Category Archives: Art

Feb 08, 2016

I was thrilled to take a walk through the “Unveiled” exhibit at the Charleston Museum. The exhibit showcases a series of wedding dresses and accessories beautifully restored starting all the way back to the early 1800’s. It’s just fascinating to see how things have changed (and what hasn’t) throughout the years. If you are in town, or planning to be in town, you must get by to see it.

The history of this dress from the 1865 was actually recorded in a recovered diary of the bride. She was married in Columbia, and after the civil war the organdy used for this dress was the only piece of white fabric available in the city and at a shop that was Yankee owned. The cost being $10.00 (which at the time was exorbitant), so in order for the family to purchase the dress, they sold off the last piece of carpet in their home, chairs from the mother’s bedroom, and some lard and butter from the family’s plantation.

How fabulous is this ostrich feather fan??? Fans were one of the most commonplace accessories (obviously due to our climate here), but if you had to carry and use a fan, this one is fabulous!

The tradition of the “garter” is a long standing one, and these silk tie on versions date to the mid 1700’s. It’s amazing the condition they are still in!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea… This family gifted the married couple a silver tray engraved with all of the details and wording from the wedding invitation. Totally want to see this come back en vogue.

In the mid 1880’s darker fabrics became fashionable due to new dyes and techniques available. This particular dress was actually made by the brides’ mother. I see that there was always a space for the brides wanting to be daring and different.

This dress was worn by a bride in the 1930’s for her wedding at my church, St. Philips. Even though the wedding was in September, I love the beautiful sleeves on this dress.

I love this selection of men’s vests- great to see what was fashionable for both!

This was another handmade dress. This one from the 1960’s had the sweetest cording detail!

My favorite detail on this dress- the sleeves! Can you tell, I like sleeves????

2.08.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories, Art, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Fashion, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 14, 2016

Winter Party Rundown

Bridesmaids' Ball Invitation

I’m so looking forward to this!

The Charleston Museum’s upcoming textiles exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Fashion and Traditions in the South, on display from January 22 – July 10, 2016, will allow visitors to see how wedding dress styles have changed throughout time and will examine trends and traditions. From orange blossom adornments and blue garters to the magnificent white gown, the Museum will exhibit an array of garments from the early 1800s through the mid- 20th century.

Guests can enjoy favorite post-nuptial jams, delicious food and cocktails and awesome wine and beer, all while taking a look at the new exhibit and learning from museum curators themselves. Ladies are invited to wear their old bridesmaids’ dresses and men are welcome to come in their best suit, something vintage, or something ridiculous, as long as it’s wedding themed!

Tickets are all inclusive and may be purchased online or over the phone at 843.722.2996, ext. 235. Tickets are $40 for museum members and $50 for non-members.

If you are in Charleston, this is a can’t miss party. Hosted by the Society 1858 of the Gibbes Museum of Art, the fabulous Winter Party takes place on 1/29/16! Get festive for this 1940s cabaret with cocktails and bites, dancing, music and edgy performances. As with last year, you also will have the opportunity to win an original work of art by local artists (including Kate Long Stevenson). Proceeds benefit the Gibbes’ coveted 1858 Prize for Contemporary Art. Go to www.storkclubcharleston.org for more information.

1.14.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Art, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Events, Fashion, Parties, Weddings | 1 Comment

Nov 16, 2015

What’s In the Box?

photo by Jose Villa

Fellow Southerner, Cookbook Author, and food stylist extraordinaire Libbie Summers has been teaching us to live a Food Inspired Life for years and I loved getting to meet her in person at a recent party hosted by Better Homes and Gardens. Then, I got a peek of a photo shoot she did for the Mrs. Box where she styled edible jewelry presented in the lovely velvet pieces, and I just had to share.

Chia Chong shot the pieces for Libbie and their food styling blog Salted & Styled which includes accompanying recipes. See below for one of my favorite recipes from the piece.

Crisp and Easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Tart- substitute Raspberries if inclined
(makes three 5-inch tarts)

Ingredients:
1 prepared pie dough for a single crust pie
Bench flour
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 ounces goat cheese
zest of one small lemon
1/4 cup apple jelly, divided
sliced strawberries (I used 12, but it can vary depending on the size of your strawberries)
Mint for garnish, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a half sheet tray (large baking sheet) with parchment paper and set aside.

Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface until very thin. Cut out 3 (6-inch) rounds. I use a 6-inch salad plate and draw around it with a knife cutting out the three circles. Note: the dough will shrink up as it bakes. Place the rounds on the baking sheet and pierce with a fork in a few places. Bake until golden brown and crisp (about 20 to 25 minutes). Allow to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together lemon zest, ricotta cheese, goat cheese, and 1 tablespoon grape jelly until smooth. Divide the mixture among the 3 baked crusts and spread almost but not quite to the edge. Top each decoratively with the sliced strawberries. Heat the remaining apple jelly in the microwave just until melted (you may need to add a little water). Brush mixture lightly over the tarts. Garnish with mint if desired. Break into pieces with a sharp knife and serve. Messy and delicious!

11.16.15 | TARA GUÉRARD
Art, Flowers, Food and Drink, Jewelry, Recipes | Comments >>