Thursday 22 August 2013

Uniting Fashion from the East and the West

With leading innovations in the fashion world, it would be neither odd nor hard to find the fashions of the world becoming widespread in certain nations. Fashions have gotten a great blend and have undergone much assimilation and compounding throughout the years they have ever lasted in the world, and to this very day, we see many of the fashionable outfits spread everywhere, from the east to the west, and from the west to the east. Although for most cases, the western style takes the lead and influences the adornments of most cultures and societies in the world mainly for their convenience, some highly exquisite and traditional outfits from the east have yet to disappear from the fashion scene Satin Prom Dresses. Instead, a lot of them have been popularized, glorified and noted as inspirations for further advancement and development in the fashion world, there is surely no doubt that both the fashion in the east and the west work well together in bringing and holding up the fashion world in its fullest.
In the line of designers who have attempted at blending fashion from the east with the west, it is not uncommon to find names that differ starkly from common western names, since a blend of culture would necessarily mean that designers from other cultures may come into the picture. This seems to be the case for one gifted designer named Naomi Thompson, she has successfully produced a series of clothing proper to this theme and her sense of fashion is breathtaking and certainly worth everyone’s long attention span and glorification. Her prime endeavor in this season was to incorporate the east to the western clothing with a unique style, preserving the themes of the east, yet intelligently infusing the designs of the west, and there was a splendid end product for the show.
Her array of designs featured kimono style bridesmaid dresses, vintage kimono coats, as well as other interestingly styled fashionable outfits. The garments are, as expected, very flowery, but they are subtly cut into the right length, shape and sizes, adjusted and trimmed well to fit the design of the western-styled apparels she had made. She made use of plain tones, but covered over them coats or stitched onto them pieces of fabrics containing the designs of the kimono, and all the flowers got on the dresses and coats, just right where they should be, and they resided really well all around these outfits.

These fabrics of Naomi Thompson however, are all recycled fabric that she had gotten from users who have used the kimonos. For these beautiful and artistic designs with all the flowers, although they were products previously used, the fabrics were magically turned into something no one would expect. Who would expect beautiful western-styled clothing out of pieces of old kimono cloth anyway? The considerations of Naomi Thompson was also considerably profound, the dresses and coats had been carefully thought out that all of them contained straps and adjustments that would make the clothing lasting for the wearer in the long run. The straps were adjustable and changeable according to the wearer’s personal preference and possible changes in body shape or size. Indeed, this is one great sign that the artist has thought things out carefully, splendid idea indeed for a blend for eastern and western clothing.

One Shoulder Beaded Ruched Chiffon Prom/Cocktail Dress

Silhouette: Sheath
Neckline: One Shoulder 
Waist: Natural 
Hemline/Train: Short/Mini
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Ruching/Pleated, Beading
Fabric: Chiffon 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: White
Body Shape:  Hourglass, Rectangle,
Occasion:  Prom, Cocktail, Homecoming
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer

Wednesday 21 August 2013

What's old is new again at Lincoln Mill


This was actually last night's look, technically. This dress is absolutely amazing, and it was supposed to go on the Etsy store, but sorry ladies, I'm keeping it for myself!

This little beauty came from a less-than-desirable thrift store, however, I think the selection is way better since Leah may be the only person who dares shops there! Regardless, I'm happy to have accompanied her a few weeks ago since I found this loveliness.

There was an occasion for this outfit. Last night was my very first gallery opening at Sam & Greg's in downtown Huntsville. I have 15 pieces up for the next month, so go grab yourself some delicious pizza & gelato and check out the exhibit!


Yesterday, I was lucky enough to get a quick tour of the Lincoln Mills Project going on just outside downtown Huntsville.

After having a day to sit and process everything I saw: This place is going to be absolutely incredible, and Huntsville is lucky to have this development.

For those non-Alabamians, Huntsville used to be home to four textile mills -- Lincoln, Dallas, Lowe and Merrimack mills. Dallas no longer exists, while Lincoln, Merrimack and Lowe have all been restored by three independent local developers. Now, Leah and I have a particular interest in this, being that we work at one of them.view more
We've had a busy busy summer and fall here at Meri Vintage! What have we been up to, you ask? Well, Ashley has been busy helping stage an original production at a theatre in Huntsville, while Leah is preparing for her Birmingham debut as Janet in Rocky Horror! Lots of exciting things a-happening here.

What's new at the store, you might ask? Well, for starters, I've been trying not to take everything wonderful we lay our eyes on. Hence, you have access to this fabulous Gunne Sax peplum lace sweetheart-neckline beauty:

What to pair with it? How about this early-1960s gold and black brocade clutch? These are both fabulous transitional pieces for early to late fall.Open Back Dresses
Lots of new goodness going on over at the Meri Vintage Etsy store! We've got a whole new selection of dresses, blouses, rompers and accessories in all shapes, sizes and colors. A few plus-size options, and all types of dresses from the 50s through the 80s!

Two of our favorites are above, both secretary dresses. Ashley's on the right, Leah is at left in the pink. It's funny because I think the general population (or at least here) thinks people who wear vintage all dress pretty similarly. But Leah and I both have very different styles. Leah's all about the 1940s-50s, while I gravitate more toward the 1960s-70s. She chooses lighter colors, while I always opt for blacks and blues.

Anyway, the point of all this is that while we're both wearing secretary dresses above, we bring our own unique styles to Meri Vintage and we hope very much that you enjoy the selection of items we find down here in Alabama.view more

A-line One Shoulder Beaded High Slit Prom Dress

Silhouette: Sheath/Column 
Neckline: One Shoulder 
Waist: Natural 
Hemline/Train: Floor-length 
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Ruching/Pleated, Beading, Draping, Split Front 
Fabric: Elastic Woven Satin 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: Purple, Fuchsia 
Body Shape: Hourglass, Pear, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle 
Occasion: Prom, Evening 
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer

Thursday 1 August 2013

You’ll Never Guess How Many Pairs of Jeans Vanessa Hudgens Owns




Red carpet boobs
We are big proponents of the saying “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” — within reason, of course.
So after seeing three stars this week cross that reasonable line, we felt the need to call out Kate Upton, Tyra Banks and Paula Patton for abusing the privilege of having phenomenal décolletage by putting it on display in a less-than-fabulous manner.Casual Prom Dresses
RELATED PHOTOS: Vote on more questionable star style in Obsessed or Hot Mess?

We can’t fault supermodel Upton for wanting to try the sheer trend, but when your chest requires you to wear super-supportive undergarments, it’s best to show off other assets under gauzy fabric — like a killer back or great legs. Even a plunging neckline would have been super-sexy, but this peek at her hardworking nude strapless number totally negates the allure of the sheer style.view more

Vanessa Hudgens jeans

Every girl needs options, and Vanessa Hudgens is no different. While most StyleWatchers own between 6-10 pairs of jeans, the actress has just afew more than that. Her estimate? “Like … 40 to 50 pairs?”
And that’s after cutting way down. “I used to have so many!” the star told PEOPLE at an American Eagle event in N.Y.C. Tuesday. “I got rid of a ton because my closet space was getting very, very cramped.”
RELATED: Have you voted in our denim awards poll yet?
Even so, Hudgens admits that the remaining pairs in her closet total up to “more than I wear for sure,” and adds that she can’t pick just one go-to pair of blue jeans.
“Once a week I’ll have a new favorite,” she said, wearing her current favorite American Eagle style with a Danielle Stevens pendant to launch the company’s “Rock Your Walk” campaign. “You don’t have to stick to one thing.” For instance: She can’t wait to slip back into corduroys with fall approaching.view mroe
Ashlee Simpson Jessica Simpson ads

Ashlee Simpson‘s style has always differed from her sister Jessica‘s: Jess has always been feminine and frilly, while Ashlee’s rocked an edgier, downtown vibe. But mom Tina Simpson says there’s a simpler difference between the two.
“[Ashlee’s] boobs aren’t as big!” she tells PEOPLE at the Jessica Simpson Fall 2013 collection launch in N.Y.C..
“True that!” Ashlee says, laughing. “[Jessica’s] a bit more girly, and I kind of like to bring an edge to my looks. I do like to be in dresses, I just like to toughen it.”
The two sisters may be very different on the surface, but that didn’t stop new mom Jessica from making her little sis the face of the line for fall. Their differing styles Halter Prom Dresses appear to mix in these exclusive first-look photos of the campaign, with Ashlee bringing a little fierceness to the feminine clothes.view more
Justin Bieber The Key
Any girl knows that the key to Justin Bieber‘s heart is his Twitter. After all, that’s where he communicates with more than 42 million of his fans.
And starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, those fans are getting access to another key — The Key, to be precise — as Bieber launches a Tweetstakes to promote his new fragrance of the same name.

One lucky fan who uploads a photo of herself with something related to the new fragrance (and uses #TheKeytoJB) will win a meet-and-greet with Bieber in Atlanta, while 20 more will score the new fragrance, which he tells PEOPLE is “bringing [my fans and I] closer than ever.”

The best news of all? This exclusive behind-the-scenes shot from his fragrance ad campaign totally counts, so shoot this link over to the superstar and cross your fingers that you’ll unlock some Bieber magic.view more
Silhouette: Sheath 
Neckline: One Shoulder 
Waist: Empire 
Hemline/Train: Short(Mini) 
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Crystal Detailing, Ruching 
Fabric: Silk like satin 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: Blue, Black, Fuschia 
Body Shape: Hourglass, Inverted Triangle 
Occasion: Prom, Cocktail, Homecoming 
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter,view more


Sunday 28 July 2013

Exclusive: ALDO Taps Terry Richardson for Fall Campaign


Amidst gorgeous fall campaigns that have been arriving fast and furiously, ALDO is now throwing its hat (shoe?) into the ring. Tapping Terry Richardson as the photographer, the shoe brand also chose an all-star modeling lineup that includes Jessica Stam, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Donaldson, and Anais Pouliot. The campaign is titled “Give me ALDO,” and considering the sassy, fun-loving vibe of the images (in true Richardson style, of course), we’re happy to make the same demand.
Check out more images of the campaign below, exclusive to ELLE.com, and shop ALDO here.view more




After Milan's councillor for commerce, Franco D’Alfonso, publicly referred to Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana as “tax evaders” and bad examples for Italy, the designers have closed all of their stores in their flagship city of Milan. According to PopSugar Fashion, Short Prom Dressesstore windows show signs that read “CLOSED FOR INDIGNATION,” with sources saying the boutiques will remain shuttered until Monday. D’Alfonso has since issued an apology.


This latest drama for Dolce & Gabbana unfolds in the aftermath of their highly controversial tax evasion case, for which they and several of the design house’s executives were convicted last month.view more




elle fashion


When you think of New York's premiere beach destination the Hamptons, images of North Fork and The Great Gatsby may come to mind. But those in the know often spend their weekends heading to the very tip of Long Island: Montauk. The nautical town is the fashion view morehotspot with Sam Talbot opening a chichi beach restaurant this summer (along with Kelly Framel's boyfriend Zachary Lynd) and the campy-chic Ruschmeyer's hotel attracting style stars and hipsters alike. But perhaps the chicest destination right now is The Surf Lodge, a waterfront hotel, bar, restaurant, and boutique that hosts ongoing concerts (this weekend Youngblood Hawke is taking the stage). view more



A-line one shoulder applique chiffon prom dress is crafted in elegant beaded chiffon, leading into a flowing dress! This
tri-stripped shoulder is defined by stones that highlight the bust. Be the envy of all your friends with this fabulous
daffodil color. It is a great selection for your prom or other formal occasion.
Fabric: Chiffon
Style: A-line style, one shoulder, high waist, beaded embellishment, applique detail, floor length
Washing: Hand wash/dry clean separately, hang dry, iron at low temperature, no chlorine bleaching, less than 10 minutes soak time.view more

Thursday 25 July 2013

new looks in fashion post 14

I’m keepin’ it real here. Who really has all the luxury to dress up in heels and look fab all the time? Bloggers? Well, no. If you aren’t a billionaire housewife who’s just naturally gorgeous with sweat-proof skin and make up, then yeah, maybe you. But for the rest of us normal girls out there, we need rest days! Here’s what I have on when I’m lazy- a loose top, some loose normal fitting trousers, a huge dump-all tote, clean make up and the comfiest flats in the world. Doesn’t this look like something a mom would wear? (No offence, moms!) It’s chic practicality! #ImSoMature #GrowingUp A girl’s gotta be comfy, and she’s gotta listen to her body! What do you think?view more

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I’ve always loved total black looks and it’s one of the easy-to-wear outfits. I usually choose it for night outfits but this time I decided to try it during the day. Comfortable flats, shorts and another lace tshirt bought in Madrid (i’m in love with the collar) and then “her”: my new Fendi Peekaboo, found thanks to UNIQUE WAY , Corset Prom Dresses very useful website which is connected to the most important luxury ecommerce online. The one I chose has just arrived, it’s from the latest collection, in velvet and black leather :) You probably are gonna see this bag with me all the time :)
Do i deserve an ovation for my almost decent bun? I’m learning :D  view more
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Sunday spent on the Trebbia, a marvellous river near Piacenza where I’ve always been since I was a child, I have so many happy memories of it. On the way back home we stopped to take some quick photos of what I was wearing: Levi’s shorts that I made last year from Richi’s jeans, feathers earrings and a strange shape tshirt, everything so comfortable and so me :)
And yes, as a lot of you asked, here is a photo of my neck tattoo :)view more


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When weather starts becoming very cold I can’t avoid looking back at photos of last summer.. I hadn’t shared this photo with you, and this wonderful white dressed deserved a post… Have a good weekend!
Quando il tempo comincia a diventare pungente non riesco ad evitare di riguardare le foto dell’estate passata… Questa foto ancora non l’avevo condivisa con voi, e questo abito meraviglioso meritava un post.. Buon weekend!view more
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Bom dia from Brazil, Rio De Janeiro, where I landed on Monday for a job I will talk you about in the next days…Elegant Prom Dresses uk
Before my brazilian adventures here are my last photos taken in my weekend in Santorini: this amazing bathing suit is from the greek luxury brand Marianna G, for which I shot a beautiful editorial you’re going to see in September :)
Bom dia dal Brasile, più precisamente da Rio De Janeiro, dove sono arrivata lunedi per un lavoro di cui vi parlerò nei prossimi giorni…view more
Fabric: Tencel
Style: Sheath style, strapless styling, sequined embellishment, side slit, open back, floor-length
Washing: Hand wash/dry clean separately, hang dry, iron at low temperature, no chlorine bleaching, less than 10 minutes soak time
This classic one shoulder evening dress features an easy breezy style, designed with sparkling beadwork accents
the ruched sweetheart bust and single shoulder strap. A long formal gown with open sheer chiffon over lay that
gathers at the empire waist and falls gracefully to the floor with a slight train for a figure flattering silhouette.
A great selection for your prom, evening or other special occasion.view more

Tuesday 23 July 2013

First Look: JOIE Launches Denim



Are you ready to jump for joie? You should be.


Starting this month, JOIE now sells a denim collection, made in Los Angeles and available at boutiques and joie.com. The collection includes a denim jacket, plus jeans available in eight different washes and classic styles Simple Prom Dresses like skinny and flared, plus a baby boot-cut to give silhouettes a slight kick.view more




It may be a sweltering summer around much of the country, but Stella McCartney is expecting a chill. The British designer releases preview images from her winter 2013 ad campaign, starring models Suvi Koponen and Chiharu Okunugi. Photographed in London by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the ads feature a heavy wool coat soaking partly in a swimming pool, and a plaid-and-stripe ensemble paired with McCartney's newest accessory, the Beckett bag.view more



Amidst gorgeous fall campaigns that have been arriving fast and furiously, ALDO is now throwing its hat (shoe?) into the ring. Tapping Terry Richardson as the photographer, the shoe brand also chose an all-star modeling lineup that includes Jessica Stam, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Donaldson, and Anais Pouliot. The campaign is titled “Give me ALDO,” and considering the sassy, fun-loving vibe of the images (in true Richardson style, Short Prom Dress uk of course), we’re happy to make the same demand.view more


Silhouette: Sheath/Column 
Neckline: V-neck 
Waist: Natural 
Hemline/Train: Floor Length 
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Beading, Lace, Appliques, Sequins 
Fabric: Elastic Silk-like Satin 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: Black 
Body Shape: Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Misses 
Occasion: Prom, Evening 
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer

Thursday 18 July 2013

WHIMSICAL PEACH, ORANGE & AQUA BRIDAL SHOOT


Okay, I can’t really carry that off can I? (I don’t have a Northern bone in my body.)
But seriously – this is one of the coolest weddings I’ve had the pleasure to feature on Bridal Musings.
Steph and Ben’s nuptials took place in the iconic Victoria Baths in Manchester, England where the gigantic tiled baths and stained glass windows made quite the epic wedding ceremony backdrop!
Steph looked stunning in a wedding gown made by her mum (yes, really!) teamed with a retro up’ do while Ben rocked a pin striped suit and Beatles esque hair. They described their wedding as ‘relaxed, fun and inexpensive’ with a 1960s twist. Yes, yes and yes.
These mesmerizing photos were taken by Howell Jones Photography.view more
One custom, country chic colour palette and a floral plethora of succulents, cacti and bright billy balls.
Two beautiful, stylish brides radiating happiness.A-Line Prom Dress
(Yes, that means two gorgeous wedding dresses to covet, two chic hairstyles to inspire your big day ‘dos and just you wait till you see their accessories! Bridal Oxfords anyone?)
Plus 40 of the couple’s closest friends and family gathered at the modern, country kitsch Farmer’s Daughter Hotel in LA to celebrate Bre and Kendall’s special day.
Including Jeffrey of J. Shipley Photography, the man behind these captivating, love filled photos.view more
Hello lovely readers,
I do hope you had a wonderful weekend  - let’s hear a ‘whoop’ for Andy Murray!
It’s always tough to get back to work after the weekend (especially a long one) but this spring inspired, whimsical wedding shoot is guaranteed to send you skipping into the week ahead smiling.
Featuring a dreamy peach-orange and aqua colour palette, braided bangs, clouds of tulle, a pop of red lipstick, a statement floral crown so gorgeous it hurts and a teeny tiny fluffy chick. Yes a real chick.*
I think you’ll agree this beautiful bridal shoot by Lora Grady Photography is absolutely irresistible.view more
Top London wedding planner Andri, of  Always Andri Wedding Design is back with another installment of expert wedding planning tips.
Andri has worked with lots of couples just like you, to plan beautiful, thoughtful weddings in wedding venues around the UK and beyond. Lucky for us she’s sharing her juiciest tips to help with that all important venue hunt.Casual Prom Dresses uk
This is the kind of stuff I wish I’d known before Zee and I chose our venue. Seriously. We only saw about three venues, rushed into our decision then regretted it soon after when I fell in love with another venue. Whoops!view more
Silhouette: A-line 
Neckline: One Shoulder 
Waist: Empire 
Hemline/Train: Floor-length 
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Ruching, Slit Front 
Fabric: Chiffon 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: Royal Blue, Grape 
Body Shape: Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle 
Occasion: Prom, Evening 
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer




SATURDAY: Juneteenth Freedom Concert At The Speakeasy


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Baths, Houses, D33J
Sunday, June 16 at Strange Matter

With VCU students gone for the summer and a draining work week looming ahead, I was expecting a low-key, low-volume show from Baths. Upon arriving at Strange Matter on Sunday night, my prediction appeared spot-on at first—a handful of concertgoers lingered near the bar,Casual Prom Dress, some played arcade games at the back of the venue, and only a few devoted fans congregated at the front of the stage.view more
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This Saturday, June 22, Tuesday Verses, The Black History Museum and the City of Richmond Parks Recreation & Community Facilities Department will recognize one of the most important events in African-American history by presenting the Juneteenth Freedom Concert at The Speakeasy.view more
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Cameron Charles Lewis's work appears all over the place, from Ink Magazine to lookbooks from Need Supply Co. to the cover of Matthew White's hit album Big Inner. He works with the retro aesthetic recently brought back into fashion by the popularity of Instagram without sacrificing quality or turning away from his high fashion  Cocktail Dresses viewpoint. Lewis's work is unmistakable and impossible to replicate.view more

Sweetheart Pleated Beading Green Tulle Ball Gown Prom Dress

Silhouette: Ball Gown 
Neckline: Sweetheart 
Waist: Empire 
Hemline/Train: Floor Length 
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Beading, Pleats, Ruching 
Fabric: Tulle 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: Green 
Body Shape: Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Misses 
Occasion: Prom, Evening 
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer