UP AND COMING: The Bridal Blouse

This summer we're planning a whole editorial for Bride Chic just on The Bridal Blouse. . A little background here on how all this evolved. When I first started out as a designer my specialty was very intricate and lacy white blouses reminiscent of Laura Ashley's early work. Because I'd worked as a bridal buyer I had access and discounts to some of the most beautiful silks and laces in the world. Like a kid in a candy store, daily I was next to Alencon, Chantilly, Schiffli and Valenciennes to name just a few. I paired up these frothy creations with black velvet and taffeta skirts, making them perfect for evening and gala events. White lace blouse equals bride; brides of course found me out and that's one of the reasons I'm here chatting with you about the advantages of wearing separates on your wedding day. Wear the blouse on your wedding day and pair it up with that black velvet pencil skirt on New Years. This is one of the best ways to go green. A long white tulle or lace skirt can be reworn with a jacket, corset, bustier, sweater . . . oh yes, I could go on and on here detailing the afterlife of your wedding ensemble . . .

CALLING ALL LACEAHOLICS

 This is for all of you out there who go crazy over gowns in exquisite laces.  These pieces are from London designer, Charlotte Casadejus' wedding collection.  While, most of her line is body-hugging satin, these cutting edge laces are indeed special.  She also offers lace skirts in white and black, perfect for resort dressing.  To get a better look you can visit her site

MIX WITH WEDING EXPERTS

Top left: Pearls by Denise Hazelton Top Right: Crown by Carla Roth Second Left: Lace gown by Amy-Jo Tatum Second Right: Chest by Studiolo Third Left: Necklace by Denise Hazelton Third Right: In This My Beautiful Egypt by Sundra Lethi-Culjak Bottom Left: Dress by Casablanca available through Shadows Boutique Bottom Right Golden goblets offered through Studiolo

If perchance you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, come join us  1 PM Saturday April 16 at Studiolo in San Anselmo for a Mother/Daughter Wedding Tea. We'll be exploring everything about your wedding from what's new in the bridal registry to how Mother of the Bride dressing has changed . . . .

Wedding Experts

Amy-Jo Tatum of Bride Chic Blog will introduce a history of the wedding registry

Sylvia Stewart of Shadows will talk about Mother of the Bride dressing . . .

Author of This My Beautiful Egypt, Sundra Lethi-Culjak will speak about the New Journey, New Path for brides as well as moms going through the transition of marriage . . .

Also featured will be headpieces and crowns by Carla Roth

One-of-a-kind jewelry by Denise Hazelton

A tea tasting with Viviana Cloninger

411 San Anselmo Avenue in the Courtyard
San Anselmo
RSVP: 415.453.3080

MADE OF FAIRY TALES

Tuyet Nguyen over at SMP Style Circle has done it again, inspiring us with all, this time with her spring visions.  The satin here is particularly pretty opposite the blossoms.  Love the different shades and textures . . .

LONGING

I leave you with this beautiful inspiration by the talented Naomi Goodman, an event planner who knows how to work color and texture into some awesome medleys like this one.  For me pink and the fair Scarlett Johansson invariably go together . . .the dress by Atelier Aimee is a real visual poem.  More on her awesome blog, Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs . . .

Sequins

I've had sequin trims for years and never used them since I was not sure how to. Well, I finally decided to just wing and and found that they are really easy to work with.

The strands of sequins have a definite front and back.

Place the sequins down on the skirt and make sure that they are lapped going away from the presser foot, so the presser foot does not catch them while sewing. Sew, as normal, in the very middle of the trim and you are done. Easy!

Make-Your-Own-Patterns

The more I sew, the more I enjoy creating patterns from favorite clothes we already own.

Take this little dress...

Scarlett wore this all winter long, with leggings. I loved how comfortable it was and decided to create spring dresses for her, based on this pattern.


I took the dress and created a paper pattern. From there I altered the pattern to make it short-sleeved and added a flouncy ruffle. This was what the new pattern became:

A simple happy summer dress.

The fabric I scored for only $3 a yard in the clearance bin and it is Juicy Couture. It is a lightweight, loose, and super-soft knit.

Tips for Making your own Patterns from Clothes:

1. You can create patterns by measuring and guestimating without cutting up the old item. However, being able to cut out clear pieces make pattern-copying much easier. This is where thrift stores became a gold-mine. Pay $1 or so for something that you don't mine destroying so you can use it to create a pattern.

2. Use pattern paper. Please, please, please don't go cheap and try to use anything else. It is on a grid and will make your life much easier.

3. Most pieces are symmetrical. Therefore, you only need to draw half of the pattern on the paper. Then place it on a fold and cut it out to ensure both sides are exact.

4. Make sure you add seem allowances! So important.

5. Be flexible. Improvise if things are turning out perfect. See the ruffle on her skirt above? That was a last minute add-on when I realized I made it too short.

6. Have fun! Make the pattern your own. Add your own details and don't try to make an exact replica.