Launched in 2021, our White Collection was created especially with Brides to Be in mind and was on one of our favourite projects of the year! Also ideal for other important occasions, such as Christenings and milestone birthdays - an all white outfit is always super special and standout style.
We were genuinely thrilled with the reaction and the best part of all, seeing you wear it. It's fair to say our Vivienne feather dress was the 'piece de resistance' and our most sought after style; you couldn't get enough!
With some more intimate weddings and those who decided to just go for it rather than wait for the 'big day' the Vivienne dress was so popular - and just perfect for the occasion: beautifully detailed, elegant and easy to wear.
We loved seeing all the different ways to wear it, from Tori's amazing emerald green heels...
to Pam's 'Day 2' celebrations in her Jimmy Choo wedding heels...
To our first bride of 2021 to wear it, with a stunning beaded headpiece
We also loved seeing it worn for your Bridal Party - from Mother of the Bride
to Maid of Honour! We love an all-white family look
We have decided to do a very small restock on this style, just because so many people asked and asked! So keep an eye out in early February... sign up to be notified by selecting your size & entering your email:
https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/vivienne-feather-trim-puff-shoulder-midi-dres-ivory
It was also amazing to see our White Collection worn for Hen Party celebrations, Vow Renewals and Bridesmaids! Whenever we're tagged in your photos we can't wait to open it up and see...
Broadway fishtail midi (centre): https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/pre-order-broadway-fishtail-midi-dress-white
Quartz sequin jumpsuit: https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/quartz-sheer-sequin-jumpsuit
Lilia lace pleat dress: https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/pre-order-lilia-lace-sleeve-full-pleat-skirt-dress
For AW'21 we also launched our separates - tops, skirts & beautiful jackets to compliment our dresses / jumpsuits - Or to wear with your Wedding dress.
How beautiful does Robyn look for her NYE Wedding!
Wearing the Gigi jacket: https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/pre-order-gigi-feather-jacket-ivory
We have lots planned for Spring Summer '22 for the White Collection - it will continue to be part of our all year round range, offering a variety of special white styles you can always shop.
Keep an eye out for more over the next few months...
A much anticipated post in our 'Women in the Know' series: a chat with the super stylish Jennifer Wrynne!
A long time collaborator with the brand, we're so grateful to busy Mum & Milliner Jennifer for taking the time to share with us some of her best style tips. A regular at Ladies Days and international Race meetings, she knows a thing or 2 about accessorising, timeless style & how to plan a winning look!
Be sure to take a look at her stunning hat designs https://www.jenniferwrynne.com
and follow her on Instagram for a behind the scenes insight to daily life and all things fashion https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwrynne/?hl=en
1. You always look so polished! What are your top tips for looking so elegant? especially when getting ready time is limited! Aww thank you so much!I’m not sure if those lovely compliments are fully true but thank you so much. I love a look to be fully complete from head to toe. I always think of Kate Middleton and how she dresses. From her hair style to the polish on her toenails, she always looks immaculate from head to toe. While I am nothing like Kate Middleton (!), I love to pay attention to every detail as much as possible as I feel an outfit isn’t complete without the little details.
(Jennifer in our Serena frill dress https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/serena-twist-frill-midi )
2. What’s the best way to plan your look for Ladies Day? Do you start with your outfit, headpieces or accessories? I always start with the outfit and work my accessories around it. I’m in the fortunate position where I can make a hat to compliment my outfit so I can play around with different colours & styles. Once I have my hat made, I then choose shoes and a bag. My jewellery is usually quite minimal when I’m wearing a hat as I like quite decorative hats so there’s never much need for both.
(Jennifer in a range of stunning outfits for Galway Races 2021)
3. What’s your favourite type of Occasion look? Do you love jumpsuits as well as dresses? Oh yes, I’m a huge jumpsuit fan! My favourite occasion look is usually something bright and colourful. I love structured dresses - Something with perhaps shoulder pads or peplum detailing. I also love detail - whether it’s lace, feathers, applique, I always like a dress with extra touches (Hence why I love the 8th sign dresses so much!). I also have to feel comfortable in what I’m wearing - Fabrics which are good quality, figure flattering and complimentary to my body shape.
( Jennifer in our Vivienne feather dress https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/vivienne-feather-trim-puff-shoulder-midi-dres-ivory )
We're so lucky to work with this stylish & genuine lady, who was a loyal customer of The 8th Sign before we started to work together - here's a few more of her elegantly styled looks in our designs, particularly the black Bardot dress
- which we had to relaunch after she wore it & there was so much demand! Renamed the 'Jennifer Bardot' (now sold out again!!)
Shop the NEW IN pieces she wore most recently here: https://8thsign.com/collections/new-in-1
and the Forest Green version of the 'Jennifer Bardot' dress here: https://8thsign.com/collections/sale/products/copy-of-pre-order-jennifer-bardot-maxi-forest-green
Welcome to second instalment of our 'Women in the Know' series - discussing here a very relevant topic right about now... Weddings!
We've spoken to so many brides over the past year, some who postponed several times & some who decide they couldn't wait any longer. As we know there's no right or wrong decision, everyone's Wedding means something different to them and the whole situation since Spring 2020 has been a massive upheaval for the entire Wedding industry.
Here we chat to Wedding expert and industry insider, Sara Kennedy of the Irish Wedding Blog, as she shares her thoughts on current trends, style ideas and advice for those ongoing dilemmas.
You can read more on her blog: https://irishweddingblog.ie
and be sure to follow her on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/irishweddingblog/
What are the biggest bridal trends of 2021?
Well what can we say about 2021! The biggest trend really is agility and resilience! Mental stance aside, given the level of uncertainty around the celebration of a wedding and restrictions on numbers, this has led to a shift on style and décor trends.
Within Bridal fashion, the biggest trends emerging include:
City Slicker: Given that so many have bit the bullet and proceeded with an intimate ceremony with smaller numbers, this has meant that brides have adapted their style to suit their surroundings. I’m seeing many brides go for a less formal look which would include a midi dress, high street two pieces and in some cases even a pant suit. Many are planning on having a bigger party towards the end of the year and even in to next year and are holding out their original dress for the party.
Tailoring: What many are shopping for with the intention of getting married next year is the tailored look. Slim fit, well cut gowns are really popular at present. Designers like Suzanne Neville, Sassi Holford, Justin Alexander to name but a few are iconic in their tailoring. If you can picture full length, long sleeve and a fitted bodice, that is what brides are loving right now.
Feck It Glamour: So many brides have gone to hell and back in planning their wedding and what ive noticed in the last few months is that so many are really treating themselves and going for all out glam! Big skirts, v cut neck lines, jewels and intricate appliques…you name it, they are going for it.
Boho: I tend to see Boho always present but different times it heightens and this coming year I'm seeing it come back through again this year.
Couple who've decided to just go for it and have an intimate ‘covid’ wedding - what outfit would you go for?
I think this is really down to what feels right for the couple and what they plan on doing later on. Some may plan on having a second ceremony later in the year and may decide to hold their original wardrobe until that date or some may want to use their original looks for their intimate ceremony. On the flip side, I have seen many opt to wear a less formal looks. The less formal looks are so beautiful. Some of my favourite include the Midi Dress and I know that The 8th Sign do an amazing white, long sleeve midi dress. Others are going for two piece / separates with midi skirt and formal top. I’ve seen some wear jumpsuits and others a tailored knee length dress with a tailored blazer.
For those who feel torn what to do now for their big day with ongoing restrictions, what’s your advice?
I completely understand the agony that couples have been through and continue to go through and whilst we are seeing some improvement in numbers and an ambition to push numbers further, there are still some areas that remain uncertain. This includes restrictions around live music and novelty pieces. Even with some certainty and the likelihood that we will move forward progressively, couples are very nervous about putting down money and committing to an idea for fear of being let down.
My advice is to try and go easy on yourself. Many brides-to-be that contact me are very anxious or as I’ve coined having ‘wediexty’. It’s very important to allow yourself to feel the way you feel and accepting that there is so much out of your control. If you plan to get married over the next few months, you need to have a few versions of a wedding planned, plans that account for the different levels of numbers. By having different contingency plans, you’ll feel more prepared and less stressed. Now this is no easy undertaking but even having different guests lists pending the different number levels (25, 50, 100 for example), and rough costs on each then that will give you a level of comfort. If the uncertainty is too much to deal with, postpone for a longer period of time as at least you will have more time to relax and enjoy the lead up.
Pre & Post Wedding Celebrations (rehearsal dinner, Day 2 celebrations) What would you wear!
I wore white on my own day 2 and rehearsal dinner. I would highly recommend keeping with the white / ivory theme to continue that bridal feeling. I opted for a fitted knee length dress with light floral print which doubled up as a dress while on honeymoon. If my day two was now, I would probably go for a jumpsuit.
What are the current trends for Hen Party celebrations? And what would you wear!
Well many are having pretty laid back hens at present which are more garden parties etc and that has meant less fancy dress and more cute white dresses. Many dresses im seeing are nice going out white dresses with some bling of course!
Thank you so much to Sara for taking the time to share her tips & personal experience, we hope it helps you with your Wedding Planning and gives you the confidence that everything will be just right.
Keep an eye on our White Collection, we're going to be adding to it throughout the rest of the year for your big celebrations: Engagement Party, Hen Party, Pre & Post Wedding events
https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection
We had a little rare time off! After 3 attempts at a holiday abroad we finally made it to Mallorca, a chance to test out some brand new bump-friendly styles & have some screen-free time with family.
Having taken on a Distribution Centre this year to fulfil all our orders, it's the first holiday we've had in 6 years where your orders could continue to be sent without disruption and a big new delivery received; it was a relief to know everything was being handled and no one disappointed!
At 5 months pregnant it was a fun opportunity to test out some of our new styles that can fit in a bump! I sized up to a 12 in the Gina disc hem dress - LOVED this bright yellow for the last night of our trip, perfect with a tan & great stretch for comfortable wear.
You can shop here: https://8thsign.com/collections/new-in-1/products/pre-order-gina-disc-hem-midi-dress-yellow
I also roped in my lovely Mum! She's a shy model but its amazing to see her in our designs; I genuinely believe in no limits on age for wearing what you love - it's terrible to hear 'I can't wear that' - you can wear what you feel great in!
She loved the Skye jumpsuit; a different style for her but she loved the comfort, the lightness of the flowing chiffon & the way you can easily wear a bra!
She also had the Ravello lemon print dress. an IDEAL summer style - bright, fresh & figure-flattering wrap style.
Shop final pieces here: https://8thsign.com/collections/new-in-1/products/ravello-lemon-print-midi-dress
You can't beat a white dress on holiday, can you?!
and this one has POCKETS! there's just something about pockets in a dress...
One of our newest arrivals, just arrived online this week - it was the first chance I had to wear it & it was so good with a bump. Lightweight & airy, fitted across the bodice but comfortable as a 'non maternity' maternity style.
Again I sized up for a little more room.
Shop here: https://8thsign.com/collections/new-in-1/products/serena-twist-frill-midi
I also tried out this stunning blue dress, the 'Delphine' floral ruche midi - not yet in stock but arriving early August.
With a shirred elastic waistband, it's stretchy & so comfy! A style that could grow with you & lots of room for easy movement - trust me I wore it for dinner and running after a toddler at the mini disco...
It would be gorgeous for a Summer Wedding or baby shower, of course wearable for Mums-to-be and without a bump too. It's a style I look forward to wearing next Summer too once baby is here, a timeless & flattering silhouette.
So thank you for your patience with any queries - keeping up with instant messenger, emails, Instagram & Facebook was a bit of a juggle.. (even though I wasn't on the cocktails!)
We've lots of exciting new styles to come, more beautiful Summer pieces and new additions to our White Collection. Keep a lookout on our Social Media for some sneak peeks and details of when new pieces will be here.
We're so excited to launch a new blog series 'Women in the Know' - featuring some fabulous friends of the 8th Sign who are experts in their field. Stylish ladies who can share their insider tips - on fashion, weddings, work & all sorts of current topics.
First up this week we spoke to our lovely long time collaborator, Rachel Hawkins of the Cotswold Hat Club.
A race day regular & best dressed winner, her business started as an extension of her own personal hat collection - progressing from there to offer a huge variety of styles from designers such as Carol Kennelly, Edel Ramberg & Emily London.
Check out her selection here: https://www.thecotswoldhatclub.co.uk
We've worked together for several of our photoshoots, styling some Race Day and Wedding looks via email - she always offers the perfect match!
Find our her biggest tips for wearing hats below - from millinery newbies to modern mothers of the bride wondering what are the 'rules'! Read on...
1) I’ve never worn a hat! Where do I start? The important thing is to start SOMEWHERE! I find most ladies come to me in a tizz having decided that 'hats don't suit them' but that's usually because they've only tried old fashioned hats (there's a lot about and most of them are very old & dusty!) or very cheap sort of 'fascinators' - which can be no more than a twizzly thing on a comb and which never stay in your hair anyway. I would recommend having a quick look at celebrities of a similar age / shape to you. What sort of hats are they wearing? Do they look good? Start there! The price to buy very decent hats can be eye watering & the cheaper ones can (sometimes) be very poor. Hiring really is a great option and you should get good advice for free too!
2) Do you need to colour match your outfit?Not necessarily but there needs to be a flow to an outfit & it needs to make sense and have balance. You don't need to go head to toe in one colour (although that can look great!) but tonally it does need to work. If you're clashing colours make sure you've got an element of both colours more than once so it looks well thought through. The most common misconception when it comes to matching outfits with a hat is thinking that neutral colours go well with bold colours. They don't. Bold colours work well together but if your dress is in a neutral palette, that's the palette you need to stick to!
3) I’m entering the Best Dressed competition - how do I stand out?!Details, details details! It's not as simple as a great dress and hat. You need to think about shoes, bag, jewellery, hair and even make up. Best dressed competitions are getting competitive and the standards are so high! Well worth turning to the Irish for inspiration on this one. Their looks on race days are SUPER sharp!
4) What are your favourite Racing Events? Cheltenham is my local track and we always go with a crowd so I do love it there. Plus I really enjoy Winter fashion. There's so many Summer events but you rarely get chance to really dress up in the colder months except a Christmas party! I love Ascot because it's so grand but it is super busy & can feel a bit hectic (I mostly enjoy the fun in the car park before & after racing at Ascot- there's loads of champagne picnics & a great atmosphere!). Goodwood is definitely my favourite Summer racing track - the fashion is so elegant too. It's worth doing some research on the fashion styles at different racecourses if you're going - Cheltenham festival fashion is a whole world away from Ladies Day at Aintree which is only 3 weeks later!
5) Do you recommend a different type of look for a Wedding to the Races? Good question- I do. A wedding is someone else's day and you are a guest. Whilst you don't need to dumb down to look less stylish- I don't think anyone except perhaps the Mother of the Bride (who can do what she wants as long as her daughter is happy!) should turn up in a gigantic, showy hat. Be elegant, stylish and a bit more understated. At the races- go for it! Do what you like! Although I do always offer up my largest hats with a warning.. they're like fabulous but VERY high shoes. Gorgeous in front of a mirror but by 4pm you might possibly wish you'd chosen something a bit easier to wear! It's a long day at the races and we've all seen girls leaving with their shoes & hats in their hands! Definitely make sure you've got door to door transport if you're choosing a large hat!
Thanks so much to Rachel for the amazing advice, we LOVE hats here at the 8th Sign - a chance to really dress up & accessorise; have fun with your outfit - a break from the norm. Hopefully you're inspired to give these beautiful millinery creations a try!
Look out for our next guest very soon...
Weddings, Christenings, Milestone Birthdays... there's so many occasions a special white dress or jumpsuit is perfect for - and we've had SO many requests to create this range!
We're pleased to say from early June we'll start to receive the first pieces of our White Collection, adding to it throughout the Summer with lots of different silhouettes and styling.
Most notably our first arrival; the Broadway Fishtail midi.
A beautifully sculpted and tailored style, crafted in our premium quality woven fabric with just a little stretch and designed to highlight all your curves - cinched in at the waist, enhancing sweetheart neckline & that fishtail hem to give a dramatic hourglass silhouette.
The reaction to this style has been incredible & we can't wait to get all your Pre Orders sent out - if you still want to Pre Order there's just time to reserve yours and be first to receive: https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/pre-order-broadway-fishtail-midi-dress-white
We're planning some seriously statement styles - WOW pieces to feel amazing in, perfect for milestone occasions in your life where you really want to stand out. Designs like the 'Sheer Sequin Jumpsuit' are being perfected to make you feel great - ideal for a Wedding Evening party, or dancing all night at that big birthday party!
We're also creating some special day dresses with Brides in mind - styles to arrive at your venue in, wear for 'day 2' celebrations, or on Honeymoon!
Pieces like the Tropez crochet Bardot dress, easy to wear with beautiful details. Keep a lookout for lots more!
You can still shop final sizes in this one: https://8thsign.com/collections/white-collection/products/pre-order-white-crochet-lace-bardot
We're also bringing back the Vivienne feather midi due to so much demand!
Thanks to the gorgeous Maeve, our customer wearing this style for her intimate mass ceremony - how stunning did she look! Chic, polished and elegant; just add some special accessories and you're ready to celebrate.
This style opens for Pre Order on Monday 31st May, for delivery early July.
If you love it, be quick to get yours https://8thsign.com/collections/new-in-1/products/vivienne-feather-trim-puff-shoulder-midi-dres-ivory
Keep a lookout for more styles being previewed soon, from tailored jumpsuits to lace styles, full skirts and more fitted midis. We're hoping there's something to suit everyone! Not just for Weddings, for any special occasion you'd love to feel amazing for.
What can I say? I'm absolutely blown away to have won this year's 1st prize best dressed at Aintree's Virtual Ladies Day competition!!
When I got the message asking me to call I thought they might just be asking permission to use my image or something along the lines; then to hear 'Congratulations, you've been chosen as our 1st place winner' - I had to make sure I hadn't misheard! As a local North West girl I couldn't think of a Ladies Day I'd love to win more, I'm honoured!
I've loved getting involved with the Virtual Ladies day competitions since the in-person Races have been cancelled the last 12 months. But I have to admit on the day I took some photos in my parents garden it was cold & I couldn't be bothered to get ready - so I'm very glad I did!! It goes to show it's always worth pushing yourself to make the effort; you really never know what it could bring.
I really wanted to go for a Spring look with lots of colour; we all need a bit of that in our lives at the moment. It had to be our Amaris Rose Jumpsuit - it's so special and statement - AND really comfortable to wear, perfect it you've got a long day at the Races or a Wedding.
It doesn't crease, it's lightweight and highlights your waist, whilst skimming over the hips. You can tie the shoulders in a bow like I did or you can leave loose for more arm coverage; it's a really versatile & figure flattering piece.
See more here: https://8thsign.com/collections/new-in-1/products/amaris-rose-silk-chiffon-wide-leg-jumpsuit
I wore this outfit for Royal Ascot Ladies Day & I would gladly rewear it again - this incredible headpiece is from Millinery by Mel, I had it custom made to perfectly match the jumpsuit & it's so special to wear!
Check her out: https://millinerybymel.com.au
I couldn't be more thrilled with the prizes from Aintree Racecourse and sponsors, Randox Health and The Guide Liverpool. First of all £4,000 to my chosen charities!! £4,000!! Amazing!
In my entry I said I'd split any prize between Mind and Women's Aid - 2 very worthy and relevant winners in my view, with their tireless work during the pandemic. It's fair to say we've all been affected by the past 12 months and the work Mind does to support people struggling with mental health issues is invaluable. Women's Aid again has seen increased demand for their services with a worrying rise in domestic abuse during the pandemic, I'm so glad to support in a small way.
It's amazing to win a Randox Health check too, I can't wait for that!
And of course hospitality tickets to Aintree Ladies Day 2022, bring it on!! My husband is already planning his outfit..!
Congratulations to the 2 other winners too, Ivona Moore & Paul Haworth, impeccably dressed!
https://theguideliverpool.com/the-winners-of-aintrees-2021-ladies-day-virtual-style-award-have-been-unveiled/
The style overall was so good, my favourite part of Ladies Day is always the style spotting - I love seeing what colours people go for and how they accessorise. Ladies Day is the perfect chance to go all out - colour blocking, statement headpieces and fabulous heels that will probably kill by the end of the day... but 'fashion over function' !
Hopefully there will some Racing this year, or if not we'll have a lot of outfits saved up for 2022...
We can't wait to see your style in 8th Sign for some Weddings and events this Summer, it will be so nice to see everyone dressed up again and hopefully moving forward to some more positive times.
Huge THANK YOU to everyone who sent lovely kind messages of congratulations and shared my photo; it's so appreciated as a 1 woman brand and small business, it means the world.
I don't know about you but for me it's any excuse to dress up!
Ladies Day at the Races is just perfect - the more colour and accessories the better too...
We were so excited when Lisa Jordan - AKA 'Just Jordan' Irish fashion blogger - said she wanted to wear our Marilyn dress for her upcoming Baby Shower!
