Dress of the day 10.17.12

Elie by Elie Saab  : Folie {Spring 2013}

Just a thought for today: I met a bride who didn’t want to wear a heel because she and her groom are about the same height. Well, I understand however, walking down the aisle a bride should always have a slight heel (even if it’s half an inch) because your posture and the way you walk will be completely different as opposed to wearing flats.

After the ceremony, kick off the shoes and put on those ballet flats you’ve been dying to wear!

*tip* Bring your shoes to the shoemaker, he can cut the heel if need be.

5. We do all the research and make necessary appointments.

4. We help you find the right dress for your figure and style.

3. We give you honest and unbiased opinions.

2. We know how to bustle.

1. We bring back that special bridal experience.

These are just 5 reasons, there are plenty more where that came from ;)

Weddings can be expensive but what many like to focus their money on is the entertainment and food. Priorities are spread differently depending on the couple but what many brides would agree about is how they cant fathom spending all that money for a dress they’d wear for one night. 

We can all appreciate a beautiful dress (especially me) and many brides will state “my dress is non-negotiable, I don’t care what it costs.” But for those who don’t have that sort of luxury, where can you go?

All bridal boutiques that carry different collections will usually range between $2,000 and up. They want your business and will help you in any way possible. Let them know what your real budget is (with tax)- do not lie about it, and they will guide you in the right direction and help you any way they can. I promise!

If you still have not found what you’re looking for at your price, fear not ladies - there are answers and options out there! You can get a very beautiful and quality gown. It takes work and patience but I promise it will pay off.  You can shop the web, sample sales, off-the-rack, and more!

Shopping the web: There are so many flash sites out there so you have to get lucky on the size. I don’t recommend purchasing from flash sites because the return policy is not easy or even an option. My recommendation is http://www.shopbop.com/ or http://www.theaislenewyork.com/. Shopbop has a great return policy which is 30 days (and free returns within 15 days). Their gowns (which include Marchesa and Reem Acra) usually range anywhere from $198 to $5,995. The Aisle New York has a tighter 5 day return policy and their gowns often range from $899 - $2999. Both websites have fabulous gowns for a simpler bride who don’t want too much fuss. Please be aware that their stock is always changing, so check them out on the daily. 

Sample Sales: Sample sales are easier for those who are located in the NYC area simply because most of the designers are centered here. The great thing about sample sales, is that most of these gowns are right off the runway and may need a few fix ups here and there but for these high end designers, this is a steel. The quality will be there and you’ll be paying a fraction of the cost. The best way to find when a sample sale is happening is to google it, and you will be able to find what you need. Often times, NY Mag or Time Out NY will have a schedule posted.

Off-the-rack: Very similar to sample sales, but this would be your opportunity to go into your favorite wedding boutique and buy a gown right off their rack if they will be able to part with it. Usually you’d save about half the money and you would be able to use their private seamstresses for fittings. If you can fit into the samples (which is usually a bridal 8 or 10) you may have hit the jackpot. Always ask, it can’t hurt!

Non-Bridal Stores: Many of you may or may not know but both Nordstrom and J. Crew have bridal departments in which have great dresses at a very reasonable price. Not all Nordstrom locations have the bridal salon, so I recommend going to their website and check the store details of the one nearest you to see if the “wedding suite” is listed. Their gowns range from $200 to $4,995 and do require an appointment if you would like to try on. If not, they have an open department in which you can freely look. You can also check out http://shop.nordstrom.com/ as they have an extremely flexible return policy.  J. Crew have a very urban look to their collection but it’s worth looking into, including their bridesmaids dresses while you’re at it. They don’t have many bridal locations (the one in NYC is located at 1035 Madison Ave) but they have some options online which range from $298 to $3,000. You can purchase online at http://www.jcrew.com and can return within 60 days to any J. Crew location, even if they don’t carry bridal. 

I hope this list has helped you in some way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any more help! Happy shopping!

Many a times we look back at old photographs and cannot believe what we see and how anyone could have worn what they did. But not Grace Kelly. She was the absolute epitome of a flawless bride. Check out the photographs below - and her tiny waist! 

She was absolutely beautiful and the lace gown and veil complimented (not overwhelmed) her. This look is nothing short of classic and elegant. Clearly exemplified here. And of course, perfect for a royal.

I truly believe that a wedding should be about you and your partner. Lets face it, your parent(s) had their time, and now its yours. When it comes to your dress, accessories, and color, make sure you keep yourself in check by doing what you love. On a daily basis you can make any decision you like and that shapes who you are, so why should your wedding be any different?

I have plenty of brides who don’t want to disappoint their mothers by not trying on certain gowns or not having their hair up with a crown in their hair. My advice is to have a calm conversation prior to shopping explaining to whomever you are with what you are going for and what you envision. Shopping for your wedding dress should be one of the most fun things about your wedding. This is what you envisioned yourself in! Don’t let the stress and anger get to you. Don’t ruin what it’s all about: YOU! If you want to go short - go short. If you want lace - go lace. If you want simplicity - no bead work. Every gown is beautiful in it’s own way. Make it yours.

Moms - feel free to email me to blow off steam. Don’t make your daughters break out in hives. I’ve seen it, it’s not pretty.

*tip* hire a private bridal consultant/stylist to make this an easier process ;) 

A great idea for your “something borrowed!” A client of mine needed to fill this aspect of her wedding and couldn’t think of a thing that she would have to borrow. Her best friend lent her this beautiful pin of a dragonfly to add some character to this beautiful bouquet:

Feel free to submit your “something borrowed” pictures and story!

For the bride who doesn’t want too much sparkle, I recommend going for a hair comb that you can nestle into your curls or waves. This one in particular I’m a fan of because it gives just the right amount of color tone to it and has that “antique” look. This would be perfect for a young woman in an all ivory simple lace gown.

*tip* Remember to always have your hair pieces when going for trials with different hair stylists. You don’t want to look like you just put a piece of metal in your hair.

Photo Source: Lulu Splendor on Etsy

The first bride I ever styled was my beautiful sister. She had her heart set on two different dresses. One Vera Wang - a gorgeous all lace mermaid gown, and a Kenneth Pool (when Kenneth was still designing) ball gown. For the type of wedding she had, she was leaning towards the Kenneth Pool. It was a beautiful ball gown, sampled in a light blue - it was stunning.

The day she bought her gown was the day we all met Kenneth at his trunk show which was being featured at the Wedding Salon of Manhasset in Manhasset, NY - Long Island. What a great day that was! After trying on additional gowns, “just to make sure,” I was able to change her mind on the gown and picked out the one she had actually worn on her wedding day. A softer neckline and bead work on the torso was exactly what she needed and this particular dress was perfect. Her veil- cathedral length with random crystals for a touch of sparkle was the perfect accent to a dramatic train. Tiara’s were still big at the time, and since hers was worn as her “jewelry” she didn’t need much else but her stud earrings and a beautiful floating diamond from our grandfather. A beautiful bride she was, and my biggest pride and joy. To this day, I’m grateful she allowed her 20 year old sister at the time, pick out her gown and give her advice and suggestions. I look back at these pictures and am proud as she looks completely timeless.