FROM ENGLAND WITH LOVE

Face it, we all have a soft spot for kids.  Stephanie Staub, already well-known in the UK for her Little Eglantine line has just unveiled pieces from the summer 2011 collection..Here's the 'Gallia' green flower girl dress and 'William' green page boy outfit.
The white silk taffeta flower girl dress, with a peter pan collar, puff sleeves and pale green sash is perfect for summer weddings . . .


The 'William' green page boy is made of a ¾ length sleeved shirt, a pair of shorts, both in white cotton, an a pale green taffeta cummerbund to match the girl’s dress.

“I very much like the harmony of white and green. I find it very gentle and refreshing” the designer says.
What makes Little Eglantine so unique not only lies in the exceptional and innovative designs Stephanie offers, but also in the choice of her embroidered, or plain silk taffeta fabrics.

With her attention to detail and refinement, the designer will help you choose and develop designs that will look beautiful and exquisite on children.
“I approached Stephanie without a clear idea or colour scheme for my wedding and she came up with the perfect idea for the wedding. It was all down to her keen eye for colour which was perfect on the day.

The garments were beautifully crafted, original and bespoke. Totally unlike anything one would find in a retail establishment.” A bride

FAST FORWARD

Here are some stunning highlights of  the 2011 Aire Barcelona veil collection.  Aire may very well  be leading the way in over-the-top head chic (no pun intended).  In an era where creativity is paramount in staying ahead of the fashion curve, Aire has combined the best of fast forward with the beauty of tradition . . . Where to buy info here . . .

Easter Dresses

For the first time ever, I actually finished the Easter dresses before Easter. Whoohoooo!

I went pretty traditional, using Shirley Temple as my inspiration. I loved her high-waisted full dresses.

For the fabric, I chose a lightweight Swiss Dot for a nostalgic feel. I instantly go weak whenever I come across Swiss Dot and it instantly is added to the fabric stash.

For the pattern, I used New Look 6879 and made some minor alterations with the sash. I also wanted to make the dress a little fuller but ran out of netting and had to settle with what I had.


Baby Autumn's dress was a very simple A-line. I used this pattern to create it, but only used two rows of shirring. And the best part is that with the elastic threads, it will easily be worn as a tunic or top when she is older.

The flower is just gathered red twill ribbon that I sewed in a circle. Took literally three minutes.

Now we just need Easter to come!

FEATURED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF MARTHA

You'll find this point d'espirit fascinator on page 176 of the Spring 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings minus gorgeous Janelle here and my magnificent little foster pooch.  I was so happy the editors fell in love with this piece; I equally loved creating it.  Because it's a custom design that means if you love it (and I hope you do) you'll need to custom order it.  No worries, just email or call and I'll send you more detailed images . . .Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal amyjotatum@gmail.com . . .  415.258.8204

I HEART NEW YORK WEDDING

CREDITS

Photography . . . . . Donnie Miller Photography

Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Veil . . . . Batcakes Couture

Venue and Catering . . . . Ravel

Wedding cupcakes . . . . Baby cakes Bakery (Lower East Side)

I have another wedding for you and this one is very close to my heart. You all know how I love and miss New York City. Naturally I was tickled pink when I had the opportunity to design Shell's wedding dress knowing the Manhattan Skyline would be backdrop. Shell and Sean both love NY and wanted to find a venue that showcased their love of the city. Looking for a rooftop for their intimate wedding with friends and family, Shell's mom remembered the Ravel had a great rooftop with a magnificent view (she stayed there once while visiting) . One look and Shell and Sean knew it was the place especially since the Queensboro Bridge is their favorite landmark and the view of the city is awesome!

What I think is the most loving touch throughout all these pictures are the pow! multicolored florals--both the bouquets and table chic--all done by Shell's sister-in-law. Also, while the food was catered by Ravel, the wedding cupcakes came from Babycakes Vegan Bakery on the Lower East Side. As Shell put it, "I'm vegan and wanted a taste of my own wedding cake."
Shell's dress below is The MIRA from my Dioresque collection. The bodice is allover Chantilly lace with a layered chiffon skirt under yards of petticoat, perfect for dancing the night away as you can see in the bottom images. Her veil by Batcakes Couture is absolutely stunning and a perfect match for this 1950s-inspired design. Don't you just love the little white Jackie gloves . . .?

 

 

 

 
A word about the very talented New York photographer, Donnie Miller  Working in the genres of fashion, commercial, travel and wedding photography, his signature work can be seen in clean, clear and brilliant images.  Shell and Sean's wedding pictures  remind me of some of the best aspects of photojournalism . . .

PARISIAN HONEY

 
Audrey is always an inspiration.  Paired up with honey and gold accessories for spring  time in Paris and what a set of possibilities we have here.  Love the teacup and parasol touch here.  A big thank you to Karissa over at SMP Style Circle for making this medley of charms possible . . .

AHEAD OF CHIC

 
Check out these lovelies from Breathe Couture, a great place for one-of-a-kind accessories and jewelry you can't find anywhere else.  Custom made pieces are crafted mostly from upcycled and vintage materials  with lace, ribbons and jewelry  mixed in with contemporary materials.  While inspirations abound from fairy tales in most of these pieces, a little Coco Chanel, Lagerfeld and Dior are also thrown into the mix. 

SPRING TIME ON ETSY

 Etsy designers are rolling out that green for spring.  Above is the perfect bridesmaid dress especially if chartreuse is in your color scheme.  With a change of  tying the neck or belt, wrap you can incorporate many different styles in one.dress This is called the Doheny Lime designed by Coralie Beatrix in nylon spandex.

 Chantilly lace and linen Georgette are paired up here in the MIRA halter dress by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal.;  feather and net headpiece by Batcakes Couture

Green feather, florals, French netting and Swarovski crystals adorn this sping concoction by KMD Creations    

What bride-- especially you Leo and Virgo ones-- wouldn't love these Peridot beauties with 14 k gold swirled wired crowns?  Crafted by Marla Noel they are just gorgeous . . .

From Miji check out this dress with a light green topunderskirt. An organza overlay is a rich green with tucks. The sash has a handmade pink fabric flower.

Handmade green blossom shoe clips are the perfect accent for both formal and casual beach wedding style shoes.  From Juja Crafts, this shop is all about handmade flowers . . .

How do you like these green Dahlia flower cuff links from Lilyfly's Garden?  A real delicate touch and just the gift for your bridesmaids . . .

TOPPING IT OFF WITH PIZAZZ!

You may have known this shop on Etsy as Boring Sidney, creator of  beautifully crafted vintage hats with that unmistakable twist on theatrics.  News is, Boring's bridal  and special occasion section has moved over to it's very own and new Etsy space, called, Belle Millinery for easier shopping and tons of the same inspiration only in white . . .. 

 
 

DREAMING IN WHITE

When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,

For all the day they view things unrespected;

But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,

And, darkly bright, are bright in dark directed.

Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright—

How would thy shadow’s form happy show

to the clear day with thy much clearer light,

When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so?

How would, I say, mine eyes be blessèd made

By looking on thee in the living day,

 

When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade

Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay?

 

 

All days are nights to see till I see thee,

And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

       Sonnet 43

--William Shakespeare--

Gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal