Today's post, I'm writing about the practical side of engagement shoots, things for the couple to consider before they head off to their engagement shoot with their photographer.
Clothes
Whenever I do engagement shoots, I advise couples about clothes to wear on the day.
A lot of the time, we want to instantly jump into wearing whatever we love most, for a photo shoot. However, I advise all my couples against wearing clothes with big logos, text, or graphics on them. The reason I advise against people wearing logos, big text, or graphic images on clothes is that it has two negative effects. Firstly, it instantly draws the eye away from the face in the photograph. Wearing a simple top means it doesn't compete for attention. I think certain patterns are fine, for example, bold checks, but a busy Paisley print, or high contrast fine stripes might not be such a good idea. What you (and your photographer!) also want to avoid, is the moire effect. That occasionally happens when you wear a very fine weave or patterned fabric, and makes it look like there's an optical illusion strapped to your clothes. There are techniques for removing it, but its easier to avoid it altogether. Photoshop has its uses, but its so much faster to get things right before the photo is taken! Nice, plain block colour clothes are great.
The second reason for advising against logos, text, and graphic images, is that it dates the photograph very quickly. Want proof? Look through any old photos you have. Those with text or graphics or a logo might be much more identifiable with a certain fashion at the time, than plain clothes. Plain clothes are much more timeless and classic for professional photographs. It is good to mix up the colour a bit, so a blue shirt with black jeans is fine.
Try to also think about what you're both wearing. Think about coordinating both with colour and style. So for example, if you're both going for crisp shirts, maybe think about the colour - if one wears a black shirt, the other might want to wear a contrasting complementary colour. If one of you wears a pale blue shirt, then a bright magenta pink top might not work so well. When Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged, their engagement photos showed them both wearing complementary warm neutral coloured long sleeve tops - he wore a mocha brown knitted sweater, and she wore a gorgeous champagne blouse.
You could also think about wearing layers, so that you have different "looks".
But most importantly, wear clothes you feel comfortable in, and that you love. Clothes that make you feel good. If you don't have an outfit that fulfills that "feel good!" factor, then it's a good excuse to go shopping.
Location
You can be as creative as you like with your engagement location. While a wedding budget and availability might curtail options for venues for the actual wedding day, engagement shoots are a chance for you to go somewhere a bit different. You'll probably be thinking of somewhere that you find aesthetically pleasing, making it suitable for photographs. Speak to your photographer about the location. Do be aware though, that not all indoor light is flattering on the face. Indoor venues are fine, but it might be an idea to see if there's a room with lots of natural light, or at least a large window, to give your photographer options. However, this is all dependent upon the style of photograph you're after. If you want something dramatic, perhaps quite urban and gritty, then strong lighting that casts shadows could look amazing.
From a practical perspective, also consider the location of the shoot. Your photographer may ask you to pay extra travel expenses (and potentially overnight accommodation) if you're wanting to shoot somewhere a bit further than their normal area. Even some photographers who advertise themselves as being "UK wide" may charge extra if you want them to travel to Mull for an engagement shoot when they are based in Leeds.
You also need to consider whether permission is needed in advance. The last thing you want is a member of security escorting you and your photographer off the premises. Railway stations are romantic, for example, but you still need to seek permission in advance as they are private property. Some venues might also ask for a small payment, and you need to consider whether you're willing to pay for your favourite venue. Establish with your photographer in advance who's responsibility it is to attain permission in advance.
Don't worry about asking for permission! I've had to phone lots of venues to ask permission for photo shoots in the past. Most people I've spoken to are helpful, some are even slightly curious (after all, it won't be every day they sit at their desk, working away, and receive a phone call asking them about a photo shoot!), and everyone I've spoken to has been friendly. Phoning is always better than emailing. It is a bit more nerve-wracking, but relax, try to sound cheerful and pleasant and perhaps slightly bubbly (even fake a smile while you talk - they can't see you, but it'll make your voice sound happier!). Emails are fine if you need to follow up with written information with the request. You might also want to make sure you're asking to speak to the office or venue manager, as letting out a big long spiel to the first person who answers might mean you find you have to repeat it all a few minutes later. The worst thing that anyone can say to you is "no", so just relax. Some venues will also have stipulations, for example, no flash (particularly inside historic venues with light-sensitive artifacts); that the photographer has public liability insurance (so the venue won't be sued if a member of the public trips up over a tripod); that you don't expect them to close an area off to the public for your shoot (asking them to do so might involve charges for loss of profit); or they might ask you come early, or late in the day, or during the week when the venue is at its quietest. Timing and insurance are definitely things you want to check with your photographer.
Light
I mentioned light before, but this part is about daylight. A lot of people think that I need strong, bright sunshine to make the most of my photographs. It's not strictly true. I did an engagement shoot recently in the seaside town of Largs, on the west coast of Scotland. We had glorious sunshine, and that was fine, because it suited the location perfectly - seasides and sunshine go well together. However, I also love cloudy days. Cloud can be surprisingly lovely in a photograph. It means the light is softer, there's no harsh shadows, and I can use my own flashes if I want to. I also don't have to worry about whether I'm casting a shadow in my photo, or which direction the sun is in. I like cloud for portraits. From a photography perspective it's the biggest softbox with the most powerful light and it's completely free.
Time
Engagement shoots won't last as long as your entire wedding, but they do take a bit of time. Depending on the location, I usually take a couple of hours. That's longer than I'd expect to take for "private shots of the couple" during a wedding. It's usually a good idea to just block out a morning or afternoon from your diary. People always run a little late; traffic jams, parking, buses not turning up on time, someone calling just the minute you're about to lock the door... things that are often beyond our control can make us all late from time to time. The last thing you want is to be running late and then have to dash away again because you're meeting someone immediately afterwards.
Props
Finally, let's get onto something a bit more fun! Don't be afraid to talk to your photographer about the idea of using props. You may have some, your photographer may have some. Fake moustaches and chalk boards are very popular props to make an engagement shoot more fun, and add some silliness, frivolity, and playfulness into your images. The benefit with props is it gives you something to hold, you can play around, and a couple being silly together can usually get some fantastic expressions. Don't be afraid of what other people think! Even if you're naturally quiet and reserved, silly playful props can be great. I believe that when you and your partner are old and grey and looking back in years to come, you'll find yourself reliving and giggling about the engagement shoot with the props. If you don't want to be silly, then a small bunch of flowers, balloons, bubbles, a bright umbrella, some colourful wellies can work just as well.
Is there anything you think I've missed from the practical side of engagement shoots? Have you had any personal experience - good or bad - involving the practicalities of engagement shoots? Feel free to let me know using the comments form below!
Sources of inspiration for Struve Photography, talking about weddings, portraits, and photography.
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Monday, 22 August 2011
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Knickerbocker Glorious!
So today, I thought I'd blog about a shoot I did in Largs with Alison Tinlin from Plans and Presents, hair stylist Gail Rankin, Make up artist Sophie Edwards, with accessories provided by Wedding and Baby.
We went to Largs with the intention of doing a slightly kitschy, vintage seaside photoshoot. I wanted something that was a proper traditional seaside resort without the tackiness. Largs was a great location. From a photographic perspective, its a neat town, with very little litter or graffiti, not too many people, and plenty of wide open space to get the sky in and lots of details from it. We sought permission from Nardinis to use their interior as a backdrop for some of the photos (and they were very lovely about it all).
I've done plenty of location shoots before involving gorgeous dresses (including the bridesmaid shoot I did with Flossy and Dossy a few months ago), but I wanted something slightly different here. This shoot was less about being a fashion parade, and more about the individual - in this case, Alison. It was actually easier than some of the shoots I've done previously, as there weren't lots of outfit changes to incorporate into the timing.
I think the hardest thing I find is defining what I think my "voice" is. I have a particular style to my photographs, but sometimes when I'm up so close to the photos, I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is. I know I like to have photos that have an element of pop - I want people to come out of the picture, to get an essence of their personality just jumping out of the image.
I wanted to get more of that from Alison. It's easy a lot of the time for people to shrink in the photographs, and a lot of people do. Camera comes out and people become shy and like wallflowers. Or, alternatively, they start throwing very awkward poses that they've seen in magazines and "think" I want from them.
What I really want, is to have fun photographs. I want fun, I want natural, candid, but most of all, playful. I don't want a fixed grin.
I think sometimes it's a bit like having a conversation with someone for the first time. I want to get beyond the small talk, the "what do you do/ where are you from" stuff, and right into the bit where there's a connection, the bit where the conversation just rolls and people start really revealing themselves. Years ago, a friend of mine referred to it almost as being like layers, numbering each layer. So small talk was layer one, then the bit where you start digging out information from the small talk is layer two, and then the really good stuff, the core, that's layer three. He'd smile when we got into a deeper level of conversation, the bit where we started to forget where we were and just got completely lost in our own world, and he'd remark "now we're here, this is the third layer". It's not necessarily about baring your soul and getting the skeletons out of the closet (or wherever else you keep them), it's just about figuring out who the person in front of the camera is, getting rid of your labels (mother, wife, girlfriend, husband, father, brother, son, daughter, work colleague...) and being all the wonderful bits of you.
So yes, that's what I want from these sorts of photoshoots. And I'll pretty much do anything I can to get people to that point. I'm not looking for the secrets, the dark stuff, I'm just looking for the playfulness, the humour, the light hearted, happy, lovely side, the bits that attract people to you as friends or romantic interests, the bits that make people care, and the bits that should make you realise how truly wonderful you are.
So, here for your delectation, the photos from the shoot.
The team:
Shoot Organisation/Model - Alison Tinlin - http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk
Photographer - Kristin Mitchell - http://struvephotography.co.uk/
Hair - Gail Rankin - http://www.gailhardie.co.uk/
Make - Up - http://www.sophieedwardsmakeup.com/
Hairpieces/Jewellery - http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/
Gown/Shoes - courtesy of - http://angelfins.co.uk
Venue (inside shots) - http://nardinis.co.uk/
We went to Largs with the intention of doing a slightly kitschy, vintage seaside photoshoot. I wanted something that was a proper traditional seaside resort without the tackiness. Largs was a great location. From a photographic perspective, its a neat town, with very little litter or graffiti, not too many people, and plenty of wide open space to get the sky in and lots of details from it. We sought permission from Nardinis to use their interior as a backdrop for some of the photos (and they were very lovely about it all).
I've done plenty of location shoots before involving gorgeous dresses (including the bridesmaid shoot I did with Flossy and Dossy a few months ago), but I wanted something slightly different here. This shoot was less about being a fashion parade, and more about the individual - in this case, Alison. It was actually easier than some of the shoots I've done previously, as there weren't lots of outfit changes to incorporate into the timing.
I think the hardest thing I find is defining what I think my "voice" is. I have a particular style to my photographs, but sometimes when I'm up so close to the photos, I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is. I know I like to have photos that have an element of pop - I want people to come out of the picture, to get an essence of their personality just jumping out of the image.
I wanted to get more of that from Alison. It's easy a lot of the time for people to shrink in the photographs, and a lot of people do. Camera comes out and people become shy and like wallflowers. Or, alternatively, they start throwing very awkward poses that they've seen in magazines and "think" I want from them.
What I really want, is to have fun photographs. I want fun, I want natural, candid, but most of all, playful. I don't want a fixed grin.
I think sometimes it's a bit like having a conversation with someone for the first time. I want to get beyond the small talk, the "what do you do/ where are you from" stuff, and right into the bit where there's a connection, the bit where the conversation just rolls and people start really revealing themselves. Years ago, a friend of mine referred to it almost as being like layers, numbering each layer. So small talk was layer one, then the bit where you start digging out information from the small talk is layer two, and then the really good stuff, the core, that's layer three. He'd smile when we got into a deeper level of conversation, the bit where we started to forget where we were and just got completely lost in our own world, and he'd remark "now we're here, this is the third layer". It's not necessarily about baring your soul and getting the skeletons out of the closet (or wherever else you keep them), it's just about figuring out who the person in front of the camera is, getting rid of your labels (mother, wife, girlfriend, husband, father, brother, son, daughter, work colleague...) and being all the wonderful bits of you.
So yes, that's what I want from these sorts of photoshoots. And I'll pretty much do anything I can to get people to that point. I'm not looking for the secrets, the dark stuff, I'm just looking for the playfulness, the humour, the light hearted, happy, lovely side, the bits that attract people to you as friends or romantic interests, the bits that make people care, and the bits that should make you realise how truly wonderful you are.
So, here for your delectation, the photos from the shoot.
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| Sophie prepares Alison's make up |
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| Inside Nardinis |
 |
| Knickerbocker Glorious! |
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| Flying the flag |
 |
| at the piano |
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| bouquet courtesy of Wedding and Baby |
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| Our generous host |
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| Kicking it up in Largs |
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| the most wayward balloons! |
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| Alison and Largs |
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| Bouquet |
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| over to Cumbrae |
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| The Wonderful Nardinis |
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| shoes! |
The team:
Shoot Organisation/Model - Alison Tinlin - http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk
Photographer - Kristin Mitchell - http://struvephotography.co.uk/
Hair - Gail Rankin - http://www.gailhardie.co.uk/
Make - Up - http://www.sophieedwardsmakeup.com/
Hairpieces/Jewellery - http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/
Gown/Shoes - courtesy of - http://angelfins.co.uk
Venue (inside shots) - http://nardinis.co.uk/
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Bridesmaid Revisited
The shoot took place at the Hub, in Edinburgh (right next to Edinburgh Castle). One thing about the Hub is that its spire is actually the highest point in all of Edinburgh.
My dressmaker for this was Wendy from Flossy and Dossy. We'd been talking about doing a bridesmaid wear shoot since October last year, following my previous shoot with her dresses at Viewpark Gardens.
We got together with Sonia from Gioia Mia who supplied the jewellery and fantastic head pieces; one of my favourite make up artists, Kathryn Hughes, and two models Sophie and Esther who looked absolutely gorgeous and radiated the demure glamour we needed. Both Wendy and Sonia provided bespoke, individual pieces for this shoot, which I think look gorgeous. Wendy even supplied the shoes, which she hand-painted to work with the dresses. You can see more about how she did that here:
To be honest, this was a dream shoot to work on. Everyone gave complete commitment and worked hard; the venue, The Hub, were fantastic at giving us the space to shoot; and the whole day couldn't have run more smoothly.
Jewellery and accessories: Gioia Mia www.gioiamia.net
Make up and hair: Kathryn Hughes
Models: Sophie Robertson and Esther Kungu www.estherkungu.com/
Photography: Kristin Mitchell www.kristinmitchell.co.uk
Location: The Hub, Edinburgh www.thehub-edinburgh.com/
Monday, 21 March 2011
Vintage darlings: Fifties Wedding
As part of my exploration into vintage, I am extremely pleased to present this week’s featured guest, Charlie, who co-writes the blog at http://fiftieswedding.com/.
Charlie‘s blog is very much a mother-daughter collaboration, with her mum Selma writing a regular post every week. Their website features lots of beautiful vintage ideas and inspiration, most noteably paying homeage to Charlie’s icon, Audrey Hepburn.
Their Fifties Wedding blog is a lot more than articles about vintage. Selma and Charlie offer brides (and anyone involved in weddings) lots of useful tips, how-tos, practical ideas and inspiring images, including dedicated inspiration galleries of wedding dresses and wedding shoes. Personally I think it’s a great resource that ought to be bookmarked by any vintage inspired bride in the process of planning her wedding.
Charlie and Selma began writing Fifties Wedding in October 2010, and in the short space of time it’s become very popular, no doubt as a result of Charlie and Selma’s evident passion for vintage and breadth of ideas. I asked Charlie how she finds having such a popular blog since October. Charlie explains “I have met so many lovely people through doing it. I am completely shocked at how popular the blog has become in such a short space of time – I really never thought there were so many 50s inspired brides out there! It’s obviously a great feeling to know that people are interested and reading the blog though! I couldn’t be happier – hopefully it will just keep growing!”
Charlie was initially inspired to start the blog after finding difficulty in sourcing what she wanted for your own wedding. She particularly had problems finding a dress, bird cage veil and shoes, all within her budget. Like many people, although she could have spent hours on Google, what she really wanted was a single website with tips on everything. Charlie explains, “In the end I made my own birdcage veil for example, because I just didn’t know where else to get it! Since doing the blog of course I have found that there are hundreds and hundreds of fabulous small suppliers & designers out there. Indeed many of them I wish I had known about when planning my wedding!”
I asked Charlie about what vintage she incorporated into her own wedding. Charlie replies, “It was a mixture of 50s, vintage, summer & country all wrapped up in one. My dress was 50s inspired – tea length with a petticoat to give it that 50s shape. I wore my mum’s vintage pearls too, and had 50s inspired peep toe shoes with bows on. We hired an old-fashioned style ice cream trike, made lots of bunting to hang round the garden, and put flowers in vintage vases and jugs”.
I wanted to know a little more about what attracted Charlie specifically towards 50s vintage. She says “I love the fashion and style of the era and the glamorous movie star icons (Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn). Those full dresses, the red lipstick, the bows, the polka dots…just some of the things I love!”
So why does Charlie think there’s been such an increased interest in vintage inspired weddings? Charlie responds “I think there has been a general acceptance over the years that your wedding doesn’t have to be traditional if you don’t want it to be. The eras of the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s particularly evoke nostalgia and romance that I think people are drawn to – the black & white movies, the art deco posters, the wartime fashions, the Hollywood actors of the 30s etc. All of these times reflect our history. I also think that there has been a growing interest towards vintage-inspired weddings just as much as there has been a growing interest towards DIY weddings, hippy weddings, weddings in unusual locations and all sorts of other sorts of weddings. With more and more wedding websites and blogs, and more articles in magazines about ‘alternative’ weddings, brides-to-be are encouraged to make their big day personal to them – whatever that may be.”
Of course, not everyone wants their wedding to be completely vintage inspired, and some brides might want to incorporate a few elements that can achieve a vintage feel. I asked Charlie what tips she had for anyone looking for some subtle vintage details. Charlie suggests “Well it’s all about the wedding you want that reflects you. For a touch of 50s glamour it could be anything such as little pearl earrings & gloves, or perhaps an Audrey Hepburn updo. I think flowers in vintage vases and tea cups are a great idea too. I think a 50s style dress of course is very important!”
Since I started this exploration of vintage weddings, one thing that has been apparent is how flattering vintage clothing is on different figures. I asked Charlie if she thought this was part of the appeal of vintage wedding glamour. Charlie answers “I definitely think that plays a part – with 50s styles anyway! That’s why I love the 50s style dresses. Wearing vintage clothing is like wearing a little bit of fashion history too, and if you’re wearing you mum’s cardigan from the 1960s you can be pretty sure no one else will be wearing the same thing! It’s fun to be different!”
And does Charlie have any tips to achieving the right look? She says, “There is no right or wrong – that’s the beauty of it! You can incorporate as little or as much vintage as you like.”
Finally, I asked Charlie if she had anything she’d like to add?
Charlie replies “Only that if you’re getting married, have the wedding your way!”.
With thanks to Charlie for her fantastic answers – her blog is definitely a must-read for any bride to be, or anyone interested in vintage. I'm personally eyeing up the brooches featured in their article 1950s Inspired Thank You Gifts for Bridesmaids & Mums - I reckon they could make a nice mothers day gift!
Follow Fifties Wedding on Twitter @fiftieswedding
Fifties Wedding Facebook page
Fifties Wedding website
Charlie‘s blog is very much a mother-daughter collaboration, with her mum Selma writing a regular post every week. Their website features lots of beautiful vintage ideas and inspiration, most noteably paying homeage to Charlie’s icon, Audrey Hepburn.
Their Fifties Wedding blog is a lot more than articles about vintage. Selma and Charlie offer brides (and anyone involved in weddings) lots of useful tips, how-tos, practical ideas and inspiring images, including dedicated inspiration galleries of wedding dresses and wedding shoes. Personally I think it’s a great resource that ought to be bookmarked by any vintage inspired bride in the process of planning her wedding.
Charlie and Selma began writing Fifties Wedding in October 2010, and in the short space of time it’s become very popular, no doubt as a result of Charlie and Selma’s evident passion for vintage and breadth of ideas. I asked Charlie how she finds having such a popular blog since October. Charlie explains “I have met so many lovely people through doing it. I am completely shocked at how popular the blog has become in such a short space of time – I really never thought there were so many 50s inspired brides out there! It’s obviously a great feeling to know that people are interested and reading the blog though! I couldn’t be happier – hopefully it will just keep growing!”
Charlie was initially inspired to start the blog after finding difficulty in sourcing what she wanted for your own wedding. She particularly had problems finding a dress, bird cage veil and shoes, all within her budget. Like many people, although she could have spent hours on Google, what she really wanted was a single website with tips on everything. Charlie explains, “In the end I made my own birdcage veil for example, because I just didn’t know where else to get it! Since doing the blog of course I have found that there are hundreds and hundreds of fabulous small suppliers & designers out there. Indeed many of them I wish I had known about when planning my wedding!”
I asked Charlie about what vintage she incorporated into her own wedding. Charlie replies, “It was a mixture of 50s, vintage, summer & country all wrapped up in one. My dress was 50s inspired – tea length with a petticoat to give it that 50s shape. I wore my mum’s vintage pearls too, and had 50s inspired peep toe shoes with bows on. We hired an old-fashioned style ice cream trike, made lots of bunting to hang round the garden, and put flowers in vintage vases and jugs”.
I wanted to know a little more about what attracted Charlie specifically towards 50s vintage. She says “I love the fashion and style of the era and the glamorous movie star icons (Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn). Those full dresses, the red lipstick, the bows, the polka dots…just some of the things I love!”
So why does Charlie think there’s been such an increased interest in vintage inspired weddings? Charlie responds “I think there has been a general acceptance over the years that your wedding doesn’t have to be traditional if you don’t want it to be. The eras of the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s particularly evoke nostalgia and romance that I think people are drawn to – the black & white movies, the art deco posters, the wartime fashions, the Hollywood actors of the 30s etc. All of these times reflect our history. I also think that there has been a growing interest towards vintage-inspired weddings just as much as there has been a growing interest towards DIY weddings, hippy weddings, weddings in unusual locations and all sorts of other sorts of weddings. With more and more wedding websites and blogs, and more articles in magazines about ‘alternative’ weddings, brides-to-be are encouraged to make their big day personal to them – whatever that may be.”
Of course, not everyone wants their wedding to be completely vintage inspired, and some brides might want to incorporate a few elements that can achieve a vintage feel. I asked Charlie what tips she had for anyone looking for some subtle vintage details. Charlie suggests “Well it’s all about the wedding you want that reflects you. For a touch of 50s glamour it could be anything such as little pearl earrings & gloves, or perhaps an Audrey Hepburn updo. I think flowers in vintage vases and tea cups are a great idea too. I think a 50s style dress of course is very important!”
Since I started this exploration of vintage weddings, one thing that has been apparent is how flattering vintage clothing is on different figures. I asked Charlie if she thought this was part of the appeal of vintage wedding glamour. Charlie answers “I definitely think that plays a part – with 50s styles anyway! That’s why I love the 50s style dresses. Wearing vintage clothing is like wearing a little bit of fashion history too, and if you’re wearing you mum’s cardigan from the 1960s you can be pretty sure no one else will be wearing the same thing! It’s fun to be different!”
And does Charlie have any tips to achieving the right look? She says, “There is no right or wrong – that’s the beauty of it! You can incorporate as little or as much vintage as you like.”
Finally, I asked Charlie if she had anything she’d like to add?
Charlie replies “Only that if you’re getting married, have the wedding your way!”.
With thanks to Charlie for her fantastic answers – her blog is definitely a must-read for any bride to be, or anyone interested in vintage. I'm personally eyeing up the brooches featured in their article 1950s Inspired Thank You Gifts for Bridesmaids & Mums - I reckon they could make a nice mothers day gift!
Follow Fifties Wedding on Twitter @fiftieswedding
Fifties Wedding Facebook page
Fifties Wedding website
Friday, 11 March 2011
Vintage darlings: Flossy and Dossy
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| all images courtesy of Flossy and Dossy |
Wendy started dressmaking and knitting initially as a hobby, making her own unique vintage inspired clothes. She started receiving compliments from friends as well as from strangers on her stunning creations and the requests started to come in from friends wanting her to make clothes for them. Wendy's confidence in her ability began to grow steadily along with her understanding of garment construction, however she knew she was onto something a little more special when her sister asked her to design and make a wedding dress.
Wendy began Flossy and Dossy in 2008. So where did the name Flossy and Dossy come from? Wendy explains "I wanted to pick a name that was fun, a little twee and playful, and after considering a few ideas I liked how it reflected my design concepts. It's also something that seems to stick in people's minds". Wendy was mindful of the importance of a good name and carefully selected a name which suited the market and brand of her business.
Wendy discusses how her business began, "I started off small, taking stalls at handmade vintage fairs such as those run by Made in the Shade, and dipping my toes in online selling, and it's all taken off from there. I also discovered early on how important it is to get good photographs, to show off my clothes in their best possible light."
I asked Wendy about where she gets her inspiration, and the personal appeal for her of vintage. Wendy says "Ever since I was little I've adored old movies, and I've always been fascinated by the how almost every actress carries herself with such poise and sophistication.
If it wasn't for Audrey Hepburn I doubt that Flossy would exist; I've always adored her impeccable, individual style. Hers is the playful sophistication that inspires all of my clothes, from the ballet pump/ full skirt look of Roman Holiday, to the glamour of Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Behind all of Flossy's designs is a great deal of research; not only on the technical aspects of, for example, frock design, but also how a certain look is constructed. I ask myself what makes a Hitchcock Blonde so distinctive? Therefore one of my greatest influences is Edith Head, who designed wonderful gowns for Hollywood films for over forty years. She was nominated for the Oscar for Costume Design an astonishing 35 times, and the list of actresses who wore her designs is a who's-who of cinema.
When I'm designing frocks I'm mainly influenced by the 50s. I love how full-skirted designs flatter every figure and make the wearer feel feminine. When I'm working on my knitwear I'm mainly influenced by the 40s. I love the nipped-in waist and wide shoulders of knitwear from this time."
We move on to the topic of vintage at weddings. I asked Wendy why she thinks vintage has had such an allure at weddings. Wendy responds "I think that the main reason interest has been growing in vintage-inspired weddings is that people want something that's a bit more personal, and that the flavour of the whole day, from the bridal and bridesmaid frocks right down to the invitations and favours, can be elegantly themed. At a recent wedding I attended, the table decorations were handmade by the bride's mother and involved lovely little floral sprays set into vintage teacups - touches like that are wonderful.
There's also an increasing amount of inspiration on the web, from Offbeat Bride to the Etsy Wedding Blog. These websites have great style tips, and have examples of things you can make yourself which look better than the generic wedding stationery or table decorations."
Of course, vintage can go wrong. So what advice does she have to avoid the pitfalls, and how to get the look right?
Wendy replies "I think the main thing to remember is that finding vintage accessories can take time especially if you're on a tight budget. It's also sometimes difficult to blend vintage and modern and you might have to bear this in mind when picking the venue. I've seen a lot of lovely vintage style weddings which are slightly let down by the hotel decor (especially in Scotland with the trend for tartan carpets!) To get round this I'd make sure you pick out a main colour and carry it through the whole wedding; if the hotel has a blue tartan carpet make sure you pick up the blue in the groomsmen's ties, the buttonholes or a sash on the bridesmaids dress that helps tie the whole look together."
Finally, does Wendy have any predictions for what vintage inspired clothing is going to be popular in the near future? Wendy replies "I think full skirted 50s dresses and skirts will always be popular but I do think there's going to be a rise in 40s style dresses from cotton tea dresses to glamorous evening wear. There's been a big increase in 1940s styling on the internet with lots of video tutorials showing you how to style your hair in victory rolls or how to do pin curls."
Many thanks to Wendy for sharing her insight into vintage clothing and her beautiful designs from Flossy and Dossy. Time to get practicing on those victory curls!
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