THE RETURN OF THE SHEATH

Suzanne Neville
Though this long, snug-fitting silhouette is always chic it goes through its own mega trend every twenty years. Sheaths became a wardrobe staple in the early 1960s when Audrey Hepburn wore her famous little black Givenchy in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Nancy Kwan also made the Mandarin sheath famous in The World of Suzie Wong. Sheaths made another comeback to bridal in the Dynasty-inspired 1980s, usually embellished with a lot of pouf. Lately we've seen the return of the classic Audrey Hepburn in more structured fibers like peau de soie and brocade. Softer touches can of laces and hand-rolled florals are added to some.

Peter Langner

The sheath is long and columnar like a cylinder. Styles vary and have waistlines and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. The sheath can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. This is an ideal gown if you’re short and slim. The unbroken columnar line creates height. Although, it’s also great for tall, thin, physically fit brides as well. If you’re statuesque or prone to heaviness, look toward more flattering A-lines.


Louise Selby

Phillipa Lepley

WHAT HUE IS YOUR SHOE?

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If you've wondered why all of a sudden there's a trend towards shoes in hues, think about it. First of all, brides are breaking tradition on all fronts of wedding fashion, accessorizing included. In my own experience working with brides, it started when dresses with touches of color came into play. That blue sash or belt; purple corded collar or black lace overlay. Some clients wanted to add a little chic by picking up some of the color of the dress. Now it's caught on and even brides all dressed in white from veil to hem are sporting green, blue, red or yellow shoes under their gown.

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Really, I'm not sure this is a passing trend so much as tradition broken. White pumps and sandals with white gowns will always be with us. Now though, so will any shoe in any color that works under your gown . . .

BOHO CHIC

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Defined, Boho is a fashion look borrowing from the peasant, early bohemian and hippie looks of the sixties. Boho can be earthy and ethereal all at once, with gowns sporting diaphanous fabrics topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery like ivy. Hitting its zenith in 2004-5, The Knot was categorizing Boho as a bridal style as early as 2000. Later actress Sienna Miller and Kate Moss brought the trend to the forefront. For me actresses like Carol Kane and Julie Delpy are naturals for this look too.
By the spring of 2005 Boho was all over New York and London. Prevalent in just about every High Street store, those donning this chic were dubbed "Siennas". If Dior's 'New Look of 1947' was a reinvention of elements from the Antebellum period, it seems Boho is 'Summer of Love' reborn.

So what does Boho have in common with bridal? It is an over-the-top romantic look and if weddings are anything they are just that. If you're into celebrating with a lot of green--both real and the eco-conscious kind, really think about this look if you haven't already incorporated some part of it into your wedding look. For me this style would be a natural despite my vintage. . . Let's just say my mind is still open and as curious as a woman/child's.

Pronovias

Peter Langner

RODARTE

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Rodarte's 2007 trunk show at Nieman Marcus. For me it was more like an art exhibit than designer event.

My first glimpse of Rodarte was at Nieman Marcus in San Francisco a couple years back. I was stunned and of course my first reaction was, Good gosh these would make awesome bridal frocks. Sister act Kate and Laura Muleavy premiered their line of gossamer gowns and dresses in Fall 2005, christening it 'Rodarte', their mother's maiden name. Since the day I saw their gowns at Nieman's the line seems to have made a transition from flowing, muted pastels and earth tones to bolder applications--though I love these too--check them out on the Rodarte website.

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PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: Golden Silhouette

These exquisite photos were taken by Carryn Golden of Golden Silhouette. The couple is Shawna and Dave Parks and they were married October 11, 2008 at Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The energy that emanates from this young couple is contagious and is very likely the result of the love they have for one another and the love that surrounds them from the dozens of family and friends who attended this romantic event.

Especially love the 'Guy Chic' in this album. Dave and his groomsmen sport semi-formal elegance at its best . . .

Love Shawn's allover Alencon lace gown. Notice how full and gorgeous the skirt is?

Photographer Carryn M. Golden is Philadelphia based and travels frequently to cover her client's weddings. Here are her words on the subject of weddings, "Wherever you have decided to declare your love for each other, I will capture your wedding day's most memorable moments with a creative eye. I photographed my first wedding nearly ten years ago while working as a photojournalist, where I learned to be an unobtrusive photographer--catching real expressions, and natural poses."

You can check out Carryn's site as well as Etsy shop. Look for her blog soon . . . an up and coming event I'll certainly be following.

TWICE TAGGED!

That's right, twice. First by Heidi over at Truly Engaging, a site chock-a-block with inspiration, bridal chat and nuptial networking.

THE RULES:

Step 1: respond and rework-answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

Step 2: tag-eight other un-tagged people.

So, here we go!

Make a list of things you can see without getting up: A hillside, hanging plants and outdoor furnishings.
What were you like when you were five? An actress

What are you wearing now? Blue Jeans and a white tee.
What color is your bedroom? White

What's the last thing you read/are currently reading? Dreams from My Father by Barak Obama
Do you nap a lot? Not anymore. Anytime I feel tired I walk for 15 minutes and come out of it totally energized.
Who was the last person you hugged? My dog.
What's your favorite candy? Chocolate Trufles
What was the last thing you ate today? Oatmeal with soy milk

What was the last thing you said aloud? 'Do you wanna go out for a walk Piccalina?'

What websites do you always visit when you go online? Brides UK and Vogue Matrimonio.

What was the last thing you bought? A pattern for the Fall collection.
What are you listening to right now? Stacey Kent

What movie are (or were!) you most excited to show your kids? The Parent Trap (1998 version)
If you could have any super power, what would it be? To go back in time.
What is your favorite weather, and why? Summer. The livin' is easy . . . no bundling up and you can extend your space to outdoor living.
What is your most challenging goal right now? Pricing a Fall collection in this House of Cards economy.
Say something to the person who tagged you: Thank you for thinking of me Heidi. I've been keeping track of your blog for months and love the originality of your posts.
If you could have a house-totally paid for, fully furnished-anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? New York City

Favorite vacation spot? Hong Kong

What is your favorite children's book? The Borrowers

Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you: Halliva! Very fattening and two teaspoons are never enough . . .
If you could meet anyone famous - dead or alive - Barak Obama

What is your favorite… sunset or sunrise? Sunrise because it symbolizes starting anew. What is your favorite color?-White (not a color but great for a bridal designer)

I tag the following chic and wonderful blogs . . . .

I'm Over It LookBook
kara rosenberry co.
Alice Hart Couture Millinery
Tripping Down the Aisle
Ms. Fuji
The Stationery Guides

Even more good news:
I've been tagged by Westside Bride for yet another blog award! Do check out Carly's site, a place I've been watching grow by leaps and bounds.

Rules:

1 Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs who show great ATTITUDE and/ or GRATITUDE

3. Be sure to link to your nominees in your post

4. Let them know they've received this award by commenting on their blog

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award

I nominate these blogs as outstanding for showing great attitude and gratitude. Here are my Favorites:

Weddings Fresh

Prima Donna Bride

Modern Romance

Bridal Affairs

CHECK OUT TREASURY WEST . . .

Some beautiful items today on Etsy. Treasury West is featuring several sellers--moi included! Such a surprise to wake up this morning and find the photo above on my favorite site.