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

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

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 café 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

A note from Laura

"Experience the Elegance" (TM)

Over the past few months people have oftened told us how Laura's Couture Collection is different then other wedding dress shops. The main reason is the elegance that surrounds every visit. Laura took some time to sit down and explain what it means to purchase a wedding dress from Laura's and become a LUXE Bride (TM).

"Just as important as the adress you select for your wedding are the memories and experiences that you will carry with you for a lifetime. At Laura's our motto is "Experience the Elegance" TM holding to the belief that the selection of your wedding gown should be one of ease and confidence. My salon was designed to express an air of elegance, comfort, and professionalism so that we may provide service unlike that of any bridal salon. When you purchase a dress at Laura's, your experience will guarantee memories that will last a lifetime."                            -Laura

Party on the Rooftop

Victor Harper

Nothing Like a New York Party 

A brisk, New York evening spent on the rooftop of The Empire Hotel was an impeccable way to end the first day of appointments during April's New York Bridal Market. The moment we arrived on the rooftop we knew it would be a fabulous night. Designers Yumi Katsura and Simone Carvalli held the party to introduce the new designer wedding dress collection Victor Harper.

Laura and I setttled into the party and enjoyed hor'derves and signature coacktails as we visited with designers. Meeting with the designer for Victor Harper and learning more about his new line was amazing. He is such a talented, witty and personable man; A true joy to be in his company. The cocktails had fabulous names unique to each designer, too, such as Heavenly Bodies which celebrated the new collection for Yumi Katsura.

While at the party we were able to meet with great people, Grace Ormonde photographer Ed form Zorz Studios spent the evening visited and sharing his work with us. Truly breathtaking images that capture the real emotion of passion.

Enjoying the party at the rooftop of the Empire Hotel, with photographer Ed.

As the sun set, The Empire Hotel Rooftop was the perfect place to watch the lights of the New York City skyline come on. Laura and I were glad we were able to attend this New York party and celebrate the work of the newest line carried at Laura's Couture Collection line, Victor Harper.

-Elise

The Big Apple

Top 10 Tuesday: Bridal Market in NYC

Wow, New York City really is the city that never sleeps. Top 10 Tuesday this week is a preview of the next few posts from Laura's Couture Collection. We left Kansas City and headed East on an extended bridal market trip. The trip is usually all business, but this time I was able to talk the boss into a longer trip - full of some tourist-y fun!

1. Taking Laura on her first subway ride. We were successful on one trip, however, the second try on the subway didn't work as well. Tips from anyone would be appreciated.

2. Rooftop party at the gorgeous Empire Hotel in celebration wedding dress lines Yumi Katsura, Simone Carvalli, and introducing Victor Harper. Signature cocktails, dancing and socializing, all on a beautiful New York night, what more could you ask for?!

3. Christian Louboutin, Manolos, Jimmy Choo, do I even have to name more of the amazing designer shoes we saw? Exploring the shoe departments of the major department stores on 5th Avenue is always breathtaking!

4. Attending a church service at the exquisite St. Patricks Cathedral. Truly amazing experience to see the beauty of the cathedral as well as the sheer number of people that come together for the evening mass.

5. To travel in style one must always have a little black dress. And when traveling in style you have to stay at a swanky 4 star hotel, such as The Renaissance on 57. Modern with the classic comforts you expect of a 4 star hotel

6. We were able to meet a fabulous photographer, Ed, with Zorz Studios (who is also photographs for Grace Ormonde Wedding Style). Gorgeous photos and an amazingly talented man!

7. Fashion Shows. Seriously, what girls wouldn't want to be front row, at not 1 but 2 couture fashion shows? Designers Reem Acra and RIVINI know how to put on a show!

8. When traveling, who doesn't like arriving early. We were home sweet home 30 minutes before the scheduled landing time. Apparently our pilot knew a shortcut, but when Kansas City's Mayor Sly James is on board, they make sure to get us back to Kansas City promptly!

9. And as silly as it may sound, it was a fun little part of the trip to see a shiny, black Bently blaring Empire State from it's speakers. Such a New York moment!

Jay Z & Alicia Keys

10. Laura and I have muscles that we never knew we had, walking in heels through the Big Apple is quite the workout, summer is just around the corner isn't it? I think we should be visiting New York a bit more (great work out)!

It was a great trip and we can't wait to share more of it with you!

-Elise

Inspiring Couples

Top 10 Tuesday: Inspiring Couples

This week we have made you wait long enough. Some of these couples even waited forever to find their true love, or they lost them for awhile, such as Noah and Allie. Check out the list below for the romantic and inspiring couples that bring tears to our eyes, laughter to our hearts and smiles to our faces. May we all find a love like theirs.

Inspiring Couples Throughout History - and yes, some are fictional, but we can dream can't we?!

- Rick & Ilsa 

- Grace & Prince Rainier –

- Noah & Allie - The Notebook :

 "So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day."

- Ronald & Nancy

Charlton Heston called "the greatest love affair in the history of the American Presidency." 

- Carrie & Big – Sex and the City
6 Seasons and 2 movies later and we knew after episode one that he had to stick around.

Carrie: "Have you ever been in love?" Big: "Absof*ckinglutely."

- Jost & Adelice - Crewel, the trilogy
Oh what a tangled web we weave, check it out for yourself.

- Sally & Darrel
Examples of True love can come from the closest people we know. Thank you for showing us how to love and how to be loved.

- Spencer Tracy & Katherine Hepburn -

- Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth Bennett
Oh goodness, the obstacles that occur when love and pride get in the way!

- Lancelot & Guinevere - Who says chivalry is dead? With love stories like these you are sure to find a knight in shining armor.

Like each love story, they are all different and meaningful in their own special way, so it was impossible to number these stories. Enjoy our 10 favorites in no particular order!