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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 1)

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

By Jaclyn Ianetti

The song that will be playing as you pace dreamily down the aisle is playing like a broken record over and over again in your head.  The only time you need to hear this song is at the wedding.  How to tune it out at such a stressful and crucial time?  Pace yourself – -and get FOCUSED!  You don’t want to miss doing these last few significant things as the big day approaches…

Tail Spin or To Do?

Before you get caught in the tail spin of stress, try and catch yourself to stop and see what exactly it is that is stressing you out.  One way of doing this (and probably the BEST way) is to make a list.  Make friends with your notepad and use some sticky post-its as your new guidance.  This helps you keep track of appointment timings and the zillion other things you have to do.  In order to organize all of this, the timeline with tips offered below helps to let you know when you need to be making the last call for things to get done and crossing them off.

(Notice how you feel when you cross things off your list…it feeds that good type of stress hormone that your body pumps to keep you motivated in getting something accomplished.  You feel empowered and productive with the swift cross of ink flooding over a “to do” that is equivalent to the sound of a sigh of relief.)

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YOUR LAST MINUTE LIST…before true love’s tick of the clock tower strikes at the time of the ceremony!

ONE MONTH BEFORE: You’ll want to confirm the appointment with hair stylists, make up artists, and whoever else would be part of the glamour team to transform you into a bride beaming with beauty on your special day! Book a facial and other date/time set-ups for skin maintenance (you don’t want to go on a date that is too close to the wedding day).  Also, make sure to go for a trial run to test out different styles you were thinking about to see what makes just the right fit for you…and on you.  Stick to a fitness regimen.  Have a separate calendar for all dates/times to set aside for your personalized work-out agenda, including exercise classes.  Exercising shouldn’t just primarily be to focus on your weight.  Exercise is about energy…endorphins…feeling good.  You want to feel your very best during this time in your life.  And look it, as well!

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

 

 

Theme Weddings (Part 3)

Start reading Part 1 and Part 2

*  Beach Wedding: Beach Party, Elegant Beach Wedding, Under the Sea, Mermaid/Aquatic Wedding, etc.  You can be as creative as possible with scenery & favors with dolphins, fish, starfish, seashells, sea horses, sand dollars, flip flops, palm trees, lighthouses, sailboats, sunscreen, and so much more!  For a more romantic backdrop, imagine a string quartet and lilies…gentle waves and the sun setting…the soft sand caressing your feet as you approach your soul mate and pledge your eternal love on the scattered with petals aisle, under a white, billow canopy with delicate chiffon drapes.

*Manhattan Public Library…for you writers, authors, aspiring writers/editors/authors, teachers, etc.).  There’s just something magical about marrying in a setting that transports you to another time of one of those iconic places that exist in history books and give New York its’ color and intensity.  Dance under its’ glass and iron domed ceiling and make your invitations out to guests in the style of a book cover.  An authentic Big Apple Wedding, indeed.

 

* Arabian Nights…Belly Dancers and Buddha Bars, bamboo shots, sitting on sofas in colored tents relaxing & sipping flavored Hookahs and being served by waiters/waitresses in harem pants.  Bring back the splendor of a Thousand Nights and even the Disney classic, Alladin.  Take a flight of fancy on your magic carpet as you soak in the magical atmosphere reliving the charmed life of Princess Jasmine & Prince Alladin in a palace setting with minarets and towers, silks and flowers, and bejeweled thrones.  Make a wish into your magic lamp and make this magical experience a reality for you on your wedding day.

 

Go Retro wish you were in a different decade?  On your wedding night, you can be.  Pick a decade that you love…and surround yourself with mod pieces & pin-up styles…from polka dot shoes, red lipstick, poufy skirts, beehive hairdos to the flower power of peace signs or the rock-n-roll of the 80’s or the disco dancing era under a shiny disco ball.

Romantic/Whimsical WeddingRed, red Roses, pink ribbons, dancing the classic waltz, & beautiful candles.  Incorporate your favorite characters from novels, children’s books, movies, & televisions for a more whimsical aura.  (See Fairytale/Fantasy below for more whimsy filled ideas!)

 Fairytale/Fantasy…Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and all of the Disney princesses you wish to be.  Just imagine…you can have your own storybook wedding filled with glass slippers, tiaras & crowns, a white horse-drawn carriage, pixie dust, magic wands, and your very own Prince Charming waiting for you at the end of the aisle in your castle.  For a fairytale feel without the princess theme, think of the magical characters in other fantasy stories that you love, such as the gods & goddesses of mythology.  Click your heels & be Dorothy for the day…have an adornment of butterflies & fairies…and just be as creative and imaginative as you can be to bring your wedding to a place, or palace, of enchantment.

One more part to go …. Read Part 4

This article brought to you by www.aleanasbridal.com. A

 

Wedding gown for Sagittarius (Nov 23– Dec 22) The Free Spirit

Personality:  As a Sagittarius, you’re one of the wanderers of the zodiac – you’re on an endless odyssey to find the meaning of life.  You’re an adventurer and truth-seeker.  Above all else, you value freedom.  Your thrilling, nomadic lifestyle means you have no shortage of stories and make a great entertainer.  People value your company because you tend to be the “ice breaker” of any uncomfortable situation.  You’re class clown vibes comfort others, loosening everybody up.  Lighthearted and lovable, you are the person who is missed when not present at a party.

StyleGirl on the Go…Unfussy Sagittarius is the sign of the traveler, and you need style that’s as on-the-go as you are.  You’re a free spirit and your clothes are sensibly chic.  It’s all about layers – pullovers, leg warmers, and flannels paired with comfy jeans and leggings for you.  Since you never know where you’ll end up, your wardrobe is best when it is versatile, comfortable and easy to maintain.  You prize your individuality, so you’re always on the hunt for the perfect, one-of-a-kind item that brings you joy —be it a funky piece of costume jewelry or a handmade dress from an undiscovered boutique.  You hate to feel confined, and since most Sags are curvier on the bottom, it can take work to find clothes that are both comfortable and flattering.  What suits you best?  A mixtures of basics blending in your own unique pizzazz.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:  Renew your passport – if anyone’s a destination bride, it’s you.  You’ll need a beachy wedding gown that’s a breeze to pack.  Two concerns for a Sagittarius bride are finding a dress that allows her to move freely and is made of natural, comfortable fibers.  You want to look good, but must be unencumbered as well.  Pick a dress that allows you to move around freely without having to worry about it wearing you.  A tight lace-up bodice or too many undergarments will drive you crazy all day.  You will love a dress that is adorable, not too restricting, and made of versatility.  Be comfortable and pretty at your wedding, but remember to consider the time of year you are planning your wedding as your legs, arms and shoulders will all be exposed, free-natured Sagi!  The goddess gown was made for you Sagittarius…leave your hair free and flowing.

Style icon who shares your sign:  Scarlett Johansson

Sagi seductresses: Katie Holmes, Christina Applegate, Nelly Furtado, Miley Cyrus

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 Paramus, NJ or call (201) 444-1500.

Photo credits to verseguru on Flickr. com

Wedding gown for Libra (Sept 24– Oct 23) The Balanced Bombshell – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

Personality:  People person…charmer…balanced.  You are a staunch defender of “what’s right.”  You’re cultured, worldly and feel the most comfortable at a cocktail party or at a theater event.  You domestic divas thrive off playing hostess in your home, setting up a fine assortment of food and drinks on a delectable dining room table decorated to the finest degree. Nobody can top you when it comes to etiquette…Miss sophisticato Libras know how to conduct real manners!  Libras are great artists and have a good eye for aesthetics.  As Libras are astute, effective communicators, the right thing to say is always on the tip of your tongue.  You speak the truth and have no problem telling it like it is to anybody.  Refined, classy, chic, honest…all of which gives the honorable title of holding the scales to a balanced persona.

StyleGraceful GoddessFair and Foxy…As the aesthetic sign of the Scales, you’re all about balance and proportion…you love fine fabrics and tailoring.  You don’t get dressed — you put together “outfits.”  You know you’re better off weighing every choice carefully in a head-to-toe, coordinated ensemble than a mishmash of random separates.  Ruled by Venus, goddess of beauty and love, Libras can pull off romantic and über-feminine styles.  You’re drawn to vibrant jewel-tones, floral embroidery, and floor-length, flowing skirts.  A vast collection of chunky necklaces and handmade jewelry are what Libras are known for.  Everything you wear must be dramatic and beautiful: Every good outfit deserves an audience, and as a highly social sign, you’ll line up a date or a party to make sure your hard work at the mirror doesn’t go unnoticed.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope: 

For you, a graceful gown is as important as the groom!  As a very romantic sign, Libra women usually always strive to look their best… can you imagine how you will feel on your wedding day?  Libras are exacting communicators: make a statement in a sweeping ball room gown with flower details and tiny jewels throughout.  Balanced fashion and beauty consciousness helps to make a Libra bride pretty.  Your most refined and expensive tastes could consider a strapless silhouette that highlights your great bod, beautiful brocade trim, an illusion fabric, even an elegant train to be quite revealing.  With delicate straps bejeweled with sequins, dainty stitching and an extensive train, it’s no wonder that you will have your very own bridal audience at the wedding who “oos and aahs” over such a gown.

Impeccable makeup and a dramatic eye add old school glamour to complete your look.  Heaven forbid someone should rush you when you’re getting dressed.  You need to take your time to create the right look, carefully applying the perfect shade of lipstick.

Style icon who shares your sign: Kate Winslet

Libra seductresses: Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani

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