Archive for the ‘Latest Trends’ Category
Ask Beth: Ball Gown or Fit to Flare?| Convertible Wedding Dress
As an extension of our “Ask the Experts” blog series, we have created a new blog category called “Ask Beth”. The White Dress by the shore owner and stylist, Beth Chapman will answer any wedding fashion related questions you may have.
For our third installment of this series we choose to answer a question that is quite common amongst the modern bride relating to choosing between two shapes of gowns.
“Dear Beth,
I can’t decide between a classic A-Line style (that I know my family will love) and a sleeker fit to flare style (that I know my fiancé will adore), which one should I choose?! Thank you for your help! -Lauren”
Here is Beth’s response:
“Lauren,
Why not wear both!? Now, I don’t necessarily mean choosing two separate gowns, but rather utilizing the addition of a detachable tulle skirt. Below we have paired a handful of beautiful fitted styles from Connecticut based designer, Modern Trousseau with the separate tulle skirt from the same designer. With the addition of the skirt, the look is totally transformed. As the skirt is tulle, it pairs beautifully with so many different fabrications. Whether you want lace, beading or another interesting texture, this simple addition makes your look only that much more stunning. You get the best of both worlds- a beautiful and classic A-line to wear at the ceremony to please your family and a sophisticated fit-to-flare style for the reception to WOW your husband, all without having to change out of your wedding gown!
xo, Beth”
To view these styles as well as more from the new Spring 2014 Collection, book an appointment during our Modern Trousseau trunk show June 6th-8th! Ring us at 860.669.4596.
Gowns included are as followed: Sage, Pia, Finnley, Edden, Dove, Demi from Modern Trousseau
xoxo, TWD
Fall 2013 Bridal Market Bridesmaids Trends Recap
After posting our Spring 2014 Bridal Market Trends we have to share with you the trends we saw for maids as well. Unlike bridal designers who showed their Spring 2014 lines this April, maids styles being shown at April Market are a preview of what is hot for Fall 2013, as they take less time to produce. Not every designer shows during April Market but below is a sampling of all the most stylish trends for the upcoming wedding season from Ivy & Aster, Amsale and Donna Morgan.
(Ivy & Aster courtesy of Wedding Wire, Amsale courtesy of Instagram ~ @amsalebridesmaids)
Pattern, texture and rich tones dominated the runway. Ivy & Aster’s printed lace dress is one for the record books- it looks like lace from far away but up close it’s just a black and white print- very chic and oh-so-modern. Amsale took a more classic approach using a deep aubergine lace on one of their trademark styles.

These new styles from Amsale highlight another trend- unique necklines. Its a great way to bring diversity to a single color or shape that you choose for your maids- one shoulder, halter and strapless all with the same basic waistline and silhouette. We adore this rich jewel tone color palate as well.
One of our absolute favorites from Ivy & Aster- this feather texture has that Gatsby vibe that is all the rage right now and we are on board 100%! The sheer V-Neck also gives us a little more coverage right where we need it.

How awesome is this pleated bodice from Ivy & Aster? We love how much interest it adds to an otherwise simple silhouette and how texture doesn’t just have to mean patterning or lace- it can also be created just by adding dimension to chiffon. You can try both of these beauties for yourself at our Ivy & Aster trunk show May 9th -11th.
The shots below are from Donna Morgan’s Instagram account- behind the scenes shots of their Fall 2013 ad campaign, styled by our friends at Merci New York. We just had to share, as they are just to fabulous not too. We love the deep jewel tones paired with furs and rich, full bouquets. We also peeked at a velvet style from this designer which really had us swooning.
Although we are all dying for summer to arrive, these gorgeous trends actually have us looking forward to fall!
xoxo, TWD
Spring 2014 Bridal Market Recap
We just returned from Spring 2014 Bridal Market in New York and what a fun and exhilarating time it was! We were excited to see some of our favorite trends continue and to see new ones emerge.
Below is a recap of the industry’s current trends and some of owner Beth Chapman’s favorite styles that graced the runway this past weekend!
image courtesy of Amsale
The two hottest silhouettes continue to be the romantic ball skirt and the sophisticated fit to flare skirt. These shapes were represented in all different fabrics with a number of different details!
Top (from left): Romona Keveza Legends, Oscar de la Renta, Angel Sanchez | Bottom: Amsale (photo credit: WWD.com)
Left and Right: Amsale (photo credit: WWD.com)
Strapless gowns were ever-present across all collections, however the designers got very creative with other fabulous neckline options. Designers showed every type of neckline imaginable, including, off the shoulder, boat neck and v-neck. When they did show strapless gowns, often the neckline was asymmetrical or they played with the lace to create unique, feminine shapes.
Top Row: Angel Sanchez, Bottom Row: Romona Keveza Legends (photo credit: WWD.com)
How 1920′s inspired and fabulous is this peek-a-boo lace panel and sleeve from Ivy & Aster ?
Lace continues to be a staple in every collection, but the trend was to present it in different lays. We saw everything from unique lace patterns and placement, to the layering of different types of laces to create texture, to placing lace underneath other, more sheer fabrications like tulle and organza, for a softer more romantic look.
In addition to lace, we saw a lot of bling come down the catwalk! As a nod to the upcoming “Great Gatsby” movie due out next month, much of the beading was antiqued or in vintage inspired patterns.
I adored this Ivy and Aster style with layered tulle over black lace.
This unique lace pattern from Modern Trousseau, although designed to look vintage, was completely fresh from a fashion perspective.
Although quiet and simply elegant, this Romona Keveza gown was one of my favorite. I loved the clean and classic lines with just a touch of lace. When we head to market in October, I think we will see much more of this understated aesthetic.(photo credit: WWD.com)
The gowns above show the layering and texture that was recurring in many collections. Top: Romona Keveza (photo credit: WWD.com), Bottom (from left): Oscar de la Renta (photo credit: WWD.com), Liancarlo
This Anne Barge gown was dreamy. It was a lace sheath with a detachable tulle skirt with lace appliques. It took my breath away!
Gatsby inspired beading, images courtesy of The Knot
“Baby got Back” had a whole new meaning this season! Back interest was all the rage, especially in the form of beading. Many designers showed beaded keyhole backs and sleeves in their collections. I think the very best backs came from designer Angel Sanchez! You can see many of them here.
This stunning beaded keyhole back from Amsale was one of my favorite gowns from their collection (photo credit: The Bride Room via Instagram)
photo credit: Cyn Kain Photography via Instagram
The two images above are a stunning gown from a new addition to bridal market, Australian designer, Amanda Garrett. I think this delicate beading and soft fluttery sleeve are just divine! (image courtesy of amandagarrett.com)
Below are a few other beaded stunners that tickled our fancy!
Kelly Faetanini photo credit: Bridalease via Instagram
Rivini photo credit via Instagram
Images above courtesy of The Knot
Skirts not only came in all shapes and sizes on this season’s runways, but they were chock full of interesting details! Amsale’s collection was a combination of their infamous clean, architectural silhouettes and romantic tulle shown in a variety of ways.
Modern Trousseau was one of my favorite collections at bridal market. The silhouettes and treatments that designer Callie Tein used in her Spring line were totally unique and gorgeous! She showed delicate embroideries, full romantic tulle and layers of soft cascading fabrics. My favorite detail was the ombre skirt that she created on the ‘Laurel’ gown above.
Tulle bottoms were all the rage this season. Fluted skirts with tulle bottoms were represented on almost every runway. I love the one below by Legends by Romona Keveza(photo credit: WWD). The combination of the dramatic bottom and soft romantic off the shoulder neckline is to -die -for!
The piece de resistance for me, and hands down winner for the most interesting skirt, was this hand painted confection by Kristy Rice of Monental Designs for Southern Designer, Chaviano Couture. You will be seeing version of this beauty in our boutique very soon!
Chaviano Couture in collaboration with Momental Designs
Blush continued to be the hot color of the season. It was represented in bridesmaids, accessories, as well as bridal! Below are just a few of my faves!
Modern Trousseau ~ I am especially fond of the ‘Annie’ gown on the right, as this was the fabric that was used for my vow renewal dress that I wore the week before bridal market! (post coming soon!)
Oscar De La Renta and Angel Sanchez (photo credit: WWD)
The trends in accessories were greatly influenced by the 1920′s and the “Great Gatsby” movie due out in a few weeks.
Veils silhouettes were very soft and close to the head with lots of beading and lace treatments.
Oscar De La Renta (photo credit: Pretty Pink Bride via Instagram)
Playing off of the warm blush tones in the apparel, gold and blush gold accessories were everywhere.
Sashes have been a huge trend for several seasons. With all of the interest that is happening in skirts, the trend is shifting from sashes with streamers in the back to simpler belt silhouettes with delicate textures.
Continuing with the Gatsby feel, you will be seeing alot of embellishment in the hair in the way of combs and headbands. Below are a few of our tip pics!
Left :Oscar de la Renta (photo credit: New York Times Fashion via Instagram) Center: Haute Bride, Right: Oscar de la Renta (photo credit: Ceci Johnson via Instagram)
Please watch the blog next week for the latest trends in bridesmaids. In order to view all of the beautiful products that we saw at bridal market, check out our Instagram account!
xoxo, TWD
Golden Globes 2013 Red Carpet Fashion
Last evening’s Golden Globes Red Carpet fashion was full of hits, with very few misses! The stars came out with their A-game fashion for sure. There were a few overriding trends throughout the evening. Shades of red were the statement color of the night. Other starlets chose to be more demure in tones of nude and blush. There was also a lot of sparkle- which we always love to see on the red carpet. From a silhouette perspective, the standout shapes were the mermaid gown and the ball skirt. It was refreshing to see many of the talents select gowns with sleeves, which based on the chilly weather in L.A. last night, was a great choice.
Here is a recap of a few of our favorite looks:
Over overall favorite look of the evening; from fashion to beauty, was Julianne Hough. She was pure perfection in her sparkly, yet ethereal, Monique Lhuillier gown!
Favorite shades of red:
Zooey Deschanel looked stunning in her classic Oscar de la Renta gown with oversized pearls and flirty ponytail. We are adding Claire Danes to our fave list, because she had a baby 1 month ago and completely rocked this halter from Versace. Her hair and makeup were also gorg! Another new mom, Jessica Alba, was flawless in a mermaid gown from Oscar de la Renta. Our favorite part of her look was her electric coral lipstick- PERFECTION!
Blushing Beauties:
These four women rocked the romantic neutrals trend last night. We adore the feminine shapes and delicate details on each gown and of course, we are IN LOVE with these romantic hues!
Top Row: Hayden Penetierre in Roberto Cavalli, Kerry Washington in Miu Miu.
Bottom Row: Amy Adams in Marchesa, Meghan Fox in Dolce and Gabanna,
Long Sleeved Lovelies:
These ladies looked lovely in sleeves. Each looked modern and sophisticated, yet their gown reflected their individuality.
Top Row: The current queen of soul herself Adele, looked elegant in her ¾ sleeve gown from Burberry, Naomi Watts left us all speechless in this backless 1940’s inspired confection from Zac Posen, and we couldn’t get enough of Julianne Moore’s modern sophisticated look from Tom Ford
Bottom Row: Nicole Richie was all about old Hollywood glam in this Naeem Khan number andKate Hudson look effortlessly glamorous in this beauty from Alexander McQueen
Passion for Prints:
One of the most refreshing trends of the evening was prints.
We absolutely adored Lucy Lui’s Carolina Herrera floral printed ball gown. We wish she had made a different choice with her hair, but the gown was a show stopper! Halle Berry never disappoints and this choice was no different. We are having a love affair with soft painterly prints for bridesmaids and this look was a beautiful nod to that trend.
For all you die hard fashionistas, stay tuned to the blog tomorrow when we translate these looks from the red carpet to the white aisle.
Do tell, who has your vote for best dressed?
xoxo, TWD
*images courtesy of glamour.com
Bridal Trends for 2013
This is such an exciting time to be a bride. The beauty of this generation of brides is that it is all about creativity and showing your personal style- really anything goes! Here are some of my favorite trends for 2013:
The hottest trends are coming out of the bridesmaid category. For seasons, the trend has been short maids dresses. This season, it is all about long and soft! Flowy fabrics like chiffon will be all the rage. We will continue to see bridesmaids selecting different silhouettes in the same fabric and color, as well as in different hues of the same color.
Where you do see short maids dresses, they will be in interesting fabrics like lace and in fun prints!! We will be seeing a lot of bright saturated colors, like the marigold lace dress below from Jenny Yoo.
Marigold cotton lace by Jenny Yoo Saturated prints in fun colors by Jenny Yoo
The “Nabi” dress in fun Polka Dots from Jenny Yoo
Painterly floral prints by Amsale
We will see a role reversal of maids and brides this season, with bridal parties wearing shades of white and ivory, and the bride in a neutral color.
Styling by Head Over Heels With Melanie
Image by Maggie Conley
Brides will be following lead from the recent celebrity weddings of Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Beil and Blake Lively and embrace the color blush for their wedding gown. I adore this romantic hue and love to see bridal parties in ivory or champagne playing off of it!
Images courtesy of People Magazine
Images by Carla Ten Eyck, styling by Beth Chapman, beauty by dd nickel, dress- vintage , headpiece- Maria Elena
Images by Carla Ten Eyck, styling by Beth Chapman, beauty by dd nickel, dress- Ivy & Aster
I was thrilled at all of the new silhouettes that graced the bridal runway this season. The biggest standout was dramatic necklines, particularly backs. It is all about sheer and embellished details that will make a bride as beautiful coming as she is going!
Images courtesy of Brides Magazine
For several seasons brides have moved away from the veil. I am happy to report that it is back and it is more dramatic than ever! Long veils will be the veil silhouette of the season. We will continue to see classic lace trims, but will also see other types of embellishments, like beading and embroidery. My favorite is the monogrammed veil!
Top image: Veil by Kristina Eaton
Bottom Images courtesy of Southern Weddings
xoxo, TWD
What We’re Loving: Dramatic Backs & Necklines
We can’t get enough of the incredible and daring backs & necklines from the Fall 2013 New York Bridal Market! The images below, captured by Brides, highlight some of our favorite gowns, from some of the most fabulous designers. Two designers that we are fortunate to carry, Rivini and Amsale were stand out collections that nailed this trend. Watch our upcoming events page for trunk shows when you can see these gowns in person! Ring us at 860.669.4596 to schedule your appointment!

*all images from Brides instagram (#bridesmag)
We are thrilled to feature the new styles from our designers: Top Image; Rivini, Second Row: Rivini, Third Row: Amsale, Rivini, Amsale
xoxo, TWD

























































































