i love dadiva: September 2012

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . .

Over on One Wed Blog talking about how to shop for your wedding dress by going beyond the salon. Say what? You heard right: you may have to shop beyond the traditional bridal route if you're one of the independent and imaginative brides wanting to go with say, a print or mauve dress on your wedding day. Shopping for off-the-beaten-track looks aren't as hard as you might think with a little organization and help from the Internet. READ MORE . . . . . . .

Ruche

INSPIRATION THURSDAY!

via Pinterest
I'm always intrigued by what can be interpreted as a veil . . . .

THE PICTURE HAT

Love wide brimmed hats? Did you know the picture hat is the most classic for daytime formals which definitely includes a wedding? Typically constructed out of straw or horsehair, these elegant hats are sometimes swathed in netting and organza. Picture hats conjure up images of croquet parties at Jay Gatsby’s and all those 1930s movies situated in garden party chic. Evoking an edgier image is the wool felt picture hat synonymous with women in Irving Penn photos of the 1950s. Whatever look you want to create with this style, here are some things to consider when wearing it. Go ahead and put on your picture hat for the ceremony. Just do yourself a favor at the reception and take it off when you’re receiving guests. Unless your hat is made out of that bendy sort of horsehair with lots of give, when you reach out to hug and kiss people the hat will either fall off or scrape someone. Picture hats go great with most silhouettes, especially ball gowns. The wide brim balances the volume in the skirt.

SAMPLE TUESDAY

Well ladies it's that time of year again and I'm moving out my samples to make room for some lovely Spring surprises! "Valerie" is up for adoption today and I have to tell you this hourglass silhouette with a V-neck and back is an absolute gem in tea-dyed tulle and Chantilly lace. Pulled together with a gray silk satin belt.

Sample fits Size 6-8. Because it is a sample I only have one. Fits best on
Bust 34-36
Hips 35-37
waist 25-27
Ankle length on 5'7 and over with stacked heels. Floor length on shorter figures

Order here.

Well ladies it's that time of year again and I'm moving out my samples to make room for some lovely Spring surprises! Valerie is up for adoption today and I have to tell you this hourglass silhouette with a V-neck and back is an absolute gem in tea-dyed tulle and Chantilly lace. Pulled together with a gray silk satin belt.

Sample fits Size 6-8. Because it is a sample I only have one. Fits best on
Bust 34-36
Hips 35-37
waist 25-27
Ankle length on 5'7 and over with stacked heels. Floor length on shorter figures

Order here.

Photos by Dominic Colacchio Photography

Order here.

Photos by Dominic Colacchio Photography

REAL WEDDING: MEGAN AND KELLAN

As everyone knows I'm a real sucker for a spectacular wedding dress. Here's one of the best there is: Megan's A-line from Cymbeline Paris with it's tiers of lace is positively gorgeous. Add her light green parasol and Oh la La! This Orange Park, Florida wedding was shot by Christy Whitehead Photography. About the wedding Christy says this: "Megan and Ryan had lollipops to tell guests where to sit. There was also a candy bar. Add to that sandals for guests to change into to dance the night away. And instead of a cake they had cupcakes. There were a variety of props to create a fun and colorful wedding, Never overlook great photo ops--the trees hanging with moss were gorgeous!"

Photographer:

Christy Whitehead Photography

Reception Venue:

Winterbourne Inn

Ceremony Location:

Mandarin Presbyterian Church

Dress by Cymbeline Paris

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Photographer:

Christy Whitehead Photography

Reception Venue:

Winterbourne Inn

Ceremony Location:

Mandarin Presbyterian Church

Dress by Cymbeline Paris

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME. . . .

. . . .Over on the One Wed Blog talking about Amanda Wakeley's 2012 Africa pieces shot at the Phinda Game Reserve.in South Africa? Absolutely adore these streamlined beauties that have that unmistakeable diva quality. READ MORE . . . .

VINTAGE TRENDS

The whole idea incorporating vintage into your wedding day look is creating that fashion stamp of yesteryear or simply adding a few touches that make you look and feel pretty. Vintage today is enjoying a big time revival. Particularly hot are contemporary gowns and dresses with a twist of something 20th century. This could be a nipped in waist a la Audrey Hepburn, a beaded chemise from the jazz age or even a turn of the century high-collared blouse. It doesn't have to be an actual vintage piece either; it can be a repro (reproduction) piece. These images here certainly inspired me before and after I created them. They might just be a starting point for you . . . Since there are no rules here, only guidelines, go ahead and combine eras if you like. Blending your Gatsby picture hat with a seventies prairie gown you a certain distinctiveness. Go with whatever mix you want with the confidence your choices are many . . . . .

All dresses and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum

Photo Credits: Top photo by Bride Chic 2009/Photo 2 and 3 by Scott Williams/Photo 4 by Sweetlight Studios/Photo 5 by Rob Martel/Photo 6 by Jim Vetter Photography/Photo 7 by Dominic Colacchio Photography

All dresses and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum

AN ESTATE WEDDING

I was so lucky to hook up with photographers Chyna Darner and Jennifer Low. Along with with Miranda Meisenbach of Divine Affairs Events all helped conceptualize the vintage mood behind this jaw-dropper of a styled shoot featuring three of my 50s-style dresses. The Nimitz Mansion on Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco was the perfect backdrop for our vision--an estate with magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay. Here there are acres of lawn and blooming gardens just popping with color. We added a few more San Francisco wedding pros into the mix to work up this croquet and lawn sport wedding theme that was so rich in details. First off, Miranda did a fabulous job with the tables. The main table was set up with vintage china from the house accented with gold silk napkins. I particularly loved the center piece--a tall vase of mixed florals and Baby's Breath with smaller arrangements in glass vases placed around the table. The chairs were tied with a pink/gold sash in antique taffeta accented with a rosette and tail knot. I have to say my fave touch here has to be the hanging lanterns hung on an oak tree. There's a real vintage touch and feel to these paper balls in ivory and yellow with tails of pink ribbon.

Special thanks to Beth Covey of Sassy Diva Designs who filled The Nimitz Mansion with so many different flowers while keeping the theme of it all cohesive. And Monina of Moderne Beauty, thank you for your exceptional talent in making Olivia even more beautiful than she already is . . .