Loving: peat pots

Good morning! I simply adore this peat pot chandelier installation from French Larkspur!  Such a wonderful way to bring a little spring into your table setting.  Lavender and Baby's Breath will dry perfectly while in the pots, while not being too heavy.  You can hang these anywhere.  From your windows, porches, on the backs of wooden chairs--be creative!  Please, Spring, come quickly!

SPARKLE AND PEARL

While there's still some winter left, check out these incredible finds from SMP Style Circle.  Not everything lame or metallic went out with Liberace!  Okay, the jacket may be a few seasons gone and at first glance remind you of a disco ball but heck, don'tcha just love it?  And take a look at the shoes.  Valentino is proof positive when the right designer gets hold of sequins there's some real magic going on . . . .

SPRING!

CREDITS

Photography: John Truong and Stuart Lirette
Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Hair: Kathie Rothkop
Makeup: Juliane Chai
Models: Jen Lam and Lauren Purcell

CHERRY

Lovely monochromatics of hot pink to the most gentle pastels remind us despite all this cold, spring is once more on the way with blossoms and froth.  Thanks Helena over at SMP Style Circle for sharing your thoughts and inspiration here with us . . .

OPENING NIGHTS

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The theme was Belle Epoque at the San Francisco Ballet opening Wednesday night.  Rolling out the red carpet for the cavalcade of couture, the most celebrated designer it seemed was Alexander McQueen living on through his art as social sceners paid him the ultimate tribute by wearing his most dramatic pieces.  Above: Always nailing a grand entrance, Deepa  Pakianathan does it again wearing a cocktail length dress and booties by the late McQueen.  The skirt is extraordinary with gold painted feathers draped with silk screened fabric.  Says Deepa, "The print is very special . . . it looks like a tapestry with angels . . ." 



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The ever elegant Yurie Pascarella in Alexander McQueen.  A real tour de force in winter dressing . . .

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Suzy Kellems Dominik in a gown by Alexander McQueen.  The intricate gold shot embroidery and consistency of the pattern here  is indeed a work of art.
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I've always thought Napa Valley fashion designer Karen Caldwell is the best billboard for her own creations. This piece, like most she designs carries the spirit of the great Edith Head. Karen is best known for incorporating simple lines in jewel and pastel tones. Her belts and sashes tied into pretty bows are definitely one of her trademarks.   
 

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Everyone knows I'm a believer in exquisite hairstyling.  Thanks to Melissa Barber it looks like we might be moving into an era of grand and gala hair for nights out.  This is one of my fav looks for topping off an elegant gown.

OPENING NIGHTS

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The theme was Belle Epoque at the San Francisco Ballet opening Wednesday night.  Rolling out the red carpet for the cavalcade of couture, the most celebrated designer it seemed was Alexander McQueen living on through his art as social sceners paid him the ultimate tribute, by wearing his most dramatic pieces.  Above: Always nailing a grand entrance, Deepa  Pakianathan does it again wearing a cocktail length dress and booties by the late McQueen.   The skirt is extraordinary with gold painted feathers draped with silk screened fabric.  Says Deepa, "The print is very special . . . it looks like a tapestry with angels . . ." 

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The ever elegant Yurie Pascarella in Alexander McQueen.  A real tour de force in winter dressing . . .

source
Suzy Kellems Dominik in a gown by Alexander McQueen.  The intricate gold shot embroidery and consistency of the pattern here  is indeed a work of art.
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I've always thought Napa Valley fashion designer Karen Caldwell is the best billboard for her own creations. This piece, like most she designs carries the spirit of the great Edith Head. She is best known for incorporating simple lines in jewel and pastel tones. Her belts and sashes tied into pretty bows are definitely one of her trademarks.   


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Everyone knows I'm a believer in exquisite hairstyling.  Thanks to Melissa Barber it looks like we might be moving into an era of grand and gala hair for nights out.  This is one of my fav looks for topping off an elegant gown.

Gown Friday: Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture

Elie Saab designs nothing short of glamorous magic in each collection and this spring 2011 couture line is complete with dreamy, glittery dresses that are the very essence of breathtaking. If I could be a runway model for one day, I would definitely work Elie Saab into my schedule...



















{Images: tfs via this is glamorous}

POUF

 Check out these chic little poufs from Alisa Brides on Etsy.  The combo of feathers and use of netting is fabulous.  Paired with a simple gown like this it shows off your gorgeous face.  Wear a suit or shirt dress and you take on a whole new look of elan  . . . The above is a short birdcage with french net, feathers,  tulle, and a crystal flower.


French netting with silk handmade flower and scattered Swarowski crystals



This veil of Russian netting emulates a wide-brimmed hat with a tulle flower with sparkles and large crystals.
 


Russian netting with roses, Swarovski crystals, and ribbon.

Inspiration: tabletop

I am battling some neck and back pain right now and seeing this sweet gold and pink tea setting gives me inspiration to sip my herbal spice tea and find some relaxing moments...I can almost feel it... but of course finding that magical moment in the midst of caring for my 2 energized toddlers, the household cleaning and my wonderful clients may be a stretch of the imagination.  But one can hope...

Wouldn't it be lovely to create this tabletop for your bridal shower?  Just perfect!  And if you love the adorable flags and table cards, check out The Knotty Bride for the free download and instructions by Brancoprata.










{Images: Brancoprata}

OUTSIDE THE BOX

 Perusing Vogue Espana I found these lovely gems worth checking out if you're inclined to be stepping outside the bridal template on your wedding day.  Above is an Angel Blanco a la seventies with long fringe .  .


 Who else but Oscar de la Renta could do this gala grand entrance maker with satin bows? 


Reem Acra's classic bride is all dressed in embroidered tulle with a shrug added . . .

Vera Wang has worked some magic here making a scrumptious, walking bouquet out of silk organza.

What to wear...

I am soo ready for some boho chic in my wardrobe this year.  It has been a slow progression, but I have decided to loosen up a little and have some fun.  My usual spring/summer style consisted of the basic, yet beloved standards:  lightweight cotton pants, relaxed collared shirts with the sleeves rolled or a soft v-neck t, and gladiator sandals.  I love the reliability of the classic prep look but last year I started to let the easy going, messy boho approach to style seep into my soul.  And what did I discover?  Ooh, a wonderful thing:  freedom.  Seriously.  I'm not afraid to say I'm a type A, who has an order, schedule and purpose for everything I do--after all, shouldn't everyone?  :)  But with the help of some slouchy, airy and maxi clothing items I fell in love for a little disorganized fashion and let go!  Where can you get a jump start on your road to La Boheme?  Try this chic collection from Free People.  Love it!!

ROYAL BRIDES

We're definitely ready for another Royal Wedding as April 29, Prince Willlam and Kate Middleton's date nears.  Did you also know the 52 year-old Prince Albert of Monaco is at last engaged to to marry Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa?  Add Queen Elizabeth's grand daughter, Zara Phillips to the list and 2011 is the year for some royal bride watching.

Past royal brides the world over have been known for their one-off designer creations, exquisite tiaras, jewelry and heirloom laces brought out for the wedding celebration.  Here are a few of my all time favs.



 From Hollywood to Princess in real time, Grace Kelly had to be the most magic royal of all time (at least in my book). Thus her gown designed by Helen Rose, from a technical and 'materials used' standpoint was one of the finest the world has ever seen.


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This is Mary of Denmark  in her wedding gown designed  by Danish designer Uffe Frank  The Australian-born beauty met Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.  The gown is a princess style (no pun intended folks) with long panels and antique lace sewn in. The silk satin tones of the gown fabric blend beautifully with the vintage lace. This incredible lace also used in the veiling comes from Ireland.



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Here is Letizia, Princess of Asturias.  She wore a gown by Spanish designer, Manuel Pertegaz. Letizia's  gown was silk white with a silk veil.  She wore the same diamond and platinum tiara Queen Sofia wore at her wedding to King Juan Carlos back in 1962.

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Style setting Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau aka Maxima wore this  unusual silk strewn with tiny bows designed by Addy van den Krommenacker. Check out the shorter veil--a definite first.  Royal brides usually don sweeps of tulle the length of a Southern Pacific


This has to be one of the most simplistically beautiful gowns designed.  Mette-Marit of Norway's gown was created by Norwegian Ove Harder Finseth.  Traditional and state of the art all at once, this masterpiece is made up of hand-dyed heavy silk crêpe and silk tulle; it has a flared skirt and  long train edged in tulle emulating waves in the sand.
In a word . . .  gorgeous.