Shades of White

Monday Musings 
by our very own Elen C.

Vendor Spotlight - Alfred Angelo

One of the most established bridal companies in North America, Alfred Angelo was founded in 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Alfred Angelo Piccione (Yes, his name really was Alfred Angelo).  Working side by side with his wife Edythe, they grew the company over time to be one of the most known bridal and bridesmaids lines.  After 45 years of working together, he and his wife turned the company over to their children in 1984.  Their two children have done an amazing job keeping the integrity of the business started by their parents, while exploring new horizons for the company.  Alfred Angelo now employs people across four continents and ships out over a million dresses a year.  Their warehouses contain over 1,097,280m of raw materials and 1.92km of cutting tables!  With over 62 stand alone stores and 1,000 partner stores (one being your very own Shades of White!); offering Bridesmaids, Flower girls, Mother of the Bride and Bridal, Alfred Angelo remains a very strong player in the bridal fashion industry.

Here at Shades of White, we love Alfred Angelo for many different reasons.  They offer a wide variety of styles, from classics and vintage to modern, they cover every facet of the bridesmaid's spectrum.  Offering fifty colours in their chiffon and satin means there is something for every bride.  Versatile and incredibly reliable, Alfred Angelo makes it easy to outfit the entire party!

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

I am so excited to announce that Judith by Maggie Sottero has arrived here at Shades of White.  Her stunning use of classic lace and tulle is embellished throughout, giving it a soft romantic feeling that is truly a must-see.  This gown is an A-line silhouette with a small dipped neckline.

Judith does not need a large amount of detail; however, she does offer just enough as it comes with a detachable grosgrain belt.  The belt comes with a brooch of swarosvki crystal, emphasizing the waistline just a little bit more.

Judith is truly a romantic gown of a classic elegant out and is one worth coming to try on.

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

What to expect if you're a bridesmaid and expecting!

There are these people called super heroes, they are best known for playing double duty in their lives.  Like those super heroes, sometimes in our lives we have to play double duty too.  Sometimes that double duty is bridesmaid by day and expectant super mom by night.  Being a bridesmaid can be complex sometimes, being an expectant bridesmaid can be even more complex.  How you get a dress that fits?  How do you figure out what your size will be, how do you order?  How do you find something that is flattering?

Well, here are a few tips to ease the process for our super moms-to-be:

1. Talk to the Bride!  See if she is comfortable having you in a different dress, but same colour as the other girls!  If this is an option for her, it will make things very easy as our manufacturers have a selection of maternity dresses.  Some of our companies' dresses are also super heroes and they are available in maternity sizing as well as non maternity sizing so if the Bride would like you all to match, let your consultant know and we will happily show you those options too!

2. Plan to have alterations done.  Most people, expecting or not, will need alterations.  Selecting a maternity style is important as it will ensure that fewer alterations will be needed.  A non maternity dress is not made to accommodate a bump, whereas a maternity dress is made specifically for this special time.  Its construction lends itself to a bump.  A non maternity dress does not have the right shape or lining and determining a size can be quite challenging when it is not meant to accommodate a changing figure.

3. Relax!  You're growing a tiny human, you have enough going on!  Allow our consultants to help you find a dress and a maternity size that fits well.  This is why you've come to see us!  This is our specialty and looking after you is our priority!  So book an appointment with one of our girls today!

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

I was admiring Elen's lovely Monday Musing yesterday while unpacking boxes of beautiful arrivals and what do I find exploding out of one particularly exciting box?  Ruffles!!

Sottero & Midgley's dramatic use of these organza ruffles really took our breath away!  Combined with the artistically designed and equally dramatic sparkle throughout the body, these ruffles are sure to be a hit!  This gown allows a bride to be strikingly elegant while the lightweight ruffles bring a fun and flirty side to the look.  Make your appointment today to try this on with the Girls at Shades of White!

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

I know what you're thinking, we're heading back to the 1980's when ruffles were an integral part to every piece of clothing.  But don't fear!  They have come a long way since those days.  I mean, come on, who doesn't love a good ruffle?  Fun and girly, ruffles can add a sweet or contemporary touch to a dress, depending on how you style them.  A ruffled halter neck, seen here on this Alfred Sung style (1.) adds great coverage to the front of the dress to counter the open back.  Add ruffles to a skirt and it becomes an incredibly whimsical touch to this simple strapless style from Alfred Angelo (2.).  A close cousin to the ruffle, flutter sleeves are an incredibly romantic touch to add to a dress.  They're very "Notebook"-esq; just picture Ryan Gosling sweeping you off your feet in this Dessy style (3.).  These flutter sleeves add coverage that is soft and romantic, without being overbearing.  Whether you pick a slight ruffle, or a bold one, you will turn heads and ruffle feathers in these styles.

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

Illusions, buttons, low backs and more!  These are a few details that many brides may not think about at first when purchasing a Bridal Gown.  These stunning details are the finishing touches to a perfect gown.  While walking down the aisle, your guests view a beautiful bride in her gown.  When meeting your Love at the alter, everyone will be gazing at the happy couple, and the back of your dress!  Why not have a surprising detail that your guests can see while listening to your vows.  While there are many back details to choose from, here are just 3 of my favourite.

T-backs:  These consist of an ultra low back and a halter style neckline.  The halter is connected to a strap which goes down the back, creating a T-feature.  This is a very sexy element, perfect for a destination wedding or garden setting.  T-straps can be detailed with rhinestones, embroidery or different fabrications.

Illusion Backs:  This back details is a stunning use of modesty while still having a sexy side.  The back is covered completely; however, it is only covered by a translucent fabric or lace where the skin is still showing.

Buttons:  Using buttons for the back detail dates back to way before zippers were invented and was commonly used to do up a gown.  It is now one the most popular details on Wedding Gowns.  Buttons give bridal gowns a vintage, nostalgic feel to a newly designed gown.

There are many ways to give the wow factor to the back of a bridal gown, even if it's just the enclosure of the garment.  Whatever the detailed back you choose, it will be a memorable one and a lot of fun to show off!

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

Summer time is full of many great things; lazy days at the lake, shopping, drinks on a great patio and great dresses.  This colour pallet from Alfred Angelo is perfect for summer; it embodies all of those great feelings of warmth and happiness that we all miss in the winter.  If you're a late August or September Bride, these dresses are still option for your girls to special order!  Alfred Angelo is one of the best at offering rush options to clients.  Book an appointment to come and speak with one of our consultants to talk colours, dresses and shipping times!

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

A Bride's accessory almost always consists of a beautiful bouquet of flowers that she holds in front of her while walking down the aisle.  I bet you never imagined that this feminine, delicate and gorgeous tradition originated back during the time of the plague.  The brides actually carried garlic and dill to make themselves feel less nauseous, while walking down the aisle.  Over time, Brides added better-smelling flower arrangements to provide their comforts.

Another popular belief is that this tradition came from times when bathing happened very rarely, and the bouquet was supposed to help the Bride to smell and feel fresher and less, well... like she hasn't bathed in a while.

There is a whole world of meanings behind weddings and the traditions and superstitions that come with them.  It is very fascinating to think of where these came from compared to what they are today!