Foxy Wedding

Thursday Dance Party: Give Up the Gun

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:03:24 PDT

Oooh. I dig "Giving Up The Gun" by Vampire Weekend the most.

Today anyway.

Et Tu, Anthropologie?

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:23:00 PDT

I am sure you all have heard.

The retail juggernaut Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters is jumping on the bridal bandwagon, with dresses to be priced in the $500 - $5,000 range.

Instead of waxing poetic, it makes me want to speak in tongues.

Before I go on, a disclaimer. I worked briefly at Anthro as a Sales Associate and do occasionally shop there. My bitterness is not some anti-mainstream I'm-too-indie-cool-for-school rant. They do have cute stuff, and their bridal collection is sure to measure up. This simply is a plea for small business. Even though mine is dead and gone, my entrepreneur heart beats on.

Since closing last year, I have come to realize that there is serious bridal boutique hate out there. This makes Anthro getting into bridal the biggest news since J. Crew joined the fray. Some see it as another mark in the column for the consumer and another nail in the evil bridal empire's coffin.

Remember, most bridal salons are privately owned small businesses whose practices are fair and ethical, deserving a shot at earning your business.

Why?

The personal service and investment when working with a small business is unparalleled. I can't tell you how many times I opened when we were closed, gave out my personal mobile number (call anytime), stayed well past closing, and made personal deliveries to customers.

Each gown was treated as if it were my own. I was accountable if there were errors, crises, or unhappy customers, and I was proud and delighted when things were perfect. I stopped at nothing and did everything I could in my power to make my customers happy. I know I am not the only one with that kind of conviction.

At a small bridal shop, brides are able to choose a gown that will be custom made, with changes and specifications unique to each customer. While garments cannot be purchased off the rack, as at Anthro and J. Crew, they are well worth the wait and your consideration.

It seems like flawed reasoning to believe you are getting a deal and sticking it to the (bridal) man when dresses will be in the same price range as the local bridal shop and you are actually buying from the man.

That kind of thinking chips away at small businesses one dress or wedding planning service at a time (you will soon be able to work with Anthro for everything from flowers to stationery). Certainly, bridal shops, designers, and wedding vendors can't all deserve that fate?

Whatever products Anthropologie produces, I know they will be beautiful and worth a look. Just try not to buy completely into the hype, shop around, and choose what works best for you.

P.S. - If you feel bad for me losing my business, don't! Closing provided a springboard into a career doing something I never thought someone would actually pay me to do...write! Everything really does happen for a reason.

DI-Why Not PSA: What the What?

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:41:02 PDT

Remember the Canvas Tote DI-Why Not?

That cute idea, originally from Ashley Anne and featured on Design*Sponge and With This Ring, that went inexplicably awry?

Well, get this. I went to visit my very crafty friend Kori last week, and upon her coffee table was a very cute tank top and onesie for her new son, Dexter.

The first thing I asked her was how she made them. Turns out, she made them the same way the tote is supposed to be made. With Freezer Paper.

As I sat there drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows (both homemade!!!), she explained, "Your doily bled through. You needed to use freezer paper. That's the only way the other woman was able to make her bag look so good."

Oh.

So, I went back to Ashley Anne's blog. Maybe I had missed something. Nope. The only time she mentions freezer paper is when she discusses creating the stencil for her bag, which I didn't do.

Kori told me that if I wanted to make the tote again, I should try placing the doily on the freezer paper and using an Exacto blade to cut out each detail. Then, I should stick the freezer paper on the bag and paint over that.

I realize Ashley Anne probably created the DIY as a clever way to showcase her work as a photographer and earn more exposure on blogs, at which she was successful. I admire how she came up with an ingenious way to market her business, costing her next to nothing.

What kills me is that her post is more about the images than the actual DIY. Yes, yes, show us how perfectly you capture the steps and how well the photo is staged. Along with that, though, it would be really helpful if information on how to achieve the same results were included.

Since it appears I did not create the tote correctly, I almost think I should do it again and compare my results to Ashley Anne's.

So, you may not get the Martha DI-Why Not this week in favor of a canvas tote DI-Why Not redux.

Baby Momma

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:39:19 PDT

So, you're planning your wedding and you've decided that, yes, people may bring their kids.

However, a lot of your friends and family are from out of town. Who wants to schlep all the baby accoutrement (car seats, high chairs, pack n' play, and who knows what all else) on a plane, into a cab/rental car and to the hotel?

No one.

That's why Two Momma's Baby Rentals is so cool.

You can rent that stuff.

My sister, her husband, and their two kids under the age of 5 recently came to visit from LA. Super resourceful, my mom discovered Two Momma's and rented car seats. Way better than borrowing, buying, and/or dragging that stuff cross country!

It warms my heart to hear about thriving, clever, women-owned small businesses. Plus, my mom says that the owner, Emily, was "was personal, efficient and helpful."

High praise from Juliana (aka my mom)!

Thursday Dance Party: Too Fake

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:00:06 PST

Go on. Rock out to this one. It'll make you want to prance and strut around.

I do, every time.

Although that could be just me...

Punk Rock Bride Launch Party

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:26:58 PST

The long awaited Punk Rock Bride launch party was last Thursday! Stephanie's studio looked great, especially with the new addition of a graffiti mural. Though the showroom was filled with people and soft light, the collection's clean, edgy vibe was present and accounted for. Punk Rock Bride's uniquely beautiful 2010 gowns mixed and mingled with the guests against the backdrop of her modern space.

Our dress, Grace, was the first gown I saw when I walked in (on the right.) It was amazing to see it in person! The brocade Stephanie chose was even more gorgeous in person. Its texture gave the fabric incredible luster and substance. Balanced by the soft chiffon neckline, the whole effect was edgy, soft, and romantic all at once.

I kind of love the dress on the right:

Here it is again:

Then I saw some friends, got distracted, and forgot to take more pictures until right before I left. Blame it on the weather. After being cooped up so long from the crazy snow we had, it was the first time I had seen my industry pals in awhile!

Punk Rock Photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:00:00 PST

Now for the fun part!

With Grace completed, Stephanie was ready to take the Punk Rock Bride 2010 collection up to NYC for a photoshoot. Grace was the last gown to be shot that day, so Laurie, the make-up artist, freshened up Stephanie's model, Jae.

(all images by Stephanie/Punk Rock Bride)

Laurie's make-up kit is no joke.

Grace was shot in three different locations. The first was in front of an ornately engraved black door. It was a little cold (45 degrees!), but Jae is a total pro and made it look anything but!

It was bright and sunny out, which was nice for everyone's moods but not for the photos! Believe it or not, direct sunlight is not ideal or the most flattering for pictures, so Stephanie's photographer was constantly adjusting to get the right images.

The next location was a park bench...and Jae is showing none of the exhaustion everyone on the shoot was feeling.

At last it was time to shoot at the final location...

In between each shot, Stephanie had to straighten Grace's skirt since the wind kept pushing it all over.

Then they were done!

Stephanie promises to send along the final images from the photoshoot (can't wait). Until then, check back tomorrow for a peek into the Punk Rock Bride 2010 collection launch party!

DI-Why Not Challenge #11: Organdy Corsage

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:00:04 PST

Oh, Martha.

It's been awhile.

Long enough that I am ready for another go. This time, at your darling little wrist corsage. You even provide a template for this one, so it must be simple, right?

image via Martha Stewart Weddings

Psssst...Free Tickets!

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:24:13 PST

Baltimore Bride's Aisle Style event is this Sunday, March 7. Wanna score a free ticket?

It's buy one, get one free, baby...a special for Foxy readers! Just click here, type in the promo code "foxy" and off you go!

At Baltimore Bride's Aisle Style, you'll get to check out staged event themes by some of the area's best event designers (with a Q&A on how to do it yourself), and there will be giveaways, gift bags, mimosas, and more. Area vendors like SugarBakers Cakes, Bella Bridesmaid, Betsy Robinson's Bridal, Just Ink On Paper, and Wicked Willow Floral will be there, along with several others (here's a list).

Most importantly, Baltimore Bride's Aisle Style benefits The Priceless Gown Project. Bring those old bridesmaid and prom dresses lurking about to the event and donate on the spot!

Thursday Dance Party: Hit It!

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:00:01 PST

OMG.

1988. I was 13, at my first boy-girl non-birthday party that someone had snuck a can of Natty Light to. Everyone felt very grown up. I just felt awkward and wished I were at home.

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock were on the stereo.

...I'm not internationally known, but I'm known to rock the microphone...

DI-Why Not Challenge #10: Canvas Doily Tote (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:00:02 PST

The case of the missing brushes totally derailed me! Who wants to do a DIY in the middle of the week at night when they just want to hang out with their husband and watch Pawn Stars?

I sallied forth, determined to complete a DIY that would wind up the way it was supposed to and be relatively painless.

This project was doomed from the start.

I laid everything out (again) including the brushes:

Whipped out my spray glue and adhered that sucker to the bag. It didn't stick. Picking up the doily, it occurred to me that the sticky part should face the bag. So, flipping the doily, I pressed it down as the directions indicated and, sure enough, it stayed. (This really did happen. I know. I am embarrassed to admit how not good at this stuff I am.)

OK. Sorted.

Now, I was ready for the paint. Using my awesome brushes, I began painting all the openings in the doily white. I admit I had ideas of making these again and getting all creative with the colors, maybe even giving one as a gift to my niece.

That is until I discovered the doily would not lay flush against the bag, as it had been folded within its packaging. So, some parts of the doily laid nicely, and others created little overpasses above the fabric. This meant I had to stick the brush through some of the holes and swish it around awkwardly, all in my attempts to be thorough and wind up with a cool looking tote.

Once the doily was painted, according to the instructions from Ashley Anne/With This Ring/Design*Sponge, I was to peel the doily off the bag before it dried.

The big reveal! I had such high hopes...

This is when I figured out that the doily tote DIY is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Even though it looks artsy in a messy I-did-this-at-home kind of way, it certainly does not look as crisp and as nice as the one featured on the blog trifecta of With this Ring, Design*Sponge, and Ashley Anne.

Now, before you guys tell me it's not that bad, remember, it's supposed to look like this:

The tote in the image from the original DIY literally looks like it's been screenpainted on, which is 100% not the result I got.

I am not even going to TRY the initial, by the way, so don't ask.

It took me an hour and cost me $20 for all the supplies. In my book, so not worth it.

Maybe I used the wrong brushes or paint? Maybe it was the glue? Maybe I am not made for painting projects?

We'll never know.

Check back later (maybe tomorrow or Friday? I'm unpredictable like that!) for next week's challenge!

DI-Why Not Challenge #10: Canvas Doily Tote (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:51:47 PST

So the Doily Tote DIY from "With This Ring" is actually from another blog, Design*Sponge, which found it at yet another blog, Ashley Anne.

Now, its attempt is being documented by yours truly.

Anyhow, shopping for the supplies for this project took place after a trip to Philly for a surprise 90th birthday party for my Nena. That's right. Ten years shy of 100 and my Nena is up and at 'em!

As long as I promised it would be a lightning round so he could go home and watch the Canada/US hockey game, my poor husband agreed to drive to the A.C. Moore instead of going straight home when we got off 495. So, I blew through A.C. Moore like I was on some kind of wacky Japanese game show.

Seeing there was more than beige bags as options, I grabbed a black one (I was tempted by pink and purple, though).

Then it was on to the paint!

More choices. The clock was ticking. Mr. Foxy loomed over my shoulder, periodically updating me on the time. I chose turquoise and white paint.

Last on the list were doilies and adhesive spray. The information didn't say what size doilies but, if I zoomed in on the image, I could just make out it was supposed to be 12". Of course, there were none of those, so I got the next best thing - 10". Adhesive spray. The DIY said to get a specific brand, but it cost $10 and no chance I was spending that. So, I got another kind I am sure will be fine. Right?

Then I got home, laid it all out for my set up shot and prepared to get started.

See anything missing?

That's right.

Brushes.

I am sure most normal people would either a) have brushes somewhere in their homes, or b) have thought of that. However, I just mindlessly followed the instructions, giving no thought at all to the project itself.

So, I couldn't make my tote Sunday. I had to go to the A.C. Moore AGAIN on Monday to get the effing brushes and also exchange that turquoise paint. Turns out the brand I got needs 24 hours to dry. Feh.

Stay tuned!

Enzoani in LA!

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:41:17 PST

The ladies at L'ezu in Beverly Hills have added another collection to their line up!

Enzoani's luxurious, lovely gowns are arriving daily at L'ezu, and my girl Carly sent some pictures my way of their newest. I have to admit, even though I loved my gown, there are times I wish I could go shopping again. I can't wait until one of my younger sisters gets engaged so I can shop with them!

Room Full of Rocking Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:00:01 PST

Today is kind of a big day for me.

I am a writer by day - I blog for others and write copy. I write at night, too, but only because I dream of being a Writer (that's right, with a capital W).

I sit with my composition book and scrawl for an hour a day whatever nonsense comes to mind. Sometimes, something begins to take shape in the haze and my daily attempts will be focused on completing a piece with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

So, for the first time, I am submitting a story.

The deadline is today. To make sure I actually mail it to the publication, I am blogging about it. Otherwise, I would be able to chicken out and only my family would know I am a scared-y cat. All you passersby are now unofficial witnesses.

Of course, I realize I am one of many sending work for consideration. Even if nothing comes of it, I'll have taken a big step, which is both thrilling and terrifying.

Have a great weekend!

DI-Why Not Challenge #10: Canvas Doily Tote

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:41:40 PST

After my frustrating experience with Project Wedding's headband DIY, I felt compelled to try something with no sewing but equally as cute.

Why not this DIY doily tote I saw on With This Ring?

This DIY actually has a lot going for it. Namely, that the person who gave the tutorial was a photographer, not someone with a Masters in Fine Art. Also, I can use the tote for grocery shopping, or maybe even to carry my accoutrement for when I park myself at the local cafe and try to write what doesn't pay my bills...stories.

See the results: Part 1

Thursday Dance Party

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:00:05 PST

Sometimes, a little ska is the only thing that can get me moving...

There was a summer I listened to The Specials "The Specials" album pretty much exclusively. The end of the song is pretty much my favorite since I got to chant "naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice suntan?" over and over and over with the band.

Grace at Last!

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:00:01 PST

You guys. I am so excited!

For those of you who have been following our Punk Rock Bride gown, Grace, through the production process, you know that it has been going on for some time.

Guess what? Grace is done!

When we last heard from Stephanie, she had fitted Grace's muslin to her model, Jae, noting a few changes that needed to be made to the final pattern. Then the real work began! Using the killer fabrics sourced in New York, Stephanie began the time consuming task of cutting the dress in the delicate chiffons and silks she had chosen. Just as she had done with the muslin, Stephanie pinned it carefully, to avoid error and avoid damaging the luxurious material.

image by Punk Rock Bride

Doesn't the brocade look amazing? It looks like buttah!

Then there was a second fitting on Jae, this time in the finished gown. Stephanie fine-tuned the fit and, even at this stage of the process, made a change. Check out the straps - as per Stephanie's original design, they are chiffon.

image by Punk Rock Bride

This was the last time Stephanie saw Grace on Jae before the photo shoot, so she took the opportunity to hem the gown, pinning it while Jae had her runway ready shoes on.

image by Punk Rock Bride

And now, sneak a peek at the finished Grace! Now, the straps are made of that decadent brocade instead of the planned chiffon. During the final fitting, they were not structured enough, and the sleeves looked kind of saggy and wilted. So Stephanie re-did the entire section to correct the issue using the silk brocade, which ended up tying the different elements of the gown together even better!

Grace Front:

image by Punk Rock Bride

Grace Back:

image by Punk Rock Bride

I am so excited to see Grace at Punk Rock Bride's 2010 Collection launch party on March 4! Seriously, I can't wait. I'll post pictures of Grace and every other gown I can snap a decent image of.

If you are in DC and want to go and see the collection for yourself, you don't have to wait for my amateur photography - you can enter to win tickets by clicking here!

DI-Why Not Challenge #9: Headbands (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:03:43 PST

Sunday dawned, bright and sunny. All that wretched snow was finally melting. After Japanese class, the sunshine made me feel invincible. I went home to make my Anthro-awesome headband. Mr. Foxy turned on the Olympics and made some snacks. I made tea, then laid everything out.

After admiring the ribbons, I pulled up the Project Wedding post detailing the how-to of making a vintage-inspired headband and got to work.

Let me sum up Foxy vs. Project Wedding for you:

Project Wedding wins by knockout.

Using the 5/8 inch ribbon velvet and 1/4 inch headband as per the direction, I attempted to sew the ribbon together around the headband. No dice. This is because the ribbon was not wide enough. I scared the dogs and my husband.

OMGWTFBBQ?

Thankfully, Bruce Variety had worked its magic on me and I overbought ribbon. There was a 3/4-inch wide piece that worked. Otherwise, you would have something else entirely to read today.

So I sewed...and sewed...and sewed the ribbon onto the headband. Velvet would have worked much better. The single-faced satin ribbon I subbed pulled and ran a lot as I stitched. For you perfectionists out there, go with velvet! Just make sure it is wider than 5/8 inch.

I am not skilled with the needle, as you can see. The directions assume a degree of experience, but I soldiered on.

Finally, the whole thing was covered...except the ends needed to be closed. There is information on how to properly close them, but I couldn't figure it out, so I improvised. They are hidden by your ears anyway.

Next stop: embellishment.

Project Wedding tells me:

"The floral trimmings and rosettes shown here were created from ribbons and strips of fabric simply by sewing a running stitch down one edge and pulling taught. Use a shorter length and sew ends together to create the smaller, simpler, rosette (shown on green and black headbands) or use a longer length of ribbon to create the floral look shown on the third headband. You can also sew seed beads to the centers for added detail."

The line "simply sewing a running stitch down one edge and pulling taught" made me snort, making it clear I needed a break. Simply. HA! I think not.

I ate some wheat thins and drank some tea.

The rosettes almost broke me. There was a lot of sewing, pulling, and wailing that went on. Nothing I made looked as nice or as finished as the images on Project Wedding. I found none of it simple.

The lace and organza was easiest to work with because it was fluffy and would have looked cute no matter what I did.

Then, I am to sew things on since, when "attaching your embellishments," only gluing what you can't sew "is a good rule to follow."

Right.

Dunno how to do that, either, but somehow they all got on without me hurting myself. I think it would have been smart to maybe get some backing, glue the embellishments on those, and then attach those pieces.

Just saying.

Then, at last, I was done.

It took me two hours. I spent $21 at Bruce Variety.

Project Wedding is a great resource. I am a fan of their overall tone, format, and information as a wedding planning site, so I was really disappointed.

The incorrect, misleading directions and unrealistic images certainly set up the novice DIYer for frustration and even failure. Honestly, unless you know what you are doing, there is a slim chance any piece you make is going to look as stylized and perfect as the ones pictured below.

I mean, really?

image via Project Wedding

Anyway, I give this DIY a big thumbs down for a beginner.

I can say no more. Well, I could, but I won't.

I'll have next week's DIY challenge up later this week!

DI-Why Not Challenge #9: Headbands (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:00:03 PST

The headband DIY project from Project Wedding was no joke.

The best part was going to Bruce Variety. I am not a crafty person (aside from these mad DIY investigative reports), but, whenever I go there, I wish I was.

Maybe it's more than that. Bruce Variety has been a fixture in Bethesda, MD (a suburb of DC) for over 20 years. It's a neighborhood five and dime that carries things no other store does anymore, in addition to everything you need.

Wall to wall randomness, everything from sewing supplies and paper goods to hair nets, socks, and silly putty, the plethora of stuff time forgot strikes a chord. Standing in the burgeoning aisles, it's a trip down memory lane. Your first pencil box, really cool Halloween costumes, and supplies for a 3rd grade diorama on the pilgrims. Memories so old and mundane you thought they were lost.

It's reassuring that Bruce Variety still sells cool erasers, oily stickers (yes!), barrettes with grosgrain bows, those pink foam covered hair rollers, and make your own dollhouse kits. Shoppers walk around dazed, smiling to themselves, occasionally fingering a physical reminder of the past. If you could read minds while in Bruce Variety, I am sure "They still make this? People still need this? Wait! Remember this!? I didn't know this existed but I need it!" would be on loop.

I mean, CVS has nothing on Bruce Variety's hair accessory selection:

The ribbon section? Forget about it.

That's just part of it. There's even more ribbon around the corner! Too bad I don't know what to do with it all. Just seeing all those options makes me wish I knew how to sew or make something cunning out of shimmery organza ribbon. But I don't. Which is why I am there. So, down to business.

According to Project Wedding, I needed to get:

Thin plastic headband, about 1/4" wide
1/2 a yard of 5/8" wide velvet ribbon
Needle
Thread to match ribbon
Tacky craft glue
Your choice of embellishments: additional ribbon or strips of fabric in varied widths and textures, decorative buttons, feathers, beads (other ideas not shown: silk flowers, appliques, cabochons, etc.)

I chose my headband, carefully measuring it with a ruler to ensure it was 1/4" wide, selected my ribbons, and began hunting for fun embellishments. Bruce Variety has about a million different kinds of buttons.

On a shelf by the fabric, I found lacy, pom pom-y trim. I am trying to wean myself off of pom poms, so I went with some lace.

I don't know what a cabochon is (apparently it is a gemstone) and all other decorative items suggested looked a little too complicated to attach. Wanting to keep things as simple as possible for myself (that's right - I am lazy), I went with some ribbons, buttons, and the sequins left over from the flower corsage tank.

Tomorrow - the results!

Thursday Dance Party

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:00:04 PST

Some songs makes me think I am an amazing dancer, so I have a party by myself every time I hear them. At the gym, in the car, at a restaurant, home...

I totally lose myself, unable to keep from rocking out, and, before you know it, people are staring. I almost fell off the elliptical at my gym listening to Fader by Temper Trap, unable to stop myself from shimmying like I was RuPaul and Britney's love child.

Enjoy!

Punk Rock Bride Party Giveaway!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:32:15 PST

At last! Punk Rock Bride is launching their 2010 collection! All of Stephanie's new dresses (including our Grace which, by the way, there is a glimpse of in the image below) will be shown at her launch party on March 4 from 7-9 pm in Washington, DC.

Wanna go? You can! Stephanie has offered to give away tickets to ten lucky ladies to attend and be the first to see the new collection. Winners will also receive 20% off any Punk Rock Bride dress (a major rarity for Punk Rock Bride), have a few cocktails, get to meet Stephanie and some of Washington DC's best wedding vendors, and, of course, have a generally awesome time!

To enter, just comment below by 12pm Friday, February 26th!

DI-Why Not Challenge #9: Headbands

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:00:03 PST

With all the headband fasciantor madness going on, when I saw this DIY on Project Wedding, I had to give it a whirl.

There are a lot of finished headbands on the post at Project Wedding that look dauntingly perfect and ready for sale at Anthroplogie. Also, there are three images of the actual how-to part, leading me to believe that it supposed to be really, really easy to make something so cute.

Besides, I want to go back to Bruce Variety and visit the cool lady in the notions section (where they sell the ribbons and the bedazzling stuff!).

Cocoe Voci

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:00:04 PST

I vividly remember my older sister Alexis's (the artist in LA) wedding day, not only because I was jubilant about her marrying the most amazing person, a best friend and partner, but also because of her dress.

Seeing my gorgeous, enigmatic sister in an amazing blue gown, walking herself down the aisle on a clear, sunny, and endless blue sky day in LA is a memory that, after ten years, is as vivid as if it was yesterday.

Alexis's gown was designed by LA designer Cocoe Voci.

After a short semi-hiatus, Cocoe is back designing amazing dresses that are incredibly constructed, imaginatively designed, and special. For girls in LA, that's excellent news! For the rest of you, either book a flight or cool your jets until she begins offering her collection again to stores across ths country.

Model This!

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:37:45 PST

I look forward to Thursday night like it's Free Scoop Day at Ben & Jerry's, 'cause it is Project Runway night!

Now, I have another reason to obsess over it. Caroline DeVillo emailed me and mentioned that one of her models, Holly Ridings, is on Project Runway and on Models of the Runway.

Holly Ridings on Project Runway

Holly modeled Caroline's clean-lined, modern gowns (collections II and III on her site), and now everytime I watch Project Runway, I'm going to think of Caroline and root for Holly!

Holly in Caroline's dresses!

DI-Why Not #8: Flower Corsage Tank Top (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Foxywedding) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:36:57 PST

There I was, snowed in, evacuated to Tysons Corner by my sister, Persephone, and her boyfriend, Eddie, to our parents' house.

I read almost all my New Yorkers, putting off the inevitable until finally my sister made me do it to shake off my "I have no power at my place and I am sick of being cooped up even though I am at my parents' awesome house"crappy mood.

She even set up her computer across from mine to make sure I got to gettin'.

Gathering up my supplies, I pulled up the The Sweetest Occasion and then Such Pretty Things.

The first task was to cut out the flowers. Thankfully, Such Pretty Things had my kind of advice, instructing me to essentially cut them any old way I wanted. Which is good, since they wound up looking like Rorschach tests. The tulle took the longest - I could barely see what I was doing with the sheer fabric.

It was frustrating that there were not more details on how many flowers to make. The only guidance was that the amount depended on how dramatic I wanted them. For someone like me, knowing how many were needed to create flowers as advertised would have been helpful. So, I wound up making 41 flowers, which was ten too many.

My sewing skills are pretty remedial. Nonetheless, I valiantly attempted to scrunch them like the example, but no dice.

Almost halfway there, my sister rewarded me with one of her incredible homemade macaroons. Just in the nick of time, since I was about as cranky as one can get while making fabric flowers. Being displaced indefinitely by PEPCO's power restoration promises "by February 12" was working my nerves!

Fortified, I broke out the bedazzling stuff and began adding sequins to the center of my blooms. I learned that I have no idea how to sew sequins on to something, so I improvised. I also couldn't figure out how to attach the rhinestones, and they never made it on to the tank. There was zero chance I was going to use the glue gun.

Velcro time! Of course, I definitely didn't follow directions and bought adhesive velcro.

But it worked fine! Just in case, I reinforced the half that attached to the shirt so that it would stay on (hopefully) when washed.

And then, I was done!

I needed a drink. Yummy cran and vodka.

Then Persephone modeled my completed flower corsage tank...and never gave it back.

This DIY via The Sweetest Occasion by Such Pretty Things took the edge off cabin fever, and for that I am eternally grateful. It also was not as painful as I thought it was going to be.

If your goal is to save cash, I'm on the fence whether it's worth it. $8.00 for the tank plus $5.61 for supplies, not including the fabric I already had. It would have been more if I had been a normal non-DIY attempter since, let's be honest, how many of us have fabric scraps, especially in satin and velvet, laying around? Add that to the hour and 12 minutes making it and who knows how long running around getting everything together...eh.

I did have fun making it, though. As far as my DIY experience goes, this was doable, didn't take as long as some of the others I've tried, and the directions were better than most. DIY is not just about saving money, it's about personal satisfaction. As someone who, when confronted with the choice of making something myself or buying it, will buy nine times out of ten, I must admit I was proud of how it turned out. I am not one to wear flower corsage tanks, but if I were, I would be down with being able to make mine less contrived than J. Crew's.

So, you ladies who like to get crafty (and even those that don't but want to give it a shot), this one's for you!