Walk the Aisle [Brian Atwood]

Walk down the aisle in these limited edition shoes from Brian Atwood for a truly glamourous wedding experience. The crystal encrusted and flower adorned heel gives this otherwise classic shoe all the drama a bride craves on her special day. It's best to pair with a shorter wedding dress; no use hiding such a dramatic shoe under a gown.

Alice In Wonderland [The ENGAGEMENT Party]

Bride and Prejudice is the story of an outlandishly fashionable girl/woman as she navigates the treacherous road to betrothal. Naturally, she is getting married in June (though, likely not at The Plaza), and she is a socialite so there are many more events, than just the wedding day. First up is the engagement party. Set the scene: a lavish [family] estate in upstate NY or perhaps Long Island with immaculate lawns, perfectly pruned rose bushes, a grande fountain, a few albino peacocks roaming around and a sprawling chandelier lit tent. The only beverage options are champagne and water. What does the bride-to-be wear? Vintage couture, of course. She must set the tone for the half dozen or so events leading up to the wedding, and everyone will be dying to know what type of bride she will be. This bride is rooted in tradition, but remarkably fresh and certainly not afraid of the unconventional, so the natural choice for today's ensemble is a dangerously short couture lace frock, a pair of dazzling diamond stud earrings, a chunky, eye-popping platform pump to avoid sinking heels in the dirt (it is a garden party after all), and small sleek clutch. She completes the look with a high ponytail combed into a single large, long drop curl and soft/bright-eyed minimal make-up.

COUNTDOWN [Beyoncé's 4 Album Review]

Beyoncé's new album, 4 is slated for release on Tuesday, June 28th, but [un]fortunately the full album leaked last week. Normally, I'm opposed to listening to leaked albums; they're often not official, missing tracks, unmastered and at the core it's a violation of the artist's work. That being said, I couldn't resist, and the album was literally put in my lap, so I listened (I had already pre-ordered it on iTunes, so my conscience is clear). I've been listening to the album on repeat since then. It is not at all what I was expecting, but it is absolutely a pleasant surprise. After reading all the reports from producers that the album was party music focused and taking hints from the lead single, "Run the World (Girls)", I was ready for an album much like B'day, unrelentless, impatient and aggressive. With a few exceptional exceptions, the album has a much different, more mature tone, with more mid-tempos than club bangers. All the strength is there, but it's much more subdued and controlled; instead of an explosion, it's more of a seek and destroy missile. With a relatively slim track listing of just 12 songs, 4 is noticeably shorter than her last album, and thus virtually free of the dreaded "filler" music. There is, however, lots of experimentation, and genre blurring. The standard "two verse and a bridge" formula wildly prevalent in R&B music is hardly employed here. Standout tracks include "Party" (featuring Kanye West and André 3000), the only cameos on the whole album, "I Care", "Start Over", and my personal favorite "Countdown" (I don't know how her team passed this up for the lead single slot). On a bad note (pun intended), I can do without the vintage throwback track "Love on Top"; it sounds like a Dreamgirls throw away. Overall, the songs of the album demonstrate Beyoncé's versatility. She literally outdid herself with this project. I'm sure most of the links to the leaked album are disabled so make sure you cop 4 on 6/28 and don't forget to wish me happy birthday. Now, all hail the Queen!

On Bended Knee [Tiffany & Co.]

I don't know why girls get to have all the fun when it comes to engagements. Fuck that! When I get married, I want a blinged out wedding band and an engagement ring too. In fact I want this three stone Lucida ring from Tiffany & Co; I picked it out using their iPhone app. It has enough diamonds to put a Beverly Hills housewife to shame, but the square cut stones make for a more masculine silhouette. On second thought - fuck the marriage altogether, and just give me the jewelry; I'm married to the Game. 

source: Tiffany & Co.

Wonder Woman [Lanvin Spring 2011]

The warm weather is here (right?), so break out those easy summer dresses. If your closet is wanting, head to Lanvin for the very best in light, flowy skirts and dresses. Alber Elbaz constructs an ultra soft and mostly minimal collection that's surprisingly practical for hot summer days, especially the flat sandals. The collection is perfect for any variety of tropical getaways. Did someone say honeymoon?

You Had Me @ Hello [Valentino]

Fall in love with these feminine lace shoes from the house of Valentino. Creative directors Pier Paolo Picioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri have been working the lace motif for the last few seasons to mostly positive reviews, but this platform pump is sure to quiet any remaining resistance to the ultra-feminine trend at Valentino. Brides-to-be, ladies-who-lunch and party girls around the world would agree!

Game of THRONES [Alexander McQueen Fall 2011]

Sarah Burton continues her immaculate rule over the house of McQueen. Fall's collection was aptly titled "The Ice Queen and her court," and at McQueen, monarchs rule graciously for the most part. With feathered shoulders, soft tweeds, and plush furs, the collection was truly fit for a queen, and, I expect, priced for one as well. Overall, McQueen's or Burton's kingdom is experiencing a time of peace and reserved prosperity; the queen's court seems largely serene in all those white feathers. But at a moment's notice, they are prepared for war with elaborate harnesses, sky-high, thigh-high boots and black leather gloves. No need to fret; this queen favors peace, and Burton ended the show with a series of spectacular gowns covered in broken china mosaics, tons of plumage and yards and yards of silk organza. Long live this Queen!