WINTER WANDERER

These gemmies for keeping winter brides warm are all from one of BHLDN'S moodboards aptly named, The Winter Wanderer. My fave is the 'Snowdrift Jacket' but the Dorchester pumps are close behind . . . .

Top Row: Fall to Winter Boots; Angora Hat with Knitted Bow

Row Two: Snowdrift Jacket; Cygnus Clutch; Blubell Jacket

Row Three: Dorchester pumps; Plaitnum Gloves

 

THREE WAYS TO WINTERIZE

Are you one of those lucky brides having a Winter Wonderland Wedding? The point is to stay warm and cozy as well as ultra-chic getting to and from the ceremony. And God knows, you might be caught having to stand around in the cold so be prepared.
#1 Choose heavier fabrics:  Weightier fabrics like the peau de soie dress featured here offer warmth and insulation from the cold. If expertly lined, thicker fabrics will keep the chill off especially if you’re going sleeveless. Sleeveless brides in winter climates can add a shrug or bolero in the same fiber. A matching cape is ideal—they’re roomy and unlike close fitting coats they won’t squish your dress. Don’t want to match the dress exactly? Velvet, cashmere, wool, heavy brocades all make lovely capes. If your gown is heavyweight fabric or has lots of volume (volume translates into warmth) you can even go for a shorter caplet.

#2 Make use of accessories. Wraps and stoles are great for bare-armed brides. They aren't as skimpy as they look lined properly with either batting (stuff you put in quilts) or any form of lightweight wool, they can keep you incredibly warm all night.

Add opera length gloves if you’re going sleeveless with a wrap. Long gloves can be great substitutes for sleeves due to the insulation factor they provide. As for fur, for stoles, jackets and capes, faux is chic now. It’s also surprisingly warm too. Add a muff (maybe instead of a bouquet) and your hands stay toasty.

3# Cover Your Head!  Consider something with a touch of marabou or feathers or an actual hat. Remember, keeping your head and ears warm is important to keeping the rest of your body warm . . . .

Capes, wraps, gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Model: Natalie Sudia
Photos by Rob Martel

A WINTER'S TALE

 Check out these new gowns from BHLDN.  This group of talented designers never cease to amaze bringing some stellar photography and cutting edge ideas into the bridal arena.  Since Winter is officially here, here are a few ideas for weddings in sub-zero climes.  I know not every winter bride will be decked out like a snow princess (especially those tying the knot in Palm Springs or Cape Town) but you can still make use of stoles, wraps and gloves . . . . .

HAPPY THAKSGIVING!

Have a good one . . . .

Headress and gown by Julia Faye Davison

MODERNE

 Looking for a bit of edge on your wedding day?  Meet Mitzi Q, short for Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos, a designer who has been immersed in the world of bridal since 2003.  Manila based, her greatest achievements in design have stemmed from expert pattern making and draping (as you can see).  Mitzi admits, "My pieces are essentially architectural doused in "Chic Refinement".  As a designer myself, I'm in awe of  those "Architects of Fashion"--icons like Balenciaga and  Langer whose talent is based in form and structuring fabric . . . .I'll gladly add Mitzi to this elite bunch.

FIERCE MOMS

Ian Stuart

Only recently has wedding wear for moms achieved any semblence of chic.  I remember a time (80s-90s) when they couldn't find a damn thing out there that didn't make them look like an old matron from a forties flick.  Fast forward 2011.  Come on now, judging by these images these model/moms look more like your beautiful big sis than even the hippest, fiercest momster.  But I do enjoy these picks from Brides UK offering up capsule collections just for mom.  Any one of these ensembles could be reworn to an art opening or gala.  Another thought here: Brides who don't like the "all dressed in white" factor might consider some of these looks.  I mean, do you really have to be an older bride to dress mature . . . . .?  What are your thoughts on this?

 Condici

 Condici

Condici

 Condici

 Condici

 Condici

 Ian Stuart

 Ian Stuart

Ian Stuart

DREAMING IN WHITE

When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,

For all the day they view things unrespected;

But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,

And, darkly bright, are bright in dark directed.

 Then thou, whose shadows doth make bright

 

How would thy shadow's form happy show

to the clear day with thy much clearer light,

When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so?

How would I say, mine eyes be blessed made

By looking on thee in the living day,

                                                   

 

 All days are nights to see till I see thee,

And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

Sonnet 43

--William Shakespeare--

Gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

 Model: Natalie Sudia

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . .

 . . . . .Over on One Wed introducing you to Nha Khanh of Dallas who designed the above gemmie.  Nha not only creates swell bridal,  she designs RTW and has an atelier label as well.  But of all her pieces my faves are the ones Nha designs for herself.  Check out her own absolutely off the charts wedding gown with a full skirt that would make Ginger Rogers green with envy.  See it  here . . .

THE PEEK-A-BOO FACTOR

 You have to admit, the 1950's Rockabilly dress is tres chic right now and lots of brides are going for the look.  Getting the look means first adding the right volume to your full skirt to make it stand out.  Swank Underpinnings carries poufy half slips in all lengths to accentuate that 50's silhouette.  As a designer of primarily 50s dresses my advice to you would be make sure your under slip is worn separately  from your dress (read: yes, as in a whole separate piece). Why? You don't want to add bulk to the waistline. Wedding gowns have enough heavy duty handiwork going on inside, why add more? I know most gowns come with built-ins, but do ask your salon when placing the order to have the designer send your slip as a separate component from the gown.

Adding color underneath your dress hints at it once you lift your skirt. Or better yet, how about going for the Peek-A-Boo factor? That means that a little touch of red or purple or whatever color you want slips beyond the hemline. How that for chic . . .?

THE FASCINATOR AS MODERN ART

Fascinator, headpiece or tiara? Well, you make the call. And, I wouldn't be at all surprised to find any of these pieces by Pina gracing the galleries of MOMA or The Guggenheim. Floral and feather combos have come into the bridal fashion arena big time. Although even the most fashion forward brides might tone these down a little, I consider them some of the most inspiring I've seen thus far . . . .

images courtesy Web Novias