Guest Stylist - Michele Martin

Michele Martin, the owner of M Bride in La Jolla, CA, is an expert on all things bridal fashion. Having been in the business for over 24 years she has an incomparable knowledge of the industry. Her straightforward and honest approach make shopping for a wedding dress a truly easy experience. She knows what works and she know what doesn't - and the best part is she'll tell you. Forget pushy salespeople that are just trying to make the monthly quotas - all Michele is concerned with is that her brides look their absolute best. Her sense of humor will keep you laughing throughout the entire process and her selection of high-end couture dresses will have you drooling over your glorious options. Today she shares with us the trends she's seeing for 2010 brides.

Michele Martin, owner of M Bride

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Welcome to bridal season. The start of this year has been busier than ever. Glamour is SOOOOO back. This year in bridal fashion we see designers bringing lots of beading, black accents, and asymmetrical skirting or a more retro word..."the peplum." Also for you non-strapless fans, the v-neckline was huge.


Ines di Santo showed many elements of these in her runway show.

This gown is called Diamond. The top is all swarovski crystal with a silver lame skirt. The bodice on this gown looks like shattered glass. The crystals are all geometrically shaped and give a new definition to the word "bling." It also incorporates the v-neck line that was shown throughout Bridal Fashion week. Ines di Santo was the most talked about designer at New York Bridal Market. She is a true innovator in the bridal world.

For more from Ines di Santo, check out our post from Fashion Week here


Another designer I love is Elizabeth Fillmore.

This gown is called Ballet Noir and incorporates the black accent detail and the peplum skirt. This is such a retro look with modern details.

In addition to the gowns, jewelry was a trend. Necklaces were much more pronounced.

These particular pieces by Meridith Griffin, definitely highlight the gowns and gives the bride an Old Hollywood feel.

Still big at bridal fashion week were textured skirting. Whether is be with tiers, ruffles, or feathers, this type of construction can't help you feel liked you stepped out of a romance novel.

This gown is by Monique Lhuillier. Monique Lhuillier is one of the hottest designers among celebrities today.

As someone who has been in the business for 24 years, it is so nice to see brides looking for more glamour in their wedding gown then just the plain rouched gown. As evident of the Golden Globes this year, beading and color are back and bridal fashion has also incorporated this look. The doom and gloom of 2009 is past us and a their is a bright future ahead of us.

Wedded Bliss

This past weekend I was invited to attend the Bridal Market in New York (thanks Michele of M Bride). Silk, tulle, ruffles, beading, ruching, embellishments and all the glamor one would expect from a bridal show was present. I was pleased to see that a few of the trends from last year were noticeably absent. Gone were the large colored sashes, floral prints barely masked by layers of tulle, and there wasn't a pocket to be found. There seemed to be a slight movement away from the slinky, lingerie look, which in my opinion is a welcome evolution. Call me traditional but I think a bride should look like a bride. That said, I was not disappointed with this year's high glamor and I think the brides of 2010 and 2011 are going to look amazing. Here's a sneak peek...


Ines DiSanto

Above Photos by The Knot

click on photos below for a larger view

The dresses were all fabulous but what really got my attention were the accessories. The jewel encrusted, black ribbon head pieces by Maria Elana really made me giddy, I would love to have one to wear with a LBD. But the show stealer was the fingerless gloves covered with crystals. The photo above doesn't do it justice, but trust me, every girl should have at least one pair!

Junko Yoshioka

Junko's line was, as usual, clean and sophisticated. Her dresses are structured so beutifuly they remind me of origami. This collection used some really fun patterns like stripes and checkerboard but overall, the pieces were true to Junko's style of tailored elegance.

Ulla-Maija

Lots of Duchesse satin and embroidery at Ulla-Maija

Monique Lhuillier

The dresses had all of the glamor one has come to expect from Monique Lhullier, with lots of textures and embellishments. Too bad the hair and makeup fell short, the models looked like they just rolled out of an infirmary bed and stuck a feather on their head.

Temperley London

I didn't get to see the Temperley London line in person but I would be remiss to not include them. As a fan of their non-bridal collections it only makes sense that their bridal line would wow me as well. These designs do not disappoint. Can I walk down the aisle again please (same groom of course)!