The beyond-chic SoHo loft of Sara Costello, former Creative Director of Domino magazine, is chock-full of gorgeous prints and photos (many by her professional photographer husband). The one that caught our eye: a black and white image of a turban-clad Lisa Fonssagrives taken by her husband, the legendary Irving Penn. Here, our Beautiful Mom of the day and writer (who pens for the Wall Street Journal) publicly displays her affection for her precious 3-month old, Ruffin, on the streets of lower Manhattan.

Photos by Joey Kuhn

Jen Denton, today's Beautiful Mom and co-owner of the wildly popular Blow, was completely obsessed with the idea of creating a blow dry bar. She admits it was a random obsession but one that clearly came to light with her single-minded focus and dedication. And she still finds the time to look fabulous and spend quality time with her charming children--Jack (9) and Finn (6). Click on image at left and enjoy the slideshow.

Photos by Joey Kuhn

Today's Beautiful Mom, Frederique van der Wal, candidly admits that daughter Scyler (who turns 11 tomorrow!) is far more into fashion than she is and chooses her own pieces with a clear sense of personal style and flair. But that's not to say that mom doesn't shop at some of downtown's hippest boutiques. Frederique does most of her browsing on Elizabeth and Mott between Houston and Prince. Among her top beauty shops: Love Adorned and Georgia. And when hunger sets in, Epistrophy and Indochine sate her appetite. Click the image at left and watch the slideshow and magic between this mother-daughter duo.

Celeb stylist, Phillip Bloch, who's dressed such blushing brides as Jennifer Lopez, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Angela Bassett and Lauren Holly, talks weddings with us and shares his most beloved dress ever, most comfortable shoes for dancing the night away and what to do with the flowers when the party’s over. Plus, he reveals some secrets about what Kate Middleton (and mum, Carole) might be strollin' down the aisle in at tomorrow’s royal nuptials. Read on, and be sure to check out Phillip’s entertaining video, shot this week at the launch of our brand new Beautiful Boutiques event.

 

Most beautiful wedding dress(es) ever?

“Gwen Stefani, designed by Galliano—a perfect combo of modern with a touch of romance and rock ‘n roll; Grace Kelly, designed by Helen Rose (an Academy Award winning costume designer). She did her costuming for High Society and her services were gifted by MGM for the wedding. I love this dress because, although it was done 50 years ago, it is still timeless and classic even today; and Nicole Richie’s dress, designed by Marchesa. The dress is the epitome of modern style with a touch of fantasy.

 

Favorite hair accessory for a bride?

“I think the veil is quintessential. I love a scalloped lace edge.”

 

Thoughts on vintage?

“I love the feel of a vintage dress, but I particularly love modern dresses that are vintage inspired.  I'm often leery of something used in this case because I believe it holds the energy of the person; and more practically, the fit most times isn't quite right unless you have the same body type as the original bride. And people were a lot smaller 50 years ago, lol!”

White vs. ivory?

“Ivory is much more flattering on more skin types and not as stark as white.”

Short vs. long?

“Long everyday. Although I am a fan of tea length a la Grace Kelly.”

 

Do the shoes need to match the dress?

“I believe the shoe should compliment, and I love a little sparkle on the shoe. A platform makes it more comfortable to dance the night away.”

For brides on a budget, where to cut costs?

“Flowers. They can be one of the largest expenses of a wedding. Also, whatever flowers remain after the wedding should be donated to a hospital, hospice or senior citizens home/care center.”

 

Best person to accompany the bride when picking out her dress?

“Someone with good taste, but the mother must be included because otherwise she will be insulted. I've been down that road several times!”

And what will Kate Middleton be donning down the aisle?
"I think Sophie, the young girl from Libelula is designing her dress. And I think Jasper Conran is dressing her mom. And Philip Treacy will do the hats!"

From Michelle Obama at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll wearing a pretty safflower floral number by Tracy Reese earlier this week to Reese herself donning a checked 50s-style skirt in today's Beautiful Stranger profile, prints and patterns are all over the place for spring. Here, a slideshow featuring the bold and beautiful designs we've spotted from the South Lawn to the parks of Paris to the streets of SoHo.