Archive for the ‘Latest Trends’ Category
Recap: Engage 2012 The Breakers
I was fortunate enought to spend last week at the historic Breakers Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida for the 10th Engage luxury wedding summit. For those not familiar with Engage, it is the brain child of Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, founders of Engaging Concepts, a company that provides strategic consulting to the wedding and honeymoon industries. This was my third Engage and by far, my favorite!
For those not familiar with with Engage, it is an innovative series of luxury wedding business events that brings together the wedding industry’s key influencers and thought leaders from around the globe to exchange ideas, network and be inspired to take their businesses to the next level of success. I have gotten so much from attending Engage. Not only has it provided me inspiration for my business, but has introduced me to tastemakers in the industry that have become not only mentors, but friends.
The Breakers Resort outdid themselves! Every detail was perfectly planned and orchestrated. We are a tough bunch to impress, but our expectations were exceeded in every possible way!
The images above show the tangerine filled room where we listened to speakers each day and the incredible swag that we received upon registering. My friends Susan and Heather, founders of Gifts for the Good Life, a company that provides artfully branded goodies to business and brides, never disappoint with the creative gifts that they provide us! They are always useful, innovative and perfectly brand appropriate!
Throughout the week we listened to inspiring talks from some of the most talented and creative people in the wedding industry. They shared advice, relatable stories and inspirational words. Pictured above are my friends Tait and Abby Larson, founders of Style Me Pretty. They spoke about transforming Abby’s brainchild, a small wedding blog that she started in her bedroom, into one of the most influential wedding blogs and brands in the industry that was just partially purchased by AOL. Also featured above is caterer extraordinaire and creator of all things mini, Peter Callahan. We alway love hearing him speak, not only for his brilliant insight, but because he shares with us some of his delicious creations! Above, I am clinking my mini Bloody Mary that was severed with a tiny bagel with lox with my friend, Kelly McWilliams, founder of Brides by Socialites. Peter also treated us to mini stacks of blueberry pancakes! Can you say YUM?!
I felt like I was on Oprah’s Favorite Things show when were were presented with a gift certificate for a pair of Tieks- my new favorite obsession! If you are familiar with Tieks, they are THE MOST comfortable shoe on the market! They come in tons of fashionables colors and fabrics. They are perfect for people like us who are on their feet all day, but I also adore them for brides and maids!
Some of my favorite insights from our speakers were the following:
“Kindness in business is an invisible bottom line: You can’t see it but you know it’s there when you connect with it” – Simon T. Bailey
“It’s not about what you lost, it’s about who stood by you” – Ed Libby
“Change. It’s the new black!” – David Beahm
“Never underestimate the person sitting next to you.” – Abby Larson, Style me Pretty
“It’s not who you are that holds you back from success, it’s who you think your’e not”- Simon T. Bailey
“You didn’t come here to stay the same, did you? – Make it happen” – Lara Casey, Southern Weddings Magazine
The first evening we were treated to a good southern welcome at the Opening Party. We were encouraged to wear Boots & Bows to get in the down home spirit! No detail was spared at this gorgeous event- from the glorious clear, illuminated tent that was resurrected on the resort propety, to the delicous southern style food, it was an incredible way to kick off our Engage experience!
Featured above center: Posing with my dear friends and in WHITE members, photographer, Carla Ten Eyck and stationer, Nicole Michel of Coral Phesant Stationery
When we registered at the beginning of Engage, we picked a card at random that assigned us to a dine-around dinner to take place on the second evening. Guests are escorted to local area restaraunts where we dined with 8 Engage attendees and our table was hosted by someone who is a leader in the wedding industry. My dine around was led by the uber talented and absolutely hysterical, Tara Guerard from Charleston, South Carolina. If you are not familiar with Tara’s work, you must check out her site! She recently planned the wedding of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively that you will be able to read about in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, due to hit newstands on December 24th! The dine-around was truly the highlight of my Engage experience. My table was filled with such talents that I instantly bonded with. We had a raucous evening and created memories and friendships that will last forever!
After dinner, we were escorted back to the hotel and treated to a Winter Wonderland themed desert party, complete with ice sculptures, dancing Rockets, and even snow! – in Florida!!
Featured center left: Myself, with an old friend that I met at a previous Engage, Kasey Conyers of Bliss Events, and a new friend, Colin Cowie. Center right: Being sparkly with Kelly McWilliams, founder of Weddings by Socialites. Bottom far right: More friends that I met at previous Engage’s- Photographer, Sarah Natasha Horowitz, and my fellow fashionista and the king of impromptu posing, Elan Villamor, producer for I Do Films (the talented filmakers that created the Day 1 and 2 recaps that we will post tomorrow).
Each detail was immaculate- including every coffee and lunch break. As were in West Palm Beach, we had a coffee break and luncheon designed with a Lilly Pulitzer flair- which of course, I could not get enough of!
Featured top center: Myself and Nichole of Coral Phesant enjoying a red velevet encrusted deep-friend Oreo that was served at a circus themed break. This one of my favorite images from Engage, captured by Sarah Natasha. Bottom center- these adorable fabric flowers doubled as our seating assigments for a fabulous Palm- Beach inspired luncheon. It was such a clever detail!
The final evening we celebrated with a Gala event that was awe-inspiring. When were escorted into a ballroom in The Breakers swatched in glorious light and bursting with gorgeous blooms. The piece de resistance was a choir singing “In the Name of Love”, by U2. There were goosebumps and damp eyes all around!! After the most divine meal, we were brought into another ballroom that had been transformed into a Miami-style club, complete with a DJ suspended from a second story scaffolding tower, a 21 piece band by Elan Artists and painted dancers on pedestrals. It was an incredible evening!
Featured Top Center: With two of my favorite girls, Kasey Conyers and Nichole Michel, Middle Left: Nichole and I with my friend Anthony Luscia, editor for Martha Stweart Weddings, Middle Right: We were surprised with a visit by Randy Fenoli, who had just flown in from hosting an episode of Randy to the Rescue with my friends at Anna Be in Denver. He took the always inspiring, cake diva, Sylvia Weinstock for a spin on the dancefloor and they exchanged glasses as a goof! Bottom Center: From left- Kym Bychon of The Breakers who was responsible for the lovely evening, Sarah Natasha Horowtiz, myself, Nichole Michel and Carla Ten Eyck.
Thank you to Rebecca and Kathryn for creating Engage and providing all of us the opportunity to connect and to be inspired by each other. I can’t wait for the next one! To get the full feel of the Engage experience, be sure to watch this recap video by Cloud 9 Creative.
Photo credit: instagram and Elan Artists-Scott Clark Photo and Chellise Michael Photography.
xoxo, TWD
Introducing: The Encore Collection
Looking for the perfect rehearsal dinner, reception or informal wedding dress? Look no further! The White Dress by the shore now carries this lacey little collection from Watters called the ‘Encore Collection‘. These sillhouttess nothing short of fantastic and you’re sure to cause a stir donning one of these beauties! Not only can you get them in ivory, they are also available in a whole variety of lace and lining colors that you can mix and match! And thats not even the best part…each of these little numbers are under $400! What a steal!
Ring us at 860.669.4596 to view our Little White Dress Collection!
xoxo, TWD
Introducing: Ivy & Aster To Dye For- dyeable wedding dresses!
Ivy & Aster has introduced a iine of dyeable wedding dresses! Ivy and Aster is a collection that is always on the cutting edge of what girls want! Each season we are always so excited to see the new and innovative things they have to share, and at last month’s bridal market they did not dissapoint! Designer, Jessica Brown, introduced a new line of 6 basic silk designs, all of which are priced under $1000! And as if that wasn’t good enough news, these styles can be sent back to Ivy & Aster post-wedding to be hand dyed based to your specifications. Your dying options range from dying all one color, to ombre dying, to hand painting! This allows you to breathe new life into a garment most girls believe they will only wear once in their lifetime. We can’t get enough of this creative concept!
Join us at our Ivy & Aster Trunk Show starting this Thursday, November 8th running through Saturday the 10th for a look at these amazing silhouettes.
We still have spots left for Thursday, Friday and Saturday appointments but they are filling up fast so ring us soon- 860.669.4596!
xoxo, TWD
Bridal Market Trends {Part Two}: Bridesmaid Trends
It’s no secret that a lot has been changing in the world of bridesmaids this past year. We see many girls making the shift from matching, structured dresses to something softer, more unique and full of color or pattern. It is our job to bring you what you are looking for so, at this years’ bridal market we were sure to hunt out all that is new and different for bridesmaids. We have so much news we can’t wait to share with you, we’ve picked up new lines, and picked up incredible new dresses from our current designers! Scroll along this post for a sampling of all of the good things that we discovered and what you can expect from us in the next few months!
Our first order of business is to announce that we are now carrying Amsale bridesmaids! We have had the designers’ bridal collection for over a year and are thrilled to be able to carry these sought-after chiffon styles. This season, Amsale did something incredible- she introduced a print in three color ways that works perfectly when combined with her fabulous solid colors. We will have some great styles in the store in a few months so be sure to keep an eye out for their arrival!
The next incredible announcement we have in store is that Jenny Yoo has truly stepped up her game when it comes to satisfying the desires of today’s maids. Girls are looking for incredible print and pattern, and Jenny did not disappoint! Above is a chic graphic leaf print in Crepe de Chine offered in four color ways- how incredible for a seaside soiree?
YES! You’re eyes are not deceiving you- these are LACE bridesmaids dresses from Jenny Yoo! We can’t get enough of this classic texture in the pops of color. Fabulous, fun and ready for any formal occasion.
Jenny Yoo does it again! These chiffon styles are printed with a fun polka dot and can we worn a variety of ways. Who can say no to polka dots?
We love these two styles, which are actually offered as part of Jenny Yoo’s new ‘Social’ line, but we had to share them here. We can’t get enough of the metalic and blush lace or the brocade style pattern. These are perfect for the elegant bridal party who wishes to remain one hue.
The future of bridesmaids is about being on top of the most current trends all while remaining classic and elegant- no easy feat. A great way to achieve this blend of fashion and form is to keep the neck line updated. Whether it’s adding a funky necklace or choosing a unique strap option, we have no shortage of choices for you at The White Dress by the shore. Check out the new necklines that our designers had in store for us…
Ivy & Aster thrilled us with these two styles. We are particularly obsessed with the front keyhole number- what an awesome statement!
Who can get enough of a great back detail? We love that you can get this style structured and short or long and flowing from Jenny Yoo.
The flutter sleeve! So sweet and easy to wear in this crepe de chine fabric.
Connecticut based designer, Coren Moore also had something new to offer in the neckline department. Look at these sweet little bows and cute scalloped neckline!
Last week we announced that we picked up a new bridesmaid line- Donna Morgan. Her gorgeous gowns are all silk chiffon and offered at the perfect price point- $168 for short, $198 for long! The other thing we love about this designer is that they offer some incredible shades and color combinations. Right now, it is all about mixing, matching and blending different shades and Donna Morgan has the right stuff to get this look going! Take a peek below for some of our favorite combinations!
Mix and match your blues for a beach side wedding. We love the ombre look these colors create. (From left to right: ‘Morgan’ in blue green, ‘Jessie’ in Carpi Blue and ‘Morgan’ in Navy)
Is your bridal party going for soft, pastel hues? Try mixing and matching these shades for the right look. (Pictured left to right: ‘Donna’ in candlelight, ‘Jessie’ in peach fuzz and ‘Morgan’ in blush.)
There is much to discuss with maids so let us know what you think about our new lines and new styles! We can’t wait to hear you weigh in!
Keep an eye on our upcoming events page and blog for the arrival of these new styles and future events providing a sneak peek and discount!
xoxo, TWD
Bridal Market Trends {Part One}
We have so much to share with you from October Bridal Market 2012. We previewed the Fall 2013 collections from our fabulous designers and needless to say, we were left thrilled. There is so much that is new, different, unexpected and noteworthy in bridal fashion this year that we have broken our trend report down into three separate posts. {Part One} will focus on what we fell in love with in overall bridal trends, {Part Two} will concentrate on whats new with maids and {Part Three} will give you a glimpse of all of our social goings-on while in NYC.
So here we go…here is our list of whats trending in bridal.
For the Fall 2013 season we saw the refreshing re-emergence of full tulle gowns. This soft and romantic fabric choice is a beautiful, clean alternative to lace if you still want a bit of texture. The two gowns above are both from Connecticut based designer, Modern Trousseau.
Tulle also lends itself very well to straps- if you are looking for some coverage on top but still want a sheer appearance a tulle gown, like these two from Amy Kuschel and Jenny Yoo might be your pick!
A fitted bodice paired with a voluminous skirt- if you are looking for a ‘wow’ dress for your wedding day this could be your shape! We saw so many variations of this silhouette on the runways and we had to post them all! From left to right: a Modern Trousseau design with pleated English net and a gorgeous peaked skirt, a stunning Anne Barge with lots of lace and tulle and on the right a Rivini gown with layers of lace and tulle.
Rivini’s Fall 2013 line was full of the ‘trumpet style’ gown- this designer paired the shape with all shorts of stunning textures. We snapped a detail shot of the middle gown because we just loved that the skirts’ seam is hidden beneath the gorgeous chantilly lace.
There was no shortage of this ongoing trend. After years of simple strapless styles being the ‘go to’ neckline, designers’ have reinvented the wheel and are now giving brides lots of options. From left to right: This design by Modern Trousseau adds a feminine touch with a low keyhole back. David Fielden designed this av ante garde style which has the collar neckline that is currently all the rage in fashion, and the image on the right (another David Fielden) has incredible sex appeal and would be perfect for a destination wedding (or a red carpet).
Left: David Fielden does it again with this illusion neckline and chic applique pattern. Center Image: Ivy & Aster brought us this lace number with 3/4 sleeves and a low V-back. Right: Rivini did it right with a simple sheath dress and a to-die-for beaded back detail.
These three designs from Amsale say it all without being overstated- simple, classic shapes with incredible backs and straps. We are dying over the gown on the right- a sheer illusion back complete with buttons! Love!
This season we saw the keyhole move from the back to the front of the gown. Here are two examples, the first from Rivini and the second is a bridesmaid dress from Ivy & Aster- both of these gowns have equally stunning backs as well.
These incredible new textures from Modern Trousseau speak to the current bride- she wants a classic gown with a twist. We love the patterned silks, cotton laces and over embroidered materials this amazing designer had to offer this season.
Rivini used texture to its advantage this season- this designer took their already gorgeous silhouettes to the next level with beading, laces and piles of fabric.
Amsale’s details were also perfection- working off characteristically classic shapes, Amsale used bold lace textures and a bit of beading to highlight the modern elegance of her line.
This Anne Barge design was perhaps our favorite use of texture this year- if you look closely you will find that what from far away looks like a classic lace is actually a printed organza that pays homage to a more traditional lace.
Many brides of past generations may remember this trend but we love the fresh take on it this season! The gown on the left from Amsale has a detachable structured train that lifts off to reveal a classic fit-to-flare skirt- no need for a bustle here! The design on the right is from the Jenny Yoo Collection. We love that it has a light and breezy detachable tulle train perfect for that extra bit of romance during any destination wedding.
Anne Barge took this trend to the next level by providing two looks in one with some of her designs. The skirts remove to reveal a shortie and a simple lace sheath, respectively.
Boleros, coverups and capes- oh my! Are you a bride who wants to change her look without actually changing your dress? Then consider one of these options for coverage. On the left, Ivy & Aster designed a Victorian style caplet for an vintage affair, in the center Modern Trousseau offers a luxurious Chinchilla coat fit for any winter wedding, and on the right Jenny Yoo shows a reversible lace cover up perfect for a more conservative ceremony.
Left: David Fielden goes all out, providing the bride who wants to make a statement with her statement piece- a fabulous organza cape with a daring motif. Center: Augusta Jones designed this chantilly lace cover-up to match their ‘Jayma’ gown but we think it would would well under any gown at all! Right: This incredible bloussant bolero from Amsale is nothing short of spectacular.
Ball skirts are truly so versatile, which is why we think they continue to be an ongoing trend. The can be simple and understated like this classic Amsale on the left, or bead encrusted like this Anne Barge in the center or they can be full of intricate layers of fabric like the Rivini on the right.
Owner of The White Dress by the shore, Beth Chapman, has selected three incredible gowns from October Bridal Market that she feels are on the cusp of fashion and embody The White Dress by the shore bride. Scroll below to see her picks…
We had a little preview of this Modern Trousseau gown before Bridal Market (if you follow us on facebook you might have seen it too) and we couldn’t wait to get our eyes on it! This dress, aptly named ‘Dove’ features a corset style top, gorgeous alencon lace and a silk fabric underlay that reminds us of seersucker stripes!!!
The design on the left is by Amsale, it features a corset style top, exclamation straps and a fitted silk faille skirt. The final breath-taking selection (on the left) is a dreamy ball skirt by Rivini with its illusion neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and crystal-like beading.
So now it’s your turn, weight in on the bridal trends and tell us what you’d like to see at TWD! And don’t forget to stay tuned for part two and three of our trend report!
xoxo, TWD
Ready for Bridal Market
As a bridal store owner, there are quite a few preparations that take place to get ready for twice yearly bridal market in New York. Here is my checklist:
Jennie was in the boutique last week when I was having a fitting for my adorable Kate Spade dress that I will be wearing to the annual bridal market parties of Martha Stewart and The Knot on Monday night. She was so inspired by my dress that she created a Beauty Profile for me incorporating her new Stila make up products to ensure that my makeup is picture perfect!!!
Jennie offers her Beauty Profile service for brides and anyone preparing for a special occasion! She maps out the exact steps in applying your make up and selects the perfect products to complete the look! To learn more about this service or to experience the new Stila products that she has just brought into the boutiquerie, be sure to swing by her Stila Launch Party tonight from 5-8.
And don’t forget to follow us this weekend at bridal market as we experience new trends and rub elbows with the brightest talents in the industry at the Martha and Knot parties!!
Xoxo, TWD
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