Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Long Romantic Veils







Rice Rafferty Long Veil - Lovely Simplicity

Long veils are back in style.  Our veil pictured above is floor length and can be worn forwards or backwards.  Long veils add a classic and dramatic look.  Pair it with a tiara so you can wear the veil during the wedding ceremony then remove it when it's time to dance.  I also suggest doing something bold - wear the veil with a different color dress (ie: like the blue dress for something blue above).  Add a little personality to your wedding day.

www.ricerafferty.com
www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

Japan, our thoughts and prayers are with you

Does anyone feel a lot of anxiety right now?  The world is in turmoil.  The images of Japan repeatedly flash through my mind.  We're all connected no matter what country we were born and raised in.  We all know at least one person in/from Japan.

On a personal note, we just received word our good friend Sachiko is ok.  She said she's unable to use facebook, but she can get on her email account.  They keep feeling aftershocks since the earthquake and they're all pretty startled.  Her friends and family are ok too.


If you're interested in making a donation contact the Red Cross.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Luck of the Irish

Some people don't believe in luck, but I do.  Since I'm Irish, I was raised to believe success is part hard work and part luck.  There's this element of chance in everything we do.  We can plan and set future goals, but there are always surprises along the way.

In honor of St. Patricks Day...an Irish blessing for you

May there always be work for your hands to do
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane; 
...May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. 


Happy St. Patrick's Day! Wishing you the luck of the Irish today.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Ladies Floral Head Piece with/without Bird Cage Veil


A friend of ours said, "Kate Middleton would love this."  We totally agree.  These types of hats are definitely her style; they're ageless and timeless.  This style of hat adds a level of sophistication fit for a queen ;-)
There was a time when people dressed up every day. We're bringing back this trend one hat at a time. 

- Ivory or white
- Choose with our without net blusher veil

for more info visit our sites
www.ricerafferty.com
www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Thursday, March 10, 2011

"Heaven is an Art Studio"

Last week I went to my former high school teacher's funeral.  I'm deeply saddened by her death.  She was a beautiful, intelligent, and strong woman. 

I met Mrs. Astudillo my first day at Clarence high school in late December 1999.  My family had just moved to Buffalo.  My first day of school was hectic; by my second class I realized moving was no piece of cake.  The accents were different, I had no friends, I kept losing my way through the building, and I had a TON of homework to make up (4 months of homework to be exact).  I looked at my schedule relieved to see Studio Art was my next class.  I eagerly walked into the room and quickly learned I had a lot to hard work ahead of me.  My art classes in the past taught me things, but this was different.  Mrs. Astudillo handed me 4 months worth of art assignments I needed to makeup - which consisted of perspective drawings, still life studies, ink drawings, a self portrait, among many others.  I took many art classes before but this was way more intense.  Art class was always a relaxing place for me; this was not.  Mrs. A demanded the most of out everyone including herself.  I continued you take several classes with Mrs. A - Studio Art, Drawing and Painting, Computer Art, and Advertising.  She taught us the fundamentals and principles of design and conceptual art that helped me throughout my years at University studying Art.  Mrs. A taught art like a science.  I have many fond memories of walking through the Albright Knox with our class on field trips.

On Sept 11, 2001 I first learned of the World Trade center being attacked after my gym class on my way to  Mrs. A's Advertising class.  We sat silent and watched the television.  At this point we thought it was just an accident, then another plane hit the other building.  Mrs. A was a very very strong woman.  This experience of 9-11 brought her to tears, and I thought "uh oh this isn't good."  I wasn't sure what exactly what was going on in our country when this first happened, but judging from our teachers reaction our nation was in trouble.

I wish I could talk to her now.  We often take for granted the time we have to tell people how much they meant to us until it's too late.  The funeral was absolutely beautiful.  Following the funeral was a reception at the Burchfield Penney Art Museum of her work.  She had so many beautiful watercolor paintings.  Memories of her classes and painting tips she would tell us began to slowly come back in my mind.  Yellow ocheres, burnt umber, raw sienna paint names run through my head.  It was great to see her beautiful family, friends, and artwork all together.  You could just feel her smiling down.

Mrs. A battled breast cancer for two decades.  Yes, she was very strong.  Mrs. A taught me the importance of the process and not just the finished product when it came to art making.  Every time I pick up a paint brush and paint I will think of you Mrs. A.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Double Blusher Veil with embroidery in the back

Our Double Blusher Veil with embroidery in the back is perfect for high fashion women interested in being unique on their special day.  The veil is light and airy.  It won't get in the way when you're on the dance floor or chatting with your guests.

- white tulle/ bridal veil illusion

- embroidery in the back - floral elements with sequins

- silver hair combs

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com
www.ricerafferty.com

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Some feathery inspiration


ooohhh la la...just a little Thursday night inspiration...I found this pic from the site http://www.homeofbeauties.com/amazing-sexy-hair-gorgeous-elegant-ny-great-transfiguration-photos/   and just drooled over how beautiful it is.  Have a good night ;-)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Rice Rafferty White Birdcage Veils






Over the weekend we did our Rice Rafferty Bridal Fashion Photo Shoot.  We focused on Wedding Veils and Accessories.  I'll be releasing the photos on my blog one product at a time.  Pictured above is the handmade White Birdcage Blusher Veil.

Simple elegance for the modern bride. Three white fabric roses rest on top of millinery netting blusher creating a soft and romantic touch. Large pearl in the middle white rose with smaller pearls on the right and left roses.

* Silver wire comb

* Three white fabric roses with faux pearls (measuring 5.5 inches across)

* wear backwards or forwards (as desired)

* millinery netting blusher (measuring about 10 inches)

* Made in USA

All designs are handmade; each item is unique wearable art. The inspiration for this piece was old hollywood - flappers, vintage, elegance, glamor.

***Please contact us if you would like a custom veil. ***

Photos by Jessica Elizabeth

For more items look at our shoppe:
http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Best Dressed at the Oscars 2011






These are my picks for the best dressed for the Oscars this year.  The most important things to think about when choosing a dress for an event is (1) age appropriate, (2) classic glamor, and (3) colors that compliment your skin tone.  With these three things in mind you can't go wrong.

Dress 1 - I love the texture and vintage quality.  The deep purple and her hairstyle are the right details that stay with the vintage theme.
Dress 2 - that bright red grabs your attention and the cut of the dress is very flattering (adds curves)
Dress 3 - Old Hollywood glitter and sparkle,
Dress 4 -Reese looks like a barbie doll!  LOVE it!,
Dress 5 - Halle always wears dresses with interesting texture - beautiful!
Dress 6 - Another eye catching red dress - the train in the back is the perfect length and adds just the right touch on the red carpet

Pictures above from WWD - actresses pictured are: Scarlett Johansson , Sandra Bullock, Mandy Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway