I Found the Dress

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to shop." - Bo Derrick

Over the weekend, I found myself caught up in a marathon of "I Found the Dress"; TLC's newest show documenting brides saying 'yes' to the dress.  The premise of the show is a bridal boutiquenamed Vows offers designer dresses sold off the rack at discounted prices.  Their goal is to find every bride their dream dress with price tags as low as $600.  It was impressive to watch the brides sort through the warehouse of white lace and taffeta and find their desired dress and designer within their budget.  They were able to get the champagne dress on the beer belly budget.

Staying within your budget or finding your dream dress on sale can be quite a tough feat, but luckily for brides, September is the best month for sample sales, trunk shows and sidewalk sales. Below is a list of upcoming sales in Toronto and Ottawa that will definitely be worth checking out. After all, if you are getting married next summer, it is soon time to say yes to your dress.

Theia Trunk Show at Mrs. Bridal Boutique September 6th - 8th by appointment only - call 416-925-1674

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show at White Toronto September 13th - 15th by appointment only - call 416-849-9196

Rivini Trunk Show at Dina Alonzi Bridal September 14th and 15th by appointment only - call 416-236-0270

Sample Sidewalk Sale at Mia Bridal September 21st - 23rd - first come, first serve.  The sale will include dresses by designers Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Jim Hjelm, and Lazaro. Dresses will be up to 70% off!

Sample Sale at The White Dress September 29th and 30th - first come, first serve. The sale will feature gowns by Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier and many more and will be up to 70% off!

Don't miss these once-a-year opportunities to find your perfect gown!

Yours Truly,

A

Up My Sleeve

“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.”  – Epictetus

After perusing some of my favourite designers’ Spring 2012 collections, I noticed that sleeves are a comeback.  I have always been a big fan of sleeved wedding dresses (especially beaded cap sleeves) as I find them very romantic and modest for your walk down the aisle.  Unfortunately, majority of the dresses found in salons are strapless, which is frustrating for many brides that are not comfortable without the added support.  Dresses are now being featured with feminine, sheer sleeves, beaded shoulder embellishments, lace, simple cap sleeves, one shoulder sleeves, and off the shoulder sleeves. I personally welcome this fad as I don’t think every girl can or should attempt to wear a strapless gown but many have not had options in the past.  For some brides, strapless dresses come with the fear that they will constantly have to readjust their dress, they might look busty or they simply prefer being more covered up and avoid the risk of flashing too much skin.  It seems that designers are paying attention and have met those requests with their new looks.  I’m sure it also helps that the Duchess of Cambridge sported a stylish long sleeved gown making many brides-to-be consider this style.  Furthermore, many places of worship require a bride's shoulders to be covered, so these dresses are not only fashionable but also lend themselves to such requests. 

Below is a collection of beautiful bridal gowns with sleeves that just barely skim the shoulder all the way to sleeves that graze the wrist bone.

Marchesa

Jenny Packham

Parma Opal, Damask and Foxglove



Reem Acra

Badgley Mischka

Calista and Desiree




Angela



Nicole Miller

Monique Lhuillier

Catherine (how original!?)

When it comes to your wedding day, less is not always more.

Yours truly,

A