Michael Costello Spring / Summer 2018 at New York Fashion Week

Michael Costello Spring / Summer 2018 was set in a secret garden, where humanity and nature intertwine.  The collection focuses on femininity with each model representing sensuality and strength in organza and sparkle. The backdrop of pink roses went perfectly with Michael Costello's gorgeous blush pink tulle gowns. 

I'm used to seeing Costello's collection in a runway format, but previewing his couture + bridal collection as a presentation allowed me the time to get up close and admire all the fine details of floral applique, lace, ruffles, draping and beadwork. Along with wedding dresses, Costello presented bridesmaid and reception dresses from mini dresses to long silhouettes, showcased on models of different ethnicities and body types. The gowns and dresses were sexy and sheer, with low cut and high slit styles (J.Lo style). Several blush pink and baby blue dresses would be perfect on the red carpet. 

It was exciting to see the dresses accessorized with handmade Diamonds by kathy ireland® and multi-million dollar pieces from the couture Kathleen Marie Paul Raps New York jewelry collections. The engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets and pendants looked absolutely stunning on the models. 

- Kim Weling

Accessories Council Bridal Picks 2014

This month has been full of bridal previews and weddings, so it's the perfect time to recap some of my favorites from Accessories Council #ACTOPPICKS Bridal event. 

At the top of my list are Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye and Face Gels. The cooling under-eye Hydro Firming Eye Gels ($30) are firm, tone and de-puff the eye area in just ten minutes. The Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels ($35) are peptide-packed transdermal patches, with a concentrated dose of line-plumping ingredients to firm, tone and flatten expression lines in just ten minutes. You can refrigerate them for an extra cooling effect. 

Art deco Roman & Sunstone Antique Crystal Drop Earrings ($24) and Swarovski Bella Mini Pierced Earrings ($60) both add a little sparkle and glamour to any dress.

My favorite headbands are by Deepa Gurnani, known for their beaded and crystalized hair accessories, jewelry, belts and more. One of my favorites is the elegant Crystal Detail Headband ($88) with luxe crystals on the fabric-backed petals. Deepa Gurnani elastic headbands comfortably stay in place all day long without hurting your head. 

This mesh Jessica McClintock Frame Bag with Bow in Silver ($36) is fun with feminine edge, and easy to pair with your party dress. 

The Girly Go Garter ($39) with GentleFlex Grippers is a sexy, thigh garter with pockets that securely holds your phone, cash, credit cards, lipstick or other essentials. It's easy to wear - just stretch the garter around your thigh and secure it with the velcro. This hands-free accessory comes in sizes small, medium and large. 

Straw Envy reusable drinking straws ($27.99) dress up your drink, embellished with crystals. The set includes two BPA-free plastic straws and a carrying case so you can sip in style while on-the-go!

- Kim Weling

Be Yourself, Together with Target Wedding + $25 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

Whether you are celebrating an engagement or bridal shower party, Target has everything you need to throw a chic event that you and your guests will enjoy. This year's Target Wedding Theme is "Be Yourself, Together", which celebrates the unique qualities each individual brings to a relationship that combined, result in something beautiful.

My favorite bridal shower party theme would have to be Paris-inspired, with ideas taken straight from the movie "Bridesmaids". Not everyone can afford an over-the-top bridal shower party such as that one and hand out puppies as a party favor, but you can certainly take some elements from it, like creating fab invitations, greeting your guests with drinks at the door, and serving up delectable desserts.

It makes me happy when I can get the most use out of an item, so shopping for versatile pieces is key for me. These items I chose to highlight from the Target Wedding Catalog can be used for special occasions or for everyday. The Tiered Pedestal Serving Plates - Set of 3 ($19.99) is perfect for serving up cupcakes or macarons, but for a fashionista like me, it doubles as the perfect spot to display your jewelry or beauty items. It is super convenient to store my favorite lipsticks, lip glosses, mascara, concealer, eye shadows and powders on, so I can easily just reach for it and apply my makeup. So instead of a vanity, I use a cake plate! Same goes for jewelry  - it makes it easy to decide what to wear having my bracelets, rings and necklaces stored in the same place.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS19K 14.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom ($249.99) in Black is great for capturing those special moments but is also portable and perfect for on-the-go, like the weekly previews and launch parties I need to photograph. It can also record videos in full 1080p HD movie quality.

My last pick is the SodaStream Source Soda Maker ($99.00-$99.99), for making your own sparkling water or sodas for you and your guests. It's easy to come up with a drink menu of different options, from Diet Cola and Sparkling Pink Grapefruit to Kool-Aid Cherry and Cranberry Energy sodas.

Thanks to Target, one lucky reader will randomly be selected to receive a $25 Target Gift Card. To enter, visit the Target Wedding Catalog and leave a comment on this post, of which product you would use or gift at a Bridal shower. I'll be choosing a winner on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 11:59pm ET. 

If you are planning a wedding in the near future, check out the Target Wedding Registry and sign up! Get inspired and join the wedding fun by folllowing #TargetWedding on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

- Kim Weling

Accessories Council Bridal Picks

Joseph Anthony Carillo Makeup / Carolina Herrera Fall 2013

On August 13th,  the event space at 91 Horatio Street was beautifully transformed with gorgeous flowers and amazing hors d'oeuvres by The Upper Crust, as the Accessories Council and Millie Martini Bratten shared their favorite bridal accessories.

Bulova is one of my favorite watch brands, since they always have styles that cater to the petite wrist, including this watch, ($325) accented with diamonds from the Highbridge Collection. Sprout's eco-friendly Advanced Crystal Collection watches ($70-75) sparkle with Swarovski Crystals and can be dressed up or dressed down. Ritani is known for their custom-made diamond engagement rings, loose diamonds and other fine jewelry, like the Thin In-and-Out Diamond Hoop Earrings ($750) in 18k White Gold (0.24). Roman & Sunstone's Roman Bride collection has the perfect bridal party gifts, like the Infinity Necklace ($20), which features a silver infinity symbol and simple white pearl, packaged in a white pouch with white bow detail. The Ornate Crystal Bracelet ($60), Bold and Unique Crystal Earrings ($28) and Pearl & Crystal Headband ($30) are also included in the Roman Bride collection.

Boy Meets Girl's Classic Coco Hoodie is the perfect gift for the bride-to-be or bridesmaids. You can choose from a pre-made "Bride/Groom" hoodie ($59) or personalize your own ($69). The pre-made hoodie also comes with a free pair of Boy Meets Girl slippers with your online order. Jack Rogers Palm Peach Navajo Mid-Wedge ($136) is the perfect summer shoe for a beach wedding, while still adding some height for anyone petite. This leather upper is also comes in a flat and high wedge style. ManuelRacim makes made-to-measure dress shirts ($225) for the groom, for a perfectly tailored fit. The dress shirts are made in France, with a choice of over 200 fabrics, 20 collars, 15 cuffs and 12 button types.

A favorite handbag for a summer daytime wedding is Marchesa's envelope shoulder bag ($3,695) with pearl and leather cut embroidery, crystal quartz lock and nickel hardware. The perfect evening bag is Lena Erziak's classic clutch ($3,595), encrusted in Swarovski crystals with 24 k-gold plating on hardware. Bridal fragrance favorites include Tru Blooms ($38-$65), a bright floral perfume made of elegant sheer rose, traditional lavender and sensuous violet and Marchesa Parfum d'Extase ($85) with light florals and a combination of fresh and sensual notes.

The Upper Crust's wedding planning team led by Dan Fehlig, transported us into a beautiful wedding atmosphere for the bridal preview, with amazing hors d'oeuvres including duck canapés, lamb chops, and lemon and chocolate squares. You can check out The Upper Crust catering menu here:

The Saucon Creek lavender prosecco was amazing! Here's the recipe:

Saucon Creek

2 dashes Scrappy's Lavender bitters

.25 oz fresh lemon juice

.75 oz rosemary honey syrup

prosecco

Before adding the prosecco, mix other ingredients in a champagne flute.

Here's a look at the brands showcased

- Kim Weling