WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Finally!  The first piece of 2011's Dioresque series to make it off the work table. Chantilly lace under shirred tulle on the bodice gives an ethereal, gossamer look. The bodice sculpts the wearer's body by way of inside boning and a few other materials I slipped in there to give it structure . . .

The over skirt is 10 yards of tea-dyed tulle over more layers of tulle and ivory taffeta.  White rose petals are dappled all over the skirt. 

My signature row of buttons lines the back, finished off with three ivory silk roses . . . . As you can see, the final product veered a wee bit off the original sketch.  Don't worry though, the sweetheart neck with roses over the shoulder is coming soon . . .

FINDING YOUR GOWN: THE TRUTH ABOUT THRIFT SHOPS AND FLEA MARKETS

Smoot Photo/Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

We're not talking about bridal consignment shops here--those places with the essence of first-rate salons offering gently worn, second-time-around gowns.  A thrift shop is basically a rummage sale or flea market all under one roof with specific hours of operation.  Chances are if you're environmentally conscious you’ve gone this route to unearth real finds before so you already know your way around. I have to give you some kudos here. Rummaging through flea markets and thrift stores takes a certain kind of bride—the kind who believes in recycling even on her wedding day; the kind that doesn't give a damn whether she’s wearing hand-me-downs. If this is you, you’re a rarity. And yes, you’re likely to spend hours and days sorting through racks of Four Weddings and A Funeral cast-offs before you uncover that 1963 Priscilla of Boston original in silk taffeta. Thrift shops and flea markets are also the place you'll find recycled fabrics and linens. You've seen those cuts of dimity and silk someone had in their attic. How about curtains, table or bed linens? Some have such beautiful embroidery that are screaming to be made into a dress like the  number above in imported eyelet.

                                                 WHERE TO GO TO FIND GREAT GOWNS

GARDEN INSPIRED

Linen/silk chiffon and Chantilly lace cap-sleeved dress with full crinoline petticoat. Ecru silk headband with ivory silk dupioni handrolled rose has a pink jewel button in the center

Embroidered ivory lace organza fascinator with gathered mini pouf. Edge of hat is bordered in Venise lace trimmed with pearls.

The Chanel Look 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. Pictured here is a Chantilly lace halter paired up with a long shantung skirt with a sweep train. The sizel hat is a combo cloche and picture hat so evocative of Chanel's time.  A Shantung Bow with netting lends a great 1940s feeling. 

Boho is back! Theres a mix of imported Chantilly laces on the bodice. The full skirt is gathered silk chiffon lined in crepe backed satin. Bodice has lace cap sleeves and is accented with a gold braid tie belt. Floral head wreath is made up of dried roses and Baby's Breath  . . .

A versatile and modified A-line in luxe dupioni silk . . . Here the skirt is hiked up to show off the meringue on the petticoat--- a Chantilly lace border. The complimentary fascinator is 'vintage with an edge'. Ivory Dupioni with handmade silk organdy florals. Has tulle pouf veil and Venise lace edging with hand-sewn pearls.

Val lace over blouse with blue satin tie belt gives this design a very Audrey look. The skirt is four layers of tulle and a separate slip of crinoline and tulle. Detailed touches include a row of buttons down a V-back
and it is all pulled together with a blue sash.

Above: This tea gown could be right out of a Jane Austen Novel. A white silk dupioni sheath draped with Chantilly lace on the skirt and bodice. Back details include a row of covered buttons and lace tie-back. Price upon request. It can be special ordered in white or ivory through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Below: Perfectly chosen accoutrements to go with the romantic tea gown.  At top right the fascinator is Ivory Chantilly lace and crepe with beaded Venise lace edging. Embellishment is two handrolled silk shantung roses. Below left is the horsehair fascinator/veil hybrid accented with a tulle rose and bow.  Below Right:Something old.  A pair of genuine antique pearl earrings.

All bridal Wear and accessories available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

THE BOMBSHELL BRIDE: GOING FOR A SEXY LOOK ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

CREDITS

Photography by S1 Studio

Headpieces and gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Make-up Artist: Nida Nafees 

Hair: Dana Faulkner

Flowers: Victoria's Florals and Events

Models: Shauna Yonan

Corinne Doherty

Olay! A mantilla paired up with a lace dress to match can say old world traditional and sexy all at once.

The Vintage Chic Bombshell-Above:A strapless silk dupion and chiffon gown topped off with a Venise-lace trimmed pancake hat circa 1940s with cage veil.

Below: A Chanel neck treatment of multiple strands of pearls gives this Silk dupioni dress a real 1940s look. Added touches: the point d'espirit and hand rolled silk rose headpiece.

Another vintage classic, the silk taffeta sheath above is accented with silk flowers, dappled petals on the train and a Chantilly lace bodice.

What could go more bridal than a classic ballgown silhouette? Layers of white cotton tulle skirt over yards of crinoline beneath. Chantilly lace bodiice backed with pastel blue satin makes the floral motifs on this bodice really pop . . .

Classic and modern: A traditional silk and lace sheath with a sleek and contemporary down do. Why go for a veil when your hair could be your crowning glory . . . ?

Boho's back.  The floral head wreath, lace and tulle conjure that waif look reminiscent of A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, fairy tales, and wood nymphs . . .

Be a 1950s bombshell in this organza and lace hourglass with a halter and generous splash of petticoat

Why not add some edge to your bridal look with a Chantilly lace jabot and jaunty gaucho hat? Black and white polka dots really cinch the look . . . .

The right accessories always offer the perfect finish.  Glam girls love the sparkle of silver and gold right down to the toes . . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Boho is here. Meet the new version of MUSETTA. A mix of imported Chantilly laces on the bodice. The full skirt is silk chiffon lined in crepe backed satin. Cap sleeves and accented with a gold braid tie belt.

Want to see more images of Musetta?  Available through Etsy or custom order at Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY? ciara

Photo by S1 Studio

Part of the White Lace and Silk Series, CIARA is one of the most fem things in the collection . . .A little bit Belle Epoque, a little bit 1940s, ivory silk dupioni is the perfect fabric for this A-line gown with handroled floral asymmetrical shoulder treatment
Bunted skirt with Chantilly lace border petticoat . . . Gown and Point d'espirit headpiece available through custom order Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

To see more images of CIARA go to White Lace and Silk Collection

2010 TREND: THE MANTILLA

Flowers by Victoria's Florals Gown and veil by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal /Photos by S1 Studios

One real hot look for 2010 is the drop veil–or to be more preciese–the mantilla. . . There are actually a few ways of wearing a mantilla. Because this veil lacks density, you can fold it over into a layer and tack it to the back of a bun. You can also literally drop it atop your head and wear it over the face or further back with or without a headpiece. Plastic or metal combs sewn to the center can secure the veil in place. How about an alternative to a traditional mantilla? Try a mock mantilla veil, which has low dense gathers and is cut into one or two tiers. Lace is then added to the edges. A cascading mantilla is another option and has a top layer worn over the face. For a really extraordinary effect, Alencon, Chantilly or Venise lace can be hand beaded. The above version is a square of tulle bordered with Chantilly lace . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Here's the newest addition to the line of dupionis. This is my favorite dress to date. Called FLORA for reasons you can probably figure out, the fabric is a lightweight tissue taffeta and thai silk combo. Chantilly lace adorns the bodice as silk florals are placed asymmetrically along the shoulder. Three silk florals embellish the detachable organza train and rose petals are dappled allover it. To view more Flora photos go to the White Lace and Silk Page. You can order this gown soon through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Photos: S1 StudiosMakeup:Nida NafeesHairStylist: Dana Faulkner

VEIL PRIMER

Think about it: you'll probably wear a knock out gown again sometime in your life but when will you ever get the opportunity to wear a veil? That's something to ponder when you're weighing out the, "Will I or won't I veil?" question. The gorgeous board above was put together by Liane Roy of Forget Me Not Details in Buffalo, NY. It has just about every veil you can think of starting off with the smallest wisps of chic birdcages and poufs to sweeping cathedral lengths in tulle, lace, netting and organza.

VEIL LENGTHS
Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.
Blusher or Flyaway-a fly away is typically attached to the back while the blusher is a short veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
Elbow-Extends to the elbow or a couple inches below.
Fingertip-Most popular length; can be worn by nearly every figure type with most silhouettes.
Waltz-Falls anywhere between knee and ankle.
Chapel-Considered formal. Extends about a two feet beyond the hemline.
Cathedral-Most formal. Extends three feet or more beyond the hem.

Double Tier-Two layers, typically the shorter one a blusher but not always.

STYLES

Top photos: Variations on the birdcage and pouf veils

Middle photos: Short pouf and blusher veil

Bottom photos: mantilla and scarf veil

Pouf-Opposite: Width of veil is gathered at the crown and can be attached to a headpiece. Generally made out of tulle or English netting.

Dropped-Yes, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace; often bordered with lace or ribbon. A Mantilla is a type of dropped veil.
Long Scarf-Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length
wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

All veils above available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/ amyjotatum@gmail.com

415.258.8204

TWO WAY COUTURE

Thought I should mention the popular MIRA gown that made such a buzz last season is actually a two-way dress. First version is a halter dress. The second, hugs the shoulder with cap-like sleeves. You've seen the halter all over the blogs thanks to the fantastic photographic talents of Stephanie Williams. I finally have images of the off-the-shoulder sleeve treatment created by criss-crossing the halter ties into a waist sash. The fitted and boned bodice is Chantilly lace, the full skirt linen GEORGETTE. Some versions I've done the skirt in silk chiffon. I'm calling this cap-sleeved version 'EASTER SUNDAY 1956' for reasons you can probably figure out. Worn either way this MIRA is a stunning hark back to the 1950s and ultra-fem dressing.

MIRA: THE HALTER DRESS

Stephanie Williams Photography
CAP-SLEEVED MIRA

MIRA can be ordered through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal in silk chiffon or linen/georgette.
amyjotatum@gmail.com
415.258.8204

SPRING POTPOURRI

From sophisticated to romantic, this is all about accessorizing--adding those little touches here and there that make a look very special and all your own.

LACE MEDLEY

Can you think of anything more vintage bridal than lace? Here are pieces from my Spring 2010 collections along with a few other inspirations I found on SMP that show lace in all its beauty as well as delicacy from Chantilly to peau d'ange and Alencon . . .

Top Photo by Ryan Chua

Above Left: Title: Jose Villa Photography
Above Right: Photography by Shelah Osbrink/aka digital She

Below Left: Photography by Ryan Chua
Below Right:Carla Ten Eyck

Gowns can be veiwed and special ordered through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

COULD RED BE THE NEW WHITE IN TEN YEARS?

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Get a load of this before you head out to look at dozens of virginal white dresses. Did you know in some cultures white is the color of mourning? That's right. It seems ice and snow go hand and hand with freezing to death and/or the void of nothingness. There are traditions that prize red for its warmth and beauty, christening it the color of festivals and celebration. To Russians the word red relates to beauty. In China this color symbolizes fortune and joy, and is still traditional with brides. For some of us red evokes the brilliant monochromatics found in spring and summer gardens; to others fire and sensuality. This vibrant work from Annie McKelvey of Eleven Orchids Photography puts red in the realm of a real style option for a bride. Might this exciting and passionate color become the new white somewhere in the near future? While I doubt the majority of women want to replace the clean essence white represents, red is and will continue to be a popular option for brides for both summer and winter.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Here's that versatile and modified A-line every designer should have at least one of in a collection. Meet ONDINE in luxe dupioni silk, the newest edition to The White Lace and Silk Series.
This is the dress that can be pared up or down depending on what accessories are worn . . . Here the skirt is hiked up to show off the meringue on the petticoat--- a Chantilly lace border.

Want to talk to me about your ideas on this gown? You can order it with or without modifications through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

contact amyjotatum@gmail.com

415.258.8204

THANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE GIRLS

Here they are, little girls looking their most angelic, all dressed up in wreaths and carrying baskets of fresh-picked flowers. If you're considering adding one, two or even more little girls to process down the aisle, really dress them up so your wedding will be all the more special. If you're wearing a ball gown and like the storybook theme, go all out. Put your girls in tulle dresses with floral wreaths on their heads. Present them the gift of ballet slippers to wear. They'll cherish these long after the wedding.
If it's a more casual wedding and/or money is tight, here are some options: Find her a special little cotton or linen nightgown she can use afterwards. She'll look Kate Greenaway chic in it, especially if she goes barefoot. Remember, barefoot is okay on kids, particularly at an outdoor or beach wedding. The trick to getting away with this informality is making sure the rest of your little one's appearance looks festive enough— ribbons or wreaths on the head; possibly straw baskets of flowers.
If you're having your little girls dresses made here are some things you need to know about fabrics, particularly fabrics flattering on children. If you use silks, use medium-weight ones like dupioni or shantung. These will work for winter weddings too, provided you pick a style with long sleeves, jackets, etc. Heavier satins and brocades are out—too weighty for a child to carry off and be comfortable in all day. Instead try lightweight velvets in deep jewel tones for those Christmas/Winter weddings. For spring/ summer dresses, lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon, and tulle can overlay medium weight silks like those mentioned above. Linen is great for casual and beach weddings.
Most of all, find fabrics and props that encourage them to be kids and have fun. Children after all represent renewal and fertility. What more could you ask on your wedding day?

MORE FROM THE GOWN GALLERY

click photos to enlarge

If you've been following Bride Chic lately you'll notice I have two versions of my 'Georgette' dress: the above version with an ivory Georgette skirt and self belt and now this white gemmie in cotton tulle with a light blue satin tie belt. The overblouse for both is made from a piece of imported vintage Val lace. Want to add a train or lengthen the bodice? Let's talk. You can place a custom order for it through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal. email:amyjotatum@gmail.com or we can convo by phone 415.258.8204

click photos to enlarge

A CELEBRATION OF BRIDAL FASHION

Stephanie Williams
If there is such a thing as visual poetry it is in these images. All are from a recent photo shoot I had with Orange County wedding photographer Stephanie Williams. We shot five of my gowns in various locations around San Juan Capistrano, California--including the mission. While I'm seeing more 'real wedding albums' with this sort of editorial feel, for me Stephanie's work is the quintessential. READ AND SEE MORE IMAGES . . . .

NIGHTGOWN CHIC

beyonce!!! ... by stylist to the stars featuring Jimmy Choo heels & wedges

Fortunately we're in an era when it's okay to wear a wedding gown that looks like lingerie. All the choices here echo nightgowns from the 30s-40s era therefore also look vintage, don't you think?

Untitled by noufo0o featuring Forever21 brooches

Here's another fortunately: Your options for accessorizing are many. Pair up any of these gowns with a veil or mantilla and they go classic; nearly any hat, vintage. Try a floral wreath and suddenly the gown goes Boho.

başlıksız by Revan featuring Forever21 belts

I always thank those wonderful creative people over at Polyvore who dream up these gorgeous boards. They're so inspiring and have helped me get dressed all those days I need that little extra ommph to put myself together.