fantastic royal wedding: June 2009

The "Custom Canvas Give Away" from It's A Jaime Thing

I usually don't get excited about contests and give aways ( probably because I usually don't win) but I am so excited about this give away. Jaime of It's a Jaime Thing and the folks at GeeZees have gotten together to introduce these awesome canvases to commemorate and highlight those special events in your life. Jaime adds "These custom canvas designs , are the perfect way to display your love to each other, whether it be in the form of your wedding picture, an old love letter, your wedding vows, a poem or lyrics to your favorite song! This offer was just too exciting not to re-blog about. Jaime, I hope you don't mind.

If you were looking for that special, one of a kind wedding gift, here it is. This would make a great gift for any one, and for just about any reason.

In love with this idea? Me too! Click here for details on how to win your very own Geezees custom canvas and more!

CUTTING EDGE CORSETRY

Bibian Blue

Again, Candela_Inlove has turned me on to yet another corsetmaker in sunny Spain, Bibian Blue Her gallery of digital painting photos is magnificent and a truly inspiring variation on the corset . . . .

To view more photos go to Bibian Blue

HEAD CHIC OF THE DAY

Stephanie Williams Photography

Wanted to share this gorgeous headpiece from Batcakes Couture with you today. I'd say the fascinator is that hybrid between hat and veil so many brides are looking for and finding tres chic . . .

Prom Dresses

Prom dresses makes your promenade night unforgettable.

Prom night is one of the most awaited and tremendous moment in the life of a young lady.The prom dresses come in all sorts of styles and they also have personal touches added.They can be a full piece gown or short dress.

Prom Dress Buying Guide

As expected, prom dresses need to be well fitted. A large collection of prom dresses is available for you. Prom dresses are trendy these days and can be one of the finest means to guarantee a distinctive appearance. Although, searching for a vintage prom dress can be overwhelming and can cause you to be quite anxious

Prom dresses frequently top the list of schoolgirls planning for the prom night. These special dresses belong to an extraordinary class of formal clothing for year-end dos. There is always a dress to match your finances, lifestyle, and imagination.

The different prom dresses styles which include movie star, elegance, princess, girly girl, full cover, and much dresses .

These dresses often show a lot of skin though and may not cover up the chest area as much or they may even have a slit up the side that displays a lot of leg.

If you want to look elegant then the best look is a dress that is sleek. A cocktail dress may be a good decision for elegance. The great thing about cocktail dresses is that you will find other occasions where you will be able to pull them out of the closet and wear them again.

TRUE BLUE

wedding galore :) by rluvsg on Polyvore.com

For me blue has a medicinal effect of calming and soothing. These have been some of my favorite photos now combined to inspire . . . .

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

July is Vintage month and we're starting our journey into this packed subject early. I'm fortunate to live in San Anselmo, christened by some as the antique capital of California. One of my favorite shopoholic stops here is French Nest, a vintage furnishings and accoutrement's store run by two bright and talented women, Holly Hopper and Silke Solomon. Amid some gorgeous country French style furnishings you'll also find vintage hats, shoes, jewelry and dresses. Once I laid eyes on these actual vintage frocks, I just had to share them with you.

I was taken by the eyelet organdy on this late 1940s gem. I can't find fabric like this and I've been looking allover. The quality is unbelievable and at closer inspection the dressmaking techniques impeccable. Also this dress is totally intact-- no rips, yellowing or stains. The former owner must have packed it away with the utmost care for years.

The dress above is a perfect example of mid-seventies and what traditional bridal wear looked like the years between Trisha Nixon and Lady Di's wedding. We often think of the seventies as funky-funky and it certainly was, but remember bridal wear took a long time to move out of the restricted zone of high collars and long sleeves only and into the realm of high-fashion.

Both these dresses are under $300.00. Given the amount of lace and exquisite fabric, going vintage here would be a real bargain.

If you're lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, stop by French Nest at 500 San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo. If you're planning a visit to the area, definitely put this one on your itinerary.

INSPIRATION!

If you've been following Bride Chic, you know by now June has been dubbed corset month and we've been around the world checking in with all the designers. Wrapping up the topic, I saved some of the best for last. Today we'll meet Joan Shum. Though this Long Beach, California designer doesn't specialize exclusively in corsetry, she certainly has a few stunners in her collection. Inspired by art and costume, she's added these and others to her design repertoire. Below are some of my personal favorites. . . . .

Stephanie Williams Photography

There are several places to view Joan Shum's work. You can go to her website or Etsy Store

Some of the most gorgeous photos and a real 'feel good' place to pick up some unforgettable inspiration is on Stephanie Williams blog.

Summer Skin Protection

Summer is upon us and with it comes the hot sultry sun and cool summer clothing, rising temperatures and plunging necklines. And when it comes to choosing the right fashion apparel this summer, there is much more to think about than just the befitting sizes and colorful textures. This summer, make sure you unveil the hottest fashion accessory. Your flawless and pristine designer skin.

The Sun and Your Skin

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm

• Protective Clothing
• Eye Protection

When you go outside, Use sunscreen and lip balm regularly to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. It’s easy!

Always choose and use a sunscreen that is:

* An SPF 15 or higher
* Broad-spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays) * Waterproof or Sweatproof

Lip Balm

* Always wear a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher – remember that your lips can burn just like the rest of your skin.
* Reapply often!
*Lip balm not only protects your lips from burning, but the moisture helps to prevent chapping and dryness as well.

Using sunscreen is an effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, since sunscreen cannot block all UV rays and many people do not apply it correctly, you should always practice additional sun safe behaviors such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when possible.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Wearing protective clothing is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Unlike sunscreen, protective clothing can give you continuous protection throughout the day. We can’t control the presence of UV rays outside, but at least we can protect ourselves from them.

Here are two primary factors to remember when selecting protective clothing:COVERAGE

Clothes: Clothes designed to cover the most skin provide the most protection. Long-sleeved shirts with collars, long pants, and shoes and socks provide the best coverage.

Hats: The most sun protective hats have a wide brim all the way around. Other hats, such as baseball caps, can also provide some sun protection – just remember to also use sunscreen or a gaiter to protect your ears and the back of your neck.

EYE PROTECTION

Your skin isn’t the only body part that needs protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Your eyes also need UV protection to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal damage. Follow these tips for finding sunglasses, ski goggles, and contact lenses that will protect your eyes this winter.

* Read labels to find sunglasses or goggles that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.

* Wraparound frames keep out more UV. Buy sunglasses that are wraparound; enough UV rays can enter around ordinary (non-wraparound) eyeglass frames to damage your eyes.

* Contact lenses alone cannot protect your eyes from the sun. However, certain contact lens manufacturers now make contact lenses with UV protection. If your contact lenses don’t have UV protection, remember to wear UV blocking sunglasses or goggles.

* Protective eyewear does not have to be expensive to be effective. Many sunglasses and goggles are made currently with UV protection, from the most expensive to the least expensive pairs.

* And remember: just because the lenses are dark does not mean you are protected. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, and the color or darkness of the lenses is not a good indicator of protective eyewear.

PROTECTION DURING HOLIDAYS

No matter how harsh the sun, summer can never be complete without a beautiful summer holiday. Which means you will have to take extra care of you skin. Below are some simple tips to ensure you do not suffer with bad skin post your vacation.

* A typical vacation would be to al hill station or a beach - please ensure usage of sunscreen even if there is no sunshine on your vacation. UV Rays are invisible rays and exist even without sunrays. The density of UV rays is higher at higher altitudes. Also water and sand reflect UV rays.

* On vacations, diets become completely unregimented which show once the vacation is over. While you cannot control # most meals on a vacation, try to balance your diet by having fruits and salads along with other food.# Carry your own travel skincare products - do not use the products at the hotel.

PROTECTION FROM HEAT

In summer, we have a tendency to wear lesser clothes and show more skin. Our skin on the other hand has tendency for increased production of natural oils making one look oily and sticky. As a consequence, this can even lead to breakouts of acne / pimples. Stick to the following simple tips for skin that is smooth and blemish-free all summer long.

* Ensure washing your face 2-3 times a day with an appropriate 100% soap-free cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have only a breakout prone skin use deep pore cleansers or cleansers with salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, use moisturizing cleansers with Aloe.

* Use of alcohol-free toners further ensures closure of open # pores and deep pore cleansing - this eliminates breakouts and stickiness. Use the toner after cleansing 2-3 times a day.

# Splash cold water as soon as you come back home, this closes the pores and cools your skin.

# For acne-prone areas, use a suitable antiseptic / acne control cream.

# A thick talc rubbed liberally on the body aids in preventing prickly heat.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

A dear friend of mine over at Styrous® shot the last two photos here last weekend; it's the newest addition to the 'Dioresque Collection'. Once this 1950s repro slid off the work table, I purposely gave it the vintage name, Debbi. The just-above-the-ankles skirt is three layers of white tulle and the sweetheart bodice is made of an allover Chantilly lace. I think my new signature is definitely satin tie belts adorning the waist. Debbi is actually separates. The bodice can be worn tucked in as shown or as a dropped waist. After the wedding? Wear the bodice with blue jeans if you want. And think of the possibilities you have with the skirt . . . . Pair it with a black halter and you have a spectacular evening ensemble.