The Uptown Bride

Happy Friday!

2012-01-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Australia Day, and since my husband & his family are Aussies, we're going to an Austrailia Day party tomorrow! Had I seen this sooner I would have made these cute cupcakes to bring! Ah, well. Have a good weekend!

From The Cupcake Blog

Rustic Weddings

2012-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

I love a sleek stylish shindig but nothing compares to the casual beauty of mother nature, so I also love a laid-back rustic wedding held outdoors. Common themes include rough weathered wood, wild flower bouquets, and good ol' home cookin' in lue of expensive catered fare. In general these weddings tend to be very comfortable for guests and sometimes more of a personal expression of the bride & groom. Here are some of my favorite rustic wedding inspiration images! {images via 100 Layer Cake}

Tuesday Shoesday!

2012-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

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Wedding Hair: Braids

2012-01-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

My girlfriends and I are all kind of on a hair changing kick. We've all been changing our color! But it got me thinking about trends in bridal hair styles. We've seen some really dramatic changes in styles (thankfully!) getting away from the mass of fake-y hairspray encrusted curls piled high atop the head! Brides these days are going for a more natural look, a look that is tradition re-interpreted, a look that celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Of course I'm talking about braids. Braids really went out of fashion in the late '90's and into the early 2000's but they are back and the new and interesting formations are just lovely. Whether wrapped up as a crown or descending loosely down the back, braids are the romantic new hairstyle for your wedding day or for any day!

Image via Ivy & Aster

Image via Uptown Urban Craft

Image via Ivy & Aster

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Happy Friday!

2012-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Get out and enjoy your weekend!

Winter Wedding: Plaid!

2012-01-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

Okay so anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE plaid! I kinda go nuts for a broad shouldered handsome man wearing wool plaid, and I really like to wear it myself from time to time! So I just about fell over in my chair when I stumbled across this bold and above all beautiful bride rocking a red plaid wedding outfit and looking so perfectly chic all the while! The tailored flannel works so great with the full cream skirt! I always swore that if I ever got married again I would totally elope since I did all the wedding hoopla once already, but this wedding outfit could probably change my mind! This particular bride got married at a ranch down in Texas, but how great would this be for a north woods wedding! {Photos by Claire Richarson}

I think what makes this work so well is that it's just a little plaid, so it's not overwhelming you. I couldn't find any pictures of her groom but I imagine him in a plain suit with a plaid tie OR a boutonnière with a little plaid ribbon around it. Just little touches here & there is all you need.

And here's just a little plaid inspiration for the guys too:

Workwear Wednesday: What is Business Casual Anyway?

2012-01-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

On Friday my husband & I are going to his (new) company party. The invitation said "business casual" but it's in a slightly swanky location with a jazz band & casino entertainment. He hasn't been with the company very long but it's the kind of office where most people wear jeans & t-shirts to work. So we're kinda like, "Um, what exactly should we wear???" With such super casual coworkers we'd hate to be over dressed! But with all the higher-ups in attendance we also want to make a strong impression. Should he wear a suit but no tie? Should I wear a dress? And did I mention it's freakin' freezing outside? Oh the choices! So I leave it with the world of Pinterest to decide. What do you think?

Tuesday Shoesday!

2012-01-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

Who can't wait until it's sandal season again, huh?

Sale in our Etsy Shop!

2012-01-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

We're having a Valentines Day sale! Just for the heck of it, get 14% off now until February 14th!

Happy Friday (thank god!)

2012-01-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad it's Friday. I haven't had the best week. No need to get into it...

But seriously, the weather's gotten cold again, it's gloomy, and I needs a pick-me-up! So today's post is all things bright and beautiful on Etsy! And I'm talkin' NEON bright!


Save the date by YellowBrickGraphics, Hand-dyed yarn by SunriseFiberCo, Diamons wall hanging by sfettingis, BRO onesie by plutokids, Pink zebra beads by NeonNarwhal, Hats by ArturoRios, Ampersand screenprint by shopampersand, Vintage neon splatter dress by elsiecaney,

Tuesday Shoesday!

2012-01-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Pink Badgley Mischa pumps!

Vera Wang Spring 2012

2012-01-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen these gown yet you're in for a treat! After her fall 2011 collection which was quite dark, with not a white dress in sight, Vera's spring 2012 collection is a lovely breath of fresh dewy air! Traditionalists will love the pale tones and airy layers and off-beat brides will love the contrasting sashes and unique application of lace & a-symmetrical draping! I love that these gowns somehow seem to marry modern style with old-fashioned elegance. They remind me of a Degas painting.

I love the way the lace is applied to this gown!

Possible my favorite of the collection! I love the fan pleating and the wide sash.

Happy Friday!

2012-01-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! This is an especially happy day for me because today I delivered Laura Whitney Couture samples to Luxe Bridal Boutique! That's right, I'm in a brick & mortar boutique!! I'm so stoked!

Luxe is an absolutely beautiful bridal salon in Minneapolis that caters specifically to the Plus-sized bride! If you are above a size 6 and have ever shopped for a wedding gown you know how frustrating it is to not be able to try on any gowns that even come close to fitting! Not a problem at Luxe, as they carry designer gowns from size 12-30 and now they carry Laura Whitney Couture bridal boleros! I even designed a new bolero exclusively for Luxe brides! (I would've taken a picture but I left my camera at the new years party I attended. Whoops!) It's a 3/4 sleeve duchess satin number with a little blingbling on it! In addition, our Buttercream style and the super popular Basilica Bridal Bolero are also there! Stop in to try them on for size, but make an appointment soon if you are going on the weekend, since they don't have many January weekend spots left! You will love their stylish boutique (I'm dieing over their Moroccan patterned wallpaper!) and their spacious dressing rooms! Not to mention that Shayna, the owner, is just a doll!

Interior Design Love: Chevron

2012-01-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

I know we've been seeing it all throughout 2011 but I think we'll still see plenty of chevron this coming year, only it will be used in even more clever and awesome ways! I would LOVE to have a chevron accent wall in my home but I just don't know where. Here are some of my favorite inspirations!

2012-01-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Sorry for the lack of posts recently. My well meaning husband decided to update some things on our computer and it was on the fritz for a couple days!

Okay but on to a little personal bitch time... Why is it so freaking hard to find an attractive winter boot you can actually wear in the snow? Honestly, the boots with tread & traction, the boots with warm lining, the boots that will make your toes happy, are all SO ugly!

UGLY!

And the boots that look good, even the ones that are combat style and supposed to be rugged are actually ridiculous! It looks like a combat boot but it has no tread. It may be lined in warm sheep skin but the outside is made of suede? What!?! Whoever thought of that must not live where there is actual snow, salt & slush because, NewsFlash!, suede is not waterproof and in fact gets stained by water! You want something that can survive some wet slushy stuff so you're thinking, "Okay I'll look for rubber, or at the least leather or vinyl." Good luck because it's a sea of unlined, very unwarm rubber & vinyl boots out there. Oh and did I mention all the fact that I'm on a budget? If I wasn't I think these would be for me! They are nearly $200 and currently only available in size 5.5, so that's lame, but just look and what a well designed boot it is! Warm fleece lining, beautifully simplistic leather outer(reminiscent of an English riding boot), and a deep rubber tread! Perfect!

Timberland Women's Mount Holly Waterproof Fleece-Lined Boot

I guess I will have to keep looking and hopefully I can find something before winter is over so I can actually get out and enjoy it!

Happy Friday + Happy New Years!

2011-12-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

I won't be doing a post tomorrow so I'll say it now... So long 2011! I hope you all had a good year but hope you have an even better 2012! I reflected on my 2011 while I flipped through the years facebook photos (convenient right?). I had a lot of wonderful changes & wonderful times. If I were to go back in time to last Dec. 31st and told me where I'd be a year later, well I probably wouldn't believe it! "Oh the places you'll go & the things you'll see!" I would say to me.
None the less, it's onward and upward in my perspective! Bring it on 2012! We're waitin' for ya!

Workwear Wednesday: Gentlemen's Edition

2011-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

With as much as I tend to focus on women's fashion, it's hard to believe that I got my professional start as a tailor specializing in menswear. I still love getting my hands on a beautiful mens suit and tailoring it to fit just right. While I understand that many work environments are more casual today, guys should still know how to do it right when necessary, and SO many men don't! So today's Workwear Wednesday is for the bros! Specifically I am reminded of this quote:

"So okay, I don't want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I don't get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair - ew! - and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we're expected to swoon? I don't think so!"

-Cher Horowitz, Clueless, 1994

To start on a friendly note, here are two of your icons, looking quite dapper!

A fedora, perfectly pulled off. Note how this man wears one while NOT evoking Kevin Federline.

Excellently executed mixture of patterns! (not recommended for novices)

These guys look more sophisticated in jeans than any man in a Men's Warehouse suit!

A denim blazer. Again, not for beginners. High attention to accessories makes this work.

Classic high quality oxfords. Throw out your square-toed dress shoes if you haven't already.

Plaid ties are always wonderful! It's the width & colors that change style over time.


And speaking of ties, you should all know by now that narrow ties are in fashion. Look for ties that are no more than 2&1/4 inch at the widest point. If you are a slender man you can go much narrower, if you've got a broad frame, stick to the 2" width. Have a sentimental attachment to a super wide tie? Take it to a tailors to have it narrowed.

A lesson in layering. Consider not just color but texture too.

He should be wearing socks, but otherwise a great outfit. Notice how the belt matches the shoes?


Very fashionable while still completely masculine.


Oh boy, I am just loving everything about this guy! A plaid wool sports coat & matching cap? Now there's something to swoon about!

Tuesday Shoesday Featuring Shabby Apple!

2011-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great holiday! Today's Tuesday Shoesday is a little unusual because I'm going to be featuring a specific store, Shabby Apple. I don't usually do this with the exception of Etsy, but I'll be honest and just tell you to expect to see more fashion posts about this shop, which I only discovered this morning, because it's seriously as though someone said, "Hey let's open a 'Stuff Laura Whitney Likes' store!" In fact I just ordered my first Shabby Apple dress! (review to come later) But it's Tuesday shoesday so I'll leave the super adorable vintage style dresses until tomorrow. Today it's just super adorable vintage-inspired shoes! Here are my favorites!

Away For the Holiday!

2011-12-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'm outta here folks! I'll see you all on the 26th!

Lucious Vermont Wedding!

2011-12-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Oh man, I'm sorry for the spotty posting lately! To be honest though, it's probably going to be this way until Christmas is over. There's just so much going on!

Anyway, I had to share this wedding from Style Me Pretty because it's one of the best winter weddings I've ever seen! I love it because there are no cheese snowflake motifs or Christmas-y things in sight. It's just full of wonderful vintage details and winter-y wonderfulness! I especially loooove the vintage fur wraps! (remember when I predicted fur to the the hot new accessory for the season? Eh?)

Workwear Wednesday: Relaxed Professional

2011-12-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

We have those days where we are hyper focused and dress to convey it... And then there are all those other days. Days when you don't really want to work but you have to anyways and you really just want to feel, well, relaxed.

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-12-13T08:48:00.001-08:00

Swanky Holiday Party Food!

2011-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday we are hosting out "Friends (not family) Christmas Party" and this year instead of a sit-down dinner we're doing a cocktail party with lots of yummy horderves. I'm trying to keep things somewhat simple so I can still enjoy the party and not be in the kitchen. I've asked people to bring something to share, be it food or booze, and I'm working on a menu of items that can mostly be prepared ahead of time. There will of course be the standard cheese platter but I'm still trying to keep the food more interesting and the presentation attractive. Thankyou Pinterest for once again providing some inspiration on that front!

Happy Friday!

2011-12-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

It's only 9 degrees out right now. Perhaps thats why my first customer of the day still hasn't shown up; too cold to venture out! Right now I'm thinking about cozy cabins, fireplaces, and warm cuddle time inside while is so so cold outside! I'm thinking rustic chalet, hot chocolate, and wool socks. I'm thinking sweaters and cider.

Pretty Pumps!

2011-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

I didn't do Tuesday Shoesday this week so I'll kinda do it today! Check out these crazy pumps! They're Manolo Blahnik Swan Satin Pumps and they cost over $1200! If only, right ladies?

Workwear Wednesday: Color Connection

2011-12-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

With the holidays coming up fast, and me my husband hosting a party in (eek!) a week & a half, I'm on the hunt for a pretty new holiday dress to wear. I guess I'm not really feeling red or green this year because I really have the erge to wear a cobalt or royal blue dress! So with that in mind, for this week's Workwear Wednesday everything is coming up vibrant blue!

Something like this would be party perfect!

Love the simplicity of this dress... and the sleeves!

Late night musings...

2011-12-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

Something got me thinking about A-Frame cabins late last night and I dug up some cool mid-century promotional designs. Even though these buildings are pretty unpopular, even scoffed at today, I totally get their appeal.

All I want for Christmas: Etsy Edition!

2011-12-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas is....

this acrylic geometric necklace!

this 1920's style cloche hat...

And some beachy prints by Lola's Room Photography!

Or this awesome beer poster (for my husband)!

How about a vintage Hollywood Regency bench?

And I would definitely love this mid-century poster for my living room!

Winter Wedding Inspiration Board

2011-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Oops! Sorry for not posting yesterday! I had a very busy day and plum forgot! To make it up to you I've put together a lovely winter wedding, without the typical use of red or green! Enjoy!

p.s. The wedding capelet is available for sale in my Etsy shop!

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-11-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

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Mini Photo Shoot!

2011-11-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my dear friend Holly, aka Princess Pretty, came over for a quick 2 hour photo session to model the new winter wedding capelet and to re-shoot a couple gowns I wasn't entirely happy with. It was a lot of fun but BRRR! was it ever cold up in the attic! But Holly said the capelet kept her quite toasty!

Happy (Black) Friday!

2011-11-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday all! I hope you had a lovely thanksgiving yesterday, as I did! Isn't it crazy that now it's CHRISTMAS SEASON! Or Hanukkah season, or snow season or whatever winter holiday you celebrate in December. For many winter brides out there it's wedding season! In any case it's black Friday and what better way to kick it off than taking advantage of Uptown Urban Craft's big Black Friday sale! Get 30% off anything in our Esty shop!

Going Old-School: Wool Plaid Skirts

2011-11-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

available on etsy

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-11-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

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Sale in our Etsy Shop!

2011-11-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Why camp out in some freezing mall parking lot? Shop our Black Friday sale from the comfort of your own home! We almost NEVER do sales so be sure to take advantage of getting 30% off any item in our Etsy shop!!!

Happy Friday!

2011-11-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

I have to do a repost today from 100 Layer Cake and the "Hollywood Glamour" themed bridal shoot they did! It is SO my personal style, as in classic silver screen starlet! Elements I'm loving: perfectly arched eyebrows, birdcage veils, and the fox fur wraps! Enjoy!

Workwear Wednesday: Winter Outerwear

2011-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

It was a mere 26 degrees outside this morning when I walked to the bank and I knew that I needed to knuckle under and wear a winter coat. I wore my black one from last year because I'm not premiering my glorious "new" vintage coat at the freakin' atm. It's far too lovely and I think I'll probably wait until the first snow hits the ground before wearing it! It's burgundy from the 60's with a mink fur collar. I'm still in search of a hat. Last winter we saw a lot of wool trench-style coats (I'm guilty too!). Maybe this is just me, but I'm feeling like the trend this winter is going to be fur accents, as in fur collars, trims, 60's style fur hats, and fur-lined hoods. Both real vintage fur and high quality faux fur. That's my prediction, we'll see what happens!

I have a friend who needs this one!

Guys need great coats too! My husband would look hot in this!

I really think we're going to see a lot of these fur hats worn by the most stylin' among us!


I want this!

Couldn't resist adding this one!

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-11-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Autumn Interiors

2011-11-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

October is over but December hasn't reached us yet. November just seems to feel like a time for nesting to me, for readying the home for a long cold winter. When you know you'll be spending more and more time inside, especially when you work from home like me, you want that home to be as cozy & comfortable as possible. There isn't much autumn left and we have to enjoy it while preparing for the chilly days to come.

Above images from November Vogue

Above 3 images from Habitually Chic

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Happy Friday + getting a jump on the holidays

2011-11-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all!~
Isn't it amazing how the Christmas stuff started coming out the day after Halloween? Thanksgiving seems like a less important holiday, probably because other than food, it doesn't "stimulate the economy" the way the December holidays do. I'm one of those people who tries very hard not to do Christmas until after Thanksgiving, purely on principle, only to find myself in a rush to get everything done in the 3 and half weeks before the 25th!

Well I caved in yesterday. I started thinking about how I wanted to string evergreen garland across the front porch railings, and then I looked up the price for real greens (never fake, again this is on principle for me) on a local nursery's website and EEK! the price of garland is staggering! But wouldn't you know it, the next thing I see is someone on craigslist giving away beautiful Colorado Blue Spruce branches, freshly cut to anyone who wants some free Christmas greens. It was fate I thought, so I hopped in the car! On the way home I thought I'd stop at a favorite little church thrift shop. I was not looking for more Christmas items, but I couldn't pass up what I found! Someone had cleaned out gramma's attic and donated a big box of vintage Christmas goodies, which I'm a real sucker for you know! My total spent was about $7.30 with tax. I posted a picture of my loot on facebook and a friend who used to deal in antiques to boutiques said she could get $60 for that in a snap and complimented me on my good eye!

Workwear Wednesday

2011-11-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about trying to work in more skirts with tights or leggings, paired with boots lately...

This is my kinda fall outfit!

Tall boots are awesome but predictable. I like these daring ankle boots with a knee-length skirt!

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

These are what I'm wearing today. :)

Monday Monday

2011-11-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

So now that we've switched our clocks you can't deny... WINTER IS COMING!

I seem to dread the snow more and more each year. My darling husband and I finished winterizing the house this past weekend and now I am back to focusing on the brides winterizing their weddings! Soon, in addition to our bridal boleros, we'll be introducing some loverly capes & coverlets to the Etsy shop! No need to shiver on the alter or don an ugly puffy jacket to step into the limo. Wouldn't you rather slip into a sumptuous cape or fluffy coverlet as you slip off to your reception? I thought so! So hold tight, new pieces will be in our Etsy shop by the end of the week and ready to order for your winter wedding!

This bride would look much happier against the winter landscape if she wasn't freezing!

Happy Friday!

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! We're into the last golden days of autumn here in Minnesota, and entering daylight savings time this weekend (thank god!). Get out and enjoy those golden hues while you still can!

Or bring some gold inside like this beautiful table-scape!

Workwear Wednesday: Ugly Sweaters

2011-11-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or are sweaters getting uglier this year? Blame it on the ironic hipsters rocking their father's discarded Bill Cosby sweaters. But seriously, this 80's throw-back stuff has got to get under control! I'm seeing sweaters the likes of Judith Light in store windows! Eeek!

I'm not going to tell you what kind of sweaters to wear. There are still too many great styles to chose from. Instead I wanted to show some of the most ugly sweaters for sale right now so you can have a good laugh!

from urban outfitters

Cropped belly baring sweaters!?! This is very alarming. From Charlotte Russe

Add some shoulder pads and recreate your own tribute episode of "Who's the Boss"!

Still don't believe me that the stores are full of ugly sweaters? Anthropologie, normally a source of such beautiful clothes, disappoints by featuring several ugly sweaters. I had a hard time picking just three!

2011-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's officially November kids. That means fall is almost over and winter will be here before you know it (especially in MN!). I don't know how you all feel about that... some people are ready to embrace winter and others are still mourning the loss of summer! My thoughts on this Tuesday Shoesday are to bust out some fun tights this month before you need to bust out the snow boots. I think anything a closed toed and a little strapped looks great with tights for these final days of fall.

Canvas double strapped heels by Urban Outfitters, T-straps by Anthropologie

High Fashion Halloween Bridal by Laura Whitney Couture & Artist Built!

2011-10-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Remember when I said I was working on a big photo shoot? Well in honor of the best holiday of the year, I collaborated with the leather sculptors of Artist Built, as well as an amazing team of models, hair stylists and make-up artists to create an ethereal yet dark Halloween spread using gowns from the new Laura Whitney Couture bridal line (launching spring 2012!). I also created a few special pieces for the shoot including an Elizabethan inspired bolero, dramatic millinery, delicate paper wings, and I even got back to my corsetry roots and made an enticingly wicked "Kiss Me Deadly" corset with matching origami panniers! I must admit, it was such a pleasure to take a brief departure from the light romantic beauty of bridal to take part in creating deep dark imagery.

Quite possibly my favorite photo! She looks like she's up to something!

Our images followed five themes to show dark spirits of many realms : A wicked Queen of Hearts, the vengeful Corpse Bride, an Angel with a devilish side, the jilted Flapper, and a Fetish Femme Fatale. With an impeccable team of models, airbrush techniques and makeup artist, talented photographer Sasha Landskov captured the feel behind the the collaborative vision beautifully! Thank you so much to Irma & Sienna of Mixx Salon, Soraya Hatfield of Pinup Stylings, and Dede Franks of Salon George for all their fabulous work on the hair and make-up! City Pages has also published a slide show of the full set of images so to see more, click here.

All the killer jewelry was provided my Rewind Vintage of Minneapolis!

Our amazing make-up artists painstakingly applied real gold leaf flakes to our fallen angel!


Artist Built did all the custom leather accessories! Contact them for custom fetish pieces!

I so enjoyed making this corset! I'd love to do more custom pieces like this! (hint: e-mail me!)

Isn't this mask just amazing!?! It's like Cyborg crossed with Fetish!

Happy Friday!

2011-10-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Go forth and be fabulous!

What I'm Working on Now.... Er, 2 days ago.

2011-10-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Heya, just thought I post one little preview pictures from our Tuesday photo shoot! This was me doing some final tweaking before photos.

Workwear Wednesday

2011-10-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming up, and is on a Monday this year. In the past I've typically shown a little holiday spirit by wearing all black to the work place. Here's advice if you love Halloween but can't exactly show up to the office in full costume! Try a little tastefully done orange and black combination.

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Look What I Made!

2011-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

I was not at my best yesterday but still managed to whip up these babies! They are paper wings which will be used in tomorrows photo shoot (angel outfit). Lots to do... ta ta!

Happy Friday!

2011-10-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! I've still got a lot of work to do before I start my weekend but I'm excited for it because I'm going to spend some time gathered with friends around a bonfire on Saturday, sipping some good beer, and what better way to spend a chilly late October evening? Have a great weekend everyone!

Workwear Wednesday: Jewelry

2011-10-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so you can probably wear almost any kind of jewelry to work depending on the outfit and your office environment, but jewelry can really make or break an outfit, increase or decrease the formality, and also show your personality if your office clothes need to be a little more traditional. If you're in a creative field, you probably have a pretty relaxed dress code, and if you work from home like me, even more so! But when I meet with clients I need to convey my both my professionalism as well as my creativity, which is a delicate balance. So I like often like jewelry that's geometric because I think it's where art meets structure.

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Necklace and Earrings by Anthropology

Polygon necklace from Etsy

Prism necklace available on Etsy. I want this!

Geometric Leather Earrings available on Etsy

Architecturally structured beaded ring available from Etsy

Tuesday Shoesday: Back on Boots

2011-10-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted about boots a couple times already but the cooler weather is getting me more seriously looking for my perfect winter boot. I've narrowed it down to a low heeled, upper-ankle/mid-calf and a lace-up style with some kind of warmer lining.

Madden Boots, also available in black with a zipper in back to make them taller for deeper snow.

Lauren Conrad boots from Kohls, look so cozy!

From Forever 21, probably not lined well (or at all) but I love the style!

These Madden Girl boots look about perfect!

Great Graphic Design

2011-10-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

I need a haircut before the weekend and I'm between stylists, which just stinks. If there was a salon with as awesome identity design as Fast Eddie's Barber Shop, created by graphic designer Richard Arthur Stewart, I'd be there!

Orange You Glad It's A Wedding?

2011-10-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

I love orange, so bright and sunny! It can be a tough color to wear (especially for blonds) but I love to accessorize and decorate with orange, so I was delighted this morning when I saw this orange wedding reception over on 100 Layer Cake! I just love the bold patterns! To view the full post click here.

Workwear Wednesday: Hats!

2011-10-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

It used to be that people didn't leave the house without a nice hat on but that hasn't been the case for several decades now. The hat’s demise has, over time, been credited to President Kennedy due to his reluctance to be photographed wearing a hat for fear it made him look old. Hats (and let's be clear, I don't mean baseball caps) have been slowly making a comeback since the swing dance craze in the '90's got people interested in vintage fashion. Today you can even go into Target and buy some (actually) gorgeous little pieces of millinery!

My new hat from Target

I've been getting into hats myself; last winter I wore a little black cloche, this summer a straw fedora with a striped band, and I recently bought a cranberry wool hat to wear with a tweed autumn jacket. I just picked up the most amazing vintage winter coat from the 1960's that's in absolute mint condition, it's red with a luxurious mink fur collar! So I'm on the lookout for a cute hat to go with it! I think they are great for work too because nothing ties together your outfit and makes you look more stylish than a great hat! Still need convincing? Here's some inspiration for you! {All images via pinterest}

Fedora

Cloche & knitted beret

Fedora

Wow! Turban Hat! This is an impressive one to pull off! Available on Etsy!

Floppy brimmed hat. Isn't her dress fabulous too?

Another floppy, perfectly styled for fall!

Cloche hats, probably my favorite and what you'll see the most of in stores now.


Think I could rock a fuzzy knit beret like this with my 1960's coat? Maybe on a courageous day!

Fun bit of fashion history: Many hats in the mid-60's exaggerated the back of the scull, in a Queen Nefertiti kind of way, as seen here with this Givenchy hat worn by Audrey Hepburn.

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

{Source}

Fall Florals

2011-10-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

We tend to focus on spring and summer when we think about wedding floral arrangements but it's fall now and there are some wonderful ways to incorporate the dark beauty of nature in autumn into fall weddings! We're talking darker pinks, deeper reds, feathers, prairie grasses... the list goes on!

Love the birch bark! {source}

boutonnières from Martha Stewart Weddings

Center piece from The Ritzy Bee Blog


Wheat arrangements {source}

Cotton Blossoms! Great for fall or winter! {source}

The above 3 designs are from Saipua Floral Design in Brooklyn, NY

Happy Friday!

2011-10-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

I hope you all enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends and enjoy this beautiful autumn weather!

{images source}

Workwear Wednesday

2011-10-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

It is a busy work week for me. I should be dressing myself really professionally to keep myself sharp and efficient (you guys remember my shoe experiment a few months back?) but I have this problem. I've found that when work gets hectic I tend to throw all my efforts into it while neglecting my wardrobe, my house keeping (this place is a mess!), and often even my healthy eating efforts. But today I am attending a photoshoot for a book where I'm acting as wardrobe stylist so I think I better have some professional style myself! But what does a wardrobe stylist look like?

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-10-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

I just loved this picture of a bride with too many good shoe choices!

You're So Sweet You Give Me a Tooth Ache!

2011-10-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

I had to post some pictures from this oh-so-girly Houston Bridal Shower! Let's be honest, this is a FAR CRY from the bridal showers most of us had in church basements, the family restaurant, or Gramma's living room! But sometimes is fun to indulge ourselves in a little eye candy and this shower is as sweet as a little girls pretend tea party! For more pics and info, check out the original post here.

Happy Friday!

2011-09-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is October 1st. Do you know why that is an exciting day? It's the day that (for me) it's officially okay to start bring out the autumn decor, specifically the ceramic pumpkins! Yeah you heard me! I know, I don't seem like the type to go for the cheesy fall decorator items, and I'm not! I just like ceramic pumpkins. But with that one exception I welcome fall by changing out my house linens to more seasonal colors and also by bringing in signs of the season like real pumpkins, gourds, a wheat wreath on the door. You see, September is a transition month between the seasons, one where we mourn for the loss of summer, gradually accept the changing of the seasons, and finally by October 1st, we are ready to welcome the fall! How do you welcome fall? Do you redecorate a little or not at all or do you go all out for Halloween with orange lights, hay bails and fake spider webs? Below is my preference of a subtle season decor.

Check out our feature!

2011-09-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Uptown Urban Craft is a Featured Artisan on the popular wedding blog, Emmaline Bride. It's a blog that focuses solely on hand-crafted weddings and a handmade market place! Obviously we LOVE that there are so many brides out there who shop with a social conscience and help support small independent vendors and artists! Anyways, they wrote up a lovely post on the top 3 reasons every bride needs a bridal bolero (we couldn't agree more!). Check it out here!

See? How happy is SHE for having a bolero! A new husband might also have something to do with it too I guess. :)

Tuesday Shoesday: Bargain hunting

2011-09-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

I love the shoes from Anthropologie but honestly, in this economy who among us can actually pay those prices!?! For many of us we look to our favorite higher-end stores and designers for inspiration and then bargain hunt for similar styles. Well I did it for you this morning with pretty red ballet flats, one pair from Anthropologie and the other from Payless.

Fall is Here! Pretty pumpkins enter the scene.

2011-09-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was the first official day of fall, so today I wanted to feature a beautiful fall wedding! This one really embraces one of the major icons of autumn, the pumpkin! See the full post here. I love pumpkins and I'm not sure why... maybe it just has to do with all those happy fall memories from childhood. Pumpkins were plentiful in my house growing up and it was always a special outing for my brother, sister, and I to go to Pumpkin Land, a roadside farm truck or to the local farmers market to pick out our pumpkins. We each took care in inspecting and choosing our own, which was a serious task for a kid because after all, this was the canvas upon which Jack-o-lanterns were carved! While we did this my mom was usually busy filling a paper sack with a variety of gourds, mini pumpkins and Indian corn to decorate the mantle and make center pieces with. It was a simple yearly tradition for us but one I looked forward to every year & soon I'll be choosing some pumpkins for my own house.

Happy Friday!

2011-09-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday all! I'm starting to hear more discussions about/requests for Halloween costumes now. In fact I am participating in a Halloween fashion show here in Minneapolis this year so last night I was having a blast working on one of my ensembles. It's really fun to just let yourself go creatively and do anything wild and over the top without having to worry about if the design will sell! I'll be meeting my hair and makeup team this weekend and in the process of putting together style sheets for them I found some awesome high fashion photo shoots! This one has nothing to do with any of my runway looks but I just thought it was awesome. So here for your enjoyment is some work by photographer Tim Walker for Italian Vogue.

Moody Blues

2011-09-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a bit off today, a bit moody like the piano score from Fiona Apple's Slow Like Honey. It's the moody blues. {images via pinterest}

Workwear Wednesday

2011-09-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

I am seriously freezing! I refuse to turn on my heat this early in the season but, yeah I am COLD! I've switched from summer tanks to sweaters so today's theme is of course the sweater! I've been wearing a lighter sweater under a wool blazer or else pairing one with a scarf. Yeesh! When did I become such a freeze baby!?! {source}

I need a green one like this!

Hmm... sweater tights? I haven't worn these since I was a little girl going to church in the winter. I like the look though! Wonder if I could pull this off?

I also think I should hit the thrift store and DIY myself some of these for the sofa!

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-09-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Boots! Autumn is here; time to go boot shopping!

I LOVE the second pair in from the right! {source}

Fancy Frillies!

2011-09-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday all! I had a very full weekend; our craft beer party was a smash hit and the next day I picked up our new (well, new to me) car from my brother's mechanics shop and drove it home! As much as I LOVE the Comet, I am so happy to have a modern car to drive and not need to rely on a retro ride every single day.

But as it always seems to be, retro design is going to be a big part of my day today. Among the more mundane tasks, today my work day will include designing pink retro lingerie for a colleague's art/fashion fusion coffee table book. The whole book is a really exciting concept based around the theme of candy! Irma, who if you recall was the lead make-up artist on our August photo shoot, is collaborating with a photographer friend of hers who is in turn collaborating with many different artists to create unique fashion looks using different candy as the primary medium! For this shoot Irma has chosen cotton candy (Oh, just think of the possibilities!) and has asked me to create some pint retro lingerie for the shoot! She told me the model will have cotton candy pink finger curls for her hair style so I'm thinkin' a pair of satin tap panties are in order! I'm excited to try designing/sewing lingerie for the first time. Several people have asked me about adding a honeymoon lingerie collection to Laura Whitney Couture so this will be a trial run so to speak!

{source}

And speaking of lingerie, in the process of researching this project I came across an awesome blog called The Lingerie Addict! Below is just some of the yummy eye candy they've featured recently!

Happy Friday!

2011-09-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! With the exception of a bit of sewing work I need to get done, I'll be spending my day in my kitchen baking up a storm for tomorrow big party! There's going to be about 40 people joining us in our backyard for Brewfest so I've been staying pretty organized by typing out a detailed menu including timing the, er, "courses" and by writing up a food preparations schedule. I've planned a plethora of food that can be prepared in advance for the most part so I can enjoy the party with my guests. Martha Stewart would be so proud of me! Last night I baked these cookies! They are so cake-y and yummy, like the top of a muffin. And super easy too! Click the link below for the recipe!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Design Crush

2011-09-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

I must share this Marchesa Spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection! It's a totally give me a designer crush. Also, I can't believe this is "ready to wear". You'd really think these are made to order pieces. Regardless, they are absolutely lovely confections and I'm loving the smoky colors & wispy fabrics!

The center one is SOOO pretty and reminds me of spun sugar!

Bishop sleeves have been something I've been toying with this summer.

I picture Julianne Moore walking the red carpet in the gown on the left!

FEATHERS! More proof of the feather trend.

Brrrr!

2011-09-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

It was 45 degrees when I got up this morning, so you can no longer ignore that it's getting chilly outside. This gives me a mixture of emotions because our big backyard party is this weekend and when I planned everything I have a sunny 75 degree day in mind. Now I'm questioning my menu (are cold sandwiches still good?) and trying to re-plan for a chilly day. We are going to have a fire pit going in the evening which helps but now I'm trying to round up a bunch of cozy wool blankets for people to keep toasty under! I have some beautiful wool in my fabric drawers that I never used so I think I'm going to whip up some blankets from that and bring them out in a big basket, something like this:

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-09-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today's Tuesday Shoesday is a round up of 1920's style shoes from Anthropology. Wear any one of these pretty pairs and you're be doing the Charleston like a real Jazz Baby!

Clockwise from top left: Fountain Spray Wingtips, Sloane T-straps, Grenadine T-straps, & Cleary Heels

Vintage Wedding Gowns

2011-09-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Today on 100 Layer Cake, their featured bride has the most gorgeous vintage wedding dress and she paid, get this, $12 for it at a vintage warehouse! Unbelievable! I just had to post some picture because she is so cute (& so are her bridesmaids!). The fabric of her dress is an embroidered cotton voile, which for whatever reason they hardly make anymore. If I could get my hands on some I would for sure design it into the vintage warehouse! Unbelievable! I just had to post some picture because she is so cute (& so are her bridesmaids!). The fabric of her dress is an embroidered cotton voile, which for whatever reason they hardly make anymore. If I could get my hands on some I would for sure design it into the Laura Whitney Couture collection!

Happy Friday!

2011-09-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a great weekend! Just a reminder to all you autumn brides (or friends of autumn brides) to get you accessory orders in sooner than later! Every year I get lots of October and November Brides who forgot that it's gonna be COLD on their wedding day and need to order pretty bridal cover-ups for their wedding in a hurry! Uptown Urban Craft has lots of beautiful options in our Etsy shop and don't forget you can always request customizations too! Happy shopping!!!

100 Years of Fashion in 100 Seconds!

2011-09-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool video documenting 100 years of apparel design in East London! The dancing is pretty swell too!

Workwear Wednesday

2011-09-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I took and extra extra long weekend as yesterday just turned into a day off for me. But I am back today, and perhaps for the first time ever immediately after labor day, it really feels like fall. We've still got our windows open but it's pretty chilly out and I'm in long sleeves for the 4th day in a row. I took a peak in my seasonal clothes storage bin and was pretty disappointed with what's left from last year. It's been a long time since I've been a student but I still feel the erg to do 'back-to-school' clothes shopping! But I guess for us big kids it's more like 'back-to-work' shopping. So here's a grown-up version of a 'back-to-school' shopping list!

New jeans:

New Jacket & Scarf:

Plaid Skirts:

Cool New T-shirts:

New Backpack:

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T11:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!

2011-09-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Wow this week went by fast! It's been a while since I've featured an Etsy artist so here we go! Check out Wild Ink Press. They're a husband and wife stationary company specializing in letterpress! I don't have to tell you how much I love letterpress! Just look at these beautiful designs.

Super Girly Pastel Pretty

2011-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Just for fun I thought I'd put together a super ultra girly girl pastel wedding idea board. Chances are, any man would hate this but sometimes it's fun if you fully embraced your inner girly-girl!

Workwear Wednesday

2011-08-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's starting to feel more like autumn, and while I'm sad to see summer go, I really do love the fall. And it looks and though we'll get a nice lone one too! So in the spirit of welcoming fall, today's Workwear Wednesday is centered around one of falls most well associated colors. Orange! Orange is a color I used to think I couldn't wear because I'm a blond but I learned in recent years that orange works with any skin or hair color and looks great one you find the shade that works for you.

Tuesday Shoesday! + Pretty Braides!

2011-08-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

linen mini wedges from {anthropologie}

Heya! Sorry I didn't get a post up yesterday. I had to be out of town and was so tired by the time I got home in the evening... Well any ways I'm going to make it up to you by not only doing the usual Tuesday Shoesday but also a feature post about the hairstyle I'm currently romancing over, braided halos. I was really into fishtail braids for a while this summer (Game of Thrones anyone?) but not I'm going gaga over braided halos because of how super easy they are to do! I should also tell you that this is a total designers obsession because my hair is barely long enough to get in a pony right now let alone long braids. BUT if you have long hair you should totally try this romantic style.

I didn't realize how easy this style was until I watched out one of our MOAs from the photo shoot create this style on our model Sandra. Its basically two Pippy Longstocking braids wrapped up around your head and secured with pins. If that doesn't make sense just check out this great tutorial from Keiko Lynn. She adds a 1960's style poof but you could do it with out too.

Here are some other inspireing renditions of this lovely style. I have a strong feeling we are going to see more and more brides wearing their hair this way!

super cute even on a casual day!

Happy Friday!

2011-08-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! I've been hard at work editing the photos from the Aug. 14th shoot for Laura Whitney Couture and I thought I'd share this one with you (done in sepia just for fun). Such a lovely picture! She reminds me so much of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady! The hair and make-up was done by Irma & Sienna of Mixx Salon in White Bear Lake. The photograph was taken by my friend Ali Karbassi, and the gown and headband was designed and made by me!

Picnic Pretty!

2011-08-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have to share this really adorable engagements session from Love & Lavender! It is just too sweet!

Workwear Wednesday

2011-08-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the early autumn theme, for today's Workwear Wednesday I wanted to focus on one of the GOOD things about autumn: Jackets! Specifically the trench coat. My favorite thing to shop for might be jackets & trench coats and I SO do not need another trench but, oh how I love them! When ever I'm checking thrift shops I always see these fantastic vintage London Fog trench coats and have to resist buying them. But I'm always on the look out for the perfect, yet elusive, plaid trench! Trenches are great because they give you just enough warmth in the evening when it cools off and are light weight enough to sling over your purse strap in the warmer afternoons. Plus they classy up even the roughest of outfits. They are good transitional pieces for formalizing your laid back summer work wardrobe for fall.

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-08-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

My husband, like many others returns to school this week. *sigh* It's officially autumn then I guess. The return of academia each year also brings the return of formality of dress, darker & duller colors, and the inevitable return of the oxford shoe. The oxford gets to shine once a year as both men and women realize with dismay that it's time to get back to business as usual, that the frivolity of summer sandals must be exchanged for something a bit more tight laced and serious. For those of us not returning to class the change from summer to fall is strangely without punctuation; no new academic ambitions embarked upon, simply a change of weather & of wardrobe. At least the oxford comes in a variety of incarnations to ease this transition. Here are two I like from Urban Outfitters.


Mens wing tipped oxfords by Urban Outfitters

Ladies wooden heeled oxfords by Urban Outfitters

New Week, New Projects!

2011-08-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning my dears! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Mine seemed to last a long time, probably because a lot happened! One of the most significant things was that yesterday evening our clunker Chevy Malibu gave it's final death rattle on the highway and was towed off to my brother's garage in Mankato, where I await him to pronounce it legally dead. So while we start looking for a new "every day" car our beautiful 1963 Mercury Comet is going to be our main ride. Not bad for a back-up car! My father has already suggested another 1960's classic car to be the Malibu's replacement. I told him, while that'd be fun, I was concerned about driving a car like that in the winter, to which he exploded with "Well for Pete's sake little girl! We drove those cars year round in the sixties! No reason you couldn't!" All I know is the comet takes corners like a pontoon boat and I can't imagine trying to control it on the ice! ...So that's a project to think about for a while!

My other more fun project which I've been putting off for months is re-decorating our bedroom! It's not the worst room ever but I've never been happy with it. It doesn't need a total re-design but just some updating really. Most important things on the list:

New nightstands! We still have the junky ones from college.
New lamps! My bedside lamp doesn't even work anymore.
New sheets! A little touch of luxury would be nice.
De-clutter! A box from when we moved in a year ago became a permanent fixture, acting as a side table. Many other items without homes seem to end up stacked in this room. This will end now!
New dresser for Dylan! Again, the junky one from college which has broken drawers and is totally falling apart.
New Headboard! I'm excited about this. We don't have a headboard and it's going to bring the room sophistication I think!

Perhaps the most challenging thing about this is that I'll be doing it on a shoestring budget. But small budgets seem to bring out the creative & clever side of me so I'm not too worried. I'm going to check out a few of shoppers secrets (as well as craigslist) but this weekend I mostly just collected inspiration. This is what's on my mind so far!

I really like the nightstands and lamps in these pictures! {source}

I'd love to add a side chair too. Which I will have room for if I de-clutter!


I love how calm and luxurious this room is. The curtains are so sumptuous!

Headboard and canopy are to die for! So romantic! The window/door/flooring situation in this picture is similar to my room.

I love full canope beds but I don't think it would work in my small room. This 4 post bed is a nice compromise I think.

Love this nightstand, and it's an Ikea hack too so budget friendly!

Happy Friday!

2011-08-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

The weekend is here! Go off and enjoy it!

{source}

Late Summer Loveliness

2011-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

I am kinda burnt out on weddings for the moment. In fact it's come to my attention that it's suddenly late summer! I feel like I missed the past 3 weeks, and I kinda did because I spent the majority of my time inside my studio working. Not that it wasn't worth it, but SRSLY, I need to be outside and enjoy what's left of summer before it's too late! I've gotten a good start this week. Went bike riding twice this week & I'm going again tonight, and last night I cooked a super yummy dinner for my hubby and me using herbs from the garden and we ate al fresco next to the fire pit. Perfect evening! I've got to get more of that in before summer's gone!

My husband and I are also planning a big backyard party for about 30+ people in mid-September and so I'm all about finding inspiration for that too! It's a craft beer tasting party so you want it to be fun and casual but without feeling like a frat party. It's sort of a delicate balance I think because if you go overboard with decorations & finery people feel like they can't relax but if it's too laid back... well like I said, it could turn into a frat party right out of Animal House! So here's my late summer party inspiration!

Workwear Wednesday

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

First a confession. I am not even close to wearing something that'd be considered "office appropriate" this morning! I'm wearing a cut-off shorts and a pink t-shirt with bleach splotches all over it. But once I leave the house I'll dress like a grown up, I swear!

Actually I think it's sort of tricky to figure out what to wear right now. The summer heat and humidity has suddenly left us in Minneapolis, and for the first time in months I want to wear sock to keep my toes warm! And yet it can still get pretty hot in the afternoon sun. So how do you dress well in late summer? Like your mamma always said, dress in layers! {images via pinterest}

Quite possibly the perfect late summer work outfit, incorporating a sundress like this.

Okay so this isn't layering but I am CRAZY for this outfit!

Behind the Scenes of Yesterday's Photoshoot!

2011-08-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! Whew! After some much needed sleep I'm ready to share with you a behind the scenes look at the first Laura Whitney Couture photo shoot! This was probably one of the most exciting and gratifying days of my professional life! To see all my hard work of the past several months come together was just exhilarating. We had the most wonderful team of models and hair/make-up artists and of course our talented photographer! For 5 hours everyone put in 110% and it was really a collaboration of ideas and solutions to unexpected challenges which resulted in such a successful shoot. I was super busy running back and forth throughout the whole shoot but I did manage snap some pictures with my little Canon Powershot. Enjoy!

Packing up the car early in the morning & heading out. Clearly I am both tired and nervous!

Getting organized at the studio in St, Paul.

Irma and C.C. doing hair & makeup!

Finishing touches ...

Our photographer Ali begins shooting! Beautiful!

Switching out accessories...

And my crazy busy week continues...

2011-08-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Another new gown is finished! Woot! I'm not going to show you a picture but I will tell you that it's not white or ivory. It's blush! I just love how pale blush pink is becoming more popular for brides. It makes sense since it compliments just about any skin tone! What else is there? ...Oh, one thing that is sort of sad is that I am having to discontinue my current incarnation of my Buttercream Bridal Bolero. The dotted fabric that I bought was discontinued which is such a bummer because it was just adorable! I searched high and low for it's replacement and couldn't find another dotted brocade. BUT the style is just too darn cute to get rid of so I'm keeping the design alive in silk dupioni which is great because it will be available in many colors! I have enough of the original fabric to make just one more bolero so if you want it, snatch it up! Okay I better get back to the sewing studio now! Ta ta!

What I'm Working on Now.

2011-08-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've been awake for 19 hours as I type this and I've been working about 16 of those hours. That's not an exaggeration. BUT progress has been made! I finished the gown I started on Monday and also started a new gown this evening after a very strong cup of coffee at about 8:30pm. It really helped me power thru a few more hours of work but now I've got that really odd mix of wired and tired. So just real quickly here are a couple pictures I snapped this morning (tuesday) and then I'm going to bed.

I spent a couple hours like this hand stitching tulle fringe.

Ok, it's a grainy not so great picture but you get the idea.

Monday Monday

2011-08-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's Monday. I am well rested and ready to work. I'll be workin' my butt off all week actually because our first big photo shoot for Laura Whitney Couture is on Sunday! As such, I've issued a self imposed ban of friends and alcohol. Friends, because I need to spend my evenings in the studio working with no distractions, and alcohol so that I have the most possible energy and also because even one drink with dinner could cause me to slip into a food coma and lose an entire evening of work. So yeah, harsh but justified. Also, I may or may not take the time to blog every day. Sorry but it's crunch time!

As I begin my week of highly focused heavy production I may need some inspiration when frustration and fatigue hits. I will keep these things in mind.

*I want to have this poster in my studio when I start hiring employees*

And perhaps most importantly...

Happy Friday!

2011-08-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday indeed! I could not be happier that it's Friday because my sweety gets home from his week long camping trip today! So how did I like a week of the single life? Well with the exception of a couple high points, not that much. I'll be happy to have my partner in crime back! Have a great weekend everyone.

Print available for purchase here.

Wedding Films

2011-08-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

The other day on Green Wedding Shoes they featured a beach wedding, and while all the photos were beautiful, what stood out to me was the couples amazing wedding film! Do you ever watch your wedding video? Cuz I never have. Most wedding videos are really terrible and seldom watched until a 20th anniversary. But a wedding film, something edited and produced by actual film makers would be different. I don't really think anyone needs a wedding video but if you could have one like this, well! I love this because it reminds me of a '60's beach party movie! Below are some photos from the same wedding.

Tuesday Shoesday!

2011-08-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

I snapped this picture of one of my brides' shoes while she was here for a fitting. Sexy!