FALL INSPIRATIONS

A few cool and muted tones mixed in here to give fall a new edge . . . Thanks to Kathryn over at SMP Style Circle for these gorgeous inspirations.  I also recommend checking out her blog and site, SOCA where you'll find some of the prettiest veils and fascinators around . . .

FALL-ing IN LOVE

Thank you so much Bianca over at SMP Style Circle  for creating this lovely inspiration for this crisp Saturday in Autumn . . .From the candles to the bride wrapped up snugly, these things all are delightful reminders of changes and the winter ahead . . .

THE BRIDAL VEIL

WE'RE married, they say, and you think you have won me,--

Well, take this white veil from my head, and look on me;

Here's matter to vex you, and matter to grieve you,

Here's doubt to distrust you, and faith to believe you,--

I am all as you see, common earth, common dew;

Be wary, and mould me to roses, not rue!

Ah! shake out the filmy thing, fold after fold,

And see if you have me to keep and to hold,--

Look close on my heart--see the worst of its sinning,--

It is not yours to-day for the yesterday's winning--

The past is not mine--I am too proud to borrow--

You must grow to new heights if I love you to-morrow.

I have wings flattened down and hid under my veil:

They are subtle as light--you can never undo them,

And swift in their flight--you can never pursue them,

And spite of all clasping, and spite of all bands,

I can slip like a shadow, a dream, from your hands.

Nay, call me not cruel, and fear not to take me,

I am yours for my life-time, to be what you make me,--

To wear my white veil for a sign, or a cover,

As you shall be proven my lord, or my lover;

A cover for peace that is dead, or a token

Of bliss that can never be written or spoken.

THE BRIDAL VEIL

by: Alice Cary (1820-1871)

Photos Vogue Italy

A BEAUTIFUL FIND!

I have to say I do love this trend that hints at structured inner-wear from the 1950s.  This creation by Ravit Design  is based on the bustier or Merry Widow.  The hand-worked and crystal beaded florals are stunning . What do you think . . . .?

SUZANNE FOR KIDS

 French fashion designer Suzanne Ermann brought out a super-chic line of kidswear last season and I thought it's about time I introduce you to this timelessly elegant and surprisingly innovative line for little girls size 2-12. Ermann's wedding dresses for big girlss are known for their unusual fabrics and those curvy hooped hemline techniques she uses. Little girls get the treatment on a smaller scale. I'd call this kid couture at it's very best!

FRIENDLY FUR

Mongolian lambskin gilet by Cymbelinei

Left: Jaap Rijnbende

I don't like faux fur despite it's being totally hot right now. Most of what's out there  reminds me of fake mink stoles for kids found in those 1950s-60s 'dress up' kits. And while none of us like to think about animals getting killed and/or endangered, there's nothing like wearing real fur in a cold climate. The happy medium is of course you can wear all the fur and feathers you want as long as no animal was bumped off.  So what furs are authentic, chic and safe to wear? Hot right now is Tibetan Lamb, Moulton Lamb, goat (Angora). Did you know lambs and goats need to be sheared every six months? (read: sheared not killed) Angora goats for instance need to be sheared early spring and fall. Notice I say need here. Early shearing will keep them cool and comfortable in summer and the fall shearing has to be early enough so they can grow that lovely fur out just right to keep warm come winter . . .

angelinacolarusso

Oscar de la Renta

Feathers are another option for winterizing yourself. Marabou and ostrich have long been associated with chic and warmth. These delectable winter treats  by Sasso are a bit jazzy if not retro but might be just the look you've been wanting . . .

THE FINE ART OF BRIDAL GOWN SHOPPING

What’s the first thing a bride usually does when the engagement is set? She heads out for the salons with hopes of finding the right dress. Of course, salons vary. Some feature apparel solely for brides, others branch out into special occasion and formal wear sections. In metro areas the focus gets more intense. Boutique-chic lofts offering edgy innovations serve a different bride than the wall-to-wall plush of department stores like Bonwit Teller.All these places work in a like-way though. Most keep stock of designer samples in house. Once you decide on a gown, you’re measured, any special requests are made (if the designer/manufacturer offers any), you put down a deposit, and then the order is placed with the designer or manufacturer. Turn around time for delivery runs 4–6 months. This means once your order reaches the designer’s workroom, eventually the gown is made according to your measurements. Upon delivery the salon can arrange (for a price) any necessary alterations. This is of course optional. You can take your dress to any outside seamstress you want.So the typical salon works by placing an order rather than simply wrapping up your gown, ringing up the transaction, and sending you out the door with it. In other words, for all good things one must wait. So before you reach into your wallet and put down the proverbial deposit, here’s a bit of inside info worth checking out.

Q: I love the top of one dress. It’s perfect for me except the skirt is way off what’s ideal for my proportions. I do, however, like another version of skirt the designer offers on another gown. Is there some way I can exchange these pieces to get what I want?

  

A: Did you know for an additional price, some manufacturers can customize your gown? Contrary to popular belief, your favorite designer’s sample may not be the only version it comes in. That’s right. If you love the top on one gown and the skirt of another, you may be able to switch them as long as that particular designer/manufacturer does what’s called a “swap” or “change out.” Take into account that the components do have to be from the same designer’s collection for this to work. Designers vary, though. Some may not swap components at all, offering modifications on color, sleeve, or train lengths instead. All the same, this could be the opportunity to make inquiries about adornments they may offer: lace options, embroidery, etc. But be warned. Too many changes and/or additions and suddenly, cha-ching! Keep in mind, too, that designers don’t like to rework their original concept too far off the mark. As one put it, “Jean Harlow’s dress into Marie Antoinette’s is asking just too much …”

Love that gown but it's a bridesmaid dress …

Q: I found this great dress online. It’s a simple, strapless sheath perfect for wearing under that white organza I’m having designed. The problem is, it’s a bridesmaid dress and the lightest color it comes in is tan.

A: Believe it or not, stumbling across that bridesmaid dress broadened this bride’s options. She’d planned on designing a sheath to go under the nearly finished organza dress but she hadn’t decided on the exact style yet. That is, until she saw the above mentioned sheath online, which, incidentally, she found out did come in a white silk dupioni and cost a fraction of what most salons or custom designers would have charged. Bridesmaid gowns lately have morphed into simple, unadorned styles, making them the perfect backdrop for customizing into a bridal gown. The bridesmaid dress option is the way to go if:
1) You’re using it as a foundation on which to customize with other adornments.
2) You want a more low-key or informal look, sans the train, lace, and bead work.
3) You want color.
4) You’re price-conscious. Bridesmaid dresses cost a fraction of what a bridal gown costs. For brides who don’t want to be in white or ivory, bridesmaid dresses are perfect. They come in just about as many colors as Crayola crayons from the palest pastels to deepest jewel tones. Once you start looking online, keep in mind not all manufacturers use first-rate fabrics and/or construction. Try to find styles in high-grade silk or silk blends, especially if you plan on customizing, where you’ll need as clean and pure a background as possible. And always remember, the simpler the dress, the more

Jasmine

perfectly it should be made. FYI: Here are my recommendations for bridesmaid designers offering the best in styles, fabric, and construction: Lazaro Bridesmaids, Alvina Valenta Bridesmaids, and Ann Taylor Celebrations. You can also find these and others on The Knot. Keep in mind most bridesmaid dresses can be ordered through your salon. Allow 3–4 months delivery.

Love that gown if only it didn’t have such a high price tag …

 
Q: I saw a dress online and thought I’d finally found The One. But once I checked the price, I almost fell over backwards. Whoever emailed back said the fabric was one of those rare imports and that’s the reason for the high price. My question is, can I get this dress made in a less expensive fabric?

A: Some designers are willing to swap fabrics. Imagine that imported 100 percent Italian silk peau de soie A-line in a less expensive rayon satin. This option works as long as you’re not a fabric purist. If you’re more prone to basing your decision on the overall silhouette instead of the fabric, go for it. That A-line going for $3,500 could sell for a lot less in a synthetic alternative. If you’re placing an order through a retail salon there’s a catch to fabric swapping. Few designers offer this option. When and if they do, it may only apply to certain gowns in the collection. Add to that the overseas labor/competition/marketing issue and swapping fabric is on its way to becoming a lost art. The most successful swaps have more to with the relationship between your salon and the manufacturer. Chances are if they’ve been solid through years of swapping, customizing, etc., then your salon may be able to swing you a deal. Just make sure you and your consultant have decent same page communication since you’ll never interact with the designer actually making your gown.

All gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal