Bride Chic

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

bridechic — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:25:04 -0800

Soon to be posted on Etsy this dress is aptly named, 'Aurora' (for the aurora color accents). Part of the 'Dioresque' collection, it just came off the work table a couple of weeks back. Once completed I took one look and said, "What could be more bridal than a cloud of white tulle and Chantilly lace?" Add to that the lace is backed with a blue/gray lining. With peach accents it reminds me of a muted pastel sunset. The skirt is four layers of tulle and a separate slip of crinoline and tulle. Detailed touches include a row of buttons accenting the back and it is all pulled together with a blue and peach sash. The headpiece is coral-peachy handmade silk florals attached to a tulle bow

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: ROBERTO TORRETTA

bridechic — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:10:31 -0800

Laces, organzas, silks, chiffons and embroidered tulle--these are all the sumptous fabrics that make up Roberto Torretta's 2010 collection. While it has certain aspects that would appeal to the minimalist bride, there's a hint of the adorned romantic here as well. Every silhouette here is easy and a comfort to wear . . . .

images courtesy Web Novias

SOFT FOCUS

bridechic — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:07:50 -0800

These gowns by Atelier Aimee are visually poetic and lyrical. The mix of pastel florals,
laces and intricate metallic trim make for some gorgeous choices if you're dreaming of going romantic on your wedding day . . .

INSPIRATION!

bridechic — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:17:52 -0800

Want a bit of inspiration? Just how often does American Vogue do a Bridal editorial? The last one I knew about was the fictionalized Carrie Bradshaw piece in Sex and the City, the movie. I found these on the incredible site, Moodboard where you can see more. Admit it, photographer Arthur Elgort is simply brilliant here.

Images from Vogue by Arthur Elgort

STAIN FREE

bridechic — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:02:46 -0800

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Being in the spotlight in a white gown involves maneuvering through a wedding day fraught with champagne, red wine, canapes and grass, all of which could be potential accidents just waiting to happen. If you have post plans for your gown such as preservation, resale or even passing it on as a treasure to someone else, there are a few things to know about the kind of stains that could set in and ruin your gown. First of all, relax and realize it's normal through the course of your day to pick up a few drops or splashes of something; most you'll encounter are removable with the help of a good cleaner. Stains that prove trickiest are red wine, chocolate, ink and lipstick, especially those that last all day. If your dress is polyester or synthetic, these stains will lift out without much fuss. 100% silks which most gowns of quality are made of , prove trickier to lift without some modification to the memory of the original weave. So what can be done?

If you purchase your gown from a salon or custom designer, ask for their recommendation for a cleaner post wedding. Cleaning establishments have different product packages for gown preservation and restoration. Whether you're reselling or preserving, a thorough cleaning would include:

1.) Stain removal

2.) Overall cleaning and pressing

3.)Repair (button replacement, hem repair, etc.)

4.) Packaging the gown. For resale this would mean putting the bodice onto a cardboard form and stuffing the rest of the gown with tissue

5.) For preservation the gown would need to be properly boxed.

This is what the cleaner I send all my clients to does. Prior to the wedding the finishing and pressing is done. Post wedding, cleaning, pressing, restoration and preserving. If you do get a stain on your wedding day, it's handy to keep an emergency kit with rubbing alcohol and clean white cloths. Apply the rubbing alcohol (for dry stains like grease) or lukewarm water (for wet stains like wine) to the cloth, and gently (read: gently) blot the spot from its outer edges in; whatever you do don't work from the middle outward or you'll be spreading the stain. Ideally, to dry your gown use a hair dryer on low about six inches away. If it is an oil base stain you're combating sprinkle you can also baby powder on it.

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For those of you contemplating preservation, after the gown is boxed, avoid the attic, basement or that room off the garage. Attics are prone to extreme heat in Summer months--cold in winter and basements and outdoor rooms generally have moisture problems that could mildew your gown over time. Temperate places like the top of a closet shelf should work. For resale you'll want to connect with the best cleaner available. Here's a link to help you get started with your search.

STREET CHIC BRIDE

bridechic — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:58:36 -0800

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We find ourselves in a toney neighborhood this time where our street chic bride is sporting a shirtwaist, something I haven't seen since the 1980s. Fancy of New York designed this timeless and classic shirt dress. The shirtwaist is actually a more relaxed version of the hourglass, a tailored look concentrating as much on the bodice detailing as the skirt. Typically shirtwaists have long shirt-like or billowing sleeves and full gathered skirt. Can be made out of lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon and crepe, as well as medium weights like linen. The above version is duchesse satin. Nice for a garden reception, especially with a wide- brimmed hat.

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

bridechic — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:55:19 -0800

Wedding dresses and wedding cakes by Tormented on Polyvore.com

click to enlarge

And some wedding dresses have matching wedding cakes or is it the other way around?

SILVER ACCENTS

bridechic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:08:12 -0800

The wedding by Twilight :) featuring Pierre Dumas shoes

Silver simulates ice , thus worn during the Winter months conveys a kind of cold and white-glitzed beauty. This is meant to inspire winter brides and get you all moving in the right direction . . .
Anoushka G Couture Long bustier grey & silver evening gown dress
$1,135 - josephm.com
Women's shoes/bags: Pierre Dumas Rivoli-2 - Silver
$49 $30 - piperlime.gap.com
RODO - SOFT MULTISIZE CRYSTAL CLUTCH
$1,028 - luisaviaroma.com
RODO - SOFT MULTISIZE CRYSTAL CLUTCH
$1,028 - luisaviaroma.com

han cholo - chained heart necklace (silver) - 80's Purple
$115 - 80spurple.com

Silver Flower And Pearl Studs.
$3.30 - missselfridge.com

PICTURE PERFECT

bridechic — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:43:05 -0800

Once upon a time the posed bridal portrait was a pretty standard procedure. About a month before the wedding, if a bride had her gown, she (no groom) posed in a studio setting. In the days before independent bridal salons, department stores like B. Altman and Bergdorf Goodman had in-house salons. They also offered in-house photographers that specialized in taking 'The Bridal Portrait' These days bridal photography has moved into the realm of the art shot, thanks to the digital age and photographers who practice their craft as an art form. Spanish photographer Alfonso Vidal-Quadras has fashioned six bridal portraits reminiscent of early cinema. Got a theme even a little left of center? Then find your best artist and go for it. The talent out there is amazing and you'll be expanding their repertoire for creation by offering some unique input.

Images courtesy of Web Novias

FOREVER PLAID

bridechic — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:27:00 -0800

All month I've been reminding you all that winter is coming. Eureka! I've finally found a designer who has actually worked 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 has shops in Glasgow, Gretna Green and London. 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 grooms kilt from the Touch of Tartan Collection. Add in coordinating bridesmaids and mothers and the complete wedding party will be totally Stunning, Stylish, 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. --"

Joyce Young Collections

Tartan Spirit Couture

Modern Classics

Weddings Abroad

RETRO REPRO

bridechic — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:13:00 -0800

A couple weeks back we explored going with real deal vintage on your wedding day. If you love the silhouettes of yesteryear consider retro reproduction versus the time involved in hunting down an actual vintage dress in your size. Defined, vintage fashion is anything over 20-25 years-old. While using a pattern and recreating a vintage look isn't wearing an actual gown that has survived the ages, you will be replicating as close a look as you can get. And because women back in your grandma's day dressed up and much of what they wore was sewn, golden oldies like these are still available through companies like So Vintage , a treasure trove of 20th century patterns--most spanning the post war boom of weddings, babies and a fully stocked sewing room. For me these have been the muses and backbone of all my collections. Yes, the patterns are one-of-a-kind which means one size only but they have an online resource with instructions on how to size a pattern up or down (convenient for your designer or dressmaker). Going for a custom made dress is the equivalent of getting the silhouette, fabric and fit you want all at once. And you're not confined to using only wedding dress patterns. Try whatever pattern suits you in the particular fabric you want. Plus, there are plenty of resources for vintage patterns online.
If you do decide to have your dress made have your designer or dressmaker construct a muslin first. That's a cloth pattern of the actual wedding dress where all the fine tuning and fitting is done before ever cutting into the actual fabric. That way once you do take the actual cut, all the bugs have been worked out three dimensionally and there are no big surprises.

Going for a custom made dress is the equivalent of getting the silhouette, fabric and fit you want all at once. And you're not confined to using only wedding dress patterns. Try whatever pattern suits you in the particular fabric you want. Plus, there are plenty of resources for vintage patterns online. If you do decide to have your dress made have your designer or dressmaker construct a muslin first. That's a cloth pattern of the actual wedding dress where all the fine tuning and fitting is done before ever cutting into the actual fabric. That way once you do take the actual cut, all the bugs have been worked out three dimensionally and there are no big surprises.

Patterns available through So Vintage Bridal and So Vintage Gowns

NEW LOOKS FROM SPOSE DI GIO

bridechic — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:31:09 -0800

di Gio has to be one of my favorite designer lines after the big three: Dior, Chanel and Valentino. I fell in love with di Gio back in the 1990s when I bought my first Vogue Sposa Magazine. Clients who read Sposa and happened upon this clean-lined collection, often wanted to incorporate some element from a di Gio gown into their own design. Today I still give the Sposa di Gio line A+ for purity of line and fabrication. Founded in 1975 by the di Capitani sisters of Italy, their look has always been consistent, contemporary and realistic for today’s bride. You'll usually find one exquisite detail on every piece . . . enough to accentuate but never overpower the wearer. They are truly a great inspiration to the world of bridal fashion . . .

For a more comprehensive look at di Gio's collection, check out their website. If you're a bride living in the US you can find out more about Le Sposa di Gio through Joan Gilbert Bride in San Francisco.

Photos courtesy of Vogue Italy

INSPIRATION SUNDAY

bridechic — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:03:03 -0800

Celadon organza twist-front gown with blush hand-cut rosette hem, jeweled star corsage and lavender grosgrain ribbon sash, price upon request, by Vera Wang, verawangonweddings.com.

Blue ombre crocodile trapezoid clutch, $1,300, by Nancy Gonzalez, saksfifthavenue.com.
Blue Baubles
Gold and lapis bead necklaces, $4,500 and $6,500, both by Katy Briscoe, 713-662-9886.

Posh Plumage
Beaded peacock feather in champagne, $13, from Jim Marvin, 337-258-5252.

DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THIS FRAGRANCE?

bridechic — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:08:00 -0800

Elizabeth Arden

I can't think of a better fragrance to recommend to a bride on her wedding day. Light and fresh, Blue Grass has been around since 1936 and is fused with essences of lavender, clove, orange blossom and nutmeg. However, you won't find it atop the Elizabeth Arden counter. Arden has brought out too many edgy fragrances with higher price tags, so this stock is generally kept under the counter and asked for mostly by women of the Post War Generation. Blue Grass was launched in 1936 by Elizabeth Arden, her advisors skeptic the equestrian name hinting at her Old Kentucky Home wouldn't work for the new fragrance. Fortunately, Blue Grass was a success for Arden, lifting her out of financial crisis as she went on to reign supreme with it in the fragrance market for the next twenty five years. So loved in our household when I was growing up, we all referred to this beautiful concoction as, 'Horse Perfume'. It remains my favorite of all time and I crave Blue Grass like I sometimes crave chocolate or certain foods. For me it's right up there with examining and touching a genuine Dior original or reading Steinbeck.

Blue Grass was launched in 1936 by Elizabeth Arden under protests from her sales managers and advisers who feared that a horsey name would be the kiss of doom for the new fragrance. Instead Blue Grass was a wonderful triumph for Arden, helping her out of a cash crunch (brought on by her personal extravagances), and dominating the market for the next twenty five years. Blue Grass is still available at Elizabeth Arden sales counters today

WINTER WHITES

bridechic — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:08 -0800

Embroidered V-neck bodice and organza skirt with veils of forming a small train

Bodice encrusted with Swarovski crystals for the empire cut dress with organza skirt on Fourreau satin. Floral headdress

Dress with embroidered bodice and skirt flouncy satin overlay

Sequined short dress with organza ruffles and adorned with multiple strap.

Mermaid gown embroidered with pleated skirt.

Entirely fitting dress trimmed with pleated skirt open front. Orecchiini Carlo Pignatelli.

All photos courtesy Vogue

Gowns by Carlo Pignatelli

FANTASIA: FANTASY GOWNS AND FABRICS

bridechic — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:27:20 -0800

Beaded gazar and tulle dress, by Demetrios. Patent-leather flower Alice band with veil Jennifer Behr Bridal at Jenny Packham

What's your fantasy dress like? I'll bet it's some concoction of organza, tulle and bling. The gowns here are the ultimate in wedding day dressing-- so big and out there perfect for crossing over the threshold . . . .

Silk-satin corset with tulle skirt and silk-flower detail, from The Couture Gallery

Silk-duchesse satin bodice and tulle skirt and silk cape by Phillipa Lepley

Vera Wang, spring/summer 2009

Collette Dinnigan spring/summer '09

Marchesa

GLOVE CHIC

bridechic — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:09:59 -0800

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ShopCurious - ShopCurious - Long gloves - gold boucle
$54 - shopcurious.com

This time of year when weddings get a little more formal, gloves do help warm up hands and arms. Whether crocheted shorties or long, opera length lending that aspect of drama-gloves are glamorous and really tie a bridal look together. Luckily there are no rules anymore about what sort of gloves you have to wear with your gown. You can go with the classic white and ivory or jazz up your look with any length, color, texture, even pattern as you can see below. Just as some brides are showing some pizazz wearing different color shoes with their gown, glove color is an option you have as well. Go ahead, be adventuresome!

All Saints Womens Alawa Pearl Gloves
$74 - allsaints.com

short lace gloves bridal - Gloves
$62 - corneliajames.com

TRES BELLE CHIC

bridechic — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:42:50 -0800

New discovery! Belle, The Magazine. Follow some great editorial every month, showing brides how to plan the the biggest day of their lives.

Here's more of what you'll find

• The latest in bridal and quinceañera fashion •

Event pages, featuring local Brides and Quinces •

The best in event planning and design •

English /Spanish magazine reaching El Paso TX, Las Cruces and Mesilla NM, Cd. Juárez and Chihuahua Mexico.

In this issue you'll find some tips of how to pose for your wedding pictures from an expert model and advice on how to get your body ready from one of the best personal trainers in town.

Photography Yolanda Diaz, Hair and Make-up Fascino, Model Liz Kranz Miss Teen New Mexico USA 2007

2010 TREND: THE COCKTAIL WEDDING DRESS

bridechic — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:13:34 -0800

Giuseppe Papini

Planning an After Five Soiree is one way to have a briefer and more intimate event than the traditional all day wedding planned months ahead. Cocktail hour weddings offer an elegant, affordable alternative. Think about it: fewer guests, a shorter hemline and less cake and champagne can sometimes be more.Small weddings are on the rise, especially for the couple with limited time and money issues. Some couples feel more at ease celebrating their nuptials as evening approaches with a few close friends and family present. The dresses featured here are all cocktail length. With some imaginative head chic and accessorizing you'll have your look.

di Egò by Valentini

Suzanne Ermann

The cocktail dress is perfect for this wedding of the same name. Defined, its street-length and typically made out of exquisite fabric or has special detailing. Though cocktail hour dressing can go either semi-formal or informal, the later doesn’t imply casual. It simply means you can go with elegant street-length attire; a higher hemline is acceptable and your groom,(again following your lead) can skip the de riguer white or black tie if he chooses, getting into a raw silk or linen suit instead. On the other hand, remember, while attire for the cocktail reception is elegant, its never max formal. Think of cocktail dressing as anything from a chic mini to a fitted floor-length sheath. The fabric can be luxe. The photo above is a good case in point.

Elisabetta Polignano

Peter Langner

Franco Donut in organza and chiffon. Photos by Clé Maraini.

Department stores and boutiques may be the best route to go for the shorter formal. Almost any white dress has potential as long as it works with your accessories, fits within the scene and theme of your wedding and you absolutely love it. Also, if you’re not into wearing white on your wedding day, boutiques and department stores might be your best option. Some stores work closely with up and coming specialty designers. With a little imagination and the help of professionals, you might be able to put some stunning looks together. Also a great option if you don’t want to wait 4-6 months for your gown.

Photos courtesy Vogue Italy

FRENCH GARDEN VINTAGE

bridechic — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:34 -0800

click here to enlarge

Joy comes to us as a bride

The first rains burst into bloom

Nightingales strike up a dance in our neighborhood

Elegant water nymphs bring songs

Thoughts turn into gold

And gold all conversation

Poets and girls

Learn kisses by heart

Someone arrives at the festival out of breath

It is time with his flute.

--George Sarandaris--

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

bridechic — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:50:04 -0800

Smoot Photography

The bubble cage just went up in the Etsy shop this week. Veils that fall above the shoulder line like this one are incredibly practical--no hauling around extra length or changing into a shorter version after the ceremony. Shorter styles tend to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil combined. This look is great for fashionistas and can really be paired up with almost any gown.

WATCHING YOUR BACK

bridechic — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:35:11 -0800

Once you make it down the aisle and stand alongside your groom, all your guests will be looking at you from the back, anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour depending on the length ceremony. Also consider the reception; this is where guests get glimpses of you from all perspectives, including the back of your dress, train and veil. All are significant to the overall picture you create. Here are a few really off the charts looks for creating, WOW! once you turn around.

Above Left: tulle backed mermaid by Juliet. Photos by Clé Maraini.
Above Right: Crossed by deep décolleté horizontally. Beba by Mariage. Photos by Luke Tombolini for Showbit.

Elisabeth B.

THE COATDRESS

bridechic — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:45:48 -0800

Winter is almost here. Coatdresses and coat & dress ensembles are an option many brides overlook simply because the concept is being reintroduced by a few savvy designers. A coatdress is just that: a lighter weight coat (street or floor length); and can be single or double-breasted. Then there's the coat & dress ensemble. Defined, 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.

Carolina Herrera

di Gio

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Paule Ka

Darling Bride

Designers offering coatdresses and coat and dress ensembles

BAGS IN BLOOM

bridechic — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:43:00 -0800

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Photos courtesy Vogue Italy

Aka kissing balls, some of these bags in bloom look like small and rounded bouquets; others take on the shape of a handbag or clutch. Kissing balls and bloom bags are an alternative to baskets of flowers or the scattering of rose petals. Many churches and venues have banned the dropping of petals due to liability issues as well as carpets getting stained.

Kissing Balls can be carried up the aisle then hung from the ceiling, a chandelier or placed in a vase come reception time. During the holidays, mistletoe can be added for a festive touch. Typically a florist can concoct a pomander or purse of real flowers depending what is in season. Craftspeople though are introducing some creative alternatives on the real thing, adding anything from berries to feathers, plumes, pine cones and jewels. To check out some real off the charts kissing ball chic, follow the links to these Etsy sellers:

VARIATIONS ON THE DROP VEIL

bridechic — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:57:06 -0800

click here to enlarge
Yes, drop veils are exactly as you see here, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace, sometimes bordered with lace or ribbon. Generally, more ornamental gowns look best with simple veils, like one layer of tulle whereas all over lace veils or ones edged with wide borders require a simple gown with little adornment. Your dress might have some exquisite back details you want to show off. If this is the case select a try a layer of tulle like that shown in the images here- in a dropped style that doesn’t fall in creases and folds across your back. Tulle is the best fabric for this; it’s transparent enough without being so opaque to fog detail. The exquisite hair ornamentation in these photos is visible and even adds a little mystery with the addition of a drop veil . . .