Brides, we have an exciting post for you featuring a very special guest blogger! After relocating with her husband to sunny California, our former stylist, Melanie Kluger, began working at Amy Kuschel’s studio in San Francisco. Melanie has exquisite taste and a passion for bridal so we thought it would be fun to ask her to give her personal and unique take on some of the gowns we are receiving for our Amy Kuschel event running through February 25th. Please read on and then book your spot for this spectacular affair, ring us at 860-669-4596.

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A photo of Melanie, our fabulous former stylist!

“Wow, are you brides lucky this week!  You fortunate ladies not only have the opportunity to shop at one of my favorite bridal salons, but you get the chance to try on the brand new designs of Amy Kuschel!  Amy has the unique ability to mix a vintage sensibility with a modern twist and throws in a fantastic fit to boot.  When The White Dress by the Shore mentioned that they were having a trunk show next week I thought to myself “Amy Kuschel’s 2012 collection is PERFECT for a Connecticut bride!”  I had the pleasure of working at The White Dress by the Shore before moving to the Bay Area and working for the fabulous Amy Kuschel.  Having worked both on the East Coast and West Coast I can confidently say that Amy’s designs translate famously on both coasts and beyond.  Having had a chance to visit a plethora of Connecticut’s spectacular venues, I could not think of a more perfect pairing.  I can already picture her gorgeous gowns outside on a vineyard, or at a fantastic barn.   Take it from an East Coaster who has had the privilege of seeing Amy’s dresses come to life, you have to see these gowns in person! Here are three of Amy Kuschel’s gowns that are exactly what any Connecticut bride needs to complete their look!

The first dress I would like to introduce you to is Rita.  Rita is head to toe in “Heirloom English Rose” lace with the most gorgeous deep V neckline. Amy has designed this dress to have elegant appliqued panels of lace that elongate the figure in such a flattering way.  The juxtaposition of the cap sleeves and the slit up the skirt make the dress flirty and romantic.   I also happen to be a sucker for an amazing back, which of course Rita has too! It would look so beautiful on a bride getting married at an industrial rustic Connecticut venue like The Lace Factory, but would also look equally spectacular on a vineyard.  It is definitely a chameleon gown! Oh! My absolute favorite thing about wearing Rita as your wedding gown is that you get to show off those fabulous heels!  Who could ask for anything more?!

Margaret Ann is a complete stunner.  If you are looking for sophisticated, vintage, 1940’s glamour than Margaret Ann is the ideal wedding gown you have been waiting for.  One of my favorite things about this gown is the statement it makes.   It is easy elegance at its finest.  Between the soft cowl neckline, vintage French beadwork appliqued on the straps and waist, and the fantastic sheath silhouette this dress creates the look without the need for accessorizing.  Of course, adding a glamorous headpiece or birdcage veil (The White Dress By The Shore has SO many fantastic additions) will only enhance on its flawlessness! Add a red lip, and a city venue (New Haven, Manhattan, Boston; you East Coasters have so many options!) and you should be “aisle ready” in no time!  I also adore the idea of a “modern meets rustic” venue like Saltwater Farm Vineyard.

Amy Kuschel’s Sabrina gown excites me for so many reasons!  Sabrina is offered in three different necklines.  “High Class”, “Strapless” and my personal favorite “Take the Plunge”.  The “Take the Plunge” will be available at TWD to be tried on in all her glory.  Wait until you see this flattering V neck in person! The Sabrina bride will love the dramatic trumpet silhouette with a soft tulle flare, which gives a dramatic and romantic feel.  The French Chantilly bow lace throughout the bodice is unique and playful.  While the majority of laces incorporated in wedding gowns are usually done with a floral motif, this exclusive lace is delicate and geometric.  It is so refreshing and distinctive to see such an innovative lace!!! As the “piece de resistance” to Sabrina there are playful silk georgette bows that have been artfully hand placed strategically throughout.  The luxurious candle color of this gown will compliment a Connecticut fall foliage backdrop perfectly! Sabrina “Take The Plunge” would also be a fantastic gown to wear at a destination wedding on the beach.  Such a fresh, new way to say “I do!”.

As if you weren’t already running to make an appointment at The White Dress by The Shore (really, go make an appointment now!) all of Amy Kuschel’s gowns are made by hand in San Francisco.  So, not only do you get to support the local bridal boutique, but you can support an American made company as well!  I feel so grateful to have been able to work for such trendsetting forces in the bridal world.  And I am so glad that I can share my East Coast/West Coast knowledge with you! I can’t wait to hear from the gorgeous TWD ladies about their appointments with you!”

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xoxo, TWD

image credits: photography: Steve Depino, styling: Beth Chapman, make-up: Jennie Fresa, hair: W-Salon, models: the beauty within agency,  location: The Scranton  Seashorse Inn, gowns: Modern Trousseau, jewelry: Aquinnah and Maria Elena

We are kicking off a month of Mother of the Occasion promotions with a bang! Connecticut based design house, Modern Trousseau, will be offering a 10% discount off both bridal and evening wear gowns through Sunday, March 4th!

Modern Trousseau designs are couture and customizable with coverage options for every silhouette. Designer, Callie Tein, will be on- hand Saturday and Sunday to assist you in finding a gorgeous ensemble, while Susan O’Malley of Sonas MedSpa will be offering complimentary private mini-consultations during Sunday’s appointments to ensure you look vibrant and fresh faced on the big day (click here to read our ’Ask the Experts’  interview with Dr. O’Malley)!

Modern Trousseau’s evening wear collection’s standard sizes range from 4-14 with an addition charge for non-standard sizes. The collection ranges in price  from $900-$2500 and have an average lead time of 10 weeks (although rushes are available).

Click here to see more of the evening wear collection!

If this process is new to you, please read our Frequently Asked Questions Post devoted to the mother of the bride or refer to the ‘collections‘ page of our website!

To schedule an appointment for the Modern Trousseau trunk show and to set up your mini-consultation with Dr. O’Malley, please ring us at 860.669.4596.

 xoxo, TWD

Exciting news from one of our vendors! New York based designer, Amsale, will be writing a weekly column in Huffington Post Weddings called “Ask Amsale” where she’ll answer questions and give tips for brides-to-be. Amsale’s unique background and eye for design will make this a must read each week!

Read on for her first article!

Growing up in Ethiopia, I never thought I would end up in fashion, let alone a couture bridal designer. But as I was planning my wedding in 1985, and every dress was an over-the-top ’80s creation, I found myself designing my own gown — something simple and elegant. I thought, there must be other women like me, women who want something sophisticated and “forever modern” to wear on their wedding day, something they could look back on 20 years from now and still love. And so I started designing gowns. Today, I am the designer behind the Amsale, Christos, and Kenneth Pool bridal collections, and I am fortunate to have a salon on Madison Avenue and for my gowns to be sold across the U.S. and throughout Europe and Asia.

It didn’t happen overnight, of course. But after years of hard work and many challenges, I’m one of the lucky few who can honestly say that every day, I wake up and I do what I love. To see a beaming bride walk down the aisle in one of my designs — it’s hard to describe this feeling. It’s my job to make a woman look her best on her wedding day, and I consider that an honor. These are photos that she’ll look back on forever, after all!

I’ve learned so much — not just about wedding gowns, but about brides and the wedding process itself — along the way. My experiences have truly been an education, and people always want to know the inside story. What did I think of Kate Middleton’s wedding gown? (So classic, she was such a beautiful bride). What was it like designing the gowns for the two women characters getting married on Grey’s Anatomy? (I looked at them like individual brides to stay true to each character’s personal style). What makes for a great wedding? (When the bride and groom are happy and calm, not stressed. Watching them dance and celebrate takes me back to my own wedding and how happy I was.)

I love weddings. I never tire of it all — the white, the veil, the tradition. I truly love the concept of marriage. As I design each gown, I imagine that bride: where she’s getting married, the smile on her face as she walks down the aisle, dancing at her reception. Each bride is unique, and hearing each bride’s story is something that inspires me in my work. With each bride also comes unique questions and challenges, and I enjoy sharing my advice and observations I’ve gathered over many years working with so many different brides.

In this column, I want to hear from you and help you address all of your bridal questions and concerns. Whether you’re newly engaged, about to walk down the aisle, a bridesmaid for the tenth time, the mother/sister/friend of the bride, a frequent wedding guest, or an intrigued reader–submit your questions via Twitter @huffpostwedding, and each week we’ll select several inquiries to be answered. Ask me about anything, and together I hope we can make achieving that perfect wedding day a little bit easier. I’ll see you back here next week.
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To try on Amsale’s “forever modern” styles ring us at the shop at 860.669.4596.

xoxo, TWD

All through the month of March we are celebrating Moms with a series of Mother of the Occasion Trunk shows to suit every taste and budget! Please refer to our recent post, Frequently Asked Questions: Mother’s Edition to read through everything there is to know about ordering the perfect gown for you! In addition, be sure to click the links below to learn more about the aesthetic and price point of each collection featured during this not-to-be-missed month long event.  

Modern Trousseau Eveningwear and Bridal Trunk Show
Thursday, March 1^st – Sunday, March 4^th

We are kicking off a month of Mother of the Occasion promotions with a bang! Connecticut based design house, Modern Trousseau, will be offering 10% discount off both bridal and ‘mother-of’ gowns through Sunday, March 4th! Designer, Callie Tein will be on hand to assist you in finding a gorgeous ensemble, while Susan O’Malley of Sonas MedSpa will be offering complimentary private mini-consultations to ensure you look vibrant and fresh faced on the big day (click here to read our ’Ask the Experts’  interview with Dr. O’Malley)!  Modern Trousseau gowns and ensembles range from $700-$2500 and have an average lead time of 12 weeks (although rushes are available).

Click here to see more of the collection!

 Siri Mother of the bride Trunk Show

Thursday, March 8^th – Saturday, March 10^th

Get a chance to try on an extended collection of gowns from modern, fun and elegant San Francisco based designer, Siri.  A 10% discount will be gratned off your purchase! Designs range from $450-$800 and have an average lead time of 12-15 weeks (rush options available).

Click here to see more of the collection! 

Watters & Watters  Collection 20 Trunk Show

Thursday, March 15^th -Saturday, March 17^th

Try on a bevy of beautiful mother of the occasion gowns and separates from this classic line and receive 10% off your purchase. Collection 20 ranges in price from $400 to $600  and has an average lead time of 12-15 weeks (rush options available).

Click here to see more of the collection!

Jenny Yoo  2012 Collection Launch Event
Thursday, March 22^nd – Saturday, March 24^th

Welcome the 2012 collection of Jenny Yoo bridesmaid collection at this exclusive event! If you are a mother looking for a less formal option, Jenny Yoo is a great option. This New York based designer has excellent price points ranging from $300-$400 and the average lead time is 16 weeks.  A discount will be granted off of Jenny’s already tiered pricing for trunk show purchases.

Click here to see more of the collection!

Please ring us at 860.669.4596 soon to book your appointment for any one of these fabulous events.

*image by Steve Depino, beauty by Jennie Fresa, flowers by Market Flowers, gowns by Modern Trousseau,  jewels by Maria Elena, styling by Beth Chapman

xoxo, TWD

“they make sure every last detail is perfect”

“impeccable style”

“this shop went above and beyond my expectations”

“we were treated like family every time we visited”

“well worth the drive- I can’t thank them enough”

“the overall experience was just lovely”

“I felt beautiful and bridal every moment I spent in the store”

“as a mom, they made me feel just as special as the bride”

“extraordinary atmosphere”

“luxury at its best”

We apprecciate all of the kind words  that we have recieved from our clients.  For a peek at our wonderful brides and their weddings throughout the years take a look at our latest Pretty Post as well as the real weddings page on the website! And if you are TWDBTS bride, don’t hesitate to submit your favorite wedding photo here or on our facebook page- nothing brings us more joy than seeing our brides on her wedding day.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

xoxo, TWD

As a mother, choosing your own ensemble for the wedding can be intimidating.  You might find yourself dropping to the very end of your “to do” list.  Luckily, The White Dress by the shore only needs an hour and a half to make you look and feel as beautiful as you deserve.

To make the process simple for you, here is what we reccomend~

You’ll set your appointment, so that we may give you our undivided attention in the comfort of our private mother of the occasion studio.

You’ll meet Kelly Winter, our mother of the occasion specialist, or one of our highly trained stylists, who will be your personal expert in fit and construction.

You’ll explore multiple collections, hand-picked by owner Beth Chapman, at varying price points, so we can accommodate your taste and your budget.
And then, with your figure flattered in a celebration of your personal style…you’ll dazzle.

All of our dresses are made to order, so we’ll need a minimum of five months for proper delivery and alterations.

images by Abbey Scott

 Below are some frequently asked questions and responses from Kelly Winter, our mother of the occassion specialist.  We hope that this information will help you to navigate through the process~

Do I need to schedule an appointment?  Yes!  The White Dress by the shore is a by appointment only boutique, so that we may provide you with exceptional, personalized service.  Each appointment is 1 1/2 hours in length, where you will work one on one with a stylist.

What if I just wanted to come in and browse?  As our goal is to provide you with the exceptional, personalized service you deserve, we strongly encourage an appointment.  Although browsing may seem more relaxing to you, it does not allow us to give you our undivided attention…and we wholeheartedly believe you deserve that.  The majority of our collection is customizable.  Simply viewing the collection without an associate will not allow you the opportunity to discover the myriad of style and color options availalbe. 

Are there dresses that will coincide with my budget? It is helpful to come to your appointment with a budget in mind.  This will help your dedicated stylist to guide you to the dresses that are applicable.  Although mother of the occasion dresses range in price (dictated by a number of variables), we certainly have a diverse selection, accommodating various budgets.  Our mother of the occasion collection ranges in price from $500 – $2800.

Do I have to wear the same length dress as the bridesmaids?  The quick answer is that length is dictated by “personal preference.”  However, sometimes other variables come into play, which can be discussed during your appointment.  These may include, but are not necessarily limited to, bride’s preference, venue, setting/location, tone/feel of the day, what the bridesmaids and/or other mom is wearing.

Do you have anything that won’t make me look like a “typical” mom?  We certainly have a variety of silhouettes and designs to choose from.  Some moms choose a “mother of the occasion” dress from our selection, while others choose a less formal dress from our ”bridesmaid” collection.  In our consultation we will determine what option is best for you based on your budget and style needs. 

What can I do if I don’t want my arms to show?  Some moms have a concern about their arms, although you all look terrific!  Our collection offers many options.  We can customize many of our dresses to add a sleeve or we can compliment your ensemble with a coordinating jacket,  bolero or a stole.   

I do not want strapless.  Are there other options?  Absolutely!  Generally speaking, any dress is customizable, whether through the designer or during our alterations process.  We can provide you with a “visual” during your appointment, allowing you to see your options.

San Francisco based designer,  Amy Kuschel is known for her feminine designs that always give a nod to classic days gone buy. We are honored to carry her collection exclusively in Connecticut and are thrilled to be launching her latest line at an event that runs February 16th -25th.  Below are just a few of the stunners that will be making their debut at our event.

A 10% discount will be granted on any Amy Kuschel gown purchased during this exclusive event.  This classically elegant line ranges from $2200 - $3800.  Ring us at 860.669.4596 to book your appointment. 

xoxo, TWD

With the day of love right around the corner, we thought who better than the lingerie expert, in WHITE member and owner of Beneath The Gown, Josie Jolon,  to comment on what is ‘hot’ for Valentine’s Day!

“Did you know that pink is the universal color for love. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner here at Beneath The Gown I have all the brightest pinks, reds and whites on display.

In fact, I learned that a pink carnation means “I will never forget you.” With this in mind, I have some beautiful pink lingerie pieces directly from Paris and Italy. With all the pinks and reds I realized how lovely and tranquil BTG was feeling. A little research shed some light that the color pink actually gives you energy and is a combination of red and white. The quality of energy in pink is determined by how much red is present. White is the potential for fullness, while red helps you to achieve that potential. Pink combines these energies and provides the feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth, love, and acceptance. No wonder everyone loves to get bouquets of pink flowers  and celebrate the day of love with pink gifts!

So, this Valentine’s Day put some pink in your life and share it with the one you love to achieve calm feelings, to neutralize disorder, and create relaxation, acceptance, and contentment.

Need help finding a gift? BTG has some adorable heart box’s with cute pink polka dot bows containing 3 Signature Lace Original Rise Thongs by Hank Panky (World’s Most Comfortable Thong® that has no visible panty line) in Pink Lollipop, Petunia Pink and Blurry Leopard Print. Or come and select the Hanky Panky longed stemmed rose, wrapped in clear cellophane with a hang tag attached. When you release the pin to unfold you low rise thong, it reveals a silk rose underneath. We just love to help clients shop for gifts! This year let us help you bring the wonderful tranquil energy of Pink to your Valentine.”

 ~ Josie Jolon   owner | Beneath the Gown

xoxo, TWD

We are dedicating the month of  March to Moms!  We are making every day in March Mother’s Day, and as such, we are offering a series on incredible mother of the occasion trunk shows throughout the month~

March 1st – 4th Modern Trousseau Eveningwear

March 8th – 10th Siri Mother of the Occassion

March 15th – 17th  Watters Collection 20

March 22nd -24th  Jenny Yoo 2012 Collection Launch

Continue to watch the blog for future details on each of these exclusive events offering options for every mom!  Ring us at 860.669.4596 to schedule your appointment.

We decided to preview our Mom’s month with an interview with an expert on aging skin,  Dr. Susan O’Malley, founder and Medical Director of Sonas Med Spa in Madison.  Dr. O’Malley is dedicated to helping women maintain their beauty without surgery. She trained and worked as an Emergency Room physician for many years before opening her practice in 2002. During her time in the Emergency Room and for many years afterward, Dr. O’Malley was a member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. She now devotes herself to her community as a frequent lecturer at women’s organizations and community health and business events including the Women in Business Committee, The Network of Executive Women, The Madison Challenge, The Madison Rotary Club and the Shoreline Business Expo. Dr. O’Malley has also been featured nationally on NBC, as well as locally on Fox and ABC news. She founded and is chairperson of the Women in Business Committee for the Madison Chamber of Commerce.  In 2011, Sonas Med Spa was awarded the New Business of the Year award and Dr. O’Malley was elected to the Board of Directors of the Madison Chamber. Dr. O’Malley describes herself as a 60 year old woman who knows what it’s like to look in the mirror and see a changing face. Her goal for you is the same as the goal for herself: to help you become a more relaxed, less tired version of you.

Dr. O’Malley will be joining us on Sunday, March 4th during our Modern Trousseau trunk show.  Moms attending the trunk show will have the opportunity to make a 15 minute min-consultation with Susan to discuss the individualized needs of their skin as they prepare for their child’s big day.  Ring us at 860.669.4596 to schedule your appointment for the trunk show and to set up your mini- skincare consultation.

Dr. Susan O’Malley

What services do you offer?
I trained and worked as an Emergency Room physician for many years before opening my practice in 2002. When I was starting to have conversations with my plastic surgery colleagues about my own cosmetic concerns, I didn’t like what I was hearing and knew there had to be a better way.  As a result, all of our services at Sonas are custom designed to erase years off your face and neck, using only state of the art non-surgical, non-invasive procedures.

Your tagline is- be beautiful without surgery.  What are your most popular services for clients to improve the appearance of their skin?
My most popular services are those procedures that help women tighten and tone their skin over time. Over the last ten years, I have evolved to serve women who are seeking procedures that do not involve down time. My ladies like to keep things secret! Our most popular treatment is the Viora Reaction which uses radiofrequency waves to help your face make more collagen. Also, many women have brown and red patches on their face from years of sun exposure and broken capillaries. A few laser treatments helps to erase those concerns.

Typically, what is the age range of your clients (Are the majority of your clients ones with aging skin)?
As I have matured, so have my patients. The majority of my clientele is made up of the more mature woman, near or over fifty. As a 60 year old woman myself, I tell others that not only do I understand their concerns, I share them as well.

What “problem” areas do you feel you address the most with women with aging skin?
Tightening loose skin and jowls is a major problem for mature women. Also, skin texture is a big issue. I have my own skin care line that addresses lack luster and mature skin, which has been met with much enthusiasm by my ladies. Many women also control their frown lines and lip lines with regular Botox injections.

What services do you recommend for a woman with aging skin?
I start every consultation by asking “How can I help you?” There are many different answers to that question. Some women want to relax their frown lines or specific forehead lines or crow’s feet. Botox works wonders for these problems because it relaxes specific facial muscles. Others are bothered by nose to mouth lines or general loss of volume in their lower face. These patients are ideal candidates for facial fillers such as Juvederm. By far, my most common answer to that question is that she just doesn’t look like herself anymore and doesn’t know what happened. These women are well suited for a procedure that will help them build back collagen. The Viora radiofrequency machine is a great choice to tighten and tone gradually and without downtime.

Is it safe to assume that mothers of the occasion (moto) fall within the realm of your average client?
Absolutely!

How can these services benefit a moto, pre-wedding?
Many women come to me having seen a picture of themselves at some occasion and can’t believe the change in their face. Then they project to the next special occasion and don’t want history to repeat itself. My goal at Sonas is to help you look like a more relaxed, less tired version of yourself. Everyone’s needs are different and so everyone’s solution is tailored to their needs. When I was a young girl, there were no anti-aging options. This is an exciting time because there are so many alternatives.

What services do you recommend post-wedding…or what do you recommend for a “maintenance” schedule (followup)?
Any procedure that is geared to help you build collagen will require maintenance. Collagen is a dynamic process. We build it and break it down. If we didn’t break it down, we would look like the Michelin Man cartoon. Even though the initial procedure helped you make more collagen, you are still breaking it down, which is why these procedures require maintenance. The schedules are different for each procedure and are also unique to each individual.

 How far in advance should a client make an appointment, particularly if a mother of the occasion?
Tightening is different for everyone, but I would allow at least four months to get your desired result.

Do you recommend any “quick fix” services?
Microdermabrasion, one of the most popular non-surgical treatments available today, is an exfoliating procedure that reverses the effects of aging on the skin. It is a mechanical way of removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This is a great “quick fix” procedure because once the dead cells are removed, you are left with glowing skin. The results will last a week or two because collagen production is a dynamic process and your skin is constantly renewing itself.

Do you offer any wedding package incentives?
All services are custom designed to fit your individual concerns and are personally administered by me. As everyone’s needs are different, there are no packages offered at Sonas. This allows you the freedom to adjust your services without feeling boxed-in.

 To learn more about Dr. O’Malley or Sonas Med Spa, please visit www.sonasmedspa.com or call 203 245-2227 for a free consultation

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xoxo, TWD

*image credit style.com

Its that time of year again…Paris fashion week! Check out these gorgeous frocks by Valentino which we think have quite the bridal influence. We are loving the textured patterns, sheer organza overlays and updated laces.

In gearing up for NYC fashion week, tell us, which designers are you looking most forward to seeing…

xoxo, TWD