Something New.. and Maybe Blue

Happy Patriot's Day!

2010-04-19T14:58:00.006-04:00

"The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps" - The Official Blue Angels Website

(They performed Saturday and Sunday over the Charleston harbor and were breathtakingly entertaining, and a final wrap to Charleston's Navy Week)

In Honor of Patriots Day I thought I'd remind everyone the importance of having Pride. After reading the definition it got me thinking, and that's why I've included it.

The purpose of commitments, whether in marriage, your job, any written contracts, etc. They are small reflections of you, and how you maintain your end of each bargain determines a lot about your character.

We make smaller commitments everyday. Sometimes these are the most important because if you are incapable of small tasks how can you ever be trusted for a more important job or responsibility?

The Blue Angels fly in unison inches away from each other, thats a huge amount of trust in every pilot involved. Their commitment is to each-other and before that it was to our country and the military.

(pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by orbelonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself: civic pride.)

The Boston Marathon is today, and that commitment to train may not involve anyone but yourself, however thats where all the rest stem from; you make the decision with yourself before you can with another person.

(the state or feeling of being proud.)

Getting married is a commitment to another person as a partner, friend, and lover. (and many many other things, of course) But, when this contract with the church and state is made, its another daily reminder of who you are and it is reflected onto that person you've committed to!

(a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity,importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.)

So, my point is... you can't make a big commitment to anything, or anyone, until you are capable of making every day count and believe and have pride in yourself. The actions you make effect everyone around you, so have dignity in all that you do for yourself and others ;)

Happy Marathon Monday and Patriot's Day!!!!!

pride

noun, verb, prid·ed, prid·ing.

–noun

a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity,importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

the state or feeling of being proud.

a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself: civic pride.

something that causes a person or persons to be proud: His art collection was the pride of the family.

the best of a group, class, society, etc.: This bull is the pride of the herd.

Introducing 'Bridal Couture Flowers' - 'The Bride's Edition'

2010-04-09T11:48:00.002-04:00

Kira introduces ......'The Bride's COUTURE FLOWER'

... The perfect addition to any bride's ensemble!

Custom Orders are welcome, these are samples ;)

CHARLESTON FASHION WEEK

2010-04-05T23:05:00.001-04:00

KIRA ELIZABETH DESIGNS’ DRESS 'BARCELONA' FEATURED IN CHARLESTON FASHION WEEK’S BRIDAL COUTURE SHOW!!

GLAM ROCKS was the theme of this year’s Charleston Fashion Week under the tents @ Marion Square!!!!!!!!!!

The shows started off on Tuesday March 16, and the finale was Saturday March 20th. I was lucky enough to attend 3 of the shows; Tuesday and Friday night’s shows and the BRIDAL COUTURE show Saturday afternoon!!

Among previewing local boutiques spring lines, there is an emerging designer competition. The finalists show their work Tuesday night, and then the winner is chosen Saturday night at the finale; Larika Page won this year. The shows were really fantastic to watch, and to learn from. Even more importantly, Kira plans to enter and win next year!

Also, every night there is a featured designer! This year it included: Maria Dobrzanska, Carol Hannah Whitfield, Ashley Reid, Mary Porter, Mychael Knight, and Gordana Gehlausen!

THE BRIDAL SHOW was Saturday afternoon, and even with all the frisbee tossing bare-footers just outside the tents, everyone inside managed to stay classy and elegant. I sipped a delicious bloody mary and bobbed my head to the classic rock tunes performed by the live orchestra while watching one gorgeous gown after another. It was so enjoyable; especially being among so many gushing brides-to-be it was hard to not be giddy.

They showed about five different local bridal shops, including Belle Couture Bridal. Belle is located at 280 West Coleman Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant. Most importantly, “Barcelona” was their finale dress!! It looked absolutely beautiful, and the crowd LOVED it. The applause and gasps spoke for it enough. So ladies, head over to Belle and try her on!!!!

Overall, this year’s fashion week was incredible. Charleston Magazine does such an incredible job, and I am already starting the count-down for next year!!!!!

IT'S FASHION WEEK IN CHARLESTON!... And "Romance is Rockin' The Runway"..

2010-03-14T20:12:00.000-04:00

http://www.charlestonmag.com/fashionweek/main
http://www.bellecouturebridal.com/bellissima/

Kira Elizabeth's dress "BARCELONA" will be featured in CHARLESTON MAGAZINE'S FASHION WEEK BRIDAL SHOW...

Saturday, March 20th at 11 am-2:30pm, Marion Square

The Bridal show will feature local boutiques Spring lines, including WHITE, BELLE COUTURE, BELLA VISTA BRIDAL, MADDISON ROW, LULA KATE, and designs by CAROL HANNAH WHITFEILD. Kira's dress "Barcelona" will be in the Belle Couture show! To accompany the show there will be the Charleston Symphony Orchestra string section! During the show, before and after, dont forget about the style lounge, where you can shop, eat and drink! Can't wait!!!!

... COME OUT AND ENJOY THE BRIDAL SHOW! ... and CONGRATS Kira ;)

Spring Showers Bring May Flowers...

2010-03-02T11:04:00.001-05:00

It's raining cats and dogs in chucktown today, and so in an attempt to cheer myself up.. I'm thinking about what great things are coming up for Kira and myself this Spring (other than the sun and sand).....

The phrase "April showers bring May flowers" was one that my Mom and Nana had always told me, but this year it has a whole new meaning. Of course for the inevitable spring fever feeling, where even when it's still too cold for a dress and flip-flops your wearing them, or when you chose the banana over the bagel because the bikini must fit for spring break, or my favorite... baseball season has begun ;) But this year spring fever is also means WEDDINGS, and FASHION WEEK!

Before I go on about how amazing this Spring's line-up is, I am overcome with excitement to gush about how amazing my weekend was. Not only did I get to see family that I hadn't in years, but I was among 150 others to witness my cousin Katie get MARRIED. Having been around Kira and her dresses so often it was only natural that I was in bridal intern heaven. (is there such a place you ask? ..DUH, YES of course) The peacock themed wedding was in Atlanta at an art gallery, where we had plenty of room to drink, dance, and be merry. The highlights of the evening had to be seeing my cousin just float with happiness, the photo-booth (one copy was yours to keep and another for a scrapbook), the speeches (my cousin is a twin, and so her sister's speech was sentimental, yet cute) and OF COURSE, all of the dresses!! And even though Katie wasn't married in an original Kira Elizabeth Gown (she had already found a dress before I'd met Kira) her entire look was breathtakingly beautiful. I was especially impressed with how well she and her bridemaid's matched the peacock theme and the atmosphere of the gallery. They were elegant, but the feathers and jewels in the bridesmaid's hair gave the flare the warehouse gave the art. And Katie's rhinestoned neckline gave her fitted gown what the feathers give to a peacock (the awe factor)!

Weddings have and will always been special, but when it's a family member, or someone you love and care about up there saying their vows... there are no words! I wish Mr. and Mrs. Hans Bendeck a lifetime of happiness together (..and an amazing honey-moon)!!!

..Their first dance...and all smiles!

.. I wanted to add this to show the fun feathers in the bouquet, but who was evening noticing a feather when the glare from her rock was blinding you? ...good job Hans ;).. and notice the flowers, and the details of the dress!

And of course, the wedding party. I chose to include all seven bridesmaids, and crop the groomsmen so you can see their styling!.. I'm searching for close-ups of their hair deco!

While in Atlanta, a group of us went to the aquarium! I took tons of great pictures (that I want to paint eventually) but these stood out... maybe because of how beautiful it is, yet dangerous! Reminds me of all the bride-zilla jokes people make.. and how I can occasionally admit that putting on a fabulous dress may make me look better, but watch out because squeezing into the "bitch-suit" can lead to some uncalled for snappiness and mood-swings. (only kidding, wink wink... beauty is pain, right? ((another one I can give credit to my Mom for)) )

So stay dry, and keep up with what is yet to come this SPRING, yay!

-Victoria

"BARCELONA"

2010-02-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

B-A-R-C-E-L-O-N-A

... keeping with the bio on Kira, here are some FAB shots of her in the featured dress of the week on "Something New and Maybe Blue" ;) ... I wanted to show some photos of the architectural shots that help make this thriving, and "hip" city the gem of Spain.. and Kira's collection!

... and for the record, not traveling because of a language barrier has never, and will never.. be an EXCUSE.. but if you are one of those who hates flying, big cities, or your broke.. (lame).. then thank the INTERNET.. and blogs like this ;) for photos....

Couture Flowers

2010-02-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

HANDMADE FLOWERS, perfect for your HAIR, SCARVES, CLOTHES, etc!

NO TWO FLOWERS ARE ALIKE, and CUSTOM orders are welcome ;)

Only $20!

Designer Bio!

2010-02-18T19:18:00.000-05:00

As an artist it is so exciting to learn about how and why other artists create whatever it is they may. As for Kira, she has been sewing since she was 8, only like so many others, her hobby was kept a secret until three years into college. While at the University of Minnesota Kira blossomed in the design program, making her decision and transition easy. Her passion for bridal came after designing a wedding gown for class that turned out incredibly. Around that time Kira also started working for David's Bridal doing alterations. With no need for another sign, Kira's future was clear... So since then she has been doing everything she can to get ahead in the industry. And even though some use starving and artist freely, and together, Kira's ideas and designs are classic, yet edgy, and elegant, but sexy... so all you skeptics can quit reading, or stick with your boring office job ;) And even more importantly, she has an endless sense for what inspires her. Specifically, the beautiful cities across the world, and their architectural elements that draw us all in. Kira's recent move to Charleston to start her business has given her a whole new city to create and design in, and impress. And for the sake of being cheesy, artists can't help but draw from past, present, and future life experiences. Kira's time in New York as an intern inspired her gown "Manhattan", being a piece of the past. And her goal of having a dress in the Barcelona Bridal Week (which is for only the best bridal couture designs), drew up the gown "Barcelona", and therefore represents her future self. And lastly, the present, the here and now, or the most exciting part because of the unknown. Kira's present ideas will be posted as they are created, so stay tuned for sketches!

For Kira, this is just the beginning, and within the next five years, watch out world, the wedding dresses we are used to are about to be old news, and boring compared to what is in store for Kira Elizabeth Designs!

Pleased to meet you!

2010-01-26T10:40:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Something New and Maybe Blue!

My name is Victoria Guglielmi and I am a senior at The College of Charleston. I started my freshmen year at St. Joe's in Philly as a marketing major, where after just the first day of accounting I realized I was at the wrong school, with the wrong major. So after one year, and many many hours in the tutoring lab, I moved to Charleston, SC to pursue my dream of being in front of a camera, as a broadcast journalist of course.

And, naturally, it wasn't nearly as 'glamorous' or as easy as I had expected. I took on a year of communication classes and decided that not only does the newspaper depress me, but I am not cut out for that type of writing. Don't get me wrong, I loved my courses, and my sudden appreciation for my coffee that I drank while reading the paper, but it wasn't for me.

After a few tears, and a whole lot of reassurance from my mom that I am worthy of a college degree, I landed in the office of the Studio Art department. I had always loved painting, photography, sketching, however never in a million years had I ever thought I'd be getting a degree in Art. That was over a year ago and now I am proud to say that not only have I never been happier, but I spent last summer in Italy drawing and painting. Had I never change my major I would never have been able to have that experience, or many many others that I will talk about in future posts!

And now to the purpose, goal, objective, whatever, of this blog....

Since changing my major I have not had a real career goal in mind, and I am searching for an outlet to channel my artist skills. I have always loved designing, and thought about graphic design. So, I interned for the fabulous Charleston Magazine last Spring and realized it wasn't for me. I am now considering marketing or fashion design, which is where my current internship comes into play. Since I am graduating this May, I am starting to have real anxiety towards the real world. However, as a way to hone in on those fears I have started narrowing down my strengths and weaknesses and thats where you come in! I am looking for advice from my readers!

And last but certainly not least... I am making the theme, and real back-bone of my blog all about my current internship!....

I am working for Kira Elizabeth Designs as a marketing intern. Kira is a fabulous designer, and is in her first year as a business owner, and has asked for my help to get her designs and name out into the world of bridal couture! She is a wedding dress designer, however she has many many talents, and ideas! For example, right now she is working on flowers for brides to use as accessories for their hair, dress, etc. Don't worry, there will be much much more to come on her!

So, I hope to combine both themes together; my life, and input with Kira Elizabeth Bridal Design updates and news, to make a fun and flirty little blog for everyone and anyone!

Love,

Victoria