Below is the Anjou Bobby Pin a large star like shape made of large Swarovski pears. I love this design and wear the ring all the time!

Let me know if there is a particular hair style you are interested in seeing. We’ll be doing a photo shoot in a few weeks and would love to hear from you!

I love the whimsy of feathers and have been very happy to see them popping up everywhere this season. I was so pleasantly taken when I saw this version of the little white dress from J.Crew. The Gwen dress is a perfect combination of some of my favorite things:  a tailored cut of tweed and layers of chiffon, organza and tulle beaded with glass beads, sequins, and of course feathers. I would add a single Sabrina Bobby Pin from our Naugi collection to compliment the hair. This combination- the whimsical feathers, the tailored dress but not too serious length, the slight glitz of the jewels is perfect as maybe a second dress for late in the reception-LOVE it!

There are as many variations to wearing the hair down as there are for wearing it up. Some want a “look”, glam, romantic, or sleek and modern while others want to do what works best for their hair type. Very long locks like the two featured here are so much fun for me to experiment with!

Here Brandi’s thick dark hair was styled straight and sleek. In her case there wasn’t too much else we could do because of her volume of hair and our time frame. I love her look and the gorgeous contrast dark hair provides for the sparkling Barcelona Headband. Subtly sparkling with hundreds of tiny Swarovski crystals this vintage inspired piece is beautiful worn like a headband. It really was a perfect way to tame Brandi’s hair and keep it off her face. To wear this piece like a tiara in front of up hair we would add a small comb on each side of the headband.

Audrey’s hair was another example of a girl with an amazing amount of hair! Wow, we were really a bit stumped at first about how to create the look we wanted. Kelly Cynkar of the Montgomery Hair Boutique really did a great job rolling Audre’s hair into loose romantic curls. I really loved the honey tones in her hair and thought curls would be perfect for her! The Lillian Grace Headband an absolutely perfect fit for this look- it’s flowing design of Swarovski crystal pear leaves, daisies, and pearls is asymmetrically placed making it a beautiful choice for soft and romantic hair.

This shoot took place last summer at the studio of the fabulous photographer Neysa Ruhl. If you live in the Cincinnati area and are getting married you should check her out, but give yourself plenty of time, her calendar looks like she’s already booked for 2009! Neysa Ruhl has a blog where she regularly shows her current projects. Go on over and see her talent- you’ll be glad you did! Make up was done by Leisa Glevicky of iMakeup Artistry.

I’ll be posting more hair styles and talking about how to adorn them, in fact I think there may be a port two to the long hair look!

Tell Me: How are you planning on wearing your hair for your wedding day?

I have this beautiful photo that I’ve wanted to show for a while now. The natural, romantic look was created by the Brides local team using our headpieces. Yes, I said headpieces, plural, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the concept and their use of the pieces. I love it for a few other reasons also: First of all look at this glamorous and dramatic rolled ponytail. Wow she must have really long locks! I love how the hair drapes a little over the ear adding to the loose slightly casual feel. Wouldn’t this look be beautiful for a beach ceremony!?

The piece you can really see is the above pictured North Star Hair Ornament. It’s a very pretty sparkly piece chunk full of Swarovski crystal. The placement in the photo is beautiful even without the addition of the other piece. I have this piece made in all pearl but haven’t gotten around to adding it to the collection. It’s beautiful too- I try to get that added soon to show.

The piece that you can just see peeking over the side of the models head is the Honeysuckle Rose Headpiece. It reminds me of a garden- a lovely romantic garden- another place this look would be well suited for! The Honeysuckle Rose is one that can be worn in front as shown here or in the back above, say a loose rolled ponytail, or a big chignon. It’s really one of my favorites, the detail of which are somewhat painstaking to make.

The idea of combining two or more pieces to create a look is not often explored, but I think if done carefully it can be beautiful!

Tell me: Do you have any plans for unusual placement or combinations of headpieces?

I’m starting with what is possibly my favorite of the photos- above is the Lillian Grace Brooch pinned on the lightly beaded neckline of a dress. Take a look at those pear crystal petals by Swarovski! I wouldn’t always suggest a pairing a brooch with beading but I love this. It’s delicate and feminine and the silver toned beading reference the silver of the brooch.

I made the Garden Party Brooch several years ago for my sister-in-law. For her I made it with light topaz crystal which we pinned on a champagne colored silk band which finished the strapless neck line of her beautiful dress. This brooch design became an instant favorite and one I love to suggest placing of the waist of a gown, shown here, as well. It dresses up last seasons knee length strapless beach dress from J.Crew very nicely.

Here the Lillian Grace Brooch is pinned on the waist. I love the graceful swoop of the leafy design. It’s as perfect pinned in this direction on the waist as it was one the above pictured neck line. LOVE!

Lastly is the center placed Lola Brooch on this deep v-neck dress again by J.Crew (yep, it’s a favorite)! I love how the circular brooch emulates the embroidered circles on the dress. Sadly, the only time I wore this dress I hadn’t yet designed Lola. This is actually a post for another day, but combining 2 Lolas on the hip of a gown is gorgeous and a very popular way to order and wear this design!

Tell me: Are you planning on wearing a brooch on your wedding day?

Next I saw this ethereal deep v-neck gown with wispy overlapping layers also by Vera Wang. I love the almost casual way the bow brooch has been pinned on the strap. I believe it’s the same brooch on both dresses used in two different ways. Placement is everything and should always be deliberate and well though out. That’s why I love Vera Wang- the details are always immaculate and thoughtfully placed.

On Monday I’ll be back with a showing of our brooches. Have a great weekend!

Jessica

I mentioned a few days ago that I would like to see the new Florence Hair Ornament paired with one of her dresses because it reminds me of her eye for detail in its curls and curves. I don’t think this dress needs anything else- just two or three of our Florence for the defining accent on one gorgeous dress!

Enjoy!

Jessica

Well, hello! I’ve been MIA on the blog for about two weeks and I am sorry. We’ve been working on an exciting new project (hint- upgrading the blog)! I was waiting to post new entries until we’re ready for the launch but we’re just not quite ready, and that’s okay. Sometimes things just take a little longer : -) Here’s where I left off last…

I started making “back pieces” as custom requests many, many years ago as hair styles began trending toward low buns or chignons. Now back pieces are a regular part of each season’s designs and by far one of the most popular ways to accent the hair. I‘m not exactly sure how the term back piece emerged but it raises a lot of questions from brides about what it is and how to wear it. This is the first of a few posts about the different types of head pieces. So here we go!

Some pieces such as the Beautiful Girl Back Piece and the  Grape Flora Hair Ornament can be worn along side a french twist or tucked into the gathered section of hair that is half up/half down. The Grape Flora Hair Ornament is made so that is also works well in front, perhaps on the side. Others such as the Jackie Back Piece and the Syvie Back Piece are very rounded and more suited for the shape of a chignon. In general there aren’t many “rules” about where a particular piece goes. For instance the Jackie Back Piece is very dramatic and beautiful placed in front and off to the side. It’s all up to your imagination & hair style!

I’ve been completely amazed and slightly amused to see the combination’s and placements of headpieces over the years. Do you have a question about how to wear a piece? Do you have a picture of yourself wearing a piece that you would like to share (please I love receiving pictures of our brides ? Email me- I’d love to hear from you!

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Jessica

It’s a most common question “How and when do I choose my hair accessories” and one that deserves careful thought and consideration. However, the condensed answer is simple: Choose what you love while taking a few key factors into consideration.

1.Your gown- it’s a must factor. It’s rare to find a bride who hasn’t already selected her gown. Does it have embellishment? A high or low neck line? Does it have any color in the fabric, or in the detail (a sash maybe or for example gold toned beading)?

2. What jewelry do you have already? You should have an idea of style at least. Stud earrings or dangle (how much dangle, a ½” drop or a fabulous chandelier style)?

3. How will you wear your hair? Your hair…I think most people would agree that you should feel like yourself only a more special, more carefully styled version of yourself, a version that makes you feel beautiful, glamorous, confident, & full of love! This isn’t always a must when selecting a hair accessory, but it does help guide the style you choose. I have actually had many customers who have all the details wrapped up including gown, jewelry, & hair accessory, but they wait on deciding on a final hair style until bringing their beautiful and sparkly jeweled comb to their 1st hair trial.

The above image features the Lisette Gown from J.Crew, a sheer silk organdy fabric covered in embroidered cotton flowers. I paired this gown with two similarly detailed jeweled combs- the Dogwood Small Comb and the larger Dogwood Bridal Back Piece. Keeping the jewelry simple I added only the Dogwood Bracelet and would opt simple pearl studs for the earring choice.

Do you have any questions along the way? I’ve touched base with customers as much as 6 months before they order perhaps just answering simple inquiries such as the possibility changing the size of a piece or location of a comb. Let me know if you have any questions, ideas, or pictures that would help make your decision!

Jessica