Bridesmaids Dresses!

Bridesmaids Dresses.

So many negative connotations.  I know.  I myself have worn more than a few.  I am not allowed to comment about how much I liked or disliked them because some of my readers are also my brides ;)

Thing #1 about Bridesmaid dresses:  You have to think about this dress differently than any other dress you will wear.  This is like a costume that matches the theme of your friend's wedding.  This is part of the decor.  This gown is about photographs and a cohesive wedding theme.  NOT about being a show stopper at a cocktail party.

Thing #2 about Bridesmaid dresses:  These dresses are made to look good in big group.  I mean, the only other place in your life you and a bunch of other girls are going to purposely wear the same dress is a performance of some kind.  Like a choir.  Or a ballet.  And if you're a singer or a dancer you're used to wearing the same thing as everyone else.  So the gowns have to be made to flatter MOST bodies.  This is why they are relatively simple.

Things #3 about Bridesmaids dresses:  They take 20 weeks.  That's 5 months.  Yeah.  Get on it girl.

YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS!!
All these gowns are available in like 50 different colors.  And they have fantastic names similar to how crayons and deodorant have awesome names.  (Men's deodorant name idea: "Fierce Winter Pine.")

-same dress, same color
-different dresses, same color
-same dresses, different colors
-maid of honor different dress or color
-junior bridesmaid different dress or color
-different dresses, different colors

Options 1 and 2

Pretty, simple, flattering, and very cute.  These two are feminine and flowing. The chiffon option is wonderful for that soft, breezy look.

Examples 3 and 4

Similar dresses, slight differences.  They are different fabrics as well which adds a nice dimension.  These are both really popular, VERY wearable and workable options!

Examples 5 and 6

Again, wearable options that you COULD pair together if you wanted to.  These are adorable summer or spring dresses with similar details.  I think they would be pretty in a light blue for spring.

Examples 7 and 8

I love these because THEY HAVE POCKETS!!! Yes!! Pockets!! So cute!  Again, similar.  Choose them together or separate!  These fabrics of these gowns are different and that adds another layer of "Ooooohh"

Examples 9 and 10

Classy and cute!  Gowns that detail around the waist help to accent our curves. Keep that in mind.  When I pulled these two I was kind of thinking that the strapped gown would be really cute for a junior bridesmaid in this party...what do you think? like a 13 year old who doesn't need to be wearing strapless quite yet.  I know I don't want my pre-teen sister wearing strapless any time soon.  (Ultimately I'm just jealous that she looks better in strapless than I do.)

Examples 11 and 12

These are HOT!!  If you're wanting a sexy little bridal party who will wear their gowns to a cocktail party...this is your gown.  Not everyone can wear this little number, but it is DARLING.  If you get these in black you will have sassy and sexy pictures!



If you are needing to get your girls into some gown, give us a call and I'll book you an appointment for your ladies! 

Unmentionables: All about your Underoos.

SKIVVIES!!!

You need them.

These are not your average undergarments and it can be a little overwhelming to suddenly be launched into the world of shapewear. I for one am not even completely confident that I know my own (correct) bra size, so being faced with "What size bustier do you need" is like asking me, "What is the difference in ball baring sizes?".

GOOD NEWS. We can size you.  And we can tell you exactly what you're going to need under your dress.

Absolutely Necessary Item #1: BRA.

You can choose any kind of support you want, but you MUST HAVE SUPPORT.  You're wearing a GOWN.  Not a sundress and the girls can have a play date on your honeymoon, so strap them in and wear your dress with confidence.

Exhibit A:

This is a great bustier if you are not an extra endowed woman and just need shaping and support to maintain the structure of your gown.  It also offers an extremely low back so that your gown can have that dramatic plunge :)

See...really low.  I like this one.  It works for my itty bitty titties.

The next bra is a FULL bustier for you extra curvy gals who needs not only shaping but also full support!

Exhibit B:

Lots of stretch and pull to corral the girls...it also offer tummy shaping by forming to your entire abdomen.  It's a great bra for under sheer gowns if you're needing a little shape help.  The back is not quite as low, but it will NOT show in 95% of gowns!

So then there's my favorite option: CUPS!!
Exhibit C:

You literally just have them sewn into your gown by your seamstress!  1) They will NEVER show no matter how much you move 2) They are more comfortable then a full bustier 3) They are less expensive than a bra!!

But how can these little foamy pieces keep you in place?!?!  Well, if you have an extremely fitted gown, like a corset back gown (think Maggie Sottero), then you're already being cinched in...you just need a little lift and hold for the twins to be stable during your day of photos!  If you are less and than a D cup you seriously need to consider these bad larrys.

Absolutely Necessary Item #2: Petticoat

I must impress upon you with the most honest sincerity: YOU HAVE TO WEAR A PETTICOAT.

First of all: what the heck?  Petticoat?? Is it 1872 and am I also finally old enough to wear my skirts long?  No. it's just the wedding world word for slip.  Plus it's more substantial than a slip so it needs a bigger word.

You must wear a petticoat in order to maintain the structure of your gown.  Throughout the day your skirt "wilts"  with wear and warmth.  Having the extra layer under your skirt keeps the gown looking the way it should and also keeps it looking fresh and bouncy. 

And THEN OMHYGOSH you MUST wear a petticoat so that your dress doesn't do that thing where it shows your legs when you walk. EW.  I don't care how full the skirt...DON'T LET IT GO BETWEEN YOU LEGS WHEN YOU WALK.  That's like having your hair dyed by a a Hollywood pro for $600 and then washing it with Suave.  Don't be tacky, ladies! :)

Again, lots of options for all the different gowns!

The mermaid petticoat!  To keep the "mer" in your "mermaid". Just enough flounce so that the bottom will stay flared, giving you that classy look.

This is the most frequently used petticoat! It's not too big, not too small, and keeps the dress just the right amount of poofy.  Almost EVERY gown you've seen so far in this blog has had this lil' lady underneath.  If this was homecoming she would be the Queen.

Ok and NOW...I'm rolling out the big guns...

BAM CHECK THIS OUT!! It's HUGE.  And gorgeous :):):)  If you're wanting a princess feel to your skirt you HAVE to have this.  This is the petticoat that Cinderella and Belle need under their gowns.  For reals.  I put it on for fun one day (cause I like to play dress up) and I TOTALLY felt like Scarlet O'Hara!

Next!

Isn't she pretty?  So simple and sleek...this is for under the straighter skirts and for the ladies who don't want their gowns to be froufy. (Yes. Froufy is a word.)  It's a great slip for special occasion gowns as well...you know...the annual kingdom wide ball that the king and queen throw.  

LOOK HOW CUTE THIS IS!!  This is for under a short skirt like a ballet or tea length gown.  Like in the "Little White Dress" blog that I did!

I love these little skirts...too cute. I've also had girls purchase these for costuming!

RANDOM FACTS: 

-The petticoats are all lined so that you are not being shredded by the crinoline. (the stiff, rough, net fabric that holds out the gown.)

-Bras and Petticoats do need to be ordered so make sure you give us AT LEAST a month to get them here

- Don't forget!! We can dye your petticoat! It's a minimal charge for an exceptionally awesome detail!

- Certain petticoats are available with a hoop skirt in them as opposed to the crinoline so that your legs are not as warm.

Ok, so re-cap: you need a bra, you need a petticoat, we have them here.  Aaaand GO!

Confessions of A Bridezilla

Confessions of a Bridezilla

First of all about 3 weeks before the wedding I went to the baker to confirm the cake and they had TOTALLY not gotten the idea of what I wanted right.  And when I told them that what they had planned was, um, WRONG and told them EXACTLY what I thought about their intelligence level they tried to tell me that I was wrong.  I'm sorry.  I'm the bride.  I am NEVER wrong.  Anyway,  I had told them REPEATEDLY that I wanted a replica of Cinderella's castle for my cake (which is a princess themed wedding...OF COURSE!!) and they CLEARLY had it confused with some other castle because the number of turrets and windows was COMPLETELY off.  WHAT IS HARD ABOUT THIS PEOPLE??!?!  UGH.  So anyway,  I told them that if it's not right I'm not giving them a dime and turned and LEFT.

I hadn't given my photographer the list of "Must Take" photos yet.  So I sat down and did some research about what other brides were getting as their "Must Have" portraits.  Well, obviously other girls are not as fabulous as I am because NO ONE was including the really amazing shots I have planned.  I'm SO unique!!  Here is my list:

- me standing by a lake with my veil blowing behind me being encircled by a magical swarm of butterflies

- my fiance bowing to me as I get out of the carriage that will bring me to the ceremony location.  (we're going a little non-traditional and everyone is going to be able to watch me arrive...they don't want to miss out on how amazing I'm going to look.)

- a wild horse standing peacefully beside me as I look off into the sunset.

- and the one that will be my favorite: my mother looking on as I am being pampered by the 4 stylists coming to prepare me for the biggest day of my life.  She will be misty eyed (but not crying...she will have just had her make up done!) and her expression will be one of unconditional love, excitement for my future, and sadness that her little girl is all grown up.

Also, my photographer will have to photoshop my left breast to be the same size as my right.

OH MY GOSH. And then there's my DRESS.  I decided to wait until 3 months before the wedding to go dress shopping to that I had lost as much weight as possible.  I just didn't think that shopping before that would be good for my delicate self image.  I mean it's SO HARD trying to get that last 5 lbs off and I REALLY need to be at 120 lbs in order to be perfect for my wedding dress!

Anyway, so we go to the store and the lady told me that 1) I wouldn't be able to order some of the dresses because they take too long to get here AND 2) They were going to charge me EXTRA MONEY to make sure it got here on time!!  So clearly I was annoyed right away.  I mean, it's MY WEDDING they can just tell the little ladies in Asia to get a move on and make my dress first since I need it RIGHT NOW.  Ugh...THEN she had the audacity to suggest I buy a gown off the rack.  Yes.  Because on on MY WEDDING DAY I want to be wearing a dress that some one else has put their skin germs on.  UM NO THANK YOU I DON'T THINK SO!
Anyway.
So I find this dress and it's AMAZING!!  And it was perfect because it ended up being on time, and like EXACTLY what I had envisioned myself wearing as I wowed my fiance and audience, I mean guests.  OH, did I mention that I am getting a PRINCESS DRESS!!  I'm so excited because more than anything I really want people to leave my wedding saying, "Disney should make a movie about HER!"  And then I'm really hoping that the videographer is able to capture the moment when I just KNOW my flower girl is going to say "I want to be just like her when I grow up!"

Really my biggest stress cause? BRIDESMAIDS.  I asked for the color of my bridesmaids dresses to be the same color as the the diary I wrote in when I was 9 when I first started dreaming about my wedding.  It's this, like, lavender, but iridescent, but kind of sparkley, but not really.  And it's been so difficult to find!!  I found one that was close as possible...so I order them for my bridesmaids right then and there!!  I called them and told them that I had ordered it for them and they owed me $500 - and needed to lose 15 pounds.  They like FREAKED OUT!? It was weird!  I was like "Hello!!  Of course I ordered them in your ideal size!  How else am I going to make sure that you lose all that weight, fatty!??!" UGH and then my MOM (who is supposed to be on MY side.  My feelings are still hurt.) told me that it was unreasonable of me to ask them all to dye their hair blonde so that the photos have continuity.  I mean, I understood when they said no to the matching tattoos of my wedding date on our lower backs, but their hair isn't PERMANENT! They can DYE IT BACK! Geez.  They are SO selfish to make me have these photos for the rest of my life of all these girls with God-knows-what color hair!

Back to the dress,  I was TOTALLY upset that the dress didn't come until like 3 weeks before the wedding.  The lady told me that I had to pay for it to get here on time and then it was LATE!!  She tried to tell me, "That's as fast as they can get a gown here for that manufacturer..." I mean I EXPEDITED the gown with MY MONEY so why in the world was it SO LATE?!?! And then when the seamstress said that it was plenty of time I was like, "Maybe for you, lady, but I'm in the middle of planning a WEDDING in case you didn't know! I don't have TIME FOR THIS!!  I don't CARE who else is getting gowns my wedding is A PRINCESS WEDDING for a reason!  So of course I expect mine to be the most important."  I feel this is completely reasonable.

But really the most ridiculous thing that happened was all because of my unbelievably self centered future sister-in-law.  She decided (after she knew last year I might be getting engaged) to get PREGNANT.  If she wanted to be a bridesmaid she should have thought about that BEFORE she decided to "start a family".  I mean, how could she expect to be in my wedding WITH THAT BELLY?!?!? Ew.  Baby schmaby!  I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR EXCUSES FOR BEING FAT.

So here are some photos that we took...

This is my dress!!  I fee like a Princess!!!

I made sure my dad got me this necklace from a little store in Italy that I found on line...for half price! $250!!

I'm just looking forward to the day of the wedding when all these people who have been jerks to me all come together in song to apologize to me in a choreographed, broadway style performance at the reception...I actually think that Kristen Chenoweth should play me...

I'm going to put the word out to my bridesmaids, mom, sorority, all dad's work friends, and all my fiance's e-mail contacts about how amazing MY WEDDING is going to be and that if they don't come they're going to regret it FOREVER.  And if that nasty Kim Kardashian thinks that she can set her wedding for the SAME DAY AS MINE and get away with it, she's got a rude surprise awaiting her.  (I sent a DM on Twitter about my date...she totally copied me.) I changed my date because of her.  No WAY am I sharing an anniversary with ANYONE!!

I Love Choos...

What could possibly be more girlie and fun than wedding dresses?!?!

Very possibly...SHOES!!

In the profound words of the illustrious Ms. Carrie Bradshaw, "Hello Lover!"  From 5 years old and desperately wanting Dorothy's Red Ruby Slippers to 25 years old desperately wanting Jimmy Choos we just LOVE SHOES.  "Shoes are the ultimate showcase of your personality...boys don't get that." - Nichole (Gown Specialist)

Oh and now you're getting MARRIED?!?! It creates, like, the PERFECT STORM of individual fashion and femininity!! Wedding dresses AND shoes!?! 

*I explode from fashion overload*

Jayme, Shelley, Pam (Queen Mother), Claire, Nichole

MEET OUR SHOES

THIS is "Tease"

This is a dyeable satin REEEDICULOUSLY cute shoe that looks so cute with SO many of our gowns!  One adorable bride had these shoes dyed bubble gum pink and it was literally one of the cutest things that you could possibly imagine!! (Ahem, Brianne, were they comfortable?!)  Another one of our brides got them in RED for her sassy post-nuptial party in a casino!

Hello, "Carrie"!  This lady is PERFECT for bridesmaids and special occasion!!  We absolutely adore the cut and sparkle of this shoe.  And guess what? Peep toe!  Yep...and you'll love that it's comfortable!

Sha-BAM! "CUPID"!  It's the perfect balance of satin and sparkle because you can see the smooth through the sparkle!  Cupid is also a dyeable shoe...I can just imagine it in a red or black! So hot. Seriously...hot.

Our prom FAVORITE this year, "Heidi".  LOVELOVELOVE the sparkle, peep, and heel height.  It's also perfect for Mother of the Bride, and Bridesmaids!  I have this vision of these shoes flashing through a split skirt gown...someone, ANYONE puuuhleeeeze make this happen!!

Jimi Hendrix kind of named these shoes, "Fox"-y.  See how I had to add the "y" to make my joke work?  FINE...it was a stretch.  BUT DID YOU KNOW, the 2nd of every month is Foxy Lady Day!!  (Dear B, I love you.) Anyway...shoes...OK: meet Fox one of our FAVORITE shoes.  It's elegant, it's sparkly, it's classy, and it's flattering.  These are the perfect compliment to your vintage dream dress.

"Hello, my name is Cheri!" That's Cheri with an "I" everyone.  Because OMG they're cute.  Platform heel, adorable bow, AND adjustable heel strap.  Which is great because if you are a bride with a narrow heel then you are able to make sure that back of the heel won't slip off!  And you will get TONS of compliments on the outrageous cuteness :)

"Pretty": We. Love. This. Shoe.

Allow me to expound...when you dye these shoes they look almost two-toned because the strips of fabric are laid in opposite directions.  So the sheen of the fabric is different from every angle!!  They're cute, they're comfortable, they go with SO many dresses, and we can dye them.  One of our super cute brides dyed them a turquoise-y teal and then BUSTLED THE FRONT of her gown so that you could see her shoes!! Gah!!  We died of cute.

 HOLY TUNA SALAD THESE ARE MY FAVORITE SHOES!!!

"Marlee". Gah.  I love them!  And you can get them in black or PINK!! PINK you guys PPPIIIINNKKKKK!!  And if you don't remember how I feel about pink...see this blog: "Shoes and Chairs"  Yes, I must own them.  Who am I kidding YOU must own them...EVERYONE MUST OWN THEM!!

Fact #1: This is one of our newest, "Fancy"!!  Soooo cute!! AND IT'S DYEABLE!!  We are "dyeing" to see it in color!!!  Because I can JUST imagine this heel in a beautiful peacock blue!!  So SOMEONE please come buy and dye this beautiful shoes!!  Fact #2:  My ankles look weird because my feet are super flexible.  Don't make fun of my side-showness.

Roll out the red carpet for: "GAGA"!!  Yep.  Named after the pop star!  These particular ones belong to Pam, who is such a shoe girl through and through!  But they fit me, too.  And you can try them here!! They're the perfect heel height, they sparkle ALMOST as much as your engagement ring and the WOW factor is just unreal!!  (STOP MAKING FUN OF MY FUNKY FOOT ARCH GUYS.)

THEY'RE SO CUTE!! It's "Evita"!  (Like Madonna...) It's a ruffle bow on top!!!  You can order this in a variety of colors so make sure you ask!!  These are actually a really comfy shoe which you wouldn't really expect, but the way that it's cut is like slippers. (Maybe not actually slippers...but I'm blogging so I'm being over the top.)

Guess what, ladies?  The Queen of England (Elizabeth herself) approved these shoes, "Catherine".  And so did Pam who is a close second. These. Are. Gorgeous.  Unbelievable styling and detail...you MUST try them on.  They really are just the perfect compliment to that sultry gown you're wearing!  They do run a little small so make sure you come try them.

 The whole line up...

Catherine, Evita, Cheri, Fox, Marlee, Pretty, Heidi, Cupid, Tease, Carrie, Gaga, Fancy

Look how cute they are!!  I lovelovelovelove all of these shoes!!!

Keep in mind that we may need to ORDER your correct size and/or color of desired shoe and that you should allow 3 weeks for this!!  So I personally recommend buying your shoes when your gown comes in and we do your first fitting...that way you know what heel height you are looking for 1) You will be able to judge whether or not you need a hem and 2) You have them for your alterations with your seamstress who WILL NOT SEE without your shoes!!

And we also need a little time to dye them if you are wanting to take advantage of that magical feature!  More info here in THIS blog!  "Dye-ing for Color"

Clearly we have shoes for everyone...obviously the bride, but also Mothers, Bridesmaids, Flower Girls (No, we don't plan on putting your 6 year-old niece in heels, we just don't have any child sized foot models in the store), Special Occasion, and just because you are a fabulous, fashionable woman who NEEDS shoes!

This is Nichole, Claire, Pam (Birthday Girl/Queen Mother), Shelley, and Jayme 

all telling you that we have the shoes you're looking for! :)

Also,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAM!!  

 We love you <3