WELCOME TO MY GALLERY

THE SCARF VEIL



Ready for Glam Week? Officially it began yesterday with Fred and Ginger. Movie star dressing, slinky white satin, Hollywood designers—just a few of the topics we'll be covering all this week. Today's chic started with a casual trend from the fifties glamorized by Audrey Hepburn—the scarf. As Audrey and fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy showed us, some women can make even a sporty scarf look elegant. I began incorporating them into my collection once I realized they looked hot with so many of the 1950s throwbacks I was creating. Keep in mind they do lend themselves well to quite a few styles. Be imaginative. You can tie a lace scarf like a bandana or go gypsy style with it. Experiment. Create your own look!

Long Scarf-Pictured above: Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.
The shorter version works with this more casual look. This is one of my ‘Marilyn’ dresses . . . My 1950s ‘Going Away’ bride is headed for a drive up the coast to that country inn in her crepe halter dress and silk chiffon scarf. A casual as well as elegant look.
Color photo by ejones photography


Ready for Glam Week? Officially it began yesterday with Fred and Ginger. Movie star dressing, slinky white satin, Hollywood designers—just a few of the topics we'll be covering all this week. Today's chic started with a casual trend from the fifties glamorized by Audrey Hepburn—the scarf. As Audrey and fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy showed us, some women can make even a sporty scarf look elegant. I began incorporating them into my collection once I realized they looked hot with so many of the 1950s throwbacks I was creating. Keep in mind they do lend themselves well to quite a few styles. Be imaginative. You can tie a lace scarf like a bandana or go gypsy style with it. Experiment. Create your own look!

Long Scarf-Pictured above: Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.
The shorter version works with this more casual look. This is one of my ‘Marilyn’ dresses . . . My 1950s ‘Going Away’ bride is headed for a drive up the coast to that country inn in her crepe halter dress and silk chiffon scarf. A casual as well as elegant look.
Color photo by ejones photography
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COULD GINGER'S GOWNS GO BRIDAL?

I always thought so. Since a good portion of my youth was spent in front of a TV set watching Busby Berkley and Astaire-Rogers flicks, it’s not surprising I created quite a few gowns along the lines you see here. And if you’ve checked out most designer bridal lately, the Astaire-Rogeresque glamour is allover the fashion radar.
The 1930s Glamour Era was an interesting one. For the first time in the history of couture, it was Hollywood setting fashion—not Paris. Yes, Paris back then was still the pinnacle of excellence in craftsmanship but suddenly the world looked to the movies for change and fashion inspiration. Why? Because Golden Hollywood attracted some of the most remarkable talent in the world—including costume designers--all huddled close, bouncing extraordinary ideas off one another. Add to that designing for story characters and they were free to utilize creative techniques complimentary to scene and storyline. For instance, a heroine was considered interesting if she lived in a penthouse; her character would demand an exquisite wardrobe. Thus, if in a particular scene she was throwing a real hissy fit, once she did the 180 turn to clinch the dramatic exit, she showed off a three-foot train and low draped V-back on her way out. A lot of this ranting went on in Astaire-Rogers films. Despite some flimsy plot lines though, Astaire-Rogers films were marked by innovative choreography and fashion that now belongs to the ages.

The famous white satin and ostrich, 'Feather Dress' from Top Hat, designed by Bernard Newman.


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Watch the Video from Top Hat. Ginger in Bernard Newman's famous feather dress. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWmK9Xl82CU
I always thought so. Since a good portion of my youth was spent in front of a TV set watching Busby Berkley and Astaire-Rogers flicks, it’s not surprising I created quite a few gowns along the lines you see here. And if you’ve checked out most designer bridal lately, the Astaire-Rogeresque glamour is allover the fashion radar.
The 1930s Glamour Era was an interesting one. For the first time in the history of couture, it was Hollywood setting fashion—not Paris. Yes, Paris back then was still the pinnacle of excellence in craftsmanship but suddenly the world looked to the movies for change and fashion inspiration. Why? Because Golden Hollywood attracted some of the most remarkable talent in the world—including costume designers--all huddled close, bouncing extraordinary ideas off one another. Add to that designing for story characters and they were free to utilize creative techniques complimentary to scene and storyline. For instance, a heroine was considered interesting if she lived in a penthouse; her character would demand an exquisite wardrobe. Thus, if in a particular scene she was throwing a real hissy fit, once she did the 180 turn to clinch the dramatic exit, she showed off a three-foot train and low draped V-back on her way out. A lot of this ranting went on in Astaire-Rogers films. Despite some flimsy plot lines though, Astaire-Rogers films were marked by innovative choreography and fashion that now belongs to the ages.

The famous white satin and ostrich, 'Feather Dress' from Top Hat, designed by Bernard Newman.


source



source



source

Watch the Video from Top Hat. Ginger in Bernard Newman's famous feather dress. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWmK9Xl82CU
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THE FASCINATING FASCINATOR


I found this fascinating little crinoline fascinator on Her World Brides. Especially love the color and proportion of it. Lately fascinators are everywhere in bridal fashion. Are these little hybrids of hat and headpiece just passing trends or do you think they'll stick around awhile?

I found this fascinating little crinoline fascinator on Her World Brides. Especially love the color and proportion of it. Lately fascinators are everywhere in bridal fashion. Are these little hybrids of hat and headpiece just passing trends or do you think they'll stick around awhile?
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ELIZABETH AND PHILIP!


This day in 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten of Greece and Denmark. Sixty-one years later the couple has survived half a century of Cold War, a radically changing London in the swinging sixties, and a few very testy years concerning the state of the monarchy. Still, they are solid and have had one of the longest marriages in history. Last year on the Queen and Duke’s 60th wedding anniversary, an exhibition ran from November 2007 to September 2008 at Buckingham Palace commemorating that day when post-war England rejoiced in a very royal wedding celebration —just the shot of magic dust the country needed.


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Making their first appearances since 1947 are the royal bridal ensembles. Elizabeth’s gown (above) and the portrait-collared bridesmaid’ gown in the below photo were designed by Norman Hartnell. Hartnell, a brilliant designer had been Dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth since 1938. Part of his claim to fame was taking commissions on wedding gowns for European society in the 1930s-40s era. Known for his intricate bead work adorning miles of tulle and satin, with the commission of Elizabeth’s gown, he used an ivory duchesse satin ornamented with thousands of crystals and 10,000 tiny pearls imported from America. He said the elaborately embroidered star designs on the 13-foot train were the inspiration of Botticelli’s Primavera, signifying revival and hope after so many years of war. The tiara pictured below is ‘something borrowed’; Elizabeth wore this priceless jewelled diadem which was especially made for her grandmother Queen Mary.

Bead work and applique on Elizabeth's gown and train. An army of seamstresses worked almost round the clock for eight weeks to complete these gowns.




sourceOne of the eight bridesmaid gowns. The detailed embroidery on the tulle reminds me of something you'd find in Claire Pettibone's collection.

Queen Mary's Tiara

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It is interesting that in an age when closed-toe pumps were standard for formal weddings, Elizabeth went with these little fashionista satin platform sandals with silver buckles and peekaboo toes.
A last note about Elizabeth’s gown: If it weren’t for a savvy restoration team (Keeper of the Robes), her magnificent silk dress would have deteriorated years back. The weight of the bead work over time has weakened the fabric to such a point, in order for it to hang properly, a cotton underskirt had to be constructed to keep the skirt and bodice in one piece.



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Here are The Octogenarians last year at their Diamond. How do they do it? Can you believe these two just wrapped up a trip to Slovakia last month?



This day in 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten of Greece and Denmark. Sixty-one years later the couple has survived half a century of Cold War, a radically changing London in the swinging sixties, and a few very testy years concerning the state of the monarchy. Still, they are solid and have had one of the longest marriages in history. Last year on the Queen and Duke’s 60th wedding anniversary, an exhibition ran from November 2007 to September 2008 at Buckingham Palace commemorating that day when post-war England rejoiced in a very royal wedding celebration —just the shot of magic dust the country needed.


source
Making their first appearances since 1947 are the royal bridal ensembles. Elizabeth’s gown (above) and the portrait-collared bridesmaid’ gown in the below photo were designed by Norman Hartnell. Hartnell, a brilliant designer had been Dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth since 1938. Part of his claim to fame was taking commissions on wedding gowns for European society in the 1930s-40s era. Known for his intricate bead work adorning miles of tulle and satin, with the commission of Elizabeth’s gown, he used an ivory duchesse satin ornamented with thousands of crystals and 10,000 tiny pearls imported from America. He said the elaborately embroidered star designs on the 13-foot train were the inspiration of Botticelli’s Primavera, signifying revival and hope after so many years of war. The tiara pictured below is ‘something borrowed’; Elizabeth wore this priceless jewelled diadem which was especially made for her grandmother Queen Mary.

Bead work and applique on Elizabeth's gown and train. An army of seamstresses worked almost round the clock for eight weeks to complete these gowns.




sourceOne of the eight bridesmaid gowns. The detailed embroidery on the tulle reminds me of something you'd find in Claire Pettibone's collection.

Queen Mary's Tiara

source
It is interesting that in an age when closed-toe pumps were standard for formal weddings, Elizabeth went with these little fashionista satin platform sandals with silver buckles and peekaboo toes.
A last note about Elizabeth’s gown: If it weren’t for a savvy restoration team (Keeper of the Robes), her magnificent silk dress would have deteriorated years back. The weight of the bead work over time has weakened the fabric to such a point, in order for it to hang properly, a cotton underskirt had to be constructed to keep the skirt and bodice in one piece.



source

Here are The Octogenarians last year at their Diamond. How do they do it? Can you believe these two just wrapped up a trip to Slovakia last month?


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SEPARATES DRESSING

Phillipa Lepley

Oscar de la Renta

The further the Dow drops, the less sentimental my clients are becoming. A couple years back the majority of my brides wouldn’t think of re-wearing what would eventually become their much-loved keepsake. Here’s the typical after life of a bridal gown in a boom economy: It’s packed and professionally sealed in a box to be put away. Fast forward 2008. Suddenly brides are asking for boned corsets they can wear again as a separate with blazer and jeans; ballerina length skirts in fabrics that can go from dressy to casual. Also in demand is the short dress, the wool jersey dress and the exquisite imported Swiss cotton dress. We’re seeing chic separates in hemps and linens. Some brides are going streamlined in a simple dress or suit, putting heavy duty concentration on bridal accessories (veil, gloves, satin shoes) to pull that real wedding look together.

Lunn Antiques




Stewart Parvin





Escada
The more conscious we become of being excessive, the more some of us realize this isn’t the direction we can afford or necessarily want to go. Rather than a wedding gown, consider a wedding ensemble with interchangeable components; this way you might work a different look going from ceremony to reception, or--even further than that--from reception to incorporating it somewhere into your wardrobe and life. The photos here give some examples of separates dressing from casual to formal with a little over-the-edge runway chic thrown in for inspiration.



Phillipa Lepley

Oscar de la Renta

The further the Dow drops, the less sentimental my clients are becoming. A couple years back the majority of my brides wouldn’t think of re-wearing what would eventually become their much-loved keepsake. Here’s the typical after life of a bridal gown in a boom economy: It’s packed and professionally sealed in a box to be put away. Fast forward 2008. Suddenly brides are asking for boned corsets they can wear again as a separate with blazer and jeans; ballerina length skirts in fabrics that can go from dressy to casual. Also in demand is the short dress, the wool jersey dress and the exquisite imported Swiss cotton dress. We’re seeing chic separates in hemps and linens. Some brides are going streamlined in a simple dress or suit, putting heavy duty concentration on bridal accessories (veil, gloves, satin shoes) to pull that real wedding look together.

Lunn Antiques




Stewart Parvin





Escada
The more conscious we become of being excessive, the more some of us realize this isn’t the direction we can afford or necessarily want to go. Rather than a wedding gown, consider a wedding ensemble with interchangeable components; this way you might work a different look going from ceremony to reception, or--even further than that--from reception to incorporating it somewhere into your wardrobe and life. The photos here give some examples of separates dressing from casual to formal with a little over-the-edge runway chic thrown in for inspiration.



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HATS OFF TO THE UK

When it comes to hats the British are tops. Though hats aren’t standard anymore for leaving the house, if you’re going to be a guest at a wedding in the UK (or throughout most of Europe) you’d better start shopping for one. So, how do we understand this devotion to hats if we happen to be from the West? Personally I think the UK has a rich history of costume and keeping aspects of it traditional. Their hats have indeed evolved to an art form which constantly reinvents new trends. Besides, aren’t they kind of fun? I mean check out these gems. For ages I’ve wondered why more brides didn’t go all out for hats. Well, we’re getting close with the fascinator trend catching on the way it has lately. One last note here: bridesmaids have always looked awesome in hats. From 1920-1950 it was a popular option to dress the bridesmaids in picture hats, especially for garden weddings. Think about it as just one of your many options . . . .

Nigel Rayment

Philip Treacy


James Lock and Co.



Nigel Rayment

Nigel Rayment


When it comes to hats the British are tops. Though hats aren’t standard anymore for leaving the house, if you’re going to be a guest at a wedding in the UK (or throughout most of Europe) you’d better start shopping for one. So, how do we understand this devotion to hats if we happen to be from the West? Personally I think the UK has a rich history of costume and keeping aspects of it traditional. Their hats have indeed evolved to an art form which constantly reinvents new trends. Besides, aren’t they kind of fun? I mean check out these gems. For ages I’ve wondered why more brides didn’t go all out for hats. Well, we’re getting close with the fascinator trend catching on the way it has lately. One last note here: bridesmaids have always looked awesome in hats. From 1920-1950 it was a popular option to dress the bridesmaids in picture hats, especially for garden weddings. Think about it as just one of your many options . . . .

Nigel Rayment

Philip Treacy


James Lock and Co.



Nigel Rayment

Nigel Rayment


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STALKING THE LOOKBOOKS

Looking for an edge on your big day? . . . something exclusive but very exceptional? Check out Fanny Liautard's site. Parisian designer mixes up old Hollywood, ballet and haute couture. Some truly great inspirations found here. . .
Looking for an edge on your big day? . . . something exclusive but very exceptional? Check out Fanny Liautard's site. Parisian designer mixes up old Hollywood, ballet and haute couture. Some truly great inspirations found here. . .
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COUTURE REPORT: BEIJING FASHION WEEK

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More than 40 brands and designers combined showed their collections in Beijing November 5-12. Amoung the collections shown were Cabbeen, NE·TIGER, 1436, ERDOS, GIOIAPAN, MarymaSeries, LeaSeong, Omnialuo, TANGYcollection to name just a few. 2008 marks the year of the 'visiting designer from the west' as Donatella Versace (not pictured) premeired her collection. Near Tiananmen Square on a circular stage much like the one she uses in Milan, a cast of Chinese models donned Versace's pieces; she said she'd like to put Beijing on her annual fashion circuit if the economic situation allows.

source


source


It is interesting since 1997, Beijing has hosted more than 420 shows with 200 designers and 220 brands. With the help and participation of these artists and industries, China is becoming a major media spotlight all over the world. I'd say their extraordinary perspective on fashion is well worth following



source
More than 40 brands and designers combined showed their collections in Beijing November 5-12. Amoung the collections shown were Cabbeen, NE·TIGER, 1436, ERDOS, GIOIAPAN, MarymaSeries, LeaSeong, Omnialuo, TANGYcollection to name just a few. 2008 marks the year of the 'visiting designer from the west' as Donatella Versace (not pictured) premeired her collection. Near Tiananmen Square on a circular stage much like the one she uses in Milan, a cast of Chinese models donned Versace's pieces; she said she'd like to put Beijing on her annual fashion circuit if the economic situation allows.

source


source


It is interesting since 1997, Beijing has hosted more than 420 shows with 200 designers and 220 brands. With the help and participation of these artists and industries, China is becoming a major media spotlight all over the world. I'd say their extraordinary perspective on fashion is well worth following



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MUNCHKIN CHIC


What could be sweeter than adding a flock of kids to your wedding? Either making the trek down the aisle or weaving in and out of festivities, kids add a bright and energetic tone to any wedding. In Europe, kids make up the wedding party almost entirely. Remember Lady Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles in 1981? Her eldest attendant was a junior bridesmaid. The rest were taffeta-clad flower girls and pages dressed in the traditional costume of the English Court. Whatever theme or direction your wedding takes, children’s fashion usually echoes that of the wedding party. If you’re in a ball gown and your groom in a tux, the ring bearer can wear a diminutive version of the groom’s tux. The flower girls could wear fluffy white dresses with a contrasting sash, possibly combining some of the laces from the bride’s gown.

Their Nibs


Sally Membury

Little Bevan



Marie-Chantal

There are a lot of ways to dress kids so your wedding will be all the more special. You may be wearing a ball gown and like the storybook theme. Go all out. Dress your boy attendants in page costumes and girls in tulle dresses with floral wreaths on their heads. Present them the gift of ballet slippers to wear. They’ll cherish these long after the wedding. Other ideas around the storybook could be a Scottish Wedding with all the groomsmen in kilts. Ditto the little groomsmen.

Kaya Couture

There’s no rule that says your ring bearer must be in a tux. Go ahead and put him in a nice navy blazer, tie and pants. If you are getting married in say, a vineyard setting, consider an Eaton Jacket with shorts, and flower Girl in linen or dupioni, the same shade as the bridesmaids. If it’s a more casual wedding and/or money is tight, here are some options: he can go without a jacket and wear a dress shirt with tie. Find her a special little cotton or linen nightgown she can use afterwards. She’ll look Kate Greenaway chic in it, especially if she goes barefoot. Remember, barefoot is okay on kids, particularly at an outdoor or beach wedding. The trick to getting away with this informality is making sure the rest of your little one’s appearance looks festive enough— ribbons or wreaths on the head; possibly straw baskets of flowers

WHERE TO FIND ALL THIS KID CHIC
Boy attendants can get their tuxes fitted right alongside the groomsmen. Most formal wear shops have boy’s sizes available to rent or buy. Formal page outfits can be found by perusing bridal magazines and online. Magazines are good resources for familiarizing you with trends and where to look for what. Retailers are listed in back. Also, you can go online and order direct from manufacturers. Specialty kid’s shops can order or have suits made. If you have an idea of what you want but can’t find it in the right color or fabric, consider going custom and having a suit made or making it yourself. If this is beyond your expertise or you don’t have time, find the right tailor or dressmaker. He or she can help put together patterns and fabrics.



Flower Girl’s dresses are easier to find. As mentioned above, bridal magazines and online sites have special sections devoted to your little attendants.
Still, if you can’t find the dresses you want, go custom. Kaya Couture in the LA area is one of the only custom designers of kid's formal wear. Kaya also has an extensive line of ready to wear flower girl dresses that can be ordered. Once you go the custom route there are some things you need to know about fabrics, particularly fabrics flattering on children. If you use silks, use medium-weight ones like dupioni or shantung. These will work for winter weddings too, provided you pick a style with long sleeves, jackets, etc. Heavier satins and brocades are out—too weighty for a child to carry off and be comfortable in all day. Instead try lightweight velvets in deep jewel tones for those Christmas/Winter weddings. For spring/ summer dresses, lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon, and tulle can overlay medium weight silks like those mentioned above. Linen is great for casual and beach weddings.
Prices for children’s ready made dresses and suits run from $50.00 to 400.00. Custom will cost about 200.00-450.00 and up. If you have the budget, it’s worth it. On the other hand, if a dress or suit is lovingly put together and accessorized, regardless of price, a kid will always look great




What could be sweeter than adding a flock of kids to your wedding? Either making the trek down the aisle or weaving in and out of festivities, kids add a bright and energetic tone to any wedding. In Europe, kids make up the wedding party almost entirely. Remember Lady Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles in 1981? Her eldest attendant was a junior bridesmaid. The rest were taffeta-clad flower girls and pages dressed in the traditional costume of the English Court. Whatever theme or direction your wedding takes, children’s fashion usually echoes that of the wedding party. If you’re in a ball gown and your groom in a tux, the ring bearer can wear a diminutive version of the groom’s tux. The flower girls could wear fluffy white dresses with a contrasting sash, possibly combining some of the laces from the bride’s gown.

Their Nibs


Sally Membury

Little Bevan



Marie-Chantal

There are a lot of ways to dress kids so your wedding will be all the more special. You may be wearing a ball gown and like the storybook theme. Go all out. Dress your boy attendants in page costumes and girls in tulle dresses with floral wreaths on their heads. Present them the gift of ballet slippers to wear. They’ll cherish these long after the wedding. Other ideas around the storybook could be a Scottish Wedding with all the groomsmen in kilts. Ditto the little groomsmen.

Kaya Couture

There’s no rule that says your ring bearer must be in a tux. Go ahead and put him in a nice navy blazer, tie and pants. If you are getting married in say, a vineyard setting, consider an Eaton Jacket with shorts, and flower Girl in linen or dupioni, the same shade as the bridesmaids. If it’s a more casual wedding and/or money is tight, here are some options: he can go without a jacket and wear a dress shirt with tie. Find her a special little cotton or linen nightgown she can use afterwards. She’ll look Kate Greenaway chic in it, especially if she goes barefoot. Remember, barefoot is okay on kids, particularly at an outdoor or beach wedding. The trick to getting away with this informality is making sure the rest of your little one’s appearance looks festive enough— ribbons or wreaths on the head; possibly straw baskets of flowers

WHERE TO FIND ALL THIS KID CHIC
Boy attendants can get their tuxes fitted right alongside the groomsmen. Most formal wear shops have boy’s sizes available to rent or buy. Formal page outfits can be found by perusing bridal magazines and online. Magazines are good resources for familiarizing you with trends and where to look for what. Retailers are listed in back. Also, you can go online and order direct from manufacturers. Specialty kid’s shops can order or have suits made. If you have an idea of what you want but can’t find it in the right color or fabric, consider going custom and having a suit made or making it yourself. If this is beyond your expertise or you don’t have time, find the right tailor or dressmaker. He or she can help put together patterns and fabrics.



Flower Girl’s dresses are easier to find. As mentioned above, bridal magazines and online sites have special sections devoted to your little attendants.
Still, if you can’t find the dresses you want, go custom. Kaya Couture in the LA area is one of the only custom designers of kid's formal wear. Kaya also has an extensive line of ready to wear flower girl dresses that can be ordered. Once you go the custom route there are some things you need to know about fabrics, particularly fabrics flattering on children. If you use silks, use medium-weight ones like dupioni or shantung. These will work for winter weddings too, provided you pick a style with long sleeves, jackets, etc. Heavier satins and brocades are out—too weighty for a child to carry off and be comfortable in all day. Instead try lightweight velvets in deep jewel tones for those Christmas/Winter weddings. For spring/ summer dresses, lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon, and tulle can overlay medium weight silks like those mentioned above. Linen is great for casual and beach weddings.
Prices for children’s ready made dresses and suits run from $50.00 to 400.00. Custom will cost about 200.00-450.00 and up. If you have the budget, it’s worth it. On the other hand, if a dress or suit is lovingly put together and accessorized, regardless of price, a kid will always look great



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