Trend Alert : Braids!

 

We love how braids can make an elegant hairstyle seem so effortless and natural. Braids are not only fashion forward...they will also lock flower adornments in your hair all day long!

The Signature Pattern

 

I recently designed a signature textile design for a fashion jewelry company.  They wanted a branded pattern that would communicate the company's trademark and aesthetic.  The pattern was used on a reusable tote bag I designed, a cosmetic case, and an umbrella.  The bold black and white patterning contrasts nicely with the pop of neon color.  I loved working on this project and am now so pleased to see it these items in Bloomingdale's, Belk, The Bay, Dillards, and Macy's.  

Florida Fun in the Sun

 

My husband and I just got back from a little vacation to Southern Florida.  It was such a blast.  I can never get enough of beaches, palm trees, and sunsets.  My dream in college was to take off and open a smoothie stand next to the beach.  How cool would that be?  It felt great to escape the snow from up north and feel the warmth of the sun.  I got to do a little jogging, swimming, and lots of walking along the ocean.  We went to Miami, West Palm, and Fort Lauderdale.  I was really happy to come back home to my cat (I missed my little guy) and get working on new designs.

I wore some of my new designs on the trip.  Here is the new Pearl Halo Headband - perfect for bohemian brides. <3 br="">

REAL BRIDE

I've been so busy these past few months.  I started a new job and moved to a new town.  Change is great!  :)  I wanted to share with you some photos of one of our newly wed brides.  Nicole is wearing our pouf veil with an Iris and a blusher.  If you're interested in a veil like this you can contact us on our etsy site www.ricerafferty.etsy.com or at info@ricerafferty.com

Double Your Fun with Accessories

Double your fun with the White Iris Hair Comb that can also be worn as a corsage.  I love accessories with options.  We make our accessories so they can be worn and enjoyed numerous ways.  Wear it on your wedding day, then for an evening out on the town.  The accessory above is made of tulle, white iris flower, pleated silk, pearls, and beads. 

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Vintage Lace

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

We've been making new necklaces in the studio outside.  We're loving this weather! 

Choose from white or hand dyed purple bib statement necklace.  Each necklace is made from up cycled lace, bead pearls, and sequins. 

It's such an quick way to quickly dress up a tank top or t-shirt.

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

What to Wear to a Black and White Ball

We had a fashion emergency yesterday.  My mother received a last minute invitation to a Black and White Ball.  We searched the internet for inspiration, then we decided we needed to design a new hair accessory.  We made two new necklaces and a hair adornment (it's amazing what you can create when you have a short deadline).  Our creative juices were flying and it was a beautiful sunny day in Western New York. 

When dressing for a black and white ball - keep it simple and classic.  When in doubt it's best to overdress.

For ladies - wear a solid black or white dress and play it up with fun accessories (necklace, hair comb, gloves, a wrap, hand bag, etc)
- Black and White Hair Adornment (white flowers, tulle)
- Black Tulle Wrap.
For men
- classic tux (think James Bond)  ;-)

Pictured above is the new Rice Rafferty hair accessory.

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Hope you have a happy and relaxing Sunday!

Rose Corsage Inspiration

Recently we received a really fun custom order request.  We were asked to design a corsage that matches a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

Above is the finished corsage (black and white tulle with a lipstick pink and red orange rose) and the inspirational Jimmy Choo shoe.  In the background of the top right photo is a rose painting I painted in college.

I've always felt strongly driven by beauty, nature, and fashion.  In fact they used to call me "the shoe girl" in my drawing and design classes because I was always drawing shoes.  It's interesting in life when things come full circle.  I once painted roses on canvases and now I'm making them as 3d corsages, necklaces, and hair adornments.

I'll probably paint roses again on canvases one day.

Coral is HOT for Summer 2011

As you know, we just participated in a fashion show and one of the major colors in our collection was CORAL.  Coral is the hottest color right now for Summer 2011.  I did a little trend research and above are my findings for both men and women. Coral is everywhere right now.  You will find the color coral in everything from Smashbox lip gloss to polo shirts, to sundresses and beach totes.  The photos are from Jcrew, The Gap and Rice Rafferty.

www.ricerafferty.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

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

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

Romantic Tutus

There are as many tutu styles as there are women.  Each tutu has its own personality and flare.  The television show Sex and the City brought the tutu concept back to life and created dynamic ways for women to strut around in tutus every day.  Rice Rafferty is designing a custom tutu right now for a lovely woman in the UK who intends to wear her tutu as an every day item by pairing it with a cute blazer.  Nothing is more eye catching than a glamorous tutu worn for a fun evening out.  Above are some photos of Carrie Bradshaw tutus (long and fluffy and a short sexy tutu) and our lovely model Laura wearing Rice Rafferty tutus (long with a  bustle in the back and short with silk elements and fiber optic lights.

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

I love the clothing company Anthropologie.  They have such unique clothing and accessories.  Anthropologie recently launched a sister company, BHLDN, specializing in bridal gowns and accessories.  Since my company Rice Rafferty Couture Accessories is branching into the wedding industry we decided to check it out.  The items are beautiful! 

If you like BHLDN you'll love Rice Rafferty too.  We're also a company of women for women.  We work with models, photographers, printers, and hair stylists in the Western New York area to boost our local economy.  We specialize in one of a kind items, so your wedding will be completely unique.

The photo above is our Tulle Trapeze dress with fiber optic lights and our feather hair accessory with pearls.

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

Light as a Feather

The big conceptual trend this year for fashion is birds.  I immediately think of the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman.  Fashion accessories inspired by elegant birds is all the rage.  Feathery, airy looking material is the look we want.  Feathers are most commonly used in ballet/dancer costumes and wedding accessories/decor.  Imagine how graceful ballerinas look as they flutter across the stage on their point shoes.  Think of an exciting way to incorporate this trend.  Hair accessories, dresses, and scarves can all incorporate this idea to create a very chic look.

Happy Tuesday!!!