Concrete Jungle GNO

This week’s New Project is a ‘Concrete Jungle Custom Hair Comb’ that I’m creating for a client’s NYC Girls Night Out. How fun! This one’s got me excited for two reasons. The first being the chic, modern-preppy style of Jen (the special gal… and friend… it’s being made for). Secondly, the occasion: A New-York-City, Girls-Night-Out, Weekend-Getaway to see the show HAMILTON!! The tickets were a surprise birthday gift from her sisters. Sibling love… Totally feelin’ it. To make the moment even more memorable, she’s hoping to add a little ‘Sparkle and Pop’ to her evening’s attire. I’m honored to help complete the fab look for her night of fun. Here’s a one-of-a-kind, decorative hair piece coming your way Jen B – Get yourself ready for a dazzling night out IN THE CITY gurllll!

NYC Girls Getaway Weekend Hamilton
New York City Hamilton Girls Getaway – Concrete Jungle Custom Hair Comb by Abby Shepard

Below is the Style Board I’ll use as inspiration while building and sculpting her custom piece.

The design board reflects her look for the big night and it’s got me thinking all kinds of fancy ideas. The details that capture her sassy style – and vibe – for this NYC girl’s getaway include: White skinny jeans, a sexy black blouse topped by a camel leather biker jacket, a leopard print clutch, black wedge sandals with a stacked wooden heel, a long gold tassel necklace, and the New York City Theater District as her backdrop.

Concrete Jungle NYC Girls Night Out Hamilton Style
Concrete Jungle Custom Hair Comb NYC Style Board by Abby Shepard – inspiration courtesy of Nordstrom, J. Crew, Hamilton and Macy’s!

It’s important that the shape and size of the comb I create will work well with Jen’s hair.

She has thin, straight, stunningly dark hair that’s styled in a short bob. It falls just above her shoulders and is parted to the side. A small comb or clip that she can use to pull it back over one ear is what we’re going for. Plus, I want to make it versatile enough so she can wear it over and over again!

I’ll experiment with a few different style-designs for the comb to see what will look, and work, best for her but all of the custom designs will have the same base color of crystal, gold, mixed metals and black. I’m excited to throw some variations of color into the mix, such as violet, blue, amber, khaki and maybe even olive green. I’m also considering a stunning, but small, black feather as a final ‘wow factor’ touch.

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Concrete Jungle Custom Hair Comb Color Palette by Abby Shepard

I’ll post some design sketches soon that illustrate the concepts of what might come of this ‘Concrete Jungle Custom Hair Comb‘.

I can’t wait to watch how this fab, little design comes to life, and to see Jen celebrate her special night out with the girls seeing THE Hamilton IN STYLE!

(For those interested – I came across this fun post while doing my research and figured I’d share it for fun! Check out this ‘Ultimate Girls NYC Weekend‘ found on Eat, Sleep, Breath, Travel)

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Art Deco & Gatsby Bliss!

A View from Alessandra & Brian Cole’s St. Petersburg, Florida's Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa - All Images Courtesy of Brandi Image Photography

[Top Image] A picturesque view of Alessandra & Bryan Cole at their Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa wedding in St Pete’s, Florida. Images shared within this post are graciously supplied Courtesy of Brandi Image Photography.

From the moment I received Alessandra Alessi Cole’s Custom Bridal Comb request, I had no doubt I would be drowning in glamorous inspiration! The dreamy details she supplied about her bridal gown, shoes, accessories, bridesmaid dresses, location and decor, were more than enough to create a decorative hair comb completely unique, one-of-a-kind, and absolutely ‘hers’ always. Here’s a peek at just some of the eye-popping beauties she shared with me … and now I get to share with you!

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[above] Art Deco & Gatsby Inspired Wedding Bridesmaids. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image Photography.
The oh-so-fetching array of bridesmaids dresses, all distinctively styled in that Gatsby glamour, but varied in beautiful tones of blush, nude, oyster and beige – GORGEOUS!! Plus, I’m a big fan of Plum Pretty Sugar, so the adorable patterned rompers with matching satin robes to lounge in while getting dolled up for the day, is a nice touch!

The next set of photos shows a sweet and candid moment between the lovely bride and groom. Alessandra is such a stunner and I love the way she wore the Swarovski Crystal and Ostrich Feather Comb down low above the nape of her neck and slightly off to one side. However, I think my favorite image is the one below as it captured a warm and loving sisterly embrace – the comb displayed just so perfectly in her gorgeous up-do!

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Art Deco & Gatsby Inspired Wedding. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image.
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Art Deco & Gatsby Inspired Wedding Decor. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image.

One of the main inspirations for Alessandra’s custom hair comb, were her incredibly stylish bridal shoes. These to-die-for scalloped suede & crystal peep-toe pumps by Georgio Armani were sophisticated, elegant and timeless. I wanted the comb to reflect the same vibe, so I mimicked the detail of these spectacular wedding pumps for Alessandra’s bridal fascinator – incorporating soft muted colors, scalloped edges and shimmery metallics throughout her piece.

Georgio Armani Scalloped Suede Crystal Peep Toe Pump
Georgio Armani Scalloped Suede Crystal Peep Toe Pump

Custom Gatsby * Art Deco Bridal Comb by Abby Shepard [Honeysuckle & Scotch]
A Close-Up of the Gatsby inspired Art-Deco Bridal Comb by Abby Shepard [Honeysuckle & Scotch]. Photographed by Randall Garnick Photography.
Finally, I couldn’t resist sharing some shots of Alessandra wearing this sparkling, feathery beauty of a comb while dancing under the golden lights of the Don Cesar Ballroom: One sharing a meaningful father-daughter dance, and the rest with her now-husband, Bryan Cole.

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Art Deco & Gatsby-Inspired Custom Wedding Design. Images Courtesy of Brandi Image.

Thank you so much Alessandra for letting me be a part of your special day. I am honored and will cherish working with you always. Congratulations Alessandra and Bryan!!! XO, Abby

Vendors #1
1. Hair – Uliana Pakskina
2. Makeup – Marissa Phelps
3. Rompers – Plum Pretty Sugar
5. BM Dresses – Adrianna Papell
4. Bridal Gown – Anglo Couture
5. Garter Belt – La Gartier
7. Bridal Shoes – Georgio Armani
Vendors #2
1. Bridal Comb – Abby Shepard
2. Floral Design – MMD Events
3. Bakery – Hands On Sweets
4. Venue – Don Cesar Loews
5. Photographer – Brandi Image
6. Wedding Planner – Parties a’ la Carte
7. Invitations – Urban Coast

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Gatsby Art-Deco Bridal

This new comb (and client) has been an absolute DREAM to work with. So much glamorous inspiration – I could have easily designed 10 different bridal combs for this one wedding! Here’s a sneak peak of what I’ll be sending along in the package to this beautiful bride.

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The original custom-design sketch is pictured below with the Gatsby-inspired Styleboard created for this St. Pete’s wedding day! The final comb always outshines the original draft of what’s to come… but this shows how the real one has come to life. Check out those colors and feathers… and love the little gray striped one I decided to work in at the last minute. Final touch perfection!

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Based on the bride’s custom design request, I chose Swarovski crystals in colors of icy blue, bright white, soft ivory, glimmering silver and warm golds. I paired these with vintage pearls, delicate cup chain and muted metallics to give it that vintage meets modern look. I sculpted the base to have scalloped shapes to mimic the brides shoes and have space around them, allowing light to dance through and create  feminine detail with dramatic effects. Adding feathers was optional, but both the bride and I decided that the mix of downy ostrich and singular flowing feathers were an inspired touch!

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A Close-Up of the Gatsby inspired Art-Deco Bridal Comb by Abby Shepard [Honeysuckle & Scotch]. All product shots courtesy of the ever-talented Randall Garnick Photography.

View the actual wedding photos of this bride wearing her custom comb – it’s a true visual ‘stylefest’ to admire!

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