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Virtual Bridal Fashion Week: Coronavirus Lockdown Edition

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Photo courtesy of Pronovias, stocked at Mirror Mirror London 

Ordinarily, this time of year I’d be reporting back to you with all my hot takes from New York Bridal Market, bringing you the best of the best of the latest bridal fashions. The wedding industry’s answer to Fashion Week, Bridal Market is one of my favorites times of the year (or actually, two of them – like Fashion Week, it happens every April and October). 

Photo courtesy of Katya Katya London

It didn’t happen this year. Obivously. As with so many, many eagerly anticipated events, Bridal Market fell victim to COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fab new collections to ogle: even though we couldn’t check them out in person, we’re actually totally obsessed with what we’ve seen of the latest collections. 

Photo courtesy of Joyce Young

We weren’t able to feature as wide a lineup of designers and boutiques as we would normally, since a lot is still up in the air right now. But we’re grateful that a handful of our favorite boutiques and designers were in a position to share what they’re excited about for going forward. Top London bridal boutiques Mirror Mirror London and Morgan Davies Bridal, along with designers Katya Katya, based in London and Latvia, and Joyce Young, based in London and Glasgow, shared some absolutely swoonworthy styles I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with.

Photo courtesy of Jesus Peiro, stocked at Morgan Davies Bridal

Majestic Minimalism 

How perfect is this Jesus Peiro number (style number 208, to be precise), soon to be stocked by Morgan Davies Bridal?! It also happens to be made of a new eco fabric made from recycled bottles, but more about that later!Continue ReadingContinue Reading

10 Gorgeous Ways to Cover Your Shoulders Under the Chuppah

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Splendid cape cover-up from Ella and Matt’s Jewish Wedding. Image by Barney Walters.
 

What happens when you’ve bought the dress of your dreams, but later realize that you need some sort of coverup for under the chuppah? Maybe your Rabbi requested that your shoulders remain covered during the ceremony, or perhaps there’s a family member that expects certain traditions to be followed through.

Then again, maybe it’s a personal choice, and while you absolutely ADORE the dress you’ve picked out, covering yourself under the chuppah is something that is important to you personally.

I promise you don’t need to run out and return your dress for a long sleeve option—although a long sleeve dress is a great way to have the best of both worlds

A chuppah covering is not a death sentence for your dress! In fact, there are so many ways to use a cover up to your advantage and add a bit of personal flair and style to your bridal look.

Below are my top ten favorite ways and styles to bring modesty and your personality with you under the chuppah. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Sensational illusion sleeves from Natalie and Edward’s Jewish Wedding. Image by Ran Bergman.
 

1. Illusion Sleeves

Illusion sleeves seem like such an obvious fix, but it’s a classic for a reason. I love how glamourous adding illusion sleeves to your dress can look. It’s such a great idea to make sure that every detail of your dress shines through, while still maintaining a certain modesty. One of our own Smashing the Glass Bride’s looked sexy and gorgeous in TWO Lee Petra Grebenau gowns with stunning illusion embellishments.

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Why Quarantine is the Perfect Time to Nail Down Your Bridal Beauty Routine

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Photo courtesy of Susan Yates

One good thing about quarantine? It’s the perfect time to squeeze in some self care and make sure your skin and hair are in tip-top shape for your wedding day… even if right now you’re not 100% sure when that will be. 

To find out the best ways to go about it, I chatted with a panel of our resident beauty experts, consisting of London-based makeup artists Szilvia Balog and Susan Yates, Israel-based makeup artist Keren Rimon, and Israel-based hairstylist and makeup artist Liat Ben Shimshon. All agree that this is a great time to prioritize taking care of yourself, and they’ve shared some great tips on things you can do right now to get your skin and hair wedding ready. 

Photo courtesy of Liat Ben Shimshon 

Don’t Stress About Your Skin

First off, our experts agree that the stress we’re all facing right now can trigger a whole host of skin issues, from irritation to acne. Try not to worry about it if your skin is looking a little worse for the wear lately – more stress won’t do you any good – and remember that, like coronavirus, this will pass.

Photo courtesy of Szilvia Balog

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

One of the best things you can do for your skin is staying hydrated! Liat Ben Shimshon recommends drinking at least one and a half liters of water per day, plus making sure to eat lots of veggies and fruits for both their liquid content and vitamins. And Susan Yates – who admits to regularly checking in with her brides to make sure they’re drinking enough water as they prep for their weddings – attests that “the difference in skin is incredible when a bride has upped her water game in the run up to the big day.”

Keren Rimon‘s makeup for Shelly and Harel’s wedding | Photo by Noa Magger

Treat Yourself

Times are tough right now. That means this is the perfect time to pamper your skin – and yourself. In addition to your daily routine, Susan Yates recommends “supercharging your skincare on a weekly basis with a pampering session; exfoliating, massaging, moisturizing, using those eye masks, face sheets, and whatever you have readily available. Don’t forget it’s not just your face on show on the big day – remember those elbows, hands, arms, and of course your chest and neck. You want everything to be gorgeous, hydrated and glowing!”

Szilvia Balog’s also a big fan of self care via face mask: “On days when I dedicate extra time for pampering, I put face masks on while I’m doing some other activity like meditation or even housework – just be mindful not to appear on a conference call with one by accident! Whoops!” She also recommends a gentle scrub every few days to get rid of impurities stuck in the pores.

And Keren Rimon recommends not neglecting your regular hair and makeup routines – even if you’re not leaving the house. Feeling good about yourself is key to keeping your spirits up in this weird rollercoaster of a time!

Photo courtesy of Szilvia Balog

Nail Down Your Bridal Style

Keren Rimon thinks this is the perfect time to think about what kind of look you want for the big day – take advantage of the time to browse Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram and see what speaks to you.

Photo courtesy of Szilvia Balog

Spring clean your makeup stash

Susan Yates says, “Now is the time to make like Marie Kondo and declutter your makeup and skincare. Date check your products (oh hey mascara from 2017, I see you). Purge anything that doesn’t serve you well, flatter you, or work for your skin.  And anything you haven’t used in 18 months, bin. Be. Ruthless. Group products into your everyday ‘go-to stash’ for easy access and keep separate to your less used products. This will not only make your day to day routine much more efficient but the whole process can be therapeutic.”

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The Latest Jimmy Choo Bridal Collection Will Sweep You Off Your Feet

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There are so many elements when it comes to wedding planning, but one of my favorite details that I can’t stop obsessing over are the wedding shoes! This might be the most exciting detail of your bridal look —besides the dress of course. These are the shoes you’ll take your first steps in as a newly married couple, and the shoes that will always remind you of your first dance together.

I think it’s an understatement to say that a little splurging on the right pair is most certainly allowed! I know I’m not the only one guilty about an overflowing closet of footwear, but your weddings shoes will always be the most special pair of shoes you’ll ever own, and that’s something worth investing in.

Say I Choo!

I still can’t believe how incredible this year’s Jimmy Choo collection is. I wish I could bring this year’s bridal collection back in a time machine with me when it was time to choose my own pair of wedding shoes. (I might have even bought a second pair to change into for the reception!)

Jimmy Choo is by far the most popular bridal shoe worn in Smashing The Glass’s real Jewish weddings. We have literally had 100s of Real Jewish Brides in Choo! 

And now you can even give your bridal CHOOS a personal touch.

Yes – their made-to-order service can include a hidden golden inlay of your dreams. Whether it’s your special date, or even a personalized wedding hashtag, each personal touch will make your CHOOS unlike any other.

It was so hard to narrow this list down to my favorite designs. I wish I had about 10 more pairs of feet! From satin stiletto beauties, to mesh and glitter glam, here are my absolute favorites from this year’s 2020 collection. The best part is, no two CHOOS are alike so there’s always a style that will have you saying, “I Choo You!”

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Why Andrea Hawkes is the Perfect Bridal Designer for Your Jewish Wedding

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I’m obsessed with the cool, contemporary look of Andrea Hawkes Bridal. British designer Andrea Hawkes – who I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over my years at STG – is at the forefront of British bridal fashion, and I couldn’t possibly recommend her precision-crafted minimalist designs any more highly. 

Every Andrea Hawkes Bridal piece is designed and manufactured at her studio in London using the highest quality natural silks and lace, and the service you’ll receive at their Islington flagship is second to none. 

I am consistently impressed by how meticulous and kind Andrea is, and how she truly goes above and beyond – nothing is too much for her! Plus, of course, she’s a stellar designer – while always being mindful of each bride’s individual needs. She’s the kind of person you just want to be around! 

That’s why I’m so thrilled to bring you a Q&A with Andrea Hawkes herself all about her design ethos, how she got her start, and, most importantly, why her designs are just the thing for the Jewish bride looking for an elegant modern gown. If you’re looking for something sleek, simple, and totally stunning to wear on your big day, read on. 

Smashing The Glass: Are there differences in what you see Jewish vs. non-Jewish brides looking for in a dress?

Andrea Hawkes: Our Jewish brides tend to go for a classic, refined yet modern look. They are often looking for more coverage/something that adds more coverage that they can take off later. Higher necklines, covered backs, and an overall more modest look and feel are also common asks. Jewish brides will usually wear a veil. In cases where they are adding an additional piece for more coverage during the chuppah, our Jewish brides are always seeking a seamless look that appears as one whole dress. Sheer coverage/lace is a popular choice with our Jewish and non-Jewish brides alike.

STG: Are there any styles that are especially popular with Jewish brides? 

AH: Any of our strappy designs with a lace top or jacket are popular. India, with its high neck-line and long sleeves, is also a lovely option for a more classic covered look.

STG: What do you offer for brides looking for a more modest look?

AH: We have a varied selection of lace tops, capes, overskirts and veils that our brides can add to our dresses for an added layer of interest or indeed a more modest look. Our India dress with long sleeves and a high neckline, and Wallace also with long sleeves, and Juno with beautiful sheer coverage. Our made to measure service also means that if a bride would prefer to add a cap-sleeve, long sleeves, raised back or raised neckline, we are perfectly happy to do so. And if a bride has a specific idea and wishes to create a more modest look from scratch, we will work collaboratively with the bride to create her dream dress from initial sketch, toile and silk fittings, to the finished dress design.

STG: And how about for those brides who may need to cover their shoulders for the chuppah but might want a more revealing dress otherwise?

AH: We have a varied selection of lace tops, capes, overskirts and veils that our brides can add to our dresses for an added layer of interest or indeed a more modest look.The bride can then remove this additional piece revealing a whole new look underneath. We can build a lace top or overdress over the top of a strappy fitted design or something that is a little more open for the evening.We would of course make sure this looks integral to the dress – a seamless finish that would blend effortlessly into the dress as a whole.

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