Bridal and Gift, The final show-down

And so it comes to be, that I did indeed find a dress on my travels. You see, I found the dress I LOVED and I thought about it all the time. It was at Ana's Bridal.


But just that night I was at a party in my apartment. A recently wed couple was discussing their wedding. "Where did you get your dress" I asked her, totally in the dress mode. "Bridal and Gift, have you been there, if you haven't I highly suggest you go!". Really? I thought.


The year before I had bought a bridesmaids dress there. It was a nice place, but small. The woman there were helpful and they had lots and lots of nice designer dresses. But when it came time to get our measurements, well... they read them ALOUD. I was totally embarrassed! After all, I was with a size 2 bride, her size 0 sister, and three single digit sized bridesmaids. My chest was in a whole new number set than theirs. UH

Then came the alterations. Again my woman was so friendly, but insisted I didn't need the top tighter. On the wedding day I put on the dress and the top fell down. Luckily she had gone above and beyond and created spaghetti straps for me and added hook and eyes so I was able to secure the dress. 


I went there not expecting much- and boy was I in for a surprise. They had revamped the store. Downstairs was tons of gowns, upstairs was solely bridesmaids and Maggie Sotteros.


I went into the room and the woman had tons of dresses for me to try on. I never asked about prices and she never told me- which was weird. But she was really focused on finding what I was looking for. I was the only person in front of the mirror and the only person there. I felt totally waited on hand and foot and also like I had a ton of privacy.


I have to say it was the first place I went to, besides Helene's that I felt I got the whole "bridal experience".
And so, I did find a dress I really liked there. It was a plain A-Line Justin Alexander with pinch pleating at the top and a long train. It was pretty simple, but it had the most beautiful swavorski crystal belt!


I still had the dress at Ana's in my head though. And then a light bulb went off. Bridal and Gift gave me the experience I wanted and carried the line I loved. Could they order the dress I saw at Ana's?
In fact...they could!! Without a flinch, I ordered the dress!


I got the experience AND the dress. They may not have a fancy website or champagne and strawberries- but there was lots of love and attention.


Right before I left, Linda, the owner, came over and hugged me and whispered in my ear "congratulations and welcome to our family!"

Ombre, Ombre!

I was going to go with another color theme today, but decided to nix that and just focus on my latest obsession: OMBRE! A few years ago I purchased the cutest blue ombre cocktail dress. From then on I was hooked. How can you incorporate this look into a wedding? Look no further- here is your inspiration!

Wedding Trends: REVAMP

Below is my list of the hottest wedding trends now. Perhaps you have seen these at a wedding this year.
Want to take it one step above the "trend"... see my suggestions for revamps!


TREND 1: BEACH THEMED WEDDINGS

Especially being in New England, beach themed weddings are the go-to element! Beachy themed cakes, starfish and sand dollars place cards, etc.

REVAMP: Take it up a notch, use the same color scheme (blues and greens) in a new way. Peacock!

TREND 2: CHUCKS

You have seen tons of photos with brides wearing the chucks down the altar and hanging out in them during the reception.

REVAMP: Sure, you've seen chucks-- but be the first bride to wear TOMS. Super cute and sparkly too!

TREND 3: Submerged Flowers with Candles. These are a popular and low-cost alternative to floral centerpieces....and have a real eye catching look. But why not try something new...

REVAMP: Keep up the charm with a different type of centerpiece- Succulents. These are starting to pop up and they are great as favors, place card holders, or centerpieces. Plus, they are pretty unexpected.

The OUTNET- Launches

Big news in time for Royal Wedding: In case you are an invited guest (ha!), or want a royal wedding of your own, check out the http://www.theoutnet.com/

Just Launched yesterday is their discount bridal, bridesmaid, or guest! wedding attire. Whoo hoo! Did you hear me, I said "discount". Check out these great finds:

Marchesa- $300



Vivenne Westwood- $986



2012 Fashion Hits the Runway

Bridal designers hit the runways in NY this week with their 2012 Spring lines. I am particularly excited by the Vera Wang Gowns (since I <3 them so much), WTOO had a great collection as well.

Vera Wang, Spring 2012

Watters, WTOO line, Spring 2012

New Lines Everywhere!

Wow, new bridal lines are popping up all over. JCrew extended their line, the New White line that I have highly advertised from Vera at DB, and now Anthropologie. They are coming out with a bridal line: bhldn.

Here is a link with some preview pics on their soon-to-be updated site: http://www.bhldn.com/

Also, the girls over at one of my favorite blogs: 100 Layer Cake were invited to sneak peak some of the goods. Take a look at this:



photos courtesy of 100 layer cake



Decor Decor

So when I started looking for inspiration, I went right to decor and flowers. And Loving flowers as much as I do, I get enthralled at looking at the pictures of them. But when I came across this centerpiece I thought it was great. Simple. understated. fancy. cute. all my fav.things.





Love how simple yet elegant this looks...
all photos courtesy of the knot.

 

Love this! (this photo courtesy Belle Mer)...

These inspired me, but I think they are too much effort to DIY becuase of the time it will take the morning of.

My Fav. Place setting. These are my colors. Love!