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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.

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.

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.

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.

Your Very First Wedding Dress Shopping

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Here are a few things you must keep in mind before you come to try on or search for your very first wedding dress at Aleana’s Bridal.

  1. Make an appointment: The wedding industry is a super busy one. Bridal salons are always completely booked for the day; especially weekends. For us to give you all our attention and time, call us well in advance to let us know when you would like to come in. You could also book an appointment online through our website. Your appointment will be confirmed after we’ve contacted you back.
  2. Have an idea of what you would love to see and try on: Have an idea of what your wedding theme and venue would be like. That way you’ll be well aware if you should be looking for a dress appropriate for a relaxed beach fete rather than one that would fit right in at a classic ballroom affair.
  3. Do wear appropriate undergarments: Although we have bras and shoes that you can wear while trying on your gown, it’s always best to bring a strapless bra and shoes (approximately the same as what you intend on wearing for your big day) with you.
  4. Your budget: Be prepared to discuss your price budget with our sales person. This will allow her to bring you dresses that are in your price range.
  5. Have an open mind: Most of the brides come in for something they are looking for in particular, but end up purchasing a different style that suits them more. The dress you never thought you would like may be the one that is exactly right for you.
  6. Give enough time: If you want to spend more time trying on dresses and talking with one of our sales person, a weekday appointment would be ideal. Once you’ve selected the dress you said yes to, we will let you come in few days/weeks from that day for your alterations.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, New Jersey

Bridesmaid Dresses

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Be Creative and have some Fun: Customized Bridesmaid Dresses

Is it a hard choice to decide what to pick off the rack? Then make things easier for yourself. The good news is you can now create and personalize bridesmaid dresses of your choice! Add your style, color and size on Dessy, an online store that offers a wide range of premium dresses. You dream and design it, let us know or come to us and we will make it come true. Whether you have a design in mind or are looking for styling advice we will work together to create your unique made to measure gown.

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 Collection Style: 2964

Punch up a rosy color palette! Pink does not always have to be girly. Since pink is soft and airy, it’s not much of a stretch from white and still works. So, forget matchy-matchy and outfit your friends in these gorgeous crepe dresses that are available in a range of complementary colors. Trust me, they are utterly ladylike and give off an air of whimsy.

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Collection Style: 2949 & 2941

Green is an ideal hue to wear from day to evening events. The best thing about the green trend is that it can flatter literally everyone, regardless of skin tone, hair and eye color, and one’s personal style. All green shades can be ideally styled with earth shade colors, including brown, sandy, grey, etc. For example, style it with nude pumps or skinny sandals with no accessories and jewelries on, let everyone’s attention on your dress. But obviously not from the bride’s. Go for the short or full length strapless soft tulle dress w/ asymmetrical fleur embroidery applique detail at bodice and hip, or the full length pleated lux chiffon halter dress.

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Collection Style: 2956

More of the playful type? Build a mix and match bridesmaid dress of your own. Magenta! Yellow! Blue! They can do wonders to liven up a look. Choose the hues that work with each other and your dress will look smashing! Every color has a complimentary color. Black and white, for instance, are complimentary colors. That’s why they look so great together. You know, “opposites attract”. That whole thing. Customize your own full length strapless lux chiffon dress w/ sweetheart neckline draped bodice and skirt NOWWWW!

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

8 Ways to Color your Wedding Venue

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Your color scheme for the wedding has the power to set the vibe! The colors you choose can seriously affect the overall tone and mood of your wedding, so think about what kind of celebration you want! Always remember to pick up your favorite shade, and the type of style you will use on your wedding invitations. This will give your family and friends a clue about your wedding style (and what they should wear). Here are a few color combinations you could go for:

1. Cream & Gold 

Consider a cream and gold wedding. These wedding colors could work for any time of the year. This romantic décor can work for a stunning indoor venue or a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Its versatility allows it to be a bit rustic, and perfectly refined. Also, gold will always complement the neutral color scheme and isn’t forced to fight for attention aside in bold colors.

2. Brown and Arctic Blue 

Blue for your wedding color will create a relaxing and peaceful mood for your wedding in which everyone will feel contented and happy. Navy blue can look great with ivory, champagne, and white. Adding brown can make it a gorgeous combo. For this theme, go with white tulips, lilies and maybe hydrangea in blue or white. Adding a handful of peacock feathers will definitely look charming, providing a splash of color to kick off a fabulous day.

3. Rustic Rainbow 

A colorful wedding is a beautiful wedding. Choosing all the colors of a rainbow to include in your wedding is bold, attention-grabbing and a bit overwhelming. The most important thing to remember when having a colorful wedding is to make sure every color is represented equally. If your wedding is in the spring, choose pastels. If your wedding is in the summer, choose bright and vibrant colors. If your wedding is in the fall, choose dulled shades that are deeper. If your wedding is in the winter, choose cool palettes for all of your colors.

4. Cherry Red

Red is probably the boldest color you can choose for your wedding. It creates a warm and stimulating mood at your wedding with high energy. The attention-seeking color will have all eyes on a bride who wears a red wedding gown, on a reception venue decorated with red flowers and bridesmaids channeling vibrant red dresses. There are many shades of red to choose from, such as coral, burgundy, ruby, crimson, vermilion or maroon, and endless types of flowers like roses, tulips, poppies, peonies, and dahlias, just to name a few. This bold color (perfect for the brave & romantic ones) can tint every element of your wedding, from heart-shaped table decorations to a spectacular red velvet wedding cake and red rose bouquets for you and your bridesmaids.

5. Purple & Green

Purple is most often associated with royalty. This is because Roman Emperors were often seen wearing purple. Adding a beautiful splash of purple and green to your wedding will create a calming and restful mood. Use lilacs, known for their lovely fragrance which is part of why many brides choose these for their purple pop. While lilacs can also be white, pink, and red, purple lilacs symbolize purity and first love.

6. Turquoise & Lime Green

This bold and bright color combo is pretty chameleonic, and here is why. Depending on the accessories and decorations you choose to display in this sweet yet euphoric mix, your big day can acquire different touches: for a vintage wedding choose powder green, fainted turquoise, and all things antique, for an exotic feel choose a stand-out aqua shade and lots of marine elements, while for a garden-party vibe scatter endless quantities of green hydrangea everywhere and wrap turquoise ribbons around everything. Turquoise will create a refreshing, friendly and happy mood at your wedding.

7.  Kelly Green

There are dozens of ways that green can be a beautiful color for a wedding. Whether as an accent or a dominant shade, this gentle color evokes a sense of peace and nature perfect for a romantic celebration. There are many ways to incorporate more green into the floral arrangements, such as: choosing all-green arrangements with green blooms using more ivy, ferns, and other greenery in decorations or wrapping bouquets in green ribbon. The wedding cake is undoubtedly the star of the wedding menu, and adding green accents can make this scrumptious dessert a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Consider green options such as: decorating the cake with greenery rather than flowers or adding faux emeralds or other green jewels to the cake.

8. White & Blue

A sea-and-sky color theme helps create a crisp, modern wedding. Get inspired by a monochromatic palette of chic sea-glass blues. Print and texture mixing is encouraged, along with a signature sip and dessert bar that perpetuates the color scheme.

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

Customized and DIY Invitations

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Types of Wedding Invitations

There are so many ways to announce the big day to bring excitement. Whether it is customizing your invite, having your own DIY invites or sending it via e-mail – these invitations will be your guests’ introduction to your wedding. Your invitations will give your guests a glimpse of what your wedding day is going to be like, and should represent you and your fiancé’s vision for that special day.

Use bold colors and patterns if you’ve decided to customize the wedding invitations. Pick a bold shade which goes with your wedding theme and you could then select up to three complementary colors from your wedding palette to make your invite stand out from the crowd. For example, hot pink and aqua or plum and deep red go well together. Each color goes well with each season. If it’s a winter wedding, think about combining silver with white and if it’s a summer wedding, go with bright yellow and sunset orange. There are several websites that allow one to choose their style, color, monogram font and more.

If you have a tight budget and have decided to do it yourself by printing the cards at home, the cost of ink and paper will set you back a bit, especially if you swing for high-quality paper stock or heavily-saturated inks. Using your own machines (computer and printer) means making sure that they are working properly and in sync.

If you want to make it very interesting and fun, you could send your guests’ e-invites. Create and design them online and then share it with as many people as you want. Or, use the social network to spread the word and provide links. By doing it this way, you could also add features such as videos and animations, which won’t be possible if you are sending on via post.

For less formal weddings, the simplest and easiest way is definitely word of mouth. It may begin with “Please join us to celebrate,” or “We hope you will join us” just to name a few.

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

 

Wedding Games

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Wedding Games to Keep the Fun Going on!

A boring wedding is every bride’s worst nightmare. At present, couples are focusing on new ways to incorporate fun into their party such as having wedding games to play. Once the ceremony is over it’s time for the party to begin.

Let’s play a game. It’s going to keep your guests entertained.

Naughts and Crosses – Naughts and crosses, also known as X’s and O’s, is a game for all ages. This kids’ game has been around forever and continues to be a favorite. This game is really a case of a moment to learn, a lifetime to master, meaning that all of your guests can enjoy it!

Hook-a-Duck – Have a number of cute little yellow ducklings with metal rings fastened to their heads in an inflatable pool. Try putting a hidden mark under some of the ducks, and the guests who pull them out will be titled winners. You could get buy or rent poles with hooks on the top to capture the ducks. Give them to your guests and let the game begin!

Ring Toss – This funfair game is actually fun when it isn’t rigged! Simply add a couple of small prizes and you’ll keep the younger guests amused, make a drinking game and you’ll keep the adults entertained too.

Hula Hoops – Hula Hoops are most often associated with children and childhood games, but they can be just as much fun for teens and adults. Have your guests compete to see who the best Hula-Hooper is. This is all the more hilarious with a mixed group of teen boys and girls, as boys tend to have difficulty keeping the Hula Hoop moving around their hips.

Tree Swing – Nothing brings back more summer memories than a wooden swing hanging under a tree. If you have little ones or are a kid at heart, don’t spend another day without this summer wedding essential.

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

Be your Own Makeup Artist: Beauty Bites – Part 2

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Read “Beauty Bites- Part 1” first on how to begin making yourself look absolutely pretty!

Continued…

  • For a natural makeup look, try a cream blush. This gives a healthy and fresh look. If you want more staying power, try layering a powder blush on top of it.
  • You can know where to place your blush just by smiling. By smiling, the apple of your cheeks pop out. Place your brush right there and blend into your temple.
  • A big step that some women forget when they do their makeup, something you will especially want to do on your wedding day, is to use a brow pencil to fill in your eyebrows. It really frames your eye. Remember to go a shade or two lighter than your own natural eyebrow color.
  • Focus darker eye shadow on the outside of eyes, moving lighter and brighter as you move in. You want your eyes to look big and beautiful. Use a shimmer powder in the inner corners of your eyes by suing a brush with a smaller head.
  • The best way to curl your lashes is to curl at the root of your lash, at the middle and at the tip. You don’t need to clamp down with the curler, just squeeze lightly.
  • ALWAYS curl your lashes first, do a coat of waterproof mascara (if you know you’re going to cry) and then apply the fake lashes.
  • I recommend using false lashes for all brides to make your eyes look big and captivating. If you’re going for a full-on sexy or glamorous look, use a full lash strip. However, for a more subtle look, go for individual lashes. Wait until the glue dries, use your eye lash curler again, and, finally, apply another coat of mascara.
  • Put lip balm on your lips before gloss or lipstick so they’re not dry or flaky. I suggest you outline your lip with a lip pencil first and then fill your entire lip with the same lip pencil. Using a lip pencil will hold the color longer.
  • Carry a few touch up products in your bag such as the lip pencil or gloss. The use of a good primer will keep your foundation and everything else in place.

TIP : Aim to look like yourself – just enhanced.

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