Who says that white dresses are only for weddings?
When it comes to the little black dress, we all can admit to having at least one in our wardrobe arsenal. But what about the little white dress? No longer reserved for holidays and weddings, the LWD made a big impact this summer in street style looks and on the red carpet. Celebrities galore have been spotted sporting a white frock, from Taylor Swift and Lupita Nyong’o to Solange Knowles and Kylie Jenner – to name a few. I’ve long loved the allure of a white look whether it be a tailored white blazer with jeans or a winter white linen pantsuit with a colorful top. What better way to showcase the wonder of white than with beautiful SJ Couture bridal wear—they are actually befitting almost any occasion, not just for bridal style. In a little white dress photo shoot featuring three Phoenix Fashion Week Top 40 Models wearing the gorgeous gowns, we showcased SJ Couture designs at the retro Hotel Valley Ho. The vibrant decor and mid-century modern architecture was the perfect backdrop for a girlfriends weekend getaway, and that’s what inspired our shoot. It’s no coincidence that we’re featuring these looks on Labor Day, because frankly, white after Labor Day is no longer a faux pas. So, without further adieu, feast your eyes on our little white dress spread!
Tips from designer Jeanne Hankerson on selecting a white dress for your shape:
- Petite – Look for a waistline above your natural waist. This will draw the eye upward adding visual height, such as A-line sheath and empire waist dresses.
- Hourglass – Choose a dress that moves with your natural curves. Body-hugging pencil skirts, wrap dresses and V-neck tops will accent natural curves.
- Slim – Select dresses that fit well in the bodice area and flare or flounce toward the hemline as this will add volume and visually create curves.
- Full Figure – Go for an empire dress with the skirt beginning under the bust and flowing – without gathers and pleats – to a floor length A-line silhouette.
Tips from stylist Mahiba Falatoon on dressing up a little white dress:
- Jewelry – A playful necklace can change the simplicity of a dress to make it fit any occasion. Select the right necklace length for the dress’s neckline and avoid over accessorizing.
- Clutch – A brightly colored clutch – or one with a bold print – will go well with a white ensemble and jazz up the look.
- Shoes – A nude hue is great for a daytime look and the right style can dress up or down a look. Corked wedges will create a more casual look, while a pointy pump or closed toe platform heel will achieve an elegant appearance.
Tips from makeup artist Amber David on achieving a natural fresh face look:
- Skin care – With out good skin your natural look wont look natural.
- Primer – That will create a smooth poreless surface as well as hold your makeup on longer.
- Foundation – To get the natural look with the foundation is all about the the utensil. Each skin type is different. The more texture your skin has the more texture your utensil should have.
- Powder – Set makeup with a translucent powder or a powder with a sheer coverage. This will give the look a polished and smooth appearance.
Amber used several products throughout the shoot, but here are a few beauty basics for the girl on the go.
On Christiana:
SJ Couture Sabrina tea-length silk duchess satin dress.
SJ Couture Lily silk organza short sleeve coat with Peter Pan collar and silk charmeuse trim.
SJ Couture Belle silk satin tea-length dress with crisscross back.
On Nash:
SJ Couture Daisy silk chiffon and charmeuse empire waist dress with spaghetti straps.
SJ Couture Amanda silk georgette strapless tea-length dress with back tie and tulle hemline.
SJ Couture Olivia silk georgette dress with flutter sleeves.
On Victoria:
SJ Couture Lulu silk satin ballet inspired dress with fitted bodice, scoop back, and tulle skirt.
SJ Couture Charlie is a silk chiffon blouson top with a ruffled neckline and wrap waistline with tie.
SJ Couture Hannah cotton sleeveless drop waist dress with box pleats.
Accessories:
Vintage 3-piece 1960’s red luggage, found on Etsy.com.
Long strand single-row pearls, The Chic Spy’s own. (Similar)
Two-piece swimsuits, models’ own.
Orange and red plastic frame sunglasses, stylist’s own. (Similar)
Aviator mirrored yellow and blue sunglasses, stylist’s own. (Similar)
Multi-color enamel and metal frame sunglasses, stylist’s own. (Similar)
Canon orange Powershot SD1400, The Chic Spy’s own. (Similar)
Tom Horn Collection orange envelope Artiste clutch, courtesy of Tom Horn Collection. (Enter for chance to win)
Models: Christiana Kelley, Nash Vidrio, and Victoria Williams
Designer: Jeanne Hankerson of SJ Couture
Creative Director: The Chic Spy
Photographer: Don Giannatti
Stylist/Hair: Mahiba Falatoon
Makeup: Amber David
Media: Sheila Vertuno
Location: Hotel Valley Ho
