Tag Archives: designer

It’s official, spring wedding season has begun. We had a blast shoppeing the styles we think you should be wearing for all of your events. All items are available at Hampden Clothing here in Charleston (thanks for all of the help Stacy and Emily).

MSGM dress 1

MSGM dress 2

This maxi from MSGM dress is perfectly lightweight to stay comfy all night while looking graceful. The lower heel on the Acne nude suede shoes (they are super buttery) make it easy to last on the dance floor, and the bone Edie Parker clutch is gorgeous!

Sequin skirt

I’m a big Harvey Faircloth fan, (I want this shirt for myself), so light and feminine. This Malene Birger sequin maxi skirt is to die for in person- that slit makes a statement.  We paired it with some unexpected black, white, and nude cheetah pony haired D’Orsay pumps, and a snakeskin Alexander Wang clutch. Love the “animal” elements with the sequins.

stripe skirt

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I’m in love with the colors on this Suno skirt, and again the Harvey Faircloth blouse. Love the texture on the Tibi mules with the texture on the skirt, and the perforated Clare V cream clutch will go with anything you own. This could be perfect for a shower, engagement party, or bridal luncheon.

philip lim and black

philip lim and red shoes

Sorry for the blur on these, but this a must own dress by Philip Lim. The color and cut are classic and you will have it forever. There is a small quilt to the cloth which lets it lie perfectly on the body. The top one is a bit more traditional and girly  (this could be a great Mother of the Bride option) with a Lizzie Fortunado necklace and black suede Isa Tapia structured bow heels. The bottom one we  put some edge in with the gold studs and ruddy orange shoes by Isa Tapia. The brass lariat-esque “Inez”necklace is by Ca and Lou.

yellow dress

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This Novis yellow stunner is so lovely. The fabric drapes so beautifully and the color is gorgeous. Love the sleeves and the button detail at the cuff.  The black and white Philip Lim heels should be in everyone’s closet. Love the “rorschach” patterned clutch by Alexander Wang, and a Theodosia blue bead necklace is very delicate but the length adds some substance.

pink floral

pink floral 2

This was one of my favorite picks for a mother of the bride. The floral embroidery detail from Simone Rocha is impeccable on this ball skirted gown. We paired a navy suede and silver strappy heel and a Ca & Lou necklace for some sparkle.

black roksanda

Roksanda detail

Ok, this Roksanda dress is fabulous. It’s a black silk faille but the structured detail add a soft girly feel.  The ultra thick lucite bangle and the Rupert Sanderson fringe heel add a youthful modernism to this. You can wear this year round too.

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This lightweight beauty from MSGM pulls a color palette that will work in Spring and early fall here in Charleston.  So feminine and flattering. The crinkle gold Loeffler Randall sandals and the rose gold Clare V clutch formalize the outfit.

long white dress

So, for brides, we had a blast coming up with different friday night, and 2nd dress concepts. This Thakoon “high low” has everything- a bit of ruffle, a bit of sparkle, and a beautiful drapey fabric. Perfect for a friday night, day after brunch or going away dress. The Acne white patent and suede wedges are everything, and the Ca and Lou floral statement necklace gives you that final dazzle that says bride… Below is a close up of the necklace.

necklace

long tibi 2

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The crisp cotton, cap sleeves, and full skirt on this Tibi frock have a bit of an Audrey Hepburn feel. Perfect again for a shower or rehearsal dinner dress. The Mother of Pearl clutch has rose and navy beading that make it work with this dress and  jeans and a white t shirt. The grey suede and silver platform mules are from Rupert Sanderson.

tibi dress

This off the shoulder, short, embroidered Tibi dress belongs on a bride! So amazing. The Edie Parker black and lucite clutch is fab, and those Philip Lim heels are a must! This as a departure ensemble/2nd dress for a bride has to happen.

4.02.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Fashion, Shopping | 2 Comments

katherine mcdonald

We recently stopped by the LulaKate showroom in Charleston with our photographer friend Corbin Gurkin, and chatted with designer Katherine McDonald about her new line of wedding gowns, design process, and wedding dress trends. It was so much fun that we decided to share snippets with you today!

Tell us a little bit about how LulaKate got started.

I have wanted to be a clothing designer since I was a little girl. I grew up sewing and making dresses here and there for special occasions. It wasn’t until I had a brief career in corporate America and a few unfulfilling jobs that I took the plunge and started LulaKate. I quit my job, started waiting tables and sewing skirts. Initially I sold them through trunk shows along the East Coast then through wholesale accounts in the SouthEast. Ready-to-wear led its’ way to bridesmaids which led its way to bridal.

You’re known for your beautiful bridesmaids dresses. What inspired you to venture into wedding gowns?

I have always loved beautiful and expensive fabrics the most. Just like with bridesmaids I had a number of clients request I design their wedding gown. For awhile I said no because I was nervous to be a part of such an important dress. Finally, one client convinced me and I realized that I enjoyed designing bridal dresses the most.

How has the wedding gown collection been received so far? Any customer favorites you can share?

We’ve had a tremendous response to the new Kate McDonald Bridal line. Client Favorites are the Stanwyck, the McCants, the LaMour and the McLeod.

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What do you find different about working with brides versus bridesmaids?

Brides are a lot of fun. Where bridesmaids have the dress chosen for them, the bride is able to choose and create her dress. I am working with a number of brides right now doing custom work. It is really special to develop a friendship with someone, create their dress and see them walk down the aisle. I feel very blessed to be able to be a part of someone’s big day.

Tell us about your design process… what goes into creating one of your wedding gowns?

It depends. Usually I find the fabric first. I love fabric. I could spend days in a fabric store just looking at things and imagining different silhouettes. When I start designing the silhouette I will sketch the idea first. Next I will estimate certain measurements like sleeve width, length, bodice details, etc. I will then send to my seamstress and she will make the first prototype. When she sends it back we will start doing fittings, changing lengths, adding details, etc. We will go back and forth 4-5 times and then usually I get it right.

Where are the dresses made?

All dresses are made in either Tennessee or New York City.

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Do you have a personal favorite from the collection?

The McLeod is my favorite. I love the handpainted fabric. I also love the Calhoun and the Waring. The delicate French beading with tulle is different, yet classic and elegant.

Any dress trends that you’ve been surprised by or are totally loving this season?

I love the Hollywood Slit trend especially on a tulle skirt. I didn’t really think it would make it into mainstream bridal but I have a number of brides that want to show some leg. I love the look because it can still be somewhat conservative if you choose.

What can we expect from LulaKate and Kate McDonald Bridal in 2015?

2015 will bring a number of exciting things to LulaKate and Kate McDonald. Probably the most exciting is the addition of e-commerce for online exclusive party, bridesmaid and little white dresses. I also am doing working with a number of brides doing custom work. This is always so exciting because it is fun to design specifically for one bride.

12.01.14   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Dresses | 1 Comment