A VINTAGE MEDLEY

 I have some great vintage-style treats for you today, all available on Etsy.  Above:  A sheath of 4 ply crepe with the added lace overlay gives a real 1930's vintage feel. Lightweight and drapey, the crinkled surface of this particular crepe has an incredible swathe and drape effect making it a natural for the bias cut evening gown look. Added to the sides and back are silk organza godets that give off a modified mermaid silhouette.  From Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
 A la 1920s romantic French inspired bridal cap with lace and a sweeping veil.  Available via special order through Twigs and Honey.



 Silk dupion and tea-dyed silk gauze strapless gown. Has a fully boned inside corset lined in silk habotai. The petticoat is a separate crinoline lined in silk with a back insert of Chantilly lace. The gown can be worn with the front sash draped around the neckline or as a tie down the front. The gown can be ordered in dupion, satin or taffeta. Available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

 Lampshade hat made of Beige/Cream taffeta w/ burnout prints all over the brim, adorned with a Cream curly rose and Silk leafs.  Available through Arturo Rios

 The Cream Puff!  Made from cream natural ostrich fringe that has been carefully arranged in a perfect puff with a small ostrich tip. Available through Batcakes Couture 

IN THE LIGHT . . .

 
 
 

Photos AmoLife via Polyvore

One of my favorite fashion photographers is Robin Alfian and his vision is beyond anything I've ever seen before.  Visit his site and you'll see a whole spectrum of his work that's really inspiring.  This is just one of many studies (titled, Graceful Period) capturing the essence of what I would see as beauty and repose . . . . what are your thoughts on this piece?

model:vicka svetkova
stylist:wingky
makeup:donny liem
asst makeup:diana
photography:robin alfian

BLUE

Suicide Blonde via Pinterest

Another one of my fav pics to share with you this blue Wednesday.  It's Trish Goff photographed by Steven Meisel for Vogue, October 1994.  What do you think of the hybrid hat/veil/uber-pouf?

A LITTLE BIT BOHO

I found these gorgeous images via a blog I just discovered, Haute Design in a post titled, A Taste of Sunshine.   I thought it may bring a little inspiration for all you would-be wood nymphs out there looking for ideas this direction.   What you're looking at is pure Boho.  So what exactly is Boho?  Defined, the 'look' borrows from early bohemian, peasant and flower child looks of the sixties. Boho is down to earth and ethereal all at once creating visions of an angel appearing out of the mist . . .With gowns sporting gossamer fabrics, the look is often topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery. Put the whole essence of your look together by dressing the inside as well as outside of your body; think florals and soft, pretty fabrics.  A linen cami and head wreath worn with long, flowing hair can be so romantic . . .

 This veil is so original yet so simple: A strip of Venise lace

 Boho dressing hints at the woman child within us all.  Adding lace to this mix brings out the iconic of feminity and girlishNESS . . .

It looks as though she's playing dress up here.  Not only does she sport a real vintage look from head to toe, the table and linens echo yesteryear as well . . .

All images from Haute Design via Costume, Denmark

LOVE STORIES

CREDITS

Photography:  Jim Vetter Photography

Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Hair: Style by Lana

Makeup: EliteStylist

Florals: Victoria's Florals and Event Planning

Models: Joy Mann, Rocio Flores, Curtis Ashton, Keith Hamrick

Venue: Robson-Harrington Park, San Anselmo, Ca

As an indie designer I believe creating a collection for brides can be a bit like writing a romance.  Every piece begging to be created has a certain character to be developed.  In this ongoing saga of layered skirts and yards of crinoline, I've tried to keep the hourglass silhouettes looking fresh and forward by introducing new fabrics and textures to a decidedly vintage line. Mixing lace and tulle is an ideal combo for these romantic pieces.  For that little extra something this season I added some lace blouses. I opted for a cutout Swiss cotton over blouse with vintage laces added to the waist and neckline. An ivory high-necked blouse out of stretch lace lends a real Edwardian look and the Val lace over blouse with a scalloped Sabrina neckline gives off the classic and beloved 'Audreyesque' image.   

No study is complete without the adept eye of a photographer who understands the work. First off, I have to say, Jim Vetter is tops.  His vision about how a shoot goes together both artistically and professionally is unparalleled.  He will work straight through a session and keep your vision as well as his own fresh.  Late spring of this year Jim called me in an emergency because he needed designs for a stylized shoot where the gowns didn't show up.  Unfortunately he called at one of the busiest times here in the Land of Bridal so we both took a rain check,scheduling something for summer. All I can say is, some things are well worth waiting for . . .

About the project as a whole, Jim says, "I had a vision to create a set of images that portray an intimate mood fitting for the classic designs of Amy's  gowns. The impetus for this shoot was my desire to truly highlight my work and the work of my collaborators - and to do this in a controlled way that isn't really possible at an actual wedding. This project allowed us to capture the best of every one's work."