Watters & Watters Trunk Show

For all of you who haven't started shopping...

Who just haven't felt ready...

Who have been looking, but can't seem to find "the one"...

This is the Trunk Show you've been waiting for.

Watters & Watters, The Platinum Collection

Trunk Show

Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th

419 SW 4th Ave.

Portland, OR 97204

Bridal, Bridesmaids, and Mother of the Bride

Please call 503) 796-9170 to schedule an appointment.

Space is limited. Call us as soon as you can!

~AniA

WHERE TO SHOP FOR A BRIDAL SUIT

Jesus Peiro

If you are picturing yourself more tailored than romantic on your wedding day, you may have noticed the mainstream of bridal fashion remains focused on plunging necklines and layers of tulle. Fortunately more designers are putting bridal suits in their collections. There was a time when the only suits out there were those Mother-of-the-Bride numbers, sometimes bordered with pasty appliques and sequins. Now, thanks to an era of savvy fashion brides, the suit may just become traditional for a chosen few. In your Grandma's day, war brides had swift weddings with quick preparation out of necessity and her 'best suit' was often a woman's only available answer to the wedding dress. Today brides are fortunate. The wedding suit is a choice having more to do with lifestyle and many times the belief, less is more…

Piedad Rodriguez
The trick might be as simple as shopping for a simple sheath or short dress you can accessorize into a tailored look with a custom jacket, shrug or wrap as in the Jesus Piero image above. Or, you may have to shop the opposite direction the traditional bride would. The exception is the bridal salon that features one or more of the few designer lines that offer suits such as Carolina Herrera. Selections as of this writing are still pretty limited though. Initially your search for ideas will probably begin online. Once you get a thought of how you want the skirt and jacket to look, print out or bookmark the combinations. From there sketch them how you want. Next you might go to a fabric shop. Yes, to look at fabrics but also to comb through the pattern books. Pattern books are great for finding looks you can take with you. Or go online to vogue patterns. Look under coats and suits and think white. You’ll find plenty to browse through and get inspired. Below are a few images I found to get you started . . .


Vogue



Vogue



Vogue
If you take the department store route for buying a suit, you might find a particular designer has the suit you like but it’s available in every color but white. The designer or store carrying it may be able to special order it in white. If you’re satisfied with the idea of a ready-made suit, department stores might be a better option than anywhere, especially if they have an established relationship with the manufacturer. Salespeople within departments know their lines and designers well and can steer you in the right direction. You might be able to find your jacket by one designer—your skirt by another. Be warned though. Just make sure the shades of white aren’t too far off that they can’t be worn together.There is on the other hand a down side to department stores: If you want that particular fashion edge their merchandise probably isn’t as forward-looking as say, the one-of-a-kind boutique or specialty store. And believe me, a bridal suit should be classic, yes, but something about it has to be different. The kind of different only a tailor or designer can translate. Check out boutiques and specialty stores. They may not have the exact suit you want but they may be able to create one or point you to a first-rate tailor or custom designers who can. . If you can’t find what you want in a salon, department store or boutique and are serious about that real ‘tailored look’, find a good tailor, preferably a men’s tailor (they’re so skilled). Use some of the same guidelines for finding a tailor that you would a designer or dressmaker. Once you find your good tailor, he (most likely a he) will either have an array of fabrics in house or help you scout your desired materials out. Chances are you’ll want an exclusive fabric you can only find in a specialty store. A tailor knows how to take all the proper measurements and create a look you want . . . the look that undoubtedly says, You and sets you apart.

MONTMARTRE WEDDING

Credits: One and Only Paris Photography (4)

Found on Style Me Pretty, I'm totally in love with these images by One and Only Paris Photography. On the O&O site you'll find additional images following the story of Rachael and Arnaud's wedding, some in color. The black and white though is what I'll remember most about this dazzling event because it's so evocative for me of what Montmartre is in Autumn . . . .

Special thanks to Heather of Rendezvous in Paris who put these boards together

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Soon to be posted on Etsy this dress is aptly named, 'Aurora' (for the aurora color accents). Part of the 'Dioresque' collection, it just came off the work table a couple of weeks back. Once completed I took one look and said, "What could be more bridal than a cloud of white tulle and Chantilly lace?" Add to that the lace is backed with a blue/gray lining. With peach accents it reminds me of a muted pastel sunset. The skirt is four layers of tulle and a separate slip of crinoline and tulle. Detailed touches include a row of buttons accenting the back and it is all pulled together with a blue and peach sash. The headpiece is coral-peachy handmade silk florals attached to a tulle bow

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: ROBERTO TORRETTA

Laces, organzas, silks, chiffons and embroidered tulle--these are all the sumptous fabrics that make up Roberto Torretta's 2010 collection. While it has certain aspects that would appeal to the minimalist bride, there's a hint of the adorned romantic here as well. Every silhouette here is easy and a comfort to wear . . . .

images courtesy Web Novias

SOFT FOCUS

These gowns by Atelier Aimee are visually poetic. The mix of pastel florals,
laces and intricate metallic trim make for some gorgeous choices if you're dreaming of going romantic on your wedding day . . .

Thanksgiving Weekend Specials

Alright, alright, so we won't be open at 3am on "Black Friday" this year...but, we have the next best thing!

This Saturday, we have extended store hours. We will be open from 9am to 6pm. Not only do you have more time to enjoy our fabulous gowns, but we are also offering 10% off the purchase price on each gown ordered on Saturday. Plus, each bride that buys a gown also gets a free veil of her choice up to $150. Not to mention, an additional 15% off of accessories and bridesmaids for any bride that gets her gown through us. All that is missing are the free steak knives (we're working on that, jk)!

So, whether it's your first time or fifth time with us, this Saturday is a great day to come in. Spots are filling up quickly, so call or e-mail us to make an appointment.

INSPIRATION!

Want a bit of inspiration? Just how often does American Vogue do a Bridal editorial? The last one I knew about was the fictionalized Carrie Bradshaw piece in Sex and the City, the movie. I found these on the incredible site, Moodboard where you can see more. Admit it, photographer Arthur Elgort is simply brilliant here.

Images from Vogue by Arthur Elgort

STAIN FREE

source
Being in the spotlight in a white gown involves maneuvering through a wedding day fraught with champagne, red wine, canapes and grass, all of which could be potential accidents just waiting to happen. If you have post plans for your gown such as preservation, resale or even passing it on as a treasure to someone else, there are a few things to know about the kind of stains that could set in and ruin your gown. First of all, relax and realize it's normal through the course of your day to pick up a few drops or splashes of something; most you'll encounter are removable with the help of a good cleaner. Stains that prove trickiest are red wine, chocolate, ink and lipstick, especially those that last all day. If your dress is polyester or synthetic, these stains will lift out without much fuss. 100% silks which most gowns of quality are made of , prove trickier to lift without some modification to the memory of the original weave. So what can be done?

If you purchase your gown from a salon or custom designer, ask for their recommendation for a cleaner post wedding. Cleaning establishments have different product packages for gown preservation and restoration. Whether you're reselling or preserving, a thorough cleaning would include:

1.) Stain removal

2.) Overall cleaning and pressing

3.)Repair (button replacement, hem repair, etc.)

4.) Packaging the gown. For resale this would mean putting the bodice onto a cardboard form and stuffing the rest of the gown with tissue

5.) For preservation the gown would need to be properly boxed.


This is what the cleaner I send all my clients to does. Prior to the wedding the finishing and pressing is done. Post wedding, cleaning, pressing, restoration and preserving. If you do get a stain on your wedding day, it's handy to keep an emergency kit with rubbing alcohol and clean white cloths. Apply the rubbing alcohol (for dry stains like grease) or lukewarm water (for wet stains like wine) to the cloth, and gently (read: gently) blot the spot from its outer edges in; whatever you do don't work from the middle outward or you'll be spreading the stain. Ideally, to dry your gown use a hair dryer on low about six inches away. If it is an oil base stain you're combating sprinkle you can also baby powder on it.

source

For those of you contemplating preservation, after the gown is boxed, avoid the attic, basement or that room off the garage. Attics are prone to extreme heat in Summer months--cold in winter and basements and outdoor rooms generally have moisture problems that could mildew your gown over time. Temperate places like the top of a closet shelf should work. For resale you'll want to connect with the best cleaner available. Here's a link to help you get started with your search.

STREET CHIC BRIDE

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We find ourselves in a toney neighborhood this time where our street chic bride is sporting a shirtwaist, something I haven't seen since the 1980s. Fancy of New York designed this timeless and classic shirt dress. The shirtwaist is actually a more relaxed version of the hourglass, a tailored look concentrating as much on the bodice detailing as the skirt. Typically shirtwaists have long shirt-like or billowing sleeves and full gathered skirt. Can be made out of lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon and crepe, as well as medium weights like linen. The above version is duchesse satin. Nice for a garden reception, especially with a wide- brimmed hat.

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

Wedding dresses and wedding cakes by Tormented on Polyvore.com

click to enlarge

. . . . And some wedding dresses have matching wedding cakes or is it the other way around?

SILVER ACCENTS

The wedding by Twilight :) featuring Pierre Dumas shoes

Silver simulates ice so well, thus worn during the Winter months conveys a kind of cold and white glitz beauty. This is meant to inspire winter brides and get you all moving in the right direction . . .
Anoushka G Couture Long bustier grey & silver evening gown dress
$1,135 - josephm.com
Women's shoes/bags: Pierre Dumas Rivoli-2 - Silver
$49 $30 - piperlime.gap.com
RODO - SOFT MULTISIZE CRYSTAL CLUTCH
$1,028 - luisaviaroma.com
RODO - SOFT MULTISIZE CRYSTAL CLUTCH
$1,028 - luisaviaroma.com

han cholo - chained heart necklace (silver) - 80's Purple
$115 - 80spurple.com







Silver Flower And Pearl Studs.
$3.30 - missselfridge.com

Ivory Wedding Dresses

Ivory Wedding Dresses

It is a worldwide tradition that the brides should be in white on the wedding day. It is beyond doubt that many brides look gorgeous in stark-white dresses but those women who have fair skin complexion do not. These brides look pale and insignificant when they have white clothes on. Red-haired women also look improper and a bit weird in a traditional white dress. A great way of handling this problem for the two types of brides mentioned above is to wear an ivory wedding dress.

All the styles of traditional white gowns have an ivory wedding dress equivalent. The idea of adding a little colour to your dress but still wearing "white" on your wedding is appealing to many women. Gowns in this beautiful colour suit almost every skin tone and they do not make the ladies wearing them look washed out, nor pale.

Many women like to have quite many beauty-enhancing procedures before their special occasion. In case you have rich, dark hair and you have tanned skin, sticking to the traditional white bridal dress is a good idea. Women of colour could also only benefit from choosing a stark-white gown for the big day as the skin tones are rich and beautiful. If you are one of the types mentioned here, then you don't have to worry about looking washed out regardless of the stark white. The contrast can only make you look stunning.

However, there are many women who do not tan but get sun-burnt during the summer. These ladies are advised to go for an ivory wedding dress. The added colours will offset fair complexion whereas stark white would simply wash it away. Avoid washing off your alabaster skin by choosing an ivory bridal attire.

Red-haired ladies should also consider an ivory wedding dress. Generally, there are two kinds of redheads. The first kind is the classic red, the second - the auburn redhead. While the first has natural curls with orange-red locks, the second might look like a brunette in certain lighting. I am an auburn redhead, so the last statement concerns me.

Gothic Wedding Dresses

Gothic Wedding Dresses

This is the kind of dresses everyone loves to wear and it brings out your best. Goth as we all know takes us back to a different period of time and makes a very bold impression on people. Formal gothic dresses look good on men and women both.

Formal gothic dresses can be short and long both and can be worn on any formal occasion.

Formal gothic dresses for men are made of brocade and sometimes satin too. A habatoi silk cravat shirt with gathered sleeves and elegant cuffs make amazing formal Gothic dress for men. Traditional formal Gothic brocade trousers are the most liked by all hot men all over the years. These trousers are made out of brocade, high waist, studs on the fly and bottom of legs to make it comfortable for the feet to slide in give a very sleek and elegant look to this traditional formal Gothic dress.

A black satin shirt with long sleeves and Gothic cuff links give a very formal Gothic dress look to the man. They can double it with a sleek trouser for a complete formal Gothic look. Now lets go to the women and explore their world.

Formal Gothic dresses are worn by women as eveningwear, prom dresses, formal gowns, and weddings too. Many people are enjoying the Gothic culture be it men or women or children. A Gothic boned satin corset gown in chiffon layers can make an excellent formal Gothic dress. You can add ribbons to it and make bows out of black satin to compliment the blood red chiffon layers and can add a few Gothic symbols also.

A black corset gown with lace layers in black georgette gives a formal Gothic dress an elegant and sophisticated look, which can be complimented by a neckpiece from a traditional Gothic collection of ornaments.

Beautiful Strapless Gowns Satin Shimmer Gowns

Beautiful Strapless Gowns Satin Shimmer Gowns

Beautiful Strapless Gowns Satin Shimmer Gowns

Dark gold gown elegant gowns have been in the adorned the bodice with ruched style mid section and taffeta, style gowns made by adjusting the wrap.

Dresses For a Wedding

Dresses For a Wedding

Couture Wedding Dresses

Couture Wedding Dresses