SPRING!

CREDITS

Photography: John Truong and Stuart Lirette
Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Hair: Kathie Rothkop
Makeup: Juliane Chai
Models: Jen Lam and Lauren Purcell

CHERRY

Lovely monochromatics of hot pink to the most gentle pastels remind us despite all this cold, spring is once more on the way with blossoms and froth.  Thanks Helena over at SMP Style Circle for sharing your thoughts and inspiration here with us . . .

OPENING NIGHTS

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The theme was Belle Epoque at the San Francisco Ballet opening Wednesday night.  Rolling out the red carpet for the cavalcade of couture, the most celebrated designer it seemed was Alexander McQueen living on through his art as social sceners paid him the ultimate tribute by wearing his most dramatic pieces.  Above: Always nailing a grand entrance, Deepa  Pakianathan does it again wearing a cocktail length dress and booties by the late McQueen.  The skirt is extraordinary with gold painted feathers draped with silk screened fabric.  Says Deepa, "The print is very special . . . it looks like a tapestry with angels . . ." 

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The ever elegant Yurie Pascarella in Alexander McQueen.  A real tour de force in winter dressing . . .

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Suzy Kellems Dominik in a gown by Alexander McQueen.  The intricate gold shot embroidery and consistency of the pattern here  is indeed a work of art.

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I've always thought Napa Valley fashion designer Karen Caldwell is the best billboard for her own creations. This piece, like most she designs carries the spirit of the great Edith Head. Karen is best known for incorporating simple lines in jewel and pastel tones. Her belts and sashes tied into pretty bows are definitely one of her trademarks.   

 

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Everyone knows I'm a believer in exquisite hairstyling.  Thanks to Melissa Barber it looks like we might be moving into an era of grand and gala hair for nights out.  This is one of my fav looks for topping off an elegant gown.

POUF

 Check out these chic little poufs from Alisa Brides on Etsy.  The combo of feathers and use of netting is fabulous.  Paired with a simple gown like this it shows off your gorgeous face.  Wear a suit or shirt dress and you take on a whole new look of elan  . . . The above is a short birdcage with french net, feathers,  tulle, and a crystal flower.

French netting with silk handmade flower and scattered Swarowski crystals

This veil of Russian netting emulates a wide-brimmed hat with a tulle flower with sparkles and large crystals.
 

Russian netting with roses, Swarovski crystals, and ribbon.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

 Perusing Vogue Espana I found these lovely gems worth checking out if you're inclined to be stepping outside the bridal template on your wedding day.  Above is an Angel Blanco a la seventies with long fringe .  .

 Who else but Oscar de la Renta could do this gala grand entrance maker with satin bows? 

Reem Acra's classic bride is all dressed in embroidered tulle with a shrug added . . .

Vera Wang has worked some magic here making a scrumptious, walking bouquet out of silk organza.

ROYAL BRIDES

We're definitely ready for another Royal Wedding as April 29, Prince Willlam and Kate Middleton's date nears.  Did you also know the 52 year-old Prince Albert of Monaco is at last engaged to to marry Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa?  Add Queen Elizabeth's grand daughter, Zara Phillips to the list and 2011 is the year for some royal bride watching.

Past royal brides the world over have been known for their one-off designer creations, exquisite tiaras, jewelry and heirloom laces brought out for the wedding celebration.  Here are a few of my all time favs.

 From Hollywood to Princess in real time, Grace Kelly had to be the most magic royal of all time (at least in my book). Thus her gown designed by Helen Rose, from a technical and 'materials used' standpoint was one of the finest the world has ever seen.

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This is Mary of Denmark  in her wedding gown designed  by Danish designer Uffe Frank  The Australian-born beauty met Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.  The gown is a princess style (no pun intended folks) with long panels and antique lace sewn in. The silk satin tones of the gown fabric blend beautifully with the vintage lace. This incredible lace also used in the veiling comes from Ireland.

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Here is Letizia, Princess of Asturias.  She wore a gown by Spanish designer, Manuel Pertegaz. Letizia's  gown was silk white with a silk veil.  She wore the same diamond and platinum tiara Queen Sofia wore at her wedding to King Juan Carlos back in 1962.

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Style setting Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau aka Maxima wore this  unusual silk strewn with tiny bows designed by Addy van den Krommenacker. Check out the shorter veil--a definite first.  Royal brides usually don sweeps of tulle the length of a Southern Pacific

This has to be one of the most simplistically beautiful gowns designed.  Mette-Marit of Norway's gown was created by Norwegian Ove Harder Finseth.  Traditional and state of the art all at once, this masterpiece is made up of hand-dyed heavy silk crêpe and silk tulle; it has a flared skirt and  long train edged in tulle emulating waves in the sand.

In a word . . .  gorgeous.

LITTLE GIRL WEDDINGS

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Imagine a parade of pretty little girls ranging in age from 3-13 processing their way through a garden in delicate organzas. Although this line-up doesn’t fit the typical wedding, the ‘little girl’ trend is different and delightful. For those of you considering a ‘wee chic’ wedding, I hope these photos inspire you. 

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SHOES GO HUED

Loic Photography

It all started with that red sash. My client Donna (above) wanted to experiment with picking up some color. How about you? Are your shoes going to be in hue? Believe me, even brides all dressed in white from veil to hem are opting for green, blue, red or yellow shoes under their gown. Actually I'm not certain this is a passing trend so much as tradition broken. White pumps and sandals with white gowns will always be with us. Now though, so will any shoe in any color that works under your gown . . .

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MEMORIES LINGER

How beautifully these shades of pastel, mauve and rose blend together reminding us spring is going to be like a cool breeze upon us sooner than we know.  Thank you Naomi Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Events  Your boards are always like a short story of full of visual metaphor . . .

COFFE AND TEA

What could be more apropos for a January Saturday than Coffee, tea and pastries?  For me it's the little things in life that really make me enjoy it to the fullest.  Thanks Naomi Goodman over at SMP Style Circle for this beautiful gift.  Her blog, Enchanted Dream Weddings and Events is not to be missed if you're after a good dose of inspiration . . .

DECADES DRESSING

The Vintage Wedding Dress Company

 Vintage touches with a modern twist thrown in. Here's some of the best of vintage chic out there and a few tips for brides looking toward a retro look. Most Vintage clothing stores stock ‘retro-inspired’ selections that are brand new. The bride in love with a particular era of clothing usually checks vintage clothing stores before salons. Not all brides opt for an actual gown that survived her favorite era though. Some choose a newer style reflecting the period in natural fibers. That bonafide 1925 chemise may be so delicate, without proper restoration it could literally fall apart. Think of gowns belonging to the ages like you would certain antiques: some so precious to be considered museum quality.

 Monique Lhuillier

 Charlotte Balbier

 Ian Stuart

 Ian Stuart

Stewart Parvin