Meet the Modern Bridal Line for Alternative Brides

When you’re SO not the traditional-schmaditional kind of bride (girl, we feel ya), shopping for your dream wedding dress can be a daunting task. Enter Incandescent Bridal, a new fine art bridal studio located in Chico, California, which combines artistic vibes, unexpected elements, and expressive details. The studio’s founder and designer Sheila Halali, a SCAD graduate with a BFA in fashion design, truly caters to the modern bride with her collection of beautiful hand-sewn and hand-painted gowns.

“I utilize many of the same fabrics that more traditional dresses use, but I’m using them in different ways: Cleaner silhouettes, creating interesting textile treatments on them, adding thigh-high slits, and plunging necklines,” says Halali. “I always want things to be tasteful, but I think brides are willing to be a little less modest these days, which allows for some fun elements.”

Beyond traditional white and soft ivory, Halali is breaking the bridal mold by offering every look in black as well as in a few select colors. “Black is timeless and classic, flattering and chic, and many of my customers are women who wear head-to-toe black on a daily basis,” says Halali. “Black is what they’re comfortable in, and I believe every bride should be comfortable on their wedding day!”

Contemporary brides in search of a distinct one-of-a-kind gown need not look far. “Above all, we believe in the magic of love, and want that to be felt in every dress we create. Yes, we have a focus on modernity — yes, there is an artistic element — but more than anything, when you put that dress on, we want you to feel magic run through your soul,” she explains. Feeling inspired to say “yes” to the dress? Scroll through for a snippet of Incandescent Bridal’s debut collection below, and be sure to shop online or stop by Halali’s home studio for try-ons.

1. Twilight ($1,190): *Jaw drops.* Channel pure romance in this midnight blue silk crepe co-ord featuring a deep-V and a sweeping skirt.

2. Cosmos ($3,995): Details, ladies, details! Ain’t nobody going to steal your thunder in this dramatic hand-painted silk crepe and silk charmeuse dress.

3. Nocturne ($5,083): Go big or go home with layers of frothy tulle, Swiss dot, and a thigh-high slit.

4. Stellar ($3,474): A bit angelic, a lot sexy — the Stellar gown is fit for a princess. But actually. We would expect nothing less than a bejeweled tiara.

Which of these swoon-inducing gowns is your favorite? Follow us on Pinterest for more bridal inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Photos via Incandescent Bridal)

I still remember the days when I'd walk (albeit, hesitantly) into Abercrombie & Fitch – at my local mall no less, gasp! – and be enveloped by a dense, dark cloud of their signature musk. Now, the A&F styles of my youth are being re-sold on eBay as 'vintage' items. Eek!

The fashion powerhouse went through a massive rebrand in 2021, and turns out, I'm still obsessed with the mall brand that ruled my teen years. Abercrombie & Fitch still sells all the basics (tees, tanks, jeans, and more), but what's really been living rent-free in my head is their wedding guest dresses! There are so many styles to explore, which come at an especially great time since wedding season's about to get real busy.

These 8 Abercrombie wedding guest dresses are all you need to pull a look at this year's ceremonies. With more mature silhouettes, flattering colors, and a variety of sizes to suit everyone, there's a perfect Abercrombie wedding guest dress waiting for you below!

Draped Skirt Maxi Dress

This figure-hugging (but still stretchy) maxi dress features a flattering cinched detail along the waistline that falls down into a long straight skirt with a tall slit. The high boat neckline is more modest, but the back opens up, allowing you to show some skin.

The open back on this satin dress secures with a dainty bow tie that evens out the entire look! Not to mention, this butter yellow color is super trendy right now (and very fit for summertime), so you'll be absolutely slaying as a guest at the next wedding you go to.

This Draped Skirt Maxi Dress goes for $130 and is shoppable in 5 other colors in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

The A&F Giselle Pleated One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Give 'em some shoulder with this elegant maxi! The satin material is finely pleated throughout, leading directly to the heightened waistline that shapes and cinches you in the best way. This luxe-looking dress doesn't feature any stretchiness or adjustable straps, though customers say it accurately fits true to size. It secures with a discreet zipper on the side.

This Abercrombie & Fitch wedding guest dress is $150 and shoppable in 5 other colors and regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Angel Sleeve O-Ring Gown

This serene green gown comes ready to wear in a smooth satin fabric, which is fairly breathable for the warmer months. The maxi-length hemline falls around the ankles and juts up to form a flirty leg slit. While the bottom half of this wedding guest dress is reminiscent of your typical maxi style, the top has all things fun goin' on. Flutter sleeves and a cheeky o-ring neckline make for the perfect picture-taking and post-ceremony dancing dress!

The Angel Sleeve O-Ring Gown costs $140. You can also snag it in a blue hue in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

The A&F Giselle Pleat Release Midi Dress

Since pleats are an instant giveaway to more elevated styles, it's no wonder most of the Abercrombie wedding guest dresses feature them. This strapless midi design (also comes with removable spaghetti straps) is pleated all over and partners up with an adorable contrasting floral pattern for added visual interest. The straight neckline hugs your bodice with a flexible stretch.

This Giselle Pleat Release Midi Dress costs $130 and is shoppable in 3 other colors and regular, petite, and tall sizes.

One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Hem Midi Dress

A solid navy blue can do no wrong, IMO. This midi boasts an asymmetrical hemline that's anything but bland! It's crafted from a "sculpting stretch-enhanced crepe fabric" that'll hug you in comfortably. The tiered design is definitely more fitted up top, while the bottom half swings freely. This pick is an easy one-and-done type of style, as it's free of any adjustable straps, ties, or zippers.

The One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Hem Midi Dress is also shoppable in black for $130 in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Ruffle Strap High-Low Maxi Dress

Bury me in this ruffle dress! It has me wanting to bring back the high-low look in full force this year. This wedding guest dress has ruffles galore – on the straps and along the waist and bottom hem. The wrap-around bodice is super flatting and a bit more revealing with a classy v-neck shape. The drop waist detail mirrors the asymmetrical length of the skirt, elongating your midsection. This chiffon dress secures in the back with a thin zipper.

The Ruffle Strap High-Low Maxi Dress clocks in at $130, and you can shop it in 3 other colors in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Drama Bow-Back Taffeta Gown

For a more casual wedding guest ensemble, this flowy frock is my #1 pick. It's less fitted than other Abercrombie wedding guest dresses, featuring a babydoll silhouette that hugs the chest more than the belly. This way, you'll have ample room to breathe during the big day! Though less structured, the cinching along each tier of this maxi brings forth the drama – plus there's an adorable bow in the back.

The Drama Bow-Back Taffeta Gown goes for $150 and is available in 3 other colors in regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Taffeta Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress

The stretchy taffeta fabric this midi's made from hosts a nice, shiny finish for taking your look to the next level. The structured bodice is brought up to an off-the-shoulder neckline with elegant puff sleeves that don't feel too overdone. The straight skirt boasts an equally elegant leg slit that hits around the top of the thigh.

The Taffeta Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress is also shoppable in a bright magenta color for $130 and regular, petite, and tall sizes.

Sign up for our newsletter to shop more seasonal styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Spring always gives us a sweet taste of what to expect during the warm, wonderful days of summer. If you're already counting down the days til you can sit in the sand and dip you're toes in the water, we've got 16 summer quotes that'll really do the trick. So get your beach bags, playlists, and outfits ready to match the vibe of these 15 dreamy summer quotes! You'll need them to help you prep for all your upcoming vacations, festivals, and more! 😉

"Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." —Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

"Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy." —Regina Brett

"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside." —Maud Hart Lovelace

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June." —L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Greene Gables

"Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine." —Oprah Winfrey

"Summer has filled her veins with light and her heart is washed with noon." —C. Day Lewis

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair..." —Susan Polis Schutz

"When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome." —Wilma Rudolph

"We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us." —Jenny Uglow

"I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket." —Kellie Elmore

"One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by." —Jeanette Walls

"When all else fails, take a vacation." —Betty Williams

"Summer is singing with joy, and the beaches are inviting you with dancing waves." —Debasish Mridha, Sweet Rhymes from Sweet Hearts

"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows." —Helen Keller

Check out our happy quotes if you need a little more encouragement, and be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Lead image via Monica Turlui/Pexels

The wedding bells are calling and so are all your wedding season outfits! This happens to be my favorite time of year when I can celebrate with friends and family at different weddings while also getting to glam up with a fun wedding guest dress and shoes! But when it comes to heels, it can be hard to strike the right balance of looking good and letting you dance the night away. They have to be on trend, comfortable enough to wear for 5+ hours, and wearable for other occasions so you don't wear them once and never again. We're all about closet essentials so without further ado, let's get to these cute, wearable, and comfortable wedding guest shoes to pick from for the season!

Shop Wedding Guest Shoes Here!

J.Crew Ankle Strap Raffia Platforms

You know we love raffia, but who doesn't?! This pair takes raffia to a whole other level with these discounted, platform raffia heels! J.Crew is my new favorite place to shop for closet essentials because they often do sales and discounts on their items. These $159 platforms are sure to be a summer staple even outside of wedding season!

J.Crew Made In Italy Satin Heels

These Italian-made luxury satin heeled are great if you plan to go with a darker ensemble for any weddings with a black dress. On the website it even says, "This strappy pair is ideal for wedding dance floors and date nights alike." Well you head it straight from J.Crew themselves! Grab these luxurious heels while they're still on sale for 40% off!

Reformation Wade Kitten Heel

I absolutely adore these sweet kitten heels from the one-and-only Reformation! These stain kitten heels with an adorable bow on the front are the perfect option for wedding season that will go with so many dresses. I also like how they're paired with the jeans and sweater above for styling outside of wedding season. You will definitely get a lot of wear out of thees. And because they're a lower kitten heel, they're going to be sooo comfortable and able to wear for hours at a time!

Target Antonette Heels

Looking for shoes that scream spring while also are under $50? Look no further! Target has the best options for finding affordable shoes that are still comfortable and fashionable! I can picture these stunning, floral heels on the dance floor at any wedding styled perfectly with a sweet floral dress to match. Adding to cart ASAP!

Reformation Wilder Slingback

Another raffia pick but this time in my favorite form; slingback! Slingbacks especially when paired with a kitten heel tend to be sooo much more comfortable than a typical heel because they offer more support and less height. Catch these at a wedding or paired with a super cute mini dress on a summer day.

Steve Madden Drew Slingback Heels

Opting for a darker shoe, these velvet and gold heels give me all the YSL vibes at a much cheaper price. Wearing these with a black long, fitted dress would look so sophisticated and up-scale. Steve Madden truly knows how to do shoes well!

Banana Republic Butter Yellow Sandal

Everyone's been talking about the butter yellow trend and what better than butter yellow sandals?! To achieve maximum comfort when it comes to wedding shoes, kitten heels or sandals are the way to go. These scrappy sandals look so luxurious and high fashion; exactly what Banana Republic's specialty is. But at a more achievable price-point!

Reformation Sienna Heeled Sandal

In every summer wardrobe, you need a strappy basic pair of heels like this pair. They do a great job of elongating your legs and flattering your outfit. I promise, you will get sooo much wear out of theses, and they're sure to match any of your wedding guest outfit options.

Jeffrey Campbell Gratis Mule

These vintage-inspired mules are everywhere at the moment! They're currently trending on social media and we understand why! I love that they look like vintage Prada heels that were popular around the late 90's and early 2000's. I think they would make an adorable pairing for a wedding guest outfit.

Larroude Flower Sandal

Larroude is one of my favorite brands because their shoes are always incredibly unique always have a fun twist! I own multiple pairs of shoes from them and they're comfortable meets chic! Style these with a simple outfit and let them have a moment of their own.

Looking for more wedding style content? Scroll our Weddings section and sign up for our newsletter for the latest trends!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Nordstrom.

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

The Amazon Book Sale runs from May 15 until May 20, so you’ll have six full days to plan your (very discounted) TBR list.

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

Photo by Samson Katt/PEXELS

The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Shop Early Amazon Book Sale Deals Here!

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo (Kindle)

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen (Kindle)

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

A Cinderella Story isn't just a movie — it's honestly a cultural moment. The costume montage, the spastic colons and synchronized swimming, the rain in this drought... even Gavin Degraw singing over the One Tree Hilltrailer on the DVD stand out! Everything about this film is iconically ingrained in our collective conscious, making Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray the Y2k blueprint for many of the "It" pairings we know and love today.

We last left our Princeton royalty preparing for their freshman year of college, dreaming of happily-ever-after — or at least graduation — and that was that! But in this era of reboots, I've often wondered what happened to our OG tortured poets after the credits rolled. Luckily, I'm not the only one! Chad Michael Murray just tee'd up a sequel, and yes that's me you hear squealing right now. Here's everything we know about what's to come for everyone's fave modern fairytale!

Is there a part two to a Cinderella story?

Photo via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc

There's Another Cinderella Story, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, but that's more so a part of a series of "Cinderella stories" rather than an actual sequel. So far, we haven't gotten a follow-up on our Princeton-bound faves.

Has "A Cinderella Story 2" been announced?

There's been no formal announcement yet, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost. During his press tour for Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray told ETthat he's definitely interested in bringing Austin Ames back. He said that even his daughter told him, "You need to make another one of these, Daddy," after she watched A Cinderella Story for the first time.

His response to the idea? "Here you go, Hil. From me to you, let's do it!" — referring to Hilary Duff, of course! The timing couldn't be better either, given that Hilary just gave birth to her fourth child and could hypothetically be available to film in the coming months...just saying!

Again, there's no official information about this project yet, but with a main piece of the puzzle on board, we're one step closer to my own personal happily-ever-after — a real sequel to A Cinderella Story once and for all.

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Header image via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.