UP AND COMING: OPENING NIGHTS

Afsaneh Akhtari wears a Christian Siriano

Oh what a parade of chic!  Last night was the opening of the San Francisco Opera's 2011-12 season.  Not only is the SF opening a major social event, it's a serious fashion happening world-wide and has been for as long as I can remember.   I'm posting more about it this coming week because we're still sorting through such an array of extraordinary gowns, I can't believe my eyes.  This is just my way of saying hold tight and stay tuned. Till then, enjoy this mini-preview and be prepared for a few surprises in the eye candy department . . 

RAPSODIES IN BLUE

 Usually I'm either 1 to 2 weeks ahead of the game bloggingwise but this year I have some serious wedding deadlines. Add the kick off of gala season here in San Francisco and I'm pretty swamped.  So today I'm very behind getting you a little inspiration here and I apologize  All this wonderful blue caught my eye  via Pinterest.  These shades are so lovely and there's something soothing about blue that seems to put one in a mood of total tranquility. 

 

 Top photo: pastel blue gown by Karen Caldwell Design. Second Photo credits.  Third photo credits Fourth photo credits

THE PICTURE HAT

Ron Greystar Photography

I saw a great old flick recently, It Happened One Night, with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.  The end scenes culminate with a wedding where all the bridesmaids wore picture hats.  The bride can wear a hat too and these are such gems just perfect for the end of summer. 

Stephanie Williams

Hats by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

TUESDAY INSPIRATION

I found this a couple days back on Pinterest.  Originally it was on Wedding Inspirasi with a spread of absolutely, magnificently gorgeous vintage-style gowns by Spanish Designer, Yolan Chris.  This is, out of all of his 2011 creations, my fave . . .

BEDAZZLED!

 

I think you'll agree, one of the chicest ways of pulling yourself together on your wedding day is through exquisite jewelry.  Once restricted to pearl necklaces and earrings, brides have so many more options these days I can't count them (although a great set of pearls is always in vogue).  These two collections by Denise Hazelton and Miriam Haskell highlight vintage jewelry at it's finest.  The biggee plus here is all of it goes great with wedding fashion.  I adored these pieces and was tickled when Studiolo joined in on this project to have them photographed with my gowns for the Art Meets Fashion shoot.  Which is your fave here . . .?

 CREDITS

Photography by JohnT Photography

                         Lirette Photography

Jewelry by Studiolo

Gowns and Headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum

Makeup by Julianne Chai

Hair by Justina Downs

Models: Lauren Purcell and Brandi Howell

SIMPLY FASCINATING

Photo by Lirette Photography

Hey all!  Today you'll find me over on Savvy Scoop Blog chatting all about those darling and chic little headpieces called fascinators.  This one called 'Mocha' by Yours Truly has to be my all time faves, a mix of pearls, tulle and dupioni silk.  You can check out more by READING ON . . . .

YOUNG PILGRIM'S VINTAGE AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

  

 Some of you out there will never get into the ball gown or princess dress and that's fine.  Why should you when there are so many shorter options out there for that less formal wedding? From mini to tea-length here are a few of my faves worth checking out . . .

 

 

First four photos: Young Pilgrim's Vintage

Photos 5-8: KT Jean

Photos 8-10: Amy-Jo Tatum Bride