A Grandma Post

No grunting, this is my blog and I can post whatever I want. I need a grandma moment. We had our first snow today. Kind of. As I was loading Triniti and Tierni in the car this morning to take Triniti to school, Triniti all of a sudden got a huge smile on her face and said, "Look Grandma, it's snowing!". I was busy buckling Tierni in and told her I didn't think so. She told me to turn around and look and sure enough, it was! She was the happiest little girl all the way to school and told me she was going to make snow angels when she got home and then have some hot chocolate. No, I didn't have the heart to tell her it was just flurries and they ended soon. Her little smile was priceless. This is why I need to carry my camera around my neck! I better work on that.

A SALUTE TO THREE GREAT DESIGNERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

I wanted to share with you those big three designers who influenced my own creating over the past few seasons.  Their imprint is on just about everything we see in the clothing arts.  Here it is, my own version of each designer . . . .

Jewelry by Studiolo

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Christian Dior revolutionized fashion in 1947 with his “New Look”, a 180 turn out of the gray days of fashion following WWII.  Once restrictions lifted on fabric post war, Dior had the freedom to introduce the hourglass silhouette, showing off a cinched waist atop skirts flowing in yards of silks and layers of crinoline. Recently this defined  waist has made a come back and brides are loving it.

 

COCO CHANEL

The great Mademoiselle Chanel spanned several eras of changing fashion. Her most notable signatures are close fitting cloche style hats, halters, separates, jerseys and strands of many different pearl necklaces all worn at once. Until her retirement in 1939, she was the probably the world's most influential designer. She made a comeback in the 1950s ushering in her most enduring contribution to fashion, The Chanel suit still popular today.
I see the Chanel bride of today much like Mademoiselle herself. Casual and classy, sophisticated and quirky. Above all stylish. The bride above is in separates: a Chantilly lace halter paired up with a long shantung skirt with a sweep train. All her accessories are inspired by Chanel.

Photos by John Truong and Stuart Lirette

CHRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA

Balenciaga was one of a handful of couturiers who could actually design, cut, and sew his own designs. A designer's designer, his minimalist creations  were so well crafted they resembled sculptures and were considered the optimal of haute couture circa 1950s and 1960s. Balenciaga would have stayed in Madrid designing for the Spanish aristocracy but the Spanish Civil War forced him to Paris where post war he did some of his most innovative work (see what hanging with a bunch of Paris designers can inspire?).

All gowns and headpeices available though Amy-Jo Tatum 

A SALUTE TO THREE GREAT DESIGNERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

I wanted to share with you those big three designers who influenced my own creating over the past few seasons.  Their imprint is on just about everything we see in the clothing arts.  Here it is, my own version of each designer . . . .

Jewelry by Studiolo

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Christian Dior revolutionized fashion in 1947 with his “New Look”, a 180 turn out of the gray days of fashion following WWII.  Once restrictions lifted on fabric post war, Dior had the freedom to introduce the hourglass silhouette, showing off a cinched waist atop skirts flowing in yards of silks and layers of crinoline. Recently this defined  waist has made a come back and brides are loving it.

 

COCO CHANEL

The great Mademoiselle Chanel spanned several eras of changing fashion. Her most notable signatures are close fitting cloche style hats, halters, separates, jerseys and strands of many different pearl necklaces all worn at once. Until her retirement in 1939, she was the probably the world's most influential designer. She made a comeback in the 1950s ushering in her most enduring contribution to fashion, The Chanel suit still popular today.
I see the Chanel bride of today much like Mademoiselle herself. Casual and classy, sophisticated and quirky. Above all stylish. The bride above is in separates: a Chantilly lace halter paired up with a long shantung skirt with a sweep train. All her accessories are inspired by Chanel.

Photos by John Truong and Stuart Lirette

CHRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA

Balenciaga was one of a handful of couturiers who could actually design, cut, and sew his own designs. A designer's designer, his minimalist creations  were so well crafted they resembled sculptures and were considered the optimal of haute couture circa 1950s and 1960s. Balenciaga would have stayed in Madrid designing for the Spanish aristocracy but the Spanish Civil War forced him to Paris where post war he did some of his most innovative work (see what hanging with a bunch of Paris designers can inspire?).

All gowns and headpeices available though Amy-Jo Tatum 

Coins, Shiny Hair and Welsh Gold

Money, Money, Money, Moooney....Mooneeehyy
Mint presents Wills and Kate commemorative coin
http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2083158_mint_presents_wills_and_kate_commemorative_coin

That Shiny Mane
How to get glossy hair like Kate Middleton
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/columnists/danielle-lineker/2010/11/30/how-to-get-glossy-hair-like-kate-middleton-115875-22750720/

Welsh Gold, Texas Tea
Clogau in media spotlight thanks to upcoming royal wedding
http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=34&doc_id=25902

Wah, Wah, Wah
'I figured I wouldn't get any press!': Michael Buble on why he won't be marrying on the same date as Prince William and Kate
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1334242/Michael-Buble-wont-marrying-day-Prince-William-Kate.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

All My Ex's Live in...South Africa
Prince Harry to invite Chelsy Davy to William and Kate's wedding?
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/508492/prince-harry-to-invite-chelsy-davy-to-william-and-kate-s-wedding.html

Congratulations to Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the announcement of their engagement! Best wishes on their upcoming wedding / nuptials in 2011! As with the wedding of Diana and Charles, it promises to be the "Wedding of the Century"!

Recycled Shutters

First off I have to say, these pictures are BAD! I might even get kicked out of blog world over these bad pictures! Here's my excuse. For the past 3 days I have worked my butt heart out getting 5 Advent Calendars done before Dec.1 and yes, I did it! I wanted to post today and pulled these pictures out and well, you'll see, they're bad.

I know it's hard to tell but that is a shutter Greg replaced on someones house (if you are the old owner of this shutter, too bad). When Krissi moved to her new house I thought the girls needed a little something to hang their masterpieces on.

I painted one side of it with chalkboard paint.

Mod-podged paper to the other side and covered clothespins that I glued to it.

I cut out the letters and mod-podged them on and made some fabric flowers.

Hope you get the idea. I did one for Jalynn and I'll get better pictures of it to show you. By the way, do you notice the JoAnn's coupon hanging there? That's for me!

Today, It's All About Kate

Kate who?
10 Things You Didn't Know About Prince Willam's Kate Middleton
http://www.thebluntblogger.com/5898/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-prince-willams-kate-middleton

Kate...a fashion icon in waiting?
http://www.theprovince.com/life/Fashion+icon+waiting/3898452/story.html

I just want to.....sing!
Another Kate at the wedding?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8167475/Another-Kate-at-the-wedding.html

Cottage Cheese and Prawns
Royal wedding: diet used by Kate Middleton's mother 'a health hazard'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8162023/Royal-wedding-diet-used-by-Kate-Middletons-mother-a-health-hazard.html

Kate's life in pics
Intimate photo album of the girl who would grow up to marry a prince‎
http://royalweddings.hellomagazine.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton/news/20101129441/prince-william-royal-wedding/kate-middleton-childhood-photos/engagement/1/

Congratulations to Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the announcement of their engagement! Best wishes on their upcoming wedding / nuptials in 2011! As with the wedding of Diana and Charles, it promises to be the "Wedding of the Century"!

HEADLINES

source

How gorgeous are these?  British milliner Jane Taylor creates fascinators, hats and headpieces to die for.  In her London studio you'll find everything from vintage-inspired to the theatrical.  Plumes, netting, beads and other gems are found by Jane and woven into all the imaginative chic you see here.  You'll find  her work in Vogue, Elle, and Harpers and of course the bridal mags like Brides UK and Cosmopolitan Brides.  Check out her truly visual feast of a site  Jane Taylor Millinery

Photos courtesy Brides UK

HEADLINES

source

How gorgeous are these?  British milliner Jane Taylor creates fascinators, hats and headpieces to die for.  In her London studio you'll find everything from vintage-inspired to the theatrical.  Plumes, netting, beads and other gems are found by Jane and woven into all the imaginative chic you see here.  You'll find  her work in Vogue, Elle, and Harpers and of course the bridal mags like Brides UK and Cosmopolitan Brides.  Check out her truly visual feast of a site  Jane Taylor Millinery

Photos courtesy Brides UK

Babykins and Big Willie

A Quaint Gathering Among Friends
How William And Kate Celebrated Their Engagement
http://perezhilton.com/2010-11-28-how-prince-willian-and-kate-middleton-celebrated-their-engagement

I'm the Best Man. No, I'm the Best Man.
Royal wedding: Being best man is a team sport for Prince William's chums
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8165027/Royal-wedding-Being-best-man-is-a-team-sport-for-Prince-Williams-chums.html

From Commoner to Princess
Princess Bride: Kate's dress will define an era
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9JP2LJ80.htm

The Canadians Want In
Canadians ponder how to join royal wedding pomp
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/897959--canadians-ponder-how-to-join-royal-wedding-pomp

The Clash of Egos
Altar egos clash over Wills and Babykins
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/altar-egos-clash-over-wills-and-babykins/story-e6frg6zo-1225955250021

Celebrity Guests
David and Victoria Beckham to attend royal wedding
http://www.musicrooms.net/showbiz/20824-david-and-victoria-beckham-to-attend-royal-wedding.html
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/11/28/on-me-wed-son-115875-22746188/

Is the Monarchy Evolving? Australia's Take On It
Royalty rules OK 'and we like it' '
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/royalty-rules-ok-and-we-like-it/story-fn59niix-1225962384986

Congratulations to Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the announcement of their engagement! Best wishes on their upcoming wedding / nuptials in 2011! As with the wedding of Diana and Charles, it promises to be the "Wedding of the Century"!

Kiss Me, Baby!

"...courtiers are working on an 11.30 am ceremony at Westminster Abbey on April 29, to be followed by a traditional wedding breakfast at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh." (more via link below)

Lay one on me, baby!
William and Kate set for Palace kiss
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1333772/William-Kate-set-Palace-kiss.html

Wedding Crashers
Fellow serfs, do you really want a royal wedding invitation?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/nov/28/ok-middleton-wedding-ticket-invitation

Home for the holidays?(Great movie, BTW)
PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON: ONE'S HELI OF AN XMAS
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/164934/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-One-s-heli-of-an-Xmas/

Wanna be heir to the throne? Nah.
Prince William: Let my father become King
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8165275/Prince-William-Let-my-father-become-King.html

December 17th Book Release in the U.S.
Book “William and Kate: A Royal Love Story” published on Friday
http://www.netah.com/443/book-%E2%80%9Cwilliam-and-kate-a-royal-love-story%E2%80%9D-published-on-friday/

Congratulations to Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the announcement of their engagement! Best wishes on their upcoming wedding / nuptials in 2011! As with the wedding of Diana and Charles, it promises to be the "Wedding of the Century"!

FALL

I see the last of November as the perfect break in the holidays for a late fall wedding.  All these deep amber, ochre and aubergine touches say we're just teetering on the brink of winter.  Check out the ivy laced in with the roses . . . the fruits and berries.  Many thanks to Shana over at SMP Style Circle.  I'm forever lifting her beautiful inspiration boards off the site to share with you.  And for a real treat in bridal potpourri check out her blog, Bauble and Bubbles.

FALL

I see the last of November as the perfect break in the holidays for a late fall wedding.  All these deep amber, ochre and aubergine touches say we're just teetering on the brink of winter.  Check out the ivy laced in with the roses . . . the fruits and berries.  Many thanks to Shana over at SMP Style Circle.  I'm forever lifting her beautiful inspiration boards off the site to share with you.  And for a real treat in bridal potpourri check out her blog, Bauble and Bubbles.

Recycled Wood Window

I get so excited when Greg replaces old wood windows. He always brings them home and lets me go through the trailer before he gets rid of them. I've never done anything Christmas using one and decided to this year. Here's what I came up with.

Remember the Christmas trees I painted along with me and the dog? There they are on the outside of the glass. I had a book I had finished reading and went to work on it.

First you fold a page halfway into a triangle. By the way, those are not my little fingers. I had help that day.

Then fold that triangle into the seam of the book.

 And fold and fold and fold! I used a third of the book for each tree.

I quilted a Christmas tree fabric and appliqued Santa on it.

Framed the finished fabric piece behind the glass and glued my trees and wooden star on the outside. I know these pictures are bad. I couldn't find a good place in the house to take them.

Have a great weekend!

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Kate Middleton 'first laid eyes on Prince William as a 10-year-old schoolgirl'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8162448/Kate-Middleton-first-laid-eyes-on-Prince-William-as-a-10-year-old-schoolgirl.html

Save the Date...Wedding Specifics
Prince William and Kate Middleton Wedding Date, Location and More
http://www.tv.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton-wedding-date-location-and-more/webnews/213808.html

A Planet-Sized Ball of Hot Gas
Prince William & Kate -- An Astronomical Wedding Gift
http://www.tmz.com/2010/11/27/prince-william-kate-middleton-wedding-marriage-royal-england-star-registry/?ewrd=1

Don't Cry for Me, Buckingham Palace 
Royal wedding: Andrew Lloyd Webber is in tune with 'solid love' of Prince William and Kate Middleton
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8163487/Royal-wedding-Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-is-in-tune-with-solid-love-of-Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton.html

Money, Money, Money.....Money
Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate Middleton's big day safe from budget cuts
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royal-wedding/2010/11/27/royal-wedding-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-s-big-day-safe-from-budget-cuts-115875-22743936/#ixzz16U1cgw9U

Congratulations to Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the announcement of their engagement! Best wishes on their upcoming wedding / nuptials in 2011! As with the wedding of Diana and Charles, it promises to be the "Wedding of the Century"!

WINTER BEECHES

It's officially winter!  At least here in Northern California where the temps have been dropping below freezing at night.  To celebrate the coming of warm and cozy, please enjoy this series of images that the talented Sarah Ehman over at SMP Style Circle whipped up for us.  Want even more inspiration?  You have to see her blog oomphasis, all about mail enhancement (ha, ha!) and other paperlicious goods . . .

WINTER BEECHES

It's officially winter!  At least here in Northern California where the temps have been dropping below freezing at night.  To celebrate the coming of warm and cozy, please enjoy this series of images that the talented Sarah Ehman over at SMP Style Circle whipped up for us.  Want even more inspiration?  You have to see her blog oomphasis, all about mail enhancement (ha, ha!) and other paperlicious goods . . .

Coming Soon to a Hallmark Channel Near You: Wedding Story II in 3-D

Wedding Story II in 3-D
3-D Royal Wedding? William and Kate's Nuptials Could Be Eye-Popping
http://abcnews.go.com/International/royal-wedding-william-kates-nuptials-eye-popping/story?id=12249671

Coming Soon to a Hallmark Channel Near You
First book on Prince William and Kate Middleton published: 'William and Kate: A Royal Love Story'
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/11/26/2010-11-26_first_book_on_prince_william_and_kate_middleton_published_william_and_kate_a_roy.html#ixzz16RRG1NSu

Who should sing at the wedding?
Simon Cowell wants Susan Boyle at Prince William, Kate Middleton's wedding
http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-national/simon-cowell-wants-susan-boyle-at-prince-william-kate-middleton-s-wedding

Elton John Likely to Perform at William & Kate's Wedding, One Way or Another
http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20395222_20445450,00.html

Did somebody cry Uncle?
Don't let the hypocritical Earl spoil the big day
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1333552/Dont-let-hypocritical-Earl-spoil-big-day.html#ixzz16RQ5R8El

Wahhhhh, they took my wedding date...wahhhhh :(
British Couples Are Pissy Prince William And Kate Middleton Marrying On “Their” Weekend
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-british-couples-are-pissy-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-marrying-on/

Congratulations to Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the announcement of their engagement! Best wishes on their upcoming wedding / nuptials in 2011! As with the wedding of Diana and Charles, it promises to be the "Wedding of the Century"!

WILLS AND KATE SET THE DATE

source

Now that it's official, Kate and Wills are tying the knot in the one-thousand year old  Westminster Abbey come April 29, the burning question is, "What will Kate wear?  We can speculate till spring and only one thing will be certain between now and then: Kate will choose a British designer.  I thought this the perfect opportunity to launch a series focusing on the innovative talents of British bridal designers.  First of all, let me say, along with the Dutch, England turns out the most talented bridal designers in the world.  The British can be a bit bi-polar when it comes to fashion though.  Rooted deep is a loyal tradition for adhering to proper dress and protocol.   Despite this, the fashion rebellion and/or avant garde factor is usually going full tilt as well.  Wasn't it cutting edge sixties icon Mary Quant who introduced the mini skirt?  Soon after a plethora of revolutionary mod designs streamed off Carnaby Street and changed the not only the way we dressed forever--but how we lived.  Mix these two extremes--traditional and radical and you're in for some great  if not juxtaposed style sensations . . .

MY PERSONAL FAVS

There's something very romantic about British bridal fashion.  They seem to have the waif/Goth/fairy-tale image all figured out . . . frothy head pieces, gossamer fabrics, florals everywhere.  This is just a sampling of a few of my my favs in the industry . . .

Charlotte Balbier

Charlotte's gowns have either that rose or yellow hue about them including all those gorgeous accessories that go with the look. Always, always so incrdibly feminine . . .

Sassi Holford

One of the reasons I love Sassi's creations other than they are works of art in lace is that she designs and has all her gowns made by hand in her studio. Also I hear she's been in the business almost thirty years and is self taught. She sounds a lot like me.   Sassi’s gowns are known mostly for cut, fit and her incredible use of just the right fabric.

Sharon Bowen

Don't these designs reflect an incredible storybook quality . . .  with a real bit of edge?  Based in her design studio and store in Congleton, Cheshire, Sharon recently paired up with Rosie Panasar, a pioneer in the Asian wedding industry. The bridal wear Sharon and Rosie turn out now is a tour de fore of innovation as well as cut. The imagination and execution of their designs make them true style setters.

 Terry Fox

Terry Fox

I've been following this designer for many years and always marvel that she can take romantisim in so many different directions.  A top notch corset maker, Terry works this skill into

making gorgeous costume-inspired wedding gowns as well.  Her site has a beautiful gifts section and is truly an experience you won't want to miss.

TOP BRITISH DESIGNERS

Caroline Castigliano

Caroline is a master of combining fabrics and layering --underneath as well as outer fabrics

so that they flow and move beautifully.  She also sits down with her clients before any gowns are even looked at and spends about 15 minutes getting to know all about them. 

Jasper Conran

I think of Jasper Conran as a pruist when it comes to style.  A fav designer of the Diana Generation Royals, Jasper designed Lardy Sarah Armstrong-Jones wedding gown  Niece of the Queen, her 1994 wedding gown was simple and elegant.  In 1982 Vogue called Jasper Conran a ‘British superlative’. At only 26 he won the British Designer of the Year Award. Here's what Mary Quant had to say about Conran, 'He makes clothes women want to wear’.

Jasper Conran

 Jenny Packham

Jenny originally trained as a textile designer.The shapes of Packham's dresses may be basic and simple but the construction is more detailed and could be compared to the Dioresque designs of the  1950s, big on intricately placed seams, linings and inner-linings as well as boning and shaping materials. Her full skirts are made with layers of stiff netting and crin..  Best known for accentuating the female form

Jenny Packham

Art of Being by Elizabeth Emanuel

Elizabeth was Princess Diana's wedding gown designer. The day Diana emerged from her carriage swathed in tulle and taffeta, her storybook gown opened up so many new possibilities. Suddenly bridal designers and manufacturers could innovate and even break a few rules. Overnight Diana, with the help of the husband and wife team known as the Emanuels, eclipsed the granny gown and cookie cutter bridal uniforms of the time.   Fast forward almost thirty years and Elizabeth Emanuel is still producing gowns reflecting that little bit of Belle Epoch, a little bit Boho . . .

Art of Being by Elizabeth Emanuel

Phillipa Lepley

Actually Phillipa Lepley is the front runner in the, Who Will Design Kate's Dress Competition?  Known for her sweet and classic gowns, imagine Grace Kelly (of whom Kate resembles)  in one of these gems. 

Phillipa Lepley

Phillipa Lepley

Stay tuned here to find out more about the hottest British designers.  I'll be covering just about everything British and bridal all through the new year . . .