A REAL HOLIDAY TREAT

Just in time for the holidays, Christmas brides will want to check out this gem with a wreath collar by Gianni Calignano. Reminscent of the 1930s it has a sort of movie star quality going on with the damask skirt. This would be a great look for the Christmas Wedding in a place like The Plaza or Waldorf. Add some bling in the way of earrings and a necklace and your shimmering.

BRIDESMAIDS

Alfred Sung is one designer who has my complete, unobstructed and undivided attention this 2010 season. His bridesmaid collection really has some great Audreyesque dresses of which maybe a few maids can get some after-milage. Now, if we can just find a fabric that goes to a wedding as well as lunch in Santa Barbara, we'll have a Eureka! situation. I'm hoping more designers wise up and bring out more state-of-the-art silhouettes like these.

Images courtesy Brides UK

THE GOLIGHTLYESQUE BRIDE

Let's do December right! Loving all these hats and wraps by the talented Sasso. Wouldn't it be nice to walk down the aisle on your wedding day in something a touch different? If you're a Winter bride these hats and feather stoles are it. Chic and fun, poufs and plumes do add that bit of Golightlyesque for those wanting to bring out their Breakfast at Tiffany's side.

INSPIRATION SUNDAY

Yvette Jelfs

Here's one of those delicious hybrids between hat and headpiece. A gigantic spray of baby's breath like this would be magnificent with almost any gown. From milliner Yvette Jelfs' 2010 collection, this designer of couture hand makes hats and head-dressings as well as creating one-of-a-kind looks for her clients. Her passion and flair evident in every design, makes Yvette one of the UK's leading milliners.

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

Just listed my 'Deborah' gown on Etsy. Made of tulle and imported Chantilly lace on the bodice, it's another addition to the 'Dioresque ' collection--a line of 1950s ohh la la! dresses with nipped waists and yards of skirt. The skirt is circularly cut on the bias as opposed to gathered--this means if you want volume and fullness in the skirts you have it without the pouf and pooch that typical gathering adds to a waistline. The skirt is lined in three layers of tulle and has an underskirt of satin. There's also a separate crinoline full slip with added layers of tulle.

Most of the dresses in the Dioresque collection are designed to fall just above the ankles and have a separate full slip to give off that real ballerina look so popular circa 1950. They can easily be worn to a formal function after the wedding with or without the full under slip.

You can see better and more detailed images of Deborah on Etsy. The photos here on Blogger are enlarged as much as I can get them (I'm as techie as a flea) On Etsy there's a finer resolution and more information about materials, price, etc. You can drop by my website as well, where 'Deborah' is already up in the Gown Gallery.

Bodice has intricate Chantilly lace detail finished off with a gray satin ribbon tie belt.

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: CHARLOTTE BALBIER

Are you ready for a sneek peek at Spring? Permit me to share with you one of my favorite designers. A little bit boho, mix some romantic in with cutting edge and you have the beauty of Charlotte Balbier's collection. She has a deft hand at fusing soft pinks, ivories and gossomer fabrics while her shades of white usually incorporate fine laces.

Photos Brides UK

GOLD STANDARDS

Looking for a bit of inspiration perchance? Check out these custom creations by UK designers. Swarovski Crystals and a little imagination sure goes a long way.

source

GOING TO GREAT LENGTHS

St. Pucchi

Do you know the difference between tea-length and ballerina length? Short or mini? Here are some images to inspire you along to finding your perfect hemline. . . .

FLOOR-LENGTH

Sassi Holford
Most common length for bridal gowns, this hemline is graceful and elegant; typically not touching the floor in front but 1-3" above for ease with walking.

BALLERINA

Amy-Jo Tatum
Photo by Stephanie Williams Photography

Ballerina-length skirts fall just above the ankle and are wide and full just like the skirts seen in the corps de ballet.

TEA-LENGTH

Candy Anthony

Falls mid-calf and can be either full and volumonous or fitted. Mostly worn at the informal or semi -formal wedding.

KNEE-LENGTH

Peter Langner

This style of skirt finishes just below or above the knee. A very flattering length, it's perfect for cocktail and the less formal civil-style wedding.

MINI

Jenny Packham

A whimsical and playful , this skirt sports a certain radical chic first worn in the 1960s. Perfect for a cocktail wedding or a bride with great legs.

ASYMMETRICAL

click to enlarge

Irregular hemline falling diagonally. Can start as a mini and go to the floor as in the above image. Tres chic this year along with asymmetrical necklines.

GRADUATED

Max Chaoul

Hemline is short in front and generally extended into a train in back.

A STATE OF GRACE

Check out these lovelies by The State of Grace. UK designer Lucia Silver brings the influence of chic from the 20s and 30s, fusing a retro-style trademark on all her creations. I'm loving her personal mix of vintage and sophisticate . . .