HALTER-ESQUE

Lirette Photography/Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

Believe it or not, the halter evolved from early 20th century swimwear. Golden Age Hollywood designers popularized the look for evening, dressing stars like Garbo and Harlow. Actually the look was so radical and daring back then, tongues clucked as the etiquette police of the time declared, 'no nice lady wore such things out at night'. Ladies had different ideas though and wore the back-baring halter anyway. Halters once again made their comeback big time in the 1970s with the return of glamour and disco. During this time Cher's designer Bob Mackie took advantage of this look to bring out her best lines. Thanks to the ages, we have so many variations on this abbreviated neckline. Below are just a few stunning examples.

 Johanna Hehir

Variation of the Bib-halter

 Amy-Jo Tatum

The V-halter

Jenny Packham
The Pointed-halter

 Amy-Jo Tatum

The Sweetheart-halter

 Amy-Jo Tatum

The V-tied Halter

SEDONA SUNSET

These colors really caught my eye especially for fall.  The Sedona sunset alongside all this pretty fruit and flowers is the work of the talented Naomi Goodman over at SMP Style Circle.  Her blog, Enchanted Dream Weddings and Events is a real inspiration . . .

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?   A year round issue, let's take a little time out this weekend to visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation site, a real resource for all women, especially victims, survivors and caregivers wanting to connect in with support and counseling networks.  And thanks to Corey Stoner over at SMP Style Circle for mixing it all up with this lovely board of pink, the color now so symbolic with breast cancer.

FRIDAYS YOU'LL FIND ME . . . .

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For those of you wanting to find out more of what I have to say Fridays, try One Wed's Blog, Savvy Scoop.  Every week I post about some such topic in the fashion realm.  Today it's all about junior bridesmaids.  'So, what' you ask 'is a junior bridesmaid?'  Isn't that like . . . a flower girl, maybe?  No.  How about a regular bridesmaid?  Not quite.  Read on . . . .

IAN STUART

Is there a designer out there that can trump the pure romanticism of Ian Stuart? Winner of the 2010 UK bridal designer of the year, he offers 5 stunning collections from which to choose. Looking at these gowns I realize how perfect they are for the bride who wants a real storybook look on her wedding day . . . .

ODE TO THE BIAS CUT

Edith Head

You've heard the term bias cut gown but what exactly does it mean? Before the development of knits, the bias cut was used for body-hugging silhouettes like the Edith Head dress above and below. It all started in 1927 when a Parisian couturier, Madeleine Vionette developed a technique using the true cross grain of fabric. Defined, a bias cut simply means the pattern pieces are placed on the cross grain rather than straight grain lines of weft or warp of the fabric. By 1930, Hollywood designers took advantage of this cut and made it into a real trend. So what are the advantages of a bias cut gown? Fit. Gowns cut on the true bias hug and cling to the hips and midriff and fall beautifully. In some cases they even seem like a second skin.

Edith Head

Not all gowns are allover bias cuts. The gown below is an example of a very full bias cut skirt. 1950s silhouettes employed the circular skirt that when put on the true bias, moves beautifully when you walk. It also takes many yards of fabric to create.

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum/photo by ejones photography

The gowns below are modern versions of the bias cut.

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sourceHollywood designer Adrian dressed actress Jean Harlow in these bias cuts that practically became her trademark. The bias cut is still used today despite the fact we have a variety of knits and micro fibers that can mimic the same close fit.

CUTTING EDGE COUTURE

Lately all sorts of sculptural touches are being introduced via the runways and photoshoots. Last year Brides.com did this layout called, The Future is Now. Check out some of the images that reflect modern chic from orgami touches to space-age versions of frills and ruffles.