SHOPPING 101: Exploring Salons

Many emails this month from brides asking when they should start the custom design process. My answer is always, as soon as you know you're engaged. So what's the first thing the typical bride does when the engagement is set? She heads out for the salons with hopes of finding the right dress. First off salons vary. Some feature apparel solely for brides . . .read this article . . . http://amyjotatum.googlepages.com/bridechicblog

SEX AND THE CITY: All About the Chic

Twenty years back if you even proposed getting married in this gown it would have been considered indecent. Times have changed. Carrie Bradshaw may be fictional but we've gone through too much with her--men, career, relationships--not to deem her real in her own way to each of us. For me she's what 2008 bridal fashion is all about: brides who are willing to take a chance with their look, (her ready-for-take-off headpiece is a good case in point). What would have once been considered too theatrical or gauche for a proper wedding is not only becoming fashion norm, it's changing the bridal scene entirely.

Here's Carrie's Ivory silk taffeta confection again. It's actually one of the finale pieces from Vivienne Westwood's 2007 "Wake Up Cave Girl" Collection. Hand picked by Sex in the City stylist, Patricia Field, personally, I was surprised Sara Jessica didn't rate a custom designed gown for her role in the film. I mean heck! Didn't Audrey Hepburn have a one-of-a-kind-designed-to-fit-her-character Givenchy tulle wedding dress in Funny Face?

This flick is more eye candy for fashionistas, especially those in love with bridal design. And Westwood's uber-pouf isn't the only Big White Dress you get to see. Carrie gets to model for a big bridal spread in Vogue all decked out in Wang, Lacroix and Dior to name a few.

Admit it, the Westwood gown is brilliant in its own bizarre way; you can never go wrong with taffeta, speaking of which, twenty years down the road, might we look at Westwood's creation with the same amusement we do The Diana Dress today? Already the chat rooms and leave- your-comment sections on news sites are overloaded with mixed reactions--from the raves and praises to some hard core trolling over this dress.

I'm not going to say much more about the film. Giving the story away, even subliminally is bad form. I will say some of the fashion montage sequences remind me of fashion shoot and runway shows in past chick movies like, Funny Face, and, going even further back, Cover Girl and Vogues of 1938, Deco extravaganzas where plot was incidental, a showcase really for some wowzer Adrian and Sharaff gowns.

For Sex in the City fans used to following Carrie and her girlfriends lives in half-hour bites, unlike the series, the movie does have some static moments. Overall for a rom-com its a pretty good flick; for measuring out now chic, magnificent. And, yes, its all about the chic . . . . .

Amy-Jo Tatum

Bride Chic

HAIR BLING

Following up on yesterday's veil subject here's another angle of head chic to consider. I've always been a fan of unique hair jewelry and ornaments for brides. When I found The Flirty Bride I just had to share this designer's rare pieces below.

All these pieces crafted by Stacie Tamaki would look awesome with just about any silhouette: sheath, A-line or ball gown. But this is only a sampling. Go to Stacie's website for more treats http://www.stacietamaki.com/

Bride Mail and Veils

Ever since I put up the head shot of the bride in the mantilla, there have been several emails asking for more shots. Well, here's another--same veil more legnth. To wear or ditch the veil is a real hot topic these days. For brides deciding to don the veil after all, the first question usually is, "What kind?" Check out Favor Ideas where you'll find an article by Yours Truly explaining the A-Z of it from poufs to birdcages--dropped to cathedrals . . .

http://www.favorideas.com/learn-about/wedding-attire/mastering-mystery-picking-the-perfect-wedding-veil/

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Eva, a modified A-line in silk dupion. The empire front of silk chiffon works into a sash and ties in front.

Inspiration: Richard Avedon's shot of Yves Saint Laurent's first dress for House the of Dior. This photo appeared in Harper's Bazaar, 1955.

I always liked the long lines on this dress. I knew when the time was right a certain design like 'Eva' would come out of it. This dress is all about the sash that adds height for brides who want to go vertical. Picture is so unusual, so original.

RIGHT FROM THE EDGE

If you're lucky enough to be a Floridian bride check out Michelle Oeil. She looks at her real brides (and grooms) through an edgy/romantic/sureal lens. Her real brides look like models . . . or the kind of people getting profiled in Vanity Fair. http://www.oeilphotography.com/

I couldn't include all her great photos which are like picture stories that need no words. You can check out her blog on the website for more.

Thank you Michelle for sharing your great talent!

AN 11 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE: SOME TRENDS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

I think the only predictable thing about fashion is its so unpredictable and bridal fashion is no exception. If less was more a few years back, 2008 seems all about adornment. Designers this season rocked the runways with gowns all done up in feathers, skirts layered in rumba ruffles, and shorter hemlines. While those strapless A-lines and slinky evening numbers from seasons past are still with us, hot off the runway versions incorporate laces, jewels and feathers, some intricately decked out. Still, the barely adorned classic is as chic as ever. Think Carolyn Bessette. She wore the classic of all classics when she and JFK Jr. tied the knot. Why is it that same cut-on-the-bias crepe can be worn ten years later and still look cutting edge? The wow factor of her gown had to do with who was wearing it (we all know that) and possibly something else: her body-hugging simplicity was a refreshing change after years of so much pouf and paste on the 1990’s bridal racks. She set the trend for small, simple bouquets, no fuss hair and going without nylons when you wear sandals. For brides in tip-top physical shape who like to strut trim bodies, Carolyn’s is still an ideal look. Be warned though. Toned and tight through the belly, hips and thighs are a must here.