Prop Closet

Inspiration Box - Color Story: Baby Blue

Here's a brand new dose of color inspiration in shades of soothing blues. This box is number 8 in my Inspiration Box series. I haven't done one in over 2 years, but hopefully will work on them more frequently again. Life and work always seem to get in the way. Now there's a category on the right column so you can click to see them all. They are all based on monochromatic palettes. This one features soft, gray blues (fluffy vintage flowers) to darker blues (velvet flowers). I see it as a study in texture and hue. That's the name of the game for me and why I do them. It's a sophisticated approach to wedding reception or bridal party color. Nail polish is Oscar de la Renta's signature bridal blue. Vintage silk flowers were found at Elephant Props and wide ribbon is from Hyman Hendler. Cotton print fabric is from Hen House Linens. Silk fabric swatch is from Mood. Favor bag of tree branch buttons was purchased on Etsy years ago. That polka dot feather—like most of my things—has been hanging around a while waiting for the right moment to be included. Photo and styling by Robin Zachary for Prop Closet.

Great Finds at Elephant Props Closing Sale

So happy to have scored some beautiful ceramic styling pieces from Elephant Ceramics * Elephant Props during their prop house closing sale. I love the textures and shapes and will use these with love! I will miss stopping by this wonderful little place but glad that many of Michele's rental items will be at Prop Workshop.

Garden Party

Butterfly and bird patterns top a rustic table. Photography by David Lazarus. Styling by Robin Zachary.

Gold Trend in Dinnerware

Just the right touch of sparkle on your table! This is a great look for every day, not just for dress up. My favorite shade of aqua complements perfectly. Dinnerware pieces from Vietri, Donna Karan Lenox, Prouna, L'Objet, Versace and more. Linens by Hen House Linens, and table cards by Ceci New York. Wallpaper by Farrow & Ball. Photography by David Lazarus. Styling by Robin Zachary for Bridal Guide Magazine.

Looking at Photo Inspiration at FIT Styling Class.

In the age of Pinterest and Tumblr and so much eye candy on the web, I still show good old fashioned pages torn out of magazines pinned to a board to my group at FIT. It's important to see the page, where the type goes and how an editorial job is created from start to finish. These pages where chosen to show examples of "theme" in styling. To see more about my class look here.

Do You Love Styling? Take a class with me!

My Spring semester styling class at FIT is filling up! That's the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. 15 weeks of creative, inspirational fun. We'll do 4 or 5 photo shoots (still-life, accessories, portrait and fashion), make mood boards, go on some styling field trips to prop houses and I'll tell you everything I know about the business of stying, art direction and photography. The course description on the FIT website really doesn't do it justice so take my word for it you will be pleased. And you don't have to be a full time FIT student to attend. My section is on Tuesday nights from 6:30-9:20, starting on January 28th and it's called Photographic Styling PH162, section 15A. You can view the course listing here. For only $350 it's really a great deal. If you have any questions, let me know. I'd love to have you! ps. Here's an excerpt from my diary entry about the first six weeks of class from a past semester. Below are some shots from previous class shoots: Fashion, Still-Life and Food. Hope to see you there!



Photos: Robin Zachary.

Martha Stewart Party Ticket Winner + More ways to win tix

Our winner has been selected, reader Jaime who wrote in her entry,

"I Love everything Martha Stewart! Our August wedding color palette is still undecided, but I am leaning towards colorful florals (think garden party)! I have not hired a wedding planner, as I have many many ideas and will do my best to make them all come to life. I would love a chance to go to Martha's wedding party for some vendor ideas and inspiration!

Way to go Jaime! I am so grateful to all of you that entered my first giveaway on Propcloset. I really loved hearing your color ideas. And I see that this is a real DIY bunch, and being fans of Martha's that makes total sense. If you want more chances to win tickets, go over to visit Holli and Robert at Wedding Podcast Network or Jackie at Merci New York and enter to win their pair of tickets. Hope to see you on Sunday!

Martha Stewart Ticket Giveaway Entries are Now Closed

Thanks to all who entered, now we are notifying the winner and will announce soon! The event is on Sunday so there is still time to win tickets from my good friends at the Wedding Podcast Network by clicking here.

Ticket Giveaway! Martha Stewart's Wedding Party!

I'm so excited to be able to offer YOU a chance to win a pair of tickets, valued at $75, to the greatest wedding event in town, Martha Stewart's Wedding Party on Sunday, January 27th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

It's a day-long showcase of flowers, cakes, jewelry, accessories, favors, invitations, wedding planners and more to get your ideas flowing! An expert panel, led by none other than Darcy Miller, Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings will include: Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty, Peter Som, Designer, BHLDN, Cake Diva Sylvia Weinstock, Claudia Hanlin from The Wedding Library and many more and will feature gowns from Kleinfeld Bridal. Here's a video from last year's event. I'm pretty sure there will be a gift bag for you too!

I'm so excited to be going to this event and hope you and a guest will join me! (You don't really have to go with me, but it would be nice to meet you!) Here's what to do: Leave a comment with answers to the following questions:

1) What is your wedding color or color palette?

2) Are you going to hire a wedding stylist or planner or one of each?

3) If you are not a bride-to-be, just say hi and tell me why you want to go.

Important!!! Be sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you. Entries will close at midnight on Wednesday, January 23rd and one winner will be selected in a random drawing and be notified on Thursday, January 24th. If you retweet this, I'll put your name in twice!

Good Luck!!

Weddings by The Ritz Carlton Deco Inspired Shoot

It's finally out! This shoot took place on August 30th in Brooklyn and it has been hard to keep this quiet for so long. Inspired by the Great Gatsby movie which who-knows-when-is-coming-out, I pulled gowns and accessories reminiscent of the era complete with feathers, beads and fur. The gowns were stunning, the jewelry was beyond luxe and the day was magical. Photographer Gustavo Marx was an absolute dream to work with. My two assistants, Dafna and Cristina were life savers and documented behind-the-scenes with their iphones to help track and credit all the merchandise. Here are some outtakes and a link to the digital issue. Enjoy!




Photography by Gustavo Marx. Fashion styling by Robin Zachary. Gowns by Jenny Packham, Rivini and Reem Acra. Jewelry by Tiffany & Co. and DeBeers. Headpieces by Jennifer Behr and Leah C. Couture Millinery.