Comments on: Questions of tone http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/ Manolo Loves the Brides! Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:52:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Melissa http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-8011 Melissa Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:50:37 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-8011 I saw that same description of what white to wear at theknot.com too. It's annoying though because what if you're like me and have a pale face, tan shoulders and olive undertones? The dress I want comes in stark white, ivory and light gold (which is kind of a peachy beige, not very yellow). The stark white obviously doesn't work for me because I'm so pale, but I can't decide between the ivory and light gold. I don't own a piece of white clothing because I look so terrible in it, so I'm leaning toward the light gold. Everyone says that it will blend in too much with my skin tone though. This process is driving me nuts! ARG. I saw that same description of what white to wear at theknot.com too. It’s annoying though because what if you’re like me and have a pale face, tan shoulders and olive undertones? The dress I want comes in stark white, ivory and light gold (which is kind of a peachy beige, not very yellow). The stark white obviously doesn’t work for me because I’m so pale, but I can’t decide between the ivory and light gold. I don’t own a piece of white clothing because I look so terrible in it, so I’m leaning toward the light gold. Everyone says that it will blend in too much with my skin tone though. This process is driving me nuts! ARG.

]]> By: Phyllis http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1179 Phyllis Thu, 02 Mar 2006 19:45:19 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1179 That bright white color is also known as Optical White - during the milling process chemical whiteners are applied to the fabric which gives it that stark bluish white tone. Often these chemicals fade, and when you see an older gown that has yellowed it's the natural oxidation of the brightening chemical on the surface of the fabric. I completely agree that trying on different colors of white is essential/ If you'd like to learn more about the many different colors of bridals whites, I recommend getting a Bridal Swatch Set from Thai Silks in Loa Angeles. The swatches are marked and they sell every type of silk fabric: Duchesse satin, regular satin in several weights, chiffon, georgette, jacquard, crepe in several weights, embroidered organza – everything!. The Bridal Swatch Set also includes a full color range for bridal party gowns. You get over well 100 swatches. Thai Silks is a well known supplier to the custom bridal industry, and they have great prices. I used them when I made a gown for my brother's fiancée. Here's their web site: www.thaisilks.com That bright white color is also known as Optical White - during the milling process chemical whiteners are applied to the fabric which gives it that stark bluish white tone. Often these chemicals fade, and when you see an older gown that has yellowed it’s the natural oxidation of the brightening chemical on the surface of the fabric. I completely agree that trying on different colors of white is essential/ If you’d like to learn more about the many different colors of bridals whites, I recommend getting a Bridal Swatch Set from Thai Silks in Loa Angeles. The swatches are marked and they sell every type of silk fabric: Duchesse satin, regular satin in several weights, chiffon, georgette, jacquard, crepe in several weights, embroidered organza – everything!. The Bridal Swatch Set also includes a full color range for bridal party gowns. You get over well 100 swatches.

Thai Silks is a well known supplier to the custom bridal industry, and they have great prices. I used them when I made a gown for my brother’s fiancée. Here’s their web site: http://www.thaisilks.com

]]> By: Twistie http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1101 Twistie Thu, 23 Feb 2006 19:41:31 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1101 I went to a wedding once where the bride wore a lovely soft shade of rose pink, mainegirl. She looked fantastic. If that's what you'd look best in, I say go for it! Interestingly enough, for a period of about thirty years (roughly 1840 - 1870) the most common color for wedding gowns in the American West was plaid. No real reason for mentioning that; just sort of showing off. ; ) I went to a wedding once where the bride wore a lovely soft shade of rose pink, mainegirl. She looked fantastic. If that’s what you’d look best in, I say go for it!

Interestingly enough, for a period of about thirty years (roughly 1840 - 1870) the most common color for wedding gowns in the American West was plaid. No real reason for mentioning that; just sort of showing off. ; )

]]> By: mainegirl http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1092 mainegirl Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:46:01 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1092 I love the dress! As for colors, white makes me look awful. I look best in pink! But my skin is yellow in winter and tan in summer. I love the dress! As for colors, white makes me look awful. I look best in pink! But my skin is yellow in winter and tan in summer.

]]> By: La BellaDonna http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1089 La BellaDonna Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:34:37 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1089 Remember, too, that the fabric texture will have an effect on how the colour looks against your skin - if you cannot wear a glaring white satin, you may find that you look wonderful in white velvet. Illusion or lace over white satin will also soften the effect, so keep in mind that if you hold up swatches of different shades of white cotton against your skin, you will discover what colour <i>cotton</i> looks good on you. Keep in mind the neckline of your gown as well - if you are wearing a lowcut or strapless gown, then the fabric is not going to be right up against your face. Remember, too, that the fabric texture will have an effect on how the colour looks against your skin - if you cannot wear a glaring white satin, you may find that you look wonderful in white velvet. Illusion or lace over white satin will also soften the effect, so keep in mind that if you hold up swatches of different shades of white cotton against your skin, you will discover what colour cotton looks good on you. Keep in mind the neckline of your gown as well - if you are wearing a lowcut or strapless gown, then the fabric is not going to be right up against your face.

]]> By: Amy http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1084 Amy Wed, 22 Feb 2006 16:04:08 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1084 Julia, Do try on dresses in a range of shades, since you never really know what will look good on you. I'm a practically translucent redhead and ended up with a very flattering diamond white gown. It surprised me, since I had my heart set on ivory. Julia,

Do try on dresses in a range of shades, since you never really know what will look good on you. I’m a practically translucent redhead and ended up with a very flattering diamond white gown. It surprised me, since I had my heart set on ivory.

]]> By: Never teh Bride http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1078 Never teh Bride Tue, 21 Feb 2006 23:36:43 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1078 I understand the feeling, Julia. I'm quite white myself! I understand the feeling, Julia. I’m quite white myself!

]]> By: Julia http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1073 Julia Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:28:31 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1073 Thanks for all the info regarding colors! I am pale as heck, and I've worried about finding a shade of white that will look good on me. My sister, who is a smidge darker than me, wore what I think fits into the "quiet white/ivory" category, and she looked beautiful. My other concern, though, is that with skin as pale as mine, I don't want a color that will blend in with my skin tone! So I suspect that I'll have to try lots of colors to find one that works. P.S. That Amsale dress is GORGEOUS. I used to think I'd never want lace, but I've also seen some Monique Lhuillier dresses using lace that make me drool. Thanks for all the info regarding colors! I am pale as heck, and I’ve worried about finding a shade of white that will look good on me. My sister, who is a smidge darker than me, wore what I think fits into the “quiet white/ivory” category, and she looked beautiful. My other concern, though, is that with skin as pale as mine, I don’t want a color that will blend in with my skin tone! So I suspect that I’ll have to try lots of colors to find one that works.

P.S. That Amsale dress is GORGEOUS. I used to think I’d never want lace, but I’ve also seen some Monique Lhuillier dresses using lace that make me drool.

]]> By: Never teh Bride http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1072 Never teh Bride Tue, 21 Feb 2006 01:23:05 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1072 Great advice, Twistie. I imagine one of the most difficult parts of finding a gown must be trying it on in the store and imagining what it will actually look like at the ceremony/reception site. Plus with your hair done and all your makeup and so on. Plus, the dresses at the store may be oft tried on floor models that are not quite as white as they once were. Beware! Great advice, Twistie. I imagine one of the most difficult parts of finding a gown must be trying it on in the store and imagining what it will actually look like at the ceremony/reception site. Plus with your hair done and all your makeup and so on. Plus, the dresses at the store may be oft tried on floor models that are not quite as white as they once were. Beware!

]]> By: Twistie http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1069 Twistie Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:00:42 +0000 http://manolobrides.com/2006/02/20/questions-of-tone/#comment-1069 The one piece of advice I'd add to this list is to try on several different shades of white and have a friend with a critical eye help you out. Sometimes you may be surprised what shade looks best on you. You can even do this before going wedding dress shopping by trying on white blouses or holding up pieces of white fabric next to your face. Oh, and if you can do this in a place that has similar lighting to your wedding venue, so much the better! What doesn't wash you out under flourescent lights might not look at all as good by candlelight. The one piece of advice I’d add to this list is to try on several different shades of white and have a friend with a critical eye help you out. Sometimes you may be surprised what shade looks best on you. You can even do this before going wedding dress shopping by trying on white blouses or holding up pieces of white fabric next to your face.

Oh, and if you can do this in a place that has similar lighting to your wedding venue, so much the better! What doesn’t wash you out under flourescent lights might not look at all as good by candlelight.

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