Real Life

Next >

Let’s Play Celebrity Stylist

Posted by March 8, 2013

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!)

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

An Interview with Bridal Designer Angel Rivera

Posted by December 6, 2012

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.

Leave a comment

Secrets for the Price-Savvy Bride

Posted by December 3, 2012

We’ve all been there, haven’t we?  Champagne taste, but a beer budget.  Loves Cashmere by wears Rayon.  Dreams of a week on the beach in Tahiti but settles for 15 minutes at the solarium.

 

Rest assured, your bridal dreams needn’t be dashed by that silly little reality we call a ‘budget.’  You can still live large on your big day without paying more for your gown than you did for your car!

 

Here are a few insider secrets to help you make the most of your wedding gown budget…

1. BUY SAMPLES.  Samples aren’t necessarily the tattered remains of a formerly beautiful gown: sad, worn and a bit threadbare.  Many samples are brand new and are simply being sold because the shop is out of space.  Picture this–one of our designers requires that we purchase a large number of samples every season in order to keep our franchise with them.  Knowing our limitations on space, what do we do?  We purchase ‘filler’ gowns that are chic, fashionable and easy to sell quickly at a reduced price.  Other ‘samples’ aren’t samples at all, but rather the result of production creating more gowns than were ordered.  A production boo-boo can be your big break!  For example, we have a Badgley Mischka “Olga” gown in a size 2 that was accidentally double-produced.  Originally priced at $6000, this brand new gown is now available at 33% off! 

2. ‘DIFFUSION’ or ‘BRIDGE’ COLLECTIONS.  Just like in the world of ready-to-wear, many Bridal Designers offer a second collection with a more moderate price point.  Armani offers Armani Prive for their couture customer, Collezzioni Armani for theri ready to wear customer and Armani Exchange for their young, aspiring customer.  Watters offers W-Too, Rosa Clara offers Two by Rosa Clara, Anne Barge offers the La Fleur collection.  In order to expand on their market shares, many of Bridal’s most popular Designers are combining their signature elements with similar silhouettes, shorter trains and less expensive fabrics to create a gorgeous, name-brand look with a less expensive price.

3. COMBINE YOUR PURCHASES for a better price.  Restaurants have the right idea– Charge $12 for the three item combo platter.  A la carte, the same three items will cost you $18.  Why not try the same concept with your accessories?  You are purchasing your gown, and you want the veil and the headpiece, too.  Use your combined purchase for a better price– you can often get a nice little discount on your accessories if you purchase them at the same time as your gown!

 

With a little research and a good eye, you’ll be sure to put together the perfect look without destroying your bridal budget!

Leave a comment

The BIG Sale is Sunday, November 18th!

Posted by November 10, 2012

“The BIG Sale”  is Sunday, November 18th – 9AM to 1PM – By Appointment

 Orange County’s Biggest Bridal Sample Sale of the Year!

 

Save 40-90% on Designer Wedding gowns by

Alvina Valenta, Amsale, Anne Barge, Christos, Jim Hjelm, Jorge Manuel, Kenneth Pool, Lazaro, Modern Trousseau, Nicole Miller, Palazzo, Pattis, Pronovias, Reem Acra, Rosa Clara, Watters, W-Too and More

 

Veils and accessories as low as $25.

 

Over 130 of our stunning sample gowns will be available for purchase.

Here is an example of just a few of the incredible samples we are offering:

 

  • Reem Acra “Forever Yours” Original Price: $4995 – Now $790 (Save 84%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Jorge Manuel “The Eridanus” Original Price: $3850 – Now $990 (Save 74%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christos “Poeme” Original Price: $5200 – Now $990 (Save 81%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosa Clara “Intuicion” Original Price: $1575 – Now $690 (Save 53%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is a Sample right for you?  Check out our informative Blog Post:

http://www.thewhitedress.com/blog/?p=135

Call or email for your appointment today.

 

Leave a comment

SEVEN BEST: Leah’s Bridesmaids’ Picks

Posted by August 16, 2012

In addition to being an expert fashion stylist with a flair for the couture and avant-garde, Leah is a Designer, herself.  Below are Leah’s Seven Best Bridesmaids Dresses:

 

LEAH:  Seven?  Only seven?  Out of over 450?  This will be tough.  But I’ll do it!

 

AMSALE G589C – This bodice has the most incredible fit.  It flatters and supports just about every figure. And the Amsale Bridesmaid’s Collection has so many styles and color options.  It’s available short, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMSALE G590C – This is a classic shape—elegant and lengthening.  The flowy fit allows for a small baby bump if one of your girls is expecting.  Amsale Bridesmaids also offers several Maternity Styles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAZARO 3227 – This dress is so cute and on-trend, I would definitely wear it again!

 

 

LELA ROSE 149 – One of my favorite chiffon dresses—the drape is beautifully executed, the shape is slimming and Lela Rose offers the most brilliant, luscious color choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALFRED SUNG D522 – A conservative neckline can still be a lot of fun.  In a bright color, this dress adds a touch of flair to an East-Coast preppy wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JIM HJELM 5161 – It’s purple, my signature color, so of course I love it!  And the one-shoulder look is just the right amount of fashion for the bridal party!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTOO 953 – This is the perfect sophisticated and sexy cocktail dress to show off your bridesmaids’ curves.  Trust me, they will want to wear this again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Bridesmaids dresses are arriving at the shop all the time!  Have fun, be creative, and remember that ‘ugly bridesmaid dresses’ are a thing of the past!

Leave a comment

Behind the Scenes (Seams?) with Jorge Manuel

Posted by August 6, 2012

Inside The Designer’s Studio

A PLACE FIT FOR CREATIVITY
It is not everyday that a designer gives you a glimpse into the world behind the dresses. The process is tedious, sometimes difficult, but mostly rewarding. Jorge Manuel invited photographer Brian Adams inside his Miami studio so that he could capture a normal day in the life of the designer. It is here where the magic for his gowns happen. Jorge Manuel believes that a beautiful dress has wonderful people behind it. “It is quite amazing coming in to work every day. I love the talented women I work with and the environment I work in. I designed my work place to reflect who I am, what my product stands for and how I expect the quality of my gowns to be. Honestly, the thought of creating makes me look forward to coming in to work everyday. After a while, it feels like being in a place where you and your friends get to hang out all day doing what you love! The rewarding part is knowing that gowns made here will dress a future bride and make her feel beautiful, timeless and chic!” Making a wedding dress takes a lot of work. Although it may appear to be simple, the work that goes into making a wedding gown is far more than meets the eye. It entails much more than just a gown in a mannequin in a store front window.
 
THE PROCESS OF MAKING A WEDDING GOWN
The process begins with an idea. A lot of research goes on behind the scenes when preparing for a collection. Most collections are actually being planned about a year prior to its release date. It can be challenging for the designer as Jorge Manuel must think ahead in fashion. A signature trait of the designer is that he themes all his collection and draws inspiration from these themes. For example, the current collection, the Nebula collection 2011, themes around the constellations and the stars. The designer researched about them and later drew inspiration to sketch his designs.
Once the designer feels convinced with the theme he then goes into the drawing board and sketches anywhere between 30-40 gowns and sometimes even as much as 70 gowns. These are then narrowed down, mix-and-matched, re-sketched until Jorge Manuel chooses the 15 gowns that will help shape his collection. Patterns are drawn and cut into muslins, a mock of the dress, where they are sewn and later approved for production. 
 
“The entire process is quite exhilarating as you just never know how the gowns will turn out. We are constantly making changes as we go along, but the end result is always a beautiful one!”
 
The process can be very specific and organization is key when bringing a collection to life. Fabrics are carefully selected, as well as colors, to ensure the vision of the designer comes to fruition. Textures, metallics, and crystals are all considered when choosing to accessorize and compliment the designs. nevertheless, it is important to know the fabrics and how they behave in order to bring the designer’s vision into tangible form.
 
Structure is perhaps one of the most challenging aspect of the process. Jorge Manuel believes that a gown without structure is an incomplete gown. “You can have the most beautiful design but if the gown does not hold up on a form then the gown is simply just a beautiful design and nothing more! It just is not functional.” Which is why the young designer takes it upon himself to visualize structure off a sketch before it even gets to the first part of the dress making process.
 
Each collection from start to finish can take anywhere between 2-3 months. 
 
 
 
THE REWARD
A Bride’s wedding dress is forever engraved in her wedding pictures. Jorge Manuel truly believes there is a magical importance to the gown. Many years from now, the bride, will someday show her children and grandchildren her beautiful wedding pictures. They will be able to look back and date her dress to current time. They will be able to look at the gown and fall in love with it just as the bride did when she wore it down the aisle. The dress is a memory that is forever engraved and cherished for a long time to come. To the designer, this fact, is perhaps one of the biggest rewards in the beautiful industry of bridal he is part of.
 
 
 

Leave a comment

From Style Me Pretty… One of our beautiful brides!

Posted by

Rancho Las Lomas wedding

Two veterinarians in love marry under the pines in Silverado, CA. It sounds like it could come straight out of a movie tagline, and this wedding is not far from silver screen perfection. When you have a stunning bride in a to.die.for Amsale gown, photography by Braedon Photography that sends us right over the moon, and a venue like Rancho Las Lomas that screams natural elegance, the result is a wedding that simply has us reeling. Take a look at even more loveliness in the gallery, right here.

Photography By / Braedon Photography
Wedding Coordination By / LVL Weddings & Events

 

 

From the Bride… Rancho Las Lomas was the only venue that we toured. It was love at first sight for me. I have always wanted to get married under the pines, but we also wanted our family from Georgia to have the opportunity to visit the beach. We were enchanted by the rustic feel of the staircase under the lush trees, and even though a ceremony had not been done there before, it was ideal for us! We loved the property at RLL; with both of us being veterinarians it was the perfect ambiance for our ceremony: animals, beautiful scenery, aged trees and a classy facility.

Hays and I have very similar taste, so the decor was actually very easy to put together. We are not fans of highly polished decor. We found our inspiration in vintage items with natural color schemes. Our wedding planner, Lindsay Longacre of LVL Events, helped us to find a fabulous vendor for vintage pieces: Found Vintage Rentals. They really made our vision a reality. From the eclectic mix of tables down to the variations in chargers and silverware — it was all that we had hoped for. We had a couple of DIY projects. I have always found myself throwing away the ceremony program, so it wasn’t a spending priority for me. Instead of allocating money towards programs, we found a frame at Home Goods, spray painted it with chalkboard paint and wrote out wedding party. Another project we worked on was shawls for the women. Even though the days are warm in September in California, we knew that it would cool off quite a bit in the canyon. Lindsay gave us an idea to provide shawls for the women: we purchased $3 fleece blankets from IKEA and cut them down the middle, then rolled them up and tied them with ribbon. They sat in baskets around the periphery of the reception area — they were perfect! I love scrabble, and I had seen some adorable ideas on Style Me Pretty for using scrabble letters in the decor. It was an idea that also fit well with our wedding style, so I made a filing system for seating cards with scrabble letters, linen and card stock. We placed the seating cards in an old library catalog drawer set. We also used some of the scrabble letters to make various signs around the venue.

It’s tough to narrow down my favorite moments. The entire day was beyond my fairytale dreams, from the moment I woke up next to my best friends, to the moment my husband and I retreated to our cottage. One of my favorite moments was walking down the aisle with my Dad, surrounded by our friends and family, anticipating pledging my love to Hays. Hays and I had an amazing time dancing! Jordan Music Entertainment was awesome, and ALL of our guests were up dancing the night away with us under beautifully lit old oak trees. It was such a dream come true! The decor and fluidity of the event was above and beyond my expectations. Lindsay Longacre made everything go so smoothly on the day of our wedding, as well as coordinating the vendors. The setting of Rancho las Lomas, the decor from Found Vintage Rentals and the incredible florals and eclectic pieces from the White Lilac created an amazing setting for a dreamy day! Jordan Music Entertainment was one of our greatest investments for the wedding! Our friends are still talking about how incredible the band was, and how awesome the wedding guests were — it was an amazing party! My husband and I had such an amazing time!

Wedding Photography: Braedon Photography / Wedding Venue: Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, California / Wedding Coordination: LVL Weddings & Events / Floral Design: White Lilac, Inc. /  Officiant: Greg Mohr of You May Kiss The Bride /  Wedding Cinematography: Plug Wedding Films /  Catering: 24 Carrots /  Wedding Cake: Simply Layered /  Wedding Invitations: Chatham & Caron / Band: Jordan Music Entertainment / DJ: DJ Tasos / Vintage Rentals: Found Vinage Rentals /  Lighting: The Event Company / Linens: La Tavola / Wedding Dress: Amsale at THE WHITE DRESS / Hair + Makeup: Flawless Faces / Accessories: RENEE PAWELE for THE WHITE DRESS

Leave a comment

Your Bridesmaids’ Dilemmas – Answered!

Posted by June 28, 2012

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.

2 Comments

A Confession from your Salon Director…

Posted by June 2, 2012

Here we are in Orange County, the land of the beautiful tans and beautiful bodies.  And here I am with a few pounds to spare and a pale complexion that makes one assume I’d be more comfortable in “Twilight” than “Beach Blanket Bingo.”  Add to this the fact that I am, and have always been, exceptionally modest.  My typical ensemble includes enough layers to guarantee a win a strip poker match, even with a losing hand every single time. 

So, of course, I am conflicted when it comes to the invasiveness of the bridal appointment.  While it is necessary for the safety of the bride and the maintenance of the gowns to help the bride in and out of each gown, I also agree that there is nothing more awkward than saying, “Hello, my name is Carrie and I will be your stylist.  Now kindly get into your bra and panties.” 

For most ladies, this is their first time disrobing in front of a total stranger whose name is not preceded by “Dr.”

Whether it is due to modesty, shyness or tattoos that have not yet been revealed to Mom, it is perfectly okay to make your stylist aware of your comfort level.  You can also be pro-active in this situation, and bring some pieces that will improve your comfort level.  Bring, or ask to borrow, a long-line corset that will cover your abdomen.  Boy shorts, bike shorts, spanx or a half slip will also keep you covered.  If you wish to cover your legs, as well, bring leggings, or ask to borrow a petticoat.  And if your modesty requires you to stay completely covered, try bringing a white, long-sleeved tee shirt to wear under the gowns.

Courtesy BrideChic

 

Most of all, if you are uncomfortable trying on gowns in front of strangers or the occasional brave male who enters the salon, let us know when you book your appointment, and consider booking your appointment on a weekday when the atmosphere is more private and relaxed.  Communication is the key–let us know what to expect and we will have a way to work with you.

And who knows.. perhaps one of these days you may find me on a pedestal next to you, trying on gowns in a full scuba suit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Buying a Sample – Smart Move or Used Dress?

Posted by May 31, 2012

Once upon a time in New York, there was a secret event that penetrated only the highest echelons of the fashion savvy.  An event so exclusive, social wars were waged, sisters disowned and friends forgotten.  This event was known as the “sample sale.”

The sample sale was a means for the Designer to rid himself of the sales samples and earn some goodwill with his clientele at the same time.

Over time, something happened and the ever-exclusive sample sale became a much wider phenomenon, attracting employees of the Designer, friends of employees and friends of friends.

Unlike Ready-to-Wear, you do not need to know someone who knows someone to get a steal on a sample.  Buying a sample is your opportunity to score a great price on a Designer gown–that is–if you know the basics of sample buying and are willing to invest a little extra to make your gown perfect.

Courtesy 123RF
Concern #1: Dress condition: Is the gown dirty?  Consider having it cleaned (if you are having it cleaned, do the cleaning first, the alterations after).  You can always ask your shop for a qualified cleaner and call for a quote.  Take a look at where the imperfections are– is it the hem, which you plan on taking up anyway?  Is the beading missing?  Ask your shop if it is possible to order a bead packet or replacement stones from the Designer.  Many Designers are happy to send replacement beading.  The same goes for buttons.  If there are tears in the fabric, ask if it is possible to replace the piece and/or panel and whether additional fabric can be ordered from the Designer.  I’ve seen many a pricey sample marked ridiculously low merely because it needed a new zipper– a minimal fix for a qualified tailor!

Concern #2: The dress is too big.  This will depend on where it is too large and how close you want it to fit.  Typically, a gown with boning can be taken down two sizes before needing major surgery.  Take a look at the number of seams in the gown–typically more seams=more room to take in.  But be realistic, as well.  Samples aren’t for everyone.   If you are a size 0 and the sample is a 10, you may end up paying more in alterations than you will for a new gown in your size.

Concern #3: The dress is too small.  Most wedding gowns contain a seam allowance of anywhere from 1/2” to 1” all around.  Keep in mind the fabric you are working with–densely woven fabric, like Satin, tends to show stitch marks, while fabrics like Taffeta and Oraganza are a bit easier to let out.  Additional fabric can often be ordered to add a panel or godet.  If the gown is two to three sizes too small, your best bet may be to add a laced corset to the back of the gown.  Again, be realistic.  If the gown is four sizes too small, you are likely better off starting with a new gown in your correct size.

Get creative!  Did you find a sample you love, and the price is incredible, but you have no way to use it?  I knew a bride who bought a sample gown from a Designer.  The gown had obviously been on a few photo shoots in exotic locations.  The seams were torn, the hem filthy and the interior destroyed.  But she loved the beaded lace appliques and the price was right.  She scored an amazing deal on the gown and used the appliques to adorn her simple veil. 

Most of all, you need to decide if a sample is right for you.  Are you okay with a few minor imperfections in lieu of a great price?  Are you ready to make a decision quickly?  (Samples typically go fast!)  Are you okay with wearing a gown that has been tried on by other brides?  If so, and  with a good eye, a good tailor and a little know-how, you can find the gown of dreams within your budget.

 

The White Dress will hold their semi-annual “Big Sale” on Saturday, July 16th and Sunday, July 17th.  We will be offering 30 minute mini-appointments, from 2-4pm Saturday and 9am-2pm Sunday.  Appointments are booking up quickly.  Call The White Dress today.  949.723.0121.

1 Comment

Next >