HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Best wedding dresses

Best wedding dresses

Best wedding dresses

Best wedding dresses

Best wedding dresses

Best wedding dresses

-Devan wood closure handbag

-Devan shoulder bag (with adjustable stap and zipper closure)

All smiles.

Photo: Sean Flanigan

Love this photo of Erin in her Elizabeth Dye alençon lace shrug. Best wishes, you happy people.

Calling all Wedding Vendors!

I am delighted to invite all Wedding Library Vendor Members and their guests to hear about how small business owners manage growth and build companies on their own terms. The wedding industry is full of talented, passionate artists -- this is an opportunity to learn how to balance that creativity and love of weddings with running a business. Amy Abrams and Adelaide Lancaster have just published "The Big Enough Company" where they profile small businesses (like the Wedding Library) and reveal the lessons learned by these entrepreneurs. Join me and your peers as we discuss creating a business that works for you.

Amy Abrams and Adelaide Lancaster are the founders of In Good Company, a collaborative workspace for women business owners in New York City. They also work as consultants and business advisors, and their work has been featured in The New York Times and MSNBC. I've known these ladies for many years; they have a true insight into the entrepreneurial spirit!
Here's the book, it's available at Amazon, and at our event!
The event is this Tuesday, October 25 from 3-5pm.
There will be a special guest introduction by
Darcy Miller, Martha Stewart Weddings Editorial Director

Special Note: "The Big Enough Company" got too big! Due to (much) higher response than expected, we will email all respondees with the change of address:
Same day, same time, but we'll be at the lovely
Townhouse at Park Avenue Autumn, 100 East 63rd Street (at Park Avenue).

Pleased as punch to be part of this beautifully curated group on the Etsy home page today!

Announcing...San Francisco showroom!

The rumors are all true—I’m opening a studio and showroom in the city where I, like so many others, left my heart. It will be a working design studio, as well as a showroom for my complete dress collection, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dresses, accessories, and other special finds. I’m collaborating with Duchess Clothier, dear friends and makers of amazing men’s suits, to create a unique his ‘n’ hers shopping experience. I expect to be open for appointments by early December--if you’re planning a Bay Area wedding and would like to pay a visit, just email me!

One Dress, Four Ways

I absolutely loved working on this project for New York Magazine's current Weddings issue. Four stylists were given this simple wedding gown to style in any creative way. I love the juxtaposition of high/low, simple/outlandish, leather and lace. My look is the biker chick (chic). Click on the image to see the details better. I paired our wonderful feather collar by Dana Michele with a leather tuxedo jacket -- it has tails!! Giant crystal stud Balenciaga earrings balance off the glam Untamed Petals sash. Gabriella New York helped us out with the shoes -- altogether a cool look, no?

One amazing part of the experience was working with the hair, makeup and model. As you can see, she is completely transformed in each look. The stylists whipped the model into shape in minutes and really captured the vibe I was looking for. Makes me think every bride should try out a bunch of looks for their big day...

Amsale Trunk Show, Get Excited!

Tx, NYC...

I just got back from a heavenly week in New York, bookended by my fall trunk show at Lovely (thanks, ladies!) and 2012 Bridal Market (lots of gorgeous new dresses coming for Spring). I walked and walked--sourcing, shopping, researching and just taking it all in. Although I'm a West Coast girl at heart, I'm always gobsmacked by the sights, spirits, tastes and textures of this amazing city.

Tulle of all colors in the Garment District

More silk flowers than you can shake a stick at

Steve Jobs memorial at the Soho Apple Store

Palimpsests on the High Line

Now, a bit footsore but dizzy with inspiration, it's time to get back to work. I have big (exciting!) plans in the works, which I'll announce later this week!

Keli in Storyville.

 The gorgeous Keli in my Storyville gown. How great is her go-big-or-go-home bouquet (not to mention her million-watt smile)?

Even the sun played along. Best wishes, Keli. xo

A Nutty Favor

So, I might have gotten my bug and butterfly obsession out of my system now that it's fall. Plus, I have a new idea I can't get out of my head -- nuts. Well, nuts and seeds. I am finding acorns all over my property and I am remembering the little acorn creatures I made as a child. While brainstorming for a winter wedding, I came up with the idea of nuts and a custom nutcracker as an in-room gift. I would love that!

When I ran across these chocolate nut favors, I went (forgive me) nuts. You can find them and the little bags on etsy. Or you can get a rubber stamp and print your own muslin bags. Then you can customize the bag with your monogram, wedding date, or a cute image of a squirrel...

Chocolates from Andies Specialty Sweets and the bags are from Quotes and Notes.

2012 COLLECTION

 

Alabaster.

Circa, full length.

Cristobal.

Dusk, tea length.

For Emily, full length.

Giselle, full length.

Miss Bianca.

Snowbell.

Tempest.

Tea/Blush.

Felted Pom Pom Arrangements

As winter weddings creep closer I am charmed by the idea of these felted pom poms as a cocktail table arrangement and this sweet acorn placecard idea.

Bridal Gowns - Oct 2011