WELCOME TO MY GALLERY

REAL WEDDING: CASSIE AND RYAN


This wedding has such a wonderful story behind it I just had to share it with you.  Cassie was walking across the street in Los Angeles, when a suburban ran a red light and nearly hit her, She yelled at the SUV "It's alright, I'm just walking here" Ryan was walking ahead of her, had made it to the sidewalk and then, laughed at what she'd said. She apologized, he was impressed that she nearly had a run in with death and I had made light of it. They began walking together and were somehow headed the same direction.  Turned out their cars were parked next to each other and were the same color--blue. They continued to talk for two hours by their cars. Ryan admits he was too afraid to ask for Cassie's phone number, so he asked her to write her name on a $10 bill. She wrote "Cassie Yeager is a..."right next to the 10. He still has that ten-dollar bill. Here's Cassie's description of her special day: Classic, enchanting, dazzling WHERE THEY ARE NOW: "We both live and work in Los Angeles. We have been writing together and work shopping screenplays. Ryan has a film that is screening worldwide and has won some impressive awards and I am continuously filming and acting on stage. We don't plan on children in the near future because we both want to see so much of the world together before we fully settle. 


CREDITS
Photographer: Bound By 
 Planner: Dori Thornton 
Stylist: Annie Heyward ofChic Critique
 Venue: The Ledges Country Club 
Make up: Deloain & Babette 
Bride'sl Gown: Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills 
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alvina Valenta  
Florist: Joe Smith of Ilex for Flowers 
Paper Products: Nico and Lala
Wedding Cake: Dessert Designs
via Two Bright Lights























This wedding has such a wonderful story behind it I just had to share it with you.  Cassie was walking across the street in Los Angeles, when a suburban ran a red light and nearly hit her, She yelled at the SUV "It's alright, I'm just walking here" Ryan was walking ahead of her, had made it to the sidewalk and then, laughed at what she'd said. She apologized, he was impressed that she nearly had a run in with death and I had made light of it. They began walking together and were somehow headed the same direction.  Turned out their cars were parked next to each other and were the same color--blue. They continued to talk for two hours by their cars. Ryan admits he was too afraid to ask for Cassie's phone number, so he asked her to write her name on a $10 bill. She wrote "Cassie Yeager is a..."right next to the 10. He still has that ten-dollar bill. Here's Cassie's description of her special day: Classic, enchanting, dazzling WHERE THEY ARE NOW: "We both live and work in Los Angeles. We have been writing together and work shopping screenplays. Ryan has a film that is screening worldwide and has won some impressive awards and I am continuously filming and acting on stage. We don't plan on children in the near future because we both want to see so much of the world together before we fully settle. 


CREDITS
Photographer: Bound By 
 Planner: Dori Thornton 
Stylist: Annie Heyward ofChic Critique
 Venue: The Ledges Country Club 
Make up: Deloain & Babette 
Bride'sl Gown: Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills 
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alvina Valenta  
Florist: Joe Smith of Ilex for Flowers 
Paper Products: Nico and Lala
Wedding Cake: Dessert Designs
via Two Bright Lights






















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SHEATH CHIC

The more infatuated I get with heavier weight satins and taffetas the more I realize I've turned out a few really great sheaths  lately.  The sheath is a fave of brides who work out and the eventual reward of of those who like to strut their stuff. They're a snug fitting, long, columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.



CREDITS
Photography: Taralynn Lawton
Julie Morgan Hair and Makeup
Model: Oasis Wideman


The more infatuated I get with heavier weight satins and taffetas the more I realize I've turned out a few really great sheaths  lately.  The sheath is a fave of brides who work out and the eventual reward of of those who like to strut their stuff. They're a snug fitting, long, columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.



CREDITS
Photography: Taralynn Lawton
Julie Morgan Hair and Makeup
Model: Oasis Wideman


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BRIDESMAIDS WITH A DEFINITE EDGE


After the ball is over post wedding, styling is everything!  Check out how these bridesmaid dresses with just a tuck here and belt there can go just about anywhere. If you happen to love rainbow colors and the whimsicality of these dresses, all these gems could easily be worked into a spring wardrobe and strutted out and about. .



Images courtesy Brides UK



After the ball is over post wedding, styling is everything!  Check out how these bridesmaid dresses with just a tuck here and belt there can go just about anywhere. If you happen to love rainbow colors and the whimsicality of these dresses, all these gems could easily be worked into a spring wardrobe and strutted out and about. .



Images courtesy Brides UK


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AWESOME SHOOTER SERIES

Today you'll find me over on One Wed Blog sharing the images from a recent shoot with the incredibly talented fashion and wedding photographer Taralynn Lawton.  Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taralynn's light-filled images are a real inspiration for capturing both the fashion and bridal aspect.  READ MORE . . . .

Today you'll find me over on One Wed Blog sharing the images from a recent shoot with the incredibly talented fashion and wedding photographer Taralynn Lawton.  Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taralynn's light-filled images are a real inspiration for capturing both the fashion and bridal aspect.  READ MORE . . . .

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FOREVER BOHO

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a real fan of Boho any time or season.  When photographer Alexandra Wallace of A.W. Photography sent these light-filled images my way I knew they'd be the perfect inspiration point for all you earth angels and forest goddesses out there.  Here's what Alexandra had to say about the concept behind this colorful, magical shoot: "Despite winter approaching, I still have the itch to take vibrant, sun-soaked photos. After both working on a wedding together, I contacted local florist Rachael Manuele about working on a styled collaboration. Lovely model Jenna drove up from Santa Barbara, and my trusty hair and makeup stylist Ariel gave her a simple, bronzed look. The end result was a series of warm photos, and inspiration for any bride who wishes to combine summertime youth and elegance . . ."



  

Other:
 Orcutt Fields
Makeup Artist:
 Ariel Lizarraga
Floral Designer: 
 Eden floral

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a real fan of Boho any time or season.  When photographer Alexandra Wallace of A.W. Photography sent these light-filled images my way I knew they'd be the perfect inspiration point for all you earth angels and forest goddesses out there.  Here's what Alexandra had to say about the concept behind this colorful, magical shoot: "Despite winter approaching, I still have the itch to take vibrant, sun-soaked photos. After both working on a wedding together, I contacted local florist Rachael Manuele about working on a styled collaboration. Lovely model Jenna drove up from Santa Barbara, and my trusty hair and makeup stylist Ariel gave her a simple, bronzed look. The end result was a series of warm photos, and inspiration for any bride who wishes to combine summertime youth and elegance . . ."



  

Other:
 Orcutt Fields
Makeup Artist:
 Ariel Lizarraga
Floral Designer: 
 Eden floral

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RED CARPET DRESSING


  Suddenly Fall is upon us, that exhilarating time of opening nights and colorful galas.  We all look to the red carpet for inspiration in putting our own looks together, especially if we have an up and coming  wedding or event planned.  Add paparazzi to the mix and we want everything to come together just right. To really understand life on the Red Carpet, we have to think of it similar to the coming of Christmas. Every year a woman active on the social scene has to recreate herself in a stunning way for say, the Met Ball, along with a few other glitzy functions.  An actress, has the Academy Awards for which she has to show up and look beautiful. Then, of course, the bride has the ultimate benefit of an entire event all to herself with masses of loved ones orbiting around her. 

RUNWAY VS. RED CARPET

So what's the difference between the whole fashion equation offered up to us via the  runway as opposed to red carpet?
Looking over the sometimes wakadoodle presentation of runway collections twice a year, models look 14, 40 lbs underweight and as if make up artists and hair people have run amok on them.  Red Carpet on the other hand is real women editing and adapting their own persona into a designer's blueprint.  Only when a woman steps into a gown, fully accessorized by her own hand (or a very talented stylist's), does that design really become a creation.  Thus, the designer has become the middleman between concept and reality.

With so many actresses strutting down the carpet these days, not all you may have noticed, rate style icon status.  Ever notice most have the requisite elements of chic but the picture isn't complete? the whole symmetry thrown off somehow? So, the question many are asking is, do public personalities and even brides need stylists to put them together for those occasions where there's a nanosecond to make a first impression?
You be the judge on that one. Stylist defined is, someone who puts you together literally from hairdressing, to the Manolo Blaniks on your feet. Many actresses, political figures and women on the social scene work with private stylists like Rachael Zoe, whose claim to fame is dressing stars like Kate Hudson and Cameron Diaz.  A top stylist like Zoe can develop entire looks and wardrobes from sportswear to gala or simply work on premiere looks for clients who want to make that big splash at a toney bash.  Whether they lead public or private lives, some women do have a way of putting themselves together without anyone’s help, thank you. Did Jacqueline Kennedy really need a stylist?
We know during her White House days she had a retinue of hairdressers and makeup people around her constantly as well as the ever present  Oleg Cassini whom she kept busy  custom designing  her cutting edge wardrobe of the day.   But ultimately, Jackie was her own best stylist.   I’m finding the women who  really know how to paint themselves into the whole picture and make the grand entrances  have  years of fashion experience, the faux pas as well as accomplishments.  Then there are those who just plain get it.  The same way Paul Klee looked at a canvas or Mozart the piano and just . . get it. . .

WOMEN WHO  GET IT
Anne Hathaway: Actress

This gown by Marchesa that actress and style icon, Anne Hathaway wore to the Oscars in 2008 was introduced to me via the designer of the floral swag on this gown.  Taking the actual gown fabric, each rose was crafted by hand.  Anne paired up this crepe creation with a 10-carat diamond earrings worth more than 1m.
 And here Anne does it again in Versace at  the 2008 Venice Film Festival. Off the charts chic at its finest, accessorized with a gold necklace, simple matching gold clutch and Christian Louboutin stiletto sandals. Notice in both how minimally she's accessorized and the principle of less is more?

Cate Blanchett: Actress
 2008 had to be the year dubbed Gorgeous Gown with the Hollywood crowd.  Here Cate Blanchett gets it right at the 61st Cannes Film Festival even after giving birth just one month before.  She wears this pale peach ruffled Armani Prive gown.  Check out her exquisite hairstyling . . .
  
Deepa Pakianathan: Style Setter on the Social Scene

previousnext
 Recently at the 2010 opening of the San Francisco Opera, Deepa Pakianathan stunned us with this creation by Zuhair Murhad that had all the crucial elements of a grand ball gown while incorporating the time-honored and ancient art of silk screen.  Five layers of tulle underneath, the top layer of white silk skirt is bordered in tones of black and gray depicting a scene out of 18th century London. The final touch is an asymmetrically placed black bow and sash cinching the waist.  Again notice the accessories.  Clearly, less is more.

Mingling with Joe Lacob and Nicole Curran at the SF Opera


THE RED CARPET BRIDE
 Chelsea and Bill/Vera Wang Rendering of Chelsea's Gown

On July 30, 2010 she was a vision in a whipped parfait of silk-white swirling organza.  Suddenly longer veils are chic again.  I have to say, Chelsea's right up there with Grace Kelly when it comes to rising to the occasion and creating the ultimate in bridal looks.   Of course, you can't go wrong with Vera Wang as your designer now, can you?
 

WHAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE MORE AND LESS OF ON THE RED CARPET

more* HAIRSTYLING: Whilst the simplicity of slicked back hair and ballerina buns is tres chic in my book, wouldn't we all love a return to some real hairdressing like we had in the sixties?  Think Audrey Hepburn and her bouffant updos.  The intricate swirled chignons and buns of the 1940s were gorgeous too.

more* Going for more of a total look.  Albeit this is easier for some than others but it usually means clinching the look with something as simple as a particular piece of jewelry or great pair of sandals.

less*GLITZ and more couture.  Hollywood is getting better but stilll hasn't shucked the Jayne Mansfield kitch lingering from the 50s. Those who insist on gowns with a sheen or uber-bling might look to cinema designer, Edith Head for inspiration.  Also, Hollywood has more blondes than Sweden did back in 1055 AD.  Personally, I'd love to see a return of the Hitchkock Blonde a la Grace Kelly and 'Tippi' Hedren who really knew how to wear couture while practicing the art of being stylishly blonde.   


source
Marion Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier.

A FEW LAST WORDS ABOUT WHITE
For me, white is the most powerful  and stunning statement a woman can make with a grand entrance.  The downside of this is, brides over the past few years seem to have have commandeered white as their very own.  Shucking the traditional high-collar and  long sleeved straight jacket designs of yesteryear, we’ve seen women marching down the aisle in backs so low and fronts a plunging, even Rudi Gernreich is turning in his grave.   Add to that ditching the veil for little  cocktail hats or gardenias in the hair, and this leaves women who want to sport a an all white  look come gala night, open to more than a few, “Don't you look as pretty as a bride,’ comments.  To all the actresses in Hollywood and women on the social scene who have sported an all-white look, I totally applaud you and encourage you from my little corner of this blogsphere to keep wearing the white satin/jersey/crepe proudly.    And believe me if white isn't your game, there’s room for every style and color on the red carpet.

Additional credits:

Obama photo  
Michelle in Naeem Khan

Jacqueline Kennedy
in Oleg Cassini

  Suddenly Fall is upon us, that exhilarating time of opening nights and colorful galas.  We all look to the red carpet for inspiration in putting our own looks together, especially if we have an up and coming  wedding or event planned.  Add paparazzi to the mix and we want everything to come together just right. To really understand life on the Red Carpet, we have to think of it similar to the coming of Christmas. Every year a woman active on the social scene has to recreate herself in a stunning way for say, the Met Ball, along with a few other glitzy functions.  An actress, has the Academy Awards for which she has to show up and look beautiful. Then, of course, the bride has the ultimate benefit of an entire event all to herself with masses of loved ones orbiting around her. 

RUNWAY VS. RED CARPET

So what's the difference between the whole fashion equation offered up to us via the  runway as opposed to red carpet?
Looking over the sometimes wakadoodle presentation of runway collections twice a year, models look 14, 40 lbs underweight and as if make up artists and hair people have run amok on them.  Red Carpet on the other hand is real women editing and adapting their own persona into a designer's blueprint.  Only when a woman steps into a gown, fully accessorized by her own hand (or a very talented stylist's), does that design really become a creation.  Thus, the designer has become the middleman between concept and reality.

With so many actresses strutting down the carpet these days, not all you may have noticed, rate style icon status.  Ever notice most have the requisite elements of chic but the picture isn't complete? the whole symmetry thrown off somehow? So, the question many are asking is, do public personalities and even brides need stylists to put them together for those occasions where there's a nanosecond to make a first impression?
You be the judge on that one. Stylist defined is, someone who puts you together literally from hairdressing, to the Manolo Blaniks on your feet. Many actresses, political figures and women on the social scene work with private stylists like Rachael Zoe, whose claim to fame is dressing stars like Kate Hudson and Cameron Diaz.  A top stylist like Zoe can develop entire looks and wardrobes from sportswear to gala or simply work on premiere looks for clients who want to make that big splash at a toney bash.  Whether they lead public or private lives, some women do have a way of putting themselves together without anyone’s help, thank you. Did Jacqueline Kennedy really need a stylist?
We know during her White House days she had a retinue of hairdressers and makeup people around her constantly as well as the ever present  Oleg Cassini whom she kept busy  custom designing  her cutting edge wardrobe of the day.   But ultimately, Jackie was her own best stylist.   I’m finding the women who  really know how to paint themselves into the whole picture and make the grand entrances  have  years of fashion experience, the faux pas as well as accomplishments.  Then there are those who just plain get it.  The same way Paul Klee looked at a canvas or Mozart the piano and just . . get it. . .

WOMEN WHO  GET IT
Anne Hathaway: Actress

This gown by Marchesa that actress and style icon, Anne Hathaway wore to the Oscars in 2008 was introduced to me via the designer of the floral swag on this gown.  Taking the actual gown fabric, each rose was crafted by hand.  Anne paired up this crepe creation with a 10-carat diamond earrings worth more than 1m.
 And here Anne does it again in Versace at  the 2008 Venice Film Festival. Off the charts chic at its finest, accessorized with a gold necklace, simple matching gold clutch and Christian Louboutin stiletto sandals. Notice in both how minimally she's accessorized and the principle of less is more?

Cate Blanchett: Actress
 2008 had to be the year dubbed Gorgeous Gown with the Hollywood crowd.  Here Cate Blanchett gets it right at the 61st Cannes Film Festival even after giving birth just one month before.  She wears this pale peach ruffled Armani Prive gown.  Check out her exquisite hairstyling . . .
  
Deepa Pakianathan: Style Setter on the Social Scene

previousnext
 Recently at the 2010 opening of the San Francisco Opera, Deepa Pakianathan stunned us with this creation by Zuhair Murhad that had all the crucial elements of a grand ball gown while incorporating the time-honored and ancient art of silk screen.  Five layers of tulle underneath, the top layer of white silk skirt is bordered in tones of black and gray depicting a scene out of 18th century London. The final touch is an asymmetrically placed black bow and sash cinching the waist.  Again notice the accessories.  Clearly, less is more.

Mingling with Joe Lacob and Nicole Curran at the SF Opera


THE RED CARPET BRIDE
 Chelsea and Bill/Vera Wang Rendering of Chelsea's Gown

On July 30, 2010 she was a vision in a whipped parfait of silk-white swirling organza.  Suddenly longer veils are chic again.  I have to say, Chelsea's right up there with Grace Kelly when it comes to rising to the occasion and creating the ultimate in bridal looks.   Of course, you can't go wrong with Vera Wang as your designer now, can you?
 

WHAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE MORE AND LESS OF ON THE RED CARPET

more* HAIRSTYLING: Whilst the simplicity of slicked back hair and ballerina buns is tres chic in my book, wouldn't we all love a return to some real hairdressing like we had in the sixties?  Think Audrey Hepburn and her bouffant updos.  The intricate swirled chignons and buns of the 1940s were gorgeous too.

more* Going for more of a total look.  Albeit this is easier for some than others but it usually means clinching the look with something as simple as a particular piece of jewelry or great pair of sandals.

less*GLITZ and more couture.  Hollywood is getting better but stilll hasn't shucked the Jayne Mansfield kitch lingering from the 50s. Those who insist on gowns with a sheen or uber-bling might look to cinema designer, Edith Head for inspiration.  Also, Hollywood has more blondes than Sweden did back in 1055 AD.  Personally, I'd love to see a return of the Hitchkock Blonde a la Grace Kelly and 'Tippi' Hedren who really knew how to wear couture while practicing the art of being stylishly blonde.   


source
Marion Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier.

A FEW LAST WORDS ABOUT WHITE
For me, white is the most powerful  and stunning statement a woman can make with a grand entrance.  The downside of this is, brides over the past few years seem to have have commandeered white as their very own.  Shucking the traditional high-collar and  long sleeved straight jacket designs of yesteryear, we’ve seen women marching down the aisle in backs so low and fronts a plunging, even Rudi Gernreich is turning in his grave.   Add to that ditching the veil for little  cocktail hats or gardenias in the hair, and this leaves women who want to sport a an all white  look come gala night, open to more than a few, “Don't you look as pretty as a bride,’ comments.  To all the actresses in Hollywood and women on the social scene who have sported an all-white look, I totally applaud you and encourage you from my little corner of this blogsphere to keep wearing the white satin/jersey/crepe proudly.    And believe me if white isn't your game, there’s room for every style and color on the red carpet.

Additional credits:

Obama photo  
Michelle in Naeem Khan

Jacqueline Kennedy
in Oleg Cassini
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REAL WEDDING: HALEY AND CHRIS


Another fairytale wedding by the folks across the pond at Belle Momenti Photography.   This wedding was an elegant and effortlessly stylish affair set in the English countryside on a lovely warm summer's day, the mood was relaxed and happy. After a traditional ceremony in a Church next door to the historic Hatfield House, the bridal party and their guests moved on to Shendish Manor - a place where Victorian splendour meets modern design - providing the perfect backdrop for the bride to stroll around in the grounds in her stunning corseted gown...  I'm especially loving the vintage meets storybook touches of this incredible wedding.

















Another fairytale wedding by the folks across the pond at Belle Momenti Photography.   This wedding was an elegant and effortlessly stylish affair set in the English countryside on a lovely warm summer's day, the mood was relaxed and happy. After a traditional ceremony in a Church next door to the historic Hatfield House, the bridal party and their guests moved on to Shendish Manor - a place where Victorian splendour meets modern design - providing the perfect backdrop for the bride to stroll around in the grounds in her stunning corseted gown...  I'm especially loving the vintage meets storybook touches of this incredible wedding.
















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