Monday, July 31, 2017

DRESS VERSUS GOWN

Danielo
Okay, so . . . is there really a difference between a wedding gown and a wedding dress? I mean you hear designers and savvy merchandisers referring to what you wear on your big day as either gown or dress. So which is it? Defined, gowns are anything to the floor and definitely ones with trains and/or extensions are considered super gown-worthy. For me the gown at its quintessential best is 'Harlowesque' lean-lined and clingy, something Hollywood designers borrowed for evening wear from sexy nightgowns back in the 1930s (hence comes the gown). The dress on the other hand can be any silhouette--even a ballgown--as long as it's ankle length or above. A good example of ballgown silhouette as dress is in the second image. BTW my favorite length and silhouette for bridal wear right now is Ballerina, just above the ankles and very full . . .

John  T Photo Dress and gown by Amy-Jo Tatum


Wednesday, July 26, 2017

SALUTE TO THE LONG VEIL


Long veils convey a romantic mood via all that added gossamer sheer.  . . . . .Women who  go traditional sporting the full regalia of a classic bride typically love those long, flowing veils. What constitutes a long veil? I’d start at the ‘finger tip’ length and work all the way down to the twenty-five foot cathedral.  Wearing a veil dates back to ancient times and most cultures. The bridal veil in particular has been a symbol of purity as well as mystery in many traditions. Since Biblical times every era it seems has innovated the veil and how it’s worn. Victorians donned yards of handmade laces they passed on to daughters and granddaughters; 1960s brides popularized the pouf veil still stylish today.
Long Veil Lengths
Fingertip-Most popular length; can be worn by nearly every figure type with most silhouettes.
           Waltz-Falls anywhere between knee and ankle.
          Chapel-Considered formal. Extends about a two feet beyond the hemline.
          Cathedral-Most formal. Extends three feet or more beyond the hem.
          Double Tier-Two layers, typically the shorter one a blusher but not always.   
Photographer: Pearl Hsieh Photography, LLC | Dresses: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Makeup Artist: Bun Bun Bridal Lab 

Monday, July 24, 2017

CHIC OF THE WEEK

For the bride to be who wants to go Boho on her wedding day, check out the LILA Dress In a word, it's beautiful! Easy to wear, the focal point is an asymmetrical neckline in white shirred tulle over a Chantilly lace appliqued bodice.  A full gathered skirt in tulle with a lace border falls into a chapel train. Shantung and silk habotai underskirts are what make this dress light as air.  Covered shantung buttons all the way down the back of the bodice. Handmade silk roses decorate the shoulder. 

Photographer: Shona Nystrom ofStudio 7teen
Hair and Make up: Katy Marshall 
Madrona Manor Inn and Restaurant, Healdsburg, California

Friday, July 21, 2017

PICTURE PERFECT

Do you love wide brimmed hats?  The picture hat is a classic for spring and summer formals and that definitely includes a wedding?    Wide brims are typically constructed out of straw or horsehair,  sometimes swathed in netting and organza.  Elegant, picture hats conjure up images of the Jazz Age, Jay Gatsby and all those 1930s movies situated in garden party chic.   Whatever look you want to create with this style, here are some things to consider if you're ging to be wearing it.  Wear your picture hat for the ceremony, just do yourself a favor at the reception and take it off when you’re receiving guests.  Unless your hat is made out of that bendy sort of horsehair with lots of give, when you reach out to hug and kiss people the hat will either fall off or scrape someone.  Picture hats go great with most silhouettes, especially big ball gowns.  The wide brim balances the volume in the skirt. 

Photo 2 by Bride Chic
Photo 5: Bride Chic

Monday, July 17, 2017

CHIC OF THE WEEK

 A couple weeks back I put out there the most basic and elegant piece a bride can wear has to be a slip dress.  Slip dresses can be drop dead gorg, especially when paired up with the right accessories.  The SHELIA slip dress and cape was inspired by Carolyn Besette who wore the classic of all classics when she and JFK, Jr. tied the knot 20 years back.  Evoking 1930s Hollywood glam, add the Peau d'ange and Chantilly lace cape to bring on that look of antiquity.  Check out the lace godet insets in the side seams and back creating a triangular train.  The laces in the skirt match those in the capelet.  

Friday, July 14, 2017

ADDING VINTAGE PIECES TO YOUR WEDDING LOOK

Do you have a special heirloom or vintage piece you've always wanted to wear?  Like that head piece or hat of your grandmother's?  What better time and place to work it into your look than your wedding day?  The images here feature pieces I consider vintage-- things reclaimed and given to me over the years that we use in the shop or in our shoots.  Remember, every piece has its own story and usually a significance beyond the ordinary.
 Above: The head piece here hails from the 1950s.  One of my husband's friends gave it to me because she knew I was a bridal designer and might be able to use it to compliment some of my gowns.  Encrusted with lace and beading, it's redolent of  the cloche Grace Kelly wore in her very grand and traditional 1956 wedding. Below: When my friend Laura downsized her home she had to part with some incredibly beautiful stuff from her mother's collection of 50s-60s chic.  The beaded and cropped top here is decidedly a keepsake from this era.  Paired up with a full tulle skirt it's absolutely gorg . . . . .