Studio Snap

I wonder which holiday I am preparing for these days...

For every girl, a garter

Variations on a theme: Pleats in Tulle

What's your variation?

For every girl, a garter

"There’s something beautiful in showing off things that are meant to be on the inside or underneath.

"A sliver of silk or a frill of lace peeking out from under a skirt, a satin strap slipping off the shoulder, it all suggests the possibility of being undressed, of another layer, and of intimacy.

 "Whether it be emotions, secrets, skin, fears, or a garter, the act of displaying what is meant to be intimate is seductive and decidedly feminine. It’s powerful, inviting, flirtatious, and delicate. In our dress, the effect ranges from daring to innocent to modest. {The last being a sign of the times in the fact that so many women skip the garters or slips.}

"In the home, taking something lovely that is usually kept in the closet or lingerie chest and placing it on the wall or by the window for all to see gives a room a playful, whimsical effect.

"And, in our relationships, the result can be devastatingly beautiful and empowering."

Words by Ms. Jenn at Bits of Beauty. For photo details please click on each image.

Boudoir Photos

I adore the idea of a boudoir shoot.  The photos make for such an intimate gift - something just for you and your partner.

Now, don't be scared, I'm not talking about posing for the types of photos published in Playboy; although that is totally an option. But I'm thinking of something more subtle. Tasteful and teasing.

For example...

This is Drea, photographed by Lauren Kennedy. I love this photo. Drea's jewelry, her nails, the tat...perfection! Lauren did an amazing job capturing Drea's three-dimensional personality with a two-dimensional medium.

Honestly, this is not really a provocative photo.  There's a great deal of modesty - enough that both Drea and Lauren felt this photo could go on Facebook without any issue.

And that's exactly my point.

You can take a totally sexy photo (look at those sweet curves up there!) while still leaving a lot up to the imagination. (You know, in case your kid starts rummaging around in your dresser drawers.) Inspired by Drea and Lauren, I found more tantalizing bare back shots.

via Hello, Beautiful

Lily Aldridge for Victoria's Secret 2011 Bridal Collection via Living that Whiskey Life

Would you consider doing a boudoir shoot?

For every girl, a garter

In the last few weeks I have been busy busy with custom orders.  And I am not complaining! Okay, I'm complaining a little, but only because my sweet clients are claiming their one-of-a-kind garters as fast as I can list them in my shop so you guys don't really get a chance to see them.

Of course, the ladies I work with have exquisite taste and I've had a lot of fun designing for them. You, my lovelies, just have to see what been flying out of the Never a Plain Jane design studio.

Remember these fab vintage buttons with their adorable anchors? Well, that post was up less than 24 hours before a sailor's wife told me to "get 'em." She wanted a garter for a boudoir shoot she's doing - a gift to her deployed husband.  I was more than happy to oblige.

Knotted rope heart and vintage button detail on "The Sailor's Wife" by Never a Plain Jane Designs

"The Sailor's Wife," a unique, custom garter from Never a Plain Jane Designs

Then there's Jenn. After 30-something years her mother is getting the big wedding she never had. Jenn asked me to help her design a garter duo as her special gift to her mom. She described a woman who appreciates pattern, color, primitives, quirky jewelry, vintage, and handmade.  The only request was that I include peacock feathers. This weekend there will be a happy bride will be wearing this thoughtful gift from her loving daughter:

"Pretty as a..." keepsake garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

"Pretty as a..." toss garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

This must be the weekend for weddings because I had just finished Jenn's giftable duo when I received my first rush order - less than two weeks to go before this bride said I do! I work well under pressure, though, and there was no way I could refuse when I saw her dress.

Mina Gown, interpretation of gown from Bram Stokers Dracula by Romantic Threads, Photo by Le Mew Photography

Cristina has designed a Victorian/Edwardian-influenced steampunk wedding.   Don't you wish you were going? She asked for a garter duo  that incorporated vintage buttons and plenty of drama.  She also gave me permission to "bring on the feathers." In my vast button collection I found these brass beauties that reminded me of boot buttons.  For the keepsake garter I looped the biot feathers so they mimicked the scalloped lace often used to trim Victorian garmets.

"Mina" garter duo by Never a Plain Jane Designs

Vintage brass button and feather detail on the "Mina" keepsake garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

I love my job!

A little boudoir

I love love love the idea of a boudoir photo shoot. The whole concept is just awesome. The photos would make an amazing gift from a bride to her new spouse, to commemorate an anniversary or milestone birthday, to stay close to a spouse who travels a lot (I'm looking at you military wives!), to celebrate weight loss or recovery from illness, or even just as a chance to live out your own super model fantasy.

I adore this photo from the Free People January Catalog.

One Sunburst Maxi Dress (click the image for more info)

Your boudoir shoot can absolutely be catered to your specific tastes.  I love how this shot is both modest and very sexy.  The sunlit balcony gives us a glimpse of the model's silhouette while leaving plenty to the imagination.

Of course there are plenty of more risque poses if you are so inclined, but we'll leave that for another day.

Would you consider doing a boudoir shoot?