J Crew Fall 2010 Bridal Collection

In contrast to their fairly minimalist spring 2010 collection, J Crew’s fall 2010 wedding dresses seem to be made with the whimsical, romantic bride in mind. This collection is characterized by lace and textured chiffon, but brides who prefer dresses with zero frills will also spot a couple of simple wedding dresses.

This gorgeous tiered dress is easily my favorite in this collection. What’s not to love? You’ve got a romantic lace bodice, a tiered skirt for volume, and dotted tulle for texture. Okay, the fitted bodice will probably show my beer belly but I love this dress anyway.

This dress is more forgiving on curvy bodies; the empire cut does a great job of hiding belly flab and the unembellished skirt provides the illusion of long legs.

A minimalist wedding dress, also great for flattening tummies out.

This strapless dress is the sweetest! It looks like something a wedding guest or bridesmaid would wear, but I love it just the same.

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Reem Acra Spring 2011 Bridal Collection

The ballgown wedding dress will never go out of style, and I love how designers continue to reinvent this silhouette this season. Reem Acra’s spring 2011 bridal collection features wispy ballgown skirts alongside traditional-looking designs and trendy pieces. Let’s give it a look!

Love the tiers on this dress. It’s not a style everyone can get away with but go for it if you’re tall and skinny!

This pale yellow dress is a refreshing change from the usual white.

A sweetheart neckline is a subtle way to show some skin on your wedding day. The ruffles around the waist may make your front look a little bigger than it normally is – wear with caution.

The floral embellishments will provide the illusion of a fuller bust. Get a style like this if you want to forgo the push-up bra.

This is my favorite in the collection – it’s understatedly elegant, and I love how delicate the tulle skirt looks.

One of the collection’s more traditional pieces.

This is an interesting trend – kind of like a cross between the ballgown skirt and the high-low hemline. I wonder if it will catch on.

My least favorite dress in the collection. When will designers realize that an embellished belly is extremely unflattering?

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http://weddingbellsblog.com/bridal-gowns/reem-acra-spring-2011-bridal-collection/#more-1647#ixzz0nvUWFDuC

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011 Bridal Collection

Fabric roses, structured ruffles, and Oscar de la Renta-like fur-embellished skirts dominate Monique Lhuillier’s spring 2011 bridal collection. I normally love Monique Lhuillier’s work but this collection is kind of a hit or miss. There are more hits than misses though, and they’re absolutely stunning!

The fabric roses provide interesting texture and the same romanticism of good old fashioned ruffles.

I love the sheer lace cape! It looks like an updated, more fashionable version of the kimona.

The fabric roses on this mermaid dress are more distinct – reminds me a little of frosted flowers on a cake. I think I prefer soft tulle roses over this one.

Interesting texture on this dress. I’m not sure it’s very wearable, but it’s definitely a gorgeous work of art. It takes skill to create ruffles like this one!

Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2011 collection had a few dresses with similar fur-like skirts. I think this skirt would dwarf a petite bride.

I prefer this dress over the last – the fur is more sparse and doesn’t dominate the dress entirely.

I love how elegant this one looks! It’s the kind of dress you expect to see at the Oscar Red Carpet or the Met Costume Gala.

This slinky gown is red carpet-worthy too, but I’m not sure if it’s wedding-appropriate. For the reception, perhaps.

This dress is my least favorite in the collection. Not only are the large roses completely unflattering, but the full bubble skirt and uneven hem makes the model look like she’s pregnant. Ugh.

Another unflattering dress, though not as bad as the last one. Still, the tulle bow adds unwanted poundage to the stomach area.

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http://weddingbellsblog.com/bridal-gowns/monique-lhuillier-spring-2011-bridal-collection-2/#more-1629#ixzz0nvTBmkcq