Wedding = Designer Shoes

I happen to love shoes.  The more girly, glitzy, and obviously higher the better.  Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Stuart Weitzman.. I love them all.  They all have been famous for doing red carpet shoes, everyday glam shoes, and even wedding shoes.  It is becoming even more a common occurrence, for brides to justify spending a larger price tag on designer bridal shoes that they think they will only wear once.  ”It’s an excuse to buy them” is what they tell me.  I, obviously, am not going to argue with that.  For those brides not bold enough to wear a colored shoe on their big day.. There are options.  Justify that expensive strappy sandal.. You can totally wear it again.

It’s becoming more and more popular to buy a colored shoe for your wedding.  Matching to your flowers, your bridesmaids, or even a leopard print spike heel just because you love them.  I think it’s a step forward that is launching the traditionally slow-moving bridal fashion industry into something more modern and of the moment. Shoes are how women put their own spin on an everyday outfit.. Why not translate that directly to your wedding?  Be exciting, be showy, buy a designer shoe and wear it again!!!  Even if you buy a “bridal shoe” that is white or ivory.. All better shoe departments will gladly dye your shoe to a more wearable color after. I’m seeing.. Emerald green, Fuchsia, Black.. Even Violet if you’re brave. Wink wink.. Grab the credit card ladies and let’s start shopping.

I’ve decided to take some of my favorite gowns and match up with them the “ideal shoe” that I would want to see on my brides tootsies.   It just so happens that one of my Favorite Saison Brides, Fara Morgan, happened to do exactly what I’m talking about.. She wore SB style B3029, and paired it with a pair of Matching Blush Christian Louboutin gladiator heels.  Well done Fara.  Kiss Kiss to you.

One of my other fav dresses of the moment is SB4167.. Tulle, Taffeta, hand-made flowers.  Honestly?  What’s not to love.  I’ve decided that I would pair this with these gorgeous Christian Louboutin Black pointy toe spikes with elaborate bow detail.  There was something romantic about the bow, and black shoes with a wedding dress seems so spicy and exciting to me.

From Fall 2010 Saison Blanche Couture Collection, Style 4167

Last dress of the Day is SB4174.  Slim Silk Organza fit and flare.  Simple, Elegant, Just asking for a punch of Color.  I’ve paired this with a pair of Manolo Blahniks pumps in a royal blue color with brooch detail.  I can’t help but smile at the though of this.  Just for your FYI.. These shoes perfectly match our SB Bridesmaid color Royal blue.  Just wanted to throw it out there.. Just letting you know.

From Fall 2010 Saison Blanche Couture Collection, Style 4174

All in all, spending $300, $400, even $700 on a pair of Wedding shoes is not an atrocity.  Even more so if it’s a shoe that you can wear again.  I’m not justifying blowing your budget.. I’m flat-out telling you this is the perfect excuse to get yourself a coveted pair of must have designer heels that will be sure to make you smile for years to come.  Am I telling you that $700 is an outrageous price for shoes? Yes it is.  Am I telling you that it’s okay and slide that Credit Card over the counter?  Absolutely! 

To view our entire Collection, Please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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Keep It Classy Mom…

I actually had a friend ask me a slightly odd question the other day.. “I’m worried that my fiance’s mother isn’t going to look appropriate.  What do I do”?  Yikes.  That was my response.  With only that little of information, my mind was racing everywhere as to what “inappropriate” actually meant.  It could mean anything from too formal, to not formal enough, to just a terrible dress.  I proceeded to press a bit more for information.  ”Honey, tell me what you exactly mean by that..”.  She proceeded to inform me that her fiance’s mother tended to be very flashy, and show a bit more skin then is ever needed.  Again, Yikes.  There is nothing more awkward than an over-exposed MOG.. This is not LA ladies.. let’s try to keep it semi-covered. This is a wedding, not the late night show at Circus Circus. 

 

In an effort for us to keep mothers covered beautifully everywhere, We at Saison Blanche put a lot of thought into our Social Occasion collection.  Make sure all strapless gowns come with Bolero Jackets, or Wraps.. anything to keep those middle-aged beauty’s we call “mother” covered, classy, and comfortable.  We definitely do not want to see a mother of the groom, or mother of the bride for that matter, walking down the isle on the big day with all of her goodies hanging out for the world to see.  Mothers, there is no need for the profanity.  There are plenty of other ways to be fashionable, glamorous, and tastefully exposed.  Here are some of my favorite Social Occasion gowns that exude all that Saison Blanche has to offer: 

From Saison Blanche Social Occasion, Style 6010

From Saison Blanche Social Occasion, Style 6014

From Saison Blanche Social Occasion, Style 6013

To view our entire collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com 

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Bring it with a Black Bouquet.

Black and White has turned into the biggest wedding theme of the year.  We are seeing it everywhere.  Dresses with Black accent colors, Black bridesmaids dresses, everything and anything.  I say, why not bring the black into your bouquet?   For all those girls who just aren’t brave enough to Rock a wedding dress with Black accessories, there is no reason why you can’t quietly jump on this trend.  A black and White floral Arrangement can be gorgeous.  Actually, beyond gorgeous.  Fabulous.  I turned to my fav floral master, Martha Stewart, asking about fabulous black and white floral bouquets, and the entire Martha Stewart team was behind me. They LOVE the idea.

Sometimes it’s easier to show rather than talk.  I can’t assume that all you ladies know what a black and white bouquet would look like.  For all I know, you could have a something in your head that looks more like a black jack table then a wedding theme.  No Good.  So, turning to the team at MS.. I asked for a few Black and White bouquets to match some of my favorite gowns.  I’m going to paint you a picture. Hope you’re sitting down.

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4175

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2112

I loved this concept.. Full gown, Gorgeous flowers, simple and elegant bridesmaids.. Fit for any of you fashion mavens running around this country. Weather you are in NYC, hometown pride woohoo!, or Middle of no-where Kansas.. This theme would have all of your guests staring, open-mouthed, amazed at your fashion credibility.

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4145

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2117

For those of you looking for something more quiet, more subdued, but still in the clouds with your fabulous wattage, I chose a more quiet gown that’s more along the lines of a quiet affair.  Quiet, however, does not need to me boring.  You and 50 of your nearest and dearest in an intimate evening ceremony will be the toast of the town with this.

All in all.. Black and white weddings are not as scary, and do NOT need to be as drastic as the way they play them off on TV or in all the bridal magazines.  There is something to be said for Style, but there is more to be said for Style spun your way.  That, my dears, is true fashion genius!

To view our entire collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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You Can Wear: Fit and Flare

Dear Brides Magazine:

Thank you very much for our Recent Editorial in JULY 2010′s Issue.  Everyone at Saison Blanche is Super excited.

Love and Kisses,

-J

Being the Designer, I always have  a story behind each dress.  This dress, obviously, is not different.  I created this dress based entirely around the idea of a small Tulle Rosette that my sample team had made for an entirely different dress.  I loved the flower.  It was small, flat, beaded quietly in the center, and each made by hand.  What’s not to love?  I was thinking to myself, what could I do that would be a show-stopper based on this one, lonely, little flower?  Then it came to me.  Why not cover an entire dress?

I started explaining to my sample team that I loved the flower, and I wanted to do an entire dress covered in the flowers… I have never seen so many Big-Eyed individuals in room in my entire life.  Their only comment to me was “That’s a lot of Flowers”.  Yes ladies.  I know.  It’s going to be fabulous.

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4163

Needless to say, After deciding on a strapless mermaid shape.. I thought to myself:  This is quietly busy.  Meaning there is a lot going on, but not at the same time. The organza overlay gown was completely covered with the tiny rosettes, yet still quietly elegant at the same time.  I loved it!  Some thought I was a little crazy… It’ll never work. Ha!  Score one for designers everywhere.  Right dress at the right time.  Flowers are huge right now. However, seeing the dress I still thought it looked a little unfinished.  So I turned to my favorite ribbon supplier, Mokuba, and opted for a gorgeous ribbon at the natural Waist with a bow.  Dress: Done.  Overall look:  Fabulous.

To view our entire collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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Black Tie Is Always Better.

Have been to quite a few weddings in my day.. I think I can honestly say that I prefer a Black tie, or Black tie optional wedding. I think we have all had the same thought when you flipping through your mail.. Flipping through bills, junk mail, coupons, Vicky’s Catalogs.. yes I get them too.. And what do you see?  That slightly oversized, slightly heavier, to gorgeous for everyday mail stationary.  Wedding invitation.  I’ll be honest, I’m totally a snob when it comes to invites. Ladies, take the time to use nice stationary.. Not something you printed out yourself at kinko’s. The Invitation truly sets the tone for your wedding.  Anywho.. The first thing that goes through my head while opening that invitation is “what am I going to wear”?  Not “congrats”.. Not “where did they register”… Not even ” I hope it doesn’t interfere with my vacation plans”… The First thought is always what to wear.  Followed at a close second with “who did their hand calligraphy”?

Black tie weddings are glorious, glamorous, classy, and ALWAYS have an open bar.  Not that I’m happy and honored to be celebrating your wedding with you, but let’s be honest.  A good stiff adult beverage is always appreciated.  Especially when it’s free.  However, your open bar is not the topic of my convo today.  What your bridesmaids wear to your OMG-To-Die-For-Your-Friends-Will-Be-Jealous-For-Years wedding is. Dressing your bridesmaids for a formal Black Tie event is honestly pretty easy.  There are some general Rules of thumb that will ensure you don’t make any Fashion Faux-pas.

From 2010 Fall Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2166

From 2010 Fall Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2170

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2124

1.  Darker colors are always better. Jewel tones are always the best.  They look more regal, they can be matched to any color flower, and they almost always look nice.  In case you didn’t know.. Lemon Yellow is NOT a Jewel Tone. Just FYI.  I’m referring to Claret, Emerald Green, Midnight Blue, Royal Blue, Hunter Green, Black, Chocolate, Etc.

2.  Floor length gowns are normally the best choice for such a soirée.  You can do short.. but they need to be cocktail-ish.  When was the last time you saw a gorgeous little beaded cocktail dress that was under $500?  You haven’t.  Don’t make your friends spend that kind of money.  Floor length gowns, strapless or not, always look more sophisticated.

3.  Make sure your photographer includes airbrushing in your package.  This one really has nothing to do with clothing.. But for a black tie wedding.. a little airbrushing always helps.  Your mother will thank me.. As will your friends after 5 hours of Boozing and their faces get a bit splotchy.. Nobody wants to look at your wedding photos and think.. “Yikes, that last martini was NOT a good idea”.  You all get my drift.

To view our entire collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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Should My Cake Match My Dress?

There are many varying degrees of Matching.. Especially when it comes down to planning a wedding.  Being a Bridal Designer.. I tend to embrace the idea of matching everything.  Colors, flowers, table linens, it’s almost a game to me.  But, I do draw the line when it comes to matching your cake to your dress.  There is a degree of tackiness when your cake too closely matches your dress, and your bridesmaids.. and the theme of your entire fabulous wedding….

I do, however, think it’s appropriate to subtlety match your cake to your dress. For Instance.. If you dress has a small colored trim, you can match the color into your cake.. or even some decorate fondant ribbons to match.  All of which are classy, and perfectly acceptable.  Re-creating the lace, and the flowers, and adding in the color of your bridesmaids can all be too much.  I say, pick one feature to add into your cake.  The lace of your dress.. the color of your Bridesmaids, or even the color of your dress.  Pick one feature and go with it.

To illustrate my thoughts.. it’s easier to show you all an example. See this cake below? 

And now, imagine these three beautiful dresses below. 

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4141

First up.. A lace dress.   

From Saison Blanche Boutique, Style B3049

Second up.. An embroidered dress.

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4174

Third.. A dress with a touch of bow accent – you can always add a brooch to your liking.

A second idea.. Is to pick up the color of your bridesmaids and incorporate that into your dress.  That can be either a tasteful colored ribbon made in glorious icing.. or even do the entire cake the color of your Girl’s Gowns.. It’s totally up to you.

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2110

All in all.. Too matchy-matchy will drive you insane.  Just because you think in your head that it is possible match your cake to everything that you have going on with your wedding.. I can guarantee your cake designer will have a completely different vision.  I say, Listen to the Baker.. They’ve done more weddings than you have.  Tell them your thoughts.. and let them be creative.  Coming from a design standpoint.. Your vendors always do better work when left with a bit of freedom and interpretation.  Let their creativity flow~

To view our entire collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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Can I plan a Wedding? Obviously!

So last night a friend of mine asked me the following question: “You must have been to a million weddings, if you were to plan a wedding for someone.. What would it be?”  Honey, you asked the right guy. In case you all haven’t realized, I like things on a large, ever so grand, kind of scale.  Bigger, in my book anyways, is ALWAYS better. 

Let’s start with a dress.. After all, I think your dress totally defines your wedding.  It sets the tone for the venue, the time of day, the flowers, and obviously the dress code.  Personally, I’m an evening wedding kind of guy.  There is really something to be said for an evening affair. Well, that and evening natural light is way more flattering on everyone’s skin tone. So, That being said.. My dress of the moment would be 4175. A gown like this, is obviously black-tie worthy. 

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4175

Bodice detail: each flower beaded with Swarovski crystals

Me being the true New Yorker at heart.. All My bridesmaids are wearing black.  Strapless, modern, and fabulous little black strappy sandals. 

Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style SB2112

Now.. Dress is decided.. Evening time.. Lights are twinkling.. Small church ceremony with 200 of my nearest and dearest.. After all.. I don’t want a circus. Then on to the reception.. Which is the portion that everyone actually remembers.  I’m thinking big ivory tent filled with thousands of twinkling lights. Just when you think you have enough lights, add 4 more strings.  Just to make sure.  Tent, Lights, linens.. and Flowers. Flowers Everywhere.  In all Shades of Pinks and White.  Obviously.. the cake should match. White cake.. Pink flowers.. always with 3 Tiers.  Everything looks better in odd numbers. 

 

 

And there you have it.  The dress, the bm’s, the time, the place, the flowers, and the cake.  What more do you need?  Oh. shoes.  How could I possibly have forgotten shoes?!  As I have said before, I love the idea of colored shoes.  And, seeing as though black shoes have been done.. Pink it is.  And these, are my fav of the moment. 

 

To view our entire collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com 

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Sun, Sand, and Plane Tickets..

Beach Weddings.. I’ll be honest with you, I have a love/hate relationship with them.  At times I love the idea of it.  Somewhere tropical, warm sunshine, sand in your toes.. Hearing the waves crash on the beach.. and Margaritas at 10 am.  Sounds gorgeous.  Sign me up.  Consider me there.. with over-sized sunglasses (obviously), and thirsty. But at the same time.. It takes forever to get there, and it involves plane tickets and passports.  Is that a turn off for me?  Sometimes.. If you catch me at the right time and I’m over the cold and rain.. Sign me up.

What does one wear to a beach/destination/you get a smaller gift cause I have to fly here type wedding?  Well, guests are obviously mandated by the Bride and groom.  Black Tie, Black Tie Optional, No Tie, Casual, Come as you are.. Guests.  I’m sorry.  Follow the leader and do as your told.  Bride and Bridesmaids?  Now that is something I know.  The typical choice for  a beach wedding dress is simple.  Lightweight.. chiffon.. looks great with a floral necklace and no shoes.. and absolutely must look gorgeous blowing in that tropical island breeze.  Translation.. Simple.  Elegant.  Easy to pack, and layers of filmy chiffon. I’ve posted some of my fav beach wedding inspired dresses that I’ve done over the years.

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4134

From Saison Blanche Boutique, Style B3095

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4117

From Saison Blanche Boutique, Style B3082

Bridesmaids should obviously follow suit.  Chiffon.. Knee length or floor length is totally acceptable.  It’s chiffon.. It’s not hot or sweaty.  

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style 2165

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style 2158

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids, Style 2163

There is something to be said about a gorgeous beach wedding.. bride and bridesmaids standing in the breeze with long flowing dresses on.  It’s eternally beautiful, and something you’ll remember every day of your life.  From designer to bride.. Beach weddings are amazing.. Do it right.  Get your guests all-inclusive resorts. We’re always thirsty too.

To view our entire collection please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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From Blouse to Ballgown..

Lots of Brides always ask me where my inspiration comes from.  To be honest with you, it comes from everywhere.  I really have no idea when Inspiration is going to strike.  Sometimes I get a flash and I can picture the entire dress in my head, down to the last detail.. In which case it’s a mad dash to find paper and a pen to get it down before it disappears forever.  Sometimes it’s just a concept that I like.. and I’ll build an entire dress around that.  That happens to be the case behind one of our New Fall 2010 gowns, Style 4167.

From Saison Blanche Couture, Style 4167

This dress came about one brisk evening way back in September of last  year.  I was meeting a friend for drinks one night, and I can remember looking around the bar thinking to myself: “Just because it’s cold.. does that mean all the girls need to wear horrendous lumpy heaps of Poly-Blend that they are daring to call a sweater”?  At times the cool weather can bring out the worst in people. *sigh*.  It was at that moment that this girl walked in and literally caught every eye in the room, including mine.  Tall, Blonde, smidgen of Sun-kissed goodness like she’s been in LA for a few days.. actually reminded me a bit of myself.. And the most amazing floral appliquéd top I have ever seen.  Off White, Huge beaded Flowers Strategically Appliquéd.. paired with Dark Skinny jeans, black Patent Leather Pumps, and  gorgeous Louis Vuitton Bag.  She owned it.  I obviously had to go over and have a look at all that fashion goodness. 2 hours and 4 Sapphire and tonics later.. she was my  new best friend.  Come to find out, that top was vintage.

Needless to say.. I took that flower and touch of sparkling glamor, with all its beaded, hand embroidered, french-knotted goodness.. and appliquéd it onto a Tulle skirt.  The effect was Heavenly.  Soft.  Pretty.  Modern, yet eternally glamorous.

Obviously with a skirt as glorious as this.. I could not with good peace of mind top it with anything that would dare to take away.  SO.. Done.. Slightly ruched Silk taffeta bodice… and the dress was perfect.  Literally, a tear of happiness came to my eye. Was that too dramatic? Hopefully not, because it’s the truth. I have been known to be a bit dramatic.

To view our entire collection, Please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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Red White and Something Blue?

Memorial Day.. American Holiday, Extended Weekend for All.. and Quite possibly one of the busiest weekends ever for Weddings.  Thousands of brides cash in on the Extended Holiday Weekend for the sole purpose that its the “perfect” time to throw a wedding.  Why?  Hello, Extended weekend.. Translation:  Out of town guests are more likely to come, stay, and leave a gift when they don’t have to be home bright and early Monday morning to get back to the grind. Did I mention leave a gift?

What better way to celebrate a patriotic holiday wedding then with Patriotic colors?  Yes Ladies, I’m talking about the Red, the White, and the Blue.  At first thought you may think this idea is slightly a bit too much.. But I am here to tell you that it can be done, and it can be done beautifully.

The Idea of a Red and White wedding is not exactly “new”.  Millions of brides have used Red.  Whether that be Red, Wine, Claret, Crimson, or any other variation on a Red tone, it has been a popular choice by brides for their colors for years.  It’s then up to each bride to put her own spin on the idea.  Which is where we are going today..  The First Obvious choice, is Red Bridesmaids dress.. Here at Saison Blanche.. We have Plenty of RED Bridesmaids. All of our BM’s are available in a plethora of Red hues.. But that choice, my dear, is all yours.  I’ve given you a few of my preferred red styles.  Consider it a gift.

From Saison Blanche Bridesmaids

All that’s now left, is the White and the Blue.  Feel free to substitute in Ivory.. Obviously Ivory is a much more flattering color on the skin, but saying “ivory” doesn’t really go into my patriotic theme.. so bear with me.  The mistake that is commonly made.. is in the Bouquet.  Steer Clear of the Red/White/Blue Bouquet.  I say stick with the Red.  Against your gown, the Red is going to POP! Feel free to tie an over-sized gorgeous bow on that Bouquet.. I love Bows.

So.. Gown:  Check.  Bridesmaids:  Check.  Flowers:  Check.  Where does the blue come in?  Ladies.. This is where you get crafty. It’s all about the details.  I personally LOVE the idea of Blue Shoes.  It’s classy, it’s charming, and you can totally wear them again. Spend a few extra dollars.. Buy a Gorgeous shoe that you can rock with jeans.  You can thank me later.

And there you have it. A Red, White, and Blue Wedding that would make Uncle Sam proud, make your mother cry, and make your groom swoon.

To View our entire BM collection, please visit us at www.saisonblanche.com

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