SPOTLIGHT: BRIDE BOUTIQUE LA

A look inside this LA gem, an intimate shop curated by owner Maria Diaz, Samantha Sleeper gowns will be visiting on Trunk Show January 24-31st. To book an appointment click here:  http://brideboutiquela.com/make-an-appointment-2/

Store name:

Bride Boutique

 

Your name:

Maria Diaz

 

Title:

Owner

 

Inspiration behind your store:

There are a lot of things that inspired the creation of Bride Boutique. From the sustainability of wearing a vintage gowns, to the supporting indie-designers, Bride is continually inspired by a need for alternative options to mainstream wedding gowns and bridal salons. We really focus on making Bride a comfortable and stress-free shopping experience while doing something good for the environment and small businesses around the world.

 

What you look for when curating your store:

We look for gowns that stand out in design, quality, and fit.

 

Best advice for brides:

Don't be afraid of being a bride. Because we cater toward the alternative bride, we tend to get a lot women who are scared of becoming a "conventional" bride, or worse a "bridezilla."  They either focus too much of finding something "unique" or easily give in to the options of others, rather than going what they truly feel physically and emotionally good in. If you like the big princess strapless gown, thats ok! Its your wedding day. (And, if you like the polka dot black dress thats ok too!)

 

Top music for trying on gowns:

This is a hard one, I think it all depends on the client, season, even day of the week. When its my day to choose the music for the store, I'm a bit of an old lady-odd ball; I usually go with The Supremes, Patsy Cline, or David Bowie. All very different, but all classics that no one can deny. They always seem to put guests in a good relaxed mood - perfect for wedding dress shopping.

EVENT: BRIDE STYLE 2017, CHICAGO

Join Samantha Sleeper for an exclusive look at her Spring 2017 collection in side the parisian inspired airy DL LOFT (http://www.debililly.com/dl-loft) in Chicago on January 8th from 11:30-1:30 pm. Limited custom bridal Appointments available until 4:00 by emailing Info@samantha-sleeper.com 

Event RSVP to info@aperfectevent.com

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Something that Sparkles: A modern girls guide to indie ring designers

NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S DIAMOND RING

Its pretty common knowledge in my inner circle that I love rings. Not just a little bit, but pretty much full on, blow my monthly budget for a vintage or indie designer find sparkling story to add to my stack. I used to wear so many rings that I would refer to my hands as a ring grave, the place where other peoples love stories end up on my hands, never to leave again. I collect rings like some collect tattoo's : they carry meaning and remind me of moments in my life worthy of a marker: the birth of my son, the launch of a business, the resilience of heart break- others are handed down, gifts from my grandmothers and great grandmothers- the ruby pictured above was an heirloom I received on my first Mother's Day, a love present given to her from my grandfather decades earlier- the delicate sunrise, a gift from my son's father on a California Christmas morning marking his middle name "ray" as a ray of light forever on my hand. An oversized aquamarine procured on a trip to Thailand, where I found my birthstone so big it made me have all sorts of Elizabeth Taylor fantasies playing around in my mind. Around collection time I pull them out to use as styling tools- which also as a moment for me to play, and reflect, on the life I'm living, where it's taken me and where I am heading . I firmly believe in cultivating your own happiness and holding the vision of what that feels like in the center of your heart as you move through your days, your interactions with others and owning your choices. ( Even if those choices include occasional less than responsible behaviors around the procurement of a collection defining ring). One of my favorite parts of collecting, is finding designers to support in the process. As the Christmas season brings about extra sparkle everywhere you look, I  find it the perfect time for a round up of some of my favorite designers to adorn your fingers today, and always.

 

COMMUNION By Joy is self described as 'sacred art worn by the modern mystic warrior'- I can't really beat her description so I'm not going to even try. I love her pieces for the organic quality of the stones shapes, the imperfect edging and meaningful motifs. 

http://communionbyjoysmith.com/

WAKKE is a  brand based in NYC, focused on new perspectives on traditional fine jewelry. Known for the collections clean lines, fluid motion, and asymmetrical stone placements, these rings are dainty enough to add to a stack and powerful enough to stand alone.

http://wwake.com/ 

Satomi Kawakita is a New York City-based jewelry designer, whom I love for her etched bands and delicate sensibilities. For whatever reason, I am reminded of the illustrations in a Roald Dahl novel, playfully marked with equal parts whimsy and intention.

https://satomikawakita.com

Rings to break your heart. Straight from the Tokyo workshop of master jeweler, Yoshinobu Kataoka, where only the most beautiful jewels are made. Milgrain edges, diamond cutting, and other finishing touches are all applied by hand. Kataoka uses the highest quality conflict-free noble metals, diamonds, and natural untreated precious gems. These rings read like a symphony of perfectly balanced color placements and details, delicate sentiments truly designed and executed from the heart. Lose your self in pages of these exquisite creations, many exclusive to New York jewelry haven, Catbird.

http://www.kataoka-jewelry.com/

https://www.catbirdnyc.com

Morphe : Otherwordly jewels, cast from original wax carvings. Made in Montreal, by Sofia Ajram.

If anyone asks, I am currently coveting every version of her wandering star ring.

http://www.morphejewelry.com/

 

 

ATLAS MAGAZINE FEATURE

Publication: @theatlasmagazine

Model: @taylorgreene with @newyorkmodels

Photographer: @marta_mcadams 

Stylist: me @emilybessstyle 

Makeup: @davidrazzano 

Hair: @leahlondonhairmua 

Nails: @torihnails 

Stylist Assistant: @myishafujii