Clarence artists participating in Buff State fashion show

This week has been crazy busy getting ready for the Runway 4.0 Fashion Show for Buffalo State College this Saturday!  Wednesday we had a very fun Style Party with wine and cheese at a salon (will post pics soon).  The hairstyles are even better than I imagined.  It was a magical experience to see my ideas come to life.  The models looked absolutely beautiful!  Thursday was rehearsal for the runway.  We worked on our choreography for the show which is more difficult than you would think.  Now it's time to work on the final details before Saturday and get a good sleep tonight. 

Check out the link below about Rice Rafferty in the Clarence Bee (Clarence, NY):

Clarence artists participating in Buff State fashion show

http://www.clarencebee.com/news/2011-04-13/Lifestyles/Clarence_artists_participating_in_Buff_State_fashi.html

Spotlight on Laura

Our model and friend Laura Lemke is such a natural at modeling.  She was in our bridal and ballet photo shoots.  Recently she modeled for a shop in Buffalo on Elmwood Avenue called Splash Panic.  They have really cute items that will keep you cool and fashionable this summer.  I LOVE the look of these pics.  It reminds me of an Urban Outfitters catalog.  She's taking the modeling scene by storm.  You can see her this Saturday at Runway 4.0 modeling for us - Rice Rafferty!  Cheers to Laura!!!  Stay posted photos from the show will be posted!

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

Happy Friday

Ahhh it's my favorite day of the week :)

I wish everyone a relaxing and productive weekend!

I found this photo from style.com - Spring 2011 runway pics.  I love this look very sophisticated, yet casual.  The technique used here to create the lines in the fabric is shibori - it's not tie dye.  Would you wear this style?

Have a great weekend!

Floral Head Piece with Bird Cage Veil

 

It's hard to believe we're already 6 days into April.  I'm beginning to see ducks swimming in local streams and I'm hearing the sound of birds chirping.  Pictured above is our cream Floral Head Piece with Bird Cage Veil.  I just finished the custom bridal veil order I've been working on.  I can't wait to share the photos with you.  It's totally unique and very elegant.  In the mean time I'm prepping everything for the fashion show - working on hair and makeup ideas, booking models, and getting hair appointments.  Runway makeup can be tricky; it's very different from a photo shoot.  It needs to be dramatic enough to be seen from a distance, but not so over the top it looks like a circus face.  Lighting also plays a huge factor.

Have a lovely day everyone!

Photos by Jessica Elizabeth

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

Runway 4.0

Runway 4.0 is just around the corner.  Did you get your tickets yet?  Buffalo, NY has really become quite a fashion center.  Our proximity to Toronto and NYC provide much inspiration.  Buffalo State College also offers a fashion and textile technology program; it's the only baccalaureate program in Western New York.  The program prepares students for employment in the apparel, textile, and fashion industries.

What is the event?  It's a fundraiser fashion show featuring student, alumni, and local designers.  This isn't just like any other fashion show.  The show has Djs, amazing lighting, and graphics.  This is the high fashion event of the year, so you don't want to miss this.

When? April 16 - two shows 4PM and 8:30PM at the Pierce Arrow Building on Elmwood Avenue

My mother's new fashion collection inspired by regeneration, consisting of up cycled denim and psychedelic patterns, will be featured in the show with our Rice Rafferty accessories.  Our "Trashion" show dresses, constructed from plastic bags, will be on display at the VIP party and some models will be wearing them.

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

Rice Rafferty Prom Accessories

Our handmade accessories add such a unique and personal touch for anyone's special occasion.  The big trend for bridal accessories and proms - is one of a kind.  Pictured above are some of our prom accessories - feather fascinator headbands, corsages made from hand dyed and handmade clay roses, feather fascinator hair clip (Black Swan inspired), garters, and pearl necklace with handmade clay rose.  With our accessories you will surely be fashionable and stand out from the crowd.

Photographs by Jessica Elizabeth

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

Happy April

I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for fresh spring flowers, sunshine, and warmer weather.  Spring has always been my favorite season - fresh with possibility.  When I think of Spring I picture new born kittens, fresh green grass, baby peeps, and my favorite thing is the sweetness in the air. 

Ways to enjoy spring even if the weather isn't spring weather yet
- get a haircut (I just got a haircut and I feel rejuvenated)
- buy some fresh flowers
- wear pastel colors or floral clothing
- go for a run or a bike ride
- do some spring cleaning

How do you get in the mood for spring?

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

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.

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.