Wild Rose and Leaf Organic Headband October 8, 2009

Organic Flower Headband- Feather’d $65

Mother of Darkness! How cute is this Organic Flower Headband?

Grosgrain bow at flower center is created from the selvedge edge of the fabric yardage- I’m like a Native American using every part of the buffalo, haha.  But, seriously- no waste here.

Made from certified organic hemp/cotton that is grown and processed in the US.

Organic Flower Headband- UnFeather'd $55

Mixed ivory flower petals, and nautral undyed feathers.  Comfy elastic back. Self-fabric inserts into flower, leaves, and bow.

Perfect for Bridal and Beyond, let it take you where you are going.

Cotton Candy, Kangaroos, and Parasol Wedding Shots October 5, 2009

Megan in Green Dyed Wedding Dress slip and Hair piece by Janay A

I love their fun, fresh style!

Denise Klee is the photographer, her business is called Boonie Sunshine Photography.

Owl and Mouse September 20, 2009

 

OWL+MOUSE

owl+mouse textile designs is a small printing company based in kansas city, mo. all designs are hand-dyed and printed by kcai grads alice youngblood and cristin llewellyn.

 

Wouldn’t these shirts be adorable in engagement photos?

Bling Queen September 18, 2009

 

Ohhh, shiny.

 

Now, normally I favor subtly pearl and vintage buttons over big sparkles of crystal.  These Swarovski crystals i just got might inspire me to change my toon (don’t fret, I’m not abandoning my rustic , earthy, vintage style entirely)… I’m just digging on some bling in addition to my former clean, matte aesthetic.

 

I have these crystals in Aurore Boreale (AB- rainbow shine), Citrine, Aquamarine, and Peridot.  They would be sweet scattered in one of my Flower-Bomb Headbands, on a Veil or Comb, or even sparkeling up some bouquet or garment.  

 

If used on a Veil, I would put them back-to back on both sides of the veil (to make sure the backsides don’t photograph like black dots).  Pass the Sparkle, please.

 

I might be blinded if I stare at them any longer! Seriously.

Lovin’ on The Farmhouse September 17, 2009

You know how after you’ve had a really long day all you can think about is a nice comforting dinner?  Maybe it’s something you grew up eating, something fresh and soul-soothing, something that takes you back to the sheer joy of tasting & allows all other thoughts on your mind to simply drift away.

Now, couple the bliss of satisfaction in sustenance with the responsibility of  supporting your local farmer & reducing the demand on the earth in food transportation and you’ll understand the reason behind The Farmhouse.

The Farmhouse is a new farm-to-table resteraunt in the Rivermarket. So Yummy!

TODAY THURSDAY THE 17th:

4 courses for $45 per person, a steal of a deal for some of the most fresh food you can find in Kansas City. By reservation.  Cannot make it? Every other Thursday, next dinner is September 24th.

Brides- they CATER!

 

OCATION & DIRECTIONS :
300 Delaware St
Kansas City, Missouri 64105HOURS & NUMBERS : 
Monday-Friday : 11 to 2
816:569:6032 {main} 
816:569:6034 {fax}

http://www.eatatthefarmhouse.com/

Birdcage Flower Bomb Bride-Band September 6, 2009

$45

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade abstractpretty.etsy.com

This bridal headband is perfect for the anti-tiara bride.

Fun russian net peeks out fro this handmade giant flower. It’s a headband with built in fascinator, better then a veil!

Available in eco hemp, ivory, and white with pearl or crystal accent (shown in white with pearl). Specify fabric and crystal or pearl accent with your order to match your bridal gown!

Sized with elastic for an easy perfect fit. Have a big or small nogin? Just let me know!

Handmade in KC by Janay A. Availabe on Etsy.

Lezi Love September 3, 2009

 

The Wedding Hive Collaborative in conjunction with photographer Anne Grace and Moxie Q staged this lesbian love photoshoot.

Our models Sara and Liza are a real couple.

 Even though this was a ‘fake’ wedding, the emotion was very real.  

With my man Kevin preciding as the officant, the couple made their own vows on the spot which were super sweet.

Directed by Interior Designer Edward Neer

Flower Bomb Headbands and Belt September 2, 2009

Gray silk and Coral Cotton Flower Bomb Headbands

Coral and Gray Silk Polka Dot Flower Bomb Belt

Coral Cotton Flower Bomb Belt

 

Coral Silk Polka Dot Flower Bomb Headband

 

Coral Silk Polka Dot Flower Bomb Belt

Wasabi Green Silk Polka Dot Flower Bomb Headband and Belt

 

Gray and Wasabi Green Silk Polka Dot Flower Bomb Headband

These will be listed online for sale soon- email me to order!

Headbands $25

Belts $35

Sarah + Megan August 22 August 30, 2009

 

“I could not be happier with Janay’s work. The dress she made for me was beyond what I could have hoped for and was an incredible value for such a high quality product. I would recommend her work to anyone and everyone.”

I actually never met Sarah in person, since she lives far away and ordered her dress online from my etsy shop.  

She wore the lace-up back corset and box pleated skirt in ivory satin-backed shantung.

Isn’t their chemistry amazing?

This is my first introduction to Film Noir Photography,  by Kelly Prizel, who also runs So You’re EnGAYged- and I love her work!

Brides on the East Coast definitely need to look into her!

Carly and Brady August 27, 2009

Carly and Brady had a super fun modern wedding at the Hobbs Building.  Vests, Dress, Veil by Janay A.

Megan and Ajay August 26, 2009

Megan and Ajay had a trans-cultural Indian-American Wedding at the Hobbs building.  Megan wore an heirloom  Janay A re-designed dress that belonged to her mother.  Look at her beautiful henna!

Megan’s hair fascinator was created using petals, vintage pearls, and feathers mixed with scrap fabric from her heirloom wedding dress.

Such great style!!! Contributions by Wedding Hive members:

Flowers by Ornamental Petal

Photos by Blue Window Creative

Dress and Hair Fascinator Janay A

Day 2 – NYC – Battery Park, China Town, Little Italy, Nolita August 20, 2009

Hi from NYC!

Day two was a blast= we crammed so much into one day that it’s hard to believe in retrospect.  We begun by visiting Battery Park, then went to Chinatown.  Street vendors were selling dragon fruit, which was a yummy snack.  We found an amazing green cleaning, remodeling, and home store called Green Depot.

We shopped the Nolita area, which had shop after shop of super unique and handmade clothing.  Our favorite was Label, they had a $5 and $10 rack of beautiful handmade clothing that we went after like wild rabbits.

Lunch was Spring Street  Natural, we spent only $24 total on two plates of organic, local food, and their roasted red pepper/rosemary bread to start was melty yummy good.

 

1ST Day – NYC – Time Square, Garment District & Little Korea! August 19, 2009

Anna’s Heirloom Wedding Gown Design August 17, 2009

 

Anna Zimmerman wore her mother’s wedding dress that we totally redesigned.  I added hand-braided trim, reset the straps and back, added godet inserts for additional skirt fulness (using fabric from the original matching jacket), and added fun lace to the front and back for movement.  So special!

Anna works with the Sculpture Garden at the Nelson- Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City

…don’t these images pay amazing homage to their modern sensibility and interests?

I’ve seen allot of weddings and I’ve never seen upside down hanging flowers like this! So creative and unexpected!

Laura and Jori August 15, 2009

Laura and Jori had a unique  indie wedding in their backyard, which was dripping potted flowers planted by Laura (a gardner) for the occasion.

After an estimated 17 musician procession of Laura’s Bandmates from Hearts of Darkness AfroBeat down the burlap isle, the Groom Jori entered.  It was dramatic!

Soon after the band proceeded the the baby blue porch where the ceremony took place, and Laura entered.
She wore a dress that was redesigned for her by Janay A that had belonged to Jori’s grandmother.

To keep the skirt intack, the fabric was tucked with subtle peekaboo fabric roses (that used to line the waist of the dress) under each tuck.   The back of the dress was completely open, which added a fun modern twist to this classic design!

The couple sang a self written song to each other for their ceremony, which was playful and completely them.

Nick and Laurie August 12, 2009

 

Our friends and neighbors Laurie and Nick had a heartfelt, earthy, and fun wedding.

I had so much fun altering her vintage wedding gown.  Didn’t their photos turn out great- so personal!

Scarlett Garnet Jewelry Photoshoot August 11, 2009

 

Garnet in Janay A Dress made from vintage jersey and silk

 

Any girl would be lucky to wear Scarlett Garnet Jewelry any day of the week- especially on her Wedding Day! Their prices are so reasonable, you don’t have to be a rich girl to be an indie princess for your wedding!

Photos by Melissa Lin Ellis Photography

Jewelry by
Scarlett Garnet Jewelry

20’s Bridal Fashion Show August 10, 2009

Fan Dress (with Pockets and open back) Modeled by Jacy Rist, Photo Melissa Lin Ellis

Bridal Separates by Janay A Handmade, Photo Melissa Lin Ellis

Laura Evrard in her Custom Wedding Gown, Jacket, Veil by Janay A, Photo Melissa Lin Ellis

Easy Going Wedding Dress Separates, modeled by Caroline Hiatt

Bridal Separates by Janay A, photo Melissa Lin Ellis

Photographs by Melissa Lin Ellis Photography

Hair and Makeup Styling by Human Nature Salon, Westport KC

Jewelry by Scarlett Garnet and Genevieve Flynn Metalsmith

Flowers by Ornamental Petal

Clothing, veils, accessories, and wardrobe styling by Janay A Handmade

Hitched Weddings + Events August 10, 2009

.. A Fresh take on Wedding Planning in Kansas City…

“ Basically we see ourselves as an advocate for any engaged couple.  We love to help people focus their wedding vision and organize their goals.  We have worked with a variety of budgets, and really love to save people money where they can.”

“We love DIY projects and dreaming up unique ways to personalize weddings.  We can do floral and decor, but we also love working with florists if that is the direction the bride would like to go.  As you can tell by how many times I say the word love, we basically love weddings and events!”

Amy and Jessica of Hitched, they rock!

Visit their website for more info and to book.

Vintage Brooches & Men’s Ties! July 31, 2009

Make an appointment today!

Vintage Brooches & Ties

These vintage brooches are a steal with prices ranging from $8-$40.

Classic 50’s & 60’s style can be worn on chain or pinned.  Pictures don’t do them justice.

The ties are in fabulous condition for their age.  Let me know which one you are interested in.

Styles range from skinny to fat, handmade to highend.  $7 apiece or $3 for $15.

Jen and Spike July 27, 2009

I just adore this couple! They are unique and spunky.

I custom designed all 5 bridesmaids dresses for each girl, and used earth-friendly vintage silk.

The bride wore her grandmothers wedding dress that I extensively altered.  She has a custom asymmetrical birdcage veil edged in freshwater pearls and garters made from vintage and heirloom fabrics.  She’s a punk rock princess!

Aimee and Scott July 27, 2009

Aimee and Scott Decker had a beautiful fall wedding, and made their own decorations with branches and twigs that were sweet.  It was all very genuine, earthy, and fun.

Bride’s gown, jacket, veil, and tiara, and flowergirl dresses by Janay A Handmade.

NEW Garters! July 26, 2009

New garters- $25 each.

Set of 2 (one to throw- one to keep) for $40.

Bring in your heirloom fabric or buttons for an extra special garter.

Sexy!

Dan and Anastasia July 21, 2009

Anastasia Spartan and Dan Mellott had a personal and local-eco friendly wedding in Kansas City.

Their reception was a tribute to their radiant, jubilant spirits- filled with laughter and personality.

Linen Suit, Lace Dress, Bolero  and veil by Janay A Handmade.

Amazing PAPER flowers by Bridget Kelley of Ornamental Petal. 

~Thanks to the couple for allowing me to be a part of their wedding!~

Megan’s Wasabi Green Dress Tulle and Garter July 11, 2009

Megan & her custom dyed slip & garter!

Cabbage Rose Bomb Tunics May 24, 2009

All Jersey used is Vintage! Email janay@janay-a.com to order!

Kristen’s Custom Garter and Veil! May 14, 2009

Kirsten looked amazing for her wedding recently! She wore a garter and veil by yours truly.

Custom Daywear – In, Out & About May 4, 2009

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Wrap Custom Denim Wrap Dress @ Studio

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Jersey Yoga Shirt – Austin

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Custom Clutch spotted at First Friday Opening @ Dollhouse.

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The Bees Knees- Roaring 20’s Wedding Show May 1, 2009

Redline Photos April 30, 2009

April of the Pink Pistols rocked out a custom tank dress, clutch, and bolero!

New Blog Sighting Reported! April 28, 2009

Janay-A featured on Paco + Lupe’s Blog.

Bare Natural-Organic Cotton! April 25, 2009

Now making ALL bridal orders in

Certified Organic Cotton.

This fabric features a special Tussah-silk like weave that

leaves natural lines and slubs in the fabric.

Natural Color.

Grown and Processed in the US using non-harmful means.

Dyeable.

Sneak Peak April 23, 2009

Super Sneak Peak of the new Jersey Cabbage Rose Mini Dress/Tee series debuting at the Redline Fashion Show @ Nara

All sales of these items support my venture into using only ORGANIC Fabrics!!

RedLine AIDS Benefit Fashion Auction April 22, 2009

This years 2nd annual KC Redline Fashion Show and Benefit Auction is to be held this Thursday at the Nara event space above the restaurant at 1617 Main St.

Last year we had a crowd of over 350 people and were able to raise over $1500 for individuals living with AIDS right here in KC. Our goal this year is to raise over $3000.

Food and drinks to be catered by Nara.

I will be revealing a one-of-a-kind collection of handmade stretch tees and mini-dresses. They feature giant flowers and knotted fabric, not to be missed!

If you are able stop by, doors open at 7pm, fashion show starts at 8pm, and the bidding for the runway garments will start shortly there after.

Hope to see you there supporting this important cause!

more about redline and designer list

Red and Black Custom Clutches April 22, 2009

Custom Bridesmaid Clutches-Silk with overlay of burnout sheer velvet!

Custom Garter and Asian Print Mini-Handbags April 17, 2009

custom garter

Garter- choose your own vintage fabrics and findings- $35 each

little handbag

asian print clutches

asian print clutches

Asian Print Quilted Clutches with pocket, $11 each. Purple, Black, or Blue.

Custom Birdcage Veil w/ Flower & Feathers April 11, 2009

Super Cute, yes?

Custom Hair Fascinators March 29, 2009

Made with organza scraps from the bride’s mother’s wedding dress which I altered for her to wear!

To match a short wedding dress and red-beaded edge veil, hot! Cannot wait for these ladies to get married so I can show you these awesome hair fascinators in action!

Order your own for $45-$75 depending on which feathers and materials used.

Packaging Experiments! March 29, 2009

Kevin got creative with packaging for an etsy order!

Interview/Photo Blog with Melissa Lin Ellis Photography March 10, 2009

I had the wonderful experience of spending the day with my new friend, Melissa Ellis.  This is her interview of me for her blog and photos of my studio!

Featuring works in progress!

Melissa is offering 15% off to any Janay A bride who books her amazing event photography!

Melissa’s Blog

Dot Clutch- Perfect for your Bridesmaids! March 6, 2009

Check out these two beautiful clutch sets custom designed for wedding parties!

Above Photos by Melissa Lin Ellis,

$32 each including any stock vintage fabric from my vast collection. Aren’t these adorable and functional as bridesmaid party gifts and to carry at the wedding????!!!

Other Janay A clutches:

New Birdcage Veils! March 2, 2009

Just finished these 2 adorable birdcarge veils.

Email me to order one custom! White or Ivory net available.

Vintage pearl, pink Ostrich feather, and silk flowers russian net veil. $100.

Lace edged 2-comb birdcage blusher with polka-dot pearls. $100.

Laura’s Custom Gown February 28, 2009

Laura and Jeff got married in January- luckily a warm, beautiful day!

The original design-

The dress featured vintage pearls covering the zipper, slight bubble hem, and vintage lace hidden inside the pleats. The adorable jacket completed the look.

One of my new brides blogged about her gown! February 17, 2009

“ask the universe for an eco-chic wedding dress

Dress from Janay A. Handmade

It’s all I’ve been able to think about the past two days. Yes, I have to clean the house. Yes, I have a zillion things to do for work. Yes, my to-do list is madness-inducing. But all I’ve done during my two snow-days home from teaching is think about my dress.

I found it. I found it. I found it.

I NEVER thought I would become the crazy wedding person that I have suddenly turned into. I fall asleep thinking about necklines or tablescapes. I spend my free moments thinking about how to turn folders into envelopes. I’m spending hours on etsy.com browsing page after page of handmade dresses. Who is this crazy girl?

Well… it paid off yesterday, when I typed in “wedding dresses” into etsy’s search engine. 90 pages of dresses showed up. On page (I kid you not) 89, I found my dress designer.

Near the end of August, I came across a photo on a wedding blog. The bride was wearing a dress that I thought was perfect: short, crisp, vintage-looking. I couldn’t find it anywhere. I had no idea where she got it. There was no information available. So I just kept the picture of it in my mind — along the way, I came across a lot of other options. I got semi-excited about some of them, but I always came back to that one mystery dress. Well yesterday, I found it… only better.

It’s everything I had in my head plus stuff I didn’t even know I wanted. AND — it’s two pieces so I can actually wear it again (with a different skirt or shirt). AND it’ll be handmade by a hip young designer using eco-friendly materials. AND it costs 1/3 as much as all the other dresses that I like. It couldn’t be more perfect.

So.. hunting works. I didn’t have to settle. I’m so excited. YAY.

Have you found your dress yet?”

Wedding Hive Cocktail Hour @ Czar Bar! February 7, 2009

Calling all Brides and Grooms!

Thursday, February 26th, join the Wedding Hive for an evening of cocktails and schmoozing at the Czar Bar’s Happy Hour from 5pm- 7pm.  We’d love to see your shining faces and get to know ya just that much more!  Call Garnet at 816-914-5739 or check out our Facebook page if you have any questions or need directions.

Come get your “buzz” on, and don’t forget to bring your Honey!

Janay A in INK! February 6, 2009

Shop Awesome! January 24, 2009

Studio Show! Features awesome artists and designers, shop for your valentine or yourself!

 

Sunday, February 8th 2-6pm

 

Wedding Hive TEASE January 22, 2009

just a teaser of the event happening tonight!

 

New Years Fashion Rave! January 20, 2009

 

melissa in velvet open backed mini dress

 

Holly in Janay A

Molly in Janay A

 

Danielle and Janay A

 

Jenni in Janay A

photography by josephy lalli, flowers by ornamental petal

January 17, 2009

 

Diedre Sept 6, 2008

Handmade dress by yours truly, Janay A.  High waisted rouched bodice gown with lace-up back and peekaboo front, featuring vintage lace from her mothers gown.  Isn’t she amazing?!!!

Alice gets Married in Wonderland! January 7, 2009

1-22-09 the best Indie wedding vendors of KC gather!

Featuring a bridal fashion show by Janay A! 

FREE admission, champagne, and entertanment!

Expect sensory overload with jewelry, cakes, food by californo’s, music, fashion, flowers!

Shopping Party at Czar Bar! December 16, 2008

CHECK IT!

 

THE most amazing locally owned nightlife and music venue CZAR BAR is
hosting an amazing pre-holiday shopping party on Wednesday 5-9pm.

Featuring:
Castoffs
Scarlett Garnet
Stella Replied
Lugnuts
Janay A
Popgun

1531 Grand Blvd KC MO 64108
http://www.czarbar.com/
.816.221.2244.

Making new pieces daily! NEW FOR WINTER-
Vest Jumpers (perfect for New Years Eve!)
Luscious wool and chenille hooded Wraps (reversible)
Entwining Circles Neck Warmer
Ballet High-Waisted Mini Wrap Skirt (reversible)
Mama Sized Totes

Coming this week:
Mystery Trouser Pant
Sparkly-Slinky-Slouchy open-backed Top
Party Short with built in Vest

(Keep ya’ guessing!)

Group Show at the New Studio! November 30, 2008

Also Featuring:

Take A Halliday, Amuck, Rocha Inc, Scarlett Garnet, Mia Rosado, Caked by Joe, Ornamental Petal, Dumb Kid Designs, & Cali Roberta

 

New Artwork by Jori Herbert! September 10, 2008

(2008 Jori C Herbert)

I just got this piece made for my man, Kevin.  We love it!

 

Check out Jori’s blog featuring the piece:

http://www.joriandthejbird.blogspot.com/

YUM!

Leon Bakst, The Fire Bird, Tattoo? August 21, 2008

 

Leon Bakst was a 1910’s Russian costume and stage designer, most notably for the Ballets Russes.

I would love a tattoo like this going down my side.  OR woman with free-flowing fabric wrapped all around her, to show my love for textiles.  The fabric element of this photo is amazing (her dress, not as crazy about the texture of the fabric in her hair or to her side).  She looks like a Gypsy.  Lovely.

 

“Nymph in Narcisse

Inspiration: Vintage Doilys August 20, 2008

I just got a load of free vintage doilys, linens, handkerchiefs, and more off craigslist!

Gotta love the Craigslist, gold ole’ CG.  

Got my man, my car, my dog, most my furniture.. what more could one want?

These old findings are really inspiring.  The sheer hours someone spent creating these little beauties!

I had to pack them up to move, but will post pictures when I finally get to unpack everything, make a grand mess, and play with them.  

I am thinking one-of-a-kind whimsical wedding dresses, with all different shades of white in one dress.

All overlapping, different patterns and sizes of circles.

 

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new sparkly peacock logo August 20, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn’t it wonderous? magical? full of light and space? AND great in every way!  

It radiates everything Janay A- with enough quirk to go around.

Feedback, please! Hope you like it!

By Ben Surman, of Surman & Company, http://www.sandmob.com/

About Janay A: Designer; Creative. August 20, 2008

Hello!

I am Janay A, a fashion designer in Kansas City.  This blog will show my new yummy works, journal fun fashion events, gab about inspiring and lifestyle trends… and be expressive about my daily adventures.

I am also model, dancer, learner, lover of all things creative.

 

My specialty is unique Wedding Gowns and Bridal Separates.  I soon will post with photos of my works!

View my current bridal separates and women’s wear collections on etsy:

http://www.abstractpretty.etsy.com

A bit of history:

I have been freelance designing under the Janay A label in Kansas City for three years.  I attended South West Missouri State University (now MSU in Springfield, Missouri) before graduating from Penn Valley (Kansas City) with an associates in Fashion.  The collection has really taken off and is sold in 21 stores nationwide!

Now I am honing my efforts to create beautiful one of a kind gowns and expand my collection of bridal separates.

I live with my cat Myiette, dog Maili, and boyfriend Kevin.  We are opening a design studio on 31st st. near Martini Corner in September! More about this awesome space, with photos, soon!

Enjoy!

Warmly

Janay A