Bridal Expo at the Lakeway Inn

I am getting ready for the Bridal Expo at the Lakeway Inn in Bellingham, WA.
I have many Bridal fascinators ready for the show and am finishing up an exciting new collection of Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids fascinators.

Spring Preview

New from Arlene's Original Designs

Blush of Spring on Etsy
www.etsy.com/shop/thefascinatormaven

What a difference advice from an expert makes

From just not there to web site ready

For me to sell my fascinators on line, my potential customers need to see what I have to offer.  Over the years my skill as a milliner has greatly improved but my skill as a photographer has not improved much, I rely on the dummy setting on my Canon camera, a pretty model and my black velvet backdrop. I really like my black backdrop because it makes the colors show up extremely well and it makes my photographs different from most other milliners. My problem was that  I could not photograph my black and navy hats well at all, they simply melted into the background.




 Finally, I decided to call on an expert, I had seen and admired Mark Turner's work for years, so I called him and asked if he would come to my little studio and give me some advice. He gave me many pointers, some were way over my head, things about camera settings etc. but the most valuable advice he gave me was about lighting. I have to admit I still don't have it right but my now my fascinators are bright and easy for my clients to see.




Here are a couple of before and after examples:

Before                                                                 

After

A closer look at Arlene's technique

In a past blog I stated that my hats and fascinators are the best made in America and gave you several reasons why. One of the reasons was that my hand made flowers are not only beautiful but also because they are different from anyone else's flowers.  Here is a close up look at one type flower that I make, which I call blended flowers. These three views are of flowers that have been made by taking apart silk flowers, making and adding more petals made of either organza or crepon sheer and finishing them off with custom stamens.  You will see that the crepon sheer picks up the light and adds a little glint in the sun. 

12th Street Shoes Fashion Show

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to show some of my fascinators in 12th Street Shoes fashion show.  It was a lovely gathering of Bellingham ladies and a few gents. One of the highlights for me was the littlest model, Kayleigh, Jody's (owner of 12th Street Shoes) 5 year old daughter. I made 4 child size fascinators for her and she stole the show.  I was so happy to be able to be a part of this event and to meet so many nice people.

The best hats and fascinators made in America

Let me tell you why my hats and fascinators are the best in America.  First, each and every one of my fascinators are made by me personally, I make most of them from scratch and some from preformed frames.

The flowers are either completely handmade a petal at a time out of Sinamay or Satin and crepon sheer or they are a combination of a silk flower with organza or crepon sheer added and the centers replaced with custom stamens or beads.


I use many kinds of feathers, ranging from the traditional Ostrich, Peacock and Pheasant to unusual Chicken and Turkey feathers, I often cut, curl and/or dye them and use them very tastefully.


My fascinators are easy to wear, they are all set either on a headband or a comb and can be customized to whatever my client wants.


I am the only person making custom hats and fascinators that can make flowers out of a client's personal dress fabric, or dye fabric or feathers so that the fascinator will be even more striking and completely customized.


Price is another thing that makes my designs so appealing, custom fascinators and hats priced from $25.00 for a band of flowers or ribbon and flowers to from $32.00 to $52.00 for a custom hand made hat or fascinator.


One more thing that is rarely experienced today, wonderful customer service, your hat will arrive in a new, sturdy box with your purchase wrapped if fresh, pink tissue paper with a little "thank you" card.


My styles are unique and extremely beautiful, I follow the English styles but do not copy them, they are uniquely American with an English flair.


When you view my designs, you will see that they are delightful, delicate little confections that will make you look marvelous.
See my beautiful creations at.............
www.etsy.com/shop/thefascinatormaven  www.arlenesoriginaldesigns.com

English Milliner Phillip Treacy says the Fascinator is Dead

Treacy is the milliner who made Princess Beatrice's strange headpiece for the Royal Wedding


Mr Treacy explains that Crazy Fascinators have been banned from the Royal Enclosure at the Royal Ascot, which means that if you want to sit with the Queen you must wear a proper hat (like my little gems). He further states that he is "Delighted" because fascinators have become so cheapened that many are no more than a headband with a feather attached with a glue gun.


I do agree with Mr. Tracey, their are millions of cheap fascinators MADE IN CHINA that have flooded the market.  I saw one on the TV show Nashville that was pretty much like that, a Sinamay ribbon on a headband with a few feathers.  So, for me, I will keep doing what I am doing, making one of a kind, original little confections.

One of Phillip Treacy's hats

New Etsy shop open

At last everything is set up and my new Etsy Bridal fascinators and headpieces is now open.  There are many styles from which brides can choose.   Take a look at:
www.etsy.com/shop/ArlenesBrides

New Etsy Wedding Shop to open very soon

Setting up shop

I will have a new shop opening in a few days on Etsy.  I wish I could show you a preview of what is going in but, Google is having technical difficulties and I can't up any pictures.  However.......I will have a link to my new shop maybe next Tuesday.

Dior wearing Arlene's fascinators

I went to the Bridal Expo this afternoon to see if I would like to participate next year and to deliver some fascinators to Dior makeup artists to wear for the Expo.