"I do"... wedding glove etiquette with Ines - part 1

We all dream of our very special day, when we get to put on that beautiful white wedding dress and say "I do" to our special person. I've also dreamed of this day... and I have every intention of including a pair of leather gloves with my wedding dress. But how are they worn? When are they removed? Do I put my wedding ring over the glove finger? Help!!!!

Here is the first in a 4-part series looking at the etiquette governing wedding gloves....

Glove style

Historically, the choice and length of your wedding gloves were a reflection of how formal your wedding and reception were and the time of day they occurred. Now, however, people are reinventing old traditions in new and unique ways. The color and style of your wedding dress gives you freedom in glove selection. Just because you're wearing white, doesn't mean your gloves have to be!

The bride pictured above is wearing a pair of Ines' My fashion fingerless driving gloves in my glossy nights. Her gown is quite ornate, and she has correctly selected a simpler pair of gloves to complement. Your goal should always be to enhance your wedding dress, rather than overwhelm your ensemble with too many accessories.

Check back tomorrow for part 2!!

Glove tools in history - what am I???

 

Any guesses??

Chopsticks??

An old-fashioned pair of scissors??

An Asian-inspired hair clip??

This unique tool is known as a glove stretcher, and was popular with women of the 19th century. Gloves were an essential accessory in this period, and were often made using kidskin leather, which is extremely soft. Gloves of this hide could prove to be rather difficult to put on, especially after being washed, when they were very snug.

A glove stretcher was inserted into the glove fingers and gently pried open. In this way, the glove fingers were expanded slightly to accommodate the fingers of the young lady who wished to don her gloves before going out.

For Ines Gloves, size DOES matter!!

While iconic actress Faye Dunaway rocked this year's red carpet at the Oscars wearing a unique pair of yellow leather gloves, she may have overlooked one of the cardinal rules of leather fashion: size DOES matter!

I applaud Faye's self-confidence in wearing such a bold accessory, and her choice of a bright yellow to offset her mostly black ensemble was a very smart choice! However, when choosing gloves for glamor, it's important to follow these rules:

1. Know your hides - leather gloves are available from Ines in a variety of hide choices. Lambskin is ultra-soft, very delicate, and thin. Calfskin is slightly thick, with a rougher texture. Peccary leather has strength, durability, and is washable. Hide choices vary depending on your fashion trend. Also, gloves may be unlined or lined with wool, silk, or fur.

2. Choose a perfect fit - Ines Gloves are known for feeling like a second skin... oh so fabulous! If you can't try on your own gloves, a good tip for sizing involves measuring around your knuckles at the base of your fingers (essentially, the widest part of your hand). If you're still not sure, Ines offers a series of stretchy leather gloves that feel like a second skin while catering to a variety of sizes.

The best fit is a glove in which your fingers reach to the tips of the glove fingers. You should be able to comfortably wiggle your fingers.

3. Opt for divine quality -  Ines prides herself on timeless elegance and superior quality. Most of her gloves are stitched with an inseam so as not to be visible from the outside. This adds strength, durability, and quality to all of her gloves.

Never be afraid to try some bold leather gloves this season. Experiment with different styles and colors to see what works best for you. I promise that if you follow my simple tips for choosing leather gloves, you are guaranteed to be red carpet-ready!

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

Here's a fashion dilemma... it's a Saturday afternoon in July, 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the shade. You have a craving to wear leather. What do you do???!!!

The solution is easy... you put on a pair of My fingerless half scoop leather gloves! These teeny-tiny gloves are very cute, elegant, and allow you to satisfy your leather craving on even the hottest of summer days! They are available in a variety of beautiful colors...

Wear them with a sundress, on horseback, in a convertible, or on the back of a motorcycle. No matter how or when you wear your fingerless half scoop leather gloves, your hands will love you!

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

This week's Ines Gloves' feature gives 2 delightfully matching items that are sure to make you stand out in a crowd this season! Living in farm country here in Alliston, I have the opportunity to see the beautiful black and white Holstein cows who are the inspiration for lots of leather fashion.

I have always been a huge fan of Ines' ultra-unique cow leather fashion bowling bag and the stylishly artistic My fashion cow hands driving gloves!



This one-of-a-kind bag is manufactured from authentic black and white calf hide, with a sexy red silk lining. While being quite fashionable, this bowling bag is also perfectly designed for the practical woman, including 2 small pouches (for cell phones) and 1 zipped pocket.

This exclusive black-and-white cow design is only available at Ines' gloveshop, and portrays the quality, care, and elegance that have come to define Ines. Those of you who are anxious to enjoy this special bag can head to our outlet shop for special pricing too!

Ines loves Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo lived a life of privacy, away from the flashes and sparkles of Hollywood. However, during her productive career in Hollywood's silent era (1920s, 1930s), she filled the spotlight with gloves long and short.

Greta was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and began what would become an illustrious acting career in 1920 with an advertisement for PUB department stores! And so began roles in various Swedish films before making the journey to New York in 1925.

You too can capture the silent elegance of Greta Garbo, with My classy peccary gloves from Ines. These gloves are soft and sophisticated, made from very exclusive peccary leather.

 
Or, if you're looking to bring forth the dramatic spirit of Greta Garbo, try a pair of My sensual shoulder high gloves in my nights. Long leather gloves are best worn with a sleeveless vest or blouse, or with a jacket with three-quarter length sleeves... don't hide your Hollywood glamour beneath a sleeve!  

The elegance of Ines... at the Olde Hide House

Nestled away in a small corner of Acton, Ontario, Canada (population: 9,704), lies a rare find indeed... an entire warehouse of leather fashion! The Olde Hide House is a truly unique shopping experience, as the entire store is housed within an historic tannery warehouse!

Beardmore & Company first opened their doors in 1899 to support the plentiful leather industry. Animal hides were shipped in via train and stored in the warehouse pictured above prior to transport to the tannery for processing. Completed leather products were also kept in this same building before being shipped to other locations for sale.

Now, over 100 years later, this historic property has been transformed into an incredible leather store, featuring leather coats, jackets, handbags, slippers, pants, and gloves for both men and women. 

When you step inside the antiquated walls of the Olde Hide House, your senses immediately become overwhelmed by the pleasant aroma of leather. A small entranceway opens up to reveal a vast display of everything leather... all items are of superior quality, made right in Canada, and are reminiscent of the elegance and style of Ines Gloves. Here's a peek at some of the amazing finds at the Olde Hide house...

What is it about the combination of black-and-white leather??? It's sleek, sensual, and very sophisticated! This jacket would look perfect paired with a splash of color, such as My fashion scoop half gloves in my fire (red).

One of my favorite aspects of the Olde Hide House is that they have a huge section of leather wear for men! They go beyond the typical black leather jacket, using different leather hides, dyes, and styles to cater to every man's taste. The jacket featured above can be dressed smartly or casually... with My man glace gloves for a classy, elegant look.

Oh, to be draped in leather! What a sensual feeling! This leather top is Canadian made from the softest of leathers, using a design that flatters the feminine figure, much like the design of Ines' My sensual indulging Gloves Bolero, which also wraps the wearer in leather and does not let go!  

Again, yet another special leather item for the man in your life! Far from just the same old black leather jacket... instead, a delightful light color for the spring/ summer season that can be accessorized with My man bare knuckles elk gloves for a unique combination of different hides to give one amazing style!

Though the town of Acton may be small, it hides a very keen sense of fashion. Visit the Olde Hide House and embark on a sensual leather experience!

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

Summer is finally here!! The convertibles are out... the tops come down, and the driving gloves are pulled on for a sunny Sunday afternoon drive! Grab a pair of My punched fashion leather driving gloves from Ines to drive in style!

These uniquely soft leather driving gloves are wonderful for adding a touch of elegance to your outfit, while being practical at the same time. They are unlined and perforated to keep your hands fashionable, yet cool.

 

My punched fashion leather driving gloves are available in 5 sensual colors all fit for summer. Grab your pair from Ines' glove shop today!

Men's leather pants... friend or foe?

If you're a Friends fan as I am, then you've probably seen the episode in which Ross decides to try on a pair of leather pants... with disastrous results.

Though this episode was funny, it gave many men the wrong impression of wearing leather pants. Keep in mind, this is comedy, designed to make people laugh. Leather pants, however, should be no laughing matter, and should be a staple piece in every man's closet.

The key to men's leather pants is carefully selecting a pair that suits your personality. There are so many different styles, all appealing to a different look, style, and personality.

Let's start with the classic men's leather trouser...

If this is your first pair of leather pants, and you're feeling a bit anxious, perhaps wear your leather pants with a collared dress shirt instead of a leather jacket. For a classic, clean ensemble, ensure your pants fit snugly without being excessively tight. Baggy trousers don't make for elegance!

Next is the clean-cut, casual leather pants...

Jake Gyllenhaal shows his casual side with a fitted pair of leather pants and T-shirt. Nothing special, nothing outrageous, but lots of smoldering sensuality.

 

 

 Brad Pitt is also no stranger to leather pants. We've seen him look all dressed up for a night on the red carpet, but this look is fantastic for an afternoon of leather fun. Again, sensual, steamy, and sexy!

Finally, is the daring rockstar...

Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale is the ultimate rockstar! Like any rocker, he loves to wear his leather pants! For a rockstar fit, your leather pants will be tight, and paired with a t-shirt or button-up shirt. You can be a little more experimental with this one... because when the spotlight's on you, it doesn't matter what you wear, it's how you wear it!

To that one special man in our lives, let's do our part to encourage him to purchase a stunning pair of leather pants. Trust me, if this happens, you won't want to be venturing too far from home!

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to wear leather gloves on your legs? To feel the sumptuous softness of lambskin? Well, now you can with My sensual oh-la-la leg gloves from Ines!

These leather stockings are the ultimate in leather fashion, and come with an adjustable garter so that it will not slip down. Elastic panels on either side of the leggings make this garment easily suitable for any size.

 



Try wearing your leg gloves in a variety of ways... paired with a skirt and tunic-style top, secretly and seductive beneath a dress, or all alone for a boudoir surprise! No matter which way you wear them, these leather leg gloves will cause heads to turn!

Even pop singer Demi Lovato shows off her leather elegance in a sexy pair of leather leggings with a long sweater and delightful leather jacket. Very rocker chic!

Be creative... be sexy... be elegant... with My sensual oh-la-la leg gloves from Ines!

Tips for cleaning your Ines gloves

Ines' unique gloves and accessories are designed to draw attention and make you feel elegant. With wearing leather comes the responsibility of cleaning it properly to ensure long life. We all love to wear our Ines gloves, but what happens when they need to be cleaned??

With these simple steps, you can be certain that your special, cherished Ines gloves will last a lifetime...

1. Using a dampened, soft paper towel, mix a small amount of leather conditioner into a lather (saddle soap can also be used in much the same way, and should be available at any store that sells equestrian products. In Canada, Home Hardware and TSC locations should carry this.).

2. Slide one glove over your hand and, using the lathered paper towel, gently rub the soap into the soiled areas of the glove. If using a leather conditioner, this can be rubbed over the entire glove to keep the leather soft, supple, and clean.

3. After waiting a brief moment, use a fresh, damp paper towel to rinse away the soap and soil.

4. Follow the same actions with the second glove.

5. Allow both gloves to air dry before returning them to their box and area of storage.

One important note of caution to my fellow leather lovers.... like our own skin, leather can be damaged if rubbed too vigorously. When cleaning, be gentle, and don't over-wet the gloves. This will keep the leather looking fresh and beautiful, without causing the color to fade.

Leather gloves are an investment in fashion and elegance. Keep your leather looking fabulous!