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

A LITTLE THURSDAY SOMETHING . . .

Going informal perchance? I'm always intrigued by dresses in cotton that could go bridal and be recycled after the big day.  This gem by TM fashions is perfect for all you out there looking for feminine and edgy all at once.

BACK TO NATURE

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Retro lines and a major border embroidered in bright tones add pizazz to the white dress bride. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Let's start with nature, that catalyst of a bucolic movement we're seeing in bridal wear, embracing all things living: Flowers, leaves and feathers are showing up with interesting applications whether printed, embroidered or applied.
Printed taffeta with floral and tulle skirt on the catwalk of Atelier Aimee Montenapoleone. Photos of Luke Tombolini for Showbit.

Rose pastel applied detail on a wide white line, supported by hoops. Fio Couture. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Baby pink and a flower in grace this taffeta gown by Valentini. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Voile printed in pastel colors and sprays of roses as decoration, from the parade of Atelier Aimee Montenapoleone. Photos of Luke Tombolini for Showbit.

Corolle printed and applied in detail on a classic pleated fabric, of Elisabeth B. Photos of Clé Maraini.

BOUDOIR PINK

I adore this board !  I can't count the times that Naomi Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs has led me down the path of inspiration with her medleys of color.  Take her pink composition here, all the different shades say femme-fatale and little girl innocence at once.

SLEEVES 2011

Ian Stuart
Will 2011 mark the return of the sleeve?  We're seeing more even if they are slung over a strapless bodice via all those pretty lace shrugs. Besides looking beautiful, the right sleeves can add bodice appeal as well as keep your skirt or sloping shoulders in proportion. Although not foremost, keeping arms warm could be another option for wearing sleeves. Once upon a time etiquette dictated the length sleeve you could wear during winter months or time of day you got married. Fortunately these restrictions were lifted long ago. Nowadays, you can go for long sleeves in summer, short caps in winter if that’s your desire. Be realistic though. Just make sure you have a decent wrap or stole in New York for your February wedding (especially this year). As for long sleeves this July in Palm Springs, go for them. Ever since Vera Wang popularized the detachable sleeve that ties and unties from your gown’s bodice, brides still opt for them.

Amy-Jo Tatum

 Danielle Cicero

Since Madmen, 3/4 Lengths are turning up allover the fashion arena.  These sport tailored cuffs . . . tres chic.

 Threadhead
Puffed sleeves say light and demure and are characteristic of Regency period costume . . .

 Bridal Bliss Designs
For bridal long, tight sleeves are classic.  These are romantic with a real edge thanks to the silhouette and styling . . .

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Ruched and dainty little ruffles cup the shoulders. 

Rose Mortem

Like a reverse negative, here's Moticia Adams in white.  Flowing sleeves are redolent of Goth and sometimes late-sixties hippie chic.

GOLDEN DOLL

This is a gorgeous collection of rustic and gold tones brought to us by Sarah Hamilton of The Green Dandelion Blog.  A floral designer, her blog is all about creative design in floral art and keeping the environment green.  In her own words, "We do wedding and event floral design that is organically inspired and a little off centered . . . ."

BEST TRESSED IN SAN FRANCISCO

Ranier Maninding

Last weekend I was honored to be part of the grand opening bash for JonVey Salon in downtown San Francisco. JonVey hairstylists Cameron Hinke and Kao Vey Saephanh showed the full spectrum of their tour de force head chic along with fashion designers Alyssa Nicole, Justin Jamison, Erandeny Torres and Yours Truly here who provided all the silk and lace ooooh la-la . . .

 Ranier Maninding

 Aura O'Brien Photography

Models in Amy-Jo Tatum and Alyssa Nicole

 Aura O'Brien Photography

Aura O'Brien Photography

 Aura O'Brien Photography

I was glad to see a couple of my fav shooters wandering about the festivities capturing the whole thing in pictures, Aura O’Brien doing photography and Rainier Maninding, his up close and personal style photos and video.

 Aura O'Brien

Above: Justin Jamison Below: Alyssa Nicole

 


Aura O'Brien
If you're local to the San Francisco Bay Area, Kao Vey Saephanh of Jon Vey Salon has specialized services for bridal hairstyling (including bridesmaids).  With an incredible range from classic and elegant looks to sultry siren hair, his finished styling always comes off original.  If you visit the 660 Market Street location, not only are hairstyling services available, there's a whole package for brides including make up and nails.  Can't make the trek in on your wedding day?  Good news! JonVey offers on site services as well and will come to you.  Check out the link . . .