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Category Archives: Wedding Gowns

The Dream Team ~ Designer Valerie Cousens

15 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by Loretta Jaunzarins in Accessories, Eco-Friendly, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Themes

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Designer Valerie Cousens. Photo Source~ Jon Evans hamiltonmagazine.com

Fashion designer Valerie Cousens wearing one of her redesign dresses made from a men’s sweater. Photo Source ~ Jon Evans hamiltonmagazine.com

Today I’m delighted to introduce you to one fabulous eco designer – Valerie Cousens (born in England now a resident of Hamilton, Ontario). Valerie was recently featured in Hamilton Magazine as one of eleven Hamiltonians who have reset their lives. They are called the Dream Team because they have left behind old careers and followed their passions, reinventing themselves. Valerie left behind office and retail life and refocused on the arts, eventually branching into fashion design. Hamilton Magazine columnist Michael Borrelli describes Valerie as a “rehabilitated number cruncher” who found fashion.

Valerie, who is also an environmentalist, Reiki practitioner, artist and volunteer, describes herself as a “fashion redesigner.” She creates one-of-a-kind, all-recycled, wearable art that is fashionable and affordable. Valerie believes in fashion with a purpose, community outreach and involving youth in her projects.You can find Valerie’s upcycled streetwear and accessories in shops around Hamilton or she will custom design for you.

I caught up with Valerie at the recent 10th annual RevWear Fashion Show held in Hamilton, Ontario. I was interested in meeting Valerie because I had been told about her secret upcycled wedding dress! I loved the show and couldn’t wait to see Valerie’s creation. I wasn’t disappointed and had the privilege of meeting Valerie after the show. I’ll describe her design through the pictures below.

Valerie, who has no formal fashion design training, found an outdated wedding gown in a second hand shop that would work for her design.

Left: the before picture of the wedding dress. Right: The bodice of the wedding dress is made of lace. Valerie updated the sleeves for a more contemporary look. Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

Left: the before picture of the wedding dress. Right: The bodice of the wedding dress is made of lace. Valerie updated the sleeves for a more contemporary look. Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

RevWear encourages designers to incorporate a message into their design. Valerie wants viewers of her creations to know that brides have options when it comes to choosing their wedding dress. They don’t have to buy from traditional suppliers or wear what everyone else is wearing. They do have design options that are unique and beautiful and eco friendly.

Each layer of poof was made from recycled men's white shirts, gathered and attached with buttons. Photo ~

Each layer of flounce was made from recycled men’s white shirts, gathered and attached with buttons. Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

At first Valerie's dress seemed traditional like most others. Source ~

At first Valerie’s dress seemed traditional like most others. Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

When model Monica Germaine stepped on to the runway we were all wondering how Valerie would show this dress. Valerie’s crew took turns unbuttoning each flounce from the dress (made from recycling men’s white cotton dress shirts) to reveal a printed message and an under layer of Valerie’s signature recycling of neckties.

Photo ~

The wedding dress after the flounces have been unbuttoned. Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

Instead of being influenced by culture, belief systems and convention, each flounce encouraged brides to imagine something different: a wedding dress that reflects the care of creation and unique design.

Design freedom is worth a spin! Photo ~

Design freedom is worth a spin! Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

Not only was the wedding dress unique but so were the accessories. The headpiece was handmade from paper – recycled sheet music to be precise!

The headpiece was created from recycled sheet music and the  from the collar of a men's shirt then studded with rhinestones. Photos ~

The headpiece was created by S.J. Salise from recycled sheet music and Valerie designed the choker from the collar of a men’s shirt and then studded it with rhinestones. Photos ~ Suzanne Steenkist

What a great show and imaginative wedding dress design by Valerie Cousens!

What a great show and imaginative wedding dress design by Valerie Cousens! Photo ~ Suzanne Steenkist

Valerie has created the company Green Dress Designs where you can see more of her upcycled design. Check her out on Facebook too! To contact Valerie call her at 905-522-7679 or email her at cousensv@yahoo.com.

Thanks Valerie! All the best! Jordin

Wedding Dresses: The Timelessness of Lace

09 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by Loretta Jaunzarins in Wedding Gowns

≈ 1 Comment

A beautiful antique Honiton lace collar with roses and thistles at lacenews.com.

Lace wedding gowns are back in fashion following the wedding of Kate Middleton (now HRH the Duchess of Cambridge) to Prince William in 2011. And I give this a big thumbs up and something I’ve been waiting and hoping would happen! Yet, with such a revival comes the need for education about lace because a few generations of young women don’t know much about lace, it’s beauty and allure. Is lace just a British thing or something that many of us have missed out on?

For some great information on the history of lace right back to ancient times go to Lace Makers Lace. There is so much information on that site and also about the fine art of making lace.

But back to our topic: Why the fascination with lace? Besides begin just plain beautiful, lace, like tapestry can tell a story. Unlike solid colours, even in fabulous fabrics like silk, or velvet or wool, lace has been used to preserve history and speak to the present. Take Kate Middleton’s gown as an example. The lace on her gown is known as Irish Carrickmacross, an ornate appliqué form of hand-made lace.

The lace bodice of her gown symbolizes the nations of the United Kingdom with roses for England, thistles for Scotland, daffodils for Wales and shamrocks for Ireland. These lace appliques were handmade by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. Afterward each applique was applied to ivory silk tulle.

Details of lace on Kate Middleton's wedding dress.

If you would like lace designed and custom made for your wedding gown you can contact the design company responsible for the lace on Kate’s dress, Sophie Hallette at their Paris showroom at afinalteri@sophiehallette.fr.

Lace peacock edging on Bobbin Lace

And there are many lace guilds in Canada and America and around the world to source out beautiful lace. A good site to find lace makers in is Bobbin Lace. For exquisite Brussels lace go to Louise Verschueren Belgian Lace Gallery. However, I am having difficulty sourcing lace makers on-line in Canada and America! Let me know please if you have a lace shop that deals in exquisite laces! Please send me an email at lwc@cogeco.net.

Kate’s wedding dress was quite traditional in style and fabrice. Designer Sarah Burton captured who Kate is and her new life very well. However, if you want to incorporate lace into your wedding dress and want to push the envelope a bit more, there are so many fabulous dresses out there to suit any taste.

See the vintage inspired gowns of Yolan Cris at weddinginspirasi.com.

See my Lace Inspiration Board for ideas on incorporating lace into your wedding!

Click here to see my Pinterest Lace Inspiration Board for ideas on how to incorporate lace into your wedding day. Almost all the photos come from products available on Etsy.

From a full blown lace inspired wedding to a minimal application, lace can adorn any wedding day and give you the extra special touch you are looking for!

All the best! Jordin

Wedding Dresses 101!

03 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by Loretta Jaunzarins in Wedding Gowns

≈ 1 Comment

While looking through bridal magazines or surfing the net for gowns can be loads of fun and give you some great ideas, it is risky to not know your body shape and what flatters your type of figure -before you go shopping! We’ve all had the experience of wanting to wear the latest fashion style only to look in the mirror with disappointment. And, only a very trusted friend or discerning sales person will be honest with you. So if you’re afraid that your maid of honour or mum won’t be honest because they are afraid to hurt your feelings, then read on so that you will know when you have found the most flattering wedding gown!

This ball gown style gown is perfect for the full-figured bride. Blue-wedding.com

Full-Figure: More volumptuous than most, you’ve got full breasts, a bit of a tummy and round hips and butt.

Wedding Dress Do’s: A ballgown wedding dress will hide quite a bit and of course an A-line dress looks good on just about anyone.

Wedding Dress Don’t’s: A sheath will make you look heavier than you are; avoid spaghetti straps.

These sheath style wedding gowns will not look good on a full-figure. Weddingdress.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Hourglass Figure: You have curves in all the right places! (Big chest, full hips and a small waist)

Wedding Dress Do’s! An A-line dress with a dropped waist will show off your figure; pair it with a sweetheart neckline to show off your chest. Or, for something a little more curvaceous, try a fit-and-flare gown like a mermaid or trumpet style.

Wedding Dress Don’t’s! A ball gown or Empire-waist silhouette may make you look disproportioned.

An A-line gown will accentuate all of the curves of an hour-glass figure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petite Figure: Being petite doesn’t necessarily mean a small sized bride. Petite means that you are 5’4″ or under and your body is proportioned accordingly. Whether you wear a size 8, 12 or 16, you’ll want to keep your dress to a minimum or it will overwhelm you! You don’t want to look like the gown is wearing you instead of the other way around. Petite sized brides should also look at their body shape, not just their height. Here are some examples of dresses for the petite bride that won’t drown you. You want to see the bride in the dress, not the other way around! A-line is always flattering.

If you are a petite bride, 5'4" or under, don't let your dress overwhelm you!

 

Thin Figure: Tall or short there is not a lot of meat on your bones! You have that ballerina type of figure and can get away with almost any style.

This mermaid style gown looks fabulous on a thin bride. Wedimpression.com

 

 

 

Wedding Dress Do’s: A ball gown will make a thin bride look like a fairy-tale princess, and a sheath would be perfect for you.

This model is far too thin for this dress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Dress Don’ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, but stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder, or halter necklines if your collarbone is too bony.

 

 

Short Waisted Figure: Your body is naturally proportioned, except for the small distance from your ribs to your hips. Keep in mind that while your weight may fluctuate between the time you buy your gown and the day of your wedding, your actual body type will remain the same. So even if you’re planning to drop 20 pounds before exchanging vows, choose the gown that fits your body type today.

 

This slightly drop-waist gown is perfect for the short-waisted bride. It beautifully elongates your figure! ~ Photo: caweddingdress.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Dress Do’s: If you are short-waisted, Princess-line silhouette that is fitted at the bodice and opening up gradually to a full skirt, elegantly elongates your figure. Designer Hollee Actman Becker suggests that if you love your shoulders, try a portrait or halter neckline. A slightly dropped-waist gown will also lengthen your torso.

Wedding Dress Don’ts: A sheath will make your short waist more obvious.

 

Thick-Waisted: Similar to a short-waisted figure, you have a straight line from your shoulder to your hips. You definitely want to de-emphasize your waistline to give you a long, lean look.

Wedding Dress Do’s: Go for an empire-waisted gown like this one.

A lovely chiffon empire-waist gown ~ Photo: hayakana-weddingdress.blogspot.ca

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Wedding Dress Don’t’s: A Princess-line or basque waist will draw too much attention to your middle.  As lovely as this basque waist gown is, it will do a lot of damage if you are thick waisted.  Photo: weddingimpression.com

 

 

Some General Tips: While every woman, regardles of her shape or age, wants to look like a million dollars on her wedding day, remember to not draw attention to  what aren’t your best features. Always accentuate the positive and the beautiful because not matter what your shape, you are beautiful! 

For example, being a “full figured” woman myself, I realized that my upper arms and waist are not my best features. As much as I dreamed about wearing a strapless gown, I decided to accentuate my best features: my eyes and my hair.

Some advice for more mature brides, women over 50 regardless of whether you’ve been down the aisle before or not. Go for an elegant, classic and tasteful look. As tempting as it is to try and look 25 again, it just doesn’t work very well. There are many gorgeous gowns, dresses and suits to bring out the beautiful you!

Definitely not the white gown! I decided instead to accentuate my best features. Photo: Libor Hermerka, Studio Images Photography

While this might be a fun afternoon activity at a senior’s residence, please don’t do this for real! There are many wonderful fashions for the mature bride. Hint: if a 20 year old model is wearing the dress/outfit, it’s probably not for you!

Send your comments! Always love to hear from you!  Jordin

Eco-friendly Wedding Gowns

01 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Loretta Jaunzarins in Eco-Friendly, Wedding Gowns

≈ 4 Comments

In my opinion, Meryl Streep (thanks to her friend Livia and Green Carpet Challenge) stole the show at the Oscars on the weekend when she wore a first ever eco-friendly gown by Lanvin! A gorgeous gown on a fabulous actress!

Meryl Streep at the Academy Awards in an eco-friendly Lanvin gown! Photo ~ new.sky.com

Eco-friendly weddings are becoming more and more popular because many people today do take more care in their every day lives to reduce their carbon footprint and to live green; from reusable grocery bags when we go shopping to walking more and taking public transit or car pooling. So why not do the same with your wedding? There are a lots of options out there for the socially and environmentally aware couple.

Today my post is about eco-friendly wedding gowns, but I do plan to cover many different things people can do to make their wedding matter for the world.

Eco-friendly wedding dresses are made from organic fabrics like silk, cotton or hemp.  They are usually made locally or by local crafters in a developing country and traded at fair prices.  Since they are made of natural fibres, most of these dresses don’t come in true white colours.  They tend to be a more champagne or cream.  Eco-friendly manufacturers of clothing are attempting to heighten our awareness of the pollution caused by making fabric white. To make traditional dresses/gowns white, highly toxic chemicals are used and most often in the after process,they are released into the environment polluting the land, water and air around the factories.  They are also very dangerous to the workers.

Eco-friendly manufacturers stick with the true colour of the fibres or use natural dyes.

Here is a eco-friendly haute couture gown I found on The Green Girls Blog designed by Chris Kole of New York City. Photo ~ thegreengirls.com

These next two gowns are by designer Chrissy Wai Ching based out of Seattle, Washington. Photo ~ thegreengirls.com.

You can view more of these eco-friendly gowns at wai-ching.com. Photo ~ thegreengirls.com

Check local shops to see if they carry organic, eco-freindly or hemp dresses.   Here are some:

The Adele Wechsler Flagship Store and Boutique in Toronto has fabulous gowns and tips for a green wedding.

Photo ~ adeleweschler.com

If you are local to the Niagara area, Paula’s Elegant Bride in St. Catharines also has a lovely selection of eco-friendly gowns and can order from any designer.

 

Please send me your comments about eco-friendly gowns! Will you be wearing one at your wedding? Where did you purchase it? Share, share, share for a better planet!  All the best,  Jordin

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