SEARCHING FOR A LOW BACK HALTER BRA for the backless dress

One of my favorite dresses in the collection is the low back halter maxi Essence of Style .  This limited edition is sophisticated yet playful enriched with a rich palette of colorful portraits.  Inspired by the intrinsic style of complex women, the Essence of Style is a head turner that can be dressed up or down. 


For some women, they can slip this dress on without a thought of what to wear under neath it.


Others may need a low back halter bra.  I recommend packing up your dress and heading out to a brick and mortar store or visit many of the online boutiques with a good return policy for a bra that is comfortable.  

Those who live in New York, can try several stores...

Livi's Lingerie1456 Third Avenue at 83rd St livislingerie.com
Peress on Madison Avenue www.peress.com

Victoria Secret www.victoriassecret.com 

*Sak's Fifth Avenue www.saksincorporated.com

 Bloomingdale's www.Bloomingdales.com

If you are shopping at...
Livi's Lingerie try the Carnival Halter Bra
Peress, try the Low Back Bra approximately $30.00
Victoria Secrets, try the Low-back Multi-way Bra with Gel-Curve and the U-plunge Backless Push-up Bra #239-964
Sak's - Seek the help of their knowledgeable staff and look for 
Natori Contour Convertible Bra 731025 

La Mystere 115 Convertible Bra $64.00 
or explore...

Maidenform Dare To Bare It Straps (if you have a good bra you love that is low cut to start)

Below are several online stores that offer styles for both larger and smaller chests.  The styles selected below have been selected with low-back halter style dresses in mind.

Essence of Style Halter Maxi Dress

catrionamackechnie.com

Depending on how many backless dresses are in your closet,  your budget and how often you'll wear this bra, try the Multi-way Halter Back Bra and 'Fashion First Aids' - films that lift and support for good less expensive options.  
The Carmen Backless Bodice by Endar Legard *$550.00 is pricey but a great investment.


Accepts returns on products (straight priced items) and they seem very helpful over the phone. 

http://www.senselingerie.com

http://barenecessities.com

Look for Fashion Forms Style #BQ527 Convertible Under wire Low-Back Position Approximately $30.00

http://shapefix.com

Backless, seamless, molded one-piece demi bra with removable halter strap gives full coverage only in front. Cups lift and shape bust; adhesive side tab holds bra securely in place. Nylon/spandex. Wipe clean. Imported.  #F200707036

http://www.ladygrace.com

Va Bien Backless Convertible Style #507 Approximately $36.00 Halter, criss-cross backless B,C,D, DD cup sizes

Dominque 6377 - Bridal cut, low plunge backless 32-38A 2-44 B,C,D

www.biggirlsbras.com
Big Girls Bras is an online store but these may be found in a traditional retail store

Try Grenier 6 Position Convertible #8474




http://www.biggerbras.com

Grenier Low Cut Padded Under wire Smooth Satin Bustier 7540 about $60.00 Fantasie Ivory Rose Backless Strapless Under wire Bra 8910 

www.herroom.com 

Valmont Long Line Low Back Strapless Bustier Bra 919

The Natural Shaper Bra 2288

Dominque 6377 - Bridal cut, low plunge backless 32-38A 2-44 B,C,D for larger chests

Big Girls Bras is an online store but these may be found retail

'The Essence of Style' is available in a Jeannie Style Pant, a Classic Scarf, A Ribbon, Feather and/  or Ostrich trimmed Convertible Shrug as well.

Jeannie Essence of Style Georgica Beach

Jeannie Essence of Style Georgica Beach

Happy Shopping!

For More Information

Visit shopgailtoma.com

DINNER ON THE BEACH ... Al Fresco on COOPER'S BEACH, Southampton

Crashing waves, and misty fog along with superb sunsets followed by star dotted skies.. there is absolutely something magical about having spontaneous  candle lit dinner parties on the beach.


It took three cars to cart the tables,  cloths and vintage Melmac plastic dinnerware collectibles.shop.ebay.com/Kitchen.../i.html?_nkw=dinnerware, Pelligrino Bottles turned into Candlestick Holders and the loaded down rolo-wheels carrying the marinated London Broil in caramelized onions, a Zucchini Mushroom, Cherry Tomato Pasta, Grilled Bratwurst, Grilled Pork Chops, Baby Spinach and sauteed mushrooms and tomatoes with Roquefort Salad, Potato Salad, a blueberry cobbler with fresh berries, a peach, plum and mixed berry pie plus of course the bar.  Once we set up the table more delectables  arrived, two appetizer breads one topped with a tomato paste and the other a onion/cheese delight, cheese platters, platters of vegetables and Cosmos.  


Savor the moments....gather some team players and enjoy....

DRESSING FOR A PLAY DATE - The Children's Museum Bridgehampton

Don’t save anything, use it everyday.  Whether it is that great tablecloth or a great dress.  Whenever you need to feel particularly beautiful, pull out that piece that makes you feel great and dress up if the mood strikes you, even if you aren’t going out for to that 'special event'.

It was a steamy rainy August day so where to head for a play date with a couple of '3 somethings'.   The Children's Museum in Bridgehampton is a great choice.  


This museum captures the magic of life and childhood in a highly creative way.  My son loves racing the cars and then immediately heads for the fire trucks or the great big pirate ship.  And always a trip to the farm stand for some 'local fruit and vegetables' and a masterpiece experience in the art studio and of course a visit to the sand table and the play ground.  

On this rainy day, I was recuperating from jet lag.  I sleepily took a fast shower and put on a pair of white Levi cut offs from high school and a thin cotton printed top I brought home from Mauii and pink Converse low tops.  Grabbed whatever bag my passport was still packed in, and rushed to meet these women and their little ones at the museum.  


Upon my arrival I was greeted by an array of mules and platform heels, the latest oversized designer handbags from Herme's, Vuitton, Mulberry etc. and skirts and dresses. While the fashion designer in me says always dress for your mood and wear what you love, for a split second, I suddenly felt liked I should be on Rivington Street and they on Park Avenue. 


I realized that these women while overdressed for this occasion in some circles were actually supporting my philosophy. Every day is a day to dress and express yourself in whatever makes you feel great.  They survived the uneven mulch on the play ground and looked beautiful.  I celebrated two of my favorite labels -  Levi's www.levistrauss.com and Converse www.converse.com  and we both in the end felt great.

WHAT TO DO WITH A SMALL TABLE

On the front porch were a teak round table and a couple of chairs.  But, in a new home or someone else’s home, everything seems fresh.  The china, the view, a table and a yes a table cloth.

I see everything! It is the double edge sword of being an artist.  A blessing and at times, a curse. 

I love tablecloths, cloth napkins, napkin rings, table top everything - they add oomph and beauty.   

Any dinner can become dining with a tablecloth, some linen napkins and a flower or two.

Yeah, it sounds entirely corny but on this ordinary Tuesday with my three year old and husband, a re-invented lunch from last nights’ dinner and whatever was in the fridge in our ‘Copenhagen home’ became special.  All it took was a tablecloth and a vase full of peonies.  My son came out and said ‘cute’ followed by ‘dinner party’ and my husband smiled and immediately grabbed a great bottle of wine.  That was enough for me.

 

I love tablecloths that much that while traveling in Provence, I brought home a souvenir for the man in my life, now my husband.  He opened this beautifully wrapped package with anticipation.  A  fantastic tablecloth cloth and napkin combo (www.jean-vier.com) from a tiny store in Antibes Juan-les-Pins www.francetoday.com/articles/2010/08/10/striped-basque!  What else could a man want, well you can only imagine his reaction.  Actually he wasn’t all that surprised but good save as I also brought him a great watch. 

I can only attribute all of this talk about a tablecloth to my mother who was the quintessential hostess and a fabulous cook who loved everything about life and saw immense beauty everywhere down to a farm stand tomato.     I have mostly snickered at her and rolled my eyes.  Yikes, I am turning into her!

Tables were ‘set’ and ‘staged’ particularly for holidays.  One Easter at my Grandmothers’ home, my Dads’ cousin painted portrait eggs and decorated them in the personality style of each of the women at the table.  I have my mom’s egg to this day.   And it looks like her.  It was always an amazing gourmet meal, a visual treat, and a new adventure.  

My mom always saved her ’best’ for special occasions and had a set of ‘every day’ for everything else.  That included everything, down to  her favorite bags and clothes.

And not that the everyday cannot mean great stuff and set with style, it was that it was reserved for everyday.   So while in High School, I would spontaneously throw a mid-week dinner party for just us using the non-everyday everything.    So today, whenever I want single malt or a vodka, I take out my St. Louis Tommy double old fashion glasses and savor the taste because it does taste better in these glasses.  And most importantly it turns times into moments.  On Fourth of July when everyone else is going for the grilled fillet minion, I am going for a great hot dog.   I will go for one of my favorite pilsner glasses I dragged home from Luxembourg.  For these glasses aren't great crystal but great design and mementos of a unique time in my life.  And yes, these overly tall glasses with great type make everything so much tastier.

No doubt, it is not easy to watch that favorite cloth be reddened by a glass of Cabernet or yellowed by a salad dressing. While fabulous place mats can be great, there is nothing better than a cloth. Just go for it!

DINNER at Richards' Watermill on a Rainy Night in the Hamptons

It was a rainy Tuesday night in the Hamptons and where to go for a romantic dinner? I wanted warm and cozy.  

Richards is hidden away in a discreet old colonial on Rte 27 in Watermill.  I have never seen an advertisement but maybe they do.  And while the food is good (pricey for what it is).  For me the draw is the interior, low ceilings and lighting, a large fire place and an interesting crowd.  Off and on season I have seen the likes of older well dressed couples to Dad and Mom taking their families of all ages out for a nice dinner to large groups of yuppies and then of course to the likes of Howard Stern and his wife, Beth Ostrosky. 

PHOTO SHOOT IN THE HAMPTONS The Number One Beach in the USA – Back to Work

Cooper's Beach - Southampton

Early Saturday morning with coffee in hand and Pebbles in tow, we sleepily headed for Cooper's Beach which has by the way been rated the number one beach in America!  All to catch the best light.  

Prepping the Model

With memories of Copenhagen in the background and inspiration in the foreground a full day of shooting The Pebbles Dress kept us all busy Saturday. 

Modeling is hard work!  In the end for just a couple of good shots.  So, here is a peak at the raw un-touched-photos we shot this morning at the beach.   

Keep in mind that this model is close to 5’11” and the dress has another inch and a half hemline for lengthening….

Pebbles is both stylish and flexible yet classic. Dressy, yet casual and wearable for three seasons, this dress is a great investment.  I wear this dress with both flats and belted low for a stroll through Southampton to spiky Jimmy Choo’s for evening. 

Pebbles Maxi - Black Cotton Spandex 

Pebbles Maxi - Black Cotton Spandex 

  

Afternoon in Naples in the Maxi Pebbles White and Morning in Southampton Pebbles White

Machine washable fully lined Cotton Spandex - Black or White. Two Dresses in One...Reversible Silk Charmeuse

Black and Turquoise, Black and Ruby, Black and Lipstick Pink…You can also go Champagne Beige plus any color including Lime Green.

For traveling, the Reversible Silk Charmeuse in bolts of colors and of course classic black is the ultimate wardrobe expander.  You pick your favorite two colors and pack lightly.

To expand your wardrobe even more with this piece, add a pair of our silk pants and wear the dress as a tunic.


One last stop to the Mainstay on Hill Street www.themainstay.com, here is more of the Reversible Silk Charmeuse…

 

www.shopgailtoma.com

FLOWERS in Copenhagen

Completely inspired by the blaze of color on a rainy day in Copenhagen.


You must stop by Magasin and take home flowers!  


While gardening is the number one hobby in America. flowers are everywhere in Denmark.  It is truly romantic and a visual delight.


I have always been moved by flowers.  They were apart of our garden growing up and apart of the table and once I grew up the tradition continued.  


The Hellerup home came with two bouquets which I moved from table to table inside and outside the house.  These two bouquets truly brightened each day and definitely made me see the color in each day more brightly.

Bring some flowers to the tables in your home and add some magic to the day.