FINDING YOUR GOWN: THE TRUTH ABOUT THRIFT SHOPS AND FLEA MARKETS

FINDING YOUR GOWN: THE TRUTH ABOUT THRIFT SHOPS AND FLEA MARKETS

Smoot Photo/Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

We're not talking about bridal consignment shops here--those places with the essence of first-rate salons offering gently worn, second-time-around gowns.  A thrift shop is basically a rummage sale or flea market all under one roof with specific hours of operation.  Chances are if you're environmentally conscious you’ve gone this route to unearth real finds before so you already know your way around. I have to give you some kudos here. Rummaging through flea markets and thrift stores takes a certain kind of bride—the kind who believes in recycling even on her wedding day; the kind that doesn't give a damn whether she’s wearing hand-me-downs. If this is you, you’re a rarity. And yes, you’re likely to spend hours and days sorting through racks of Four Weddings and A Funeral cast-offs before you uncover that 1963 Priscilla of Boston original in silk taffeta. Thrift shops and flea markets are also the place you'll find recycled fabrics and linens. You've seen those cuts of dimity and silk someone had in their attic. How about curtains, table or bed linens? Some have such beautiful embroidery that are screaming to be made into a dress like the  number above in imported eyelet.

                                                 WHERE TO GO TO FIND GREAT GOWNS

Smoot Photo/Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

We're not talking about bridal consignment shops here--those places with the essence of first-rate salons offering gently worn, second-time-around gowns.  A thrift shop is basically a rummage sale or flea market all under one roof with specific hours of operation.  Chances are if you're environmentally conscious you’ve gone this route to unearth real finds before so you already know your way around. I have to give you some kudos here. Rummaging through flea markets and thrift stores takes a certain kind of bride—the kind who believes in recycling even on her wedding day; the kind that doesn't give a damn whether she’s wearing hand-me-downs. If this is you, you’re a rarity. And yes, you’re likely to spend hours and days sorting through racks of Four Weddings and A Funeral cast-offs before you uncover that 1963 Priscilla of Boston original in silk taffeta. Thrift shops and flea markets are also the place you'll find recycled fabrics and linens. You've seen those cuts of dimity and silk someone had in their attic. How about curtains, table or bed linens? Some have such beautiful embroidery that are screaming to be made into a dress like the  number above in imported eyelet.

                                                 WHERE TO GO TO FIND GREAT GOWNS

MODERN MAGENTA AND GRAY

MODERN MAGENTA AND GRAY

Happy Sunday.  Now here's a little inspiration.  What could be prettier than the short and chic little number top left by Monique Lhuillier from her Resort 2010 Collection?  Add to that the Stuart Weitzman peep-toe pumps and pink orchid boutonniere paired up with gray and how gorgeous is all this?    Thank you Mojan over at the  Style Circle for such an elegant splash of chic . . . . 

Happy Sunday.  Now here's a little inspiration.  What could be prettier than the short and chic little number top left by Monique Lhuillier from her Resort 2010 Collection?  Add to that the Stuart Weitzman peep-toe pumps and pink orchid boutonniere paired up with gray and how gorgeous is all this?    Thank you Mojan over at the  Style Circle for such an elegant splash of chic . . . . 

COME WITH ME

COME WITH ME

1. 
2. Come with me back in time.  I love this soft palette of muted pastels from So Much Love Perfect as late Spring moves into Summer, many of these inspirations spell out vintage for me.  The yarns in mason jars, candy and sweets against a blue striped back drop reminescent of an early 20th century candy kitchen, and the pink 1920s style crepe dress

1. 
2. Come with me back in time.  I love this soft palette of muted pastels from So Much Love Perfect as late Spring moves into Summer, many of these inspirations spell out vintage for me.  The yarns in mason jars, candy and sweets against a blue striped back drop reminescent of an early 20th century candy kitchen, and the pink 1920s style crepe dress

CUSTOM DESIGN ITALIAN STYLE

CUSTOM DESIGN ITALIAN STYLE

You're looking at the out right gorgeousness of and  by custom designer, Elvira Gramano of Rome. Mikado, gazar and charmeuse are some of the fabrics she uses to bring these romantic gowns to life.  Looking at the quality of fabrics and details, all look beautifully lined and planned out to accentuate the female form to the very optimum . . .

 

You're looking at the out right gorgeousness of and  by custom designer, Elvira Gramano of Rome. Mikado, gazar and charmeuse are some of the fabrics she uses to bring these romantic gowns to life.  Looking at the quality of fabrics and details, all look beautifully lined and planned out to accentuate the female form to the very optimum . . .

 

FLOWERS AND PLUMES

FLOWERS AND PLUMES

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Inspiration comes from many places and lately party dresses and the kind of gowns you find at a gala are hot for bridal. Hand rolled flowers, silk flowers, feathers, beads, all these make up accessories too that you can flaunt head to toe . . .

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René Caovilla

Max Kibardin

Mischa Barton in Clara Rosa

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Inspiration comes from many places and lately party dresses and the kind of gowns you find at a gala are hot for bridal. Hand rolled flowers, silk flowers, feathers, beads, all these make up accessories too that you can flaunt head to toe . . .

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René Caovilla

Max Kibardin

Mischa Barton in Clara Rosa

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH LA LA!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH LA LA!

These are but a few of the off the charts creations you'll find by British designer Vivien Sheriff.  The bridal section on her site is chock-a-block with one incredible design  after another.  For me it's hard to choose a favorite since her talent is maxed in each piece so beautifully . . . 

These are but a few of the off the charts creations you'll find by British designer Vivien Sheriff.  The bridal section on her site is chock-a-block with one incredible design  after another.  For me it's hard to choose a favorite since her talent is maxed in each piece so beautifully . . . 

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

'Phaedra' is actually separates: a top and skirt offering you some options after the big day.  This gown was created out of many yards of tea-dyed cotton tulle hand pleated over appliques of Chantilly lace.  A row of precious white and gray stones act as buttons down the front of the bodice.  The skirt is silk chiffon with a tulle drape.  The back shows a strip of hook and eye closures--the kind used in sportswear, hinting something this delicate and diaphanous would be as awesome with jeans as the pearl and crystal jewelry above . . .

'Phaedra' is actually separates: a top and skirt offering you some options after the big day.  This gown was created out of many yards of tea-dyed cotton tulle hand pleated over appliques of Chantilly lace.  A row of precious white and gray stones act as buttons down the front of the bodice.  The skirt is silk chiffon with a tulle drape.  The back shows a strip of hook and eye closures--the kind used in sportswear, hinting something this delicate and diaphanous would be as awesome with jeans as the pearl and crystal jewelry above . . .

PINK AND GOLD

PINK AND GOLD

Carnal Apple, Woman Filled, Burning Moon,

dark smell of seaweed, crush of mud and light,

what secret knowledge is clasped between your pillars?

What primal night does Man touch with his senses?

Ay, Love is a journey through waters and stars,

through suffocating air, sharp tempests of grain:

Love is a war of lightning,

and two bodies ruined by a single sweetness.

Kiss by kiss I cover your tiny infinity,

your margins, your rivers, your diminutive villages,

and a genital fire, transformed by delight,

slips through the narrow channels of blood

to precipitate a nocturnal carnation,

to be, and be nothing but light in the dark.

--Pablo Neruda--

Carnal Apple, Woman Filled, Burning Moon,

dark smell of seaweed, crush of mud and light,

what secret knowledge is clasped between your pillars?

What primal night does Man touch with his senses?

Ay, Love is a journey through waters and stars,

through suffocating air, sharp tempests of grain:

Love is a war of lightning,

and two bodies ruined by a single sweetness.

Kiss by kiss I cover your tiny infinity,

your margins, your rivers, your diminutive villages,

and a genital fire, transformed by delight,

slips through the narrow channels of blood

to precipitate a nocturnal carnation,

to be, and be nothing but light in the dark.

--Pablo Neruda--

A WHITER SHADE OF PALE

A WHITER SHADE OF PALE

Kudos go out to Naomi V. Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs for creating this inspiration of blue and gray whites. For me there's a trace of costume element found in the dress, jacket and headpiece lending added texture to this medley . . .

Kudos go out to Naomi V. Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs for creating this inspiration of blue and gray whites. For me there's a trace of costume element found in the dress, jacket and headpiece lending added texture to this medley . . .

PINK

PINK

bblicious

Rachel Godwin

Of all the colors in the spectrum, pink is the first shade a bride opts for once she decides to ditch the white.  Why?  Well, here's my theory: It's associated with girls from the time they're born and continues to be an 

exclusively feminine color right through life.  These images show many shades of pink from the mauviest lavenders and cotton candy pink to warm peaches . . .

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UK Bride

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bblicious

Rachel Godwin

Of all the colors in the spectrum, pink is the first shade a bride opts for once she decides to ditch the white.  Why?  Well, here's my theory: It's associated with girls from the time they're born and continues to be an 

exclusively feminine color right through life.  These images show many shades of pink from the mauviest lavenders and cotton candy pink to warm peaches . . .

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UK Bride

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