Sample Sale Orange County

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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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.

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Welcome to The White Dress Blog

Posted by April 23, 2012

Dear Brides, Welcome to our Blog.

We hope you will find our blog to be a fantastic place to check out the latest in fashion, bridal, accessories and more.  In the coming months, we will feature recent brides, share our photo shoots, interview our Designers, update you on upcoming events, and most importantly, provide a space for you to rest those achy bridal stilletoes while hopefully gaining a little insight and a smile to go with it.

 

We are delighted to be the premier bridal salon in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego, serving brides from all over the country. 

 

If there is something you want to talk about, let us know!  In the meantime, we invite you to join us as we indulge in our most favorite topic: All things wedding!

 

Love,

Marlis & Carrie

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