Cover
Design Divas
Wedding Magic
Meet some of the Bay Area's finest Wedding Dress Designers.
The "Magic" is not just for the Bride alone...
Life After "ME"
An inspirational story of how a woman transformed her life and herself.
click here to
turn the pages...
faux fur 2
Faux Fur
It's Edgy,
It's Sexy
and
It's In...
Add a little animal appeal to your ensemble.
Sandy's Unique Boutique
3569 Mount Diablo Blvd
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-284-2653
Kim Pace Ad 2
"I design for the Stylish Woman
who follows her own Sense of Fashion.
The women who wears my jewelry
knows that it is Uniquely hers,
whether it was chosen from my collection
or
commissioned just for her."
-Kim Pace
Contents
CONTENTS
On The Cover
Cover Model: Betsy Fischer
12
26Life After "ME"
33Wedding Magic
43Design Divias
Features
Fashion- Tips from one of the best Bay Area Wedding Coordinators - Robbin Monterro
Departments
11
12Cover Story
14Producer's Notes
The Gift- You are the Gift. "We are the greatest gift that we are given."
25
20Beauty Tips
38from the Fashion Editor
40Faces, Fashion & Finds
Form and Spirit- Women Helping Women - Breaking Through the Barriers for Women and Girls
30
48Events
6
Contact Us
Mission Statement: We are of few words. We are where Form and Spirit become ONE.
Positioning Statement: Women who have a strong sense of themselves and understanding of their own being. They have their own individual style and the personal power to create fashion. These are women who have learned to tame the ever demanding impossible-to satisfy ego. They have learned to trust their own feelings and never base their fashion choices on trends or a given norm. These are women of few words, abundant intuition, and a strong sense of individual beauty.
"They are truly where Form and Spirit become ONE"
PENELOPE BENT-LIPPINCOTT
Creative Producer
Brandi Michaels
Fashion Editor
Courtney Anderson
IT Creative Director
Women Helping Women Editor
Contributing Fashion Writer
Advertising/Marketing
Production Assistant
Fashion Photographer
Fashion Photographer
Joyce Kenton
Jolene Ray Harrington
Chris Martin
Nilla Rittenhouse
Brandi Michaels
Penelope Bent-Lippincott
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Mother of Bride
Great Shopping
Margenes Bridal
3612 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610
510.451.3555
www.margenesbridal.com
Papers & Petals Bridal
1419 Burlingame Ave # G
Burlingame, CA 94010
650.347.4074
www.paperandpetalsbridal.com
Siri Boutique
540 D Barneveld Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
415.431.8873
www.siriinc.com
Trudys Brides & Special Occasions
1875 So. Bascom Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
www.trudysbrides.com
White House Black Market
www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
for the Mother of...
Joannas Bridal
500 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
Danville, CA 94526
925-552-6675
www.joannasbridalandtailoring.com
Cache
www.cache.com
Nordstrom
http://shop.nordstrom.com
Flares Bridal & Formal
79 Broadway Lane
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-939-3306
www.flaresbridal.com
Get in Touch
2368 Concord Boulevard
Concord, CA 94520
925.686.6444
www.gesineesbridal.com
...who exudes style
and spirit
10
wedding coordinator
The Wedding Coordinator
www.a-dreamwedding.com
Congratulations on your engagement! Now to plan the wedding. Feeling ecstatic and overwhelmed? Making your dream a reality takes time, thoughtful planning, and effort. Regardless the timeline and elaborations you have in mind, a professional wedding coordinator/planner
has the knowledge, connectins and time to bring everything together for your specatcular wedding day.
Perspective
Wedding ceremonies signify an important life change. Planning them can be a stressful, decision-filled process. Problems commonly arise from a lack of budget planning. And then there is the other precious commodity time. Many people, especially professional women, find it difficult to carve time from their schedules to do the planning, site visits, caterer interviews and to make vendor contacts. Long-distance weddings and short engagements can further compound the stress.
You are planning just one wedding, but planners plan many and can better manage the calls to and appointments with wedding sites, caterers, florists, limousine services and musicians. For you, the research would be time-consuming and scheduling appointments during the business day often won't work. Try to do everything on weekends over several months and you'll have little time for anyone or anything else.
Planning your wedding should be enjoyable. Its when you learn how to work with your budget and your groom in making choices you will both enjoy, and to savor the romance of planning your day. Since
Robbin Monterro
everyone will want to offer help and advice, the planner becomes your supporter, graciously justifying your choices to well-meaning friends and family members. Your professional planner will focus on your wishes for a worry-free wedding day.
Professional advantages
Some people assume the services of a wedding planner drives up the cost of the wedding. In fact, they begin saving you money long before the wedding, starting with helping couples establish a realistic budget. Then, they zero in on the best available sites and services using their vast store of experience and professional relationships to address details, seek the best vendors and to help you obtain the best prices.
Yes, weddings can be expensive, but doing it yourself can be more expensive because you won't have access to the resources and discounts available through a wedding planner, who can often negotiate special perks and extra value. They help many bridal couples steer clear of panic-buying mistakes or paying inflated prices for guests who don't show up. Who do you want to plan your wedding somebody who has never done it before or an experienced professional with many successful weddings on record?
cont'd Page 15>
11
Commitment Article
PRODUCER' '''S NOTES
COMMITMENT
To truly commit one must first
Embrace
the Joy of
who
YOU are
Producers Notes
S
tyle is a choice...
"Where Form and Spirit Become One"
The Wedding is such an Enchanting and Magical Event
We hope you will enjoy our first
"S
pecial
E
dition"
S
tunning
is our
Style of Choice
!
Whether you are the Honored Guest, Mother of, or Bride to be..
It is always yours to choose!
-Penelope Bent-Lippincott
Creative Producer
Betsy Cover Story
COVER STORY
At 48 years, what is your secret to becoming a cover model?
-
Cover Model - Betsy Fischer
"If you feel good about yourself, it shows and at our stage of the game that's what makes us way more beautiful than anything else."
Cover Model: Betsy Fischer
14
AD
Robbin Monterro
Finding a professional
Ask friends to refer a wedding planner, ask the best venues in your area who does a good job, and contact wedding planners through websites. Prospective planners should listen to your ideas and then offer suggestions. As you seek the right combination of experience and compatibility, interview more than one planner and ask for a client reference list.
Before signing anything, be certain you understand the terms of your planner's contract or agreement. The contract should address all costs, timelines, goods and services the planner will provide or oversee to make your wedding day special.
Stress Free, Leave the Details to Me, is the tried and true philosophy of Robbin Montero, California Wine Country wedding planning expert and owner of A Dream Wedding. Robbin is the premier wedding planner in the Northern California Wine Country, transforming any vision into the perfectly designed wedding creation. Robbin and her weddings have been featured in The Knot, Brides, Elite Magazine, Your Wedding Day and Vine Napa/Sonoma magazines, and ImportantOccasions.com. Travel & Leisure magazine calls Robbin, The expert wedding planner in the California Wine Country.
www.a-dreamwedding.com
cont'd from page 13
15
Karolena
Calling all Brides or Mother's of the Bride
If your planning for the big day is under way, don't forget to put your face first! The more time ahead - the more magic can be achieved!
beauty >
Photographs by
Brandi Michaels
maddie write up
3-6
Months ahead:
Take a long look in the mirror. Do you see sun damage, brown spots, lines and wrinkles, large pores, maybe some breakouts or scarring from past pimples, or just a dull complexion? Dont panic, a great esthetician can recommend a series of 4-6 peels or treatments designed specifically for your issues, and set a realistic goal, along with pharmaceutical grade products that really work.
Allow at least a month of continuous home care use to see a result - and remember the chest, neck and hands are just as important and should always be included. Also remember those lash lengthening/ thickening products take about 3 months to show results - Great for a mascara free honeymoon!
Weeks ahead:
2
You should be looking great! Now is the time to plan an elegant long lasting make up. I recommend at least 2 trial runs so that the application is quick, easy and there are no surprises. Above all ENJOY the special day and those photos for years to come.
-by Madeleine Cooper
171 Front St Suite 105, Danville, CA 94526 925.212.0578 cooper_madeleine_yahoo.com
Beauty Tips 1
from the Beauty Team...
Let's not underestimate the essence of a beautiful face regardless of age.
Enjoy the secrets of our Pros!
The Perfect Match
It all starts with the foundation and a perfect color match. We love Prescriptives! Their light -weight foundation, shear powder and custom blends are unbeatable.
WE choose Perscriptives powder to make the skin look naturally radiant and unbelievably healthy. The weightless, long-wear formula provides a sheer finish and natural, buildable coverage.
www.perscriptives.com
Fuse Beauty Tip:
Blend is everything. A ligher weight foundation with great coverage is miuch more forgiving with our naturally aging faces. It is the glow you are looking for!
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Beauty Tips 2
The Eyes Have It!
Remember the 70's... False Eyelashes are Back! Bring back that sexy sparkle in your Eyes.
Applaud your HANDS
Hands are the most visible parts of you, but they also take a lot of abuse. You use them in everyday activity, and yet, they are the ultimate accessory. You must give them the same attention you give your face.
Fuse Beauty Tip:
Soften your hands even while you do the dishes. Add a little almond oil (about a teaspoon) to the dishwater. The water will soften rough skin while the oil will seal in the moisture.
Luscious Lips!
Keep your lipstick from bleeding into your lip lines...
Rub a little concealer around the outside of your lips. It will fill in and plump up your lips so you can apply your lipliner and lipstick evenly for a much more youthful look.
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Article
FRENCH
The origins of the classic French manicure white tip, originated in France in the 1800s, American brand Orly definitely trademarked the prevalence of statement-making hues like French manicure languished in the corner. occurrence to see a chic woman in New York
Here are four different opinions of
Opinion #1. French Manicures are passé
French Manicures are definitely passé. They used to be done to make believe that the nail plate was longer and used to create an illusion. To me, they are not elegant at all. The most elegant is the short, clean and natural nail plate. Use a shape that is natural to your finger not overly square or too rounded. The only reason I would ever recommend a French manicure is a form of treatment for people with extremely short nails; a form of make-up so to speak to make them look longer.
Opinion #2. Most French Manicures Look Fake and Tacky
A French manicure can look polished and classic if done well using an ivory or off white tip, dubbed the American Manicure. The problem is that most French manicures I see look fake and tacky because they have a stark white tip and are usually done on thick poorly executed acrylic nails. Besides there is such an incredible color range of polish on the market, why not have a little fun with your nails?
22
French Manicure
In or Out?
are difficult to trace. Some insist that the simple design, a clean pale pink nail with while others credit Max Factor for creating the look for Paris fashionistas in the 1930s the term here in the States in 1978 with their popular at home kit. Yet, in recent years, Chanels Vamp and Black Satin have attracted all of the attention while the sad
And though women in middle America may sport the French mani regularly, its a rare with the design. It makes one think...is the French manicure a trend of the past?
polish experts on the topic.
Opinion #3. Black Nails are the New French Manicure
They are so Cathy Lee Over! Why? Because the French really had nothing to do with that. Second, one of the top editors of a major fashion mag here in NY told me so Black nails are the new French manicure. That said, there is a whole group of women that still LOVE the French and can't let go, so if you must, make sure you don't get French on the same day you wear a David Cassidy hair cut and highwaisted Jordache Jeans. A ton of people will agree that a French still looks pretty good but one bit of advice - STOP wearing it on your feet! Heres some good news: wear what you like and what works for you. If you like it and wear it with confidence, who cares?
Opinion #4. French Manicures Have Stood the Test of Time
French manicures are considered the sexy woman's red or perfect for the classic, sporty soccer mom. They have stood the test of time and have become a standby for many special occasions for women; although it's important to note that not every woman can sport the French manicure! If someone is a nail biter or has short chubby fingers, a French manicure will only enhance these flaws. If this is the case, it is then best to go with the color of the season, and this season colors are so rich and pigmented that they are hard to resist.
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Life after me write up
This transformation took me
3 years...
Nina in 2006
...at the end of 2006... I had spent a decade of my life as a plus size woman (size 20 to be exact, 250 lbs.)... resigned to just being BIG for the rest of my days after 3 other attempts in my adult life to be thinner.
I chose to have a lap band put on and I enrolled with a personal trainer to help me learn to adapt exercise as a lifelong discipline.
My goal at that point was simply to be a NORMAL size...not a plus size. To be able to shop off the racks of the stores everyone else did instead of going to a special store or section.
attack and stroke and died within 48 hours. THAT freaked me out.
It scared me into realizing I needed to get HEALTHY.
I WAS VERY SICK... lots of aches and pains...foot, back, neck problems, heart palpitations, chronic hives that disfigured my face and made me reclusive, high blood pressure and cholesterol (I was borderline to have to take medication, but kept refusing). In January 2007, a family friend, who was a few years younger than me and had two daughters my son's ages and a history of being very over weight, just like me, had a massive heart
I knew that the basis of my weight issues stemmed from my food compulsions and addictive behavior. I had to face that truth. I had to accept that I needed a powerful tool to help me be successful for life. I also needed to CHOOSE TO CHANGE.
Life after me 3
I hadn't been able to do that for so long that was going to be a joy in itself. I never realized that as I changed my eating and exercise...my body just responded by shedding the weight...and becoming very lean with muscle tone. I have never been this size in my life! (ok, maybe in grade school! lol)
Life after me 4
To be on the other side of the camara now in a modeling career is something I never fathomed. I have always been the one behind the scenes, being sure to make everyone else look good. It's still disarming for me to realize people stare at me because they like what they see (I always think it's because I have spinach in my teeth or toilet paper stuck to my shoe!)...but I'm learning to smile back...and appreciate the journey I'm on...and the new life that lies before me.
Thanks FUSE for letting me share...
I know what I've been through is not just for me...it's to let others know...you can achieve far more than you ever thought possible if you believe and have the courage to choose to change. -Nina
women help
Breaking through Barriers for Women and Girls
Jennifer Brandenburg and her daughter Katie Volunteer as docents for AAUW's local Annual holiday Home Tour 2010
Women Helping Women
Submitted by Joyce Kenton
Volunteers often go unrecognized, but as of this year, September 11 will be recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance; the President is calling on all Americans to participate in our Nation's recovery and renewal by serving in our communities.
With that said, we want to recognize a local volunteer Jennifer Brandenburg, a member of AAUW, the American Association of University Women. AAUW is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches including the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch (which supports education through scholarships for local women pursuing undergraduate and advanced degrees), and 500 college / university institution partners.
And each year the local branch funds 12 camperships for 7th and 8th grade girls from Danville, Alamo, and Walnut
Creek schools to attend Tech Trek, a 1-week science and math camp held during the summer at various college campuses around the state.
The AAUW mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. For more than 128 years its members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day;
educational, social, economic, and political.
As a member of AAUW, Jennifer, a very busy VP/Technology Project Team Manager for a global financial institution and the mother of a college-freshman daughter, belongs to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance. AAUWs 100,000 member voice makes a difference on critical women's and civil rights issues.
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women help2
Membership in AAUW can make their powerful voice even stronger on critical issues affecting women and girls. To learn more; visit their website _ www.aauw.org or for more local information, please contact Karen Schlumpp the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch Membership Vice President at her email address karenschlumpp_hotmail.com.
You can also view an inspirational video and hear firsthand the difference the organization continues to make through its many successes. We invite you to watch the video below:
So what motivates women to volunteer their valuable time and energy? Why do busy women volunteer? Jennifer helped answer these questions for us:
"Because we have an opportunity to get back more than we give. Because we can expand our sense of community and be involved with other women who have similar interests. Volunteering connects women and provides a forum for women to make a difference in the world. We have the opportunity to impact the social fabric of our communities. And that is time well spent and very rewarding as well as a marvelous way to demonstrate to our daughters the value of getting involved."
-
AAUW Breaking Through Barriers
31
Betsy bride
there is something
MAGICAL about the
Wedding Dress.
The anticipation,
the hope,
the dreams,
all wrapped up in white silk
accentuating the beauty of the
woman within as she joins her
soul mate in marriage.
Photographs by
Brandi Michaels
Fashion Faces Finds
from theFashion Editor...
Create Your Own Individual style as you participate in or attend those Magical Weddings this season. Think stilettos with rhinestones and a classy clutch. Choose to shine! "Simply Chic" is in with a little bit of feminine flare. There is nothing more wonderful than a woman choosing to embrace the unique beauty that she has been blessed with.
1
2
3
4
1]
http://blog.bridepower.com/tips-for-finding-your-perfect-bridal-shoes
2]
Oscar de la Renta, Silk Embroidred Clutch $1,050
3]
Crystal Kaleidoscope Necklace $295, Kate Spade
4]
Pearl Bauble Bracelet $225, Kate Spade
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Fashion Face2
5
6
7
8
9
Choose Stunning!
5]
Badgley Mischka Randall pump, $200
6]
Alexander McQueen, Knuckle-Duster Lace covered Satin Box Clutch $2,295
7]
Clarice - Kate Spade $298,
8]
Jimmy Choo Zeta Glitter finish Metalic Clutch $495, NET-A-PORTER.COM
9]
Swarovski Broadway Pendant Necklace, $195 & Earrings $200 www.swarovski-crystallized.com
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Design Divas
Design Divas
by Jolene Rae Harrington
HERE COMES THE GUIDE
MOVE OVER, MILAN... Back off, Big Apple... when it comes to dressing a bride for her spotlight moment, the San Francisco Bay Area takes a fashion front seat. San Franciscans have always marched to a different drum, and for that all-important walk down the aisle a Bay Area bride neednt leave town to demonstrate her originality and style savvy. Custom couture and the pampering of internationally recognized fashionistas are just a BART or MUNI ride away.
In these next few pages youll meet a handful of our local treasures: design divas blessed with a veritable magic style wandyour very own fashion fairy godmotherswho are sure to make you the belle of your most-important ball.
In The Beginning:
As a young girl, Jin learned to sew and construct patterns; by the time she was in high school, she was making dresses for her sisters. Drawn to the tradition of Old World ateliers, Jin spent 20 years in the fashion biz mastering the craft of expert tailoring and couture design. She started her own business in 1996.
Why Bridal?
A bridal gown elevates a womans elegance. I am passionate about creating a piece of art that a woman will remember for a lifetime. Becoming part of her personal history is extremely rewarding.
Fashion Inspirations:
Vintage gowns from the 30's to 60's; Dior, Chanel & Valentino. Current faveRichard Tyler.
Style Brief:
Sumptuous, graceful, timeless.
JinWang
http://www.jinwang.net
Signature Look:
Memorable rear views with an element of drama and surprise. I like to balance the clean, sensual lines of my gowns silhouettes with architectural draping that enhances the shape of a womans body.
42
Design Divas
Characteristic Clientele:
Independent yet feminine women with their own sense of style. They prefer sophistication and classic simplicity to a lot of embellishments. They are looking for an exceptional shopping experience.
Shop Scoop:
Classical music plays softly in the background of this well-lit salon on a quiet street off of Union Square. Beautifully presented gowns are out on the floor (no garment bags!), fitting rooms are spacious, and the ambiance is stress-free. The consistent theme is quality, from the rich fabrics and detailed workmanship of the gowns, to the high level of customer service.
The Little Things:
At the final fitting, the staff assists the bride in a formal dress rehearsal, and the bridesmaids
are shown how to bustle the gown properly so all goes smoothly on the wedding day. We also provide an emergency kit with stain cleaners and sewing kit.
The Bottom Line:
Custom couture starts at $3,000, and goes up depending on the embroidery. JinWang also offers complete redesign on existing gowns, or she can combine elements from different gowns into one unique creation.
One-on-one:
The customers vision and ideas are an essential part of my design process.
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Design Divas
Bridal Perfections
http://www.bridalperfections.com
Early Career Indicators:
As a girl, Claudine would make doll clothes out of old socks and bits of lace. She has since traded dolls for brides. Claudine is proud to carry on a family tradition of Old World couture craftsmanship, begun by her great-grandmother.
Been A Pro Since:
Claudine designed her first gown, of white satin and lace, in 1969. Shes been designing custom formalwear for discerning women ever since.
Signature Style:
Romantic, artistic, elegant.
Design Philosophy:
My brides don't have to settle; each is given exactly what she wants.
Fashion Inspirations:
I draw my creative vision from each individual bride her personality, body structure and taste.
Most Important Question For Clients:
How do you want to feel?
Average Price Range:
$3,000 - $6,000, depending on design and fabric selection.
Its In The Details:
Claudine's gowns are all French-seamed or completely lined. Beading and embroidery are done by hand.
Extras:
After the wedding, Claudine cleans and preserves your ensemble in museum-quality packaging.
Known For:
Her expert redesigns of heirloom gowns; patience, listening, and detailed creativity.
Why Go Custom?
Brides come to me for personal attention, honest expert advice and a truly unique gown.
Notable Clients:
Wont divulge names, but her special occasion gowns have been worn all over the world, from the Emmys in L.A. to the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia.
Fun Facts:
Claudine is a world traveler, Tai Chi practitioner, certified scuba diver, and white-water rafter.
Design Divas
Couture SF/Christina Hurvis Couture
http://www.couturesf.com
The Early Years:
With a degree in art, Christina headed for Paris where she studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Then followed stints with Christian Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Nicole Miller.
On Her Own Since: 1
996. I started my business out of New York, then came to San Francisco in 2002.
Fashion Influences:
Balenciaga, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent
Typical Customer:
A cosmopolitan career woman who wants something unique but classically beautiful.
Signature Look
:Bias-cut retro gowns with a dash of Hollywood glamour.
Style Summary:
Sleek, sophisticated, European. Specialties include hand-finishing, rich fabrics and an expert fit. I love the elegance of a perfectly tailored silhouette, with just the right accents.
Fashion Philosophy:
The girl wears the dress, the dress doesnt wear the girl.
Price Range:
My custom gowns start at $2,500. I have all the lace and beading done in France by authentic, traditional artisans, which determines the difference between a $3,000 and a $5,000 dress.
