GOING GREEN SERIES: LEANNE MARSHALL

 If you're a Project Runway fan you'll remember Season 5 winner Leanne Marshall.  Wonder what she's up to these days?  One of the greenest designers out there, she's been using eco-friendly, sustainable fibers from the get-go; her waste-not, use of salvaging smaller fabric pieces to create something innovative and chic all at once is incredible.  The good news is, Leanne has added wedding dresses to her repitoire and more like these abound in her Etsy store,  LeAnimal, the blog, Petals and Waves and site for the curious of you who want to know what's ahead . . .   

TOUCHES OF FROST

Touch of frost
Thanks to Marie over at SMP Style Circle, we have this set of gorgeous winter images.  From the place settings, to the Temperly London gown and stuffed rabbit on a bench in the snow, all these gray and silver tones spell out Christmas is only days off . . ..

SWEET DREAMS WINTER

Sweet Dreams, Winter
Could there be anything more romantic and cozy than a wedding just days before Christmas?  If you're doing a wedding and Christmas simultaneously this year you have the added benefit of family and friends already there to support and bring cheer.  Thanks again to Shana over at SMP Style Circle for this lovely set of inspirations.  Check out her blog, Baubles and Bubbles for more fun . . .

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: JOHANNA JOHNSON

Looking for beautifully detailed 20-30s era reproduction gowns? Australian designer Johanna Johnson's gowns are reminiscent of the Art Deco era.  Cut on the bias to hug the body, her latest creations from the "Zepphora" Collection are handmade with adornments of  Swarovski crystals and  magnifiucently intricate bead-work. Johanna has also introduced an accessory line, "Trousseau", with each and every design created by Johanna herself  reflecting her one-of-a-kind vintage style.



WINTER KID CHIC


 French designer Stephanie Staub of Little Eglantine is renowned in the UK for her stunning flowergirl dresses and pageboy outfits. Recently she launched her new winter collection for 2011. Says Stephanie, 'This winter, girls will be wearing ¾ length sleeves. Claire flower girl dress has an obvious French touch, says the designer. Matching fuchsia and grey is a trend in France right now. During winter, one often tends to choose darker colors, but I think that little girls should keep their spark even during that period of the year. The fuchsia taffeta brings light and fun to this winter flower girl dress. It is quite original and yet very classic. I designed the sleeves to be ¾ length so that the girls are warmer and still enjoy a trendy dress.”

For the designer, every little detail counts : look at the fuchsia buttons at the back, they make all the difference! Stephen the pageboy wears a pirate shirt in white cotton, with matching grey silk taffeta trousers and fuchsia cummerbund. They both form a lovely couple brides love to walk down the aisle with!



 
Having two children of her own, Stephanie knows good fit and quality fabrics are important.  What is even more important is that children actually want to wear the clothes!  Stephanie has searched the world for the most unique fabrics and she devotes her time to design garments based on the wishes of the brides-to-be.

Now, a little more about Stephanie.  Brought up in the heart of French aristocracy, Stephanie Staub spent her entire childhood surrounded by elegance and good taste. On her tenth birthday, Stephanie made her own first steps in sewing, which culminated in her making her own party dresses as an adult, as well as all of the flower girls' dresses and page boys' outfits for her wedding...After she had then taken some time out to complete her business studies diploma, she naturally came back once again, to her first love of sewing, but this time as a business venture!  And so, Little Eglantine was born, focusing exclusively on dresses and outfits for children, for all special occasions, with particular a focus on wedding designs.  My take on this is any of these darling little ensembles in taffeta would make great candidates for a holiday party as well as wedding.  You can see all of the collections on her Little Eglantine site where you'll find not only the spring collection but custom fabrics as well as christing and name day slections.

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

Rochelle

Meet 'Rochelle', another one of my gemmies just listed on Etsy.  Ivory Chantilly lace under shirred tulle on the bodice gives it that ethereal, gossamer look. The bodice sculpts the wearer's body via inside boning and a few other shaping materials to give it structure . . .the shirred tulle gauntlets are removable. The over skirt is 10 yards of tea-dyed tulle over more layers of tulle and ivory taffeta. The underskirt is cut on the bias so it moves beautifully when you walk.  White rose petals are dappled all over the skirt. The skirt falls just above the ankles.  The piece de resistance . . ..How do you like my signature row of buttons lining the back?

THE FINE ART OF WEARING GLOVES


If you're getting married this time of year, thank God for small favors, gloves do help warm up hands and arms. Any season gloves  will lend that aspect of drama and really tie your bridal look together. Whether you opt for crocheted shorties or long, sleek opera length, there are no rules anymore about what sort of gloves you have to wear with your gown. You can go with the classic white and ivory or jazz up your look with any length, color, texture, even pattern. Just like some brides are showing some pizazz wearing different color shoes with their gown, glove color is an option you have as well. Experiment, then go right ahead and be adventuresome!








All gowns and headwear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal