Guest Post: Heather Levine of The Knot

I am really excited to welcome Heather Levine to the blog today, for a guest post on the latest and greatest wedding gown fashions. Heather observed all the newest gowns from a front row seat at fashion week, and she was gracious enough to write up her five favorite trends for all of you! So without further ado, Heather's five favorite trends (examples of each trend can be found above):

1) Rosettes
These bold blooms weren’t the only flowers to pop up on the bridal runways: I also spotted smaller varieties, like cherry blossoms, and even some cascading petal details. But here’s the reason rosettes are so highly ranked: Their larger-than-life size makes a normally romantic flower feel more, well, fresh. Gown: Melissa Sweet.

2) Retro Style
I’m addicted to Mad Men (but still catching up, just started the Season 2 DVD, so no spoilers, please)! When I saw these tulle, natural-waist numbers paired with sheer wristlet gloves, I instantly fell in love. Gown: Tara Keely by Edric Woo.

3) 3-D Embroidery
Over the years, some of my favorite gowns have had that old-world allure, or looked, you know, vintage. But they all had one thing in common: a slim, sheath-like silhouette. Finally, this season I saw intricate tulle-embroidered ball gowns and A-line skirts that offer that same antique appeal. Gown: Christos.

4) Bold Straps
The asymmetrical strap is nothing new, but this year bridal designers really took risks making each strap -- and more importantly, each dress -- a unique work of art. Gown: Claire Pettibone.

5) Black Accents
No, I’m not Twilight-obsessed, but I do think there’s nothing more elegant than a white gown adorned with this gothic hue. Gown: Vera Wang.

Thank you, Heather! What do you all think? Do you love any of the trends or will you be using them in your own wedding? Discuss!

Heather Levine is the Fashion Editor of TheKnot.com, the #1 wedding website. As fashion editor, Heather is responsible for producing and styling the stories most coveted by brides – fashion and beauty – for TheKnot.com and The Knot Weddings magazine, as well as acting as host for fashion segments on The Knot TV, the site’s 24-7 streaming video channel. Heather also serves as in-house stylist for The Knot that includes editorial styling for media and special appearances.

*Photos: Clark+Walker Studio, Courtesy of TheKnot.com