is also the Kemper Museum of Modern Art and The World War ILiberty Memorial Museum.

-          Window shop along the sidewalks of the Plaza and stop in Halls for the freshest designer looks from Prada, Armani and if you are looking for a more pop culture designer, look through Rachel Zoe’s newest pieces.

-          After a bit of shopping it’s important to refuel, grab an espresso and a bite to eat at the best sidewalk cafĂ© in the city, Classic Cup!

-          Fresh fruits and veggies? Don’t worry, just because you are in the heart of the city doesn’t mean the fresh produce stops. Head over to the farmer’s market in theCity Market on the weekends to find delicious fresh produce from the KC’s suburbs.

-          Catch a train! OK, you don’t really have to catch a train, but a trip to UnionStation is always delightful. Channel your inner child and explore Science City. Also at Union Station is the traveling Titanic exhibit!

-          Boulevard Brewery is right here in Kansas City, surprise your guy with a tour of the plant and then a few beers after. He’ll love you forever (as if you needed another reason for that)!
Kansas City Here I Come - Little Richard

Most importantly, enjoy each other's company!

-Elise