Category: Dresses

20 Gorgeous Off-the-shoulder Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Etsy Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses

Carolina Boho Lace Off-The-Shoulder Dress by Stylish Bride Accs

*UPDATED FOR 2021* Earlier this year, I published a roundup of off-the-shoulder wedding gowns that has had you all pinning like crazy – it’s certainly one trend that is back in a big way, and I love the inventive and romantic ways that designers have interpreted the style, from boho to ballgown. So I thought it was high time I rounded up some spectacular Etsy finds. If you’re looking for something a little different from the lace sleeves and portrait backs that are so beloved by brides at the moment, this is the perfect, classic, dare I say timeless choice? Let’s see what those clever Etsy designers have to inspire us…

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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How to Find a Maternity Wedding Dress

by gaby

Nude White Sequin Maternity Wedding Dress by Agneshka Maternity

*UPDATED FOR 2021* We talk wedding dresses a lot here on SBB, but there’s one type that we’ve never really covered before, and that’s maternity wedding dresses, aka gowns for pregnant brides. Now I think a bride never looks more beautiful than when she has that gorgeous mama-t0-be glow, but at the same time, I imagine it’s a bit of a challenge to find the perfect maternity wedding dress when you’re not a hundred percent sure what your body is going to be doing between that first try-on and the big day. You’re dealing with a whole new body shape, basically, and it’s hard enough for us to flatter the one we normally have, right? It’s your wedding day, and you want to look amazing, not like you’ve been swaddled in a big white mumu, or squeezed into something that shows every lump and bump either.  Choosing a maternity wedding dress is definitely a unique challenge, but fortunately help is at hand! Read on as we answer all your questions on finding the gown of your dreams when you’re dressing for two.

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Casey Jeanne’s Jeannelle la Amour Collection

by gaby

Hello beauties – time for some wedding fashion inspiration, courtesy of one of my favourite South African designers. Casey Jeanne is a star on a pretty meteoric rise (and you’ll remember we’ve featured her bespoke gowns in the past). Now, she’s come up with a splendid ready-to-wear collection, Jeannelle la Amour, that’s spreading the word far beyond her home in Durbs. Featuring the designers signature love of detail in lace tattoos, beading and sumptuous fabrics, each one of these gowns is a whisper of loveliness. It’s just hard to pick a favourite! I also love that the collection is a tribute to Casey’s French grandfather, who was orphaned and adopted during the war and moved to South Africa. Alexis Diack took the beautiful pictures, and be sure not to miss the fab video by Wes of The Shank Tank at the end.Read More

Fiona Mauchan Demi-Couture Collection

by gaby

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

Phase Eight Spring/Summer 2015

by gaby

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

Bo & Luca: Now in South Africa

by gaby

I’ve been doing this wedding stuff for a while now, and there are a few days when I feel like I’ve seen it all. That’s why having Candice on the SBB team has been so refreshing, because she’s like my own awesome-o-mometer. I always know if I send her something and she comes back all “OMG I love it!” that I’ve found something special, and that makes me excitable all over again. Well, when I sent Candice a link to Bo & Luca, an Australian bridal brand that has just launched in South Africa, there was a lot of squealing going on. From both of us. Because, hello gorgeous dresses! I’m SO thrilled to see labels like this appearing on the SA scene – labels that take a fresh look at bridalwear for more fashioney or relaxed, boho brides, and I can’t WAIT to visit Bo & Luca‘s new Cape Town store in person. Let’s take a look, shall we?Read More

From Catwalk to Aisle: 10 Key Wedding Dress Trends for 2015

by candice

Hello lovely readers – Candice here! With all the top designers hitting the runway late last year at New York Bridal Week showing off a variety of new trends, we really have been spoilt for choice. If you’re like me, you get a bit overwhelmed by all the magnificent options. So we’ve picked our top ten, stand-out runway and bridal fashion trends for 2015 – see which style you most identify with and how these trends can be interpreted into your dream wedding dress.

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Introducing… Anna Georgina

by gaby

Afternoon gorgeous ones! As I mentioned yesterday, we’re upgrading fashion on SBB this year – think of it as a series regular here now rather than a guest star. And I’m never happier than when I’m showcasing South African designers, because we have some serious talent on these shores! A name that won’t be a stranger to any of you is Kobus Dippenaar, and today we’re shining the spotlight on Kobus’ bridal label, Anna Georgina, for the first time. These dresses are… well, WOW. Beautifully crafted, with the same beautiful detailing that Kobus’ red carpet gowns are known for, and undeniably feminine. We’re smitten. And the best part is that we were able to steal Kobus away from his studio for an exclusive interview, to go along with the latest Anna Georgina collection.Read More

Casey Jeanne Showcase

by gaby

South Africa, you are so talented. I’m always amazed and proud at the awesome that keeps coming out of our little nation, and up-and-coming local talent Casey Jeanne is definitely one of those. Based in Durban, Casey’s just started her journey as a designer and she’s already gone from strength to strength. For example, just a few years ago, she was part of the Durban July Young Designer Award, then went on to win the Gateway Young Recycled Designer Award and the Fashion Challenge. This year, she was an Invited Designer. The theme was ‘The Big Screen’ and Casey chose to combine her trademark illusion lace with the glamour of Hollywood with a touch of Game of Thrones – an absolutely bewitching combination. Sequins AND illusion lace? Yes, please! And speaking of local talents, Casey Jeanne paired up with both photographer, Alexis Diack, and videographer Michelle Rabe to capture the showcase on film. Absolute gorgeousness. Be sure to scroll to the end to check out Michelle’s video!Read More

Introducing… Janita Toerien

by gaby

Afternoon lovelies! Today we’re carrying on our showcase of some my favourite local designers with the fantastic Janita Toerien, whose work I have been stalking ever since I first saw it, and whose breathtaking gold bodiced, lavender tulle dream of a gown, Amber, has already made waves here on SBB and around the world. But Amber’s just one jewel in Janita’s crown, and I’m super excited to introduce you to more of her incredible dresses today, as well as sharing an exclusive Q&A with the designer herself (who by the way, is totally lovely –  thanks so much Janita!). Get ready to be completely inspired…Read More