{Wedding Era Wednesday} Why white gowns?

Weddings are full of traditions today as we all know. Really though, where did all these traditions come from? There is an answer for everything and we wanted to start sharing some exciting facts about weddings that you may not know.

Why white gowns? Before 1840, color was of little importance. Practicality was. Women wore their best dress to their wedding ceremony and usually wore it multiple times after that day. It wasn't shocking to see a bride in red, black or even blue! What happened in 1840 that turned the fashion trend to white wedding gowns? Queen Victoria married Prince Albert.

That's when the white wedding gown became the tradition we know it as today. Queen Victoria wore a gown of white satin trimmed in lace, a matching white lace veil, and a crown of orange blossoms. From Europe to North America, she set a new standard of wedding attire. Later into the 1860's you would find weddings being completely achromatic (meaning all white). Bridesmaids even wore all white, something that isn't very common today.

Queen Victoria on her wedding day

One more fun tidbit. A common occurrence after your wedding in the late 1800's was to have your gown altered. The neckline dropped and sleeves raised, your wedding gown now became your new evening gown. Funny to think that we leave our gowns preserved, hidden away in a closet!

Feeling inspired by Queen Victoria's influence on wedding attire, here are some soft and intricate MEG Jewelry pieces that would fall perfectly into the late 1800's.

Abeye Bracelet

Abeye Earrings

 Shelly Ankelt

for your something blue!

Source: 1,2

Wednesday Wants. MEG Spring 2011 Earrings

Women's fashion is a constant circle, always pulling from the past. Styles of clothing influence many other aspects of dress including the accessories. That's where we come in...but... a little history first!

Earrings became must more popular in the 16th century when women's dress allowed it. Meaning, the high collars on women's dress disappeared and they wore their hair up more. This change allowed earrings to be a focal point on a woman. The girandole earring appeared mid 1600's and was laden with gems and stones. It was so heavy, it wore the ear lobes down!

The girandole earring is an inspiration for earrings we see today. The September issue of InStyle had a great article of lacey earrings. Chandelier drops and openwork give an intricate spin with an elegant touch. As new designs for our MEG Jewelry Spring 2011 line materialize, we are right on point.

Bringing this full circle, we introduce two new earrings for MEG Jewelry Spring 2011 line. These earrings feature an openwork base that is accented with Swarovski crystals and fresh water pearls. A elegant addition to any bride's ensemble!

Wednesday Wants. Queen Sheba.

This week we draw on an ancient and spectacular source of inspiration for our feature. Queen Sheba. After visiting the home of Menelik in Ethiopa, new design ideas were pulled from the regal adornments of past Kings and Queens of Africa. The attire, architecture and crowns were stimulation for the MEG Jewelry Accessories, Sheba.

Start off by adorning yourself with the Sheba Hair Comb, this Swarovski Crystal hair combs combines the elements of three floret shapes. Then the teardrop Sheba Earrings draw attention to the wearer.

We can’t forget the Sheba Necklace that creates great movement around the neck as it plunges back and forth. Lastly pulling everything together, the Sheba Cuff truly emulates the regal attributes of African Queens.

Wait! We’re not done yet. A dress idea certainly must be the icing on the cake. Priscilla of Boston has a perfect Silk Crepe Georgette strapless slim gown with a scoop neckline and an embellished drop waist and over skirt. This dress has qualities that will compliment the Sheba Jewelry Accessories wonderfully. (Don’t forget to ditch the scarf!)