As editor of Bride Chic I can't tell you how excited I am about this new launch! For those of you following Bride Chic, The Blog, The Zine is a hand-picked assortment of features focusing on all the best of the blog and Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture combined. That's right, if you love those fashion editorials you can catch three at a time on the Zine. In addition will be a few postings from some of my favorite sites out there. And for those of you just stumbling upon Bride Chic for the first time, we're all about wedding fashion starting with the gown and moving on to Mom dresses, bridesmaids, guests, kids, as well as rehearsal and shower options. An entirely new feature for the blog as well as Zine will be 'Access', a spotlight on all accessories bridal from tiara to shoes. And if you love top notch photography stick around. All the newest, off-the-charts fashion and wedding artists gather on Bride Chic, The Zine . . . . 
Stephanie Williams PhotographyO Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,
That can sing both high and low:
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.
--William Shakespeare--
Credits: lepapierstudio (2), brides.com, marthastewart (2), "LOS CABOS" by Dolly Couture
In the midst of all the holiday hoopla, stop a moment and glean a bit of inspiration from this array of images I found on Style Circle. The decorative accents like a spray of berries, miniature pine cones embellished with needles are simple and elegant touches. If you have all the right materials handy, you can decorate a package or table top in a few minutes. The dress is a total dazzler from Dolly Couture lending itself beautifully to holiday chicness . . .
Credits: Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair (2), Showtime
You might just find you love vintage-chc lingerie as much as you do retro fashion and bridal. What women wear underneath it all changes with the eras of course. These Vargas-like images go from WWII pin-up to mid sixties funk. Reminiscent of boudoir photography--those shots you have done in a session with a photographer specializing in this niche--this is a gift you could give your groom pre or post wedding. For some, a present like this to their beloved is the equivalent of sitting for a bridal portrait (sans the gown of course). If you're contemplating boudoir photography have fun deciding which era or mood will be yours. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful portrait session.
1. Bring underthings in which you feel sexy and beautiful: Bras, panties, corsets, stockings, garter belts, tank tops, sports jerseys & even the man’s business shirt complete with homberg. All are trendy.
2. Bring accessories and props for each of your outfits. You know what I mean by props: flowers, feathers, parasols, gilded hand-held mirrors. And of course those sexy shoes. What's a girl to do without those high heels?
3. If you are recreating an era, do study up on the lingerie, hair and make up of that era.
4. Find a great photographer. Here are the few greats I have had experience with through my clients who will deliver more than you ever thought possible. . . . Check out their sites where you can glean some knowledge and inspiration. Albeit, they are scattered far and wide around the world though best at their craft . . .
Credits: Delicious Desserts, James Christianson (3), ABC Dragoo, James Abel Events (2), Belathee Photography
The thing I miss most about living in New York is the marked change of seasons and the drama of a snow-sparkled climate come Christmas time. Here in California we do get our share of snow but not in San Francisco. As a kid, watching holiday TV specials like, Perry Como's Christmas in Hawaii with hula dancing Santas, just didn't cut it for me. I guess I'm just a traditionalist at heart . . .
This unique headpiece aptly named, 'Candy' by Yvette Jelfs needs few words. I will say, we seem to be in an era celebrating the hat and/or headpiece as a work of art--especially in Europe where some events like Ascot and Ladies Days revolve around wearing the chicest you can find.
At last. Since some of you have emailed me about where to find flower girl and page outfits that don't look like Little Miss Contestants and Halloween costumes,, I 'm happy to report my designer chum Stephanie Staub of Little Eglantine in the UK has added some new dresses and suits to her collection. Specializing in outfitting those little people in your party, Stephanie offers traditional bridal wear in wearable, comfortable fabrics sutable for kids to go through the day as kids.
As part of this new collection, the Isobel ivory flower girl dress has that romantic elegance reminiscent of French sophistication. The dress combines the luxury of gold embroidered taffeta and the softness of ivory tones. The flounce sleeves add a touch of mischievousness, essential for children.
Shell and Bead Embroidered Clutch Bag - Evening Handbags - FunkyAccessories...
funkyaccessories.com
Warehouse - Category List
$165 - warehouse.co.uk
Credits: thisisglamour (3), ritzybeeblog (2)
Just in time for the holidays, Christmas brides will want to check out this gem with a wreath collar by Gianni Calignano. Reminscent of the 1930s it has a sort of movie star quality going on with the damask skirt. This would be a great look for the Christmas Wedding in a place like The Plaza or Waldorf. Add some bling in the way of earrings and a necklace and your shimmering.
Alfred Sung is one designer who has my complete, unobstructed and undivided attention this 2010 season. His bridesmaid collection really has some great Audreyesque dresses of which maybe a few maids can get some after-milage. Now, if we can just find a fabric that goes to a wedding as well as lunch in Santa Barbara, we'll have a Eureka! situation. I'm hoping more designers wise up and bring out more state-of-the-art silhouettes like these.
Jenny Packham 
