Understand bridal silk fabrics (Part 2)

Read first Part 1

Silk taffeta is a flat fabric and has a distinctive silken rustle. It barely wrinkles and had great recovery. Taffeta is similar to satin as it holds shape very well and it hugs the body nicely. However, taffeta is more lightweight. This fabric is not intended for gown where a flowing effect is desired due to its stiffness making it ideal for “poufy” gowns such as ball gown style. Taffeta has a natural shine and is great for embroidering which together, produces exceptional results.

 

 

One of the most elegant silk fabrics is silk charmeuse. The stunning shine in which it has is breathtaking. It has been said that “silk charmeuse fabric is the textile equivalent of dipping ones’ hand into a running river: smooth, sensual, and free-flowing.” The stunning flow is a result of the fabric being cut on a bias during production. Because charmeuse is very lightweight, it doesn’t hold shape. This along with its intense shine doesn’t make charmeuse the ideal fabric for anyone looking to mask bodily imperfections; the shine, in fact would highlight them. However, there is no denying the beauty in this silk. “If there were competitions among fabrics, silk charmeuse would win the gold medal in every event.”

 

Silk 4 ply woven crepe fabric is a premium silk. This type of silk is usually used along with a different contrasting fabric, such as lace, to make it pop. This silk has a smooth, flat surface yet is a bit textured.  As far as weight goes, 4ply silk crepe is in the middle. It isn’t exactly light and sheer like chiffon, but it isn’t as heavy as silk satin. This silk still retains drape and shine to an extent while giving garments a fuller look and holding shape. 4ply silk is ideal for “a” line gowns.

 

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

Understand bridal silk fabrics (Part 1)

Silk is a natural fiber that, when spun the right way, can produce some of the most amazing fabrications. Silks are produced by many different kinds of insects. However, it is from moth caterpillars that silk, suitable for manufacturing textiles, comes from. Silk is one of the most treasured types of fabrics available. Silk, without a doubt, delivers a sense of luxury and sophistication. There are many types of silks out on the market. However, there are five in particular that Bridal couture would not be the same without.

 

Silk satin is a heavier weight silk, yet since silk is natural, you skin can breathe as air and moisture passes through the fabric. Silk satin also has a cooling effect. The fabric doesn’t have the flow that other silks have; therefore it holds shape very well and does not slip. When silk satin is used for the bodice of a gown, it hugs the body beautifully making it very slimming. This fabric is usually used for ball gown style gowns as its natural shine offers a very elegant, royal look making the wearer an instant princess for the day.

 

Silk chiffon is a beautiful silk commonly used as an overlay rather than the main fabric due to how sheer it is. Chiffon has just the right amount of drape giving an elegant, floating appearance to any gown it is used on. This type of silk’s fine absorbency makes it very comfortable for wear in warm weather, yet its low conductivity keeps warm air close to your skin making it the perfect fabric for all seasons. Iridescent silk chiffon is the ideal bridal fabric. As one walks, the chiffon catches the light instantly making you the center of attention; exactly what every bride wants on her special day.

For more information please read Part 2

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

 

 

BRIDAL SHOP NEAR FAIR LAWN BERGEN COUNTY NJ

Aleana’s Bridal is your bridal shop near Fair Lawn, Bergen County, NJ.

Every woman lives to experience that special bridal moment once in her life time. Wedding gown is a symbol of your unique self; a symbol of self-expression that makes a powerful statement in the physical world about your inner nature.

Aleana’s Bridal invites you to create your custom gown or choose a dress at our exclusive shop located in the heart of Paramus.

We are proud to offer our Fairlawn clients our “Made in America” collection. In our store you can find a variety of our novelty silk fabrics, French laces, unique embellishments, exclusive hand embroideries and handmade silk flowers.

Every garment in our great collection of bridal dresses and sets can be modified to enhance a beauty of any body type. We keep our clients up to date on the latest launches and trends.

Aleana’s Bridal offers to Fair Lawn customers a more than convenient production time frame, which is often unheard of in the fashion industry: You can pick up your dress in 3 months, without paying any “rush” order fees! Personal customer service is readily available and even possible during the wedding day.

We also exhibit a wide selection of European lingerie and lounge wear that can only be found at our boutique as well as custom gowns for the entire bridal party including Mother of the Bride.

Book your appointment today and we will guide you to create a dress that is the essence of you. Each appointment will be scheduled for a full hour and half to ensure that you get the attention you need.

Please call at 201-444-1500 or book your appointment on line at www.aleanasbridal.com.

Destined to be your Destination… (Part 1)


Destination Weddings

By Jaclyn Ianetti

Destination Wedding: Any wedding in which the engaged couple and/or a majority of their guests travel to attend the ceremony.

 

A certain and sure way to differentiate yourself in the quest for a perfect wedding is to…close your eyes…pick a spot on the map…and pack up your bags.

 

Yup, pack them up and jaunt out of town.  If you’re destined to have a destination wedding, the travel bug bites you often as you love to explore different cultures and adventure off into exotic backdrops.  So imagine exchanging vows in a striking setting.  Tempting…isn’t it?

 

Whether you plan on going for just a few days or a whole month long is completely up to you and your fiancé.  Do you want a big reception or one with more of an intimate vibe?  These are important topics to be considered.

 

…What makes the destination wedding so wonderful is that you can even stay for your honeymoon, while the rest of your guests travel back home.  A 2-in-1 package deal!  Wedding and honeymoon all in one spot!

 

Downside to Destination

Planning a destination wedding is a huge undertaking that can contain both pros and cons, whether you’re having an intimate affair or an elaborate gala fit for a queen.  Expenses are what will discourage many couples from pursuing a destination wedding.

One of the downfalls of a destination wedding is that it may be more affordable to the couple, but more expensive to family and friends.  Can all of the people whom you wish to share your wedding day with you…family and dear loved ones…afford to take off work, and still pay the price of airfare, hotel rooms, etc.?  These people who you really wish to be at your wedding…those closest to your heart…might not be able to attend due to price limitations and financial boundaries.

 

It could also be a challenge to control all aspects such as flowers, music, photography, etc. when you’re out of your zone in a different part of the world.

 But!!!…

Read Part 2 and Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. Bridal shop that will help you design the dress of your dreams. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleanasbridal.com.

 

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 2)

Read Part 1 first

Activities and Ideas

When Valentine’s Day rolls around, couples who just got married, or who have even been married for years, often view it as a holiday for young lovers – those who are dating,

But you, my dear, are newly married…and that is a cause for celebration.  I’m sure you have had your share of dates on V-Day all those years leading up until your marriage.  But that’s no excuse for just exchanging greeting cards and quick pecks on the cheek.  Don’t you dare lose that spark!  Keep those V-Days of the past alive and get creative.

 

You will want to schedule an intimate evening with your partner.  And this doesn’t need to involve an exotic trip, expensive jewelry, or even a visit to your favorite restaurant…but go ahead and indulge if you’re feeling up to it.

 

Staying in?  Or headed out?  If you prefer a low-key kind of night as a couple, escape with popping some long or short films focusing on love in the DVD player.  Give yourselves the type of entertainment that will heal your heart and soothe your soul on this heart-warming holiday.

 

Why not plan a private, fun, and delicious picnic the two of you can enjoy together?  This does require nice, warm weather if you‘re thinking of sitting on the grass…so I guess it depends on what part of the world your love nest resides.  There are plenty of other options, including holding your picnic indoors in your very own house, while still organizing it as if you were going to spend some time outside under the trees.  Break out a special blanket, an insulated wine tote, and other picnic accessories and think about creative ways to fill them.  Make your own appetizers or order food in.   Throw some fancy, fluffy pillows down on the floor by the fireplace…sit on some yoga mats with candles lit around…and even throw in the old-school game of Twister to playfully spice things up.  Include background music, perhaps something from when you first met or the timeframe in which you were dating.  Maybe even include the “first dance” song at your wedding reception.

 

If you desire an evening out, perhaps  a favorite restaurant, Broadway play, or concert of choice will be some options.  If you’re a young-at-heart type, embrace the inner-child out and go out clubbing, bar-hopping, or to your favorite karaoke spot.  Bring your glow ring pops out with you and light up the dance floor at your favorite DJ’s weekend event.

Read Part 3 and Part 4.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. Bridal shop that will help you design the dress of your dreams.

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 3)

Read first Part 1 and Part 2

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As a newlywed couple, make a point to bring more cerebral activity into your bond whether your staying on the couch…or hopping in the car for a night out.  Pop a documentary into the DVD player instead of watching mindless fluff or go to a lecture or self-development workshop or other thought-(and conversation-) provoking event that is uplifting, positive, and spiritual.  Discover your amour in a new light by engaging in something different, and captivating.

The first year being married on special occasions is a stellar time for hanging out in a group setting, which will also enrich your bond.  Watching everyone from each entourage mix will be a refreshing experience.  A kindred spirit vibe is bound to emerge!  How about co-hosting a game night or casual dinner party to bring everyone together?  Or get out and join a winter league of co-ed sports.  The couple that plays together, stays together…as the old adage goes.

 

Just make your number 1 priority to enjoy your evening, whether in private or in public, and take some time to think about setting the mood and you’ll no doubt have a memorable time together and even create a new tradition of which you can repeat in the future on holidays, special occasions, and perhaps on another Valentine’s Day.

 

ALARM!  AVOID TIP :  And no swinging bats at heart piñatas !…it’s only your first year married!  Save the tantrums, if you must have them, for your later years!  (Kidding.  Ditch the tantrums, your mature and married now, right?)

 

Continue Part 4.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. Bridal shop that will help you design the dress of your dreams.

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 4)

Read Part 1, Part 2 , and Part 3

Gifts 

Besides the usual….Red roses, lush bouquets of flowers, teddy bears, chocolates, candies, candles, gourmet gifts, champagne, jewelry, lingerie (for you), silky boxers (for him)…Here are some romantic gestures for you to give to your guy-for-life:

 

*Send him a wild flowered bouquet with a personalized note attached.

*Make him breakfast in bed along with some red roses.

*Prepare his favorite dessert and surprise him.

*Make a calendar with pictures of the two of you together.

*Stick some love-notes all over the house at different places for him.

*Purchase front row tickets to watch his favorite sport live.

*Lay down on his chest and hug him like you would never give him away for anything in the entire world.

 ( Idea found on pin interest )

 

Take 12 large envelopes … on each one, write the month, so start with February, next March, and so on until you reach next January (2014).
In each envelope you will put a date night in it…whether it’s a nice candle-lit dinner at home, or movies…or something you know he’s always wanted to do or go to…if you decide movies, go get a gift card and stick it into the envelope.  Each date you decide on, write a letter as to why you decided to go with that date for that specific month.  For instance, gift cards for 2 ski passes to go in March would be ideal.  Cover the expenses as much as you can, so at least 1 thing in each envelope is already paid for.  You can even stick a menu from a restaurant (if you got restaurant gift cards) or if you have concert tickets, stick a mixed tape of the group’s greatest hits…brochures for an art exhibit or vacation…etc…(you get the picture)…just to give it some extra excitement.

 

On the 1st of the each month, open up the envelope together.  Let him read it and then look at a calendar together and decide which day that month you will plan that date night…or day.  This way, it ensures that each month you will be spending time together and doing something special.

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Go further into the arms of love by melting into his

…In honor of your first wedded Valentine’s Day,  keep that heart pitter patter-ing! Bring back that old-school, first-falling in love feeling with a classic 90’s movie such as Empire Records.  Skip the movie and just go imitate Liv Tyler’s character in the last scene: let your soul mate drag your weak knees and feet in a sweeping motion on a rooftop…dancing and kissing playfully…blasting a soundtrack by Gin Blossoms, whose sound is reminiscent of discovering you have a crush on your high school sweetheart, and whose music echoes the butterflies pouncing around in your stomach.

 

When somebody makes your heart pitter patter, they are the one for you. 

 

Love is friendship set on fire. 

 

Happily Ever After Never Will End

When you share your life with your Best Friend.

 

ONCE you believe your life is a fairytale…that is when “ONCE upon a time…” begins.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

 

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 1)

Reservations for TWO…of hearts.

By Jaclyn Ianetti

 

A Little “Love” Lesson from your Valentine Teacher  : 

February 14…The modern day celebration of Love began in Europe when the first Valentine was sent in 1415 on February 14 when a French Duke was in jail and sent a Valentine to his wife.  (Let’s hope your first year of marriage doesn’t put your husband in jail, or else you’ll be receiving love-grams by mail too!)

 

So what about Cupid?  How did he get involved?  In Greek mythology, he is the Roman god of beauty and love…and is the son of Venus (and for those of you who are up on their astrology, Venus is the love planet of our zodiac).

 So there’s your very brief background of Valentine’s Day.

 

Are you ready to point your bow and arrow and shoot your husband yet?  (Just kidding).  But in a more figurative and subtle sense, you can “shoot” your loving energy towards him so that he feels like he has been struck by your arrow to inspire your magical feelings of love.

 

Aimed Arrow…for the Newlywed V-Day

Be on tour with the love in the air and make a high-speed love connection through celebrating this day on however the two of you wish.

You may not even expect to do much together or even receive any gifts, because you may have just had the wedding recently, or you’re moving in and getting settled.  But don’t let that stop you…it’s your first V-day being married…and I can’t imagine the two of you being anything but in a warm and romantic mood this day!

 

Ring in the day with…a Ring

Surprise your sweetheart and propose to him this time with a ring.  Yea, I said it…a RING.

 Pop the Proposal

Your turn to make a very own proposal of your own.  Get creative and give your husband some candied ring pops or even a glowing light up ring.  This light-hearted way will spark up the playful kid in both of you as you offer a promise for life-long love…and not just for this special occasion, but for everyday for the rest of your lives.  He can keep it as a keepsake forever…a timeless token from your heart.

Read Part 2 , Part 3  and Part 4

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. 

 

Be aware of glued-on beading

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in Paramus  NJ Bergen County.

Some of you might like lots of stones and studs of the bridal dress. If you are considering a  moderately priced bridal gown, be sure that the beads on the dress are sewn rather than glued on. Dresses with glued-on beads and sequences tend to fall off, as well as cannot be pressed, dry cleaned or steamed.

The quality, cut, make and size of the stones make a big difference in price and look. For example, the Lead Crystal is, by far, the most brilliant of rhinestones, for leaded glass transmits light better than glass without lead.

Rhinestones can be Machine Cut or Molded. Machine Cut Rhinestones are far more brilliant than molded rhinestones, but are far more expensive than molded glass rhinestones.

Rhinestones have their own size names and it could be very confusing to understand. Flat Back Rhinestones are sold by sizes preceded or succeeded by an SS number. (SS = Stone Size)   There is NO relationship to millimeter in this number, in that 6SS or SS6 rhinestones are NOT 6mm in diameter!  In general, the higher the SS number, the bigger the rhinestone’s diameter, and the  more flash it will have .

Quality of rhinestones is determined by how and where they are made.

  • Swarovski offers 14 facets and 100 colors/treatments at this time. These stones are still best on the market.

  • Czech Preciosa was producing rhinestones of very high quality way before  Swarovski was born.  Their colors are great, their coating are every bit as good as Swarovski. The kicker here is the price!  Preciosa runs about 20% less expensive than Swarovski.

    China is now duplicating both Preciosa and Swarovski’s cuts!  Those stones made of cheap glass, not lead crystal. Those who buy them get a very low price, but quality if is not there.

 

Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 3)

This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Read first Part 1

 

ONE DAY BEFORE: ONE DAY…Just ONE.  This is most crucial part of the to-do list/tips for last minute because the day before, consists of all those last minute to-do’s that you can only do on…you guessed it…the day before!  Two days before just wouldn’t fit because it’s the DAY before that makes sense to do all of the following:

*Go to mani and pedi appointment with your bridal girls and RELAX.  Also, book a massage  if you would like.  Take a bath before you go get nails done…or after (but just watch your nails, you don’t want the color coming off while soaking in the tub!).  This nail appointment and/or massage treatment will give you the last chance to relax with your girls before the chaos of the next day.

*Make sure the men go pick up their tuxes.  Have them try it on while in the shop to ensure they don’t need last minute alternations.

*Put wedding rings and marriage license in a safe place.

*Set aside cash for tips/payments in marked envelopes for limo driver, and others who deserve a tip, and give them to a relative or trusted friend in the bridal party to hand out when the time calls for it.

*Give out bridal party gifts at the rehearsal dinner.  Make sure people are being monitored so that the bridal party, and the bride and groom mostly!, do not drink too much- – NO HANGOVERS ON WEDDING DAY!

*Go for a mini-walk after the rehearsal to walk off the dinner.  This will help clear your mind before bedtime.

*Do a meditation before bed.  I call it, BRIDAL BEAUTY BREATHING:  Do alternate nostril breathing where you close one nostril with your thumb, breathe through the other, then close off that nostril with your pointer finger, and exhale out the other.  Repeat.  Do this for a few minutes.  It helps to bring equilibrium for a deeper meditation.  As you sit and close your eyes to meditate, create visualizations…sort of like “dream building” for the next day: Create mental images of love and beauty, how you want to look in your wedding dress, how you wish the ceremony and reception to be.  Play out everything in your head that you wish to happen.  Creating mental images of the energy, mood, color, and feel for the general picture of the wedding day will attract that all to you tomorrow!  You can even throw in some gentle yoga postures and stretching before the meditation.  All of this will help you SLEEP peacefully and awaken with a fresh face.

Read also Pat 4

Aleana’s Bridal Shop in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County will help you design the dress of your dreams.