LIBBY IN SILK AND LACE



I just had to share these gorgeous photos by Dale Nabeta of Piximage Photography.  Combined with the makeup talents of Necia Whitmore and hairstyling by Kao Vey the EVA dress turned out just so stunning on Libby.  The fabric is dupioni silk mixed with a silk gauze sash and tulle and lace underskirt.  Kao added an ivory floral to her hair done up Hollywood glam style. 

Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

THE CHANEL BRIDE



The great Mademoiselle Chanel spanned several eras of changing fashion. Her most notable signatures are close fitting cloche style hats, halters, separates, jerseys and strands of many different pearl necklaces all worn at once. Until her retirement in 1939, she was the probably the world's most influential designer. She made a comeback in the 1950s ushering in her most enduring contribution to fashion, the Chanel suit still popular today.


 I see the Chanel bride of today much like Mademoiselle herself. Classy and fabulous, sophisticated and quirky. Above all stylish. The bride above is in separates: a Chantilly lace halter paired up with a long shantung skirt with a sweep train. All her accessories are inspired by Chanel.
Hat, headpiece/veil and separates available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bride. 415.258.8204. Email:amyjotatum@gmail.com.






SALUTE TO BADGLEY MISCHKA

 I was doing research for a client wanting a lace adorned/1930s tea gown look for her wedding when I came across a few old clippings I'd stashed for inspiration.  These are from design duo Badgley Mishka.  Still relative newcomers to the bridal  scene back then, these ads and editorial clip from Martha Stewart Weddings show their purity and discrimination for excellence.  These gowns are a case in point of what happens when love of fashion history meets perfect fit and fabrication. 

VICTORIANA AND BEYOND . . .


I found all these delish images on Etsy Wedding.  Adding a few touches from times past, you can go a little as in one of these sweet little headpieces from Arisa Fukumoto, or really go all out in one of the Edwardian dresses below. 



FASCINATING . . .

Hopefully the dose of Friday's 'fascination' from the royal wedding is still lingering. Here are a few of my toned down versions of fascinators perfect for brides, more to be found in my Etsy shop, Amy-Jo Tatum  Bridal Special orders are especially welcome; I love discovering new and different ideas with my clients . . .

GWYNETHFASCINATING 1
fascinating 3Oralie

BACK TO NATURE

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.

BIRDCAGES AND FLY AWAYS . . .







So what is it about shorter veils brides love so much? Designers can't keep up with the demand which is just swell since we do love the act of creation. The shorter ‘fashionista' veil has not only gained in popularity, it's a bridal fashion fixture.

My client put it succinctly: "I'm sure glad I chose a birdcage. Now, I won't have to worry about rearranging or when to take it off. I can really enjoy my day. " There's something chic, even edgy about a bride sporting one one of these small veils. As early as the 1990s, Vera Wang was matching up short fly aways with very formal silhouettes. Whether she wanted to show off the extraordinary back details of her gowns or usher in a new look, I don’t know; I do know the juxtaposition this duo created worked.

Like my client, most brides say the number one thing about wearing a shorter veil is, they don’t have to do any adjusting in that switch from the ceremony to reception. Shorter veils are easy to maneuver around in and stay put whether you’re exchanging vows, cutting cake or dancing. Typically they are made out of either tulle, or netting—netting being wider and crisper, offering a more structured look. Since small veils are here to stay awhile, it will be interesting to see what designers come up with the next few seasons with all the new fabrics out there to play with. Above and below is my own take . . .












All veils by AmyJo Tatum Bride 

HEADLINES

How gorgeous are these?  British milliner Jane Taylor creates fascinators, hats and headpieces to die for.  In her London studio you'll find everything from vintage-inspired to the theatrical.  Plumes, netting, beads and other gems are found by Jane and woven into all the imaginative chic you see here.  You'll find  her work in Vogue, Elle, and Harpers and of course the bridal mags like Brides UK and Cosmopolitan Brides.  Check out her truly visual feast of a site  Jane Taylor Millinery









Photos courtesy Brides UK

OVER COFFEE

Over Coffee
What could be more inspirational on a Sunday morning to get going than a cup of coffee and lots of pretty stuff to match?  black and white make a powerful (or empowering) statement.  Ponder b&w and maybe some shades of gray for anything from a wedding theme to some new decor.  It's all good!  Thanks to Sticky over at SMP Style Circle for bringing us this novel medley of ideas . . .

NEW CONCEPTS IN BRIDAL REGISTRY

Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum
 Once upon a time there was a designer who lived in a boutique and antique shopper's paradise more commonly known as San Anselmo. Dubbed by some as the antique capital of California, I do have some fav shops these days. Studiolo is a treasure trove of home furnishings and one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by designers with an artisan's touch. They also incidentally feature a few of my pieces alongside everything else there is that's chic..  Thanks to owner, Rhonda Shipley and manager Suzanne Roger, Studiolo also has the answer to some new concepts in bridal registry. The philosophy is: contemporary brides who have been keeping house alongside their fiances for years don't necessarily need Cuisinarts as much as say an exclusive line of fine linens with monograms. In addition, this is also a stop for one-off furnishings and accessories you won't find anywhere else. Luckily if you're outside the beautiful SF Bay Area you can find Studiolo online.  Be ready when you visit to feast on everything from golden goblets to some gorgeous vintage jewelry.

Studiolo
400 San Anselmo Avenue (In the Courtyard)
San Anselmo, Califiornia 94960
415. 453.3080


Vintage-style purse collection
Jewelry by Maria Tina Vision