Tips for an “Apple/ Tri-angled” or “Hourglass” Shaped Body

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If you’re “Apple/ Tri-angled” Shaped

Women with the “Apple Shapes” can fit into two categories: round body types or wide at the top and then taper down to a slimmer bottom.  The rounder “apples” may carry extra weight in their stomach area.  If you are this type of “apple,” and are a bit fuller in the waist, stick to wedding dresses that will give the illusion of a smaller waist-line.  These include:

*Textured bodices:  this will camouflage imperfections around the waist so that your stomach area doesn’t catch the eye of others

* Embellished designs:  Embroidery such as strategic beading will make your waist appear smaller.

The other type of “apple” shaped women tends to have broader shoulders, larger busts, and a wide waist.  Because these types have narrow hips in relation to their shoulder size, a dress that cinches in at the smallest point of the waistline should complement their body types.  If this description fits you:

*Opt for a textured bodice (ruche or lace detailing) that will fit snugly to your waistline.  This creates a “corset” like effect on your waist.

*Avoid trumpet styled dresses.  These call attention to the widest area of your body and flare out to the lower body (legs and knees), where you are most slender.

 #1 TIP:  Both of the “Apples” will benefit from…

*A deep V-neckline dress.  This creates a vertical line, drawing eyes towards the slender, vertical line of your body, not the horizontal

*A dress with an “A” line  or empire waist that gently falls away from the body.

“Hourglass” Shaped Body tips

If you are the woman who has the most desired body type among the rest, possessing a curvaceous body.  You are characterized as the lady with large shoulders and bust, narrow waist, wide hips, buttocks and thighs, but in proper proportion to your shoulders.  You have the body with most balance.  Curvy figures with a balanced bust and hips and defined waist line will do best in finding a dress that accentuates the small waist, making the most of the feminine points of your body (your curves!).

 Choose styles such as:

*Mermaid fit gowns

*Corset styled dresses

*Fuller skirts (trumpet styled gowns) that fit the body and flare out below hips

*Sweetheart or scoop necklines

*Strapless gowns (with fitted waists)

*Two piece dresses (with fitted bodice)

     #1 TIP: Stick with styles that accentuate the waist, and those with fuller skirts.

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

DIY Wedding Decorations

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So, you’re planning a wedding. It’s expensive and unfortunately, you’re not drowning in money. Obviously, you want your wedding and reception and all wedding-related events to be fun and exciting. Who doesn’t want a fun photo booth at the reception, filled with cool props for everyone to take hilarious pictures? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on props and party accessories though. There are a lot of cute accessories and favors you can buy or make for a lot less than you think! 

For your bridal shower, you definitely don’t need to spend a lot of money on cute decorations and accessories. CharmingCharlie.com has adorable trinkets you can buy to celebrate your wedding with all of your girls.  

This cute “Best Day Ever” tray is perfect to keep some treats and drinks on for your bridal shower. 

Decorate with these adorable photo clip string lights. Put some photos of you and your husband to be. You can hang this up at your engagement party, bridal shower, and even the reception. It’s a cute, simple, personalized touch to add to all of your wedding events.  

These props are perfect for the photo booth everyone will be sure to love at your wedding. For an extra touch of memories, add a little photo book your guests can glue their pictures into and leave a sweet note. 

Hang this little banner up in your photo booth for some more fun in your photos. Your guests will be sure to love it. 

Making your wedding events look fun and exciting doesn’t have to be over the top. Find items you love that you can make your own and your wedding will be sure to be a hit.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

Wedding with a Friendly Budget

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Congrats on your engagement! At such an exciting time in your life and a day you have been dreaming about for years, your happy thoughts and extravagant wedding dreams are interrupted by dollar signs. Between venues, your large family guest list, and the variety of other expenses, weddings tend to become pretty expensive pretty fast. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in New Jersey is $53,400. But don’t worry, there are so many ways to drop that final bill while still having the celebration of your life just the way you pictured it! Here are just a few tips to help…

 

First, try to cut down your guest list as much as possible. Yes, I know… the more people, the bigger the party. But you’ve all heard the saying “less is more” and cutting down on just a few people can allocate the money to a different aspect of your wedding day (or even your bridal gown or honeymoon!). Second, go into the planning with a budget and look for venues that accommodate to that number. Venues usually account for about half of your wedding expenses so why not use the resources you have to alleviate that cost. Ask a family member or friend if you can use their backyard or rent a vacation home in the area with outdoor space! You just have to find the right spot for you and your partner. One more tip for you, ladies… DIY. Décor, invitations, favors, and flowers. The list goes on and on with the endless possibilities for ‘do it yourself’.

 

The last piece of advice we can offer is that the one thing from your wedding that will always be remembered by you, family and guests is your glowing beauty in your wedding gown. Your wedding will be one for the books. Literally. Those pictures you have will last a lifetime and you want to find that bridal dress that will excite you just as much on your 40-year anniversary as it did on your big day. Just these few ideas can help make your budget a little friendlier while still making your wedding day unforgettable!

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

New Bridal Trends

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

Bringing Sexy Back! : Backless Brides 

Trend: Portrait Backs

Backless…is back.

 

One of the past trends of the bridal industry to make a comeback into Spring 2013.  But this time, they come back with a more modest and romantic attention using delicate embroideries, lace frames, and peek-a-boo keyholes.  Sheer backs with decorative detailing is simultaneously sexy and demure.

 

Angle Admirer!

Compared to a more two-dimensional dress, this gown goes out-of-the-box to producing a 3d effect!  This type of gown allows your audience to admire you from every angle.

 

If you think about it, most of your guests will be viewing you from behind as you walk down the aisle and make your vows.  So that’s pretty much your entire wedding ceremony that they are looking at the backside of you!

Timeless Twists

 

Trend: Lace Nouveau

We saw the Lace trend globally advertised when Kate Middleton wore it on her wedding day.  Her royal wedding gown proved its’ influence after almost every collection showed variations on lace this season.

 

Lace identifies us with the past…before we were pushed into the technology-driven and reliant society we live in today.  Lace is a timeless classic…giving fabric the ethereal, dreamy, take me back to good-ole-days vibe.  Vintage inspired laced sleeves is a feminine touch to any gown.

 

Step into the time machine and time warp back into a world where it taught us that simplicity is pure elegance.  Nostalgic woven pieces speak sophistication….simple as it should be.

Comfort Chameleons

 Trend: Transformers

Do you really want to be dancing around in your reception ballroom in your beautiful bridal gown you wore when you walked down the aisle?  More often seen nowadays are the brides changing into a second dress for the reception.  Convertible and/or reversible dresses, or ones with removable pieces (skirts, trains, capes, veils, etc.) create a distinct reception look.  Designers are now custom-making gowns fit for comfort, as more and more women are calling for a desire to break-free and the ability to move and run around later in night at their receptions.

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com or call at 201-444-1500.

Wedding Dresses Trends 2020

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Trend: Peplums

 

Peplum; noun: “a short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress.”

 Fun, flirty, and stylish…Just think of the cute bubble skirts…aren’t they just an adorable way to sex up your look?

 A peplum, or short overskirt, has made its’ way from the ready-to-wear runways to wedding dresses.  This flattering trend is a unique detail that can add a sexy, modern touch to any gown using both structured and softly draped shapes.

High-fashioned and vividly appealing, peplums picking up this season is a sure way to impress any bride-to-be gown shopping with this popular silhouette in the selection of many stores and boutiques.

 

Feathered or flustered?…or ruffled?

…any unique detail to a waist-defined peplum gown will be high-fashion!

 

50 shades of…Ivory?

 Trend: Color

 Great news if white just isn’t your color…because this season, brides have more of an opportunity to find a color that’s more flattering to their skin tone and body.

 Designers painted their dresses in splashes of bold strokes this season.  Smokey reds, sky blues, and bridal blushes.  So wearing white isn’t the norm anymore, as this season’s rebellious offset to white in the use of colors and ivory invites itself in!  Yes, IVORY!  Ivory gives brides a bigger selection to play dress-up with!

 

Color me …Boldly…but Softly

Keep it “bridal approved” by sticking to one color theme:  one significant color of choice that pops.  A bold pop of color will give your dress the new age look your going for, while expressing your individuality and “color personality”.  Choose your color wisely…first impressions speak loudly…and boldly!

 

Don’t get any ideas of rainbow inspired dresses, either.  Let’s pass on the tacky considerations.

Separate the white, or ivory, with color: Khloe Kardashian’s Vera Wang wedding gown had a subtle pop of the color around her waist.  A thin or thick colored sash makes way for perfection as it can incorporate color into your gown in a classic way.

If you want to accessorize, add flowers to or around your hair.  The middle of the flower could be a complimentary color to the shade in your gown.  With an ivory gown, this look could be quite classic and vintage.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ.

Leo (July 24– Aug 23) The Drama Queen – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:   All hail the queen!  You are the zodiac’s lioness…channeling the fire element in your roar of strength, warmth and high energy.  As a Leo, you hate to be alone, which is a good thing because you have a magnetic personality.  You thrive on stage, are confident, ambitious and happy as long as you have a few doting admirers.  You’re sensitive to criticism and won’t easily forgive insults or perceived slights…but still do for the sake of keeping a general peace.  You impress others with your aplomb in uncomfortable circumstances and difficult situations, always maintaining the composure as a queen would rule her country in a distressful time.  Leos are far from facades and phony behaviors, always delineating their true colors.  You rather be hated for what you truly are than loved for who you’re not and this assurance to your true self is a sign of true strength.  Loyal lion, you are one in a million…embracing a regal status of royalty illuminating through your generosity, quick wit, and overall composure.

Style: The Fancy Feline …Gold Goddess…Queen of the fashion jungle.

You are courageous enough to make an unforgettable fashion statement.  Bold colors, big patterns, a barely-there dress that somehow stays in place — if anyone can pull it off with assurance, it’s you.  Gold, fur, and velvet lure you in, and animal prints of leopard and zebra fit your fashion tastes.  Shopping is a sport for you: like the lion that symbolizes your sign, there’s nothing you love more than a good hunt then displaying the spoils with the perfect outfit.  The smart and refined looks you choose have a way of becoming iconic.  Your signature mane is often the first thing people notice, whether your hairdo is super-short or teased-out, you have the attitude and personality to pull it off.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Posh is in the stars for you…you want a wedding dress that is metaphorically lion-sized!  A fashion fiend for luxurious, expensive things, Leos do not mind indulging for anything, especially splurging on a wedding gown.  Elaborate sequins and bold and daring styles will catch the eye of the tiger.  Comfort is the last thing on your mind, for you Leo girls want to be flashy.  Look for materials fit for royalty – duchess satin, silk chiffon, organza – and smooth, elegant lines that meet dramatic details in a crystal brooch.  Just remember that the quality of the fabric and the manufacturing is just as important as the style.  What would be more fitting for a Leo better than a gown adorned with millions of sequins throughout the straps crossing over the chest, along with a center floral ornamentation, a billowing skirt that adds a chic feel making it a sophisticated bridal gown?  A style such as this one will wow all.  Don’t tame that mane – the more natural and goddess-like the better.   Act as if an invisible crown is being worn by you…that is where your energy will radiate all its’ royalty in your majestic gown.

Style icon who shares your sign: Jennifer Lopez

Leo seductresses: Madonna,HalleBerry, Kim Cattrall

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop in Bergen County, NJ or call at 201-444-1500.

 

Cancer (June 22– July 23) The Soul Sister – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:  You are more loyal than a golden retriever, and more nurturing than Mother Goose.  Cancer rules “women,” so you are the zodiac’s “soul sister.”  You connect with all the women in your life in such a profound way that you are like “Mother Nature,” but in tangible form, and are the best friend to all of your pals.  The Cancer sign is covered in contradictions.  You’re willful and independent when it comes to your professional/public life, such as your career, and you lean heavily on family and friends when it comes to emotional support.  As a water sign, you’re deeply in-tune with your feelings.  You’re an intuitive old-soul with charming character.

Style: Old Fashioned Femininity…Vive la femme…Vintage Vixen.

Cancer is the sign of femininity, yet like a shy little Crab, you can be a bit self-conscious about your womanly body.  Your true beauty emerges when you veer toward body-conscious styles that flatter your curves, rather than hide or exaggerate them.  Old-fashioned glamour (think: 1940s era) looks fresh and timeless on you.  Cancers are one of the girliest girls around and love anything lace.  You love to dress up and be appreciated for your effort.  Cancer women don’t fret over uncomfortable fabrics or styles but rather look their best in floral motifs or a fitted bodice.  You’re a parading paradox: As a teenager, you were most likely to pair a prom dress with sneakers or pencil skirt with a tee-shirt.  Your natural sensitivity to color and style can make you an amazing dresser, with a great eye for bargains and vintage treasures.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Part of you longs for a flowing beach dress; the other part yearns for a formal frock.  You’ll find the amazing in-between: a gown that flawlessly marries classic glamour with spunky and carefree.   Avoid the overly embellished and opt for a stunning, satin-organza frock that flatters every curve.  Your sign rules the chest, so a gown that skims the figure without revealing too much flesh is most flattering and will keep your cups from overflowing!  Your dream dress will be made of lace, floral embellishments around the waist, a full train, and dainty straps.  The lovely gown will scream with glamour and femininity…and it will be one that cannot be carried better by anyone else but you.

 

Style icon who shares your sign: Princess Diana

Cancer Seductresses: Jessica Simpson, Khloe Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan,Selma Blair

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

A Bride’s Wish List by Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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By Jaclyn Ianetti for Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

“Honor, riches, marriage-blessing
Long continuance, and increasing,
Hourly joys be still upon you!”
– William Shakespeare

You found the man of your dreams…the dress of your dreams…had the wedding of your dreams. Now what about the future of your dreams?

Before you start dreaming up future plans, first give out gratitude to the universe for bringing you the things that bring you love & happiness, right here in the “here and now.” There is a measurable benefit to counting your blessings and looking on the bright side. Doing this will be sure to bring you more of your wishes, hopes and dreams to be realized soon in the future! Studies have been done to prove that people are genuinely happier when showing gratitude. So remember that a happy energy and positive outlook attracts positive outcomes!

Wedding day planning has brought you much stress, I’m sure, but give thanks for how wonderful it all turned out to be. “Thank you power” can actually undo the effects of stress that has took its’ toll on you. And aren’t you thankful for all the beauty the wedding day and the days that led up to it, like the first time you ever met your husband, has brought into your life?

Write down the moments that are good in your life and the ones you have recently experienced leading up to your wedding so that you can go back and reflect on them. This can be your little treasure book that holds your happiness…something that you can stare dreamily at each time you visit. It’s a golden repository of all the good stuff from your past that gives you the ability to recognize the small, everyday things that make you happy. Happiness and “thank you power” aren’t about material objects, but rather the moments in your life that have made you feel that life is good.

Whispers of your Heart
Give thanks… to God, your angels, and the universe…for coming together to bring you love in the form of human love. Whether you endured struggles and hardships along the way, a romantic relationship is what satisfies your heart. Your heart received the affection of another person, and your heart is now complete.

Give thanks…for Free will. Free will is the key ingredient to true love. True love cannot exist without a choice: If you were forced to love a person, then love would disappear, and you would be under manipulation. Your free will matched up perfectly with somebody else’s free will. You & your husband have a will that crossed paths and shared its’ desires freely, locking at a center point of reciprocating love.

Give thanks…for an intimate relationship that developed because of your choice and free will, in spite of all the other opportunities that you could have chosen that would have misled you down the wrong path to love.

Give thanks…for a passionate romance… Your channels are unblocked to allow love to flow freely in to enhance your life. Your earthly relationship with your husband is the avenue of expressing and receiving love

Give thanks…for the life of promise you are now living. A promise of unconditional love and acceptance that you and your spouse share together, which is the ultimate treasure above all other things in life.

“Grace and remembrance be to you both.”
– William Shakespeare

Wedding Planning Made Easy

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Planning a wedding can be a lot of work. Depending on what you and your fiancé are looking for, there can be a lot to plan and decide on. From locations to venues to food and budget, it can get a bit stressful. Luckily, there are a lot of websites out there to ease your pain. These sites help you to plan and keep things organized. They make it easy to find venues and keep track of your budget. They also help to keep in contact with all your guests. You can send out RSVPs, keep track of food preferences, and even add your registry. Some include apps and the ability for your guests to add photos after the wedding. There are many wedding websites to choose from, some free, some with monthly payments, and some with upgrades available for a small cost.  

 

The Knot is one of the most popular wedding websites. It offers a lot at no cost to you unless you want to upgrade.  

  • Customize your website for free 
  • Upgrade to a custom domain for an added cost 
  • Add guests and collect contact information 
  • Add a registry 
  • Keep track of gifts received and “thank you” cards sent out 
  • Share your love story 
  • Countdown to the wedding date 
  • Collect RSVPs 
  • Use budget tool 
  • Wedding planning checklist 
  • Venue search 

 

Wedding Wire is another free website. The great part about Wedding Wire is the ability to search vendor’s pages. You can read reviews right on the site, and even book appointments if possible.  It’s your one-stop-shop for wedding planning. 

  • Customize your own site with over 400 designs 
  • Mobile and tablet friendly  
  • WedSocial app where friends and family can share photos
  • Widgets to help book travel  
  • Easy access to RSVPs and registry 
  • Social guestbook 
  • Vendor search and reviews 
  • Appointment booking 

 

Joy is almost like a Facebook event page, but way better. You can add your trusted friends and event planner as admins, so you don’t have to do all of the work. The site is free and fairly similar to The Knot and Wedding Wire, with a few select differences. 

  • App for iOS and Android 
  • Multiple admins 
  • Connect with Facebook and Instagram to control sharing 
  • Send guests email notifications 
  • Introduce yourselves and your wedding party 
  • Allow guests to connect with each other 
  • Share travel details 

These are just a select few of some great wedding websites to keep your planning organized. There are many others out there to choose from. Some require monthly or yearly fees, while others, like these, are free. Choose what works best for you. Either way, these will be sure to make your wedding planning a breeze.

Be sure to find Aleana’s Bridal on Wedding Wire!

Bridal Clutches

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Congratulations! Your wedding day is coming up and your figuring out all of the final touches. You have your dress, your shoes, and your accessories. You know what you’re doing with your hair and have your makeup all figured out. But, where will you keep all of those little extras? You know, your phone, your lipstick, some eyeliner just in case you cry a little too much? You could have your bridesmaids hold on to it for you. If you have pockets in your dress (what a luxury that would be), you could keep all those little extras in there. Or, you could just bring your own handbag.  

Now, it’s your wedding day, so you don’t need that purse filled with everything but the kitchen sink. A little clutch is really all you need. Here are some of our favorite clutches, and really all you’ll need to keep inside! 

Lipstick, because that’s sure to wipe off with your first kiss as bride and groom and all that champagne you’ll be sure to drink. It will help to have that close by for any touchups you might need. 

Blotting papers can help to get rid of the shine without adding extra makeup that can get all over your dress. They’ll get rid of that shine on your face and keep you looking fresh all night long. Keep them in this cute little clutch.  

Tissues! You’ll need these and your husband to be might need these too. Tears will be shed, and having a little pack of tissues in your clutch will be sure to help. They’ll fit great in this little clutch. 

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your phone will fit in there. You’ll be taking selfies with everyone all night long, so you’ll want to keep it close. With phones getting bigger and bigger as the years go by, it might be tough to find a clutch it will fit into, but here are a few options that might work for you on your big day.  

You’ll be sure to be the only one with this bag because you are the only one saying “I do!” Keep all of your little extras in here or in any of the other clutches available at Aleana’s Bridal.