TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . .

Ben di Lisi

. . . Over at Savvy Scoop talking about the history of the Royal wedding gowns of Britain. With the nuptuials of Wills and Kate approaching we're looking more and more to Great Britian for inspiration. Yes, the anticipation of, Who will Kate choose as a designer? has got us all wondering . . . READ MORE

SHORT STORIES

Romona Keveza

Whether you're considering going short and chic for your wedding, rehearsal or shower, here are some fem and flirty looks for 2011 just off the runways. 

 Angel Sanchez

 Priscilla of Boston
Have you notoced necklines are becoming more varied?  This scoop is so flattering and a welcome change . . .

 Azzaro

Azzaro
The micro mini is back with a new twist on the aysemetrycal neckline.  Very 1960s . . .

Very trendy this Oscar de la Renta poufy skirt says sweet and sexy all over . . .

THE ART OF MIXING LACES

Pam Grant Photography

Lace as we know it evokes images of woven florals and scalloped edges on flounced skirts and collars.  Lately we’ve seen some imaginative combinations in bridal wear. Going beyond the the traditionals like Alencon and Chantilly, now you can mix it up with hanmade florals, Venise motifs, galloons, and embroideries on organza and chiffon.  Woven into the mix, these laces are making for the kind of cutting edge mingled with romanticism seen in these images.

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 Above and below: Clothing by Sandra C. Hagan/ Photo by Monica True

ART MEETS FASHION

CREDITS

Photography- Stuart Lirette and John Truong

                                       Wedding Dresses and Bridal Headwear- Amy-Jo Tatum/ Dioresque 2011
                                          Jewelry- Denise Hazelton and Hot Rocks for Studiolo

Makeup- Pretty by Julianne

Hair- Intertwine Design

Special thanks to photographers John Truong and Stuart Lirette who teamed up again, this time shooting my vintage inspired bridal pieces against the backdrop of some really incredible Bay Area art. For 2011, I added lots of tulle, lace and shirring to the collection. Slimmer silhouettes come in drapey satins accented with lighterweight laces. The stunning jewelry that pulls each look together hails from two vintage collections, Denise Hazelton and Hot Rocks available through Studiolo . . .
I'd also like to thank The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art for giving the artists whose work is the backdrop of this shoot, a place to show their talents to the fullest.

WINTER REDS AND BLACKS

Gorgeous!  Thanks again Lindsbinz at SMP Style Circle for getting all those little touches that say winter so right-on . . .

Speaking of deals...

Have you joined Groupon yet? If you haven't, you should! Even if you are not in the wedding planning stages this is still a great buying group. It is set up by cities (you can choose cities you don't live in - sometimes they get deals that are internet deals). They have a different deal every day and you can either choose to buy the deal or ignore it. They often have awesome deals for those amazing canvas photos (they do the pop art photos too, if you missed that post check it out here). The deal for today is TWO Shutterfly wall calendars for $20.00!! Essentially, this is a buy one get one free deal!

These would make an amazing gift for your parents, if you were just married...or if you have kids or just for yourself to organize yourself for 2011! If you purchase the deal you have until Feb. 15th to use it! Click here to join Groupon and purchase this deal...but REMEMBER you only have 24 hrs to purchase!! (yes, I will get a referral credit if you click on this link and set up an account..so thank you!)

I have used Groupon to buy:

• $40 of Edible Arrangements for $20 (I used them this year for my daughters teachers Christmas gifts)
• $35 of fortune cookies from Fancy Fortune Cookie (online store) for $15
• $39 for a 16"x20" Personalized Canvas Photo includes Shipping from CafePress worth $100
• $15 for Patty's Cakes and Desserts (a local bakery that does cake balls!) worth $36

So you can see...you can use Groupon for a lot of deals and steals! It's totally worth it!

Happy Holidays!

I hope you all had a very, merry Christmas! I know I did! Having a little one, who is aware of what is going on, changes your perspective on everything! So, it is the day after and all those "must have" holiday goodies are on sale. If you are having a wedding that has red, green, silver, gold or white as an accent color...boy you can get a lot of deals on things you can use for your wedding! I found these items:

Red Striped Cellophane Gift Bags, Set of 12

On sale at Williams Sonoma right now for $13.99! That is just $1.65 per bag! Great for Candy Buffets!

Monogrammed Gift Boxes

Hot! Hot! Hot! You can get these boxes in a variety of sizes - the cookie size is perfect for a little treat giveaway! The white box has a thin Red Stripe and they are so perfect monogramed! The cookie size box is on sale for set of 6 for $21.99. They also offer a candy size - but act quick! These are selling fast and the cupcake size box is already sold out in white - red is still currently available!

Personalized Ribbons

Here is another hot item! Already the red ribbon with white lettering and red ribbon with gold lettering is sold out! Act fast and you can still get White Satin with Red Lettering or White Satin with Gold Lettering. a 15 yard roll is on sale for $21.99

Waxed Tissue

Available in Polka Dot or Fleur de Lys. $8.99 for Roll of twenty 20" x 30" sheets

Monogrammed Footed Candy Dish

Can you say PERFECT item for a candy buffet?! You could also use this beautiful dish after the wedding - the monogramming just seals it as a perfect deal! On sale for $11.99

IN PROGRESS

It's December 26th but Christmas and holiday weddings are still going full tilt.  Isn't this an awesome set of pics?  The white Star Lillies and red roses are an ideal bridal bouquet or center piece while the Temperly gowns upper right are perfect for the winter wedding.  Thank you Lindsbinz of SMP Style Circle for inspiring us all post Xmas and ushering us into a splendid winter . . ..

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Have yourself a very Merry and Bride Chic Christmas . . .

LAST MINUTE CHIC GIFTS FOR THE BRIDE

These are all the books on my own Xmas list.  Numero uno being, The Fashion File by Madmen costumer and stylist, Janie Bryant.  Bryant's book is a sneak peek into the creation of  Mad Men's costumes, uncovering what it takes to define a charachter's overall look. A designer/stylist after my own heart, Bryant shows you how to develop your own signature visual persona.  A lover of vintage pieces, she shows you how to mix the decade pieces with contemporary ones like blue jeans and shoes.  Beautiful renderings of retro fashion dot this book, a real treasure.

I don't own but have read this gemmie from front to cover in one sitting.  Vera Wang on Weddings is one of the most fascinating books out there for brides to be, or, any long lover of fashion, packed with gorgeous images and expert advise from the queen of bridal herself . . .

They call this The Wedding Bible in the industry.  Put out by the editors of In Style, this book is a treasure trove of magnificent photographs and in depth coverage of topics from the best of the best such a gown, flowers, invitations and cake. 

SPRING AT KLEINFELD

 It's already spring time in Manhattan.  This was the scene at Kleinfeld Manhattan for Priscilla Troy's trunk show featuring her magnificent collection of vintage and reproduction parasols. Priscilla has such a stunning array of these chic little props with the most intricate detailing I've ever seen, some with lace dating back to the 1890s.   When constructed in silk fabric instead of paper, the parasols last and make beautiful keepsakes to pass on. Her collection has not only more functional products out of linen and cotton but deacquisitioned pieces from The Brooklyn Museum of Art which consist of silk and lace gems dating back to the Civil War. Raised in the South, Priscilla moved West and pursued a career as a graphic designer and advertising art director. Today, she engages in conceptual textiles and became interested in “Shade Art” by reintroducing the parasol as both a protective devise and a fashion accessory. She feels, "One does not just carry a parasol, but wears it as a lifestyle choice. "  You can check out more chic by visiting Priscilla's site.

LOLITA BRIDES

 Porcelain Poet

One version of Goth making it big in the bridal arena is Lolita dressing-aka, Alice and/or the baby doll concept.  The Gothic Lolita fashion movement originated in the Harajuko district in Japan and is growing in popularity in the West. It's become a  favorite concept for artsy photo shoots lately and some fashion designers are finding a real niche in it.  Gothic Lolita girls collect elaborate wardrobes of what looks like 19th century inspired doll clothing. On top of that activities for serious Lolita followers might include the romanticized ideas of yesteryear such as tea parties and croquet matches. The white pinafores and ruffled dresses with full mini skirts covered in lace make this look a great alternative for bridal. You can go all-out costumey or tone down the Raggedy-Ann look by creating more of a fashion appearance as in most of the images here. A great look that seems to have been embraced by tiny and shorter women who love to capture the embodiment of youth . . .

 Photographed by Kassandra Leigh Purcell/Dress for Rakuen Fashion

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