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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.

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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!

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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.

 

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The Rebirth of Slim

Posted by November 8, 2012

Just like so many other things in life, fashion is cyclical.  It has been said that hemlines change from midi to maxi, depending on a bull-ish or bear-ish economy.  Color palettes and fashion details change from one year to the next, and it seems the eighties are back with a vengeance (hi-rise jeans, neon and cut-outs, anyone?)

 

We in Bridal Couture are exposed to a much gentler version of the fashion cycle.  We will always have our ball-gown ingenues, our classic Lace A-Line ladies and our fit-to-flare femme fatales.  But recently, we have seen a re-emergence of the slim silhouette and our brides are once again requesting to see this elegant and sophisticated silhouete.

 

Could the re-emergence of this trend be fueled by the understaed glamour of this stunning style from Marchesa?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This stunning Silk Georgette gown features pearl and crystal beading on a nude illusion layer at the shoulder. 

And of course, we can help but love this incredible gown by Rafael Cennamo:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Silk Charmeuse is manipulated into a bow detail at the back with an intricately beaded nude illusion back.

Pronovias offers the vintage-styled gown with “flapper-beaded” tulle over a Charmesue slipdress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cocoe Voci’s exclusive collection for The White Dress features style “Sophia” in Silk Charmeuse:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful from the front, but the surprise is in the back – a sheer panel of beaded lace:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember, brides, slim does not have to mean boring– my favorite case-in-point: Amanda Wakeley’s stunning AW108 with a cutaway neckline, bronze beading and layers of bronze cahin cascades:

Amanda Wakeley at The White Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Wakeley at The White Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see any of these gowns in-person, contact The White Dress at 949/723-0121 or info@thewhitedress.com.

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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.
 
 
 

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From Style Me Pretty… One of our beautiful brides!

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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

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Sunstone Winery Masquerade Shoot

Posted by June 29, 2012

The White Dress was thrilled to participate in this gorgeous shoot last week at Sunstone Winery!  The gorgeous ‘Bride’ was styled by our very own Renee Pawele and Brielle Steiner.

 

The White Dress is Orange County’s destination for couture wedding gowns from Reem Acra, Amsale, Lazaro, Jim Hjelm, Watters (pictured in the shoot) and many more.

 

Below, find the entire post from Emma & Josh Photography:

Sunstone Winery Masquerade Shoot | Santa Barbara Wedding Photography

Posted in Couture Clicks

 

What an amazing experience we had. Thursday June 21st, we headed to Sunstone Winery for a “Masquerade” themed styled shoot.  Josh and I put these shoots on for other photographers and they are called Couture Clicks.  The reasoning is simple.. we want photographers to be able to shoot for themselves and by piecing together a shoot of this magnitude it gives them an opportunity to participate in something they might not ordinarily be able to be involved with.  We do all the set up, they arrive shoot and have awesome images.

This particular shoot I had been planning for awhile. I LOVE the Masquerade theme from watching movies such as labyrinth and Phantom of the Opera.  I knew I wanted to put a modern twist on this style and the backdrop of the GORGEOUS and STUNNING Sunstone Winery was the perfect location.  Not only is it a sprawling vineyard and winery, it has a jaw dropping Tuscan Villa on site.  The owners live on the top floor but they allow the bottom to be used for events such as weddings or shoots such as this.  Anna and  Bion are so incredibly gracious and the care and details they have put into not only the winery but the Villa is 2nd to none.

For this shoot we had many models but this particular couple stuck out to me and I spent a majority of the time that I  did shoot with them.  They had just gotten engaged a few days prior so the emotion and feelings you get from these are 100% real.   They make a gorgeous couple and I am excited about the possibility of shooting their real wedding!!!

Enjoy the photos and be sure to visit the vendors who made this shoot possible, listed at the bottom!

 

Sunstone Winery Vineyards Wedding Bride and Groom photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bride and Groom photos

 

Sunstone Winery Bride and Groom photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bride and Groom photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bride and Groom photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Photography, bride and groom on balcony

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bride and Groom play pool

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bride and Groom photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bridal photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bridal photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bridal photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bridal photos

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bridal photos

 

 

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Bouquet

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding masquerade details

 

 

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Cake and Interior Decor

 

Sunstone Winery Reception area decor

 

Sunstone Winery Wedding Photography

 

Special thanks to all of our amazing vendors who worked tirelessly not only the day of the event but in planning and leading up to it.  Your participation made this event a success and we are VERY thankful for all you have done. 

Event Organizers- Emma + Josh Smith
http://coutureclicks.emmajanephotos.com/
http://www.facebook.com/emmajanephotography
http://www.facebook.com/coutureclicks
http://www.emmaandjosh.com/
818-533-1011

Event Decor, Design and Coordination – Serendipitous Events by Julia – Julia Whitley
http://www.facebook.com/julia.d.whitley
www.serendipitouseventsbyjulia.com
julia@serendipitouseventsbyjulia.com

Event Venue- Sunstone Winery
http://www.sunstonewinery.com/
Anna Rice
805-688-9463

Bride/Bridesmaid Gowns
The White Dress
http://www.thewhitedress.com/
949-723-0121
Brides-Watters “Palm Springs”
Reem Acra- “Candlelight”
Bridesmaids JLMCouture

Gary’s, Fashion Island
Suits by Hugo Boss, Armani
http://www.garysonline.com/
949.759.1622

Bridal Accessories and wardrobe styling
Renee Pawele -Renee Pawele Bride
http://www.reneepawelebride.com/

Brielle Steiner

http://www.thewhitedress.com

LightingPacific Event Lighting
http://www.pacificeventlighting.com/
1-800-757-7216

Designer Specialty Linens – Dahlia WexlerLinens and Chair rentals
310-548-5183
www.designerspecialtylinens.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designer-Specialty-Linens/174874645152

Makeup/HairASquared Makeup Artistry – Amber Artiaga562-883-0971
http://www.facebook.com/amber.artiaga
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Squared-Makeup-Artistry/300485890023456

Make Up by Theresa Marie – Theresa Marie Aguilar
310-347-5997

Hair Stylist – Sharone Patterson
span2007@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/sharone.patterson.5
http://healthyhairandme.com/

Cakes, Catering and food displays – CCK, Cakes and Catering by Karie
310-710-1201
http://www.cakesandcateringbykarie.com/

Invitation Suite – Special Letters – Diana Jo Giebler
www.specialletters.net
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Special-Letters/110110839013608
http://www.facebook.com/diana.j.giebler

Bouquets-Santa Ynez Valley FloristKathy Sechler
http://www.syvflorist.com/
1-805-688-7656

Accomodations – Meadowlark Inn – Bed and Breakfast -www.meadowlarkinnsolvang.com
800-344-9792

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An Interview with Designer Renee Pawele

Posted by June 8, 2012

On a sunny day in May of 2010, The White Dress was graced with an unexpected visit from Designer Renee Pawele.  After only a few minutes of chatting with this warm, patient and utterly talented woman, we knew she was the perfect match for the shop.

The White Dress is so fortunate to have our very own ‘in house’ accessory and veil Designer, Renee Pawele.  Even more exciting is the fact that she is an Orange County local.  You will find her at the shop most weekends, styling our brides with the perfect veil, headpiece and jewelry.  Every piece she designs is custom made-to-order and she welcomes brides to offer their input in the Designs of their bridal accessories.

Designer Renee Pawele

 

Below, Renee Pawele answers a few of her brides’ questions:

 

How did you get started designing accessories?

My career began designing wedding gowns after my own wedding. I was already experimenting with sewing jewelry filigree on gowns.  Ironically enough, I hired someone to make custom jewelry for my event and she moved away with my money, lol! Quick lesson to make my jewels and voila! I was a designer. Nordstrom was my first account as I began to build my collection.

 

Can you describe your favorite look you’ve styled?

I have to say, I am a fan of the Bret Michaels bandana on the head look…translated into exquisite french lace and jewels…LOVE!

Emma & Josh Photography; Dress: Modern Trousseau; Accessories & Styling: Renee Pawele; Hair: Kyle Dahl; Makeup: MollyMakeup

 What is the single most important accessory for your wedding day?

 Your smile! Don’t be a bridezilla!!!

 

What is the newest trend for accessories?

 Different looks throughout the wedding.  Veil on, veil off.. Change headpieces, Change the sash.. add feathers or a fascinator…

 

What is one of the more unique looks you’ve created?

I created a fabulous vintage broach bouquet for a photo shoot. A gorgeous bride put it on her head and decided it would be the perfect fascinator!

 

What should a bride budget for her accessories?

Why buy a fabulous dress and not take the same care in choosing wow accessories? Splurge on one fantastic accessory item if budget is an issue, and ask for advice from the consultants!  They know the best pieces and the best deals!

 

How can a bride incorporate a Mother or Grandmother’s veil/accessory without it looking dated?

I love reworking vintage pieces.  Mom’s headpiece can be removed from the frame to reuse the tulle or lace..Broaches or lace can be incorporated into the headpiece design.  I have attached a bride’s heirloom broach into the center of her feather flower. This is a great time to visit a trunk show when the designer is at the salon!

 

How should your bridal accessories differ from your every day accessories?

I tell brides, if you don’t like to wear your hair up, DON’T.  Like hair, your wedding accessories should incorporate elements of what you wear every day.  If you love big earrings, wear them on your wedding day.  If you love necklaces…rock them!  Don’t be afraid to wear a little bigger or more sparkly then your every day look.  It is after all, your wedding day and you are the star.  Be a more special version of yourself! And a side note: Don’t skip the veil, that is want makes you the bride!

 

Photo: PhotograpWendy; Model: Raina Hein; Styling: Renee Pawele; Assitant Stylist: Leah Sheets; Hair & Makeup Artistry: hairbysarahmarie.com

How much is too much?

When you look in the mirror and don’t feel like the most beautiful version of YOURSELF!

 

 

Call The White Dress at 949-723-0121 to arrange your personal styling appointment with Designer Renee Pawele.

 

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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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Glimpse into the Future

Posted by May 31, 2012

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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