Best of Bliss! Watters Jordana Gown Has Us All Aflutter

We, here at Bliss Bridal, are definitely Watters fans and they have not disappointed with this gorgeous silk-washed organza bridal gown. A simple A-line with a sweet-heart neckline, it's a dress that will flatter a wide variety of body types. Perfect for a garden, barn or church wedding, and versatile enough to go from day to evening. It's ethereal and romantic and we are in love. Many thanks to Tyson and Molly Ritter for the beautiful photos.

Tyson Ritter Photography

Tyson Ritter Photography

Tyson Ritter Photography

Tyson Ritter Photography

Tyson Ritter Photography

Tyson Ritter Photography

Tyson Ritter Photography

Bliss Prom 2013

 

Thank you so much to Tyson Ritter for these spectacular photos featuring a few of our favorite prom ensembles. Our gratitude also goes out to our delightful models, Max Shelley and Saydee Dickinson from Petaluma High School and professional stylist and model coach Molly Ritter, responsible for hair and makeup.

Prom is fast approaching, so if you haven't gotten your dress or tux yet, drop by to see these and many more styles.  

Top 10 Trends for Prom 2013 (Part 2)

...Continued from Sunday's post, here are the top five trends for Prom 2013.

 5. Brights

Unlike previous years, during which pastels or blacks and whites dominated the scene, this year is punctuated by a veritable rainbow of colors to choose from for prom. The most important thing to remember when choosing a color is your skin undertones. If you have a warm skin tone stick to dresses that are also warm. If your skin has a cooler undertone, opt for like colors. Unsure about your skin tone? When choosing jewelry do you tend to go for gold or silver? If you answered gold then your skin most likely has warm undertones. If you answered silver, you are cool-skinned.

4. Coral Makeup

This gorgeous golden pink gives skin a fresh-faced glow unlike any other shade of blush. It can be easily worn on cheeks, lips or lids and looks natural enough that it can be worn no matter what color your dress is. Just be sure to keep the overall look cohesive. If you're wearing a sophisticated, Audrey-Hepburn-inspired dress it is best to go with a winged liner and a red lip. If, however, you are wearing anything that could be described as youthful, sweet, romantic or summery, coral makeup will be perfect and effortless.

3. Metallics

Golds, Silvers, Bronzes and Chromes are in no short supply this prom season. And the good news is that anyone can pull them off in the right shades. Metallic dresses have a wow factor usually reserved for the masterpieces of Greek and Roman sculptors and the resulting look can only be described as bombshell-esque.

2. High-Low Hems

Named for it's hemline that dips low in the back and rises in the front showing off long legs, the high-low hem is a show-stopping style that is shown to it's best advantage when the wearer is walking or dancing. The wind created by the movement lifts the skirt and gives a dramatic flare to the dress. High-low dresses are great for the lady who wants the elegance of a floor-length skirt without sacrificing the opportunity to show off gorgeous gams or sparkly shoes.

Photo by Tyson Ritter

Photo by Tyson Ritter

1. Chiffon

Perhaps more than any of the above-mentioned style elements, chiffon is heavily featured this year for Prom. It's a versatile fabric that can either cling to the body, creating a sexy silhouette, or skim the figure, flowing out and around the feet and lending the wearer a romantic, almost ethereal look. It can be a striking contrast to pair this sweet, soft fabric with the bold and daring features already discussed.

 What trends have you noticed this year? Did we miss any? What trends are you dying to try? Which ones will you pass on? Leave a comment below.

Check back for photos from our prom photo shoot with Tyson Ritter next week.

Top 10 Trends for Prom 2013 (part 1)

It's prom season again and we here at Bliss Bridal couldn't be more excited. Designers are taking full advantage of the season and we're seeing an influx of daring design elements. Bright colors, dramatic hemlines, plunging necklines and, most of all, SPARKLES are dominating the prom landscape. In reflection of the optimism and determination of this generation, the following is a list of 2013's hottest fashion trends for prom.

10. Solids

Classic and smooth, a solid dress says the wearer is decisive and powerful. She is in control of her destiny and she knows who she is and what she wants. The monochromatism works to elongate and slim, creating a statuesque and imposing silhouette.

9. Sequins/Beading

To a certain extent, all that glitters will never go out of style, but this year, more than ever, sequins and crystal beading are stealing the show. Each serves to create a different look but both demand attention. Not for the faint of heart, sparkly dresses catch the light and ensure that all eyes are drawn to the wearer. Sequined dresses have an almost liquid element to them and hug curves so that the light hits each one, accentuating and celebrating each one. Beading tends to be used more sparingly and can create flattering lines depending on the pattern. Be sure to try on every dress, because a beaded pattern that looks great on one person, might not work on another, and vice versa.

8. Cutouts

As mentioned earlier, nothing about this prom season is timid or safe and nothing illustrates that point better than cutout dresses. Strategic parts of the gown are left open to show off a tiny waist and lend a dramatic flare to the overall look. This look is particularly good on athletic body types who want to add the illusion of dangerous curves.

7. Backless

The mother of cutout dresses, backless gowns are unequivocally sophisticated and drop-dead sexy. A bare back can turn an otherwise simple and classic look into a fabulously daring ensemble. It is one bold look that will not fade no matter the trends.

6. Statement Jewelry

With all the take-no-prisoners attitude and brave style choices of the age, delicate jewelry would be completely overpowered. Women with something to say require bold dresses and bold dresses require statement jewelry. A solid dress is perfectly paired with big chunky jewelry. Just make sure the dress and the accessories are not competing or it will have a diminishing effect and cause the wearer to disappear rather than stand out.


Check back next week for the top five trends for Prom 2013!

Happy Valentine's Day!

With so many GORGEOUS dresses pouring in for Spring, we couldn't wait to feature a few of them in this Valentine's Day themed photo shoot by award-winnning photographer, Tyson Ritter. Special thanks to Stella and Dot stylist, Hilary Opel for providing the spectacular jewelry pictured.

"Conversation Hearts Speak for Themselves"

"xoxo"

"Take Two, They're Small"

"Luv Me"

"She's All Heart"

"Be Mine"

"Sweet Hearts"
Models from left to right: Kendra Slate, Molly Ritter, Amy Chagonjian

We want your feedback! Leave a comment below or share this post on facebook and receive 15% off your purchase. Our Valentine's Day gift to you!

Wedding Gown Guide:

Hemlines and Trains

This season is all about statement hems. Many brides are opting for 1950's-inspired tea-length swing dresses or flirty high-low hems to give their gowns a unique flare. More than any other element of a dress, the hem determines the formality of your ensemble. The longer the hem the more formal your overall look. Beyond that, however, hemlines can also serve to flatter a figure, or not. The following article will give you a quick rundown of which hemline or train would be most appropriate for you.       

Cocktail

Named for the occasion it was designed for, the cocktail dress (also known as the Mini), is generally what most people think of when they talk about the LBD (Little Black Dress). With a hem that hits the leg at mid-thigh, this dress is ideal for work parties, dinner dates, girls-nights-out, casual bridesmaids and Vegas or courthouse weddings. It will flatter any woman with shapely legs. Just make sure that it is neither too long so that it cuts the legs off at their widest point (a couple inches above the knee) or too short so that you spend all night pulling your skirt down.

Knee Length

Probably the most popular length for bridesmaids dresses, knee-length is universally complimentary. It should hit the legs right at the narrowest part (the bottom of the knee) showing only the slender calves and leading the eye to assume the rest of the leg is just as slim. Knee length is appropriate in bridal gowns for smaller or more informal weddings, especially if paired with a full-skirt and petticoats.

Tea Length

As discussed in the introduction, tea length swing dresses are very en vogue, particularly for retro themed weddings. Tea Length hems drop to mid shin, exposing the ankles and feet and is ideal for tall women. While it is equally as formal as knee length, just that extra six inches of skirt makes it a good deal more modest. It is a good choice for bridesmaids if your wedding is in traditional church that requires ladies to be covered. It is also a perfect alternative to floor length if the wedding is outdoors.

Floor Length

This hem hits just above the ground and looks beautiful on most body types. Depending on the fullness of the skirt, it can be very elongating on petite frames and also has a slimming effect. Barring trains, this is the most formal hemline and is ideal for evening weddings. For brides, it is a great option for destination weddings as there is no train to worry about when packing.

High-Low

One of this year's most popular trends, high-low hems are a great way to keep a formal dress fun and flirty. This hem is characterized be a short skirt in front, showing off the wearers legs, that dips down in the back. It can come in a variety of length combinations and can be worn to a variety of occasions. To pull this look off as a bride, keep it subtle with tea length in the front and floor length in the back. This can be a very fashion-forward look when paired with bright shoes.

Sweep Train

Also known as the brush train, this train is the most informal of trains, as well as the shortest. It just barely sweeps the floor, extended just a few inches from where the hem hits the floor. It is wonderful for destination or semi-formal weddings. it is also the only train appropriate for bridesmaids dresses.

Court Train

The court train extends approximately 3 feet behind the gown. It is perfect for semi-formal weddings as it offers elegance to your gown without weighing it down with the cumbersome bulk of a longer train.

Chapel Train

Stretching out to about 4 feet behind the gown, the chapel train is arguably the most popular length for trains. It strikes a happy balance between the minimalistic sweep train and the elaborate monarch train, which lends it a versatility unmatched by other trains. It can easily be worn for both semi-formal and extra formal weddings. 

Semi-Cathedral Train

This train extends between 5 and 6 feet behind the gown and is about halfway between the length of the chapel train and the cathedral train. The semi-cathedral train marks the point at which trains become distinctly formal.

Cathedral Train

The cathedral train stretching out to about 7.5 feet behind the dress and creates a truly breathtaking look. It is often detachable to avoid having to bustle so much material.

            

Monarch Train

The most uncommon train, the monarch train, extends 9 feet or more and is mostly seen in highly publicized weddings such as those of public figures

What do you think? Which train or hemline did you choose for your wedding? Please leave comments below.