EXPLORING VINTAGE THEMES

Untitled by kimmdavis featuring Marchesa dresses

The whole idea incorporating vintage is to create that fashion stamp of yesteryear or add few touches of it that make you look and feel pretty. Vintage today is enjoying a revival. Particularly hot are contemporary gowns and dresses with a twist of something 20th century. This could be a nipped in waist a la Audrey Hepburn, a beaded chemise from the jazz age or even a turn of the century high-collared blouse. It doesn't have to be an actual vintage piece either; it can be a repro (reproduction) piece. The sets here certainly inspired me. They might just be a starting point for you . . . Since there are no rules here, only guidelines, go ahead and combine eras if you like. Blending will give your look a certain distinctiveness. Go with whatever mix you want with the confidence your choices are many

1950s

Untitled by lace&bows-no internet featuring Calvin Klein

Van Patten Clutch in Ivory
$29.99 - modcloth.com


Pearl Flower Studs
7.50 GBP - missselfridge.com

Versace - Embellished Cut-Out Heel - eLUXURY
$1,447.00 - eluxury.com




H&M Shop Online
shop.hm.com




Akoya Pearl Necklace - 22", 6.0-6.5 mm, white at PurePearls.com - Detail
$238.00 - purepearls.com

1940s

Gentle as winter flowers by fivana featuring Chanel

Kara Ross Small Taj Pearl Earrings

54.99 GBP - kadamshoes.com

Chanel cream chiffon dress
atelier-mayer.com


BRIDES Wedding Collection Wedding Invitations & Stationery - BRIDES

ZOZORESORT
zozo.jp

Fall Weddings Jewelry Bauble On Brides.com
brides.com

1930s

Untitled by Nina's Closet featuring Monsoon accessories
footlux.com

Monsoon Accessorize - Feather Brooch
monsoon.co.uk

Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, Asscher Cut Diamond Ring, Platinum Dia...
lussori.com

Bagddicted - designer bags and purses
bagddicted.com

Natural Pink and White Diamond Michael Beaudry Earrings
lussori.com




Pale Cream Gardenia Hair Clip for $12.50 Each
$12.50 - mydivascloset.com


$3,375.00 - instyle.com


romance by Sajeeda featuring casadei shoes


Casadei Gold Leather And Bone-effect Sandals
394.00 GBP - farfetch.com


Casadei Satin Sandals With Strass
279.00 GBP - farfetch.com




Claudio Montias Satin And Lizard Shoes With Swarovski Crystals
270.00 GBP - farfetch.com

OUNT SATIN BAG 998,00 EUR - mytheresa.com

Eunice Rhinestone Earrings
$3.80 - forever21.com




DESIGNS White Silver Bracelet With Crystals - ACCESSORIES JEWELRY BR...
150,00 EUR - pret-a-beaute.com





PINK SILK BEADED GOWN
1,786.67 GBP - mytheresa.com

1960s

For hebaaa3 by Duki (very busy) featuring Temperley London dresses

Coloriffics Handbags Lace and Rhinestone Frame Clutch > Evening Bags > Hand...
$43.20 - ebags.com
colette.fr

UrbanOutfitters.com > Leaf Headband
$18.00 - urbanoutfitters.com

A+R Store - Ivy Panels Product Detail
$60.00 - aplusrstore.com

Temperley London Camelia silk dress
$1,061.20 - net-a-porter.com
Buy
More Temperley London dresses »

BLISS

I'm Carrie Bradshaw to the core. Yes, pure bliss is finding the right shoe and if you're a bride, well, definitely ta da! bliss is in order when you pair up the quintessential foot chic with your gown. Once I found Bliss Bridal Shoes they were a natural for all those show-off-your-ankle ballerina skirt lengths I love to design. New additions come with some added rhinestone and sparkle. And check out the photos below. Wouldn't any compliment vintage Hollywood beautifully?

First photo courtesy Stephanie Williams Photography

THE A-LINE

The hourglass wasn’t Christian Dior’s only reinvention. His A-line hit big in 1955 and stayed with us. An A-line cut is a more modified form of hourglass, bringing with it refinement and understatement. Fitted through the bodice, the A-line can have a slight to moderate flair in the skirt. Dubbed by fashionistas as “The Deb Dress” it’s been one of the most popular silhouettes for the reason it flatters just about every figure type.
Variations of the A-line
Classic-Slightly flared, you see it everywhere; mostly with a strapless bodice in medium to heavy fibers. Stunning.
Princess-Fitted bodice flowing into a skirt that has two parallel vertical seams running up front and back; can have a slight to full flare in the skirt. Very flattering. Especially great for petites or any woman wanting to add height. Heavier brides benefit too from the vertical seams drawing the eye, up, up, up.
Trapeze-Loose fitting A-line that premiered in Yves Saint Laurent’s 1958 collection. Some versions have a lot more ease in the cut than others. Couture and bridal versions tend to look like classic A-lines with a little more slack in the torso area. Great for heavier brides.
Tent-Another smart choice for the heavy bride. Except you’ll rarely see it anywhere in today’s fashion, so you’ll have to have it custom made. This triangular gown hangs from the neck or a yoke, flaring way out at the hemline. Priscilla wore a to-the-floor version when she married Elvis.

Left and top gown by Amy-jo Tatum Bridal Couture. Photo by Bill Smoot Photography

Above photo Priscilla Presley's wedding to The King. She designed her own gown--a tent style.

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: JORGE TERRA

Feast your eyes on these gowns by Jorge Terra. Brazilian born, based in Navarra, Spain, Terra's finding a cozy niche in evening and bridal wear. The gowns shown here were exhibited at the Puerta de Europa, International Bridal Fashion Exhibition; 23-24 April 2009 in Madrid. Since Terra is relatively new to the industry, pinning down a certain look synonymous with his work hasn't gelled as of yet. Still experimenting, the fun here will be in guessing which signature will become his own. I particularly like his sleeved looks reflective of 19th century costume. Tango and Flamenco sweeps of skirt reminiscent of a Spanish dancer are present too. Always on my chic list are the evening gowns a la 1930s he does with such a flair.

Photos courtesy Vogue Novias

GREAT FINDS FOR PLUS SIZES

Interlude in Ivory

Whether you're looking for vintage or something modern, check out Victorian Trading Company. All the dresses here are offered over size 14. Larger brides always have problems trying on gowns in salons as generally samples run size 10 and under. Here you can order large; figure in alterations when ordering and go a size up. Or go with a roomy style that can either be taken in or belted. I'm blown away by the prices as well as styling. A truly great online store.

Mocha Latte Dress

Ophelia Robe

Debussey Gown

Lalique Gown

Clair Rose Gown

Peony Ball Gown

Peaches and Cream Dress

SIMPLE AND CHIC

Wine Glasses by Gump's
Evening Dresses by Nicole Miller
Pumps by Manolo Blahnik
Earrings by FANTASIA

Something about the simplicity of this Nicole Miller dress and all the accessories that go with it clearly spell chic. The empire sheath style out of 94% silk 6% spandex will make you look longer, leaner and gorgeous. A great choice for summer weddings; it can go easily for a bash on the beach or formal affair at a chi chi resort.

FINDING YOUR CHIC FACTOR

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Once upon a time I was a bride-to-be. And the day my husband proposed I thought whipping up my bridal look would be simple. I was a designer of Harlowesque bridal gowns and envisioned myself in an ivory bias cut crepe carrying one long stemmed calla lily. Then my hopeless romantic Edgar said, "I have a request, Amy. I'd like a band of Scottish pipers and to wear a kilt." Add to that we lived at the San Francisco Theological Seminary, a landmark that looks like an old Scottish Castle nestled in the Marin hillsides. Since this was the backdrop of our wedding, my dress ended up looking more like Brigadoon than old Hollywood. I have no regrets. I loved the layers of petticoats and the feel of imported French lace. Whether I was flexible or chameleon-like I don't know. I felt as comfortable as a romantic bride as I would have going contemporary in an evening gown cut. If you're having dilemmas about the gown, consider your venue and overall formality of the wedding or lack thereof. Wedding dates have a lot to do with decisions too. Are you marrying in New York city mid-winter or having a country picnic in late Spring? READ AND SEE MORE IMAGES

COUTURE REPORT: Christian Dior Fall 2009

Attending the festivities this Couture Week: France’s First Lady Carla Bruni, actress Claire Danes and Madonna to name just a few. The 2009-10 Christian Dior Collection by John Galliano, is full of circus-bright color combos in basic shapes. Galliano ever conscious of the state of the economy, brought back the intimacy and refinement of a show as if it were held at The Dior Salon in Paris circa 1950's. Corsets and bras reminiscent of that era when they were politely referred to as foundations, were shown as outerwear over long skirts full of diaphanous fabric. According to Boston Fashion Industry.com, "Outside of showing off the amazing craftsmanship of Dior intimate apparel, this collection thoroughly reinforces John Galliano's message of getting back to the core and essence of Dior Couture. He clearly understands that Couture will endure this current recession but not without trials and self reflection . . . . "

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

BRIDES WHO CHANGED THE TEMPLATE: GREAT WOMEN AND THE DESIGNERS WHO DRESSED THEM

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They surprised the world by managing a quiet, classy and secret ceremony without the usual Kennedy media carnival. On September 21, 1996, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy walked out of a small and rustic church on the South Georgia Coast with John F. Kennedy Jr. She wore a simple white silk gown designed by one of her dearest friends, Narciso Rodriguez. After the wedding Rodriguez shot to designer stardom. Pictured right: Narciso Rodriguez
Carolyn Bessette nailed down the evening gown look for bridal wear. Why is it that same cut-on-the-bias crepe can be worn ten years later and still look cutting edge? The wow factor of her gown had to do with who was wearing it (we all know that) and possibly something else: her body-hugging simplicity was a refreshing change after years of so much pouf and paste on the 1990’s bridal racks. She set the trend for small, simple bouquets, no fuss hair and going without nylons when you wear sandals. For brides in tip-top physical shape who like to strut trim bodies, Carolyn’s is still an ideal look. Be warned though. Toned and tight through the belly, hips and thighs are a must here.

Courtesy of CBS NEWS
Though over-the-top by today's standards, the day Diana emerged from that carriage swathed in tulle and taffeta, her storybook gown opened up so many new possibilities to brides the world over. Suddenly bridal designers could innovate and even break a few rules. Overnight Diana with the help of David and Elizabeth Emanuel eclipsed the granny gown and cookie cutter bridal uniforms of the time. The husband-wife design duo from Great Britain were the hottest thing to hit the fashion scene back in 1981. Pre Steam Punk, the Emanuels' gowns were a little bit Belle Epoch, a little bit Boho and certainly a welcome change after so many years of 70's funk. Of all the celebs the Emanuels have dressed-- Jayne Seymour and Bianca Jager to name a couple-- Diana in her fairytale gown remain the most remembered.

Courtesy of CBS NEWS

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Once Trisha Nixon walked down the aisle of The Rose Garden on her father's arm, little did the world realize just how she'd revolutionize bridal fashion. Trisha donned bare arms on her wedding day, something not done at ultra-formal weddings back then. Though she did have on a pair of lace gauntlets to replace gloves, the press dubbed her Priscilla of Boston look, 'capped sleeved'. Priscilla, the Grand Dame of bridal design circa 1940s-80s outfitted a couple presidential daughters--Trisha's sister Julie as well as Lucy Baines Johnson. The actual designer of Tricia's gown was John Burbidge from the design house who hand-dappled lace on the exquisite modified A-line silk gown.
As a designer, Burbidge was known for his discriminating choice of fabric and fitting skills. While the 1950s-60s ushered in a era where even top designers were using the new and improved synthetics in their collections, Priscilla of Boston and her favorite designer Burbidge stayed with the delicate English silk nettings and imported laces that were the trademark of The Priscilla of Boston look.
As beautiful as the gown was though, Priscilla of Boston never duplicated it and even, in an era of social unrest and experimentation, the conventional bridal market wouldn't embrace bare arms til nearly a decade later. Personally, I think the design itself is a tour de force of fine elegance and truly timeless. With a change of accessories, this gown could be worn today and not look one bit dated. . . .

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April 19, 1956, the world was treated to a storybook romance come true when actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainer of Monaco. Thinking back to roles she played before she became a princess, we remember Grace Kelly as the ultimate 'Deb'. Had she not pursued acting with such determination, in all probability she would have become just that : A Mainline Philadelphia Debutante. As a result, on film she reflected that cool, refined blond to perfection.
Princess Grace's gown to this day is one of the most classic and remains the touchstone in bridal fashion. Impeccably made, the taffeta and Val lace confection was a wedding gift from MGM Studios. Imagine this: 25 yards of silk taffeta, 100 yards of silk net, and vintage Belgian rose point lace. Her headpiece was classic : a bandeau cap covered in tiny seed pearls under an intricate lace mantilla.

Designed by Helen Rose who worked on Kelly's costumes for High Society and The Swan, the gown was designed and run up in less than four months if you can believe that. Hollywood by then was ace at whipping up a masterpiece if a movie or event demanded. Over thirty seamstresses labored on the gown in the MGM workrooms round the clock. From a designer's standpoint, I'd have to say the Kelly gown is the most perfect dress ever made, despite it's speedy construction time. Made up of four different components, it's actually a combination of separates all put together to look like a traditional ballgown. Studying the construction diagrams with the fitted, long-sleeved bodice and full bell skirt, this gown though cutting edge back in 1956, will always be timeless.

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Audrey Hepburn loved actor Mel Ferrer. With a passion. One her wedding day, she wore a Givenchy organza shirtwaist with a full circular skirt. In life, as in most of her films, Givenchy dressed her. Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy needed each other--he needed her slender frame perfect for his designs--she needed his verve and molded right into his design concept. As a result, the Parisian designer was pulled in to work on her films much to the angst of designers like Edith Head who had to share the credit.

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Audrey and Givenchy

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The mood of the Hepburn/Ferrer wedding was simple and intimate. So is this wedding in Funny Face where again, Hepburn is decked out in Givenchy a la ballerina style, to float away with Fred Astaire singing, S'wonderful

Givenchy's bridal design for Audrey Hepburn in the finale of Funny Face

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One of the most iconic women of all time, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy possessed grace and style, leaving her indelible stamp on fashion. Her wedding to Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953 was dubbed the Wedding of the Century. Oddly, the gown she wanted would have been simpler and of less fabric, most probably created in Paris. Joseph P. Kennedy's machinations in the way of wedding arrangements along with her mother Janet's, Jackie had neither the dress nor quiet celebration of her choice. Janet's dressmaker, Ann Lowe, was engaged to make Jackie's bridal gown as well as all in the bridal party. Lowe was a very talented African-American designer known for grand entrance gowns detailed with intricate tuck, pleat and trapunto treatments. Amongst her clients were Rockerfellers and Vanderbuilts. Did Lowe suspect Jackie's would be one of the most celebrated gowns in history? We know she probably did expect some publicity. But what would have resulted in $700.00 profit was gone a week before the wedding. Water pipes in Lowe's New York City shop broke and damaged ten out of the sixteen gowns. After buying new fabric, she and her staff burned the midnight oil to finish the gowns on time for the Bouvier/Kennedy Wedding. She lost $2,000.00 in the process.


Jackie Bouvier's wedding dress designer, Ann Lowe
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Studying Jackie's dress, for it's day it is not as typical 1950s as some experts have claimed. While off the shoulder gowns were a hot trend circa '53, you didn't find them in too many church ceremonies--especially Catholic ones officiated by an Archbishop. The dress does have some elements harking back to early Victoriana. There were 50 yards of silk taffeta, with a very full circular skirt tucked and pleated (Lowe's specialty). On Jackie's head was her grandmother's rose point lace veil hanging from a circular lace cap festooned with orange blossoms. She pulled her look together with short, white kid gloves (Oh so Jackie).

PLEASE DON'T SQUEEZE THE CHARMIN . . . PLEAT IT

Brides are blushing instead of flushing here! If you can believe it, this beauty worthy of a royal wedding was made entirely out of toilet paper. That's right. This is the winning entry of the 2009 Cheap Chic Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest held in Boca Raton FLA. The only rules are, the contest dress and headpiece entries must be made of Toilet Paper, Glue and/or tape ONLY. Other than that any aspiring designer can pleat, tuck and gather away to her heart's content.
This year's winner Ann Kagawa Lee of Honolulu, Hawaii fashioned a dress that looks, as Jack Jones of Boca Raton Bridal said, 'Absolutely like an Oscar de la Renta'. It's not just a dress that the judges found so intriguing here. Check out the woven hat below.

The top six dresses will be on permanent display at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum.

Seriously, I'd enter this contest if I thought I had any chance of winning. These women are pure geniuses with toilet paper . . . Why is it I can tailor a suit, line and structure a ball gown with a cathedral train but can not come up with one design concept for a bridal gown out of toilet paper . . . . . ?

Click photo to enlarge

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GALLERY?

Check out my vintage style purses. Brides are carrying these on their wedding day as well as happlily ever after. Either would be the right on accent peice whether you're going cocktail or gala. Though these little stunners look like they belong to the ages, they're my newest repros. Clara Bow might have have clutched either on her way across a movie set. The top view is pleated chiffon accented with a hand-rolled floral, the bottom a silk peau de soie envelope with optional pearl strung handle.

L'ORANGE

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Happy Sunday. Here's a new way of thinking of that warm summer color between red and yellow: If bright orange is over powering to you, go for gradual muted tones melting into variations of coral and sherbet . . .

ACCESSORIZING 101

White Symphony by ♥DianaBanana♥ featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

The simpler the gown, the more ornate the accessories can be. Likewise the more ornate the gown, the simpler the accessories. Hats, veils, fascinators, shoes, belts, gloves and bling all fall into the range of trimmings that can compliment your overall look. The paraphernalia with this sophistocated wedding ensemble is all in the silver/white range and includes a handbag, hat, earrings and shoes.

Vestito longuette Donna - Vestiti Donna su CoSTUME NATIONAL Online Store
1.373,00 EUR - costumenational.com
More CoSTUME NATIONAL dresses »


Sahara Widoff » Rodeo : LUNDLUND
lundlund.com

The derby above is going to really jazz up your ensemble and add sophistication and fun. A great choice if you want to look chic and get around easily without dragging a long, flowing veil around all day.

Style ? Decol Strass
390.00 GBP - brownsfashion.com

Notice how many brides these days are bypassing the regulation satin and peau pumps and shelling out for a great pair of Louboutins or Choos they can wear again . Shoes sporting color too are one way brides are breaking out of tradition and creating their own individual look.
1 CT. T.W. Radiant-Cut Diamond Leverback Earrings in 14K White Gold - Gift...
$1,999.99 - zales.com
More earrings »



19.50 GBP ($31.90) - debenhams.com Magnetic snap fastening All over ridged pearl effect to outside Open pouch pocket to inside

Lately we're finding more handbags paired up with bridal gowns. Once upon a time the bridal purse was held open by the bride for cold hard cash and guests dropped their wad as they 'paid' their respects to the newlyweds. Gone are those days and with the exception of a few cultures, the bridal purse is pretty much now what it is in everyday life: an accessory used for a compact, a small comb and lipstick . . .

THE RECEPTION DRESS

Elevenorchids Photography

New York designer Amsale turned out an excellent ad campaign followed by six little gems she added to her Fall 2009 collection christened, 'The Little White Dress'. Since then, the short wedding dress has really taken off, most designers adding at least a couple to their to their 2010 collection. Besides being versatile as a wedding dress option, 'The Little White Dress' is ideal for making an entrance at your bridal shower, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, reception and of course, the honeymoon.

Elevenorchids Photography

One of my favorite models, Natalie, is tying the knot this month and here she is in a great example of the reception or rehearsal dress. When Natalie came to me she had a particular design in mind, a full white tulle skirt reminiscent of a ballerina. When I dreamed up the tank-style bodice adorned with three hand-crafted florals, it was to accentuate her particular body type as well as appeal to Natalie's pure sense of romanticism.

Warren Hearl

And speaking of a true-blue couple of hopeless romantics, here she is with Dave costumed as a returning WWII GI. I'd like to take this time to congratulate Natalie and Dave on their 2009 wedding and wish them both a wonderful journey through life together . . . .

Jeff Johnson Photography

Happy July 1 and welcome to Vintage Month here on Bride Chic. We'll be looking at the mode of the last century as well as some revival movements in bridalwear. Above and below are pieces from my collection that clearly have a vintage flavor, the Juliana gown and a version of cage veil beautifully arranged by makeup and hair artist Tricia Greenwood

Scott Williams Photography

I thought these might be just the thing to get you brides out there so into that Hollywood glamour look, inspired . . . .

CUTTING EDGE CORSETRY

Bibian Blue

Again, Candela_Inlove has turned me on to yet another corsetmaker in sunny Spain, Bibian Blue Her gallery of digital painting photos is magnificent and a truly inspiring variation on the corset . . . .

To view more photos go to Bibian Blue

HEAD CHIC OF THE DAY

Stephanie Williams Photography

Wanted to share this gorgeous headpiece from Batcakes Couture with you today. I'd say the fascinator is that hybrid between hat and veil so many brides are looking for and finding tres chic . . .

TRUE BLUE

wedding galore :) by rluvsg on Polyvore.com

For me blue has a medicinal effect of calming and soothing. These have been some of my favorite photos now combined to inspire . . . .

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

July is Vintage month and we're starting our journey into this packed subject early. I'm fortunate to live in San Anselmo, christened by some as the antique capital of California. One of my favorite shopoholic stops here is French Nest, a vintage furnishings and accoutrement's store run by two bright and talented women, Holly Hopper and Silke Solomon. Amid some gorgeous country French style furnishings you'll also find vintage hats, shoes, jewelry and dresses. Once I laid eyes on these actual vintage frocks, I just had to share them with you.

I was taken by the eyelet organdy on this late 1940s gem. I can't find fabric like this and I've been looking allover. The quality is unbelievable and at closer inspection the dressmaking techniques impeccable. Also this dress is totally intact-- no rips, yellowing or stains. The former owner must have packed it away with the utmost care for years.

The dress above is a perfect example of mid-seventies and what traditional bridal wear looked like the years between Trisha Nixon and Lady Di's wedding. We often think of the seventies as funky-funky and it certainly was, but remember bridal wear took a long time to move out of the restricted zone of high collars and long sleeves only and into the realm of high-fashion.

Both these dresses are under $300.00. Given the amount of lace and exquisite fabric, going vintage here would be a real bargain.

If you're lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, stop by French Nest at 500 San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo. If you're planning a visit to the area, definitely put this one on your itinerary.

INSPIRATION!

If you've been following Bride Chic, you know by now June has been dubbed corset month and we've been around the world checking in with all the designers. Wrapping up the topic, I saved some of the best for last. Today we'll meet Joan Shum. Though this Long Beach, California designer doesn't specialize exclusively in corsetry, she certainly has a few stunners in her collection. Inspired by art and costume, she's added these and others to her design repertoire. Below are some of my personal favorites. . . . .

Stephanie Williams Photography

Stephanie Williams Photography

There are several places to view Joan Shum's work. You can go to her website or Etsy Store

Some of the most gorgeous photos and a real 'feel good' place to pick up some unforgettable inspiration is on Stephanie Williams blog.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

A dear friend of mine over at Styrous® shot the last two photos here last weekend; it's the newest addition to the 'Dioresque Collection'. Once this 1950s repro slid off the work table, I purposely gave it the vintage name, Debbi. The just-above-the-ankles skirt is three layers of white tulle and the sweetheart bodice is made of an allover Chantilly lace. I think my new signature is definitely satin tie belts adorning the waist. Debbi is actually separates. The bodice can be worn tucked in as shown or as a dropped waist. After the wedding? Wear the bodice with blue jeans if you want. And think of the possibilities you have with the skirt . . . . Pair it with a black halter and you have a spectacular evening ensemble.

MORE CORSET MANIA!

Candy over at Candela_Inlove emailed me a link from this wonderful designer, Maya Hansen. Maya specializes in corsets of all kinds from bridal to tutus to fantasy and her site is definitely worth checking out. . .

SOME LUCKY FLOWER GIRL . . . .

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Every so often I run across an extraordinary piece. Unfortunately I can't share who did this flower girl dress because I found it on Project Wedding and it's origin is unspecified. It looks like someone took a basic pattern and scattered artificial flower petals with rhinestone centers all over. What do you think? Custom designer or somebody's highly creative grandma who has some serious talent way beyond the 'cutsey' stuff.

Martha Stewart, eat your heart out . . .

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: TERRY FOX COUTURE

My first glimpse of Terry Fox's work was fifteen years back when I bought her book, Terry Fox Fashion Collection: 10 Garments to Make From Start To Finish. It was loaded with images of her off-the-charts designs with instructions on how to put together the simplest shift to intricately boned and lined ballgowns and evening wear. Designing over 30 years in The UK, Terry has brought the corset to art form both as a separate and component on a full ball gown. Her latest collection pieces seen immediately below confirm her passion for costume as well as inventive use of fabrics

Terry has one of the most interesting design backgrounds. She apprenticed and learned couture techniques from Zandra Rhodes and The Emmanuels (Princess Di's wedding gown designers). From there she developed a style and launched her own special occasion line selling to Harrods of London among other high end stores.

I ran across Terry Fox's creations once again on Brides UK finding a couple of her corsets featured. Not long after, on a UK chat board one bride recommended Terry to another as a corser-maker extraordinaire. Eventually Googling Terry's new site. these Oooooh La La creations were found. . . . .

The Terry Fox Shop in Suffolk offers more than just corsets and bridal gowns. Vintage in feel, gifts as well as accessories are offered with the bride and her entourage in mind. You'll find an array of shoes, handbags, jewellery and even soaps and bath salts. They're adding interesting items all the time. Here's a sample list of the top 10:

10: Handmade shoe bags
9: Bath bomb arrangements
8: Story boards
7: Bath products- Soaps, salts & bath bombs
6: Decoupage wedding albums
5: Chocolate boxes
4: Decoupage framed cards
3: Handkerchiefs
2: Heart bags
1: Terry Fox gift vouchers

PET CHIC

Pet Fashion Week took off in Moscow on May 31. with creations for canine as well as cats. Check out some of the expressions. Don't a couple of these cuties look like they'd rather be somewhere else while others are just lapping up the spotlight?

photos from Yahoo News