TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . .

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . .

Lirette Photography

Today you'll find me over on Savvy Scoop where I'll be talking to all of you about getting Bejeweled--that is, adding jewelry as a finishing touch.  That's right, jewelry is part of putting together a magnificent bridal portrait.  Above is a stunning vintage piece from Hot Rocks, one of  two stunning collections offered through Studiolo. READ MORE

Lirette Photography

Today you'll find me over on Savvy Scoop where I'll be talking to all of you about getting Bejeweled--that is, adding jewelry as a finishing touch.  That's right, jewelry is part of putting together a magnificent bridal portrait.  Above is a stunning vintage piece from Hot Rocks, one of  two stunning collections offered through Studiolo. READ MORE

CUSTOMIZING A WEDDING GOWN

CUSTOMIZING A WEDDING GOWN

 

Photo S1 Studio/Gown Amy-Jo Tatum

I've found while brides are searching for new ways to economize these days they still want to keep that 'ultra-chic factor' going . .  As a result, more are opting for the simple budget-conscious gown then taking it to the dressmaker or designer to get it personally customized. So how is customizing your gown different than a custom made gown? A custom gown is made from scratch, that is, you and the designer working with a pattern and raw cuts of fabric to create it from the ground up. Customizing a ready-made gown is different. It involves remodeling and/or embellishing one already put together. It can be store bought, sewn or inherited as long as it's fairly basic and free of mass adornment. However you come by owning this gown, once it's finally delivered suppose you plan on adding a detachable train to the waist and heirloom lace to the bodice. Those two details if integrated, would make the gown ideal, distinctively yours. Customized. Getting started Below are a few great gowns that would make ideal candidates for customizing.  Think about what embellishment you might add.  A silk gauze train that floats when a breeze comes up?  An overskirt of tulle ?. . . the possibilities are numerous

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller

 J Crew

TREATMENTS

Rosangela Pappalepore

This gorgeous shoulder swag of pink rosettes suddenly turns this strapless bodice asymmetrical and stunning.

 source 

 This lace over blouse is a beautiful addition to a strapless sheath. While lace is expensive, with the right designer, a little bit can go a long way . . . .

 
 Amy-Jo Tatum

The above creation was a pleasure to customize. The gown is a simple sheath with criss-cross straps. The addition is a silk organza train dappled in rose petals and silk florals

Bottom photo: Hair by Kao Vey Saephanh
Makeup by Necia Whitmore

 

Photo S1 Studio/Gown Amy-Jo Tatum

I've found while brides are searching for new ways to economize these days they still want to keep that 'ultra-chic factor' going . .  As a result, more are opting for the simple budget-conscious gown then taking it to the dressmaker or designer to get it personally customized. So how is customizing your gown different than a custom made gown? A custom gown is made from scratch, that is, you and the designer working with a pattern and raw cuts of fabric to create it from the ground up. Customizing a ready-made gown is different. It involves remodeling and/or embellishing one already put together. It can be store bought, sewn or inherited as long as it's fairly basic and free of mass adornment. However you come by owning this gown, once it's finally delivered suppose you plan on adding a detachable train to the waist and heirloom lace to the bodice. Those two details if integrated, would make the gown ideal, distinctively yours. Customized. Getting started Below are a few great gowns that would make ideal candidates for customizing.  Think about what embellishment you might add.  A silk gauze train that floats when a breeze comes up?  An overskirt of tulle ?. . . the possibilities are numerous

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller

 J Crew

TREATMENTS

Rosangela Pappalepore

This gorgeous shoulder swag of pink rosettes suddenly turns this strapless bodice asymmetrical and stunning.

 source 

 This lace over blouse is a beautiful addition to a strapless sheath. While lace is expensive, with the right designer, a little bit can go a long way . . . .

 
 Amy-Jo Tatum

The above creation was a pleasure to customize. The gown is a simple sheath with criss-cross straps. The addition is a silk organza train dappled in rose petals and silk florals

Bottom photo: Hair by Kao Vey Saephanh
Makeup by Necia Whitmore

BRIDE CHIC'S NEW BABY SISTER

BRIDE CHIC'S NEW BABY SISTER

Meet Chic, my new blog focusing on some real off-the-beaten path fashion and all those incredible women and designers out there trailblazing trends. Chic actually started as an off shoot of this very blog,, my online inspiration source for fashionista brides. Once I started covering cross topics like red carpet dressing and entertaining, the idea for Chic grew. I wanted to share all that I can with you about where to find up and coming designers as well as what new things the notables are creating . . . Eventually Chic will have an online companion look book (like Bride Chic will also soon have) incorporating the best of the blogs and editorials. Not many posts up yet on this new 'sister act' but I promise you more goodies as time goes on . . .

Meet Chic, my new blog focusing on some real off-the-beaten path fashion and all those incredible women and designers out there trailblazing trends. Chic actually started as an off shoot of this very blog,, my online inspiration source for fashionista brides. Once I started covering cross topics like red carpet dressing and entertaining, the idea for Chic grew. I wanted to share all that I can with you about where to find up and coming designers as well as what new things the notables are creating . . . Eventually Chic will have an online companion look book (like Bride Chic will also soon have) incorporating the best of the blogs and editorials. Not many posts up yet on this new 'sister act' but I promise you more goodies as time goes on . . .

NEW ON ETSY

NEW ON ETSY

Though the Gwyneth fascinator has been available on Etsy since spring, these new images by photographer John Truong are incredible.  Paired up with yet another gown and look, it's made of ivory silk dupioni with Art Noveau-style Venise lace trim. A handrolled rose with gold button fastens to a tulle uber-pouf. Inside comb and lace to fasten and secure with hairpins.
Jewelry from the Hot Rocks Collection available through Studiolo
Photos by John Truong

Though the Gwyneth fascinator has been available on Etsy since spring, these new images by photographer John Truong are incredible.  Paired up with yet another gown and look, it's made of ivory silk dupioni with Art Noveau-style Venise lace trim. A handrolled rose with gold button fastens to a tulle uber-pouf. Inside comb and lace to fasten and secure with hairpins.
Jewelry from the Hot Rocks Collection available through Studiolo
Photos by John Truong

WRAPPING IT UP

WRAPPING IT UP

It seems like the bulk of bridal designers have never heard of December weddings in places like Minneapolis and Toronto.  If you're going to be a winter bride, you probably know by now, staying warm and elegant all at once can be a challenge. Thanks to Alex Bridal on Etsy, you'll find quite a few chic warmers in faux fur. They specialize in keeping you chic during the harshest weather with wedding wraps, capes and muffs.  I'm rating Alex Bridal  perfect for the bride marrying in the cold and snow

It seems like the bulk of bridal designers have never heard of December weddings in places like Minneapolis and Toronto.  If you're going to be a winter bride, you probably know by now, staying warm and elegant all at once can be a challenge. Thanks to Alex Bridal on Etsy, you'll find quite a few chic warmers in faux fur. They specialize in keeping you chic during the harshest weather with wedding wraps, capes and muffs.  I'm rating Alex Bridal  perfect for the bride marrying in the cold and snow

WINTER

WINTER

There's nothing quite like a winter romance, especially a Christmas one.  I think every woman should have one at least once in her life time.  The center image says it all, doesn't it?  For me it means love can survive any snow storm (or ice storm) and survive.  Snow is intriquing because it's so deadly cold but beautiful, magical . . . We have Amvisco over at SMP Style Circle to thank for this magnificent winter inspiration.

There's nothing quite like a winter romance, especially a Christmas one.  I think every woman should have one at least once in her life time.  The center image says it all, doesn't it?  For me it means love can survive any snow storm (or ice storm) and survive.  Snow is intriquing because it's so deadly cold but beautiful, magical . . . We have Amvisco over at SMP Style Circle to thank for this magnificent winter inspiration.

WINTER WEDDING DREAMS

WINTER WEDDING DREAMS

One of the great things about finding these beautiful and inspiring boards to share with you is that I can also tune you in and turn you on to some great artists and bloggers out there . . .  Today's featured artist, Jody Olson  has a great blog, The Camilla Collection and Etsy store of the same name.  If you love vintage as well as modern jewelry you really need to visit.  Lots of lovlies and great gifts . . .

One of the great things about finding these beautiful and inspiring boards to share with you is that I can also tune you in and turn you on to some great artists and bloggers out there . . .  Today's featured artist, Jody Olson  has a great blog, The Camilla Collection and Etsy store of the same name.  If you love vintage as well as modern jewelry you really need to visit.  Lots of lovlies and great gifts . . .

TARTANESQUE

TARTANESQUE

What could be more romantic than a tartan wedding during the holiday season?  Tartans and plaids are practically synonomous with Christmas both in decor and fashion, not to mention everything from wrapping paper to Christmas cards. It took me a long time to locate an actual Scottish designer of bridal wear who specialized not only in couture but the true essence of how tartan relates to fashion.  Designer Joyce Young works wool tartans into bridal wear with some real edge. For years I've been in awe of Scotsmen in kilts and the flair they have at using plaids to go formal. Until Joyce Young, the typical evening garb for a lady accompanying her tartan-clad Scot was a tartan skirt and lace blouse with corresponding tartan shawl or wrap tied over the shoulder. Not a bad look but hardly the grand entrance makers below. Will you get a load of these gowns? Tartan godets. Tartan trains and insets. Joyce is an incredible designer who pairs up these wools with the richness of shantung and taffeta. Her shops are in Glasgow, Gretna Green and London and now she's online with her own TV spots. 'Touch of Tartan' is only one collection she offers as she has a whole range of traditional as well as destination gowns to choose from. In her own words-- "A Tartan themed wedding is spectacular. Scots girls worldwide can get married making a real statement with a wedding dress which teams up with the groom's kilt from the Touch of Tartan Collection. Add in coordinating bridesmaids and mothers and the complete wedding party will be totally and uniquely Scottish. Actually you don’t even have to be Scottish – it’s a great look and most people can find a Scottish connection somewhere in their family tree – or just make one up !!Visit “Touch of Tartan” on www.bystorm.co.uk to see our couture dresses for weddings, evenings,mothers of the bride and all special occasions. Each outfit is individually made-to-measure from a wide choice of tartans. --"

What could be more romantic than a tartan wedding during the holiday season?  Tartans and plaids are practically synonomous with Christmas both in decor and fashion, not to mention everything from wrapping paper to Christmas cards. It took me a long time to locate an actual Scottish designer of bridal wear who specialized not only in couture but the true essence of how tartan relates to fashion.  Designer Joyce Young works wool tartans into bridal wear with some real edge. For years I've been in awe of Scotsmen in kilts and the flair they have at using plaids to go formal. Until Joyce Young, the typical evening garb for a lady accompanying her tartan-clad Scot was a tartan skirt and lace blouse with corresponding tartan shawl or wrap tied over the shoulder. Not a bad look but hardly the grand entrance makers below. Will you get a load of these gowns? Tartan godets. Tartan trains and insets. Joyce is an incredible designer who pairs up these wools with the richness of shantung and taffeta. Her shops are in Glasgow, Gretna Green and London and now she's online with her own TV spots. 'Touch of Tartan' is only one collection she offers as she has a whole range of traditional as well as destination gowns to choose from. In her own words-- "A Tartan themed wedding is spectacular. Scots girls worldwide can get married making a real statement with a wedding dress which teams up with the groom's kilt from the Touch of Tartan Collection. Add in coordinating bridesmaids and mothers and the complete wedding party will be totally and uniquely Scottish. Actually you don’t even have to be Scottish – it’s a great look and most people can find a Scottish connection somewhere in their family tree – or just make one up !!Visit “Touch of Tartan” on www.bystorm.co.uk to see our couture dresses for weddings, evenings,mothers of the bride and all special occasions. Each outfit is individually made-to-measure from a wide choice of tartans. --"

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

One word will describe the 'Yolanda' dress: Awesome!  Inspired by an old MGM musical, this addition to the 2011 'Dioresque' Collection is layered in yards and layers of tulle and crinoline. The bodice is a close fit and boned inside; outside covered in Chantilly lace appliques with an overlay of shirred tulle. The rosy tint of the tulle is the result of a tea dye. I cinched the waist with a gray satin belt. Separate underslip.  Now available through my Etsy store.

One word will describe the 'Yolanda' dress: Awesome!  Inspired by an old MGM musical, this addition to the 2011 'Dioresque' Collection is layered in yards and layers of tulle and crinoline. The bodice is a close fit and boned inside; outside covered in Chantilly lace appliques with an overlay of shirred tulle. The rosy tint of the tulle is the result of a tea dye. I cinched the waist with a gray satin belt. Separate underslip.  Now available through my Etsy store.

THE BRIDAL COAT

THE BRIDAL COAT

If you're a winter bride and think staying warm while looking chic s might be challenging check out the bridal coat option. Defined, a bridal coat can be a coat dress and/or coat and dress ensemble like the ones in these images.  A coat dress defined is just that: a lighter weight coat (street or floor length); and can be single or double- breasted. Then there's the coat and dress ensemble. Simply put, this is a coat with a dress out of matching fabric underneath it. In the 60s, these were popular mostly for formal occasions. If you like the idea of a fitted coat, you could wear one for your ceremony—long or short—over a corresponding sheath. After the ceremony the coat could be removed so you could move freely throughout the reception.   These by Raishma Couture are sophisticated and elegant with exquisite detailing.

Raishma Couture

If you're a winter bride and think staying warm while looking chic s might be challenging check out the bridal coat option. Defined, a bridal coat can be a coat dress and/or coat and dress ensemble like the ones in these images.  A coat dress defined is just that: a lighter weight coat (street or floor length); and can be single or double- breasted. Then there's the coat and dress ensemble. Simply put, this is a coat with a dress out of matching fabric underneath it. In the 60s, these were popular mostly for formal occasions. If you like the idea of a fitted coat, you could wear one for your ceremony—long or short—over a corresponding sheath. After the ceremony the coat could be removed so you could move freely throughout the reception.   These by Raishma Couture are sophisticated and elegant with exquisite detailing.

Raishma Couture