Classic Actresses Inspire Bridal Couture...

It seems like there's been an awful lot of weddings lately (I was in two within 8 months) and the epidemic doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. Keeping this in mind, I decided to dig up some bridal fashion for the blog, and while browsing various websites, this beautiful "Audrey Hepburn lookalike" welcomed me to the front page of Alta MODA Bridal Boutique.

I did a double take and went to find some pictures of the real Audrey. The resemblance is rather amazing...

Eager to find some more photos of this beautiful model, I clicked through to the ROSA CLARÁ bridal web site and was absolutely blown away by the designs. Honestly, I looked through every picture on the entire site. Don't visit it unless you want to spend an hour in a state of serious beauty overdose. I mean it.

Here's some of my favorite gowns (including the lovely "Audrey-esque" model). Most of them wouldn't be considered "modest", but the design details are out-of-this-world, and there's lots of cute lace cover-up options.

The choice of unique fabrics is one of the most important when it comes to creating a fabulous wedding dress. A little bit of texture can go a long way and turn an ordinary gown into something special. Who says you have to stick to the regular silk and satin? The knit fabric on the first gown is what creates its appeal. And never underestimate the power of a well-draped dress. The brilliant use of the fabric in the second photo allows the simple sheath to stand on it's own, with only a necklace for an accent.

It's amazing how the details really and truly do make the dress. Check out the exquisitely beaded belt in the 1st look, the embroidery in the 2nd, the lace in 3rd, and lastly, the beading on the 4th gown creates the illusion of a gorgeous belt, gives shape to the dress and draws attention to the waist.

When further exploring the ROSA CLARÁ site, it seems that designer Jesús Del Pozo wanted to join in on the classic-actress inspired gowns. Don't these totally look like they're out of a Grace Kelly film?

Grace Kelly always reminds me of a pure, ivory goddess. :) So beautiful...


OK, so one last round of pictures (I couldn't be more enthusiastic about these dresses than if I were paid to advertise them, huh? ;). The Fiesta line is just delicious. Yum... :)

Make sure you check out the ROSA CLARÁ web site in it's entirety. I'm definitely going to keep this bookmarked for the future... :)


Images: Bridal Images: ROSA CLARÁ / Audrey Hepburn Photo: fanpix.net / Grace Kelly Photo: SimplyClassics.net

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SHH!!! Shabby Sister Surprises!

Well, I've got some exciting fashion-y things to share with you all today! Are you ready? ;)


To start, I want to take a moment to talk about "tween" fashion. I don't think anyone can ever quite forget what it was like to be an "In-Between" and the difficult fashion and clothing problems that came along with it. It's usually a very awkward stage; all arms and legs. And while trying to adjust to an ever-changing body, finding clothes that fit right and cover is just a nightmare. No longer able to wear the "little girl" clothes, but too small for the women's sizes, it can be hard on a young lady's self esteem when she doesn't have anything that fits or flatters. At least, that's how I remember things...

But... NO MORE!!! Finally, at last, there are some clothing companies surfacing that cater to this age group and provide fabulous designs that both Mom and girls with love. One of these pioneers in modest fashion, Shabby Apple, has just launched their new "tween" line - Shabby Sister - and the results are, quite delicious. Check out these looks - perfect for that budding fashionista!

My sister Kate just received her new "Seventeen" dress last week and loves it to pieces (she says it's so pretty, and she tends to be a tomboy ;). The only thing to keep in mind with this dress is that is does have some extra room for a bust, which my little sis doesn't need at this point. So, I just put a temporary tuck in the front and will alter it for future wear. When Kate was all dressed up I thought that she rather looked like "Alice In Wonderland" and we kept that in mind while taking these pictures (thus the bunny in the first shot :) - isn't she adorable?

If there's a young lady in your life who you think would enjoy a dress of her own, I've got a great deal for you. Shabby Apple is offering AmandaBeth readers 10% off the new Preteen line (as well as any other Shabby Apple purchases) until August 31st!!! Simply enter amandabeth10off in the coupon code box at checkout on the site.

Isn't that nice? :)

I just love this company's beautiful designs! (Oh yeah, and they also have an adorable line for toddlers!) Here's some favorites:

Cats Cradle / Greta Garbo - A lovely variety of colors...

"Shabby Apple welcomes you to great dresses that make dressing simple. After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it.They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren't buying the right dresses, but that designers weren't designing them. Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else. A return to what dresses were always meant to be-- a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything...no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing (except accessories, of course!)."

Bon Voyage / Some Like It Hot - Such gorgeous details!

"We at Shabby Apple Dresses love to help women dress but are also committed to helping women live as well. Thus we are supporting the fight against global poverty by partnering with Unitus-a non-profit organization that accelerates access to life-changing financial services for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net dress sales to support work in India (where Shabby Apple Dresses sources many of its dresses the textiles used to manufacture its dresses). In addition, each Shabby Apple Dresses customer has the opportunity to donate an extra five dollars to Unitus every time she buys a dress. Shabby Apple Dresses and Unitus are involved with 10 of India's most promising micro finance organizations that provide financial services to more than 1.6 million hard-working women and their families."

Washington Square Park / Upper East Side - Vintage-inspired looks! Yum...

And, although I've already done my monthly Classic Actress Style and shared a video, here's one of my favorite "Judy" clips, since we're already on the subject of "In-Between."


If I haven't made you thoroughly love her by now, there's no hope for you. ;)

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Lucy Style

I don't know about you, but whenever the subject of Lucille Ball comes up, or someone mentions her show, I always want to smile. It's hard not to remember the dozens of wonderful hours I've spent with my family, laughing ourselves to tears over her antics. To put it mildly, Lucy had a rare talent of making people chuckle. ;)

On top of headlining one of the most beloved and classic television shows of the past century ("I Love Lucy"), Lucille Ball was a pretty snazzy fashionista. On her good days as "Lucy", she is immaculately dressed, as pictured here. She's wearing a classic plaid suit jacket with a matching overcoat (this pairing was extremely popular throughout the 30s-50s); probably made from wool, as is her solid, straight skirt. It has an interesting design accent up the front - a functional zipper or other detail. Lucy caps the outfit off with adorable peep-toe heels and some heavy jewelry - hey! you can't really go wrong with three-strand pearls. ;)

Although the series was shot in black and white, I have always loved to imagine which colors her gowns were, and keep an eye out for the details. And she sure wore some lovely ones - I am always blown away when I see her go from a frumpy comic outfit to a stunning evening gown - this woman just looked fantastic (even with that unnatural red hair, fake eyelashes and an overdose of bright red lipstick ;). There's a a particular black negligee from the show that I have wanted to recreate for years...

And then, Lucy had some bad days too, just so that we could relate to her. Aside from her outrageous comedic get ups and fearlessness of getting messy, there were times when that "perfect dress" didn't turn out so perfect. For example, watch this short video of what happens when Lucy has to be "frugal" and save some money. The homemade dress and perm don't quite go as expected...


"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22) and a long laugh is always a great pick-me-up. Doesn't your day seem brighter already? ;)


Image: Lucille Ball from SimplyClassics.net

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Stepping Into the Sun(Dress)

To me, nothing says "summer!" like a light and airy sundress. They're the perfect "throw it on and go" item of the season - a complete outfit that can be dressed up or down with a simple choice of accessories. When that summer sun is beating down on you at the beach, a sundress (you were wondering where the name can from - right? ;) is perfect with a pair of strappy sandals and a large, floppy hat. And when things start to cool down and that ocean breeze sweeps across the dunes; just throw on a sweater.

The Dictionary says that a sundress is a light, loose, sleeveless dress, typically having a wide neckline and thin shoulder straps.

It's true that this style is perfect for getting a tan. The only problem I run into is finding a dress that provides enough coverage. While you want to stay cool and breezy, I think that it's important to find a dress that fits well and is modest, so that you can be comfortable, classy and ready for any adventure that comes your way!

I found an adorable array of sundresses while browsing Casual Living (be sure to check their web site for dozens more beautiful styles).

I just love the colors in the Rust Batik Print Dress and the shirred top is adorable and modest. This style could also be worn well into fall with a yummy brown sweater.

I wish I had the Beaded Grecian Dress - white sundresses are always winners in my mind. As well as being super flattering, the neck and waistline sport some gorgeous beading. Delicious! :)

Here's a just a few more delightful designs:
The Crinkle Tiered Sundress features some very "boho" accents - a neutral color, crochet insets, drawstring neck and waist and a tiered skirt. Casual comfort for every day.
The Broomstick Sundress has a peppy red & white flowered print, a smocked top (another common sundress feature) and a wide skirt with godet insets.
The Sherbet Sundress uses horizontal and vertical stripes in a unique and flattering way - and in yummy colors! I think the fabric belt adds the perfect touch.
I love all the design details on the Creamy Crinkled Sundress, including the ruffled ribbon accents, the mesh straps, and the little lacy flowers - so cute! I also think it's great that there is a little mesh insert at the neckline - most dresses don't have those little modest touches.

And lastly, because I am a so in love with BLUE - here's a bunch of dresses that just belong in my closet. It's really too bad being broke. ;)

Floral Dress / Blue Print Dress / Embellished Embroidery Dress / Blue Sundress

Yep, nothing says "sweet simplicity" like a sundress. It's a great, no stress choice that's appropriate for almost any occasion.

AND, here's another cute shot of Anne Hathaway in her sundress. It could definitely be more modest, but I thought you'd love to see the cute details it showcases - pleating, lace insets and a skinny little ribbon belt.

Anyone else feel hungry for a sundress? Now if only it would stop raining in New England! Strange weather, very strange...

Images - Anne Hathway photos from shareapic.net / All other sundress photos from Casual Living

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Featured Fashionista Interview - Melissa

My bestest Melissa was the front-running fashionista in last week's poll and I am delighted to be able to feature her on my blog and get to share her words of wisdom and passion for style. Be sure to check out all her looks at Melissa's Corner...


AmandaBeth - Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Melissa - I am a New England girl transplanted to Missouri a year ago after a 4th of July wedding to my wonderful husband, Jordan. We just had our 1st child, William Locksley, on the 15th of May. Getting married, moving to a completely different part of the country, moving into a new home, and having a child all in 12 months time has made for quite the year! Over the past year, I have enjoyed picking out tiles, paint, etc for our home which was a new endeavor for me. It has been a great thrill to be able to decorate a place of my own. I moved a lot growing up, so this is the first home I’ve been able to actually think about gardens, a new study I’ve recently taken up as well. Viva la roses!

AB - When did you first become interested in fashion? What inspired you as a child?
Melissa - Growing up, I was more of the girly girl in my family. I lived in dress up clothes most of my childhood (one advantage to homeschooling ;-) and loved to watch any movie where they had old fashioned clothes. The old Little Women with Elizabeth Taylor was a staple in our home simply because it was one of the few we owned that had such pretty dresses and historic charm! For much of my childhood my family participated in a local "Minutemen" group reenacting the War for Independence. We marched in parades and did encampments. So, history has been my greatest interest in the fashion world, and that love is due mostly from my great history loving Dad, who actually taught us basic sewing on a Colonial cape many years ago! I always longed for the beautiful styles of yesteryear to come back today, yet always came away grateful for our comforts in this day and age!

Growing up, we became really close friends with the Flynn girls. For one thing, we shared a common interest in beautiful old clothes. I remember sitting with my sister and a couple of Flynns, under our carport, drooling over the patterns from an old "Amazon Dry Goods" magazine, picking out the dresses we wanted for our weddings when we grew up. Ever since, we have studied clothing, sewing, and historic dress. Being able to work together on the clothes for my Medieval/Renaissance themed wedding was really a highlight; a culmination of all our childhood dreams of recreating historic fashion. Having a sister, and other “sisters” to share this love with is such a special memory I will take with me as I begin to reenact and dress up the next generation!


AB - How have your views on fashion and style changed as you've become older? What inspires you now?
Melissa - My views of fashion are pretty similar to what I had growing up. Our family over the years has always tried to keep Biblical principles of modesty and femininity at the forefront of our mind as we pick out clothes to buy and wear. I never liked wearing pants growing up…going back to being the girly girl…and just loved anytime I could wear a dress, which was most of the time, even not having the money to buy very many.

AB - How did you first hear about AmandaBeth Online?
Melissa - First heard about it? Um…I usually know of Amanda’s endeavors from the beginning. Having a busy year, I wasn’t fully able to sit down and appreciate her blog till just recently, which is how I found out about fashion week.

AB - If you could have your own clothing line, what types of designs would you create? Do you have any thoughts on how we can successfully impact the world of fashion?
Melissa - I probably would have a history-inspired line for sure. There just seems to be so much grace and elegance in the bygone eras that we could draw from and use today (though there were quite a few “fruity” styles as well…not all fashions in history were quite right ;-). As to the second question, the saying goes “It only takes one person to change the world”. So, if we start with ourselves, asking what is right and acceptable as women of God, we can influence those around us, and spread the message around the globe.


AB - Do you have a favorite style icon?
Melissa - I have many friends who inspire me with their style, especially those mothers and daughters who are able to be frugal without compromising style. My friends, the Zeses, always seem to manage this. For me, if there was ever an “icon” I had, it would be their family. Fashion, thrifty findings, and inward loveliness rooted in their relationship with their Savior wrap up into one beautiful package of fashion inspiration.

AB - What are some of your favorite pieces in your closet?
Melissa - Usually anything long and flowy is my favorite. Right now, I would say my white skirts are my top picks. I just love white, and I love feeling Queenly!

AB - What do you keep in mind when picking out an outfit each day? (Any wit or wisdom to share on how you bring it all together?)
Melissa - Not really more than what I’ve written about in this post. I am very visual and love beauty wherever I can find it, even if it is simple beauty. So even in the every day I try to keep that in mind. I really like April Cornell clothes as well and appreciate her theme of finding the art in the everyday. Just look outside, at the art of His creation! That is an inspiration!


AB - What are your favorite places to shop for clothing? Are there any special brands that you love?
Melissa - My absolute favorite is when I get a good hand-me-downs, but now that I am taller than most people I know, the hand-me-downs have become far fewer . So, I like thrift stores, and TJmaxx and Marshalls. I need to get back into sewing, because I love making clothes as well (though sometimes it is cheaper to buy than make!). And, as far as brands go, Soft Surroundings wins my vote for favorite unique, feminine pieces. I like Garnet Hill too, but most of that is just wishful thinking ;-)

AB - What are your favorite fashion and/or beauty tips or tricks? Have you discovered any "secrets" that you'd like to share?
Melissa - Mom always taught us what she learned in airline school, “If your hair is dirty, wear it up!”. This has been a good little trick when you’ve missed your shower ;-). If I wear separates, I like to pull in a color from either top or bottom to match…for example; there may be a little pink flower on the top, so I wear a pink skirt on the bottom. I’m working on pulling colors together that go, but aren’t too matchy. Haven’t quite mastered this one!

AB - At AmandaBeth Online, we try and emphasize the point that true beauty really comes from within. Do you have any thoughts on this important subject?
Melissa - My real beauty tip is just that, true beauty lies within. I love this verse and synopsis my friend just reminded me of,

2 Cor. 3:18 "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

John Piper, in his book, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, says that, "beholding is becoming. When we are truly seeing Him, beholding Him, believing Him, we become a mirror image of His glory.” This is how we become “becoming”. Let’s let our lives be a mirror image of his glory, that those around us might see Him, even through what we wear. As Richard Baxter said, “Our nature’s are prone to pride and to excess in apparel”. Be cautious of this, and keep the true focus in mind,

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.”

Thanks to all of our "Featured Fashionistas" - it's been great to be able to share these posts with you! And thanks again to everyone who participated in fashion week, as well as all those who follow this blog - you are appreciated!!! :)

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