Recent Infatuation: Gunne Sax

I don't know where it started - I suspect Etsy - but at some point I began to long for a Gunne Sax dress. To be specific, I adore the coquettish, prairie designs of the 1970s.

 

Gunne Sax, so named for the "gunny sack" or burlap trim used on some of the earlier dresses,was founded in the 1960s. In 1969 it was purchased by Jessica McClintock. Yes, the very Jessica McClintock who made your coveted homecoming dress in 1995.

via The Dusty Dog Vintage

The brand is often associated with its 1970s prairie designs with Victorian and Edwardian details.I adore how the designs took classic elements such as lace, gingham, and calico, and combined them in a way that turned late-19th and early-20th century American fashion on its head.
 

via Rosebud Vintage

Gunne Sax also manufactured renaissance- and medieval-inspired designs, with empire waistlines and middle plackets, and used other historical costume elements such as corset-like laced bodices.

via The Vintage Bazaar and possibly my personal favorite

Despite all the Victorian-ness these babies are actually rather sexy. Everything is (mostly) covered up, but designs with decolletage-baring necklines, corset lacing, and tailored bodices are, as I said above, coquettish. The body-skimming tailoring doesn't hurt either.

via Hellhound Vintage Clothing

Sign. Me. Up.

Suits me

We have a pool (for now). I love the beach. It may surprise you, then, to know how rarely I actually get into the water. As a result I only own two bathing suits. Well that and I can never find anything that fits right. There's either not enough suit (no bikinis for me), not enough support, or too much suit (who are these women with such long torsos?).

Suddenly, however, I am inexplicably gripped by the desire to buy a new swim suit. And, oh, some of the ones I seen online...

The husband isn't a fan, but this ruffled one piece from Wildfox is calling out to my whimsical side.

This beauty from J. Crew's Luxe Tulle line just went on sale. Look at the support that thing has! And ruching hides a multitude of sins often all too visible amongst beach goers. Sadly, the "regular" torso measurement is almost eight inches longer than my torso. Dear J.Crew, add swimwear to your selection for petites. Thanks.

Betsey Johnson calls this raspberry confection "Shortcake." Doesn't it sound perfect for me? I love that it has the feel of a strapless but still has the very thing needed for keeping your suit where it should be even in rough waters.

Now if I could rock a two-piece I'd seriously consider doing it in one of these.

 ChloeScalloped Halterneck

Classic retro bikini in navy from BeBops

Why is bathing suit shopping so hard?!

For every girl, a garter

Variations on a theme: Pleats in Tulle

What's your variation?

Communication is Key

Today, I was challenged to write about the thing(s) I do to give my garters that added something.  What is it that makes them so great - even awesome.

The absolute, honest truth is my garters are amazing because of the me part.

ta da!

Seriously.

When it comes to the actual garters, I still struggle a lot when it comes to calling a piece finished. Sometimes more details make the garter. But sometimes more is just more and less would have been stunning. For example, I recently messaged one of my brides suggesting a glam sequined fabric as the center piece for her bow-shaped garter.

For some girls, those sequins would be a dynamite addition.  This particular bride very sweetly declined and asked that we let the bow speak for itself just like the garter that originally caught her eye.

Pumpkin Spice Latte garter by Never a Plain Jane

My point is, I talked to my bride and, by doing so, I ma making this garter hers. I probably would have added the sequins if it were up to me, and that finishing touch would not have made this an awesome garter in the eyes of my bride.

Luckily, talking to people is my biggest talent. As a result, I've had a bride hug me on sight because she felt I cared about her wedding as much as she did (hi Michele!).  I've had friends of brides come back again and again to order gift certificates as a shower gift because they know I will take care of their friends (I'm looking at you Tiffany). I also have friends who tell me when I've strayed too far from myself trying to please a mass market (thank you, Amy. And Mom).

Will I be adding sequins to a future garter? Definitely!  Will I do it on a custom garter? Not without checking with my customer.  Because the best detail I can add to each creation starts with a simple "hello."