Just back from a great Trunk Show in NY at Kleinfeld. It’s always so much fun visiting the staff there who feel like family, and having the chance to meet such beautiful brides-to-be. Our Bridal Director Moreen, made her first visit with me, and we both were excited to see so many brides, each with their own look and style…they’re an inspiration!

Our “Silvia” bride looked like she just stepped out of the 1920’s (but in a modern way) with her pretty bob hair, and porcelain skin…we are doing a custom cage veil for her with the Baby’s Breath edging…perfect!

Another beauty selected “Forget-me-not” and when she walked out in this gown, wow! She looked great in some other dresses, but this really was unforgettable! Couldn’t be a more perfect choice for her island wedding.

Our “Lalique” bride initially came in for “Princess”, but made the switch, because for her, Lalique was more womanly and showed off her hourglass figure. We chose the Vintage Vine veil in ivory for the finishing touch.

The stunning “Chantilly” gown was amazing on a tall, beautiful girl who came in with her mom. The sheer back and intricate beading won them both over, and adding the Vintage Vine veil completes the look.

“Kristene” was the choice for another beauty, and we decided the Vintage Vine in the waterfall style was perfect here too…this veil seems to go with every gown in the collection!

A sweet girl from LA (but now living in NY) chose the “Cloisonné” gown with the train. This is one of my favorites, and I am so happy for her and her adorable fiancée! Don’t worry, we didn’t let him see her in the dress, but he waited patiently in the lobby while she made her choice…I’m sure he will be thrilled!

A lovely young artist chose “Larissa”, and she said it is the gown she has been dreaming of…how great is that?!

Petite girls should always look for a gown that compliments their frame…what a shame when I see them being swallowed up in a ball gown! A little wood nymph (petite, dark curls, adorable!) chose “Kaelyn”…what a perfect choice, a gown as delicate as she is.

And a pale strawberry blonde chose “Lucia” with the Baby’s Breath veil. Fair skinned girls have to be careful to choose the right shade of dress to give them a pretty glow. The subtle sparkle and hints of pale gold and silver are gorgeous with her coloring.

These are just a few of the wonderful women I met, and I thank them for wearing my collection with such style and beauty. Now it’s on to my West coast girls next weekend at our Flagship Salon June 5 & 6…can’t wait to see you there!

We are very excited to be part of the very first online wedding planning process over at myspace. The Knot and team has selected Claire Pettibone as the feature wedding designer for Elle! Last Saturday, the myspace crew and Elle came to our salon in Beverly Hills for a fitting. It was a success and 3 gowns were chosen: 

Twilight
This strapless beaded sheath with tulle bubble overlay was lovely on Elle, however, she didn’t prefer the strapless silhouette. Some bride’s are set on strapless, and love the classic elegance, but Elle felt she would be tugging and fussing with it (never pretty!). Of the 3 choices, this is the most ethereal, romantic gown, and while we have many sweet brides who fall in love with Twilight, this gown may not be “the one” for Elle. 

Breeze
This natural cotton embroidered mini looked amazing on Elle! She loved the short style (even though she had never thought of it before!), and felt she could dance all night, and have a great time in this gown. It really flattered her figure and would be a perfect fit for her personality too…bubbly, fun, and a little unpredictable! 

Midnight
A collective gasp was heard when Elle walked out in this stunning antique embroidered sheath. The touches of amethyst jewels on the straps (a must for Elle!), the dramatic low back with a plum and black rose, gives her just a touch of mystery and edge that so perfectly suits her rock n’ roll style! We love this gown on Elle, and she looks amazing in it! 

Now it’s up to you to decide which gown Elle should wear on that big day! Check out the latest episode and vote! Don’t forget to add us as a friend too!

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Welcome to the 21st century of reality TV shows and wedding planning! Myspace recently teamed up with The Knot to give away a free wedding to a lucky twosome! The cute couple, Elle & Tito have been selected last week as the winner and now we can tune in each week as they reveal new wedding plans for the couple – the exciting part is that we get to be part of their planning process by voting. We here are all excited to watch the latest episode tomorrow (1pm pst) as they announce the wedding dresses and veils!

I love meeting clients and hearing from women around the world. It is so inspiring to know that my work brings joy and beauty, and a touch of romance to this sometimes overwhelming world. This blog is a chance to express my thoughts and keep you up to date on things we are working on, and share some of the beautiful people and events we have been fortunate to be involved with.

From bridal gowns to lingerie, my focus has always been on creating a magical and utterly feminine experience through clothing. Of course there is a fabulous group of people who work with me to make all of this happen, most importantly, my husband and partner of 14 years, Guy Toley. I am such a lucky girl to have found love and the perfect business partner all in one man!

To the brides who are wearing one of my gowns, I wish you all the joy, patience and growth that I have experienced in my own marriage, and to those single girls…a little lingerie never hurts!!!

Please enjoy, and check back often for my latest musings…

Claire

Butterflies are likely to appear in gardens, meadows and tropical locations. Even the hardest urban environments can be blessed with their color, whimsy and charm. They even surprised us on a recent visit to the Broad Contemporary Art Museum in Los Angeles (BCAM). Artist Damien Hirst, famous for his formaldehyde entombed animals, has used the colors and luminescence of thousands of butterflies for the two pieces on display “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” 2003 and “The Kingdom of the Father” 2007.

These works move us from the all to physical world of steel and stone, to a mystical place as you begin to realize the stain-glass windows you see from across the room are actually thousands of wings on display. They are beautiful and inspiring. Check them out online http://www.broadartfoundation.org/artist_33.html or when in LA see them in person at BCAM 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.