Trends come and go and come again. The styles of the twenties, during the great depression; came back during the inflation of the late 70’s and have returned again during this economic downturn with a modern twist.

What was popular in the roaring 20’s? Sparkles, sparkles and more sparkles! Swarovski crystals on wedding attire, jewelry, tiaras and initials as cake toppers.

Sheath gowns made of charmeuse fabric are back. Feather clips for veils are gailing popularity accented with french netting tilting over the eyes.

Counter to the twenties trend is the Central Texas stand-by - white sequin cowboy boots.

Budget Brides

As budgets tighten across the state, there has been a resurgence of rental gowns for both brides and bridesmaids. Bridesmaid and prom gowns are getting a second look as bride’s attire and the color palatte is shifting to earthtones, John-Deere green to taupe and browns.

Flower Power

Today’s brides may try to boost their budgets by going light on the florals. Luckily, some of this season’s most stylish skirts are putting them back in.

1. Vera Wang

Blush organza strapless gown with ivory tulle hand-cut floral skirt.

2. Carolina Herrera

Mikado strapless dress with soft sweet heart neckline, Mikado rose petals and duchess satin leaves.

3. Angel Sanchez

Silk triple gazar trumpet gown with curved neckline & panel of embroidered organza flowers.

In favor of ...

The Cole Haan Nike Air Bridal Collection

By Melissa Tussing

I’ve always loved the scene in the 1991 film “Father of the Bride” when Annie Banks shows off her bedazzled bridal sneakers from Sidekicks, the fictional shoe company run by her father George. It’s probably because I always saw myself embracing sparkling Keds on my big day rather than risking biting pain halfway down the aisle.

For some reason, comfort and style are opposed when it comes to shoes.

But then there’s the brilliance of Cole Haan’s new bridal shoe collection. Each shoe sports Nike Air technology – a hidden air cushion within the ball and heel of the shoe – which Cole Haan, a Nike subsidiary, has been putting into its high-end footwear since 2000. And they’re stylish. The shoes come in eight styles including a four-inch peep toe stiletto and a ballet flat, and each pair is made in silsatin. Prices retail from $298 to $428. But having comfortable shoes you can wait to take off after the reception may be worth the splurge.