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 . . .

HOLLY GO-PINKLY

The combo of pink and navy has always inspired me.  A happy and classy mix these colors work for decor, clothing and paper.  Thank you Naomi V. Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings and Affairs for putting together such fabulous images . . .

TRUMPING ASCOT

The Beckmans and their edgy chic

 Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne

It was like Ascot Gavotte in color as guests poured into Westminster Abbey this morning for the long awaited wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Oh La La! factor really kicked once the crowd swelled; Cecil Beaton's over the top sets and costumes for My Fair Lady come to mind yet this is all real.  When have we seen such a parade of head sculpture all in one place?  Phillip Treacy was the star hatter with others like Jane Taylor and Noel Stewart wowing us, every creation a 180 turn from the next. I have to admit, when it comes to hats the British have to be the most inventive. Do you perchance get the idea some of these dresses and coat ensembles were designed around the head wear? The UK has a rich history of costume and keeping aspects of it traditional. Their hats have evolved to the art form we saw today and I think they will continue to reinvent new trends.

 Miriam Gonzalez Durantez looking every inch as chic as an Irving Penn photo

 Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.  Stunning

 Who are these gorgeous guests?  The Earl of Spencer's daughters and cousins to Prince William . . .

The duke of York's daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. 

Zara Phillips

 HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla)

 Always chic and my fav fashion royal, Michael of Kent

Monacco's Prince Albert and his fiance Charlene Wittstock

MC QUEEN FOR A DAY

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After months of waiting here's the look!  Traditional and understated all at once, The Duchess of Cambridge emerged from her limo looking every bit like Grace Kelly reborn--including her gown by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.  Kate opted for an ivory and lace silk gown topped off with a tiara and shorter length waltz veil.  READ MORE,

POCKET STYLE

Rosa Clara

Check out these gems, all are top designer bridal gowns with pockets--some even the focal point of the design.  While some eras went for pockets, even in formal attire, this is the first we've really seen them show up in bridal.  After all, once-upon-a-time a bride didn't have to carry anything.except a bouquet.  She had maids to handle everything else.  However, pockets, like collars, peplums and hoods are all functional in their way but still a stylish fashion component to be added and enjoyed. Think of it: no bridal purse, your hands are free.  Brides are going to find out what the guys have known all along: life's a lot easier with pockets  

Manuel Mota

Angel Sanchez

MODESS BECAUSE . . . .

  

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Growing up, I was so intrigued by these ads, once asked who my favorite designer was I answered, "Modess . . . "  For all you gals born after the last Modess ad graced the home and fashion glossies round about 1973, Modess was not the super star designer I'd once imagined but a sanitary napkin put out by Johnson and Johnson.  With a real glitzerama of an ad campaign, it had some of the most rockin' stylists of the time.  Here's what MUM.org has to say about Modess:  Modess sanitary napkins conducted a famous advertising campaign from 1948 to the 1970s in the U.S.A. Usually the only words were "Modess . . . . because." Advertising journals of the time occasionally made fun of the series; sometimes they praised it. In a sense, the unfinished phrase summed up the American public's feelings about menstruation: It's something it couldn't talk about! Read a Johnson & Johnson inside account of the origin of this campaign.  Nevertheless, these are probably the most elegant ads ever made for menstrual products.

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So what did I remember most about these ads?  Well they were full of  stylish women posed in Dioresque gowns and uber-chic settings; this helped inspire me down the silk road to fashion. Fashion in the form of ballgowns with layers of pouf, fouff and a helluva lot of serious under structure.  Don Draper and Penny Olsen, wherever you are in the fictional timeline I know you had something to do with this and I'm . . . well
 very grateful to you . . .

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THAT LITTLE WHITE DRESS

Suzannah.com
Like I keep saying, it's a great time to be a bride.  Whether you're going for a short and understated look on your wedding day or are looking for the perfect shower, rehearsal  or reception look, check out these little white gems I found out and about the net. . ..

 Above: Beautifully cut and immaculately tailored 1940's inspired boudoir dress . Wonderful body sculpting silhouette create with corsetry boning and soft pads which flatter all sizes. Cut to flatter, lifting and shaping the body. A boned peplum hip part adds additional drama to the beautifully sophisticated vintage couture inspired dress. 100% Triple Organza in the softest Rose Pink with self lined body part and acetate lined skirt. Dry Clean Only Detachable washed velvet rose at the centre front. Detachable silk ribbon at the waist seam. Below the knee, centre back vent.

  coggles.com

1950’s pale blue lace prom dress. The dress is a frothy and romantic confection of pale powder blue lace and features a Ruched bodice, scalloped waist seam, full A-line skirt with underskirts and a rear zip fastening. The Natasha dress is lined and sits below the knee. An original and unique vintage piece This piece has been lovingly restored by Priestley’s Vintage for you, any imperfections which may have occurred through the years only add to the individuality of this garment.

net-a-porter.com Platinum silk-crepe sleeveless dress with silk-organza ruffles through front and skirt. Notte by Marchesa dress has a V-neck, a silk-satin band at waist, an oversized rosette at front, and a concealed press-stud and zip fastening along back. 100% silk; lining:

janenorman.co.uk

This one shoulder wonder features delicate flower design with sequin detailing along the shoulder strap, chic ruching on the front and a back tie to create a fabulous silhouette. Check out our glamorous accessories range to complete this sexy and stylish look.