TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME. . . .

I'll be over on One Wed today talking tulle.  That's right, the fine mesh fabric you find on ballerinas in the corps de ballet is so trendy now some designers like Monique Martinez-Sandoval of Ouma specialize in dresses made out of it.  This tea-length dress is a combination of tulle and soft cotton with layers of skirt...... READ MORE

TEA TIME

 If you've been following me for any length of time you know I'm absolutely daffy over hats--especially ones like these that would be welcome at any party Jay Gatsby might throw if he were to materialize out of the pages of fiction . . .Tea time, garden party and 1920s are great themes for a wedding.  These hats by milliner Louise Green spell out tea time chic in such gorgeous detail . . .

SALUTE TO THE SHIRT DRESS

Michi Callica

Today we're saluting the shirt dress. I haven't seen too many of these since the 1980s.  Remember Kathleen Turner in Body Heat?  She wore the white one that became iconic.  Cybil Shepard in Taxi Driver wore a memorable version as well (Also white).  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. The above version is spot on with the Mad Men trends, with 3/4 length sleeves and accented waistline.  Shirtwaists look hot in lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon and crepe, as well as medium weights like linen. The above version is by Michi Callica and could go be adapted to any style wedding from a garden reception to an elegant gala wedding at the Plaza.

BEST BETS FOR THE PETITE BRIDE

     Modified Mermaid: The to-the-floor sash draws the eye up and tulle head pouf gives the impression of height.

One of the most important things to remember if you're under 5'4 is scale. Petite and in shape, you can wear just about any gown as long as you scale down to the right proportion. Also thinking vertically (up, up, up) it will be easier to figure out which treatments suit you best. For instance, choose a bodice and neckline that draw the eye up to your decolletage. Here’s more to consider:

GO FOR

* a gown with a panel or seam(s) running up the front. The unbroken lines give you height.

*Empire waists are one of your best options considering you go floor length. You want to keep that vertical line going.

* A V or U-neck, it gives the impression of a longer neck.

*A mermaid. If you’re slim and petite consider this style. It’s fitted like an evening gown up top and has all the bounce and swirl of a ball gown below.

*An A-line. Think of it as your very own scaled down version of a ball gown.

*Sheath and evening gown silhouettes, long and columnar; they will flatter you.

* length over volume in your skirt

*Sleeves that are long and straight.

* Best proportion is a floor length gown with veil or train of the same length.

*prints and laces as well as any motifs should be scaled down and worn on the upper portions of the body. Busy designs below the waist (even small ones) draw all eyes downward.

*Soft and sheer fabrics like crepe and chiffon that drape to the body.

PASS UP:
*any ball gown. The volume in the skirts will consume you.

*heavy, elaborate fabrics like brocade or any print or design that is large.

*Wide belts, sashes and cummerbunds interrupt the vertical lines you want to create. If you do wear a sash or belt go thin (1-1 ½ inches) and as close to the shade of your gown as you can get.

*any design with big puffy sleeves or shoulder pads.

*Any train longer than a sweep.

Empire waisted gown--the length keeps the vertical lines going

Lirette Photography

The Aline is a perfect version of ball gown for the petite bride

 

Fabrics like crepe and chiffon drape to the body 

STATE OF THE ART BRIDESMAID

These pink lovelies are from designer Carol Hannah's Wedding Collection . Using a versatile fabric like jersey with cutting edge applications, this Project Runway participant has found a cure for the ever rampant 'It's a Bridesmaid Dress' epidemic . Her philosophy on bridesmaid dresses rings so true. Let's see if you agree, "Let's be honest here- the word bridesmaid doesn't usually invoke the most beautiful image. These dresses are usually overpriced, low quality (what about weddings says "polyester please"?), and something that your friends would probably never choose to wear in the first place. "
I couldn't have said it more precisely. Jersey may just be that perfect fabric we've all been looking for for the bridesmaid. Not to mention how comfortable it is to wear and how well it travels. If you think about it, a high quality jersey can go to a formal hoop-la as well as casual get together. Put on your flat sandals and head to a chi chi beach restaurant for dinner some night. Or out to an afternoon art reception. Where would you wear the above dress after the big day? Curious about your answers . . .

INSPIRATION FRIDAY

How's this for top drawer vintage- inspired to ring in the New Year?  It's called the 'Darling, I Do' Bridal Veil from Mata Hari's Daughter, one of my favorite shops on Etsy for retro glam.  The lace on this is just so exquisite it makes my mouth water . . .

VINTAGE SUNSET

I hope this board inspires a vintage feeling in all of you looking toward a Gatsbyesque or Hollywood style wedding. The pale salmons and beiges suggest sepia tones evocative of the start of the last century when lace and intricate embroidery applications were more commonly used. If you can find just one vintage item or accessory to work into your wedding day it will make a real difference sentimentally (especially if the item is passed down from a loved one) as well as adding panache to your look . . .

KID CHIC: OLIVIA KATE

Imagine a parade of pretty little girls processing their way through a garden in delicate and colorful tulles. Although this line-up doesn’t fit the typical wedding, the ‘little girl’ trend is different and delightful. For those of you considering a ‘wee chic’ wedding, designer Olivia Kate offers some fantastic kid couture. With layers of tulle and hand spun roses, your flower girl can have the kind of fairy tale dressing that absolutely meshes with reality . . . 

DYNAMIC DUOS: Pairing Up Bouquet and Gown

I think certain flowers have a particular significance for each of us. Finding an inspiration point and blending that idea with your dress is just the beginning of working one or a few colors into an overall theme. Size and proportion are something else to consider. Some of us like the idea of carrying a huge burst of three to four different kinds of flowers in an arrangement while someone else goes for the simplicity of a small nosegay.   Since flowers are a seasonal thing--tulips in spring, mums in the fall, your dress is probably going to reflect that too.  Above and below are perfect examples of adding a little spring chic: bursts of baby's breath combined with lace and tulle . . . 

Dominic Colacchio Photography

The daisy shouts youth and whimsy.  For flower children, daisies were the official posy of the beat generation symbolizing The Summer of Love . . . The above bride is carrying a small bouquet as well as wearing daisies around her floppy-brimmed sisal hat . . .

Stephanie Williams Photography

Above: Ranunculas and anemones are a beautiful combo with this embroidered organza dress.  The pop of purple and lavender are the perfect choice to jazz up a summer wedding . . .
Below: Pink and tangerine dahlias go with this blush dress of Chantilly lace and tulle . . .

Lirette Photography

What could be prettier for fall than a white eyelet dress and bouquet of wheat?  I love the field theme here and how it all melds together . . .

Stephanie Williams Photography

Photos by Rob Martel

Pine, ivy and baby roses mix with heavyweight taffeta for an elegant  winter wedding. 

All dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum

Bouquet Credits

Stephanie Williams photos: JL Design

Title Photo: Victoria's Florals and Events

MORE FROM THE VINEYARD

 Back on December 13, we featured some awesome images from The Vineyard Bride, a stylized shoot at the beautiful Annadel Estate Winery  in Sonoma.  Over the New Years holiday, photographer Shannon Stellmacher came up with some more 'How Gorgeous Are These?' pics from that fabulous shoot.  I'm a true lover of black and white photography and the first two remind me of a Howard Hawks film from the 1930s--stunning beyond belief.  Our wonderful model is Lori Dorfman and makeup and hair done by Julie Morgan whose work continues to enhance and beautify everyone she touches . . .

Special thanks to Be-Jeweled for showcasing the gorg jewelry of designer Anne Koplick and Nancy Ann Flowers.