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Let’s Play Celebrity Stylist

With the recent news that Jennifer Aniston is in full bridal-planning mode, I started wondering what I would do if she walked into the shop one afternoon.  What kind of dress to you show to a bride who has walked every red carpet and an aisle once before?  And to all of the other celebs that are engaged?

 

If the following celeb brides-to-be made an appointment to try on gowns and be styled by me, here would be my top picks:

 

Jennifer Aniston:

I can’t think of any actress who wears the bohemian look better than Ms Aniston, so my obvious choice would be the AW108 by British Designer Amanda Wakeley.  I imagine a messy side ponytail and the gorgeous Kenya headpiece by our very own Renee Pawele.

Amanda Wakeley AW108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marisa Tomei:

Everyone knows Marisa Tomei as the Oscar winning actress from “My Cousin Vinny,” though my favorite performance of hers would have to be her Seinfeld episode, as the engaged-George’s would-be girlfriend.  This lady clearly has a good sense of humor, so I would put her in a fun, flirty and girly gown, like this gorgeous style from Jim Hjelm (8230) in peach with all-over embroideries and an intermission length hem to show off some fabulous heels.  I’d add one of Renee’s French Net fascinators and a feather flower to complete the look.

Jim Hjelm 8320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia Wilde:

As a second-time bride with a low-key engagement and plenty of experience on the red carpet, I would opt for a sexy, non-traditional style for Ms. Wilde.  The “Desiree” from Cymbeline will flaunt her perfect figure and bring a bit of Parisian glamour to her nuptials.  A side-swept ponytail and Renee’s “Beaumont” headpiece would finish the sophisticated style.

Cymbeline Desiree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sofia Vergara:

A no-brainer!  I would style this gorgeous Latin beauty in body-conscious “The Roz” by Cuban-American Designer Jorge Manuel.  This Designer’s expert fit and unique piping details combine with just a bit of bling for a festive and sultry bridal look.  I’d complete her look with full, wavy hair, a crystal headband and Renee’s “Manrozen” Lace-trimmed veil.

Jorge Manuel The Roz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keira Knightly:

Ms Knightly spends enough of her time in period ball gowns and corsets, so for her wedding day, I would opt for a modern, slim silhouette while stepping up the glamour level.  Kenneth Pool’s “Brielle” gown has a gorgeous nude underlay that will complement her skin tone and hair color—whether blonde or brunette—on the big day.  Renee’s simple “Jasmine” waltz length veil in her hand-dyed “Vintage” color will be the perfect complement.

 brielle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Osborne:

Never one to be a wallflower and always colorful, Kelly Osborne is a natural for Tara LaTour’s “Ricky” gown.  The drop waist bodice will show off Kelly’s curves while the raw-edged chiffon layers embrace her edgy and spunky personality.  Designer Tara LaTour lines each gown with a unique, custom lining and hand-painting by request.  I can imagine Ms Osbourne commissioning something with familial significance!

ricky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avril Lavigne:

Perhaps this time, Ms Lavigne should opt for something less “complicated” (groan…) and opt for this sleek and sophisticated gown by Marchesa.  I would style her with minimal accessories, as the neckline of the B70809 features the most beautiful pearl and crystal embellishments.  Perhaps a big pair of diamond studs at the ears and a slick, low chignon; Avril’s edgy look will balance the conservative styling.

Marchesa B70809

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So ladies, give your celebrity stylist a day off and come visit me at The White Dress!  I will get you kitted out with the perfect gown and accessories and ready to ‘wow’ your grooms!  (Non-celebrities are also welcome!)

 

 

 

 

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An Interview with Bridal Designer Angel Rivera

The White Dress is thrilled to discover an nurture new talent, and Angel Rivera is one of the hottest up-and-coming Designers the bridal world has seen in some time.  While his gorgeous, timeless gowns speak for themselves, we thought we’d give Angel a chance to share a bit more about himself and is collection…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrie:  How did you get into fashion, and more specifically, why did you choose bridal?

Angel:  As a child, I had an innate desire to create beautiful things. I was obsessed with fashion, and when I was old enough, I began to dress and accessorize my sisters for all kinds of occasions. But it was bridal that really caught my attention. My mother would take us to the flower park in Ohio and I would see all of the brides taking photos in their gowns on their wedding day.  They were so happy and always looked amazing.   I think a wedding dress is the most important garment a woman will ever wear, and one that she will always remember and treasure and this is why I do bridal.

 

Carrie:  I always hear brides saying they want to look “timeless” on their bog day.  What makes a wedding gown timeless?

Angel:  I believe the silhouette is what makes a gown timeless and then include a touch of drama to the gown to give it just enough detail.  You’ll look back years down the road and still love the gown!

 

Carrie:  Who is the ideal Angel Rivera bride?

Angel:  The ideal Angel Rivera bride is a girl who wants a contemporary take on classic romance, and wants just enough detail on the gown to give it drama!

 

Carrie:  There are a lot of Designers out there, and yet your name is among the most ‘buzzed-about.’  What makes your product unique?

Angel:  What make my gowns unique is that they embody sophistication and glamour, with dramatic silhouettes that flawlessly flatter the female figure. Then I combine luxurious silks with couture construction to create ultra-feminine pieces layered with nostalgia, charm and luxury.  It all begins with a sketch that is brought to life through expert pattern making, draping and fitting.

 

Carrie:  Who is your all-time favorite ‘celebrity’ bride?

Angel:  My all time favorite Celebrity bride I would have to say is Jacqueline Kennedy!  Her beautiful ball gown was just perfect!  It had a flattering silhouette but the details the gown had were just timeless!  That gown would work just perfectly for a bride today!

Carrie:  It’s time for Sophie’s Choice;  Of all of your collections, which gowns are the most special to you?

Angel:  This question is a hard one!  I find all of my gowns special!  They are like children to me!  I love them all equally and I have put the same amount of time and effort into each one!  So I just can’t give name one or two gowns!

 

Carrie:  What celebrity do you dream of dressing on her wedding day?

Angel:  Sofia Vergara!

 

Carrie:  What is your fantasy fashion item?  That one item that, when added to your wardrobe, would make your life complete?

Angel:  My fantasy fashion item would be a outfit completely designed and made for me by the great Alexander McQueen!  I would just love to see what he would create for me!  I always found him remarkable!

As for what I would create for a fantasy fashion item?  I would have to say I would love to create a bridal gown made of the purest silk with precious stones such as diamonds and rubies!!!  I know it’s crazy! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brides, now that you’ve read about Angel Rivera, get ready for your chance to meet him in person and view his Fall 2013 Collection at The White Dress!  Angel will be available to meet one-on-one with our brides January 18-20.  Call 949.723.0121 today for your appointment.

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Who is Victor Harper?

Our gowns from “Victor Harper” have arrived and we are beyond excited!  Made of the finest fabrics, featuring the most stunning beadwork and embellishments and offering a fit beyond compare, you may notice something vaguely familiar about the Designer.  In fact, he is no stranger to the world of Bridal Couture, having designed under some of the most well-known names.

 

So… who is “Victor Harper?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From his own website:

About Victor Harper Couture

Inspired by the musings of feminine sophistication, elegance and sensuality, the Victor Harper Collection weaves together glamour, refinement and drama in perfect silhouettes to mold and flatter the body… Victor Harper Couture

Inspired by the musings of feminine sophistication, elegance and sensuality, the Victor Harper Collection weaves together glamour, refinement and drama in perfect silhouettes to mold and flatter the body. The collection offers bridal gowns in an assortment of exclusive fabrics that include Silk Satins, Mikado and Organza. Each style is embellished with beading and embroidery patterns that are hand drawn by the designer and crafted in an array of Austrian crystals, pearls and trims unique to the Victor Harper Collection. The styles are available in domestic and international bridal salons renowned for their superior service and polished reputation. The Victor Harper Collection offers the perfect gown for the bride who possesses a distinguished taste for beauty, glamour and quality.

Victor Harper Designer Bio

Widely recognized in the American fashion industry as a veritable master, the designer of Victor Harper possesses nearly 3 decades of creating evening and bridal collections for some of the most revered design houses in the country. After graduating from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, our designer expanded his horizon by relocating to the West Coast to begin his career designing luxury day and evening wear for an affluent and sophisticated clientele.

 

Our designer then returned to New York to design for several years at Bill Blass before moving to Arnold Scaasi where he first ventured into bridal design. While at Scaasi our designer was approached by Vera Wang where he designed both bridal and evening wear for over 7 years and had the opportunity to work with Sharon Stone, Holly Hunter, Mariah Carey and countless social luminaries including the impeccable Barbara Davis. Following his time with Vera Wang our designer accepted a role to design for Reem Acra where his style of luxurious extravagance was realized through intricate hand-drawn jeweled beading and embroidery patterns.

His glamorous, figure-flattering silhouettes were sought after by brides globally, inspiring the Amsale company to approach our designer and offer him a position to design a collection under his own name. He has not been affiliated with that collection or with Amsale for 5 years.

 

From the Amsale company our designer went on to design the Platinum Collection for Priscilla of Boston. The Platinum collection was known for its lavish designs of regal embellishments and fine silks that catered to confident and stylish brides-to-be.

 

At the news of Priscilla of Boston closing its doors after 65 years our designer was asked to design his own collection with complete creative license and control. Selecting his grandfather as the label namesake, the Victor Harper Collection was introduced in April of 2012. After years of creating uniquely sumptuous evening and bridal wear for discerning clients all over the world this iconic designer has given us another chance to spoil ourselves in his world of unrestrained opulence with the Victor Harper Collection.

 

 

We look forward to showing off the latest creations from this incredible Designer!

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Your Bridesmaids’ Dilemmas – Answered!

My fiancé is inviting half his fraternity pledge class to be in our wedding (about 12 guys!)  I don’t have twelve close friends to be my bridesmaids.  Do we have to do an even number?

There is no hard and fast rule requiring you to have an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.  I was in a wedding not long ago in which I was escorted up the aisle by two groomsmen—It was certainly a treat!  If the symmetry is really bothering you, why don’t you and the Fiance consider having 6 groomsmen and 6 Ushers, who will sit during the Ceremony?  Ultimately, all eyes will be on you.  Don’t feel that you have to include others in your bridal party just to even out the numbers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My six bridesmaids represent every single body shape imaginable.  Is there a universally flattering look for all of them? 

The A-Line skit is the universally flattering shape.  As far as necklines, A V-neck that isn’t too low or a straight across strapless are always flattering.  Another thought—why not pick a specific Designer, color, fabric and length and allow your bridesmaids to choose styles that will be most comfortable for you.  Amsale and Watters are just two of the many Designers that offer these kinds of options.

 

So far, I haven’t been able to get my bridesmaids to agree on a dress.  We have gone to several places and a fight breaks out each time—what do I do? 

It’s time for you to take control.  Remember, this is your wedding!  As women, we take a universal oath at birth that goes like this: “I will wear whatever you want me to for YOUR  wedding.  You will wear whatever I want you to for MY wedding.”  If you have a bridesmaid who is especially combative, you may want to speak with her privately.  Perhaps she has a conflict with the pre-wedding activities, or a financial conflict, and is looking for a way out.  If you have your heart set on a style that your ladies flat-out object to, but you have spent your whole life planning the robin’s egg blue satin ball gowns with the hoop-skirt and leg of mutton sleeves, you may have to suck it up and pay for the dress yourself.  There is absolutely no way you could ever convince your girls that they’d wear the dress again.

Bridesmiad "Don't"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do all of my bridesmaids have to wear the same color?  I’m kind of bored with the cookie-cutter look.

Multi-colored bridal parties have become increasingly popular and can look spectacular – but proceed with caution!  I recently saw a bridal party in Truffle, Vanilla and Blush.  The concept was pretty, but the result looked a lot like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country singer Miranda Lambert received much attention for her shabby-chic-inspired bridal party, combining patterns and solids with cowboy boots. 

Courtesy People Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The key to executing this look?  Keep the dresses the same length and use similar fabrications—Miranda’s girls are wearing Cotton dresses.  To achieve a similar look, pick a color palette, length and fabrication.  This look works best for a casual wedding—a rustic barn setting or a laid-back garden feel.

 

My sister is my Maid of Honor and I really want to set her apart from the rest of my bridal party.  Any suggestions?

 

One of my favorite brides in recent memory wanted to feature her maid of honor by having her wear the same style of dress, but in a complimentary color.  I love how it turned out!  Just be sure the dress has some relevance to the others–you certainly don’t want it to look like she was a last minute addition!

 

 

Another idea is to add something to your maid of honor’s dress to make her stand out—try adding a sash or a brooch.  If you are fashion-forward, why not have your maid of honor wear a custom fascinator?

 

My best friend is a guy.  Should he be on my fiancé’s side? 

 

If he’s your best friend, he should be on your side.  In modern parlance, he is referred to as a “Man of Honor” or a “BridesMan.”  Similarly, a female in the Groom’s party is a “Groomswoman” or “Best Woman.”  Dress your Man of Honor in a suit to coordinate with the other gentlemen and a tie from the fabric of the Bridesmaids’ dresses.  A Groomswoman could wear the same dress as the Bridesmaids, but in a color to coordinate with the Men.

 

Feel free to contact us with any of your other Bridesmaids’ Dilemmas!  The Bridesmaid Lounge at The White Dress has the largets selection of Bridesmaids’ dresses in Orange County — over 450 dresses for your bridal party to choose from.  Schedule your appointment today at 949-723-0121.

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A Glimpse into the Future

On of the fun parts of being privy to the fashion world is the opportunity to see what the future will look like.  We are able to view the trends for the year ahead, the hottest bridesmaids’ colors and the newest accessory concepts well before these looks will make their way into the shop.  We also get access to upcoming lottery numbers, sports scores, weather reports and my dating future.   Scratch that last part–that is ony in my dreams.

 

Our trip to New York’s Bridal Fashion Week last month resulted in finding some of the most exquisite gowns we have seen in recent years.  It’s absolute torture to wait for these new gowns to arrive, so I thought we would give you a sneak peek at what the Spring 2013 Collections will look like in our shop!

 

A Veteran Designer with a new name appeared on the scene.  We are crazy about the Victor Harper Bridal Collection.

John Aquino

 

Reem Acra always amazes us with her incredible fabrics and some of the best draping I have ever seen.

Thomas Iannacone
 
Red-Carpet and Celebrity favorite Marchesa will be joining our roster of incredible Designers.
George Chinsee  
As will Colombian Designer Francesca Miranda.  Any bride wearing hthis gown must take pictures while playing croquet.
 
 
This perfectly-tailored gown from Rafael Cennamo is perfect for a refined, meticulous, contemporary bride.
via WWD 
 
British Designer Amanda Wakeley is another welcome addition to our assortment.  I’m amazed at how much structure there is in this totally effortless gown.
George Chinsee
 
Last, a sneak peek at a truly magnificent creation from Lazaro.  On the runway, there was an audible gasp when the model walked the ramp in this amazing gown.
John Aquino 
We can’t wait for these gowns to begin arriving!  We’ve seen the future… and it looks gorgeous!

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