Continued...
The former St Andrew’s Academy pupil was at the gym four or five times a week leading up to her wedding.
And, instead of craving chips, Lisa now has a newfound passion – for fruit.
She is thrilled to have made it through to the final of the Scottish Slimmer of the Year Awards, with the winner to be announced tonight at glitzy private members club 29 in Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow.
Lisa is in with a shout of landing fantastic prizes such as a sun-kissed holiday for two, a Debenhams shopping spree and a makeover for a glamorous photoshoot with Scottish Slimmers magazine Boost.
“When I look back at how I lived, I am not proud,” she said. “Now I’m looking forward to the Slimmer of the Year final.
“I didn’t think I’d get this far, so anything else is a bonus.”
And there is more good news for Lisa – as she is now expecting another child.
But, with her five-month-old bump growing all the time, her beloved spin classes have had to be put on hold!
Lisa said: “I am really enjoying my pregnancy, though I’m being careful with my eating to make sure my baby is getting the nutrition it needs.
“I don’t see the pregnancy as an excuse for getting back into unhealthy eating. Anyway, I’ve now discovered fruit.
“I am still exercising but a bit more gently. I love the feeling of being fit and healthy but I will be back on my bike as soon as I can after the birth.”End.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Lovely Lisa's now six dress sizes smaller!
by Jeff Holmes
YUMMY mummy Lisa Muir is in line to be crowned Scottish Slimmer of the Year – after losing more than five-and-a-half stones and dropping six dress sizes.
The Paisley woman, who once tipped the scales at a hefty 17st 8lbs, admits she used to be a beer-guzzling, fast-food junkie who was on first name terms with take-away delivery drivers and could down a pint faster than any man she knew.
But the thought of waddling down the aisle in a size 26 wedding dress to marry her sweetheart Jamie forced her to take drastic action.
Now, 18 months later, Lisa has lost 12 inches off her waist, another 12 off her hips and 10 inches off her bust.
And she has been given another reward for her amazing efforts by being named as a finalist in the Scottish Slimmer of the Year Awards.
Lisa, who is mum to four-year-old daughter Sarah, said her weight problem spiralled out of control after she moved into her own flat in Glenburn in 2000.
The 28-year-old added: “I couldn’t cook. If it wasn’t frozen, it wasn’t chosen!”
But Lisa wasn’t chuckling when she found herself out of breath after climbing the stairs during Christmas 2006.
“I knew my health was at risk,” she said. “I joined Scottish Slimmers with the aim of losing weight for my wedding to Jamie in August this year.
“No bride wants to be a size 26 on her big day.”
Along with family members, Lisa climbed on the scales and couldn’t believe she had six stones to lose.
But a quick flick through some recipe books gave her inspiration.
She said: “I couldn’t boil an egg before but the recipes are so simple and easy to understand that I decided to try some. I have basically learned to be a pretty good cook thanks to Scottish Slimmers.”
Lisa’s slimming class manager advised her to exercise more once the weight started to fall off.
“I became totally addicted to spin classes,” said Lisa, who originally hails from Foxbar.
“I managed to lose just over five-and-a-half stones and also dropped six dress sizes.”Continued...
YUMMY mummy Lisa Muir is in line to be crowned Scottish Slimmer of the Year – after losing more than five-and-a-half stones and dropping six dress sizes.
The Paisley woman, who once tipped the scales at a hefty 17st 8lbs, admits she used to be a beer-guzzling, fast-food junkie who was on first name terms with take-away delivery drivers and could down a pint faster than any man she knew.
But the thought of waddling down the aisle in a size 26 wedding dress to marry her sweetheart Jamie forced her to take drastic action.
Now, 18 months later, Lisa has lost 12 inches off her waist, another 12 off her hips and 10 inches off her bust.
And she has been given another reward for her amazing efforts by being named as a finalist in the Scottish Slimmer of the Year Awards.
Lisa, who is mum to four-year-old daughter Sarah, said her weight problem spiralled out of control after she moved into her own flat in Glenburn in 2000.
The 28-year-old added: “I couldn’t cook. If it wasn’t frozen, it wasn’t chosen!”
But Lisa wasn’t chuckling when she found herself out of breath after climbing the stairs during Christmas 2006.
“I knew my health was at risk,” she said. “I joined Scottish Slimmers with the aim of losing weight for my wedding to Jamie in August this year.
“No bride wants to be a size 26 on her big day.”
Along with family members, Lisa climbed on the scales and couldn’t believe she had six stones to lose.
But a quick flick through some recipe books gave her inspiration.
She said: “I couldn’t boil an egg before but the recipes are so simple and easy to understand that I decided to try some. I have basically learned to be a pretty good cook thanks to Scottish Slimmers.”
Lisa’s slimming class manager advised her to exercise more once the weight started to fall off.
“I became totally addicted to spin classes,” said Lisa, who originally hails from Foxbar.
“I managed to lose just over five-and-a-half stones and also dropped six dress sizes.”Continued...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Something bold, something new
Continued...
Tired tradition ho-hum hotel receptions
Banquet halls are usually either bland caverns where decorations cost extra or they’re gilded like a cheesy Palace of Versailles knockoff. Find a venue that reflects your personality. Pilsen couple Jessica and Patrick Engelking had their 2004 wedding at Salvage One (1840 W Hubbard St, 312-733-0098; rental fees start at $5,000), a River West purveyor of architectural artifacts. “It was a place we liked to go after brunch for treasure hunting when we were dating,” Jessica says, “and we just asked them, could we get married here?” As it turned out, private events were a specialty. The staff cleared a room on the third floor of its warehouse and created an “altar” by hanging four antique leaded-glass panes from the ceiling to form a glass box, which was lit from above by an antique chandelier. If you dig modern art, check out Flatfile Galleries (217 N Carpenter St, 312-491-1190; $2,500 for five hours), a 6,000-square-foot, two-floor gallery available for private events. Its contemporary exhibits are planned 18 months out, so you’ll know your backdrop in advance. (And for couples who have well-stocked homes but bare walls, Flatfile offers a gift registry for art.)End.
Source
Tired tradition ho-hum hotel receptions
Banquet halls are usually either bland caverns where decorations cost extra or they’re gilded like a cheesy Palace of Versailles knockoff. Find a venue that reflects your personality. Pilsen couple Jessica and Patrick Engelking had their 2004 wedding at Salvage One (1840 W Hubbard St, 312-733-0098; rental fees start at $5,000), a River West purveyor of architectural artifacts. “It was a place we liked to go after brunch for treasure hunting when we were dating,” Jessica says, “and we just asked them, could we get married here?” As it turned out, private events were a specialty. The staff cleared a room on the third floor of its warehouse and created an “altar” by hanging four antique leaded-glass panes from the ceiling to form a glass box, which was lit from above by an antique chandelier. If you dig modern art, check out Flatfile Galleries (217 N Carpenter St, 312-491-1190; $2,500 for five hours), a 6,000-square-foot, two-floor gallery available for private events. Its contemporary exhibits are planned 18 months out, so you’ll know your backdrop in advance. (And for couples who have well-stocked homes but bare walls, Flatfile offers a gift registry for art.)End.
Source
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Something bold, something new
Continued...
Tired tradition spending a year planning
TheKnot.com has a checklist of more than 150 things do to before the big day. But unless you’re giddy to “track down something old, new, borrowed and blue” (No. 128), that’s a major time suck. In 1999, Joanne Cordoba, now 39, and her boyfriend, Luis, decided to get married, but neither wanted the pageantry of a formal wedding. Their idea: Surprise 18 of their closest friends by exchanging vows at an upcoming New Year’s Eve party they were already planning to host in their Lakeview condo. The only people who knew in advance were Joanne’s parents and her sister. “Nobody suspected a thing,” she says. At 7 that night, a retired judge wearing his robe knocked on the door and asked, “Is this where the couple is getting married?” After a confused guest told him he had the wrong house, Joanne and Luis announced their surprise. “It was an amazing moment where [everyone] was just in shock,” Joanne says. Vows were exchanged, then the newly married couple revealed an elaborate food spread, including oysters, foie gras and a dinner they cooked themselves. Afterward, they turned up the music and danced all night. Joanne says the surprise on her guests’ faces was priceless. “To this day, they still talk about it.”Continued...
Tired tradition spending a year planning
TheKnot.com has a checklist of more than 150 things do to before the big day. But unless you’re giddy to “track down something old, new, borrowed and blue” (No. 128), that’s a major time suck. In 1999, Joanne Cordoba, now 39, and her boyfriend, Luis, decided to get married, but neither wanted the pageantry of a formal wedding. Their idea: Surprise 18 of their closest friends by exchanging vows at an upcoming New Year’s Eve party they were already planning to host in their Lakeview condo. The only people who knew in advance were Joanne’s parents and her sister. “Nobody suspected a thing,” she says. At 7 that night, a retired judge wearing his robe knocked on the door and asked, “Is this where the couple is getting married?” After a confused guest told him he had the wrong house, Joanne and Luis announced their surprise. “It was an amazing moment where [everyone] was just in shock,” Joanne says. Vows were exchanged, then the newly married couple revealed an elaborate food spread, including oysters, foie gras and a dinner they cooked themselves. Afterward, they turned up the music and danced all night. Joanne says the surprise on her guests’ faces was priceless. “To this day, they still talk about it.”Continued...
Monday, November 17, 2008
Something bold, something new
Ditch the cookie-cutter weddings you’ve suffered through a billion times with these unique, tradition-busting ideas.
By Erin Ensign
You’ve heard the wedding horror stories: $50,000 tabs paid for on credit, bridezillas who pen manifestos full of hair and makeup rules for their bridesmaids, and couples whose intense prewedding arguments destine them for divorce court. We blame it all on self-inflicted pressure to pull off the perfect wedding, and it usually starts with the same old traditions everyone feels compelled to follow. Buck that! Here are some customs that could use a modern makeover.
Tired tradition the white wedding dress
Virgins over 25, raise your hands. (Yeah, that’s what we thought.) Yet without hesitation, brides-to-be spend at least $1,000 on a white gown they’ll never wear again. For 36-year-old Laura Dembo, that felt silly, so she chose a black knee-length cocktail dress for her wedding two years ago. “I felt like if I was going to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a dress, I wanted to be able to wear it again.” And she has—five times. “It was definitely a splurge,” Dembo says of the $1,900 frock she found at Blake (212 W Chicago Ave, 312-202-0047), a pricey boutique she normally wouldn’t even bother entering. But there’s no buyer’s remorse: Dembo loves that she has a go-to dress hanging in her closet for black-tie parties and happily says, “It’s fun to tell people I’m wearing my wedding dress.” (One literal footnote: Forgoing white meant she could splurge on black open-toe Prada heels she’s worn again, too.) Continued...
"For me, it's not practical to buy expensive bridal gowns which you can never wear in any other occasions. I love the new trends which are simple yet elegant and you can wear for another event."
By Erin Ensign
You’ve heard the wedding horror stories: $50,000 tabs paid for on credit, bridezillas who pen manifestos full of hair and makeup rules for their bridesmaids, and couples whose intense prewedding arguments destine them for divorce court. We blame it all on self-inflicted pressure to pull off the perfect wedding, and it usually starts with the same old traditions everyone feels compelled to follow. Buck that! Here are some customs that could use a modern makeover.
Tired tradition the white wedding dress
Virgins over 25, raise your hands. (Yeah, that’s what we thought.) Yet without hesitation, brides-to-be spend at least $1,000 on a white gown they’ll never wear again. For 36-year-old Laura Dembo, that felt silly, so she chose a black knee-length cocktail dress for her wedding two years ago. “I felt like if I was going to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a dress, I wanted to be able to wear it again.” And she has—five times. “It was definitely a splurge,” Dembo says of the $1,900 frock she found at Blake (212 W Chicago Ave, 312-202-0047), a pricey boutique she normally wouldn’t even bother entering. But there’s no buyer’s remorse: Dembo loves that she has a go-to dress hanging in her closet for black-tie parties and happily says, “It’s fun to tell people I’m wearing my wedding dress.” (One literal footnote: Forgoing white meant she could splurge on black open-toe Prada heels she’s worn again, too.) Continued...
"For me, it's not practical to buy expensive bridal gowns which you can never wear in any other occasions. I love the new trends which are simple yet elegant and you can wear for another event."
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Models display latest bridal trends in Bhopal
From ANI
Dazzling in the bridal finery and looking resplendent in latest make up and hairstyles, models sashayed down ramp displaying latest bridalrends here on Tuesday.
'Bridal Fiesta' was organised with an aim to highlight the latest trends in make up and hairstyling for the brides-to-be.
"Every bride wants to look like the actresses and it is just one day, which is their wedding day that they get a chance to dress up. I felt that all the beauticians of the city and state should learn new techniques in make up so this competition was organised," said Nikki Baba, Organiser.
The event, which lasted for two-hours, saw scores of beauticians and hairstylists compete with each other as they unleashed their creativity and turned the models into stunners by using latest make-up and hairstyling trends.
Walking the ramp, the models looked the role of the demure brides, as they displayed the painstaking efforts of the beauticians in make up and hairstyling.
The competing beauticians said, the trends in make were changing fast and now more care was being taken to study the face structure of the client before applying make up.
"Earlier the client used to come and the beautician used to start with her make up right away. Nowadays we study the face of the girl and then start with her make up so as to give her the best," said Madhu Tiwari, a Beautician.
The burgeoning fashion industry and the Bollywood have all played pivotal roles in introducing latest trends in make up and hairstyling, and with the commencement of wedding season, these elements assume a significant role in shaping the bridal look for the weddings.
Dazzling in the bridal finery and looking resplendent in latest make up and hairstyles, models sashayed down ramp displaying latest bridalrends here on Tuesday.
'Bridal Fiesta' was organised with an aim to highlight the latest trends in make up and hairstyling for the brides-to-be.
"Every bride wants to look like the actresses and it is just one day, which is their wedding day that they get a chance to dress up. I felt that all the beauticians of the city and state should learn new techniques in make up so this competition was organised," said Nikki Baba, Organiser.
The event, which lasted for two-hours, saw scores of beauticians and hairstylists compete with each other as they unleashed their creativity and turned the models into stunners by using latest make-up and hairstyling trends.
Walking the ramp, the models looked the role of the demure brides, as they displayed the painstaking efforts of the beauticians in make up and hairstyling.
The competing beauticians said, the trends in make were changing fast and now more care was being taken to study the face structure of the client before applying make up.
"Earlier the client used to come and the beautician used to start with her make up right away. Nowadays we study the face of the girl and then start with her make up so as to give her the best," said Madhu Tiwari, a Beautician.
The burgeoning fashion industry and the Bollywood have all played pivotal roles in introducing latest trends in make up and hairstyling, and with the commencement of wedding season, these elements assume a significant role in shaping the bridal look for the weddings.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Valley agitation hits wedding dress traders hard
Continued...
ldquo;We have incurred a loss of about 20-21 lakhs”, said Asif Bhat, a Srinagar-based businessman. He said they bring fresh cloth stock in January and February. It takes six months to get them ready for the showroom.
The dress-makers lament the fact that the sales this year could not be anywhere close to that witnessed last year.
"In comparison to last year’s sales, we have undergone loss of about 70 per cent because of the strike. October is the wedding season. We hoped that all of our bookings that we did in the past two months would be recovered. But we incurred losses. Now the people, who earlier used to wear lehgas during the weddings, prefer to wear simple wedding suits," said Tagvish Ahmed another shop-keeper.
The brides and bridegrooms, who earlier thought of wearing the specially designed dress on wedding day, are also dejected due to non-availability of a wide special dress material for weddings.
“These days, the fashion of wearing traditional Lehngas and Sherwanis has captured the minds of every bride and groom. But many of them were disappointed as the shopkeepers could not buy enough stock from outside. The brides and grooms could not buy dresses as per their desire," lamented Afrida Dar, one such buyer. End.
ldquo;We have incurred a loss of about 20-21 lakhs”, said Asif Bhat, a Srinagar-based businessman. He said they bring fresh cloth stock in January and February. It takes six months to get them ready for the showroom.
The dress-makers lament the fact that the sales this year could not be anywhere close to that witnessed last year.
"In comparison to last year’s sales, we have undergone loss of about 70 per cent because of the strike. October is the wedding season. We hoped that all of our bookings that we did in the past two months would be recovered. But we incurred losses. Now the people, who earlier used to wear lehgas during the weddings, prefer to wear simple wedding suits," said Tagvish Ahmed another shop-keeper.
The brides and bridegrooms, who earlier thought of wearing the specially designed dress on wedding day, are also dejected due to non-availability of a wide special dress material for weddings.
“These days, the fashion of wearing traditional Lehngas and Sherwanis has captured the minds of every bride and groom. But many of them were disappointed as the shopkeepers could not buy enough stock from outside. The brides and grooms could not buy dresses as per their desire," lamented Afrida Dar, one such buyer. End.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Valley agitation hits wedding dress traders hard
Kashmir Valley wedding dress traders are facing rough weather. Agitations, prolonged curfews over the Amarnath land controversy have dealt a big financial blow to their once booming business.
VALLEY TRADERS dealing in wedding garments are going through a rough season due to the prevailing unrest in the region. The Amarnath land controversy which lead to curfew, strikes and protests has dealt a big blow to the business. The booming wedding season trade has been wreaked.
The political unrest in Jammu and Kashmir forced many marriage ceremonies to be postponed and caused big losses to these traditional wedding dress makers in the Valley. They had many bulk orders both from the Valley and abroad for wedding dresses and were anticipating good profits. But while the Valley weddings were put off so they failed to sell their stock and recover their investments. Many shopkeepers, dealing in the special wedding garments, had to return the advance payments from customers. The orders for abroad could not be met because of the conditions in Kashmir.Continued...
VALLEY TRADERS dealing in wedding garments are going through a rough season due to the prevailing unrest in the region. The Amarnath land controversy which lead to curfew, strikes and protests has dealt a big blow to the business. The booming wedding season trade has been wreaked.
The political unrest in Jammu and Kashmir forced many marriage ceremonies to be postponed and caused big losses to these traditional wedding dress makers in the Valley. They had many bulk orders both from the Valley and abroad for wedding dresses and were anticipating good profits. But while the Valley weddings were put off so they failed to sell their stock and recover their investments. Many shopkeepers, dealing in the special wedding garments, had to return the advance payments from customers. The orders for abroad could not be met because of the conditions in Kashmir.Continued...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wedding dress business shattered in valley
Srinagar, October 14 : Traders dealing in wedding garments have a rough season for their trade in valley as the unconducive situation wreaked a wreck on the wedding garments trade. The trade has hardly a breathing space at present here.
The current situation in the valley has forced many marriage ceremonies to cancellation, causing a blow to wedding dress business here.
The traders in valley had bought various wedding dresses from other States in advance, anticipating good sales during the season. But following the cancellation of wedding ceremonies they have failed to sell off their stock and recover their investments.
" We have incurred a loss of about 20-21 lakh rupees as our business suffered a blow because of the curfew, the valley was reeling under for the Amarnath Land Controversy", said Asif Bhat a Srinagar based businessman", adding, " We bring fresh stock of clothes in January and February, get new Lehngas stitched, which takes around six months to get ready for the showroom,".
Many shopkeepers, dealing in the special wedding garments, had to return the advance payments from customers. They lament the fact that the sales this year could not be anywhere close to that witnessed last year.
"In comparison to last year's sales, we have undergone loss of about 70 per cent because of the strike. October is the wedding season. We hoped that all of our bookings that we did in the past two months would be recovered. But we incurred losses. Now the people, who earlier used to wear Lehngas during the weddings, prefer to wear simple wedding suits," said Tagvish Ahmed, another shopkeeper.
The brides and bridegrooms, who earlier thought of wearing the specially designed dress on wedding day, are also dejected due to non-availability of a wide special dress material for weddings.
"These days, the fashion of wearing Lehngas and Sherwanis has captured the minds of every bride and groom. It is their earnest desire to wear Lehngas and Sherwanis on their wedding day. But due to the recent agitations, the shopkeepers could not buy enough stock from outside. The brides and grooms could not buy dresses as per their desire," said Afrida Dar, a customer.
Source
The current situation in the valley has forced many marriage ceremonies to cancellation, causing a blow to wedding dress business here.
The traders in valley had bought various wedding dresses from other States in advance, anticipating good sales during the season. But following the cancellation of wedding ceremonies they have failed to sell off their stock and recover their investments.
" We have incurred a loss of about 20-21 lakh rupees as our business suffered a blow because of the curfew, the valley was reeling under for the Amarnath Land Controversy", said Asif Bhat a Srinagar based businessman", adding, " We bring fresh stock of clothes in January and February, get new Lehngas stitched, which takes around six months to get ready for the showroom,".
Many shopkeepers, dealing in the special wedding garments, had to return the advance payments from customers. They lament the fact that the sales this year could not be anywhere close to that witnessed last year.
"In comparison to last year's sales, we have undergone loss of about 70 per cent because of the strike. October is the wedding season. We hoped that all of our bookings that we did in the past two months would be recovered. But we incurred losses. Now the people, who earlier used to wear Lehngas during the weddings, prefer to wear simple wedding suits," said Tagvish Ahmed, another shopkeeper.
The brides and bridegrooms, who earlier thought of wearing the specially designed dress on wedding day, are also dejected due to non-availability of a wide special dress material for weddings.
"These days, the fashion of wearing Lehngas and Sherwanis has captured the minds of every bride and groom. It is their earnest desire to wear Lehngas and Sherwanis on their wedding day. But due to the recent agitations, the shopkeepers could not buy enough stock from outside. The brides and grooms could not buy dresses as per their desire," said Afrida Dar, a customer.
Source
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Bridal Gowns Against Breast Cancer
Brides Magazine, 21 Top Designers Team In "Something Pink" Campaign To Attract Money For Research To Fight The Disease
The fight against breast cancer is being taken down the wedding aisle for the second straight year.
Brides magazine and 21 leading designers have combined in a campaign dubbed "Something Pink" to raise money for breast cancer research.
On The Early Show Wednesday, Brides Editor in Chief Millie Martini Bratten explained to co-anchor Julie Chen that it's being done "through the sale of specially-designed wedding dresses, all of which are in Brides magazine. (The designers are) designing dresses with a pink theme.
"The sale of each dress from now to next July will raise money for breast cancer research. A portion of the sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, whether the dress is in pink or cream or white."
Bratten then hosted a fashion show of five of the gowns. Click on the images above for their descriptions and prices. The photos, which are all by Heidi Niemala, appear in the order they were in on the show.
The last gown was modeled by young breast cancer survivor Adreinne Harlow, who told her story:
Flowers for the fashion show were provided by Zezé Flowers, of New York.
Roberta Chiarella Jewelry provided the jewelry.
The 2008 Something Pink designers are Alfred Angelo, Amsale, Anjolique, Anne Barge, Atelier Aimee, Badgley Mischka Bride, Carolina Herrera, Christos, Claire Pettibone, David's Bridal, Eve of Milady, Kenneth Pool, Mon Cheri Bridals, Monique Lhuillier, Mori Lee, Romona Keveza, Reem Acra, Sophia Tolli, Vera Wang, Vineyard Collection and Watters Brides.
The November/December issue of Brides has the fashion portfolio of the gowns.
"I admire these people. I hope that more people will continue to help breast cancer patients."
The fight against breast cancer is being taken down the wedding aisle for the second straight year.
Brides magazine and 21 leading designers have combined in a campaign dubbed "Something Pink" to raise money for breast cancer research.
On The Early Show Wednesday, Brides Editor in Chief Millie Martini Bratten explained to co-anchor Julie Chen that it's being done "through the sale of specially-designed wedding dresses, all of which are in Brides magazine. (The designers are) designing dresses with a pink theme.
"The sale of each dress from now to next July will raise money for breast cancer research. A portion of the sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, whether the dress is in pink or cream or white."
Bratten then hosted a fashion show of five of the gowns. Click on the images above for their descriptions and prices. The photos, which are all by Heidi Niemala, appear in the order they were in on the show.
The last gown was modeled by young breast cancer survivor Adreinne Harlow, who told her story:
Flowers for the fashion show were provided by Zezé Flowers, of New York.
Roberta Chiarella Jewelry provided the jewelry.
The 2008 Something Pink designers are Alfred Angelo, Amsale, Anjolique, Anne Barge, Atelier Aimee, Badgley Mischka Bride, Carolina Herrera, Christos, Claire Pettibone, David's Bridal, Eve of Milady, Kenneth Pool, Mon Cheri Bridals, Monique Lhuillier, Mori Lee, Romona Keveza, Reem Acra, Sophia Tolli, Vera Wang, Vineyard Collection and Watters Brides.
The November/December issue of Brides has the fashion portfolio of the gowns.
"I admire these people. I hope that more people will continue to help breast cancer patients."
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wedding show brings shower of vows for future PT weddings
Continued...
Chovanak said the woman bought a box of gowns for $500 from Making Memories and sold them online to support herself when she was ill. The woman wanted to return the favor. She now works for an elite bridal-gown shop in Seattle. The gowns she brought from that shop would retail for about $87,250, Chovanak estimated.
In addition to Making Memories receiving this donation of dresses, participating businesses also did well, Grant said she was told.
"I was amazed at the number of people who really are booking weddings in Port Townsend and the percentage of people who were serious buyers who came from outside the area," Grant said.
Grant said a number of people came for both days of the event, stayed, shopped, looked and loved Port Townsend.
"Then Sunday was the day they made their decisions," Grant said. She said Manresa Castle lined up at least one wedding. Silverwater booked four or five cakes. Holly's Fine Flowers was booking bouquets.
One business owner reported hearing some people talk about being torn between a Seattle venue and Port Townsend and how Port Townsend had won their hearts.
"It was very successful. It accomplished the things we set out to accomplish, which was to bring high-end, qualified wedding customers to Port Townsend to pick Port Townsend and bring business downtown," said Grant of the 2008 wedding show, which started and ended on a happy note. End.
Source
Chovanak said the woman bought a box of gowns for $500 from Making Memories and sold them online to support herself when she was ill. The woman wanted to return the favor. She now works for an elite bridal-gown shop in Seattle. The gowns she brought from that shop would retail for about $87,250, Chovanak estimated.
In addition to Making Memories receiving this donation of dresses, participating businesses also did well, Grant said she was told.
"I was amazed at the number of people who really are booking weddings in Port Townsend and the percentage of people who were serious buyers who came from outside the area," Grant said.
Grant said a number of people came for both days of the event, stayed, shopped, looked and loved Port Townsend.
"Then Sunday was the day they made their decisions," Grant said. She said Manresa Castle lined up at least one wedding. Silverwater booked four or five cakes. Holly's Fine Flowers was booking bouquets.
One business owner reported hearing some people talk about being torn between a Seattle venue and Port Townsend and how Port Townsend had won their hearts.
"It was very successful. It accomplished the things we set out to accomplish, which was to bring high-end, qualified wedding customers to Port Townsend to pick Port Townsend and bring business downtown," said Grant of the 2008 wedding show, which started and ended on a happy note. End.
Source
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wedding show brings shower of vows for future PT weddings
Continued...
Brides-to-be came to the show from as far away as Alaska, Minnesota and Oregon, and as close as Sequim. They seemed to enjoy dashing from venue to venue, although several people pointed out that grooms-to-be were not as enthusiastic.
Pizzo suggested the next show might have something specific for grooms other than watching their beloved try on gowns. One groom reportedly went to Quimper Sound and bought CDs while his intended tried on gowns.
Brenda Chovanak, director of the antique gown division of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, agreed that brides and grooms and gowns don't mix well.
"It takes forever to get a bride in and out of a dress. Don't bring a groom. It's so much more fun with girls, mothers and friends," said Chovanak. Some women enjoyed being in the gowns for up to a half hour at a time, while others zipped in and out of dresses quickly, looking for just the right one.
"That's a lot of dress," said Angie Dunn of Seattle as she admired a cream-colored dress she tried on first.
Meanwhile, Liz Lauderman of Sequim was having trouble getting out of the white beaded dress she was wearing. Her bridesmaid Alona Koehler helped. Lauderman appeared almost ready to pick a dress for her 2010 wedding.
The Making Memories foundation sells designer dresses for far less money than the retail cost. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping women who are losing their battle against breast cancer.
During the show in Port Townsend, a woman who was helped by the foundation some years ago when she was ill brought 36 dresses to donate to Making Memories.Continued...
"Making Memories foundation is a good venue for people who wants to help women with breast cancer. I would encourage all women to join the group and be able to save lives."
Brides-to-be came to the show from as far away as Alaska, Minnesota and Oregon, and as close as Sequim. They seemed to enjoy dashing from venue to venue, although several people pointed out that grooms-to-be were not as enthusiastic.
Pizzo suggested the next show might have something specific for grooms other than watching their beloved try on gowns. One groom reportedly went to Quimper Sound and bought CDs while his intended tried on gowns.
Brenda Chovanak, director of the antique gown division of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, agreed that brides and grooms and gowns don't mix well.
"It takes forever to get a bride in and out of a dress. Don't bring a groom. It's so much more fun with girls, mothers and friends," said Chovanak. Some women enjoyed being in the gowns for up to a half hour at a time, while others zipped in and out of dresses quickly, looking for just the right one.
"That's a lot of dress," said Angie Dunn of Seattle as she admired a cream-colored dress she tried on first.
Meanwhile, Liz Lauderman of Sequim was having trouble getting out of the white beaded dress she was wearing. Her bridesmaid Alona Koehler helped. Lauderman appeared almost ready to pick a dress for her 2010 wedding.
The Making Memories foundation sells designer dresses for far less money than the retail cost. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping women who are losing their battle against breast cancer.
During the show in Port Townsend, a woman who was helped by the foundation some years ago when she was ill brought 36 dresses to donate to Making Memories.Continued...
"Making Memories foundation is a good venue for people who wants to help women with breast cancer. I would encourage all women to join the group and be able to save lives."
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Wedding show brings shower of vows for future PT weddings
By Allison Arthur
It all started with a surprise renewal of wedding vows.
And it ended happily for businesses interested in promises of engaging Port Townsend for a future wedding date.
Between Friday and Sunday, the 2008 Port Townsend Wedding Show showcased wedding cakes and bouquets, champagne and beautiful hotel rooms, good food and wedding dresses in every size and style.
Susan Grant, show organizer, decided to start it off Oct. 10 by surprising her sweetheart, John Pizzo, by renewing their vows on their 15th anniversary during a VIP get-together above the Silverwater Café.
In turn, Pizzo surprised Grant with a wedding cake and gardenias, her favorite flower.
The couple renewed their vows in front of champagne-sipping friends while a few special brides looked over hundreds of gowns from Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation at the early VIP event.
Then the two and many others from the Port Townsend Wedding Guild, which Grant helped found, spent the rest of the weekend helping other couples plan their memories.Continued...
It all started with a surprise renewal of wedding vows.
And it ended happily for businesses interested in promises of engaging Port Townsend for a future wedding date.
Between Friday and Sunday, the 2008 Port Townsend Wedding Show showcased wedding cakes and bouquets, champagne and beautiful hotel rooms, good food and wedding dresses in every size and style.
Susan Grant, show organizer, decided to start it off Oct. 10 by surprising her sweetheart, John Pizzo, by renewing their vows on their 15th anniversary during a VIP get-together above the Silverwater Café.
In turn, Pizzo surprised Grant with a wedding cake and gardenias, her favorite flower.
The couple renewed their vows in front of champagne-sipping friends while a few special brides looked over hundreds of gowns from Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation at the early VIP event.
Then the two and many others from the Port Townsend Wedding Guild, which Grant helped found, spent the rest of the weekend helping other couples plan their memories.Continued...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Alfred Sung launches Fashion Week with Grace Kelly-inspired bridal collection
Continued...
Backstage, Sung said it was honour to be asked by organizers to launch Fashion Week festivities, adding that he was "very flattered" to open the show, and said he was also touched by the warm reception at the end, despite being a bit reluctant to face the audience.
"I just have to thank everyone, I mean, being so kind and supportive all through the years," he said. "Actually, I wasn't going to come out because I'm so shy. They have to push me out!" he added, laughing.
Sung, who has designed bridal wear for 15 years, said part of what sets the line apart from the countless others that comprise his brand is what manifests in the end result - helping brides feel beautiful.
"This is one product line that you just think of making women look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous on their special day because that's how they want to be, because it's fun."
Sung's philosophy on capturing the uniqueness and special aura surrounding the wedding day even filtered down to a key decision in how to present the collection.
Rather than having the models scramble to change into different dresses backstage, he opted to have each model walk down the runway in one gown - 32 in all.End.
"The collection is really great. It's a dream come true for the bride who will wear one of gowns."
Backstage, Sung said it was honour to be asked by organizers to launch Fashion Week festivities, adding that he was "very flattered" to open the show, and said he was also touched by the warm reception at the end, despite being a bit reluctant to face the audience.
"I just have to thank everyone, I mean, being so kind and supportive all through the years," he said. "Actually, I wasn't going to come out because I'm so shy. They have to push me out!" he added, laughing.
Sung, who has designed bridal wear for 15 years, said part of what sets the line apart from the countless others that comprise his brand is what manifests in the end result - helping brides feel beautiful.
"This is one product line that you just think of making women look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous on their special day because that's how they want to be, because it's fun."
Sung's philosophy on capturing the uniqueness and special aura surrounding the wedding day even filtered down to a key decision in how to present the collection.
Rather than having the models scramble to change into different dresses backstage, he opted to have each model walk down the runway in one gown - 32 in all.End.
"The collection is really great. It's a dream come true for the bride who will wear one of gowns."
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Alfred Sung launches Fashion Week with Grace Kelly-inspired bridal collection
Continued...
While the floor-length gowns largely featured cascading trains or flared hemlines, the upper halves of the gowns offered a wealth of variety to suit the diverse tastes of virtually any bride, ranging from classic sweetheart necklines to plunging off-the-shoulder V-neck styles, halter and racer-back to elaborate crisscross straps.
Models also exuded elegance with their updos, wearing hair swept back into chic chignons accessorized by a band of white satin ribbon, flowers or a jewelled hairband.
"I wanted them to look really feminine, glamorous, elegant, and a little bit sexy with the off-the-shoulder," Sung said backstage following the show.
During their final runway walk, the models tossed their bouquets into the hands of lucky onlookers as the audience gave the designer and his creations a standing ovation.
Sung got his share of the love when he stepped out into the spotlight to take his bow, graciously accepting one of the bridal bouquets from a man in the front row.
Despite more than 30 years in the business, with fragrance, eyewear, jewelry and houseware product lines among those to his credit, this marked the first time the iconic designer presented a collection during Toronto's Fashion Week.Continued...
While the floor-length gowns largely featured cascading trains or flared hemlines, the upper halves of the gowns offered a wealth of variety to suit the diverse tastes of virtually any bride, ranging from classic sweetheart necklines to plunging off-the-shoulder V-neck styles, halter and racer-back to elaborate crisscross straps.
Models also exuded elegance with their updos, wearing hair swept back into chic chignons accessorized by a band of white satin ribbon, flowers or a jewelled hairband.
"I wanted them to look really feminine, glamorous, elegant, and a little bit sexy with the off-the-shoulder," Sung said backstage following the show.
During their final runway walk, the models tossed their bouquets into the hands of lucky onlookers as the audience gave the designer and his creations a standing ovation.
Sung got his share of the love when he stepped out into the spotlight to take his bow, graciously accepting one of the bridal bouquets from a man in the front row.
Despite more than 30 years in the business, with fragrance, eyewear, jewelry and houseware product lines among those to his credit, this marked the first time the iconic designer presented a collection during Toronto's Fashion Week.Continued...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Alfred Sung launches Fashion Week with Grace Kelly-inspired bridal collection
A wave of white fabric cascaded down the catwalk as celebrated Canadian designer Alfred Sung kicked off L'Oreal Fashion Week Monday with the unveiling of sweeping creations from his bridal collection under the towering tents at Nathan Phillips Square.
Sung launched the 16th edition of the semi-annual event with a showcase of new bridal gowns aptly titled "The White Collection."
The legendary designer said he was inspired by the late film star and style icon Grace Kelly when designing his collection, an influence that translated both to the dresses and hairstyles.
The glamorous gowns ran the gamut from fluid to more form-fitting. Voluminous, full-bodied silk taffeta creations and elaborate lace and satin gowns shared the runway with softer, more slender, draped georgette dresses. Lush materials, including angel tulle, silk essence chiffon and organza, were also incorporated into the mix.
Shimmering beads and Swarovski crystals added eye-popping detailing, lending dazzle to bodices, buttons, necklines, waistlines and dress straps. Some of the gowns had the intricate accents incorporated on a larger scale, like an elaborate floral beaded pattern cascading along a dramatic lace overlay.Continued...
Sung launched the 16th edition of the semi-annual event with a showcase of new bridal gowns aptly titled "The White Collection."
The legendary designer said he was inspired by the late film star and style icon Grace Kelly when designing his collection, an influence that translated both to the dresses and hairstyles.
The glamorous gowns ran the gamut from fluid to more form-fitting. Voluminous, full-bodied silk taffeta creations and elaborate lace and satin gowns shared the runway with softer, more slender, draped georgette dresses. Lush materials, including angel tulle, silk essence chiffon and organza, were also incorporated into the mix.
Shimmering beads and Swarovski crystals added eye-popping detailing, lending dazzle to bodices, buttons, necklines, waistlines and dress straps. Some of the gowns had the intricate accents incorporated on a larger scale, like an elaborate floral beaded pattern cascading along a dramatic lace overlay.Continued...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
L'Oreal Fashion Week: Alfred Sung Bridal
by Nathalie Atkinson
More than usual even for fashion folk--or perhaps simply more glaringly, after several seasons of colours--everyone from FASHION editor Ceri Marsh in the front row to the fashion students in the back seems to be wearing black. Or grey. It makes sense: it’s a gloomy, cold and rainy grey day and dark economic days are ahead. At least they match the crinkled grey taffeta drapes and black carpeting that line the runway room.
It’s the first show of the week and while designers usually end their extravagant runway shows with a bride, L'Oreal Fashion Week begins with a showcase of several dozen. Alfred Sung’s White Collection comes out to the strains of a plaintive female soloist, with models emerging from behind Sung’s signature laurel leaf, which conjures memories of early Club Monaco. (Incidentally, Simon Chang, another fashion designer name from the Eighties, showed his collection recently at Montreal Fashion Week; he received the Order of Canada earlier this month.) Sung's first dress is a full fouffy shantung affair. The next is a fouffy tiered gown liked balloon curtains, with sprays of glinting embroideries and the traditional bridal lace-up corset back. The third is a fouffy--well, you get the idea: and they’re all white. Or bone. Or cream. (For better contrast, the white runway might have been covered in pink, red or black.) There are crystals, big bows, boned bustiers, sweetheart necklines, georgettes and chiffon goddess gowns, beaded mermaid dresses with pooling hems, rhinestoned halters, plissé chiffon trains, draped and knotted shantung bodices and sparkling angel tulles. One gown is entirely of lace set with tiny clear sequins, and the finale is a peau de soie stunner with a full veil.
The models are fresh-faced in sheer, minimal makeup and carry tasteful floral orchid, calla lilly, freesia and daisy bouquets (by Fiori); their coif comes from Blair Waldorf’s ingenue signature: a simple satin ribbon tied in a demure side bow. In fact, all these gowns are straight out of Martha Stewart Weddings, designed for the traditional ingenue turned bridekenstein and big traditional wedding. What, nothing for the beach destination wedding, or the second- (or third-) time bride? Even SJP Carrie Bradshaw tried on all manner of designer gowns but in the end tied her Big knot at City Hall wearing a simple suit.
At least I caught a bouquet.
Source
More than usual even for fashion folk--or perhaps simply more glaringly, after several seasons of colours--everyone from FASHION editor Ceri Marsh in the front row to the fashion students in the back seems to be wearing black. Or grey. It makes sense: it’s a gloomy, cold and rainy grey day and dark economic days are ahead. At least they match the crinkled grey taffeta drapes and black carpeting that line the runway room.
It’s the first show of the week and while designers usually end their extravagant runway shows with a bride, L'Oreal Fashion Week begins with a showcase of several dozen. Alfred Sung’s White Collection comes out to the strains of a plaintive female soloist, with models emerging from behind Sung’s signature laurel leaf, which conjures memories of early Club Monaco. (Incidentally, Simon Chang, another fashion designer name from the Eighties, showed his collection recently at Montreal Fashion Week; he received the Order of Canada earlier this month.) Sung's first dress is a full fouffy shantung affair. The next is a fouffy tiered gown liked balloon curtains, with sprays of glinting embroideries and the traditional bridal lace-up corset back. The third is a fouffy--well, you get the idea: and they’re all white. Or bone. Or cream. (For better contrast, the white runway might have been covered in pink, red or black.) There are crystals, big bows, boned bustiers, sweetheart necklines, georgettes and chiffon goddess gowns, beaded mermaid dresses with pooling hems, rhinestoned halters, plissé chiffon trains, draped and knotted shantung bodices and sparkling angel tulles. One gown is entirely of lace set with tiny clear sequins, and the finale is a peau de soie stunner with a full veil.
The models are fresh-faced in sheer, minimal makeup and carry tasteful floral orchid, calla lilly, freesia and daisy bouquets (by Fiori); their coif comes from Blair Waldorf’s ingenue signature: a simple satin ribbon tied in a demure side bow. In fact, all these gowns are straight out of Martha Stewart Weddings, designed for the traditional ingenue turned bridekenstein and big traditional wedding. What, nothing for the beach destination wedding, or the second- (or third-) time bride? Even SJP Carrie Bradshaw tried on all manner of designer gowns but in the end tied her Big knot at City Hall wearing a simple suit.
At least I caught a bouquet.
Source
Monday, November 3, 2008
Rare Victorian gowns up for auction in Dunedin
By Ellie Constantine
Wendy Williamson, of Forno's Auctioneers, displays an 1880s wedding gown and accessories which are for auction tomorrow.
Strong corsets and much manipulation would be required to fit any modern woman into the collection of Victorian gowns at Forno's Auctioneers.
A private collection of petite Victorian gowns, complete with mannequins, furs and dresses from the 1920s, will be offered for sale at the auction house tomorrow.
The collection was put together over several years by a private Dunedin collector.
The woman had taken care of the garments incredibly well, auctionco-ordinator Wendy Williamson said.
They had come to the auction house on their mannequins, to keep their shape.
The oldest dress in the collection was an 1880s wedding gown, complete with embroidered silk stockings, gloves, a fan and the fabric off-cuts from when it was sewn.
It was the first time such a collection had come into the auction house and she could not estimate what prices they might fetch.
"It is rare to have a group like this."
Auction house owner Barry Forno said the Otago Settlers Museum had been informed of the auction and many women had been in to look at the dresses.
Wendy Williamson, of Forno's Auctioneers, displays an 1880s wedding gown and accessories which are for auction tomorrow.
Strong corsets and much manipulation would be required to fit any modern woman into the collection of Victorian gowns at Forno's Auctioneers.
A private collection of petite Victorian gowns, complete with mannequins, furs and dresses from the 1920s, will be offered for sale at the auction house tomorrow.
The collection was put together over several years by a private Dunedin collector.
The woman had taken care of the garments incredibly well, auctionco-ordinator Wendy Williamson said.
They had come to the auction house on their mannequins, to keep their shape.
The oldest dress in the collection was an 1880s wedding gown, complete with embroidered silk stockings, gloves, a fan and the fabric off-cuts from when it was sewn.
It was the first time such a collection had come into the auction house and she could not estimate what prices they might fetch.
"It is rare to have a group like this."
Auction house owner Barry Forno said the Otago Settlers Museum had been informed of the auction and many women had been in to look at the dresses.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
"Runway" down to final cut
Continued...
Kenley Collins, 25
Bio: Kenley grew up in Pompano Beach, Fla., and is the youngest of three daughters of a tugboat captain. She got into fashion at age 16 when she started remaking vintage clothing for herself
Kenley painted flowers on dresses for her final collection (AP | Richard Drew)
and friends. Kenley studied marketing at Florida State University and went to New York City after graduation. She lives and works on her line in Brooklyn, freelances and teaches in her spare time. She sells dresses and her signature feathered hair pins on her website, kenleycollins.com.
Why she could win: Kenley's girlie, and at times retro, style, evidenced by her own Bettie Page bangs and red lips, strikes a chord with women her age. Darling dresses, cheerful color palette and such touches as handpainting distinguish her work. The youthfulness of her designs is appealing and may be the kind of look that can rev up a tired industry.
Why she might not: A loner roundly despised by her fellow contestants for her snide comments and snorting laughs at their creations and missteps, Kenley managed to insult design guru Tim Gunn and executive producer and host Heidi Klum. In a show rife with sniping, snapping personalities, she managed to seem meaner than most.
What the judges are saying: Michael Kors and Nina Garcia said Kenley's wedding dress was an Alexander McQueen knockoff. But, Kors noted, it was "done beautifully, romantic without being syrupy" and her bridesmaid dress was "the cutest damn dress I've ever seen." Heidi Klum called the outfits "crazy good."End.
Source
Kenley Collins, 25
Bio: Kenley grew up in Pompano Beach, Fla., and is the youngest of three daughters of a tugboat captain. She got into fashion at age 16 when she started remaking vintage clothing for herself
Kenley painted flowers on dresses for her final collection (AP | Richard Drew)
and friends. Kenley studied marketing at Florida State University and went to New York City after graduation. She lives and works on her line in Brooklyn, freelances and teaches in her spare time. She sells dresses and her signature feathered hair pins on her website, kenleycollins.com.
Why she could win: Kenley's girlie, and at times retro, style, evidenced by her own Bettie Page bangs and red lips, strikes a chord with women her age. Darling dresses, cheerful color palette and such touches as handpainting distinguish her work. The youthfulness of her designs is appealing and may be the kind of look that can rev up a tired industry.
Why she might not: A loner roundly despised by her fellow contestants for her snide comments and snorting laughs at their creations and missteps, Kenley managed to insult design guru Tim Gunn and executive producer and host Heidi Klum. In a show rife with sniping, snapping personalities, she managed to seem meaner than most.
What the judges are saying: Michael Kors and Nina Garcia said Kenley's wedding dress was an Alexander McQueen knockoff. But, Kors noted, it was "done beautifully, romantic without being syrupy" and her bridesmaid dress was "the cutest damn dress I've ever seen." Heidi Klum called the outfits "crazy good."End.
Source
Saturday, November 1, 2008
"Runway" down to final cut
Continued...
Korto Momolu, 33
Bio: Born in Liberia, Korto studied fashion in Canada and now lives near Little Rock, Ark., with her husband and daughter. Her African roots inspire her love of vivid colors, rich fabrics and nature motifs. Her creative outlets include photography, dance, drumming, and African hair braiding and makeup.
Why she could win: Korto isn't afraid to use a bold color palette and embellish her designs with careful pleating, tucks and even built-in jewelry. She's strong enough in her design sense to create clothes for curvy girls like herself.
Why she might not: Her work can be a little haphazard and sloppy. She seemed to at times ignore the assignment, evidenced in the wedding challenge, producing dresses that were in too-similar-colored fabrics.
What the judges are saying: Her wedding dress was "overkill," according to Nina Garcia, while the bridesmaid frock was "underdone."Continued...
Korto Momolu, 33
Bio: Born in Liberia, Korto studied fashion in Canada and now lives near Little Rock, Ark., with her husband and daughter. Her African roots inspire her love of vivid colors, rich fabrics and nature motifs. Her creative outlets include photography, dance, drumming, and African hair braiding and makeup.
Why she could win: Korto isn't afraid to use a bold color palette and embellish her designs with careful pleating, tucks and even built-in jewelry. She's strong enough in her design sense to create clothes for curvy girls like herself.
Why she might not: Her work can be a little haphazard and sloppy. She seemed to at times ignore the assignment, evidenced in the wedding challenge, producing dresses that were in too-similar-colored fabrics.
What the judges are saying: Her wedding dress was "overkill," according to Nina Garcia, while the bridesmaid frock was "underdone."Continued...
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