Contact: Rebecca Kussmann, Bettie Bomb, Inc.
(p) 312.203.5302/(f) 815.344.3449
rebeccakussmann@bettiebombpr.com
Upscale Bridal Consignment goes ‘Virtual’ with WhiteXchange.com
The premier online wedding gown listing service for brides, ‘maids and Moms
CHICAGO, IL — Building on the success of the already established white CHICAGO brick-and-mortar store in Chicago’s chic River North art district, entrepreneurs and bridal experts Ursula Guyer and Stacy Senechalle introduce whiteXchange.com, an exclusive online consignment boutique not only for fashion and budget-conscious brides, but for ‘maids and Moms too. Beginning April 1st 2009, they’re inviting bridal parties from across the country (and around the globe) to “virtually” browse their online gown gallery and find gorgeous designer dresses for their special day.
Virtual buying and selling made simple
An upscale online Web boutique modeled after white CHICAGO’s elegantly minimalist
in-store shopping environment, whiteXchange allows style-savvy women to peruse brand-new, sample or “once-wed” looks from celebrity-favorite designers including Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier at a fraction of their retail prices. The site also gives bridal parties the opportunity to buy and sell gorgeous bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride (and –groom) gowns with the click of a mouse.
The vast whiteXchange inventory consists of samples, over-cuts, runway gowns and accessories the owners acquire directly from designers and boutiques. The selection includes gowns from former brides, plus ‘maids and Moms who choose to “share the love,” go green and recoup some of their wedding costs by selling their ensembles online. WhiteXchange gives them two convenient and stress-free ways to offer their fashionable finds:
• List online: Sellers post pre-approved gown photos online; determine the purchase price; handle all communications with potential buyers. Sellers keep 100% of the sale less a listing fee.
• Consign online (and in-store): After the bridal gown* is approved for sale, sellers send their beloved beauties to white CHICAGO. The boutique’s team does all the work—posts photos online; answers customer questions, shares its fashion expertise and showcases the gown within the boutique’s all-white, gallery-like space. Sellers receive 50% of the gown’s final sales price. *at this time only bridal gowns are in-store (maids/moms are online only)
About us
Since launching white CHICAGO in 2006, Ursula Guyer and Stacy Senechalle have changed the way women look at bridal consignment, positioning themselves as leaders in the upscale bridal industry. Featured in InStyle Weddings, Lucky, Modern Bride and USA Today, white CHICAGO continues to set new standards by redefining the bridal-dress purchase experience. Thousands of brides from over 30 states have flocked to white CHICAGO for Guyer’s and Senechalle’s first-class customer service, vast selection of designer gowns and an overall one-of-a-kind shopping experience. This concept of personalized service with contemporary style now extends to the soon-to-launch whiteXchange.com.
white CHICAGO is located at 222 W. Huron, Chicago, IL 60654 and is open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays. Appointments are required for gown try-ons, yet visitors are always welcome to view the boutique’s gown gallery. For more information, call (312) 397-1571 or visit www.whitechicago.com.
###
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Love In The White House
From one ball to another, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, made the rounds on Inauguration Night. As I watched CNN on both my television and via my laptop with CNN/Facebook, I couldn’t help but smile as they danced. I noticed how President Obama, looks at First Lady Michelle while they danced – with loving eyes. He smiles broadly when he looks at her and seems genuinely still in love with her. For me that means a lot.
With that being said, I love this picture of our President and First Lady and agree to a point, with the writer of this blog. What is Mr. President whispering in her ear. I can only image!
Congratulation President Barack Obama
I am very excited about our new President taking office. I feel as though the world has breathed a sigh of relief – change has finally come.
Do I believe that President Obama will cure all that is off center in America – no. Do I believe that world will stop fighting and peace will breakout around the world – no. What I do believe is that President Obama, gives America and the world a sense of hope and love. That we don’t have to violet just because we disagree.
I believe that he will give minority children, a feeling of pride and aspiration. That when they look at him, they can see themselves. President and First Lady Michelle are still young (in their 40’s) and bring a feeling of modern thought and traditional values. Mature enough to understand and know the wiles of the world, yet young enough to play with their children on the White House lawn with their soon to be new puppy.
President Obama and First Lady Michelle, I wish you only the best. May God bless you and the United States of American.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
What Will Michelle Wear
As we get ready for Tuesday, many women are wondering...what will Michelle wear?
As we prepare for the first African American President, we also prepare for the first African American First Lady. Michelle Obama has a feel for style that most women in this country admire - she reminds us of ourselves. Sure, we may be taller, shorter, thinner or heavier, but overall, we see ourselves in her. She is a mother, wife, professional and fashion forward dresser.
To take a look at some of the potential dresses, visit MomLogic.
I cant wait until tomorrow!
As we prepare for the first African American President, we also prepare for the first African American First Lady. Michelle Obama has a feel for style that most women in this country admire - she reminds us of ourselves. Sure, we may be taller, shorter, thinner or heavier, but overall, we see ourselves in her. She is a mother, wife, professional and fashion forward dresser.
To take a look at some of the potential dresses, visit MomLogic.
I cant wait until tomorrow!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Side Affects - Miracle On The Hudson
As we hear more and more about the amazing landing of the Hudson River yesterday, we are also hearing that some of the passengers may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I am not a medical doctor, so I did some research to learn more. In reading the description, there are many people who may be experiencing this disorder - especially those affected by 9/11.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
SYMPTOMS
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that follows a terrifying event. Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. PTSD, once referred to as shell shock or battle fatigue, was first brought to public attention by war veterans, but it can result from any number of traumatic incidents. These include kidnapping, serious accidents such as car or train wrecks, natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, violent attacks such as a mugging, rape, or torture, or being held captive. The event that triggers it may be something that threatened the person's life or the life of someone close to him or her. Or it could be something witnessed, such as mass destruction after a plane crash.
Whatever the source of the problem, some people with PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in the form of nightmares and disturbing recollections during the day. They may also experience sleep problems, depression, feeling detached or numb, or being easily startled. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy and have trouble feeling affectionate. They may feel irritable, more aggressive than before, or even violent. Seeing things that remind them of the incident may be very distressing, which could lead them to avoid certain places or situations that bring back those memories. Anniversaries of the event are often very difficult.
PTSD can occur at any age, including childhood. The disorder can be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or anxiety. Symptoms may be mild or severe--people may become easily irritated or have violent outbursts. In severe cases they may have trouble working or socializing. In general, the symptoms seem to be worse if the event that triggered them was initiated by a person--such as a rape, as opposed to a flood.
Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger flashbacks or intrusive images. A flashback may make the person lose touch with reality and reenact the event for a period of seconds or hours or, very rarely, days. A person having a flashback, which can come in the form of images, sounds, smells, or feelings, usually believes that the traumatic event is happening all over again.
Not every traumatized person gets full-blown PTSD, or experiences PTSD at all. PTSD is diagnosed only if the symptoms last more than a month. In those who do have PTSD, symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the trauma, and the course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last much longer. In some cases, the condition may be chronic. Occasionally, the illness doesn't show up until years after the traumatic event.
Specific Symptoms of PTSD:
The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others and the person's response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced in one or more of the following ways:
-Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event, including images, thoughts, or perceptions.
-Recurrent distressing dreams of the event.
-Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring (includes a sense of reliving the experience, illusions, hallucinations, and dissociative flashback episodes, including those that occur on awakening or when intoxicated).
-Intense psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
-Physiological reactivity on exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
The individual also has persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by 3 or more of the following:
-Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma
-Efforts to avoid activities, places, or people that arouse recollections of the trauma
-Inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma
-Significantly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
-Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
-Restricted range of affect (e.g., unable to have loving feelings)
-Sense of a foreshortened future (e.g., does not expect to have a career, marriage, children, or a normal life span)
Persistent symptoms of increased arousal (not present before the trauma), as indicated by 2 or more of the following:
-Difficulty falling or staying asleep
-Irritability or outbursts of anger
-Difficulty concentrating
-Hypervigilance
-Exaggerated startle response
-The disturbance, which has lasted for at least a month, causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Publication No. 95-3879 (1995)
I am not a medical doctor, so I did some research to learn more. In reading the description, there are many people who may be experiencing this disorder - especially those affected by 9/11.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
SYMPTOMS
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that follows a terrifying event. Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. PTSD, once referred to as shell shock or battle fatigue, was first brought to public attention by war veterans, but it can result from any number of traumatic incidents. These include kidnapping, serious accidents such as car or train wrecks, natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, violent attacks such as a mugging, rape, or torture, or being held captive. The event that triggers it may be something that threatened the person's life or the life of someone close to him or her. Or it could be something witnessed, such as mass destruction after a plane crash.
Whatever the source of the problem, some people with PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in the form of nightmares and disturbing recollections during the day. They may also experience sleep problems, depression, feeling detached or numb, or being easily startled. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy and have trouble feeling affectionate. They may feel irritable, more aggressive than before, or even violent. Seeing things that remind them of the incident may be very distressing, which could lead them to avoid certain places or situations that bring back those memories. Anniversaries of the event are often very difficult.
PTSD can occur at any age, including childhood. The disorder can be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or anxiety. Symptoms may be mild or severe--people may become easily irritated or have violent outbursts. In severe cases they may have trouble working or socializing. In general, the symptoms seem to be worse if the event that triggered them was initiated by a person--such as a rape, as opposed to a flood.
Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger flashbacks or intrusive images. A flashback may make the person lose touch with reality and reenact the event for a period of seconds or hours or, very rarely, days. A person having a flashback, which can come in the form of images, sounds, smells, or feelings, usually believes that the traumatic event is happening all over again.
Not every traumatized person gets full-blown PTSD, or experiences PTSD at all. PTSD is diagnosed only if the symptoms last more than a month. In those who do have PTSD, symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the trauma, and the course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last much longer. In some cases, the condition may be chronic. Occasionally, the illness doesn't show up until years after the traumatic event.
Specific Symptoms of PTSD:
The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others and the person's response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced in one or more of the following ways:
-Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event, including images, thoughts, or perceptions.
-Recurrent distressing dreams of the event.
-Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring (includes a sense of reliving the experience, illusions, hallucinations, and dissociative flashback episodes, including those that occur on awakening or when intoxicated).
-Intense psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
-Physiological reactivity on exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
The individual also has persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by 3 or more of the following:
-Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma
-Efforts to avoid activities, places, or people that arouse recollections of the trauma
-Inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma
-Significantly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
-Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
-Restricted range of affect (e.g., unable to have loving feelings)
-Sense of a foreshortened future (e.g., does not expect to have a career, marriage, children, or a normal life span)
Persistent symptoms of increased arousal (not present before the trauma), as indicated by 2 or more of the following:
-Difficulty falling or staying asleep
-Irritability or outbursts of anger
-Difficulty concentrating
-Hypervigilance
-Exaggerated startle response
-The disturbance, which has lasted for at least a month, causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Publication No. 95-3879 (1995)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
my prayers are with john travolta
My prayers are with the Travolta family. I recently learned that their son Jett Travolta, has passed away. According to recent news, he had a seizure and hit his head on the bathtub in the process.
Experiencing death is never easy, no matter when it comes. On the internet, I read and reread this story hoping that what I just read was a misprint for the sake of my fellow man. So as a fellow mother, I wish Mrs. Travolta peace in this time of such great loss. My heart aches for you.
I think that may people in the United States, fell the same way - you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace & Blessings unto you.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Note To Self - "09 Is Mine"
Out with the old and in with the new, a long lived tradition of many people across the world. Every New Year many people start off with a resolution but even fewer go through with it. For some, the pressure of simply saying it gives them a feeling of dread. Why do that to yourself? Why not give yourself permission to succeed? So instead of a long list of to-do’s, simply write yourself a note.
You don’t have to start off with many notes. In fact give yourself permission to only have two or three notes at first. As you accomplish them, give yourself a new note. Make sure you select the best stationary that you can afford at the time. As you grow, your stationary may also reflect your growth.
Sit down in a quite place and really think about what it is that you wish to accomplish. Be sure to write down these important facts in the note:
1. What to you wish to accomplish
2. Why do you want to do this
3. When is the accomplishment date
4. Who will benefit from its completion
5. Where will you be when it is done
Everything we do in life has a plan. Not doing anything with your life at all – that, is your plan. If you are making $250,000 a year – that is your plan. No matter the day or time, be sure that you are following a plan. So instead of making grand statements of what you will do this year, start off with an achievable approach first. No more resolutions and lofty promises. Simply write a note to yourself. When you change your outlook and perception on life the things around you will reflect your positive affirmation and mental attitude. You will change not only yourself but those around you.
The way in which you go about life determines what you receive. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds” without having a plan other than the phrase, “I will go on a diet” your success rate will be low. But stating that you will change your lifestyle by eating healthy foods and exercising by a certain date, you will get there. Maybe you wish to have a make over. Select fashion that is appropriate for your body shape, age and place in life. If you are striving to be an executive this year, dress the part. If you have a more labor intensive job, get a more modern and fresh haircut.
When you decide to act on a note to self, jot down the date you start, goal date and accomplishment date in the corner as a visual. As you achieve each one, don’t throw it away. Instead, keep it until the end of the year. From time to time, take a moment to look at your notes and at all that you have accomplished. Being able to visualize your accomplishments may be hard for some, so when you are able to look at your notes in a physical form, you are now able to see what success looks like. When you are able to see what success looks like, you are able to see it more clearly each time you strive for the next goal.
Be sure to reward yourself for each note completed. One way you can do this is to get a charm bracelet. Select a charm to add to the bracelet each time you are successful. Order flowers for yourself and have them delivered to your job with a note that says I’m proud of you. This is another positive reaffirmation of your accomplishments.
Your brain is your body’s computer. Inputting data is vital. The better the data, the better your reports and statistics will be. If you are putting in junk and visiting the wrong website, don’t be surprised when you get a virus. Being around like-minded people is also very important. If you have an issue with eating the proper foods, being around people who only eat junk food will not help you. Spending time with your friends who love to eat fresh fruits and veggies, will give you a jump start on your note to self, each time. They will share with you bits of wisdom that they have gathered along the path of healthy eating, thus, changing your life, by touching those around them. There’s two old expression that come to mind – when you lay down with dogs you get flees and birds of a feather flock together. Well, the same holds true in day-to-day life. Having a mentor and being around those that you wish to learn from is always a sign of a person who wishes to succeed.
So as 2009 begins, begin your life on a positive note. Write down all the things that you are thankful for. You may be surprised at what you have accomplished already.
Here's to a wonderful year!
Rev. Angela Butts Chester
You don’t have to start off with many notes. In fact give yourself permission to only have two or three notes at first. As you accomplish them, give yourself a new note. Make sure you select the best stationary that you can afford at the time. As you grow, your stationary may also reflect your growth.
Sit down in a quite place and really think about what it is that you wish to accomplish. Be sure to write down these important facts in the note:
1. What to you wish to accomplish
2. Why do you want to do this
3. When is the accomplishment date
4. Who will benefit from its completion
5. Where will you be when it is done
Everything we do in life has a plan. Not doing anything with your life at all – that, is your plan. If you are making $250,000 a year – that is your plan. No matter the day or time, be sure that you are following a plan. So instead of making grand statements of what you will do this year, start off with an achievable approach first. No more resolutions and lofty promises. Simply write a note to yourself. When you change your outlook and perception on life the things around you will reflect your positive affirmation and mental attitude. You will change not only yourself but those around you.
The way in which you go about life determines what you receive. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds” without having a plan other than the phrase, “I will go on a diet” your success rate will be low. But stating that you will change your lifestyle by eating healthy foods and exercising by a certain date, you will get there. Maybe you wish to have a make over. Select fashion that is appropriate for your body shape, age and place in life. If you are striving to be an executive this year, dress the part. If you have a more labor intensive job, get a more modern and fresh haircut.
When you decide to act on a note to self, jot down the date you start, goal date and accomplishment date in the corner as a visual. As you achieve each one, don’t throw it away. Instead, keep it until the end of the year. From time to time, take a moment to look at your notes and at all that you have accomplished. Being able to visualize your accomplishments may be hard for some, so when you are able to look at your notes in a physical form, you are now able to see what success looks like. When you are able to see what success looks like, you are able to see it more clearly each time you strive for the next goal.
Be sure to reward yourself for each note completed. One way you can do this is to get a charm bracelet. Select a charm to add to the bracelet each time you are successful. Order flowers for yourself and have them delivered to your job with a note that says I’m proud of you. This is another positive reaffirmation of your accomplishments.
Your brain is your body’s computer. Inputting data is vital. The better the data, the better your reports and statistics will be. If you are putting in junk and visiting the wrong website, don’t be surprised when you get a virus. Being around like-minded people is also very important. If you have an issue with eating the proper foods, being around people who only eat junk food will not help you. Spending time with your friends who love to eat fresh fruits and veggies, will give you a jump start on your note to self, each time. They will share with you bits of wisdom that they have gathered along the path of healthy eating, thus, changing your life, by touching those around them. There’s two old expression that come to mind – when you lay down with dogs you get flees and birds of a feather flock together. Well, the same holds true in day-to-day life. Having a mentor and being around those that you wish to learn from is always a sign of a person who wishes to succeed.
So as 2009 begins, begin your life on a positive note. Write down all the things that you are thankful for. You may be surprised at what you have accomplished already.
Here's to a wonderful year!
Rev. Angela Butts Chester
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