THE POUF

Wisps of net, shots of tulle and all those fascinating little fascinators are just a few of your options for outside the box head chic on your wedding day.  Neither hats nor veils but maybe a little of both, I designed these for brides who want some sort of pouf or veiling while embracing her inner haute chic . . .

All veils by Amy-Jo Tatum

NOVELTY LACES

Not only are the traditionals like Alencon and Chantilly now used in cutting edge ways, new inventions in knit and revivals in cotton and crocheted laces are showing up. Some of it is being used discreetly on no more than a sleeve or yoke while the high drama of donning all over lace from collar to hemline is chic as well.  Here are a few dresses all lacy in some way-- that combine aspects from the finest eras styled with the contemporary bride in mind.

 

 CREDITS
Header Photo: Alexander McQueen-Fall 2013 via Tumblr
Photo 2: Crocheted lace dress via Tumblr
Photos 3 and 4:Fashion Shoot with Merci NY// Photography by Shira Weinberger// Dress:Pnina Tornai
Photo 5: Three dimensional lace dress by Roberto Cavalli via Tumblr
Photo 6 and 7: Lace dress made by the bride--see it on Ruffled Blog// photo by Stewart Leishman

JACQUELINE AND DANNY'S ELOPEMENT AT THE INN ON TWENTY

 

 
 

 

 

This wedding had me at hello for two reasons: I'm naturally drawn to peach and apricot tones and love that rustic feel of vintage suitcases and antique tea cups.  Beautifully captured by Shannon of Allure photography, this elopement at Inn on the Twenty in Ontario, Canada is full of one-off details especially inspiring to any bride planning a DIY or tea time wedding. The couple, Jacqueline and Danny are actually tying the knot in October. Said Shannon about photographing these two," I had this crazy idea that I wanted to do a styled shoot… So I e-mailed some local wedding vendors and asked if they would like to help out by stylizing the shoot for me. I was floored when I got my first yes it was Krista from Mashed Events, I had asked Krista if she wanted to be the set decorator she has such a great eye for design with a vintage flair. I wanted a secret garden kind of feel so I immediately called the Inn on the Twenty they have the most amazing suites with private gardens and guess what they were on board too. Marietta from Enticing Icings was next Krista recommended her as they have worked together before and I have to say she is as sweet as her deserts. I contacted Amalia from Charmed Occasions to bring in her savvy style for stationary, and Paula’s Elegant bride for not only the Amazing Pink Maggie Sottero Gown, but she also rents Tux’s and has a stunning collection of bridal jewelry. Veronica from Vintage China Hire rents gorgeous high end tea sets and plate sets, and the stand for all the cakes and deserts (great idea for a bridal shower). The Amazing flowers that just brought the whole look together are from The Watering Can in Beamsville all I can say is wow I couldn’t have dreamed up a better team for this shoot"
CREDITS
Photographer:  Allure Photography
Invitation Designer: Charmed Occasions
Cake Designer: Enticing Icings Cakery
Event Designer: Mashed Events
Makeup Artist: Melissa Telisman
Hair Stylist: Beauty and the Barber
Dress by Maggie Sottero// Store:Paula's Elegant Bride
Floral Designer:The Watering Can
Heirlooms and extras: Vintage China Hire//
Submitted via Two Bright Lights

MINT CONDITION

 

This post is a gift for Kristin who absolutely adores mint-- so much so she's not only centering her entire wedding around it, her dress in the making is going to be in this beautiful and calming pastel. I'm finding many brides have a 'mint condition', that is, they're crazy over it.  Luckily, mint is one of those shades that looks great on just about every woman so you can strike one up in the bridesmaid dress department.  Bouquets?  Check out the succulents above accompanied by minty green Hydrangea.  .For me the mint ice cream with chocolate chips (my fave alongside butter pecan) is what I ultimately associate this pastel color with--that whamo and refreshing taste that wakes up the taste buds . . . .

CREDITS
Photo 1: Dress by Zuhair murad via Lamb and Blonde
Photos 2 and 3:  Dress by Reem Acra via Say I Do//Mint flats by J Crew 
Photo 4: Dress by Joanne Flemming via Love my Dress
Photos 5 and 6:Skirt: BHLDN. Sweater: Jcrew. Mint Rings: Coach. Bracelets: Jcrew. Shoes: Jcrew (old) via Atlantic Pacific // Mint tie via A Kiss of Color
Photo 7: Bridesmaid dress by Ivy and Aster via Style Me Pretty
Photo 8: bouquet detail Joy Thigpen via OnceWed
Photos 9 and 10: Dress by Glam up via Art Fire
Photo 11: Succulent green wedding bouquet via Flora Grubb
Photos 12 and 13: Mint cupcakes via Martha Stewart //Table setting via Bride in Dream
Photo 14: Table setting with mint tablecloth via United with Love
Photo 15: Mint Cookies via One to Wed
Photos 16 and 17: Cupcakes via Picolli Elfi/Mint Lemonade via Hello Naomi
Photo 18: Mint ice cream via Herriot Grace
Photos 19 and 20: Mint cake via Pinterest //Cake pops via The Sweetest Occasion

PREOWNED

Vera Wang via Hustle your  Bustle

I was in Vera Wang in San Francisco yesterday and the gowns I saw were positively, absolutely out of this world gorgeous!. I ask you, what bride wouldn't want a Vera Wang gown?  Even if it was worn only once before?  If you want a top-of-the-line couture look on your wedding day but don't think you can shell out the bucks for a Vera Wang (or Claire Pettibone or Jenny Packham for that matter), well, maybe you should check out your local consignment bridal shop. Okay, okay, I know the word 'consignment' scares some of you conjuring up visions of 1980s gowns full of  the pouf and paste of sequins. Perish that thought. Most dresses in these shops with catchy names like Encore and Once Worn are actually cutting edge and you'll find it more like going to a high-end designer salon. In fact, these places offer some elegant, gently worn gowns in better shape than your average designer sample. And yes, the proprietors can get real persnickety about what they take in—some only accepting top designer names like Vera Wang and Reem Acra in all natural fibers. In addition, once gowns are accepted they’re cleaned and pressed (Ask where though. More shops are specializing in environmentally safe cleaning)

Carolina Herrera via Hustle Your Bustle

If you’re price conscious going for a pre-owned gown is the way to go. Gowns that retailed last season for $3000-4000 are typically half off but sometimes can go for as little as $500-600. Believe it or not, you’re going to get very personalized assistance—the same as in a full service bridal salon. Though there will be re-altering involved, you won’t have to wait 4-6 months for your gown. Bear in mind once-worn gowns have already been pre-fit and altered to someone else’s body. Just make sure they’re once-worn; an over altered dress that’s been on more than one body could lose its original shape after awhile. Ask how many and what kind of alterations the gown you want has had. Typically, if it’s gone through more than two brides, forget it. In addition to alterations your shop may offer customizing services (for a fee). Shops realize with previously-worn gowns, there’s a kind of possessive energy the new purchaser wants to create to make the gown her own. Therefore some shops focus on customizing via adding florals, lace, sashes, buttons, etc.

FYI: Naturally bridal consignment shops don’t stock set sizes like salons do. Small and larger brides might have to work closely with staff and keep a lookout locating a gown in their size.

FYI There are also excellent online resources for once worn bridal gowns and designer samples..  Check out Once Wed and Hustle Your Bustle.

Cymbeline via Hustle Your Bustle

VEILED INCREDIBLY

Topping off your look can truly be an art form.  Here's a round up of incredibly chic and one-off ways to sport a veil on your wedding day.  Most of these gems I spotted on Pinterest linking back to some awesome designers doing innovative things with tulle, lace, organza and gauze. Oh, and there are a couple yummy headpieces holding these swirls of fluff in place that I just love . .

CREDITS

Photo 1: Wide horsehair pouf veil via Ana Rosa Design via Tumblr
Photo 2: Blush veil worn to the side by Twigs and Honey via Chic Vintage Brides/Photo by Elizabeth Messina
Photo 3: Hybrid hat with veiling by Irina Sardareva
Photo 4: Hat and veil combo by Yohji Yamamoto via Tumblr
Photo 5: Maud French Veil and Renee Floral Halo - Enchanted Atelier Fall Winter 2013 Collection via Chic Vintage Brides
Photo 6: Pre-1920s lace cap veil via Merci New York/Photo by Elizabeth Messina
Photo 7: Wide lace worn with a blusher by Oscar de la Renta via Tumblr