Boring Sidney never fails to amp my fashion curiosity for all that's innovative in head chic. This headpiece as Belle says, 'Is wearable art for your head, this exceedingly unusual, dare I say odd, headpiece is made of an 8" woven ball of grapevines, that has been painted black. It is mounted onto a small round wool base with elastic to hold it on, and in the center is a battery operated candle that glows and flickers.'
Belle is a Seattle based milliner with a background designing costume (Can't you tell?). I think she's a real fashion pioneer and have been keeping up with new additions to her store regularly since 2008 when I first laid eyes on her magic. Keep a look out for new goodies on her site listed above.

RECLAIMED

Can you believe there's a designer out there who makes these dream dresses totally out of upcycled materials? That means salvaged and reclaimed stuff that's about as green friendly as you can get. Tawny Holt of Armour sans Anguish creates beauty from what might be considered by some as cast offs. Contemporary and a bit Boho all at once, her dresses are just the thing for those weddings with character or country-rustic theme. I love all these gems, each so unique. Tawny's Etsy shop has more to look at.

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: John Truong

Photographer John Truong has a few subjects he addresses in his photography. For me weddings are his finest for capturing the true spirit and beauty of a bride. These images of Brandi in my YOLANDA dress illustrate the skill of an artist who knows the right use of light and a beautiful composition can create a masterpiece . . .

Credits

Photography by John T Photography

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Makeup . . . Julianne Chai

Hair by Intertwine

Model . . . Brandi

OVER COFFEE

What could be more inspirational on a Sunday morning to get going than a cup of coffee and lots of pretty stuff to match? black and white make a powerful (or empowering) statement. Ponder b&w and maybe some shades of gray for anything from a wedding theme to some new decor. It's all good! Thanks to Sticky over at SMP Style Circle for bringing us this novel medley of ideas . . .

BREVITY

Pretty things come in so many forms, sometimes dream-like. I'm in love lately with blushed neutrals like these with a layer of white light spread over. ThanksTuyet Nguyen over at SMP Style Circle for these pretty thoughts . . . .

BABY DOLL BRIDE

Another great Etsy find. Check out this gorgeous little white dress by Lily Fleur The baby doll dress is one of Boho's chicest options lately especially if you're going for a more informal look. Just the right dress for summer, this one's semi-sheer, made of ivory and white fabrics, an under layer of organza with triple layer of tatter organza at the hem. Vintage battenburg lace and handwork at the mid hem line, while vintage crochet work has been couture fitted and hand sewn onto a nude lace bra with white charmeuse satin sides and hook back fastener.

J.Crew Swim

This weekend I am braving the yearly search for a bathing suit. I've been scoping out a couple of my favorites online this week and I have landed at the same place I always do: The Crew. I am so predictable when it comes to suits. Colors: blue, grey and white. Pattern: stripes, polka dots or anything that resembles them. Fit: comfortable but still fresh and young. Style: classic. How many suits do I have that already have polka dots on them? It's not worth the embarrassment of sharing. But do I stop looking at them? Of course not. Each year they are just different enough to call my name again and again...Brides, I know you're on the hunt too and I would steer you toward my alma mater, J. Crew. They never disappoint. Look smokin' on your honeymoon and skip the trendy metallics and crazy sequins, or the disappearing seats of bikini bottoms. Go with fresh sophistication :)

My two favorites? The Marina-striped ring bandeau suit and The Annik-stripe string bikini. In LOVE. I wish they carried more swim wear at their stores...

{Images: J.Crew}

SHOOTING VINTAGE MODERN

Here are a few of my quick shots within the Art Meets Fashion shoot we did a few months back. I took these between whatever styling breaks I could manage while shooters John Truong and Stuart Lirette were setting up. So what does it take to shoot vintage modern gowns? Lots of ingenuity and a dedicated team. It helped we had a private home with an impressive contemporary art collection, the perfect backdrop to create that juxtapose I wanted for the vintage dresses. Thanks again to that fabulous team of artistic, beauty and styling professionals. What a day we had!

And here are those folks who made this possible . . . Bless you all for being so talented

Shooters: John Truong and Stuart Lirette

Gowns and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Makeup by Julianne Chai

Hair by Intertwine

Models: Lauren and Brandi

Jewelry available through Studiolo

What to wear...Elie Tahari Resort 2012

Elie Tahari went exotic for their 2012 Resort collection, finding inspiration in Marrakesh's easy wear kaftans, hot desert colors and not to mention turbans. I don't know if you'll ever see me sporting a turban but I assure you white, white and more white is what this season is all about and I will enjoy every moment of it!

{Images: style.com}

IT'S ALL AN ILLUSION

Legends by Romona Keveza Carolina Herrera Monique Lhuillier

Have you ever laid eyes on such traditional brides? According to the latest dish over at Brides Magazine, illusion necklines are the number one trend for spring and summer. Frankly once we move into fall when the glam really amps, I think we'll be seeing even more. Kate Middleton's Sarah Burton classic was covered in lace over the bodice and neck. Designers will pick up on this trend as we'll finally see a return of traditional bridal techniques and applications to wedding fashion. What's your spin on this? Passing trend or viable option?

Photos courtesy of Brides.com

Inspiration Shoot: rPhotography

Good morning, ladies! Check out this sweet wedding inspiration shoot by Portland wedding photographer, Niki Rhodes of rPhotography! A perfectly cheerful tabletop with pretty lace, vintage crystal glass and simple flora handpicked from the backyard garden. This shoot just makes me smile :)

Wonderful inspiration! Thank you, Niki for sharing!!

{Images courtesy of: rPhotography}

WHICH GOOSE

Here's the absolute zenith in Boho head chic for all you woodsy nymph brides out there. How about putting a real honest to goodness crown of glory on your head? Emily Zych of Which Goose has been wowing us with her natural twig and vine crowns. An Etsy shopkeeper, her message is all about nature and it's ever changing landscape. She hand gathers twigs and vines for these crowns you see here. Says Emily, "My crowns are made from a base of dried natural (real!) vines, harvested from along my favorite walking paths. They are stripped, woven and protected with a clear sealant. I try hard to be ecologically responsible with my supplies. I take only from places where vines are plentiful, and I usually take only the ones that are not growing anymore. . . "
Below are just a few of my personal favs. I highly recommend a visit to Emily's shop good for a mega dose of inspiration . . .