THE SHORT DRESS BRIDE

The very first wedding I ever went to was my aunt's. She was married in 1963 in a short dress--because--as all the grown-ups told me, the family couldn't afford a big to-do ergo big dress with a train! Today these little dresses would go well for a big or small to-do. I'm finding some brides simply love the short dresses and are going for them on their wedding day just because they are easy to wear and sexy . . . . Also 'the little white dress' is part of the new bridal wardrobe concept: a collection of dresses for the pre-post wedding activities like shower, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Oh, and I forgot, the engagement party. Any of the above would rock and pop when you announce your upcoming nuptials to the world . . .

ACCESS

I've been posting lately about choice bridal head wear becoming an art form. Well, what do you think of these Which Goose gemmies joining the great exhibit? For me the lace doilie pieces are so apropos for a bride. The colorful pieces with whimsical combos of feathers, flowers, twigs and beads offer a different swing on bridal for sure. Emily, of Which Goose creates fascinators, combs, tiaras and wreaths, all looking a bit like they belong on the heads of wood nymphs.
If you want to create your own fairy tale and/or are critically into boho/romance, do check out the site. It's like tuning into your favorite fairy tale . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Here's the newest addition to the line of dupionis. This is my favorite dress to date. Called FLORA for reasons you can probably figure out, the fabric is a lightweight tissue taffeta and thai silk combo. Chantilly lace adorns the bodice as silk florals are placed asymmetrically along the shoulder. Three silk florals embellish the detachable organza train and rose petals are dappled allover it. To view more Flora photos go to the White Lace and Silk Page. You can order this gown soon through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Photos: S1 StudiosMakeup:Nida NafeesHairStylist: Dana Faulkner

VEIL PRIMER

Think about it: you'll probably wear a knock out gown again sometime in your life but when will you ever get the opportunity to wear a veil? That's something to ponder when you're weighing out the, "Will I or won't I veil?" question. The gorgeous board above was put together by Liane Roy of Forget Me Not Details in Buffalo, NY. It has just about every veil you can think of starting off with the smallest wisps of chic birdcages and poufs to sweeping cathedral lengths in tulle, lace, netting and organza.

VEIL LENGTHS
Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.
Blusher or Flyaway-a fly away is typically attached to the back while the blusher is a short veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
Elbow-Extends to the elbow or a couple inches below.
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.

STYLES

Top photos: Variations on the birdcage and pouf veils

Middle photos: Short pouf and blusher veil

Bottom photos: mantilla and scarf veil

Pouf-Opposite: Width of veil is gathered at the crown and can be attached to a headpiece. Generally made out of tulle or English netting.

Dropped-Yes, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace; often bordered with lace or ribbon. A Mantilla is a type of dropped veil.
Long Scarf-Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length
wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

All veils above available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/ amyjotatum@gmail.com

415.258.8204

TWO WAY COUTURE

Thought I should mention the popular MIRA gown that made such a buzz last season is actually a two-way dress. First version is a halter dress. The second, hugs the shoulder with cap-like sleeves. You've seen the halter all over the blogs thanks to the fantastic photographic talents of Stephanie Williams. I finally have images of the off-the-shoulder sleeve treatment created by criss-crossing the halter ties into a waist sash. The fitted and boned bodice is Chantilly lace, the full skirt linen GEORGETTE. Some versions I've done the skirt in silk chiffon. I'm calling this cap-sleeved version 'EASTER SUNDAY 1956' for reasons you can probably figure out. Worn either way this MIRA is a stunning hark back to the 1950s and ultra-fem dressing.

MIRA: THE HALTER DRESS

Stephanie Williams Photography
CAP-SLEEVED MIRA

MIRA can be ordered through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal in silk chiffon or linen/georgette.
amyjotatum@gmail.com
415.258.8204

SPRING POTPOURRI

From sophisticated to romantic, this is all about accessorizing--adding those little touches here and there that make a look very special and all your own.

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: KELIMA K

Love the idea of a non-traditional dress for your wedding? Then do check out Kelima K in NYC. She creates some of the most delicate, airy and diaphanous gowns imaginable. A background in image consulting is an added bonus to this designer's repertoire; the collection pieces here are available at the Kelima K store in the Soho /Nolita district of NYC. And here's something new. For clients who can't make it to NYC, she does fittings and showings in Paris, San Francisco, and LA once a year.