Custom Order: Bridal Comb

Just wanted to share another piece I made.  The bride wanted a hair comb, but most she was finding had too many rhinestones or were made to look like flowers.  Based on her guidance, this was the design I came up with.  A perfect mix of Swarovski pearls, rhinestones and crystals.

You can view more of my custom work here or visit my etsy online shop.

Cardigans: A Girl's Best Friend

Anyone who knows me knows that I love cardigans.  I wear one practically everyday, seriously.  So, when I heard about a new trend, cardigans as wedding attire, I was thrilled!  But, I had to wonder, how does it work?  Well, for one, its a way to add a pop of color.  I love the idea of a neutral or nude bridesmaids dress with a bright cardigan.

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Its practical.  Most bridal attire is strapless or sleeveless, what a great way to stay cozy on a cool fall or spring evening.  And once you heat up the dance floor, take it off to cool down.  Your bridesmaids will thank you! 

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It's All In The Bag

Everyone has seen the "bridal" clutch.  White gathered satin, frame clutch.  Your mother likely carried one at her wedding.  In fact, your grandmother likely carried it too.  Time to make a statement with your accessories!  Check out these stylish and bridal-perfect bags:

Bridal Clutches by alexawebb featuring crystal handbags

Glint crystal handbag
$78 - nordstrom.com

Yves Saint Laurent satin handbag
$2,185 - net-a-porter.com

Badgley Mischka handles handbag
$725 - couture.zappos.com

Sondra roberts handbag
$98 - nordstrom.com

Ruffle handbag
$78 - nordstrom.com

BCBG Max Azria clutch bag
$138 - nordstrom.com

Betsey Johnson Rosey Tulle Frame Champagne - Zappos.com Free Shipping...
$98 - zappos.com

Inspired Designer: Maria Louise High

I had the chance to meet Maria Louise High, local Baltimorean, designer extraordinaire, and owner of Little Blue Studio.  High makes beautiful fabric flower jewelry and accessories, perfect for brides!

 

I asked her some questions- When and how did you get into making jewelry and accessories?

"I studied painting in school, but with two active boys and living in two different places, I had to switch to a medium that was a little more adaptable to what's going on in my life right now.  I sort of fell into the jewelry on a friend's request, but the background for what I am now doing has really been there lifelong.  My mother loved to work with fabric and I enjoyed watching her.  I also had a lot of access to some of her really incredible jewelry pieces growing up.  My father's uncle was a jeweler/lapidary in Philadelphia.  So those exposures sort of meshed together into what I am doing now."

What items do you offer brides?  "Everything from head to toe!  Appliques , headbands and hairpins, sashes and brooches are most of my custom work. I have also done necklaces and cuffs on occassion." 
So, you do custom work, tell me about that...  "My custom work varies greatly.  Some pieces are what I categorize as made-to-order and just revamped as far as color or size without needing samples.  These are usually completed in about a week.  Full custom work takes longer.  We usually start with discussing colors and I will send samples of fabric and/or beading.  That, plus fabric searching, can add a few weeks to the order."

What is your most popular item/style for brides?  "I am surprised at the number of brides choosing to go with color for their own pieces, even bolder hues.  I think it's fabulous to stretch away from monotone white or ivory.  Brides who come to me are choosing gowns with simpler lines and details so they can finish the look on their own in a very personal way.  Probably my most-wanted bridal pieces are the double-bloom brooch for bridesmaids and hairpins for the bride."

 What do you enjoy most about working with brides?  "The brides who come to me are very knowledgable and easy to work with.  They set the frame for the look they want while giving me reign over the details which makes it really pleasurable to do custom work."

Is there anything else you think my readers should know about you and what you do?  "My pieces can be worn by anyone; only about half of my customers are brides.  The brooches and necklaces are surprisingly unfussy, which enables women to add a feminine touch to casual or professional outfits...not just special occasion ones."

You can find Maria Louise High at her Etsy shop or her facebook page.  She will also be an artist featured at my "Meet the Etsy Artist (a trunk show)"  event on Saturday, April 23, 2 - 5pm at Alexandra Webb.