sponsored post by Manila Novias

Ever wish you could have a hand-made wedding dress or party dress that was beautiful and at the right price? At Manila Novias Boutique you will find "quality in the design, the fabrics and a taste of tradition, handmade embroidery, lace and fine details". Manila Novias Boutique carries wedding gowns, mother of the bride/groom dresses and cocktail dresses.

There are 6 collections of wedding gowns at Manila Novias and each one contains multiple dress designs. You will see a variety of necklines, hemlines, lace, layered skirts, fabrics and even colored sashes {which I love having that added pop of color}.

All of the Manila Novias' gowns and dresses are 100% hand-made in Spain, and most of their fabrics come from the European Union. They only use top quality fabrics and material including Swarovski Crystal in all the gowns with crystal details. And, there's even free worldwide shipping on all of the dresses. For those of you in Spain, where Manila Novias is based, you would need to order your dress from any of the stores in the Spanish territory.

I just had to share with you some beautiful pieces that would be great bridal accessories or gifts for attendants and/or moms. They can be found at etsy.com. These pieces are so unique. The amount of detail the artists have put into each design is amazing.

Thank you to Holly and her Tear Drop Weddings blog for the introduction to Precious Meshes where you will find hand crocheted wire jewelry. Who knew you could crochet with more than just yarn?

The other artist I stubbled across while looking through etsy.com was Laura of Heart in Hawaii. All items are shipped to be "gift ready" in a hand decorated paper sleeve or box. Her inspiration comes from the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

Images as featured:
From Precious Meshes: 1. A Little Sparrow's Nest Necklace in silver with 3 pearl eggs, 5. Anemone Hoop Earrings in silver and pearl, 6. Budding Bracelet in Silver from Previous Meshes

From Heart in Hawaii: 2. White Freshwater Pearl and Silver Wire Wrap Bridal Earrings, 3. Rhodolite Garnet and Magenta Pearl Silver wire wrapped Earrings, 4. Beaded Plumeria Flower (Bridal bobby pin for hair)

Whether you are looking for a special occasion dress for your rehearsal dinner, your bridal party, a mother of the bride or groom, or a party - you are sure to find a dress to fit your style at Chadwick's. Some of the styles could even be considered for your wedding dress, like the cap sleeve gown for only $139.99. The prices are budget-friendly and the dress styles range from flattering vintage to vibrant red to pretty bold colors to soft chocolate.

Top Photo
Bubble-Hem Dress, $139.99
Tulle Dress with Satin Trim, $179.99
Sleeveless Empire Waist Dress, $99.99
Tea Length Satin Gown, $139.99

Bottom Photo
Shirred Halter Gown, $159.99
Cap-Sleeve Gown, $139.99
Lace-inset Mock 2-Piece Dress, $159.99
Beaded Empire Gown, $159.99

A couple of days ago I received an email that discussed the new trends for mothers of the bride and groom and wanted to share them with you.

According to Karen Hipwell, president of Karen Warren Ltd. Bridal Collection - "style conscious and hip, Mothers of the Bride and Groom have set the trend for 2008 bridal fashion, with beauty and comfort at the top of their list. Whether it is the match look or staying with one tone of the bridal party, or perhaps the mix and match alternative, the mother today promises to be ultra fashionable. Gowns are softer offering a lighter fabric, continuing to cover appropriately, yet daring a style or two of a younger appeal. Separates extend the wardrobe after the party is over while the sophistication of a shorter suit or flare front wide leg pants for a destination or casual wedding."

Here's Karen's list of the latest fashion trends for mothers of the bride and/or groom:

Bolder Colors: corals, slate blue, lilac, champagne

Elegant Separates: designed with classic elegance in mind, chiffon overlay skirts soften bodylines and offer and air of elegance wearing a wrap to complete the look. Mix and match skirts and wide-leg pants, with tops, jackets and cocktail coats.

Fabrics: silk dupioni, summer linen, lace and classic chiffon

"Mothers today are glamorous and as a member of the bridal party, moms too are romantic, showing us sophistication and elegance, supporting the role and walking with pride." said Karen Hipwell, President of Karen Warren Ltd. "Our mother of the bride and groom collection offers beautiful fabrics, flattering lines and quality workmanship accentuating the positive and giving woman a creation they will want to wear again and again."

The wedding party division of Karen Warren LTD offers a variety of colors, fabrics, styles and lengths that flatter every figure. Many of the styles are offered in ankle and short lengths and customers can pick their own mood setting colors. A sleeveless silk dupioni shell with a built in sash offers a number of looks depending on how you tie the sash. It's feminine and formal when tied in the front into a bow. A more tailored look comes to life as the sash ties in the back and drapes along the skirt. Finally the same top becomes a lesson in classic simplicity when wrapped around as a sash and paired with silk pants or capris. When pairing the top with a skirt in the same fabric and color mothers can create the illusion of a formal dress. A classic look in silk dupioni is always in style with a simple taupe top and black skirt and sash. It is offered in a number of stunning color combinations for the more sophisticated wedding party. The separates also offer mothers a better fit with the option of different sizes for top and bottoms.