“A Little Something White” in Darien is Bridal Heaven

Step into A Little Something White in Darien, and you are surrounded by all things bridal in an open and airy setting. The luxury salon, which opened a year ago, caters to brides, bridesmaids, and even carries dresses for special occasions such as First Communion. The salon has already won Moffly Media's prestigious Best of the Gold Coast Award for Best Bridal Shop.

A Little Something White's owner, Wilton resident Ashley Krauss, began her foray into the bridal world after a successful financial career in New York City. "I spent eight years at an investment bank, and even earned my CFA designation," she said during an interview at her shop. "I took maternity leave after I had my first child and went back to work for eight months but then decided I'd had enough of the financial world."

It was the perfect time to actualize her dream of opening a bridal salon. Krauss noticed that southern Fairfield County really did not have a luxury shop per se that catered to brides, and she also wanted her store to add a personal touch to make the clientele feel special. "The one thing that's great about having a bridal shop is that unlike in other retail sectors, most brides don't buy their dresses online," she said. "They want to come in, try on their gowns and get fitted. Also, people will always be getting married, so the concept of a bridal store is timeless in a way."

Bridal dresses at A Little Something White start at $2,000, and bridesmaids dresses begin in the $200 range. The store carries bridal gowns by nine different designers, including Alvina Valenta, Anna Maier, Liancarlo, and Coren Moore. Moore, a Darien resident, also designs for bridesmaids and flower girls as well. The salon also carries jewelry, including a vintage collection called Something Old, curated by the store's seamstress, Bridget Kellogg. Veils, sashes and hair accessories that will satisfy every bride round out the store's merchandise.

Krauss said that although she finds brides in general remain pretty traditional attire-wise for the big day, there are some emerging trends. "More and more, we are seeing unique necklines and interesting backs of gowns. Also, more texture to dresses," she said. "There are multiple possibilities design-wise for our gowns, so they can be customized to what the bride wants. This is essential, because a gown isn't a small purchase and should look the way the bride wants."

A Little Something White strives to make a significant part of the bridal experience a special one. "We want our brides, bridesmaids and even girls coming in for First Communion and party dresses a positive experience," said Krauss.

Visit alittlesomethingwhite.com for more information.