Sunday, July 31, 2011

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Something Old, Something New
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
And a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe



This is always a fun tradition to compare with brides of all ages, and crossing all generations.  There are varying definitions of what each item stands for, but overall they are collectively meant to bring Good Luck to the Bride for a long and happy marriage.  

There are also many variations of what items are used for each.  We've collected some of our own results from the Sydney's Closet Fashion Team, and added some we've heard from others.

Old: handkerchief, gloves, wedding gown, heirloom wedding ring, broach, undergarment, 

New: wedding dress, jewelry, garter, shoes, bridal lingerie

Borrowed: jewelry, purse, ring bearer pillow, fancy hair clip, veil

Blue: bow on a piece of wedding day lingerie, lingerie, detailing on bridal hankie, ribbon around bridal bouquet

Sixpense: penny in the shoe

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

'Fashion Star' Partners With Macy's, H&M, and Saks to Pick New Design Star

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet is excited about the new reality show on NBC - 'Fashion Star'!  

There will be 14 unknown designers competing against each other in weekly fashion shows in front of a live audience.  Elimination comes when a designer has no retailers purchasing their design offerings from the show.

Mentors include Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos.  The Jessica Simpson Collection includes a wide variety of clothing, shoes, handbags, fragrance and luggage. Nicole Richie is known for her clothing designs, which includes a maternity line for Pea in the Pod, and a few other labels which she sells in department stores.  John Varvatos is an American contemporary high fashion menswear designer, including footwear and leather accessories, including bags.

What design features do you think the mentors and judges will be looking for?  What do you think the next hot trends will be?  
We'd love to hear your ideas here or on our Facebook Fan page - Sydneys Closet

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Sydney's Closet Photo Shoot: Fall 2011 Cocktail Collection and Prom 2012 Collection


From left, super talented models Yanderis Lodos, Kelsey Olson, Caralyn Mirand and Denise Bidot flank Phyllis Brasch Librach, center, President and Founder of Sydney's Closet.

The Fashion Team and Models had a fabulous time at yesterday's photo shoot for Sydney's Closet Fall 2011 Cocktail Collection and Prom 2012!  These gorgeous ladies modeled evening gowns, ball gowns, cocktail dresses, and prom dresses.  The models loved some of the sexy cocktail gowns so much, they placed orders already!

It took a crew of more than a dozen to pull off the incredibly smooth two-day shoot:  photographer, photographer’s assistant, videographer (look for very fun behind-the-scenes video coming soon!),stylist, hair, makeup, wardrobe mistress, dressers, and alterations. One big reason the shoot ran without a hitch is that Mickey Librach acted as production assistant coordinating every last detail from what to order for lunch to making sure every model held up a style number before we shot a dress!

We loved shooting at Studio Altius in Maplewood. It’s a super spacious and comfortable space complete with dressing room, makeup stations and full kitchen with counter and bar stools.  The hottest place to chill was the comfy lounge with a large flat screen showing images straight from the photographer’s camera.  We’ll definitely be shooting there again!
Fashion team member Ann sewing
Ann fitting model Caralyn Mirand
Models Denise and Caralyn get a caffeine jolt before they head for hair and makeup
No time to change so Anne takes out the wrinkles while Yanderis still wears the dress!
Jessica Dana does a quick after lunch touch up on model Denise Bidot's makeup
Yanderis Lodos is all smiles as makeup artist Kasey Lamm gets her ready to go on set
Technical Designer Anne Warmer fixes delicate beading on a 2012 Prom dress so it's perfect for the photo shoot
Hair Stylist John Napoli curls the long golden locks of model Kelsey Olson
Anne and Phyllis decide make the final tough decision on which model wears what styles!
Getting ready for the Sydney's Closet photo shoot
Production Coordinator Mickey Librach finalizes the lineup for the models with the photographer's assistant
Phyllis loves the creative ideas of videographer Rick Dilly as they get ready to roll
The Crew on day one




Monday, July 18, 2011

Location, location, location...for saying "I do"!


Over the years wedding dress styles have changed to help fit not only the different body styles of brides, but also their personalities.  Brides and Grooms have also given creativity to the venue where their wedding is held. 


Church: Traditionally weddings are held in a church, synagogue, or similar place of worship.  This is probably still the most common of venues.  It's familiar, and often most comfortable for attendees.


Back yard: For a variety of reasons, the Bride and Groom may choose to have the ceremony in the back yard of a parent's house, or perhaps a friends.  Often an arbor is made, and if the weather is unpredictable a tent can be used for cover. 


Beach: Also on the simple side is a beach wedding.  The bride may chose a shorter, more casual dress, and the groom in more casual attire as well.  With the wind in your hair, and the sand in your toes, the mood is often more playful and relaxed.


Vineyard: One of the newest "hot" venues is to say your nuptials at a vineyard.  These venues are catching on to the new craze and some even help you create the reception on the grounds as well.  Some bridal couples are wine enthusiasts, and others love the idea of an outdoor wedding, but want something more than the back yard or different than the beach.


Mansion: For the Bride and Groom that want a bit more, there is the option of renting out a mansion.  Some offer the wedding on the grounds, some inside, and many include the reception at the same location.  As you may have guessed, these weddings tend to be a bit more upscale, both in style and in cost.


Yacht: Taking it totally off land you can rent a charter boat , aka Yacht.  It's a bit more tricky to hold the ceremony on board, but you do keep everyone in one area to then have the reception as you cruise the waters.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Bridesmaid Dresses - the Long and Short of it



Over the years we’ve seen the trend of Bridesmaid dresses go between long and short, with tea length in the middle.  There isn’t a right or wrong, it’s merely a preference of the Bride, and perhaps that of her bridesmaids. 
 
Remember the old rule of “pick out a bridesmaid dress they will be able to wear again.”  Be honest…how many of you were bridesmaids year ago?  Was there ever a bridesmaid dress you actually wore again, or wanted to wear again?

Thank goodness styles have progressed, both from an overall design, to also a variance in lengths.   The option to choose a shorter Bridesmaid dress for a hot season, or an outdoor wedding has never been easier.  And what if it’s a wedding earlier in the day, where a tea length dress is more fitting for a lunch reception.  At Sydney's Closet we offer you a large selection of beautiful Bridesmaids gowns to fit your every desire!

Maybe the new rule should be:  Be honest about what you want…it’s your day!  And if you want to get your Bridesmaids opinions, be open to listening to them ;-)

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Adele Rocks the Music World and is Fashion Forward



There are plenty of female role models to choose from in today’s society. One that Sydney’s Closet likes to keep an eye on is Adele. Adele is a fashion forward woman who loves herself and all of her beautiful curves, and works hard for the things she is passionate about. 

Although only in her early twenties, Adele has released two successful albums already. Both albums contain songs which have won her numerous awards such as: Critic’s Choice in the BRIT awards, Best Album in the European Border Breakers Awards, UK Artist of the Year in the Glamour Women of the Year Awards, and many others. Through all of her accomplishments and adventures, Adele has made one thing clear: she loves her body! 

In an interview for Rolling Stone, Adele is quoted saying, “I don’t like going to the gym. I like eating fine foods and drinking nice wine…I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears.” Adele has stayed strong to her likes and has no problem showing it. Her attitude is the perfect example of how every woman of all shapes and sizes should feel about themselves. Here at Sydney’s Closet, we don’t just think you’re beautiful, we KNOW you are!