One of the esteemed local vendors at The Radnor Hotel’s February 25th Main Line Bridal Event is Paoli’s Van Cleve Wedding Pavilion.

The dress, the flowers, and the cake you have envisioned for years…the countdown to your wedding has begun! Now is the time to make your wedding dreams a reality!

Brides-to-be will find everything they have dreamt about at the Main Line Bridal Event at The Radnor Hotel, overlooking the beautiful, award-winning formal gardens.

From noon until 3pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012, the Main Line Bridal Event will feature the area’s most trusted and carefully selected wedding experts offering the best advice, wedding specials and packages. This is the perfect opportunity for couples, moms, bridesmaids and wedding planners to get together for an enjoyable afternoon to speak with local and regional experts on all the aspects of wedding planning.

Brides and guests will enjoy an entertaining and unforgettable fashion show presented by Van Cleve Wedding Pavilion, Sagets Formal Wear and Bernie Robbins Jewelers while admiring the trendy new looks in hair and make-up by Jay Michael Salon and Spa. Models will be carrying exquisite fresh bridal bouquets provided by participating floral designers. And, guests will enjoy scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and delight in the spectacular premium Belgian chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries, crème puffs, pretzels and marshmallows courtesy of The Radnor Hotel.

In one fun afternoon brides-to-be may register with The Registry at Bloomingdale’s, sample delicious cakes from Bredenbeck’s Bakery, Cakes & Candies by Maryellen and The Master’s Baker, plan their honeymoon with Kitty Ward Travel and receive the latest issues of Philadelphia Wedding magazine and The Knot magazine. They will also get to view the wonderful work of photographers, videographers, stationers, and meet DJ’s and entertainers.

Raffles will offer brides a variety of door prizes donated by the participating partners and one lucky winner will win the Grand Prize: A Romantic 3-Night Honeymoon at the all-inclusive Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic courtesy of Kitty Ward Travel in Newtown Square!

Brides will receive complimentary admission by registering through The Radnor Hotel’s website or by calling 610-341-3146 for further information. An admission fee of $10 will apply for all other guests. For additional information on weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, or overnight guest accommodations at The Radnor Hotel, please call 610-341-3500 or email: weddings@radnorhotel.com.

Be Social with The Radnor Hotel

Join their Facebook page

Follow the Radnor Hotel on Twitter

Matthew Christopher’s ‘Diana’ dress, designed before The Royal Wedding and ironically named, embodies the essence of Pippa Middleton’s elegant bias-cut gown. It’s available at Paoli’s Wedding Pavilion.

Main Line and suburban brides-to-be have an exciting opportunity to ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ this weekend as Paoli’s popular VanCleve Wedding Pavilion plays host to two major designers.

Deborah VanCleve, the Main Line’s award-winning wedding and women’s fashion arbiter and atelier, opens her doors of the renowned Wedding Pavilion to toast the nuptials of England’s Princess Catherine and Prince William hosting a pair of trunk shows.

Starting Friday, May 20th from 10.a.m. to 5 p.m., Van Cleve will be showcasing an extensive collection of designer Sara Gabriel’s accessories. Gabriel’s latest creations include distinctive fascinators, headpieces, combs, hats, and veils. For those Main Line brides looking to interpret the millinery showcased at The Royal Wedding, Gabriel offers a sophisticated variety of choices. In addition to this weekend, Sara Gabriel’s new accessories will be available at VanCleve for the next few weeks.

On both Friday and Saturday, New York City’s award-winning wedding gown designer Matthew Christopher Sobaski, of the Matthew Christopher line, will be on hand to meet and advise brides-to-be. Established in 2002, Christopher caters to upscale clientele—each piece is tailored to exact specifications with special attention paid to the intricate details that make each gown the centerpiece of a bride’s wedding day. From molded bodices and sculpted necklines reminiscent of old-world elegance, Matthew Christopher’s signature style of only using the finest silks, satins and tulles, coupled with delicate detailing, continue to set him apart in bridal couture fashion.

The VanCleve Wedding Pavilion’s Exclusive Trunk Shows

When: Friday, May 20th and Saturday, May 21st, 2011 10.a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The VanCleve Wedding Pavilion, 72 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA

Details: Award-winning wedding gown designer Matthew Christopher and accessory designer Sara Gabriel will be showcasing their work at this exclusive event. Tea, scones and champagne will complete the regal showcase.

Facebook Business Pages:

Click here to become a fan of VanCleve Wedding Pavilion on facebook.
Click here to become a fan of Matthew Christopher on facebook.
Click here to become a fan of Sara Gabriel on facebook.

Facebook Event: Click here to RSVP for the trunk shows and for more details on facebook.

The VanCleve Wedding Pavilion is located at 72 East Lancaster Avenue in Paoli, PA. Appointments are available by calling general manager Abigail McGrath at 610-647-5085.

“It’s quite possible that Kate had two or three duplicates made to switch out throughout the day if hers became wilted. At a retail price of $1,250 each though, we commoners thought one bouquet would be enough,” enthused Beautiful Blooms Events’ Donna O’Brien.

In May of 1972, my mother walked down the aisle at St. Patrick’s Church in Malvern, PA with her full, fragrant bouquet of Lilies of the Valley. A young couple, only both 21 years of age, money was tight. My mother’s beautiful arrangement was a collection of a clusters of Lilies gathered from her parents and neighbors gardens. A local florist assembled it for $5.

Fast forward to 2011 and the most watched wedding to date. I had a feeling Duchess Catherine Middleton would choose the traditional Lilies for her bouquet. Once I saw the look of her floral design, I was on speed dial with Donna O’Brien of the prestigious floral design and event firm Beautiful Blooms, located in Northern Liberties.

Donna agreed to import the exciting array of flowers—via Europe—to give Philly and Main Line brides the full effect. O’Brien’s interpretation retails for $1,250. Middleton’s arrangement was a stark contrast to that of the late Princess Diana. In 1981, Diana chose a cascading arrangement of three orchid varieties for her wedding to Prince Charles.

Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms:

It should be no surprise that here at Beautiful Blooms Events we are major wedding junkies! Being that, we felt absolutely compelled to devour every single last bit of Royal Wedding coverage from the weeks prior to the day itself. And to be truthful, once it was over and we changed out of our pajamas and went to work, we felt a little sad that it was all over. We then got the bright idea to recreate Kate’s stunningly intricate cascade bouquet! We wanted to know what was in it, how it was made and how much one of our brides might have to pony up to hold it on her wedding day. We put our very own, amazingly talented studio director Bill Schaffer to work on the project and here is what we came up with.

Middleton’s bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly, the florist who decked out the royal couple’s Westminster Abbey venue with eight maple trees. It was composed of blooms native to the U.K. selected for their significance according to the Language of Flowers. The main component, Lily of the Valley, indicates a return to happiness and Sweet William, a nod to her beloved means Gallantry. There were also hand-wired Hyacinth blooms (consistency of love), Ivy leaves (fidelity), and Myrtle (the emblem of marriage; love.) The Myrtle used were stems from a myrtle planted by Queen Victoria in 1845—a royal wedding tradition.

The other amazing thing about Miss Middleton’s bouquet was that it was completely hand-wired. For those of you that aren’t florists that means the designer took each individual stem or flower, taped it to a piece of wire and then wrapped all the wires together. Certainly well over 200 wires!

For our recreation, we decided to use the very same blooms but to work in a bridal bouquet holder instead of hand-wiring all the blooms. The main difference there is that the holder, topped with wet floral foam, allows the flowers to draw water throughout the day’s events. By using a bouquet holder we dramatically lengthen the life expectancy of the bouquet. It’s quite possible that Kate could have had two or three duplicates made to switch out throughout the day if hers became wilted. At a retail price of $1,250 each though, we commoners thought one bouquet would be enough!

The Beautiful Blooms Boutique is located at Liberties Walk, 1021 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa (215) 925-3111 . You can join them on their facebook fan page by clicking here.

Toast the newlyweds and nosh on traditional British fare on Friday at Wayne’s popular British lunch spot - A Taste of Britain!

Main Line ladies who lunch can look forward to feeling like a part of Friday’s highly anticipated Royal Wedding! A Taste of Britain, located in Eagle Village Shops, is hosting a special Royal Wedding lunch! Toast the newlyweds with complimentary champagne and choose from traditional British fare as only the wonderful staff of A Taste of Britain can offer. Menu choices include: traditional lamb shepherd’s pie, sticky toffee pudding, banana flan and more.

A full afternoon tea is available for $18 per person and includes: a delicious selection of tea sandwiches; a freshly baked scone served with clotted cream; lemon curd and preserves; an sssortment of mini pastries. All accompanied by your favorite pot of tea!

Takeout is also available if you want to pick up food for your own personal Royal Wedding celebration! And, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute will be hosting a fun screening of the wedding with catering courtesy of A Taste of Britain. Call 610-971-0390 or click here to view their menu.

Cherio!

Become a fan of A Taste of Britain on Facebook.

A Taste of Britain is located is located in Eagle Village Shops. They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their website at: easyelegance.net or call 610-971-0390.

More than 700 people are expected to attend Let Them Eat Cake, Philadelphia’s Wedding Cake Design competition for professionals, students and those who love to bake to create.

City of Hope will hold its annual wedding cake competition, Let Them Eat Cake, on Monday, April 11th. More than 700 people are expected to attend the event, to be held at the Loews Hotel, Philadelphia. Over 35 of the best professional pastry artists from the tri-state area are entered, as well as 15 up and coming student pastry chefs. This year the annual event’s theme will be “Historical Romance, Love in any Age.”

Let Them Eat Cake is Philadelphia’s Wedding Cake Design competition for professionals, students and those who love to bake to create. Brides-to-be and fondant foodies will converge for the seventh annual competition featuring the best of the best. Enjoy samplings from fifty of the area’s best chefs, complimentary Korbel champagne cocktails, dancing the evening away to The Strangers, while mingling with celebrity chefs. All while benefitting the City of Hope. For more information and to get tickets please visit their website www.cityofhope.org/cake

City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope’s research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.

Enjoy samplings from fifty of the area’s best chefs, complimentary Korbel champagne, cocktails and more while mingling with celebrity chefs!

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Special thanks to Eli Allen of Majestic Images for the fantastic photos of Let Them Eat Cake. Majestic Images is an award-winning group of photographers located in Old City, Philadelphia. Majestic Images specializes in weddings, corporate events, headshots, special events and more across the Delaware Valley. Visit their website at www.majesticimages.net, or call 215-923-5200 or 609-605-5456 to speak with the talented group of Majestic photographers.

Farnan Jewelers has dedicated an entire case to an exquisite sapphire collection in honor of the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this April.

Unless you live in a cave, you are most likely privy to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Royal Wedding! Yes, April 29th is a date that will have the world watching as England’s Prince William marries his long time love, the gorgeous Kate Middleton in what will be the most watched Royal Wedding since the Prince’s late mother, Princess Diana, wed Prince Charles in July of 1981. It is estimated the wedding will be viewed by over a billion people across the globe!

Their royal engagement has caused a media sensation—catapulted by the Prince’s choice to present Miss Middleton with his late mother’s famous 18 carat sapphire engagement ring.

No sooner had the dashing young Brits had their official engagement photo session with the media, than the world of sapphire jewelry took center stage.

For Main Liners who want to feel a connection to this historic wedding, Wayne’s Farnan’s Jewelers has launched a special promotion for the month of February, appropriately entitled the “Royal Sapphire Celebration.”

Farnan’s has dedicated an entire case in their showroom of sapphire jewelry pieces ranging in price from $550 to $8,000. Included in the collection are a number of white gold, sapphire and diamond rings that are an affordable interpretation of Miss Middleton’s ring. In addition, on Saturday February 12th Farnan’s will host an Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with traditional British fare catered by Wayne’s A Taste of Britain. For those looking for last minute Valentine’s gifts, it’s the perfect chance to see the special gem collection.

Farnan’s is hosting a ‘Royal’ Open House on Saturday, February 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring their sapphire collection and British fare courtesy of Wayne’s ‘A Taste of Britain.’

“Many of the sapphires we have here are diamond cut so they are a very intense, blue color-high quality and also most notably we are offering various price ranges. Really something for everyone, an affordable interpretation of what everyone is talking about—the most famous engagement ring in the world. It has certainly ignited our passion for sapphires in general here at Farnans,” enthused Claire Farnan Nalence.

Sapphires are excellent gems to include in family heirlooms present and future as they have a high durability-measuring 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The Mohs scale was developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812 and has been a valuable aid in identifying minerals ever since.

Farnan Nalence, whose family owned business began in downtown Philadelphia in 1915 and now thrives in its well known location on Wayne’s North Wayne Avenue, decided April’s Royal Wedding was the ideal time to celebrate one of the world’s most popular gemstones. “The style Kate (Middleton) is sporting, which is of course the late Princess Diana’s engagement ring, is very traditional. We are seeing that across the board—whether its an engagement ring or a cocktail ring or every day—the concept of surrounding the stone with a singular band of diamonds is on trend and will continue to be. Princesses set trends, with Kate Middleton, being no exception. For us, this is an exciting celebration of the gemstone and the Royal Wedding at the same time.”

Farnan’s “Royal Sapphire Celebration” Open House

When: Saturday, February 12th 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Farnan’s Jewelers, West Wayne Avenue

Selection: $550 and up

Why: To celebrate the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and showcase a special collection of sapphire jewelry, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Fare: Catered by none other than Wayne’s ‘A Taste of Britian’ which will provide complimentary British tea sandwiches, scones and more to patrons.

Website: FarnanJewelers.com

Facebook Fan Page: FarnanJewelers

Twitter: @FarnanJewelers

Farnan Jewelers is located at 105 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne PA. Phone: 610-687-1323. Hours: Tuesday through Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Brides-to-be looking for an incredible value—Don’t be late for the frenzy of bridal bliss at Nicole Miller in Manayunk!

On Friday, November 26th, 2010 Nicole Miller Philadelphia will be ready for marriage mayhem at 8AM during the 3RD ANNUAL WHITE FRIDAY at 4249 Main Street in Manayunk. The buzz worthy event is bringing out the bridezillas this Thanksgiving season with incredible discounts of 50-75% off and more offered for one day only on the designer’s exquisite bridal collection, with original prices ranging from $595.00-$3,000!

A multitude of styles in sizes 0-16 will be available for purchase to accommodate every bargain-hunting beauty. Who says you can’t find the perfect dress for less? Store owner Mary K. Dougherty agrees, “Our fabulous White Friday sale gives brides the chance to get the exclusive designer wedding gown they’ve always dreamed of for a fraction of the price, without having to sacrifice the superior quality and fit that Nicole Miller is known for.”

Don’t be late for the frenzy of bridal bliss! With eager brides-to-be lined up at the door, it is essential that shoppers arrive early to ensure they are able to beat the rush and get first choice on the discounted bridal, bridesmaid, and mother of the bride or groom dresses! The excitement will last until 8pm, with Nicole Miller bridal experts working with each bride to ensure every bride leaves feeling beautiful and confident with her purchase, as all sales are final.

Nicole Miller’s bridal collection embodies pure elegance while each style focuses on creating a streamlined and flattering silhouette. Since beginning her bridal collection in 1996, Nicole Miller has been able to deliver her bridal collections at affordable prices that are ideal for the budget-conscious fashionista. Brides do not want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to get the dress for less during our 3RD ANNUAL WHITE FRIDAY!

Nicole Miller’s Third Annual White Friday Sale

When: Friday, November 26th, 2010 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 4249 Main Street (Manayunk) Philadelphia, PA 19127

Why: Offering local brides-to-be incredible discounts of 50-75% off and more for one day only on the designer’s exquisite bridal collection, with original prices ranging from $595.00-$3,000!

Event Partners: Art + Science, Bella Trattoria, Cresson Lot, DairyLand Ice Cream, Designs by Scottie, DJ Guiliano Presta, Main Line Models, Nell Hoving Photography, Starbucks Coffee

In the past 50 years, Shipley Shops has had 80 chairs that have helped raise over $2 million dollars for the school. Pictured are the chairs for Shops 2010. L to R: Courtney Bullitt Daly, Marin Smith, Larisa Bevan

In 1961, the world was introduced to the electric toothbrush, the cost of a first class stamp was $.04, Patsy Cline released “Crazy,” Audrey Hepburn starred as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, President Kennedy established the Peace Corps, Barbie got a boyfriend named Ken, and across the pond Lady Diana Spencer entered the world. In Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania that same year, a two-day shopping event created by Shipley alum Zoe V.A. Wells was the beginning of, what is now, one of the Main Line’s most popular traditions.

Fifty years later Wells’ progressive concept, The Shipley Shops, has grown from a two-day event featuring 15 local and out-of-town specialty stores to a four-day event with 40 vendors. Before the King of Prussia, Springfield, and Plymouth Meeting Malls, ‘Shops’ was an innovative shopping approach with various vendors all under one roof.

The 50th annual Shipley Shops fundraiser will be held October 21-23 at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr.

Gingy’s, an exclusive store in Malvern owned by Shipley alumna Jean Gilpin Tremblay ’75, will treat Shipley Shops with her gorgeous collection of spirited women’s fashion and accessories coupled with unique home décor accent pieces.

The Shipley Shops committee members of Courtney Bullitt Daly, Marin Smith, and Larisa Bevan have worked hard to bring together a group of prestigious vendors to satisfy the most discerning shopper and everyone on their holiday shopping lists. The half-century celebration includes many new vendors with Patricia Adams, Adler Grier, Lisi Lerch, Vanessa Fox, Dubarry of Ireland, and many others. “One thing we really strive to do is to bring in a wide variety of wonderful vendors. You won’t find this type of selection in the mall, we have a vigorous selection process to make sure we have a diverse group and something for everyone,” explained Bevan.

In addition to great shopping, Shipley Shops 2010 will feature a chance to win a MINI Cooper or $15,000 in cash. Shops will also be a homecoming celebration as all the past chairs, 80 total, are invited to attend. As a group, the chairs consisting of a majority of women and a handful of men from the Shipley community have collectively raised over $2,000,000 for the school. “As the fiftieth celebration, it is our goal to honor all these past chairs for all their hard work, dedication as well as leadership. Certainly our current chairs—Courtney, Larisa and Marin, will be in the spotlight. We are privileged to have had all these great women and men lead by example over a half century on behalf of our school. We are very thankful and are excited to carry on the Shipley Shops’ incredible tradition for the next fifty years,” said Moag.

Shipley Shops’ Vendors to Note

Tory Burch, a first-time vendor for all four days at the Shipley Shops, has been hailed as the “most influential designer in America” by the Los Angeles Times.

Tory Burch, a first-time vendor for all four days at the Shipley Shops, has been hailed as the “most influential designer in America” by the Los Angeles Times and was recently voted “Best Hometown Fashion Statement” by Main Line Today Magazine.

Bryn Mawr designer, Vanessa Fox, is also making her debut at Shops. Vanessa was a well-known bridesmaid dress designer in Manhattan before moving to Bryn Mawr, where she produces two clothing lines annually and creates custom designs for her Main Line customers.

A Shops favorite, aBCdesign sells unique and personalized fleece blankets, baby blankets, bibs, and towels. The company’s entrepreneur-owner and designer Betsy Claghorn will feature her college, prep, and personalized blankets at Shipley Shops.

Dubarry of Ireland will introduce and demonstrate their durable and fashionable line of all-weather, all-purpose, outdoor footwear and tweed clothing that has been raved about in Europe for years and has made its mark in the US over the past few years.

Papierdoll fashion magazine highlighted Shipley Shops newcomer, Gail Toma, in their November 2005 issue as “Feature Designer” and “Thrifty Chic.” Gail Toma makes scarves fabulous again with her gorgeous designs that add the functionality of a poncho, belt, or coverlet.

Gingy’s, an exclusive store in Malvern owned by Shipley alumna Jean Gilpin Tremblay ’75, will treat Shipley Shops with her gorgeous collection of spirited women’s fashion and accessories coupled with unique home décor accent pieces.

Marlyn Schiff, a Bryn Mawr resident, graced the pages of InStyle, Marie Claire, Real Simple, and Bazaar this summer with her gorgeous jewelry line. Schiff’s trendy designs are top-sellers at boutiques around the country.

Patricia Adams Gifts, owned by Shipley alumna Jane Saul Kraus ’78, sells cottage-inspired home accessories, as well as colorful and classic personal accessories.

Shipley Shops History Quick-Facts:

Shipley Shops, circa 1965

• In the past 50 years, The Shipley Shops has raised over $2,000,000 for The Shipley School.
• Shipley alumna Zoe V.A. Wells ’52 chaired the first four years of Shipley Shops and raised over $10,000.
• Abercrombie & Fitch, FAO Schwartz, Hammacher Schlemmer, Orvis, and Vineyard Vines are among some of the hundreds of vendors that have travelled from across the US to introduce Philadelphia’s elite shoppers to their now leading national brands.
• Williams Sonoma regretfully declined Shipley Shops in 1980 so they could open their first store on the East Coast in Washington, DC.

The 50th Annual Shipley Shops

WHEN: October 21-23rd, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Thurs. & Fri.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday

WHERE: The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA
Shipley’s Yarnall Gymnasium
The Shipley School
814 Yarrow St.
Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010

PROCEEDS: All proceeds from the event benefit The Shipley School, an independent, coeducational day school in Bryn Mawr, with students from Pre-K through Grade 12.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Preview Party (Invitation Only Event)
Catering by Bryce’s Catering
Music by the Tonics
Wine Tasting by 333 Belrose Bar & Grill
Celebration for Guests of Honor, The Shipley Shops Past Chairs

Thursday, October 21, 2010
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Shops Open to the Public

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Luncheon by Gators Caterers

Friday, October 22, 2010
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Shops Open to the Public

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Luncheon by Gators Caterers

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Fashion & Makeup Show featuring Shops Vendors

Saturday, October 23, 2010
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Family Fun Day: Open to the Public
Free Admission for All
Fun Activities for Kids

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Kid-Friendly Lunch

2:00 pm
Grand Raffle Drawing for MINI Cooper or $15,000

Admission
Adults, $10
Seniors, $5
Under 18, Free
No admission charge on Saturday

For more information at www.shipleyschool.org/shipleyshops.

Hats by Katie's most famous hat is the Mini-Topper (tm). This style has been worn by Lisa Singer, Suzy Stafford, Sharon Chesson and Lana Wright in all the many combined driving World Championships they competed in, both here and overseas.

Twenty years ago, having a difficult time finding hats that were attractive and that fit well, Katie Whelan started making hats as a sideline. As her carriage driving career developed, so did the variety of hats she made for family and friends. Eventually the Long Island native, who grew up in Sugarloaf, New York, evolved the interest into a full-time occupation. Hats by Katie launched in 1990 with Whelan utilizing her arts minor from Boston’s Regis College as the basis for beginning a millinery business that is now world-renowned. That success has evolved, most recently, into an appointment-only shop in nearby Paris, Kentucky. “The main reason I started making the hats is because I have a big head and a lot of hair. I could not find any hats that fit me or that I particularly liked,” explained Whelan. A recent highlight of her career was winning the “Best Booth” award at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor, England.

Katie has been driving for 30 years. She has been pinned Grand Champion at Devon and at Walnut Hill, she represented the US at the 2003 and 2005 Pony World Championships, and she has been both national four-in-hand champion and national single horse champion-so she is well aware of what hats work for the driving community, for both pleasure drivers and combined drivers. As for Devon, Whelan has been a beloved boutique and popular shopping destination for Main Line ladies for over a decade. Her works of art have been worn at the world’s most prestigious equestrian events including the Horse Show, Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot (one of the world’s most famous race meetings dating back to 1711 and attended by the Queen of England), the Walnut Hill Farm driving show in Pittsford, New York-among others. Hats by Katie has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and O Magazine—in which, in 2006, she outfiitted Oprah and a group of Winfrey’s dearest girlfriends with hats for a garden party shoot, including Oprah’s lifelong friend Maria Shriver.

Hats by Katie’s Katie Whelan at her Devon Horse Show booth beautifully modeling a one-of-a-kind creation.

AroundMainLine.com: How do you make your hats?

Katie Whelan: A hat starts very much like a dress pattern.
We have ‘blocks’ as they are called and there is a special block for the brim, a special block for the crown. And, then you sew them together. A well made hat, if you turn it upside down and look underneath the sweatband, will be sewn in two pieces. A cheaper hat is sewn in one piece.

There is a whole process to it. You take the straw or the felt or Sinamay and start working with the design. (Sinamay is a very popular material in hat making and is a natural fiber produced from the banana plant.) Sinamay comes in bolts, very much like fabric, and you mold it over the block, you pin it down, and you place it in an oven with sizing on it so it molds itself around the form.

AML: Like an actual oven?

KW: Yep, an ‘oven’ oven. You repeat the process with the brim, you sew them together and then you start doing your trim work.

AML: Ok, interesting. How long does it take to create one of our gorgeous hats?

KW: One of my dressier ones can take six hours to a couple of days—it’s really an assembly line process.

AML: Each of your designs is so unique. Where does your inspiration come from?

KW: Usually Europeans are a bit ahead of us as far as colors and trends, especially England. So, I will get the color patterns from England. A lot of time I will take a blank hat and decide what I want to do with it—I’ll see a flower in my trim bin or a grouping of feathers. Other times I have an idea in my head where I am headed and begin the creative process from there.

AML: Are there trends in hat as there are trends in fashion?

KW: Sure! And, depending on what event I am designing for designates the style too. (Kentucky) Derby ladies are always big hats, no matter what is in style. If its carriage driving, a medium brim is appropriate. The coaching people like the big brims. Steeplechase people like feathers, felt and more fall-inspired hats. It’s very much a time and place kind of thing.

“The whole trick of the hat is that the hat does not wear you, you wear the hat. If you live by that phrase, you will be fine,” explained Whelan.

AML: Your hats are worn around the world at all the major equestrian events. That is amazing!

KW: I do a lot to Ascot. Now that I have started showing in Europe with my ponies, I sold one of my feather hats right off my head. When I traveled back and forth recently to Europe, I delivered two more.

AML: So, how does it work with an event such as Ascot? Or, for that matter a customer who wants a hat designed by you but is on the other side of the country or world? Since, obviously, everyone cannot meet with you one-on-one for a fitting.

KW: The Americans will come to me with an outfit and they will just take the hat over. Or some of the English people will email me, because I used to do the Royal Windsor show with my hats, and they let me know what they are thinking. They email me a picture of their outfit, head size and what they look like is important. If a customer is petite, I don’t want to do a hat so enormous in proportion to their body, it does not look right.

AML: Can any woman wear a hat?

KW: Yes, you just have to find the right one. That’s kind of a misnomer-they come in here during the Horse Show and say ‘Oh, I look terrible in hats.’ Well, first of all they are not wearing them correctly. The brim should be parallel to the ground. And the hat should be in proportion to your body. The whole trick of the hat is that the hat does not wear you, you wear the hat. If you live by that phrase, you will be fine.

Hats by Katie will be at the Horse Show through Sunday June 6th. Ms. Whelan has an appointment only shop in Paris, Kentucky. Kindly visit her website hatsbykatie.com, call 859-707-0818 or email: hatsbykatie@pinehurst.net

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is one of the largest and most prestigious outdoor equestrian events in the country. The Country Fair offers boutique shopping, great food and fun for the whole family. Proceeds of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital. For information please call 610-688-2554 or visit www.devonhorseshow.org. Join the Devon Horse Show Facebook page for daily updates.

Best friends and business owners Heather Esposito and Allison Lubert opened Sweet Freedom this past January.

Let freedom ring for local celiacs and vegans as Philadelphia now has a successful bakery that caters to a myriad of food allergies, intolerances and dietary restrictions. This past January, friends Allison Lubert and Heather Esposito opened Sweet Freedom (1424 South Street, 215-545-1899), one of the country’s only vegan and gluten-, soy-, egg-, dairy- and refined sugar-free bakery, the first of its kind in Philadelphia.

Sweet Freedom was conceived as a destination for those struggling with dietary restrictions that typically prevent them from enjoying baked goods, but the bakery’s commitment to top-quality, all-natural ingredients makes it a hit among even those without allergies and intolerances. “Both Heather and I have struggled with our eating habits and with troubling food allergies,” said Lubert, “and we both found ourselves striving to prepare our favorite treats in ways that were both delicious and appropriate for our diets. It’s a challenge to omit animal products, soy, gluten and corn and still create flavorful, crave-able baked goods, but we love to rise to that challenge every day.”

Lubert is the owner of a private nutritional counseling practice, where she combines her deep understanding of nutrition with her several masters’ degrees in counseling and psychology. She is an avid cook and baker who was always looking to find new ways to satisfy her cravings while being mindful of her allergies to dairy and wheat. Esposito, a masters level counselor and chef, worked as a private chef, cooking instructor and nutritional counselor. In culinary school, she decided she wanted to open a gluten-free bakery.

Let Freedom Ring!

In May 2009, the two connected via family friends and decided to move forward with the concept of opening Sweet Freedom. Nine months later, they launched the bakery. “Within ten days of opening this winter, we received an email from (actress) Alicia Silverstone’s assistant who was interested in trying our product line. She is a vegan and was working on a play on Broadway. That was really exciting for us-so I jumped in the car and drove up to New York to drop off samples. The business has been great and really taken off,” said Esposito.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and their website, celiaccentral.org, Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. What does this mean? Essentially the body is attacking itself every time a person with celiac consumes gluten. Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.

Birthday cakes and wedding cakes are part of a growing area of the dual’s booming bakery business-customer favorites include a chocolate chip cookie sandwich and a banana chocolate chip loaf. A local bride recently enthused on Sweet Freedom’s Facebook fan page—that boasts over 2,000 followers-about her gluten-free wedding cake: “Thanks for the awesome wedding cake!! It was a huge success! Not only were our vegan friends and our super allergic nephew extremely happy, but all the “normal” people loved it too.”

Sweet Freedom relies heavily on coconut milk, in lieu of dairy, and coconut sugar, in addition to agave nectar and pure maple syrup, for sweetening.

Sweet Freedom offers a host of tasty sweet treats, personally tested, prepared and baked by both Lubert and Esposito. The menu includes an assortment of cupcakes, muffins, cookies, brownies, loafs, cakes and pies. And, besides serving the Philadelphia region, they can ship their baked goods nationwide.

Sweet Freedom relies heavily on coconut milk, in lieu of dairy, and coconut sugar, in addition to agave nectar and pure maple syrup, for sweetening. Flours vary from brown and white rice flour to those manufactured from sorghum, garbanzo beans and even fava beans. All products are peanut-free, as well, and no corn products are used. “We really want Sweet Freedom Bakery to be a safe haven for people who suffer from celiac disease, people who suffer from food allergies or intolerances, or people who follow a vegan lifestyle. We are excited to be catering to a bunch of different populations and we believe in the nutritional quality of what we are offering,” enthused Lubert.

According to celiaccentral.org, the gluten-free marketplace is expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2010 thanks to new vendors manufacturing better tasting and more affordable products.

CELIAC DISEASE FACTS AND FIGURES COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR CELIAC AWARENESS (NFCA)

• One in 133 Americans has celiac disease.
• Three million Americans across all races, ages and genders suffer from celiac
• 95% of celiacs are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.
• 10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed.
• A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac today.
• 500,000 new celiac diagnoses are expected to occur in the next 5 years thanks to efforts to raise public awareness of celiac disease.
• The gluten-free marketplace is expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2010 thanks to new vendors manufacturing better tasting and more affordable products.

Sweet Freedom is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information about Sweet Freedom, or to place an order, please visit www.sweetfreedombakery.com, email: sweetfreedombakery@gmail.com or call (215) 545-1899.
Join Sweet Freedom on Facebook and on Twitter: sfbakery