Happy Holidays!

Save Yourself One Holiday Headache with Netbride

Many people don’t realize that the start of the busy season for ordering wedding gowns and bridesmaids coincides with the holiday shopping season and then the holidays themselves. To get those gorgeous gowns in time for early summer weddings, now is the time when many people want or need to order to avoid any issues with delivery (most factories will have an increase in lead time around the Chinese New Year). With everybody out and about trying to find the perfect gift and/or perfect gown, it can really be crazy out there. Netbride saves you money year round, but this time of year, it also saves your sanity. Here are six ways Netbride saves you from stressing:

1) If money is tight, we offer a payment plan where you can pay half the order total now, and then the other half before the dresses ship. We only charge $10 to do the payment plan.

2) You don't have to try to round up your bridesmaids to get them into the store with you- they can each get measured on their own and then look at our size charts online to select a size.

3)You can order just about everything you need through our site: gowns, shoes, veils, accessories- you don't have to run around to 4 different stores to find what you want. And once it's ordered, you can keep tabs on everything in just one place.

4) You don't have to wonder about who you're doing business with- we're not some teeny shop that could close at the drop of a hat, or a huge chain that couldn't care less about you. We're big enough that you can feel secure, but small enough that you will feel special.We're a family owned business that's been around for years, and we take pride in our customer service. Our reputation is stellar, and we've been around a long time- I won't bore you with the details here, you can read them at our site.

5) We put everything you need to know to order on the site, so you can check everything out and get in touch with us with questions. To make things even easier, most week days during business hours we have someone online who you can contact via the chat feature on our site.

New Styles from Levkoff

Levkoff has their new spring styles up on their website, and there are some super cute ones- they are in the regular Bill Levkoff collection. Some are reminiscent of Watter and Watters and Bari Jay- two of my faves, maybe that's why I'm a fan of these. Price sheets are in the mail, so if you're asking for quotes don't be shocked if it's a little slower since we have to call in for the next week or so until all our info comes.

Here's the site: http://www.billlevkoff.com

Julietta: The Best Plus Size Line Ever!

Mori Lee makes the most fabulous plus size line out there, in my opinion. It is called “Julietta” and I love it. It is super classy, elegant, and the dresses just have really great lines. They have a variety of shapes, and while most dresses have some beading they tend not to be too over the top. And since it’s Mori Lee, the price is extremely reasonable, the quality is great, and so you can look fabulous without killing your budget. And since the line is a plus size line, there are no size charges on top of the price you are paying for the dress that you have to worry about. Another nice feature is that the standard hollow to hem on these dresses, like regular Mori Lee- is a little longer than most designers. For Julietta it is actually 61.5 inches. So no worries about needing extra length either.

Here is a link to the site:
http://www.morilee.com/Bridals/Julietta/

Also, here is my favorite gown: Style 3032
http://www.morilee.com/Bridals/Julietta/dressint.php?idves=3032&idcat=1&bsel=&npic=3&idscat=12&numPagina=2&npag2=2&imac=6

Check it Out!: Jordan Sweet Beginnings L400

This is my new favorite flowergirl dress. I know it's not for everyone, but with all the great ruffled wedding gowns styles out now, this is a fun option that any little girl will adore wearing. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors!

Here is a link to the Jordan site for more info:
http://www.jordanfashions.com/ShowDressDetail.aspx?collectionid=6&dressid=1119&photoid=25988

As Seen In….

In the November/December issue of Brides magazine, an Allure gown is featured on page 80 in the section on cleavage enhancing dresses. It is available either in Satin Back Taffeta as style 8666, or in Dupioni Silk as 8666SS. Here are two links to the two different versions with descriptions on Allure’s site.

http://www.allurebridals.com/index.php?id=3&product_id=7
http://www.allurebridals.com/index.php?id=3&product_id=6


Here is a the link to get a quote:
http://www.netbride.com/bridal-price-quote.htm

Forever Yours: Five Reasons Why We’re Happy They’re Ours Again

We are now carry Forever Yours Bridesmaids and Wedding gowns once more (Note: We do not carry their Informal Wedding gowns or any other lines such as Mothers, etc.) , and we are very excited. Here are Five reasons to check out Forever Yours if you haven’t done so:

1) There are NO SIZE CHARGES for Wedding gowns or Maids. Their size chart also goes up to a 30. Most designers charge for sizes 18 and up, and sometimes these charges can be $50 or more for maids, and in the $100’s for wedding gowns.
2) They make junior maids styles to match almost every bridesmaids dress.
3) Their bridesmaids dresses for the most part come in a ton of colors. Slinky Satin is the only fabric that is a little more limited as far as choices.
4) If you’re looking to do some color in your wedding gown, on dresses with colored trim you can usually get any bridesmaids satin color, which means 66 different options!
5) They have a selction of jackets for both bridal and bridesmaids.

To find reasons of your own to love this line, check them out:

http://www.foreverbridals.com/
The picture above is of style 45121 from the Fantasy Bridals collection.

Jackets Part III: Offerings from Eden Bridals

Eden has some super cute newer jacket styles, as well as some plainer carryover options. There wasn’t a photo I could get, but below is a link to my favorite: style J1015. It looks really couture and fun. Eden also makes bridesmaids jackets, so if you want something really simple, you could check those out as well. The maids jackets will be a little less expensive too, which is always a bonus! Below is a link to my favorite little jacket, and also to the Eden site. You’ll find the jackets under the accessories area. Happy Shopping!

http://www.edenbridals.com/j1015-p-1657.html

http://www.edenbridals.com

Jackets: Part II

Mori Lee is one of the best designers out there as style and value for the price, and their new jacket options for Spring 2010 stay true to this trend. They’re pretty simple for the most part and so could work well with many different styles, and while each style only comes in one fabric, they use a different fabric for each style.
Here are links to each style: on Mori Lee’s site:

http://www.morilee.com/dressint.php?idves=35044&idcat=1&idscat=1
http://www.morilee.com/dressint.php?idves=35043&idcat=1&idscat=1
http://www.morilee.com/dressint.php?idves=35041&idcat=1&idscat=1
http://www.morilee.com/dressint.php?idves=35042&idcat=1&idscat=1

Jackets for Wedding Gowns: Part 1

Looking for a Jacket to go with your gorgeous gown? Over the next few weeks, I’ll post some different ideas and options that Netbride offers.

Private Label by G makes a line of jackets that are designed specifically for wedding gowns. They have different sleeve lengths and designs. These are going to be at a higher price point since they are specifically for wedding gowns. The picture is of one of the styles they make. To look at others, check out Private Label’s website:

http://www.privatelabelbyg.com/

Affordable Modest Wedding Gowns

Whether it’s for personal comfort, religious reasons, or cultural tradition, many brides need a gown that shows them off without showing too much skin. Some specialty stores and sites try to cater to this need, but their prices are often on the high side. Never fear, Netbride is here! We carry some great lines that have modest options, or if you fall for a gown that needs some adjustments in order to be suitable, the money you save with us will help to cover your alterations.

Depending on what type of modest cut you require: high neckline, covered shoulders, sleeves, or all of the above, your options are a little different. It seems odd to say, but one thing I would advise is not to rule out strapless. For one thing, then you have a lot more options, and many strapless dresses have reasonably high necklines. Some designers have the option to add sleeves or cap sleeves, or a seamstress can make a sleeve for you as well. Also, if you need to be modest just for the ceremony but can do anything you want for the reception, if you do a detachable sleeve then you can take it off later.

The modest line we carry is from Venus Bridals, their site is: www.venusbridal.com

One designer we carry that can add cap sleeves to most gowns is Ginza/Private Label by G.

Most designers will have some dresses that have modest features, you just have to sift through, which takes time. I’ve gone through dresses by one designer we carry, Eden, the links below are to dresses that all have either wider straps or some kind of sleeve.

http://www.edenbridals.com/5098-p-1474.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/5080-p-1319.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/5073a-p-1310.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/5073b-p-1311.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/5063-p-1194.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/5027-p-634.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/5004-p-368.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/2335-p-1458.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/2323-p-1446.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/2296-p-1381.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/2281a-p-1262.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/2249-p-1166.html
http://www.edenbridals.com/2148-p-277.html

Color Trends for 2010

Color Trends for 2010

According to one website, here are some of the top color choices for the upcoming year:

TIFFANY BLUE

AQUA BLUE

ROYAL BLUE

LIME GREEN

SANGRIA / DARK RASPBERRY

CORAL

WATERMELON

PURPLE

CHOCOLATE / MOCHA

BLACK + WHITE


I was a little surprised not to see Grey, or Charcoal Grey/ Platinum as one of the colors- I have many brides looking for these colors. Blues, Purples, and Greys are the big colors right now in my experience.


The color list above, and some other ideas as well are at: http://www.mypersonalartist.com/weddingcolors2.html

Also, check out this palette generator: http://www.colorschemer.com/schemes/

Also, this is a really cool article about what different colors can mean: http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-themes/themes-by-color/meanings-of-colors-in-weddings/

Pick of the Week: Bari Jay 640

Looking for a dress with a great unexpected detail? The front of this gown is very simple and elegant, with a little brooch that keeps it from being blah. But then in back, a cascade of narrow ruffles adds flair and fabulosity. I love it because it’s simple and classic, but the back detail makes it really fun to wear and special without being over the top.

Check it out on Bari Jay's site: http://barijay.com/style.php?coll=barijay&showid=663.

Finding Your Style

Your wedding is all about expressing who you are as a couple. Here is a quiz I thought was kind of cool. To take the quiz you have to go down on the page a little bit. Have fun!



http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/findyourstyle/landing/

Under Where?

Many brides I work with have questions about undergarments- what kind to wear, where to get them, do they need a slip… I’ll try to address the most common ones I get, and then if you have others feel free to put them in a comment and I’ll do my best!

Q: What kind of bra should I wear?

A: If you can go without it, then go without! Many gowns have enough boning in the bodice that you will not need additional support. If you don’t quite fill out the top or need a little “oomph”, your seamstress can sew in cups. If you’re on the opposite side and wearing something with thin material/ very little structure, if you can go with a cup sewn in that’s best as well, or those stick on cups can work. Basically, less is more. If you do need the extra support, make sure that wherever the boning ends works with the lines of your gown- usually you'll want it to be a traditional strapless that ends under the bust line, or something that goes all the way down to whever the waistline of your gown is and possibly below.

Q: What kind of slip/crinoline should I wear?

A: This is one I get a lot, and really the answer is: one that makes the skirt as full as you want it. Skirt fullness is a personal preference- some people want the fullest, most princess-like pouf they can get, and others just want a little extra fluff. Most gown skirts come with some crinoline in them, so unless you want a fuller look you won’t need to wear a slip. To check out the slips netbride carries, go to: http://netbride.com/wedding-slips-crinolines/index.php. Also, we can order from a company called undercover if these options don’t seem quite right. Here is their site. http://www.undercoverbridal.com/

I also sometimes get questions about strapless bras and spanx, but we don’t carry anything in that line so I’m not an expert. Bras are something you really need to try on most of the time, but you can order things online. There are also tons of variations of spanx: less expensive versions, more expensive versions, you name it. The main thing you want to do (and sorry if I'm captain obvious here, but not everyone thinks of these things) is get everything far enough in advance so you can make sure it’ll work and take it to your fittings.

Choosing Your Colors

I was going to write something about how you might go about selecting your wedding colors, and in researching I found this article, which is pretty fabulous. It has a lot of great ideas to help you think through what you really want. I hope this is helpful!

http://www.favorideas.com/learn-about/wedding-planning/choosing-your-wedding-colors/

Check it Out!: Bari Jay Style 641

Looking for a flowing style with a fun detail? Check out this one shoulder gown from Bari Jay. The shoulder strap is optional, but I think it makes the dress. It is also available in maternity sizing (this costs extra, the fee is on the size chart for this designer on our website).

For more views/info on the dress: http://barijay.com/style.php?coll=barijay&showid=666

For a price quote: http://netbride.com/bridal-price-quote.htm

Want to Customize? Accesorize!

Want to have each bridesmaid look a little different without the hassle of finding different dress styles that coordinate? Choose a very simple gown and have each girl do a different chunky necklace. Keep their flowers on the simple side as well if you do this- the necklace is the focal point. There are several ways you could go about it : have each girl find her own unique piece that’s in keeping with the overall look, find several different types of necklace that layer well and then combine them in different ways for each girl to keep them similar, shop together, have the necklace be a surprise… However you work it out, it’s a great look that will leave your bridesmaids with an accessory they’ll love.

A cute style that could work for this look is Bill L evkoff 384- you could do a longer style as well, but this one is short with a really fun shape and great texture. The link is below:

http://www.billlevkoff.com/#/9/bill-levkoff-bridesmaid-dresses/bridesmaid-dress-style-384/1202/

It’s not just what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

I love looking at photos in magazines where you cancompare two celebrities wearing the same dress or outfit and see the poll results for who looked better. Sometimes it’s just about popularity, but I don’t think the exercise is totally frivolous. Usually both women are beautiful, fabulous bodies, highly styled, the whole nine yards. But the way each person wears it makes a difference, and I’m not just talking accessories. Here are some things to think about so that once you’ve got that gorgeous gown you make the most of it.

1) Posture: No need to be stiff and starchy, but try to stand up straight and hold your head up, keeping the shoulders back but relaxed. Think of keeping your torso open- you’ll look confident and also more welcoming to your guests. You’ll also look thinner if you have good posture, which we all want.

2) Alterations: I feel like I harp on this sometimes, but it is SO crucial. Make sure that gown is perfectly fitted, and you will look well put together with minimal effort in other areas. A poorly fitted gown, and you might as well put your hair in pigtails and thow on a hoodie over it- the effect is ruined.

3) Attitude: Everyone looks better when they smile. Even if you feel like pulling your hair out, or running and hiding from all the attention, try to keep a sense of humor and not sweat it. Reality TV is all very well, but in reality, no one wants to see an out of sorts bride. Do you want to be remembered as that bride who looked so stressed out, or that bride who looked so lovely and had a smile for everyone?

4) Focus on what matters: Once you are ready, do not look in a mirror again if you can avoid it. Do not fidget with your hair or your dress. Have a few people you really trust promise to let you know when you need to touch up, and then forget about how you look. Enjoy the day, be confident that you are looking good, and you absolutely will be.

5) Be yourself. This day is all about you and your sweetie, so don’t worry about what you should do or say or what’s expected. It’s your day, so just enjoy it!

Too Much Tea?

A customer I was working with the other day remarked on how sick she was of tea length dresses, that every wedding she had been to lately had tea or knee length gowns. It’s very true that tea length, knee length, and even above the knee gowns have been growing in popularity for some time, and while many brides still want floor length, more are going for a shorter length. This trend makes a lot of sense for financial reasons- tea length gowns will tend to be slightly less expensive, although there is still a range and designer and fabric determine the price more than length, and the likelihood of wearing a shorter dress again is always greater. But I wonder, is it now true that to be different, floor length is the way to go? It used to be that people had a hard time with shorter lengths, but now it’s almost the new standard. I don’t know if I’d say tea/knee length is overdone, because it works so well in so many contexts, but I’d be interested to hear what people think- is floor length the way to stand out from the crowd?

Bridesmen and Groomsladies!

Just in case you didn’t know, it is now totally acceptable to have members of the opposite sex stand up on either side. Really, everyone who is standing up as an attendant is there in support of both of you, so who cares if all the men or women are together or not? Just make sure the men are all in the same tux, and that the women are either in the same dress or very similar. I was even reading that it’s not necessary to have even numbers- gasp! It makes so much sense it’s almost scary- why not just have the people you really want to stand up with you, and not worry about numbers or evening everything out. You may have to get a little creative for pictures, but that’s a minor detail. Anyone have stories/thoughts about less traditional wedding parties/configurations? I’d love to hear from you!

How to Look Expensive

You don't need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Here are a few tips to help you up the ante of your ensemble even on a budget.

1) Wear ivory. It looks richer than white in most fabrics, and is also best for most skin tones. If you can't do an ivory, try diamond white - it's softer than white and most people cannot tell the difference unless it's next to a bright white.

2) Wear a dress with good lines that fits well. Most high-end designers’ gowns are fairly simple, so often less is more, and a flattering cut is the most important element of a gown.

3) Keep your hair simple and elegant. Skip the tiara and opt for a flower or clip headpiece worn to the side.

4) Wear a long, simple veil. It’s classic and gives you a lovely long line in the back.

5) For jewelry, either keep it simple and understated, or go for one or two great statement pieces, like a chunky necklace or cuff. In other words, classic, or couture. Vintage pieces are always great as well.

6) Have good posture- keep your shoulders back and your head up, and you'll instantly look more poised and set off whatever you're wearing. How you wear is just as important as what you wear.

Pick of the Week: Bill Levkoff Style 370

Here’s a link to a cute new style from Levkoff. Haven’t seen the sample in person yet, but this looks like a babydoll done right: the bust is nice and fitted with flattering drapes, the skirt is full but still has a lot of shape, and it has pockets!
Also, it's in Levkoff's Euro Satin which has a nice range of colof options.

I’d love to hear thoughts from anyone who tries it on in person.

http://www.billlevkoff.com/#/9/bill-levkoff-bridesmaid-dresses/bridesmaid-dress-style-370/1188/

Have a Ball... Gown!

Ball gowns are big this season (well, I guess they’re always technically big, but you know what I mean). In particular, ball gowns with a natural waist. It’s a classic shape that is fabulous, romantic, and has that “certain sort of something”, as they say.

Here are few styles to check out.

Mori Lee Style 2401: http://www.morilee.com/DressDetail.aspx?C=1&D=2401&P=1
Mori Lee Style 2415: http://www.morilee.com/DressDetail.aspx?C=1&D=2415&P=1
Eden Bridals Style 2320 (this one has pickups): http://www.edenbridals.com/2320-p-1443.html

Beautiful Bling!

Heavy beading is hot right now – it’s lavish and kicks up the “wow” factor of a dress.
Check out these styles:

DaVinci 8363
http://www.davincibridal.com/catalog.php?cat=22&im_id=8&page=4 (bottom right corner)
Impression 3005 : http://www.impressionbridal.com/catalog.php?cat=22&im_id=4&page=0 (bottom right corner)
Mary’s Bridal F09 7981
http://www.marysbridal.com/bridal/7981.htm

Pucker Up!

The kiss is the high point of most wedding ceremonies. It’s the moment where you start to celebrate the fact that the deal’s been sealed, and as such it’s both solemn and joyous.
Here are some hints to help you achieve the picture perfect wedding kiss:

1) Talk to your future spouse and decide what kind of kiss you want to do. Weddings are all about blending the personal and the public. No need to overthink, but you’ll want to make sure you’re both on the same page, especially if you’re going to do something like a dip.

2) Practice! This is one part of wedding prep everyone can get excited about. If you want to keep it classy, the kiss should not last too long, and there should be no tongue involved. Put some passion in there though- no pecks on the cheek or one second wonders! Also, decide who’ll put their hands where and which way to lean. Then you won’t have to worry on the big day.

3) Watch the lipstick- either wear something that won’t smudge or rub off, or else remember to have hankie handy!

4) Don’t just go for the gold- take a moment to look into each others’ eyes before the lip lock. Waiting a bit stretches out the moment so you can enjoy it and creates a little suspense for your audience as well!

A Lecture on Lacing

There are many bridal gowns, and even a few bridesmaids gowns, out there with lace up closure in the back. It’s a fabulous detail and can look old fashioned, sexy, or classic depending on how it’s done. Here are a few things to know when working with this type of back;

1) The way most are designed, if it fits properly the edges of the lacing should be about at your shoulder blades on top and then come all the way together or very close to it at the bottom. If you want the lacing to be wider then you can sometimes go with one size smaller, but if the lacing is too wide it can look like the gown is too small. Likewise, if you want the lacing to be narrower, you could get a gown that’s a size larger and lace it a little tighter.

2) Some people think that with a lace up back you will not need alterations, but even with the flexibility the lacing gives, most people will still need a little bit of tweaking for that perfect fit.

3) While the gown should come with a modesty panel, you can have a seamstress cut it down if you want to show some skin. You can also lace it every other loop if you want it to be more open- there are lots of little ways to play with the lacing and do something fun and unique.

Can Bridesmaids Wear White?

We’ve all seen it- we’ve either been there or seen pictures where some guest or sister or mother is wearing something that stands out just a little too much and looks like an attempt to upstage the bride. It’s not pretty. And I’ve never yet met a bride who wanted the attention to be on her bridesmaids and not on her. So this question seems almost like a no-brainer, right? Except, well… I think the answer is yes!

As always, the answer is really “Yes, if it’s done correctly.” For example, I saw the CUTEST picture in a recent magazine, I forget which one, where the bridesmaids were all in the same tea length ivory dress, and each had different accessories in shades of vibrant green: chunky necklaces and shoes. It was fresh and elegant and gorgeous. I’ve also seen pictures with floor length gowns, but they were very simple and the bride’s still stood out, no question. There’s something fun about the idea: bridesmaids were originally supposed to confuse potential evil spirits so in a way it’s really traditional if they’re in the same or a very similar color. Just make sure that if you’re doing ivory the two shades are complimentary.

Here's a link with a pretty picture:
http://www.rocknrollbride.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/bridesmaids.jpg

Hustle and Bustle

Have a gown with a train? Clueless about bustles? Here are some ideas and things to consider when talking to your seamstress. ( Most gowns do NOT come with a bustle in place, so you'll need to have one put in. A good seamstress will have ideas about the bustle too, but it’s nice to have thought through it a little before you go in.)

1) Security: Chances are, even with a bustle there may be just enough dress trailing behind that someone can step on it if they really want to, or catch a bit of the fabric, etc. So make sure that the bustle loops or hooks are reinforced as much as possible.
2) There are two main types of bustle: Standard and French. With a standard bustle, the train is fastened up to lay on top of the skirt. If you have a lot of detail on the train, this can be a good way to make sure that detail is still seen. The French Have bustle loops underneath the skirt. Sometimes one is clearly more appropriate than the other, in other cases it will be a matter of taste which type you prefer.
3) On gowns with a sheer or lacy overlay, it can work well to bustle the two layers separately. The underskirt can be pulled under in the French way, and then the overlay can be done in a standard bustle so that the fabric falls in soft folds. This can be a great way to show off the fabric and won’t look as bulky as it would if the both layers were done in the standard bustle.
4) If possible, bring whoever will be helping you with the train to a fitting so they can see how your bustle should work- they can get complicated! Practice before the big day so that you won’t waste any precious celebration time!

Petite, Tout de Suite!: Some Ideas for Petite Brides

I get a lot of enquiries about petite wedding gowns, so I thought I’d write a little note that might help out. Unfortunately, most designers do not do wedding gowns in petite. Two designers that DO make gowns in petite (yay!) are Eden Bridals and Venus. So, if you’d like to find a gown in petite size, those are good places to start looking. If you like gowns from designers that don’t make petite, they can still work but it can be trickier to find something with the right scale. Something with an empire or princess line, where there’s no seam right at the waist, can be easier to work with because they won’t be as likely to look like the bodice is too long (plus they’ll tend to give height). Something else to pay attention to is skirt length and shape. If you are very petite and looking at mermaid skirts for example, likely the part of the skirt that should hit at the knee will come down too low and often there is not a way to fix that issue (it depends on how the dress is constructed). Also, if the dress has a lot of detail around the hem, you can run into issues and possibly need a custom hollow to hem, so keep that in mind as well. There are quite a few Mori Lee wedding gowns that come with three different skirt lengths automatically, no extra charge, so that’s another line to check out. Happy Shopping!

The Look for Less

Looking for a lace mermaid style that’s fabulous but still budget friendly? Check out this dress from DaVinci: Style 8317. (Again, sorry it’s just a link, I can’t take the picture off the site.) Also this one from Impression: Style 2976.

http://www.davincibridal.com/catalog.php?cat=22&im_id=15&page=12

http://www.impressionbridal.com/catalog.php?cat=22&im_id=14&page=12

Junior Made: A brief guide to designers that make junior bridesmaid dresses

Finding something for a junior bridesmaid can be tricky. Not all designers make junior styles, and not all designers make junior styles to match every style they have available.
Here is a breakdown of some of the lines we carry with junior styles, and whether they make them to match most dresses, only some, etc. Most designers have a different style number for the junior style even if it matches.

Make some matching/complimentary styles, but not for all dresses:
Bari Jay, Bill Levkoff, Eden, Alexia Designs, DaVinci, Impression

Many/Most styles have matching junior styles:
Jordan, Belsoie/B2,

WaWa, the flower girl/junior line from Watters, has some styles that are junior appropriate. They don’t have a separate junior line; it’s mixed in with the flower girls.

A heads up, Dessy/After Six does NOT make junior styles, which is kind of a bummer if you ask me. They do make flower girl dresses, but most are not something an older, junior bridesmaid age girl is likely going to want to wear.

Sparkle, sparkle little bride

More and more brides these days are electing to skip the veil and just go with a beautiful headpiece, often something on the side vs. the more traditional and princess-y tiara. Your wedding is such a great chance to showcase your taste and personality, so go for something fabulous. Flowers, feathers, or a bejeweled comb- find something that makes a statement and pulls your look together.

Erica Koesler is hands down my favorite veil/ headpiece designer. Here are links to a couple of pieces I think are fabulous: one is just a barrette/brooch, the other is a set of pins. Both would work well on their own, but could be paired with a veil too.


http://www.ericakoesler.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=41&category_id=1&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1


http://www.ericakoesler.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=223&category_id=1&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Check it Out!

I wish I had a picture to upload, but all I have is a link, and here it is:

http://www.billlevkoff.com/#/9/bill-levkoff-bridesmaid-dresses/bridesmaid-dress-style-440/1172/

Reasons I love this dress:

It's tissue taffeta, which is light but still structured, and Levkoff has some really pretty colors, like "clover".
It's super fun and flattering for a variety of body types, and is a dress I would totally wear again.
A warning: the bodice on this isn't the deepest in the world, so it may not be the best choice for very busty girls.

The Empire: Is it Evil or Genius?

I'm taking a break from fabric this week- I'll finish sometime, I really will...
The empire silhouette is extremely popular of late. We’ve been seeing it in clothing and on the red carpet, but it’s in the bridal salons too- more so now than in the past few years, although the empire has been around forever. (For those who have never heard this term, an empire style gown will come in right under the bust line, and then fall from that line. There are variations- some more slim, some more full, but all are fitted right under the bust and then flow from there.)
I personally love this style- it showcases the upper body and then flows over the waist and hip area, leaving it for the most part to the imagination. If you’re slender, you’ll still look slender, and if you’re fuller figured, the gown will flow over potential problem areas. Of course this silhouette, like any, isn’t perfect for everyone and if poorly executed can look shapeless. But when done right it’s elegant, chic, and romantic. Some adore this shape and most find it to be extremely comfortable as well. Others, who may want to showcase their waist/hip area a little more, tend not to favor this style. And then sometimes I hear: “It looks like a maternity dress!” Clearly, not everyone gets fashion!
So, my vote is for genius, and I want to encourage anyone who is leaning toward this type of dress but is struggling because it is a little less traditional. Go for it! You’ll be in good company, with Greek goddesses, Jane Austen heroines, and women of good taste from Hollywood to Hyderabad.

P.S. A couple of my favorite bridesmaids gowns in this style are from Bari Jay: style 351 and 809. Wtoo makes a gorgeous lacy wedding gown called “Marquarite” that I also love.

Fabric 101: Part IIa: Common Fabrics You Should Know

This week we’ll start to look at some of the most common fabrics and their pros and cons. A couple of things to keep in mind: Any fabric can be flattering in the right cut, even clingy fabrics like charmeuse. After you’ve tried on a few disasters you’ll get an eye for what tends to enhance your shape and what to steer clear of. A lot of the rest is preference- so go for what you love!


Satin/Silk Satin: Satin is the ubiquitous bridal fabric for a reason. It has a beautiful sheen to it and some structure as well. The down side of satin is that it tends to be heavy.

Charmeuse: A lighter version of satin, it will also have a sheen to it. The good news is that it’s lighter; the bad news is that it tends to be clingy and not very forgiving.

Chiffon: Chiffon is lightweight and translucent, usually with a smooth feel. You’ll usually see it layered or ruched. Again, it’s light but can showcase flaws unless it’s done right.

Dupioni silk: This silk has a lot of texture- lines and little bumps called “slubs”. The bridal fabric is often a more refined looking, with a bit of sheen. This fabric is great because it is lightweight but still has some structure. Some people don’t like the texture, and it can tend to crease more easily.

To be continued...

Fabric 101: A Quick and Dirty Guide Part I: Synthetic vs. Silk

This guide won’t really be dirty, I just thought I’d try to make it sound a little more exciting. I don’t know how many parts there will be. This could be epic.

Many fabrics come in silk and synthetic versions, and I’ll get into different types of fabric later (example: there are silk chiffons, satins, taffetas, and so on…). This will just be quick lowdown on what the big differences are.


1) Silk is a natural fiber. This means that it breathes more, but also that it can have imperfections that are just part of the "natural beauty" of the fabric. Also, silks won’t come in a bright white for that same reason- the natural fiber cannot be bleached. Silk whites tend to be like diamond whites, and you’ll see many silks called “natural” or ivory.
2) Synthetics are man made fabrics, and are usually much more budget friendly than silks. Most people cannot tell the difference between a silk and a quality synthetic fabric and, many silk dresses will have a synthetic lining.
3) Silks can be more delicate to care for, although all bridal fabrics tend to be on the delicate side. Many silks will be marked by water droplets, although some synthetics are water sensitive as well ( most taffetas, for example).
4) Some synthetics will tend to wrinkle less easily, although this will also depend on the type of fabric (satin vs. taffeta vs. chiffon) so synthetics won’t always be easier to take care of, although this tends to be the case.
5) Most gowns that are silk will be adverised as such, so if you don't see anything saying silk, it's most likely not.

Two Looks for the Price of One: Detachable Skirts from Bari Jay!

We’ve all seen pictures of glamorous brides who have a reception dress in addition to their wedding gown. It’s fun, fashionable, and gives the bride a chance to show off her personality in two different ways. Sometimes it makes a big difference in comfort- she may have a full-skirted or very fitted gown for the wedding and then slip into something short or more suitable for dancing for the reception. Bridesmaids can have a little bit of that same fun and flexibility too, if you know where to look. Bari Jay makes some styles with detachable skirts that take you from floor to tea length, or a detachable overskirt that takes you from full skirted to fitted. Here are three links to check out these fabulous options.

http://barijay.com/style.php?style=361
http://barijay.com/style.php?style=368
http://barijay.com/style.php?style=812

I think any of these in the tea length is a fabulous little black dress, so even if you didn't use the detachable skirt feature for the wedding (although why you wouldn't I can't imagine!), the bridemaids would have a cute little black dress that they could hopefully wear again.

Stop and smell the... wedding?

A married friend had some fabulous advice that I would like to share with the world. It may sound a little obvious, but as crazy as wedding days can become, I think the more reminders to just slow down and enjoy, the better. On your special day, try to hit the “pause” button periodically. Just stop and take in the moment, dwell on the goodness, the beauty, the joy, or maybe the humor- whatever there is to savor. Try for a little “Zen” if you will: be fully present in the present moment as much as possible. For example, when you are walking down the aisle, take time to make eye contact and smile at loved ones around you. It can be tempting to just beeline for the altar while keeping your eyes on the groom, but taking note of some of the faces around to support you will enhance the moment for you and make your guests feel extra special. I could keep giving examples, but what could be a special moment will vary for each person, and the main idea is to cultivate a mindset so that you really stop to take in and enjoy to the max all the pleasures your wedding day has to offer.

Color Me Happy: Some Thoughts on Choosing your Wedding Palette

I have, on more than one occasion, had the interesting experience of trying to help a bride find a bridesmaids dress that will match her table linens. By “interesting” I really mean incredibly frustrating and difficult. Most bridesmaids dresses come in a variety of colors, but it somehow seems that once a bride has settled on an exact shade to match, finding it is always problematic. There may be only one fabric from one designer that is just right, and figuring out which it is can be a headache, plus then we are limited to the styles that come in that fabric from that designer, which the bride and bridesmaids may or may not even like. Yipes! Here are some hints to save yourself some stress as you plan your day.

1) Don’t nail down your colors for other items until you’ve looked for the bridesmaids dresses and gotten an idea of what’s out there. You may find dresses in the perfect color you were thinking of, but if this turns out to be difficult it is will be far easier to find linens or cummerbunds or whatever that will work with the dresses than vice versa.
2) Rather than choosing just two colors as the basis for your décor, pick an inspiration piece and work from that. It could be a bowl of fruit, a bouquet, a unique scarf or a plate, a handbag… there are limitless options. You will still end up with a few dominant colors, but this can help you work in interesting accents.
3) If you do end up with one or two dominant colors, rather than trying to match everything, go for various shades within the same family of those colors- this will add depth and richness to your scheme. One of the most beautiful weddings I have seen did various shades of pink from fuchsia to primrose. Yummy!
4) Your bridesmaids dresses don’t have to be in the “wedding colors” (i.e. match the invitations and the ribbons on the chairs), they just have to compliment. If you’re doing vibrant flowers, you may want your maids in a more neutral tone so the flowers really pop. Or if you’re in love with a color that doesn’t flatter anyone in your wedding party, work it in to the décor and put your girls in a color they’ll shine in.

(The first image is of a vintage scarf I could base my wedding scheme on. I’d put the the bridesmaids in black with flowers in rich oranges and pops of green- my favorite!- everywhere possible. For those of you who are not so into the vintage thing, behold this lovely photo with vibrant bouquet and more subdued bridesmaids dress.)

Strike a Pose!

You've got the gowns, hair, and makeup set?
There's something else you can't forget:
If you want great pictures of your special day,
"Practice makes perfect!" is what they all say.
So as you prepare to say "I Do"
Practice posing in front of a mirror too!

Here are a couple of links to pages with some things to think about as you smile for those cameras!

http://www.aisledash.com/2007/11/29/pose-like-a-celebrity-tips-for-perfect-photos/

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/picture-perfect-practice-posing?rsc=taxonomylist-b_fashion-and-beauty_makeup-and-hair&lnc=34d477c119b1d110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD

Preservation: A Quick Primer

Here are a few things every bride should know about taking care of her gown after the big day. You can get a lot more detail elsewhere on the web, but here are the basics.

1)If you really want it to last, go pro. Find a company with an established reputation and be sure to find out the details- what they guarantee and don’t for example.

2)Get it taken care of sooner rather than later. The faster you get the gown in, the better the chance there is of removing stains, etc.

3)Keep it clean. Even if the gown doesn’t look dirty, it may have picked up oils and dirt from the day that can yellow over time, and if it has visible stains of any kind those need to be dealt with.

4)Whatever you do, do not store it in plastic long term! The gown needs to breathe and in plastic moisture can build up over the years- not good! There are different options, but you basically want acid free paper or muslin around the gown, and then some kind of acid free or ph balanced box or container.

5)Remember, light and temperature extremes are not your friends. Under the bed or in the back of your main closet are good places to consider for your gown’s permanent home if you want to keep it happy.

Pockets- they're hot!

For once, there is a practical trend in wedding wear! For 2009 we’re seeing more dresses come in with pockets and I love it! Alfred Sung D416 is one example. Here is the info to check it out: http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/D416/ Not every designer does pockets, and not every dress from the ones that do will have them, but still, it’s good to know they’re out there, and hopefully the trend continues. I just wanted to share my excitement with the world.

Check it Out!

We have just posted a brand new video of some of the top wedding dress and bridal gown fashions for 2009. To view the video go here: http://www.netbride.com/wedding_dresses/wedding_dress_video.htm

You can also get a run sheet of the video to follow along when viewing.

Remember, the Bride is the Boss!

I don’t see many men in my line of work, but now and again fathers or brothers, and even fiancés make their way into our store. I think it’s fabulous when they come, but it can add another dimension to the dress selection process. The other evening, one gentleman took me aside and whispered: “I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing. I’m here to be the cheerleader, right? She’s got it figured out, so I shouldn’t try to have too many opinions. I should just approve her choice.” I wanted to hug him, but I refrained. I think I just laughed at the time, but what I should have said was “YES!! YES!!” So I’m saying it now. I’m not saying the groom should not have input about the wedding, but when it comes to the dresses, the bride is the boss! Most dads have this one figured out- they come in, say that everything looks nice, and are warmly supportive of their daughter’s choice. There are enough complications without adding a critical groom or dad to the mix, so ladies, let your man know that while you value his input, when it comes to the gowns what you want is the most important thing!

Short and Sweet

Tea length and knee length wedding gowns are a great option for the bride who wants to do something fabulous and different. They can work in settings other than the beach, have a ton of flair, and give you a chance to show off those legs! Top it off with a flirty veil or even a long flowy one, and you’ll be set! Check out Watters and Watters and Wtoo for some great options- in particular I love "Lola" and "Cancun." (I couldn't get pictures off their site or I would have.)