NEW LAUNCH!
COCKTAIL CHIC
Here's something festive to ring in the New Year. Check out this cocktail-chic little gem from
Max Chaoul's, 'I Love You 2010' Collection. A real dazzler, don't you think?
Here's something festive to ring in the New Year. Check out this cocktail-chic little gem from
Max Chaoul's, 'I Love You 2010' Collection. A real dazzler, don't you think?
GOWN VERSUS DRESS
Stephanie Williams Photography
Okay, so . . . is there really a difference between a wedding gown and a wedding dress? I mean you hear designers and savvy merchandisers referring to what you wear on your big day as either gown or dress. So which is it?
Defined, gowns are anything to the floor and definitely ones with trains and/or extensions are considered super gown-worthy. For me the gown at its quintessential best is 'Harlowesque' lean-lined and clingy, something Hollywood designers borrowed for evening wear from sexy nightgowns back in the 1930s (hence comes the gown). The dress on the other hand can be any silhouette--even a ballgown--as long as it's ankle length or above. A good example of ballgown silhouette as dress is in the second image directly above. BTW my favorite length and silhouette for bridal wear right now is Ballerina, just above the ankles and very full . . .
Stephanie Williams Photography
Okay, so . . . is there really a difference between a wedding gown and a wedding dress? I mean you hear designers and savvy merchandisers referring to what you wear on your big day as either gown or dress. So which is it?
Defined, gowns are anything to the floor and definitely ones with trains and/or extensions are considered super gown-worthy. For me the gown at its quintessential best is 'Harlowesque' lean-lined and clingy, something Hollywood designers borrowed for evening wear from sexy nightgowns back in the 1930s (hence comes the gown). The dress on the other hand can be any silhouette--even a ballgown--as long as it's ankle length or above. A good example of ballgown silhouette as dress is in the second image directly above. BTW my favorite length and silhouette for bridal wear right now is Ballerina, just above the ankles and very full . . .
INSPIRATION SUNDAY
O Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,
That can sing both high and low:
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.
--William Shakespeare--
O Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,
That can sing both high and low:
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.
--William Shakespeare--
VIVA LA BELLE EPOQUE!
The gown here fits perfectly into the Belle Epoque theme. Titled, 'Evening in Paris', the gown is by Elie Saab; veil and flower headpiece by Dolce & Gabbana; rings by Dior Fine Jewelry.
Credits: The Independent Online, Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Four Seasons Magazine, Weddings in France-Belle Epoque Restaurant
Special thanks to
Lauren Kolalski of SMP Style Circle who created this lovely board . . .
The gown here fits perfectly into the Belle Epoque theme. Titled, 'Evening in Paris', the gown is by Elie Saab; veil and flower headpiece by Dolce & Gabbana; rings by Dior Fine Jewelry.
Credits: The Independent Online, Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Four Seasons Magazine, Weddings in France-Belle Epoque Restaurant
Special thanks to
Lauren Kolalski of SMP Style Circle who created this lovely board . . .
WINTER BRIDES
HEADLINES
chic.
chic.
MORE WINTER CHIC
Winter brings so many opportunities. Did you realize adding a jacket or needed accessory like a belt can improve the look of your gown? These additions can also be put to use after the wedding. The feathered coat would totally rock with a pair of jeans.
Winter brings so many opportunities. Did you realize adding a jacket or needed accessory like a belt can improve the look of your gown? These additions can also be put to use after the wedding. The feathered coat would totally rock with a pair of jeans.
A LITTLE MONDAY INSPIRATION
Credits: lepapierstudio (2), brides.com, marthastewart (2), "LOS CABOS" by Dolly Couture
In the midst of all the holiday hoopla, stop a moment and glean a bit of inspiration from this array of images I found on Style Circle. The decorative accents like a spray of berries, miniature pine cones embellished with needles are simple and elegant touches. If you have all the right materials handy, you can decorate a package or table top in a few minutes. The dress is a total dazzler from Dolly Couture lending itself beautifully to holiday chicness . . .
Credits: lepapierstudio (2), brides.com, marthastewart (2), "LOS CABOS" by Dolly Couture
In the midst of all the holiday hoopla, stop a moment and glean a bit of inspiration from this array of images I found on Style Circle. The decorative accents like a spray of berries, miniature pine cones embellished with needles are simple and elegant touches. If you have all the right materials handy, you can decorate a package or table top in a few minutes. The dress is a total dazzler from Dolly Couture lending itself beautifully to holiday chicness . . .
THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING
Love to say I dreamed up this array of holiday cheer myself but I lifted it off one of my favorite sites, The Perfect Palette. They ran this about a month back and if you missed out on it, now's your chance to share this winter wedding with all the ice- white beauty of falling snowflakes and bare tree branches, candy canes and hot cocoa.
Love to say I dreamed up this array of holiday cheer myself but I lifted it off one of my favorite sites, The Perfect Palette. They ran this about a month back and if you missed out on it, now's your chance to share this winter wedding with all the ice- white beauty of falling snowflakes and bare tree branches, candy canes and hot cocoa.
VINTAGE BOUDOIR
Credits: Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair (2), Showtime
You might just find you love vintage-chc lingerie as much as you do retro fashion and bridal. What women wear underneath it all changes with the eras of course. These Vargas-like images go from WWII pin-up to mid sixties funk. Reminiscent of boudoir photography--those shots you have done in a session with a photographer specializing in this niche--this is a gift you could give your groom pre or post wedding. For some, a present like this to their beloved is the equivalent of sitting for a bridal portrait (sans the gown of course). If you're contemplating boudoir photography have fun deciding which era or mood will be yours. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful portrait session.
1. Bring underthings in which you feel sexy and beautiful: Bras, panties, corsets, stockings, garter belts, tank tops, sports jerseys & even the man’s business shirt complete with homberg. All are trendy.
2. Bring accessories and props for each of your outfits. You know what I mean by props: flowers, feathers, parasols, gilded hand-held mirrors. And of course those sexy shoes. What's a girl to do without those high heels?
3. If you are recreating an era, do study up on the lingerie, hair and make up of that era.
4. Find a great photographer. Here are the few greats I have had experience with through my clients who will deliver more than you ever thought possible. . . . Check out their sites where you can glean some knowledge and inspiration. Albeit, they are scattered far and wide around the world though best at their craft . . .
Credits: Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair (2), Showtime
You might just find you love vintage-chc lingerie as much as you do retro fashion and bridal. What women wear underneath it all changes with the eras of course. These Vargas-like images go from WWII pin-up to mid sixties funk. Reminiscent of boudoir photography--those shots you have done in a session with a photographer specializing in this niche--this is a gift you could give your groom pre or post wedding. For some, a present like this to their beloved is the equivalent of sitting for a bridal portrait (sans the gown of course). If you're contemplating boudoir photography have fun deciding which era or mood will be yours. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful portrait session.
1. Bring underthings in which you feel sexy and beautiful: Bras, panties, corsets, stockings, garter belts, tank tops, sports jerseys & even the man’s business shirt complete with homberg. All are trendy.
2. Bring accessories and props for each of your outfits. You know what I mean by props: flowers, feathers, parasols, gilded hand-held mirrors. And of course those sexy shoes. What's a girl to do without those high heels?
3. If you are recreating an era, do study up on the lingerie, hair and make up of that era.
4. Find a great photographer. Here are the few greats I have had experience with through my clients who will deliver more than you ever thought possible. . . . Check out their sites where you can glean some knowledge and inspiration. Albeit, they are scattered far and wide around the world though best at their craft . . .
THE SNOW WEDDING
Credits: Delicious Desserts, James Christianson (3), ABC Dragoo, James Abel Events (2), Belathee Photography
The thing I miss most about living in New York is the marked change of seasons and the drama of a snow-sparkled climate come Christmas time. Here in California we do get our share of snow but not in San Francisco. As a kid, watching holiday TV specials like, Perry Como's Christmas in Hawaii with hula dancing Santas, just didn't cut it for me. I guess I'm just a traditionalist at heart . . .
Credits: Delicious Desserts, James Christianson (3), ABC Dragoo, James Abel Events (2), Belathee Photography
The thing I miss most about living in New York is the marked change of seasons and the drama of a snow-sparkled climate come Christmas time. Here in California we do get our share of snow but not in San Francisco. As a kid, watching holiday TV specials like, Perry Como's Christmas in Hawaii with hula dancing Santas, just didn't cut it for me. I guess I'm just a traditionalist at heart . . .
EYE CANDY
DRESSING THE LITTLE PEOPLE IN YOUR WEDDING
Complimenting this lovely dress, Peter the page boy outfit is composed of a white cotton double breasted shirt, a pair of ivory knickerbockers and a gold cummerbund.
The Little Eglantine client receives that personal and sophisticated touch of French “Haute Couture” . What makes this service so unique not only lies in Stephanie's designs but in the choice of her unique embroidered taffeta fabrics. She'll actually take time to help the bride choose and develop designs that look perfect on children.
Complimenting this lovely dress, Peter the page boy outfit is composed of a white cotton double breasted shirt, a pair of ivory knickerbockers and a gold cummerbund.
The Little Eglantine client receives that personal and sophisticated touch of French “Haute Couture” . What makes this service so unique not only lies in Stephanie's designs but in the choice of her unique embroidered taffeta fabrics. She'll actually take time to help the bride choose and develop designs that look perfect on children.
WINTERESQUE
Shell and Bead Embroidered Clutch Bag - Evening Handbags - FunkyAccessories...
funkyaccessories.com
Warehouse - Category List
$165 - warehouse.co.uk
Miu Miu Strappy bejeweled sandals
$1,295 - net-a-porter.com
You may be thinking New Years Eve or even what you're going to wear to all those shimmering events. This set off Polyvore really struck me in the sense it has all that glitters as well as cool green/blue pastels that look great in cold weather.
Shell and Bead Embroidered Clutch Bag - Evening Handbags - FunkyAccessories...
funkyaccessories.com
Warehouse - Category List
$165 - warehouse.co.uk
Miu Miu Strappy bejeweled sandals
$1,295 - net-a-porter.com
You may be thinking New Years Eve or even what you're going to wear to all those shimmering events. This set off Polyvore really struck me in the sense it has all that glitters as well as cool green/blue pastels that look great in cold weather.
WRAPPING UP
A PINCH OF BLUE
Credits: thisisglamour (3), ritzybeeblog (2)
Credits: thisisglamour (3), ritzybeeblog (2)
INSPIRED
Check out what's in store for Spring! Love this design by hats on Heads of the UK. I hope this designer's creativity has inspired you as it did me when I first saw it. My thoughts? Initially? 'I only wish my garden looked half as nice . . . . '
Check out what's in store for Spring! Love this design by hats on Heads of the UK. I hope this designer's creativity has inspired you as it did me when I first saw it. My thoughts? Initially? 'I only wish my garden looked half as nice . . . . '