Happy Friday, lovelies! What do you have in store for the weekend? With the sun out in a big way in Durban, I suspect I am going to spend most of it glued to the side of the pool. But first, it’s time to share some more lovely fashion inspiration, and today it comes to you in the form of Canadian milliner Blair Nadeau‘s latest collection. Which just happens to fit beautifully into our boho month – especially with this styled shoot photographed by Whitney Heard, which is all kinds of boho gorgeous! Be sure to check out the Blair Nadeau Etsy store to order some of these lovelies.Read More
I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a bride in a gorgeous chain or jewel headpiece, it stops me in my tracks. They’re so… goddessy. Which should totally be a word, Oxford. But where to find these boho beauties? I was thrilled to discover that one of my favourite labels, Bo & Luca, is just such a place, and with a Cape Town store, I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots more of these lovelies making their way down the aisle in SA this season. So of course I had to share some pretty pictures with you all, because pretty pictures and awesome accessories (and alliteration, apparently) are just my THING.Read More
Afternoon, SouthBound Brides! It’s already been an inspiring day, what with a beautiful wedding this morning, but before the sun goes down, we’re carrying on the loveliness with a peek at Kelsey Genna (aka The Flower Bride)‘s latest collection. Kelsey is a talented young designer from New Zealand whose work I have featured before, and many of her designs are absolutely perfect for a bohemian bride. This time around, as well as lovely laid-back lacey gowns in both short and long lengths, there’s a playful selection of dresses in colour and pattern, which could work either as gorgeous eveningwear or a more daring bridal style. From shimmery overlays to rose-shaped ruffles, each dress in the collection has its own unique something that makes you stop and go: ‘wow’- it’s impossible to pick a favourite. And here to prove that, are some absolutely spectacular images of the dresses in action from Kate Grewal. Let’s take a look, shall we?Read More
*UPDATED FOR 2020* Looking for the most gorgeous romantic bohemian wedding dresses for hippie, festival or indie brides? Whether you’re getting married in a field or on a beach or just have a free spirit, these gorgeous gowns from Etsy will set your wild heart aflutter. And while I know buying gowns online can feel like a risk, but I think the boho style particularly lends itself to it, since the cut is usually a little looser, the style a little more flowing than your average ballgown. Plus, there are lots of small, up-and-coming designers in this space (where many an independent bridal label began). I’ve rounded up just 20 of my favourite romantic bohemian wedding dresses, but be sure to click through and see more from each of these fab Etsy stores.
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
Dress crush alert! I’m super excited today to be featuring the work of up-and-coming South African designer, Fiona Mauchan, who has just launched her demi-couture collection. Up until now, Fiona’s only made one-of-a-kind dresses, and while she’ll continue her bespoke service, she’s also created this exciting ‘petite’ ready to wear collection, comprised of three breathtaking gowns: Angelica, Anise and Annabel. The collection made its debut just last weekend at the Canal Walk Bridal Show, so this is really hot off the press news. And even better, we have some beautiful lookbook images to share, courtesy of the talented Claire Thomson! Now that’s how you kick off a Friday. ;)Read More
Gorgeous dress alert! Phase Eight havebrought out their 8 Bridal collection of wedding dresses, and I just had to share the brand new lookbook with you today. This sophisticated UK label really has something for everything in their bijou range, whether you’re a classic, vintage or contemporary bride. Short or long, sparkle or lace – I think everyone will find a favourite. Mine is Hope (pictured above), a spectacular beaded and embellished 1920s-inspired gown, with a sheer blouson top and sweet little train (total steal at £595, no?). It’s details like this that raise Phase Eight from high street to high fashion. And the best part is that the gowns are available online from different retailers, so South African brides don’t have to miss out. Winner winner, chicken dinner.Read More
Hidey ho, brideys, happy Friday! It’s time for some editorial inspiration, courtesy of the lovely Samantha Jackson Photography. The theme for this one was a loose ‘vintage versus glamour’ style, with two separate tables sure to please both modern and vintage glamour brides! There’s also a cute shoe theme (because who doesn’t love SHOES, right?), with lots of pretty footwear from Anella, and did I mention, absolutely gorgeous dresses by Janita Toerien and Eve’s Bridal? From head to toe to table, there’s plenty here to inspire. And unlike actual Cinderella, you’ll get to take both your glass slippers home at the end of the night.Read More
*UPDATED FOR 2021* I think I may have mentioned this before, but the first wedding dress I fell totally in love with was off-the-shoulder. It was also bloody hideous. Does anyone remember Jennifer & Jack’s wedding from Days of our Lives? (Don’t blame me, it was the ’90s.) Anyway, then like everyone else, I went off of off-shoulder, because nothing dated a dress more quickly, right? And then, the fashion pendulum swung, as it always does. Princess Charlene rocked a gorgeous off-the-shoulder, then so did Amal Clooney, and hey presto, they’re officially one of bridal fashion’s most trendy and romantic looks. And like every good soap opera character, I’m desperately in love again. This time around, the off the shoulder look is all about the fabric – soft lace sleeves and swishes of tulle, ornate jewelled beading, or boho fringes. Instead of creating weird, giant artificial ‘shoulders’, the sleeves fall softly across the arm, giving brides the best of both sleeved and sleeveless dresses. I’ve rounded up 25 of my absolute favourite off-the-shoulder bridal looks to inspire!
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
Time for some more gorgeous fashion inspiration, ladies! I must say, I am loving how far bridal has come in the last few years, from cookie cutter meringues to truly amazing, one-of-a-kind creations that often wouldn’t look out of place on the red carpet. Because a bride shouldn’t just feel like a princess, but a starlet, right? And talking of Hollywood-worthy looks, I’m super excited to be introducing you to the work of another international designer today, Yaniv Persy. This ultra-feminine, beautifully structured and exquisitely made collection is really making waves, and when you see the pics below you’ll know why. Born in Israel and raised in South America, Yaniv has worked with some of fashion’s biggest names, including John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli, and Donna Karan. He’s now established his own label and launched the Persy Bridal Collection.Read More
You know that moment in Say Yes to the Dress (go on, we all watch it) when a bride’s all “hmm, I like this dress so much, but I’m not completely…” and a consultant will add a sparkly belt or a hairpiece or a veil and suddenly everyone’s like “OMG that’s IT!”. When it comes to bridal style, accessories matter. The right accent can turn a simple, chic gown into something extra special and completely bespoke. The right hairpiece can add a touch of knee-melting romance. Not just for brides either – this is a perfect way to turn a basic bridesmaid look into a super stylish one. And that’s why I absolutely love this collection of flower accessories from Romantic ART Life. Each piece, from floral hairpieces to sashes, is handcrafted, inspired by the delicate beauty of nature, and created using fine fabrics, soft laces, delicate beadwork and crystals. Swoonage.Read More
