HEADBANDS AND FASCINATORS ON ETSY

Here's the spring collection of headbands and fascinators for 2010. Starting from the Top Left: Silk dupioni and tulle pouf pancake hat trimmed with pearl beading. Top Right: Dupioni rose headband with pink jewel. Second Left: A silk fascinator with tulle pouf and organza floral. Beaded daisy trim. Second Right: Emroidered organza fascinator with Venise lace trim and beading. Third Left: Alencon lace and silk fascinator with tulle pouf and hand made organza floral. Third Right: Two handmade silk florals sit atop a Chantilly and Venise lace fascinator.Bottom Left and Right: The uber pouf fascinator of Silk dupioni and Venise lace. Generous tulle pouf.
Price info available on Etsy.

2010 TREND: THE MANTILLA

Flowers by Victoria's Florals Gown and veil by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal /Photos by S1 Studios

One real hot look for 2010 is the drop veil–or to be more preciese–the mantilla. . . There are actually a few ways of wearing a mantilla. Because this veil lacks density, you can fold it over into a layer and tack it to the back of a bun. You can also literally drop it atop your head and wear it over the face or further back with or without a headpiece. Plastic or metal combs sewn to the center can secure the veil in place. How about an alternative to a traditional mantilla? Try a mock mantilla veil, which has low dense gathers and is cut into one or two tiers. Lace is then added to the edges. A cascading mantilla is another option and has a top layer worn over the face. For a really extraordinary effect, Alencon, Chantilly or Venise lace can be hand beaded. The above version is a square of tulle bordered with Chantilly lace . . .

BERRY BLUE

When I found this board over at SMP I just had to share it with you. Naomi of Enchanted Dream Weddings who created all this yum-yum chic has a thing for berries--blue berries in particular. I call this blue a clear almost ice pastel that lends itself well to both fashion and food. You'll find more inspiring combos over on Naomi's blog . . .

ALWAYS CHIC PINK

Pink, black and gun metal gray are fused together here to make a gorgeous Spring medley. Thanks to Kaorou over at SMP for the keen eye in putting together all these elements that make for quintessial style. If you read a little French, by all means check out the blog, Wed in the City, a treasure trove of all things elegant and wedding oriented. Even if you don't read French, believe me, you'll get it . . .

THE SHORT DRESS BRIDE

The very first wedding I ever went to was my aunt's. She was married in 1963 in a short dress--because--as all the grown-ups told me, the family couldn't afford a big to-do ergo big dress with a train! Today these little dresses would go well for a big or small to-do. I'm finding some brides simply love the short dresses and are going for them on their wedding day just because they are easy to wear and sexy . . . . Also 'the little white dress' is part of the new bridal wardrobe concept: a collection of dresses for the pre-post wedding activities like shower, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Oh, and I forgot, the engagement party. Any of the above would rock and pop when you announce your upcoming nuptials to the world . . .

ACCESS

I've been posting lately about choice bridal head wear becoming an art form. Well, what do you think of these Which Goose gemmies joining the great exhibit? For me the lace doilie pieces are so apropos for a bride. The colorful pieces with whimsical combos of feathers, flowers, twigs and beads offer a different swing on bridal for sure. Emily, of Which Goose creates fascinators, combs, tiaras and wreaths, all looking a bit like they belong on the heads of wood nymphs.
If you want to create your own fairy tale and/or are critically into boho/romance, do check out the site. It's like tuning into your favorite fairy tale . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Here's the newest addition to the line of dupionis. This is my favorite dress to date. Called FLORA for reasons you can probably figure out, the fabric is a lightweight tissue taffeta and thai silk combo. Chantilly lace adorns the bodice as silk florals are placed asymmetrically along the shoulder. Three silk florals embellish the detachable organza train and rose petals are dappled allover it. To view more Flora photos go to the White Lace and Silk Page. You can order this gown soon through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Photos: S1 StudiosMakeup:Nida NafeesHairStylist: Dana Faulkner