A LITTLE THURSDAY SOMETHING . . .

Going informal perchance? I'm always intrigued by dresses in cotton that could go bridal and be recycled after the big day.  This gem by TM fashions is perfect for all you out there looking for feminine and edgy all at once.

BACK TO NATURE

source

Retro lines and a major border embroidered in bright tones add pizazz to the white dress bride. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Let's start with nature, that catalyst of a bucolic movement we're seeing in bridal wear, embracing all things living: Flowers, leaves and feathers are showing up with interesting applications whether printed, embroidered or applied.
Printed taffeta with floral and tulle skirt on the catwalk of Atelier Aimee Montenapoleone. Photos of Luke Tombolini for Showbit.

Rose pastel applied detail on a wide white line, supported by hoops. Fio Couture. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Baby pink and a flower in grace this taffeta gown by Valentini. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Voile printed in pastel colors and sprays of roses as decoration, from the parade of Atelier Aimee Montenapoleone. Photos of Luke Tombolini for Showbit.

Corolle printed and applied in detail on a classic pleated fabric, of Elisabeth B. Photos of Clé Maraini.

BOUDOIR PINK

I adore this board !  I can't count the times that Naomi Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs has led me down the path of inspiration with her medleys of color.  Take her pink composition here, all the different shades say femme-fatale and little girl innocence at once.

SLEEVES 2011

Ian Stuart
Will 2011 mark the return of the sleeve?  We're seeing more even if they are slung over a strapless bodice via all those pretty lace shrugs. Besides looking beautiful, the right sleeves can add bodice appeal as well as keep your skirt or sloping shoulders in proportion. Although not foremost, keeping arms warm could be another option for wearing sleeves. Once upon a time etiquette dictated the length sleeve you could wear during winter months or time of day you got married. Fortunately these restrictions were lifted long ago. Nowadays, you can go for long sleeves in summer, short caps in winter if that’s your desire. Be realistic though. Just make sure you have a decent wrap or stole in New York for your February wedding (especially this year). As for long sleeves this July in Palm Springs, go for them. Ever since Vera Wang popularized the detachable sleeve that ties and unties from your gown’s bodice, brides still opt for them.

Amy-Jo Tatum

 Danielle Cicero

Since Madmen, 3/4 Lengths are turning up allover the fashion arena.  These sport tailored cuffs . . . tres chic.

 Threadhead
Puffed sleeves say light and demure and are characteristic of Regency period costume . . .

 Bridal Bliss Designs
For bridal long, tight sleeves are classic.  These are romantic with a real edge thanks to the silhouette and styling . . .

SOURCE
Ruched and dainty little ruffles cup the shoulders. 

Rose Mortem

Like a reverse negative, here's Moticia Adams in white.  Flowing sleeves are redolent of Goth and sometimes late-sixties hippie chic.

GOLDEN DOLL

This is a gorgeous collection of rustic and gold tones brought to us by Sarah Hamilton of The Green Dandelion Blog.  A floral designer, her blog is all about creative design in floral art and keeping the environment green.  In her own words, "We do wedding and event floral design that is organically inspired and a little off centered . . . ."

BEST TRESSED IN SAN FRANCISCO

Ranier Maninding

Last weekend I was honored to be part of the grand opening bash for JonVey Salon in downtown San Francisco. JonVey hairstylists Cameron Hinke and Kao Vey Saephanh showed the full spectrum of their tour de force head chic along with fashion designers Alyssa Nicole, Justin Jamison, Erandeny Torres and Yours Truly here who provided all the silk and lace ooooh la-la . . .

 Ranier Maninding

 Aura O'Brien Photography

Models in Amy-Jo Tatum and Alyssa Nicole

 Aura O'Brien Photography

Aura O'Brien Photography

 Aura O'Brien Photography

I was glad to see a couple of my fav shooters wandering about the festivities capturing the whole thing in pictures, Aura O’Brien doing photography and Rainier Maninding, his up close and personal style photos and video.

 Aura O'Brien

Above: Justin Jamison Below: Alyssa Nicole

 


Aura O'Brien
If you're local to the San Francisco Bay Area, Kao Vey Saephanh of Jon Vey Salon has specialized services for bridal hairstyling (including bridesmaids).  With an incredible range from classic and elegant looks to sultry siren hair, his finished styling always comes off original.  If you visit the 660 Market Street location, not only are hairstyling services available, there's a whole package for brides including make up and nails.  Can't make the trek in on your wedding day?  Good news! JonVey offers on site services as well and will come to you.  Check out the link . . .  

MOVIE AND TV INSPIRED . . .

source 

Lovin' those 1950-60s styles? Well tune on in here.  Movies and TV inspire us because there's actually some drama going on behind all that lace and taffeta.  Paired up with great sets and styling, what bride to be wouldn't covet costume designer Janie Bryant's magnificent styling here?  This is actually Janie's mom's wedding dress adapted for actress Elizabeth Rice who plays Roger Sterling's daughter on Madmen. The plot thickened a couple seasons back when Margaret's wedding fell on the day after JFK's assassination.  Check out the topping here. I've been trying to figure out a way to do up a head piece like this for years.  Thanks Janie.

source

What woman doesn't want to march down the aisle solo and spotlit on her wedding day?  I always thought double weddings were a wee bit unrealistic unless there was a war on and you had to double up with someone else for your nups because any second you could be blown to bits.  In this glitzy movie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, nothing is realistic.  In fact the plot gets flimsier as the costumes and choreography only get better.  Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell here are dressed to the nines, as they march down the aisle in unison singing, 'We're Just Two Little Girls From Little Rock'. Watching this technocolor flick is worth the wait to the end just to glimpse these lace frocks with nipped waists, so charachteristic of their day . . .