Custom Jumpsuit and handmade birdcage veil
So elegant! Probably the most "minalmalist" garment I have made. I love working with clients when they have a clear vision, then I make pieces I would have never made before.
Congrats Melania!
CUSTOM ORDER-MEGAN'S MATERNITY DRESS
I have never made a maternity dress before, but that did not stop me from creating this great fitting, velvet dress with bell sleeves and Hungarian hand embroidery.
Behind the Seams
I traced a Hungarian embroidery pattern from my great grandmother's design that was on a kitty cat wall decoration using tracing paper.
I then transferred my design to water soluble stabilizer and applied it to the front side of my design. Since I was using a dark velvet material, I was not able to use chalk or pencil like I normally do directly on the fabric. Plus the stretch material required a stronger stabilizer. I used a medium weight on both sides of my design for extra support. This, of course, made it much harder to hand sew, and caused days of hand cramps...
If it's Pink & Sparkly, I want it!
I made this dress with pink sequin fabric from our local Texstyles fabric store. Along with the USA made Silk Chiffon, Silk Charmeuse, and Silk China Lining.
I'm so excited to share these photos. This pink number has been sitting in my closet for months, waiting for the perfect photoshoot to join, and it did just that. I didn't have the opportunity to attend the shoot, but what a tremendous job everyone did. Credit below. 👇
•Makeup: Ashley Gabrielle Spikes, Instagram @goreglitter, Website www.goreglitter.com
•Photographer: Desiree Rose, Instagram @elkkphotography, Website www.elkkphotography.com
•Hair - Shellie Vega instagram @shell.vega, Website: www.shellvega.com
•Stylist: Melania Leocadia, Instagram @WARLORDme_ , Website www.WARLORDme.com
•Florist: Lady Kingsbury, Black Petal Floral Design, Instagram @blackpetalfloraldesign
•Models: Jess Marshall @outragejess, Mark Rector @markrec_
•Designer: Desiree Marie
@desireemariedesign
Dressmaking Class 101
Over the weekend, I held a DressMaking Class for two eager ladies. With little sewing experience, and a lot of direction, we are creating custom made dresses!
Before even bringing out our fabric, they were taught how to change the standard size 8 sloper into their bust cup size, and measurements.
I was impressed with how they both wanted to really understand everything, and why it was, even with the grading, and pattern making. ----(which is not always the 'fun' part)
The 'fun' part!
I made some Earl Grey tea for the hardworking gals with my great, great Grandmother's china. I love using my antique pieces, and I also have some other tea cups from her around my sewing room as decoration. Eric wants to make me a china cabinet. :O Need a bigger place for that.
The iron is always on while sewing! Pressing is key.
We finished!
These two ladies had no idea how to make a dress before attending my workshop, and now they are both wearing a custom made dress they drafted, and sewed themselves!
So proud!
Rockabilly Wedding Photoshoot
So excited to share photos from my most recent photo shoot with Aluma Photography. I love showing this dress with a rock n' roll inspiration, thank you to our stylist for this shoot, Melania with Warlord Me.
For the environmentally conscious bride who is a little edgy, a little feminine, and a whole lot of fun!
This 'Sally' wedding dress is available for $1375 + shipping.
Makeup/hair- Ashley Gabrielle Spikes IG @goreglitter
Photographer- Louie Ayuma Facebook @Ayumaphoto IG @a_yum_a
Stylist- Melania IG @WARLORDme_WARLORDme.com
Models- Toni Shamblin IG @stormborn.valkyrie Jesse Hanson IG @jessejames196
CUSTOM ORDER-AIMEE
Aimee found me on Etsy and fell in love with my Navi dress from the Into the Woods collection. We added more coverage to the back so she could wear a bra.
♪ "I want to Dance the Night away with You" ♪
CUSTOM ORDER-SANDRA
Real bride Sandra contacted me early in the year for a custom gown she was dreaming up. She had lots of ideas, and I added a couple of my own details as well, to create this one-of-a-kind beautiful gown.
Behind the Seams...
Look at that lace collar! We created a higher neck on the overlay for a princess/royal look. I think it made her even more like Princess Kate Middleton! Don't you agree?
I really love this lace we used, it is a French Chantilly. It has a dot print throughout that really makes it young, also it was super soft! The sleeves are connected to one of her fingers on each hand for a fairytale detail. Love her flower in her hair, and her blue earrings to match her new hubby!
"It was also very comfortable and easy to move in, which was important to me for dancing purposes."
Finished the back with over 50 buttons, a small corset at her waist, ruched bum, and a waterfall of extra silk chiffon at center back for a 'faux train'
Sandra's Review:
On 9/18/2017 Sandra D
"Desiree did an amazing job crafting a custom gown for me that was very reasonably within my budget. She took the time to listen and really make sure that she understood all of the details that I was asking for, then pulled them all off without a hitch. I loved my gown, it fit perfectly, and I got lots of compliments from our guests on how beautiful and intricate it was. It was also very comfortable and easy to move in, which was important to me for dancing purposes. I would highly recommend Desiree Marie Designs for a wedding or any custom piece - you will not be disappointed!"
CUSTOM ORDER-MY SISTER'S WEDDING DRESS
My sister, Jes, recently eloped in San Francisco at City Hall. She came to me for her elopement dress that can be 'worn for other occasions'. Inspired by the popular self-portrait dress, I inserted ladder trim in between the bodice seams, and at the bottom hem.
The combination of the trim and the thick guipure lace was difficult to sew but was it rewarding to see it finished. We upgraded the dress with a unique 3D guipure lace. The dress is lined with a nude kona cotton that she matched with her heels and clutch. The pleating on the skirt gave us a a subtle bell shape that emphasized her waist.
Look at that bell shape
Of course, Rayna was there on the big day!
Just Married!
I also created some fun bridal accessories for the happy couple as well.
Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Leffler!
Elopement Photography by Lilouette
CUSTOM ORDER-EMBROIDERY FOR ARTISTA
I love everything fashion and sewing, so owning an embroidery machine was always a dream. I thought it would be a little less hands-on, but am thrilled to be taking wholesale embroidery orders, (email about custom wholesale orders) and monogram embroideries for brides & bridesmaids.
I work for Artista Apparel a few days a week designing and sewing, so as soon as she needed embroidered hats, she came to me.
I order the hats wholesale from a USA vendor, so I am only able to take wholesale embroidered hat orders. (increments of 12)
Embroidered standard style baseball caps (available in USA made and imported), and (imported only) flat bill style hats. (pictured above)
Past Custom Order Design with USA made style baseball caps
Custom Order-Staci
Staci came to me looking for something fun and sexy and we came up with this deep 'V' faux wrap wedding dress.
Tea dyed alencon lace fabric
Pretty with pink details. Staci styled her dress magnificently with velvet pink Betsey Johnson heels, dainty gold jewelry, crstyal belt, and a gorgeous crystal headpiece.
I added lace appliques to all the edges of the bodice instead of hemming for a more romantic look. Keeping the back very open and lining free was another way we kept this dress on team sexy.
Wedding Bells!
Photos by Stefanie Arnette
Congrats Love birds Staci & Jose!
Custom Order-Promise
Promise first came to me looking for a romantic custom made wedding dress that she couldn't find in stores. I was excited when she mentioned it would be a blush gown.
We were going to add pink flowers throughout the gown, but decided early on to leave them out.
She had a clear vision of what she wanted and was great to work with. She came to visit for a fitting as well where she found out she wanted to add a matching veil as well. It really made the whole look come together perfectly.
In order to create the unique style of her dress, I cut out around 100 of these lace pieces and created my own pattern of lace on the bodice that trickled down throughout the dress and veil.
I also created sheer tulle side panels on the bodice for a flattering look.
Love her country vintage style she added to the gown.
You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.
She loved it too, see her feedback below:
"Desiree did an awesome job putting all of my ideas together to make the perfect wedding dress. It was beautiful and totally 100% unique. I got compliments on it all night!!" -Promise Newman
Brand Ambassador Tannie
Tannie was introduced to me years ago by a mutual friend of ours at one of my fashion shows. I immediately fell in love with her look and continued to work with her on shoots. We had such a similar style, she even purchased a couple custom pieces from me.
Tannie represents the Desireé Marie girl because she's confident, an entrepreneur, and absolutely gorgeous inside and out.
You can find all the dresses she is styling in the shop section
Walnut Creek Park Photoshoot
A fun dress and veil to match the fun shoot we had at Walnut Creek Park, Austin Texas. Model, Dora Russell is such a joy to work with, we laughed the whole time. Sometimes we forget that wedding dresses do not have to be white or ivory. With spring around the corner, you can't help but smile after seeing this dress on Dora. Video captured by Gabe Hodge.
Photos and listing coming soon!
What's New
Can you believe we're almost in February? I've been busy in the new year, with 3 photoshoots already!
I first contacted my friend, Aubré Salas of Gypc Girl Photography, when I knew I needed some new shots of all these dresses I've been creating, and storing away in my closet.
Here is one that I am really proud of, and is near to my heart, because my Hungarian roots.
(Model Kimberly Mejia is having fun standing over the air vent)
Flowers ^ by The Flower Studio
My grandfather, Julius, came to America from Hungary with his brother when he was only a teenager on a boat. When he met my grandmother, Marcia, she fell in love with his heritage and embroidered the pillow you see in this picture. I used tracing paper from another one of her designs to hand embroider the dress above.
I love hand embroidery, I find it very rewarding. I also have an embroidery machine for different looks, but some things just need to be done by hand.
The bodice fabric is natural recycled organic cotton, (Hemp and Polyester Muslin), and the skirt is an American made silk, and American made silk lining.
(Hair/MUA Samantha JoAnn Cronk, Location Pearl Snap Hall)
Sunday Style Icon-August 14
Another week gone by, another leading lady to admire, and inspire.
This week's Sunday Style Icon is Sarah Jessica Parker. My favorite role of hers, as many of yours, is Sex and The City. And one of my most favorite looks is the famous tutu, and tank. This outfit works because of balance. She wears such a fun, dressy bottom, and pairs with a neutral, plain, casual tank.
She's a style icon because of the styles she starts, the amazing designers she wears, and the effortlessly perfect way she puts it all together.
"Maybe the best any of us can do is not to quit. Play the hand we've been given, and accessorize the outfit we got!" Carrie Bradshaw
Past Designs Inspired by this style
Risky maxi skirt, leather jacket, long necklace, and curls=Carrie approved.
SATC2 LWD
What's your favorite Carrie Bradshaw look, or quote?
"I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't live without each other. Love." Carrie Bradshaw
Sunday Style Icon-August 7
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling is this week's style icon. I fell in love with her comedy in the Office, and fell in love with her style in The Mindy Project.
Mixing prints, peplums, crop tops, and full matching ensembles are all fashion risks that Mindy tackles and makes look easy. Her style is inspiring, and fun. She doesn't worry about what is meant for her body type, she wears what she wants, and looks great in everything. Some of my favorite looks are where she mixes feminine and edgy details for one awesome look.
Past Designs Inspired by this Look
Fashion no-no's often become new trends that only the brave risk at first. Be a Mindy, wear what makes you smile!
Sunday Style Icon
I'm starting a new series for my blog, Sunday Style Icon. This is the first post. I am working hard on designs, but will be sharing style icons that inspire my personal style, and brand, since I can't share any photos.
They're in no particular order, these ladies are too fabulous to compare!
Molly Ringwald
Besides being completely infatuated with her style in the 80's Pretty in Pink and Breakfast Club, I love how she plays a talented seamstress, she's beautiful and tall, her unique style, and how she made me fall in love with vintage.
Her refurbished dress in Pretty in Pink for prom. Side note: Cold shoulder trend is very big again.
Past designs influenced by this style
Floral Blazer, modeling myself
Refurbished tie skirt, modeling myself
News
For the last couple months, I have been designing, and started creating my new collection.
Into the Woods will be a spring bridal line inspired by nature.
I am not able to post any behind the scenes/in the making photos of the line.
But I can tell you that I am using luxurious laces and American made silk fabrics. I was fortunate enough to order my fabrics from a local designer and wholesale fabric reseller, Benson Roberts III of Texstyles.
On that note, I will be phasing out all polyester dresses and gowns from Desireé Marie Design. Some will go up for sample sale. I have also used all my polyester fabric scraps to make a floor pillow. (Great idea for reusing fabrics scraps in a faster way than quilting)
Update: I am now donating my fabric scraps to http://www.ourfabricstash.com/ The pillow was great in theory, but was too heavy too move around, and to difficult to clean.
Disposing of fabrics and clothing is just one step I am taking to make my footprint smaller as an individual, and as a company.
· Using American made fabrics, and silks particularly is a big step forward in going green
· Sourcing fabrics that are less harmful to our world, and are being made ethically.
· Re-using fabrics when possible
· Finding new methods on saving fabric with pattern placement
· Using only natural dyes
· Shipping dresses in kraft 100% recycled boxes or acid free, chemical free white boxes for storing fabrics
· Creating beautiful, lasting gowns that will want to be kept forever as a family keepsake
Big Fake Wedding-Published Ruffled Blog
Published on Ruffled Blog here
Through the woods, and the water we all traveled to The Lodge at Cypress Falls in Wimberly, Texas, donkeys and all.
Creatrix Photography
The location was worth the drive, it was breathtaking. Big Fake Wedding is such a joy for me, seeing all the vendors hard work come together in one beautiful event.
I was very inspired by our theme, Brazilian Bohemian. I incorporated Brazilian hand embroidery on the waist of the dress.
Creatrix photography
April fit the dress perfectly with her matching colorful, sweet personality.
Handmade gown Desiree Marie Design shop here
Hair and Makeup Celissa Rae
Jewelry Stella & Dot
Location Cypress Falls Event Center
Photography in order-Creatrix Photography,Gypc Girl Photography, Veronica Ellerman
Video by James W Headrick Creative
CUSTOM ORDER-CHELSEA
So happy Chelsea contacted me before leaving Florida last year. We met and designed her dream dress. She is such a happy person, and very in love. I wanted that to reflect in her dress, and I think we did just that!
Since her wedding was to be on the beach, lace sandals were a must!
I also created her garter and her bridesmaids garters too.
Fittings with Chelsea below.
The Big Day.
Silk chiffon, 50+ buttons, and endless amount of hand appliques came together beautifully as Chelsea Steinbauer floated elegantly down the aisle. She wore a light chantilly lace gown with a 6 pence sewn into the dress hem. We created a new design in which a section of the dress was able to flow in the coastal breeze for the ceremony, but was pinned and draped beautifully for an almost 2nd look at their reception.
Congrats Chelsea and Joe Steinbauer!