VELVET BLUSH

Happy Saturday! A parfait of blush and pastel grace this medley of gorgeousness.  I hope you can take away a bit of delish inspiration for food, fashion and whatever your little heart desires all at once.  Thanks again to SMP Style Circle . . . .

STALKING THE LOOKBOOKS: JESUS PIERO

Spanish designer Jesus Peiro creates magnificent gowns with the most flattering lines. The fabrics he uses are exquisite and techniques so expertly done. Here we see something we haven't seen in awhile--high collars and sleeves.  I adore this look . . .

Pink Wedding Dress

ACCESS: Spring into Summer

  Yes, pastels and forals are stunning and it looks like they're going to be with us awhile . . .
From Net-a-Porter Wedding Boutique, here's the skinny on some shoes and bags perfect for summer.  Top left to right: So Audrey, Valentino's ivory satin-trimmed white lace pumps epitomize the label's romantic aesthetic. Slip on this elegant pair with a simple dress and clutch for a sophisticated bridal look.
Miu Miu ecru satin platform pumps are an elegant choice for the classic bride. Style them with a simple shift for chic city nuptials, or wear them with a printed dress for the perfect garden party look; Jimmy Choo metallic-gold leather clutch with an eye-catching crystal and stud-embellished strap will bring a touch of sensational glamour to a modern bridal look. For maximum impact, carry it with a bright-white gown; Valentino. Embellished with a beautiful bouquet of leather and tulle flowers, ivory mesh sandals are a romantic bridal choice. Make them the focal point of your look by wearing them with an understated white dress and compact clutch. Christian Louboutin's spherical ivory satin clutch with a ruffled floral grosgrain trim is a fresh and fabulous bridal style. Nancy Gonzalez deluxe crocodile clutch with stitched floral appliqués is the perfect companion to a romantic bridal look. Brian Atwood.  Embellished with a floral corsage and shimmering Swarovski crystals,white satin sandals are a chic summer style.

BABY TAKE A BOW!

  Planning on having a bevy of little girls floating down the aisle?  Baby J Couture creates swoon-worthy designs that would delight any one of your flower girls.  All these confections remind me of adorable little Shirley Temple in Baby Take a Bow.  Plumes, feathers, bows and florals are just a few of the adornments you'll find on these charming one-of-a-kind dresses. 

Neon Printed Chiffon Sheer Dress

GORGEOUSNESS

 Okay, once I found this stylized shoot on Lovolio I almost passed out!  Isn't this dress to die for?  Add to that the beautiful white light artistry by Dottie of the UK and you have a real masterpiece.  Do check out the whole shoot--there's more and a few surprises to boot . . .

Suits For Men

MATA HARI'S DAUGHTER

There's a brand new face in the world of vintage bridal.  Meet Carly Reynolds of Mata Hari’s Daughter, a  California designer specializing in head chic from the early 20th Century.  She's one of the only retro designers I know of doing this Pre-WWI period--and doing it quite well I might add. These confections  remind me of something out of a silent movie.   Each of her pieces is an original, created crafted using fine antique and vintage textiles and treasures. Visit her Etsy Shop and find more gems from this highly romantic era of design . . .

New Embroidered Bridal

PASSIONATE EYES

For someone like myself attracted to any shade in the red family this inspiration is a real magnet!  Women and cats it seems have forever been metaphors, I'd guess because of their mysterious nature.  And the eyes.  Thanks Helena over at SMP Style Circle for putting together this beautiful array of images . . .

Wedding Hairstyles

SHEERS AND LACES

The world of fashion has gotten sooooooooo creative and romantic. These treasures are from Giles Deacon’s spring collection for Ungaro.  I'm breathless . . .

Goldy Brown Wedding Dress

THE GAUNTLET

Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Just look at what Claire Pettibone and Yours Truly are up to this season! Gauntlets---those goth/vintage/edgy hybrids between sleeve and glove. If you're looking for a two-way dress, this concept is ideal. Defined, a gauntlet glove typically extends from the elbow (sometimes all the way to the shoulder) to the wrist, leaving hand and fingers exposed. Often brides love this formality for the ceremony--making the ring exchange a cinch.. As you probably guessed, gauntlets can also be removed come reception time . . . . How are you liking (or disliking) gauntlets?

source

Summer Dress

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

I mean re-listed. The White Rose Cage Veil is so, so vintage. I'd say this little net pouf goes with lean and long silhouettes as well as the big, poufy 50's dresses . . . The Fiona Dress shown with it was just relisted as well.  Check out more by visiting my Etsy store and see what is going on in silk. . .

Photos by Sweet Light Studios

Hair and makeup by Christal Saville

Hairstyles For Strapless Gown

RECLAIMED

Can you believe there's a designer out there who makes these dream dresses totally out of upcycled materials?  That means salvaged and reclaimed stuff that's about as green friendly as you can get.  Tawny Holt of Armour sans Anguish creates beauty from what might be considered by some as cast offs.  Contemporary and a bit Boho all at once, her dresses are just the thing for those weddings with character or country-rustic theme.  I love all these gems, each so unique. Tawny's Etsy shop has more to look at. 

Strapless Wedding Dress

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: John Truong

Photographer John Truong has a few subjects he addresses in his photography.  For me weddings are his finest for capturing the true spirit and beauty of a bride.  These images of Brandi in my YOLANDA dress illustrate the skill of an artist who knows the right use of light and a beautiful composition can create a masterpiece . . .

Credits

Photography by John T Photography

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Makeup . . . Julianne Chai

Hair by Intertwine

Model . . . Brandi

OVER COFFEE

What could be more inspirational on a Sunday morning to get going than a cup of coffee and lots of pretty stuff to match?  black and white make a powerful (or empowering) statement.  Ponder b&w and maybe some shades of gray for anything from a wedding theme to some new decor.  It's all good!  Thanks to Sticky over at SMP Style Circle for bringing us this novel medley of ideas . . .

Graduation Dress

BREVITY

Pretty things come in so many forms, sometimes dream-like.  I'm in love lately with blushed neutrals like these with a layer of white light spread over.  ThanksTuyet Nguyen over at SMP Style Circle for these pretty thoughts . . . .

BABY DOLL BRIDE

Another great Etsy find.  Check out this gorgeous little white dress by Lily Fleur The baby doll dress is one of Boho's chicest options lately especially if you're going for a more informal look.  Just the right dress for summer, this one's semi-sheer, made of ivory and white fabrics, an under layer of organza with triple layer of tatter organza at the hem. Vintage battenburg lace and handwork at the mid hem line, while vintage crochet work has been couture fitted and hand sewn onto a nude lace bra with white charmeuse satin sides and hook back fastener.

SHOOTING VINTAGE MODERN

Here are a few of my quick shots within the Art Meets Fashion shoot we did a few months back. I took these between whatever styling breaks I could manage while shooters John Truong and Stuart Lirette were setting up. So what does it take to shoot vintage modern gowns? Lots of ingenuity and a dedicated team. It helped we had a private home with an impressive contemporary art collection, the perfect backdrop to create that juxtapose I wanted for the vintage dresses.  Thanks again to that fabulous team of artistic, beauty and styling professionals. What a day we had!

And here are those folks who made this possible . . . Bless you all for being so talented

Shooters: John Truong and Stuart Lirette

                                              Gowns and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Makeup by Julianne Chai

Hair by Intertwine

Models: Lauren and Brandi

Jewelry available through Studiolo