Handcrafted with Love

A Splash of Color

More and more these days I get asked by new brides-to-be if it's ok to wear color!  Unbelievable!  Um, yes!!

Color is popping up in bridal gowns both as an accent and as a complete look.  Check out this website, by one of my favorite NW designers, Chrissy Wai Ching in Seattle.  I had one of Chrissy's gowns come to me last summer as an alteration...and now I kind of have a crush on her stuff!  She hand-dyes silk fabrics and creates simple and embellished silhouettes for a totally funky and gorgeous look.  My fave right now is the Zolotova dress!

Back in the day when I was first starting out in this industry, I worked as a sales girl at a fabulous little bridal boutique.  Frequently I would get brides in wanting an elegant dress, not necessarily in white, and not necessarily a bridal gown.  I would usually refer them to one of our bridesmaids lines, especially Vera Wang Maids for their fashion forward and unique looks, and very attractive price tag.  Most bridesmaids dresses will come in long or short lengths, and you can choose a quasi-bridal color like blush, gold, or even a pale blue.  I've had brides fall in love with a bridesmaid gown, order it in fuschia, and rock that reception!  

Last year I had the pleasure of putting together this little number for one of my brides:

Photo Courtesy of DavidBarssPhotographer.com

She wanted to honor her Malaysian heritage, while still being sensitive to American bridal styles.  The result was totally stunning and  so classic!

If you're not feeling bold enough to go with all-over color, try adding it as an accent.  Try a colored sash, a la Monique!  Have a colored bolero or cashmere shrug as your accent.  Or, try a pale pastel pink, and go bold with your shoes!

These days, there really are no rules when it comes to bridal wear.  Wear what you're comfortable in, wear what you love, and you'll be fine!

Love,

Sara

Going Green: Methods

There are a lot of ways to be green in the methods and practices that are used to produce garments.  Specifically I speak of apparel, I'll let someone else discuss the methods in other disciplines.  :)

- recycling every last scrap

- reusing every last scrap

- reducing the amount of scrap

- using sustainable materials

- using recycled materials

- using materials processed or dyed naturally

- offering limited color choices

- offering limited fabric choices

- manufacturing on limited runs

- manufacturing to order

- custom production

- fair trade manufacture

- community manufacture

- local manufacture

- vertically integrated production

- energy efficient production

- closed loop production

How we do our part:  small runs to ensure we're not reaping more than we sow, local production to help out local artisans and local economy, focusing on a handful of color and fabric options so we don't waste any thread or textile, saving what scraps we make to repurpose them and keep them out of the landfill, and modifying our patternmaking and cutting methods to ensure there is as little textile waste produced as possible.  Every day our ideas grow, and we think up new ways to improve.  Dang, that feels good.

Love,

Sara

                        

Going Green: Fabric

I've had a lot of inquiries lately about what exactly makes a fabric "green."  Here are a few ideas:

- the fibers are natural: silk, hemp, cotton, bamboo, etc.  

- the natural fibers are grown organically, or with sustainable practices

- the natural fibers are not processed with chemicals

- in the case of silk, fibers that are harvested without harm to the animals that make them (peace silk)

- the textiles may be fairly produced and traded, meaning the workers in the supply chain are paid a fair living wage

- the textiles may be made in short runs, which would leave them in limited supply, but also make sure that the natural resources in that region would not be depleted

- the fabric may have been recycled/reused from a vintage garment or from waste fabric

- the fabric may be recycle-able, like polyester, and is intended for recycling

There are lots of ways to "be green" and to "buy green."  I think the most important thing is to figure out what matters most to you, then start there in your search.  Whether it's for your bridal gown or a pair of jeans, there are a lot of ways different designers and manufacturers are trying to be green.  Luckily, there's not too many out there that aren't talking about it.  Do your homework, ask questions, and always search for something meaningful.  You'll never be disappointed.

Love, 

Sara

                  

Shout Out from Green and Gorgeous

                                            

Special thanks to our friends of the show Green and Gorgeous on BlogTalkRadio for the shout out on this week's episode "Here Comes the Eco-Bride: What to Wear."  We're so excited to have the recognition, and to be along side other designers across the nation trying to make a difference in their designs.  To listen to the episode and download it to iTunes, click here.

Listening to this radio show has inspired me to compose a few posts about the green movement and how you can incorporate your ideals into shopping for your wedding attire.  Stay tuned!

Love,

Sara

The Art of Seduction

I just finished reading this blog post on Fashion Incubator entitled "Luxury vs. Premium" and couldn't help but notice that it might be really valuable for brides still on the hunt, or for anyone wondering why the hell wedding gowns are so expensive.  Check it out, and let me know what you think.

Meanwhile, something to take away from the article when it comes to searching for your gown is that value is in the eye of the beholder.  Sure, that Lazaro gown is frickin' amazing, and how could it not be with that 5K price tag?  But truth be told, I've been inside a lot of high end gowns, only to be disappointed.  If what you value most is a nice shell with tons of beads and embroidery, a slightly more tailored look, and a big name: then by gum, this gown is for you.  As a tailor and dressmaker, I've been disappointed only because I expected so much more.  For me, the beauty of the gown is actually on the inside, not the outside.

I love looking inside a gown and seeing all the layers of interfacing that have been obviously hand stitched to help the bodice keep it's shape.  I love seeing that 5 inch wide horsehair braid at the hem that has been sewn on before the skirt was sewn onto the bodice, to ensure that the shape is perfect, even though your alterations specialist may want you dead when she gets in to hem it for you.  I love seeing the types of boning that different manufacturers use, see that the trim is sewn on by hand, and know that the material is unavailable to any other manufacturer in the world.  That's what makes a high end gown special for me.  Would I value it enough to purchase one?  Depends.  I'm coming from a place of apparent advantage, since whatever I could want I could feasibly construct myself.  And I can pick and choose which elements are important to me, and which I can ditch.

To every other bride out there, or every other human being, those things may not even be on the radar.  Maybe you don't care about any of it, and are fine with a $200 gown.  That's great!  The point is, a dress or a gown or a pair of jeans or a pair of shoes only holds true value if you believe it does.  The rest is hogwash.

Good luck in your search ladies!

Love,

Sara

Last Minute Dress Shopping: The Dilemma

The dilemma being: most bridal gown designers require at least 6 months lead time to get your gown, in your size and color, made up and shipped off to your local retailer.  Add on to that another 6-8 weeks to allow time for an alteration, and you may as well start shopping the moment you get engaged, and hope you've got at least a year for your planning process.

The truth is, a lot of brides have no idea that it will take 6 months to even get a dress in their hands.  Most women think that they can order it, it'll be there in a couple of months, and they can cross "dress" off the list because it's taken care of.  That's when I usually end up with a lot of panicked brides and parents, calling because they've only got 2 weeks till the wedding and the dress doesn't fit.

I had two scenarios this week that prompted this post.  One bride that hated her dress, one that put it off and now it's too late to order it.  One at a time!

To our girl that brought her dress in for an alteration and realized that she hated the dress:  you're not alone!  I'm sure it's been sitting in the back of your closet, waiting until a reasonable time before your wedding date to see a tailor, because you wanted to lose a couple of pounds or hadn't found the right shoes.  It happens!  I'm sure you could only really remember the vague details of the gown:  it's long, it's white, it's strapless, it's pretty.  Done.  Now you take it out of the bag at the tailor's, and it's not what you remember.  It's not you!

I've seen this happen to a number of people over the last few years.  One of my friends ended up purchasing a second gown last minute from a department store and having it altered.  Last year I had a woman come to me with a gown that was "crazy on sale" but when she put it on after a couple of months, realized it made her look like a "fridge" (her words!  not mine!).  She found another dress, and convinced herself that the charge on her card for the other dress was for the brakes on her car.  "Wow, that sucks that the brakes had to go out, just before the wedding!"  :)

The reality is bridal dress shopping is hard work!  It's stressful, it's overwhelming, and you never remember exactly what you saw, no matter how many pictures were taken on your cell phone.  It's okay if you don't like it, but don't let yourself get even more frustrated when you can't have that dream dress.  

Today I got a call from a bride who's wedding is mere weeks away.  "I put it off, and time just flew by!"  Fortunately for her she still has  a few options, since she still has a few weeks.  This is the advice I gave her:

- Check out department store websites for a bridal section.  Often the brick-and-mortar store won't have a department for bridal, but the websites will have a small collection of dresses that have been deemed appropriate for brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom.  Check out the selection here at Nordy's.

- Don't be afraid to buy used.  There are plenty of thrift stores and consignment stores out there that may just have exactly what you're looking for.  Give yourself time to take it to the dry cleaner, or even try washing it at home in your tub with some lukewarm water and some castile soap (always read care instructions!  Care will depend on fabric structure and fiber content).  Alterations and dry cleaning will add to your budget and timeline, so take that into consideration.

- Check out a charity.  In almost every major city there is a charity that accepts donations of bridal gowns and other formal wear.  Many are auctioned off, and all proceeds go to charity.  Here in Portland, we have Brides Against Breast Cancer, which is becoming so popular that they actually limit the amount of donations that they take in.

- Ask a friend.  Many of my brides this year are on a really tight budget with this floundering economy.  I've seen so many come in for a consultation for a custom gown, and then get a call a couple of weeks later about restyling a gown that a friend or family member let them have.  Restyling is a relatively complex and long process, but maybe you have a friend or family member out there that would love to see their gown worn again.  They may let you borrow it for the day, or they may even let you keep it.  I think this is a beautiful way to pay it forward.

- Get online.  Ebay, baby!  Designer gowns, discount prices!  Etsy.com is all handmade, and many artisans are able to turn their work around in a matter of days.  No matter where you go on the internet, be prepared to wade through a lot of posts, and always always keep your head on straight.  Buyer beware!

Good luck, ladies!

Love,

Sara

Petition: To Save Small Business

Today, Kathleen Fasanella of the Fashion Incubator posted this very important article about the Design Piracy Probation Act.  Essentially, every small apparel and accessories design based business could go under.

You can also check out this article about Diane VonFurstenburg getting busted for lifting "inspiration" from a small design firm in Canada:  http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/04/23/copycat-style.aspx

Please read the articles and then click on the following link to sign the petition to stop this law from passing:

 http://www.PetitionOnline.com/hr2196/

On behalf of myself and every other indie designer out there, thank you for your support!!

Love,

Sara

Knits+Summer= Love!

I got started thinking about knits this morning as I was trying to will myself out of bed.  There are so many great fibers out there, so many knit structures that are both comfortable and flattering.  Knits are a part of everyone's every day lives: whether it's a sweater dress or a swimsuit, chances are a large portion of your wardrobe is made up of knitwear.

I think personally I love knits because of the comfort factor the most.  Knits rarely need tailoring, they mold to your body and fit with minimal effort.  They move with you and let you stay cozy all day, or all night!

My greatest love affair with knits begins in the summer, or on a jaunt to a tropical locale.  Comfortable, breathable, easy:  what more could you want at a time where your number one objective is kicking back and reading?  

Knits are made out of so many fabulous fibers, too:  wool, silk, organic cotton, linen, rayon, hemp, soy, bamboo!  My favorites right now are the bamboo and soy, but silk will always have a special place in my heart.

As I was saying, I was thinking about knits all morning.  Last year around this time I whipped up a little draped sleeve shift dress for a date with my (then) new beau...and really felt effortlessly chic all weekend long.  Many of the dresses in Love, June's new line can be easily translated into knitwear, and I feel a new, easy line coming on.  Bonus:  they'll look great under sweaters and over jeans or tights in the winter.  Can't wait to get started!

Love,

Sara

Here's a cutie pie from Anthropologie that I've been craving:

Love!

ABC Meeting May 2009

This last week the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) held their monthly meeting at the Hotel DeLuxe.  My favorite!  I wasn't able to attend, but David Barss took some fabulous photos using a couple of my gowns with an old Hollywood theme that's rockin' my world!

Thanks to our models Aisha and Amanda!  Thanks David!

Love,

Sara

So long, Farewell!

Well, I finished up Leah's dress today.  She's taking it away from me tomorrow.  She's taking it away, to go get married and live her life.  Without me!

Leah's dress is truly my favorite from this season:  she brought me a lace sheath that her grandmother wore decades ago, and we transformed it into a fabulous, funky, totally unique gown, fit for her wedding in the desert of Utah.  

Any picture I take here in the studio will not do it justice, we'll just have to pray she keeps her promise to send me some photos!  

Can't wait to see them, Leah!

Love,

Sara