Now Featuring the Jim Hjelm Collection!

The Gown Boutique is excited to announce the addition of  Jim Hjelm Bridal!

The Jim Hjelm collection is designed by California native Francesca Pitera.  We felt that the Jim Hjelm collection would be a great addition to our store because designer Francesca combines vintage inspiration with her likes of exquisite detailing, and luxurious fabrics to create classic and fashion forward gowns.

We are thrilled for this new addition, as each gown is unique and absolutely stunning!

The Spring 2010 Collection will begin to arrive in our store Mid December. 

Please call 843.856.2682 to schedule your appointment.

Jim Hjelm

For Further information on the Jim Hjelm collection please visit – www.jimhjelm.com

 

NYC Bridal Market Trend Excitement Continues!

There was too much excitement for a single posting….Especially with all the latest trends! 

 

As usual, there are several trends to report back.  But we’ll keep it simple & point out what we saw everywhere.  The 2010 dresses will be start to be in stores around January and continuing through the Spring.

 See the below descriptions on what to wear on your Wedding Day!  

 

Reem Acra

Tulle.

  By definition is a thin netted, stiffened silk fabric. 

Entire gowns, and skirts were draped, ruched and gathered in layers and layers of whimsical tulle.

Amy Kuschel

  

  

  

Straps.

A thin strip of fabric that passes over the shoulder.

 

Straps were seen in various widths, placements, fabrications, one-shoulder and in beading. 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Hjelm

 

 Ruffles.

Closely pleated or gathered material used as trim. 

 

Nothing says flirty and feminine more than a ruffle.

From delicate and dainty to over the top and exaggerated, ruffles were a big part of Market!

 

 

  

  

  

 

Martina Liana

Detachable Skirts.

To become separated. 

This trend was everywhere.  Allowing brides to reuse their pricey gowns!

Why not remove that flowy skirt and frolic in a little white party dress?! Genius. 

 

 

 

Amy Kuschel

Lace. 

A delicate fabric made by weaving cotton, or silk in a pattern that leaves small holes between the threads.

Laces have been a popular trend for a while. But with so many different weaves, fabrics and size of the pattern, the possibilities of using laces on gowns this season were endless! Some have applique in them as well.  

Lela Rose

 

  

  

Origami.

The Japanese art of of folding.

Modern art inspired.  Several designers featured gowns that used an origami-like technique of folding and pleating the fabric.  Dramatic as well as smaller scale folds and pleats were spotted.

 

 

 

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The 2010 NYC Bridal Market left us awe-inspired with all the newness.  While some noteworthy carry-over trends that are still hitting the runways pretty strong were:

POCKETS, FULL SKIRTS, DRAPING, APPLIQUE BELTS & RIBBON SASHES

We hope you have as much fun with the latest and greatest in Bridal as we do! 

 

 

NYC Bridal Market Behind the scenes!

 

The Gown Boutique has returned safely and absolutely inspired from NYC Bridal Market!

 

Since our brides were unable to join us, we thought it would be fun to share some of the excitement through our photos. 

Ulla Maija

 

 

 Bridal Market consists of Fashion Shows, Designer appointments and visits to the workrooms.  Then to top it all, The Martha Stewart Gala!

 

Judd Waddell workroom

Designer workrooms, where the gowns are actually made right here in NYC! How Fabulous!

 

 

Judd Waddell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Amy Kuschel Design Team with Terri:

Amy Kuschel (left), Terri (middle) and Ruby Germain (right)

 

 

 

 

 

Augusta Jones

 

 

The a portrait neckline gown at the Augusta Jones runway show.  We noticed a lot more straps this season everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Martha Stewart Gala, located in the Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom was stunning and a great way to end the week! 

 

 

Stay Tuned as we have more photos and latest trends to report! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYC Bridal Market is here!

Stay tuned for the latest and greatest in Bridal Trends.  We will be reporting back directly from NYC this week!

(See the below blog post for further details)

 

 

Lace, Lilies & Lela…Oh my! NYC Bridal Market countdown has begun!

For those of you that are planning your perfect 2010 wedding; stay tuned!  The Gown Boutique of Charleston is headed to NYC Bridal Fashion Week on October 16th to scoop up the most sought after gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils & accessories. 

 

 

We will be reporting back from the runway all of your burning questions and then some.  Who is designing what?  Are straps back in style? What colors are hot for 2010? Are short dresses in style?

 

 

 

Let the  Instant Inspiration Begin!

 

To Veil or Not to Veil?

There is one particular element that makes a bride a bride… That is the veil of course.  When else in your life are you going to wear a veil? The answer is probably never.  But the choice is yours! 

Do I have to wear a veil?

For most brides today, the veil is worn more as a fashion accessory than as a religious piece.  When shopping for your gown and veil keep your options open.  Try out a variety.  Please note, you should check with your officiate about any religious head-covering requirements.

What is the significance of wearing a Blusher?

A blusher is a short veil that covers the bride’s face as she enters the ceremony.   The original significance of the blusher is the lifting of the veil (blusher).  This used to be a part of a wedding ritual, symbolizing the groom’s taking of the wife, or the revelation of the bride by her parents to the groom for his approval. This tradition is still practiced today.

When do I take off the veil?

Again it is a personal preference.  But keep in mind, that if you remove your veil before the reception, it won’t appear in pictures of the cake cutting, first dance, etc. Many brides wait until after the first dance.  Veils can be somewhat unruly and are often removed if the reception is at the beach or a windy location.

What kind of veil should I wear?

Most brides customize veils based on the style of the wedding gown.  Some girls opt to wear a family veil, and in some cases even have the veil remade to be more modern.  Veils should also be in proportion with the gown.  There are several options ,that are lised, to choose from.

Trim Options

Raw edge, lace, satin binding, ribbon, pencil edge, crystals, embroidery. 

Various Length Options

Birdcage - Falls to just below the chin, covering the face. This is often attached to a hair accessory.

Flyaway – Touches or just covers the shoulders

Elbow – A veil that hits the length of the elbow

Fingertip – The veil touches the tips of your fingers, a length that often works with ball gowns and is therefore one of the most popular

Chapel – A yard shorter than a cathedral veil

Cathedral – Falls 3-1/2 yards from the headpiece (crown of the head)

Mantilla – A long, Spanish-style, circular piece of lace that frames the face

After shopping, if you decide you don’t care for them, simply go veil-less and don’t wear one at all!

 

Dress Etiquette for the Mother of the Bride (and Groom)

Most would agree that the wedding gown is the most important part of your wedding day.  Well that doesn’t stop with the bride.  This is a very special day for the mothers as well.  The mother of the bride (and groom) have it easier compared to bridesmaids.  But there are still some simple rules to keep in mind.  See below to help your mother and future mother in law look their best on your wedding day!

Communication

The mothers should talk to the bride.  Find out what the concept is for the day.  

Cameron Blake

Find out what the bridal party is wearing.  Follow their lead for formality and color; and choose an outfit accordingly.  The selection does not  need to match the bridesmaids.

Traditionally the Mother of the bride is to purchase her gown first, and then communicate to the groom’s mother what has been selected. 

Communication about concept and selection is still a necessary exercise.  It avoids the mother of the bride (and groom) showing up in the same gown, match or clash with you and each other in photos.

The Hue for You

In the beginning of the search, keep an open mind.  Narrow down the selection as you go. 

The dress should compliment skin tone and should not clash with the wedding colors. 

Stay clear of patterns and prints. As well as white, ivory, cream.  There should be no competition with the bride.

Try to avoid solid black.  Even though wearing black at an evening wedding is considered appropriate,  the mother of the bride is supposed to be celebrating and black can denote superstition.  Insistent on wearing black, then accessorize with color.  I.e., shoes, handbag, jewelry and shawls.

The Long or Short of It

Formal wedding etiquette says that Semi-Formal or Casual weddings allow for any length and style.  While with Formal weddings, the dress should be a formal, floor-length gown.

The bride can definitely talk to the mothers about the decision.  But in the end, it is ultimately their decision.  They need to feel comfortable and fabulous in what they wear on your wedding day!

 

5 Days left for Free Alterations!

Don’t forget we are offering FREE ALTERATIONS to brides purchasing their gown in the month of September.  This is to celebrate our new In House Alterations Staff.

Alterations can cost hundreds of dollars.  This is a fantastic way to save some money. 

There are only 5 days left in September ladies, take Advantage!

 

Free Alterations!

We are thrilled to announce that we are the only bridal boutique in Charleston with our very own full-time, in-house alterations staff!

To celebrate this, any bride that orders her gown in the month of September will receive FREE ALTERATIONS on her gown!

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Almost every bride will need some sort of alterations on her gown.  It can be as simple as a hem and a bustle or as detailed as customizing your gown by adding a strap. 

We take our alterations very seriously.  The fit and quality of the alterations executed on your wedding gown will make a huge difference on your wedding day. 

We are equally particular on the fit of your gown as we are on the bustle.  It is important to like the way your gown is bustled, because it will be bustled the majority of your wedding day. By having an In-house alteration staff we can assure you that your gown will be handled with the best attention to detail.

Please call to schedule your appointment 843.856.2682

 

Ulla Maija Gowns Have Arrived!

We are thrilled to announce that we have added designer Ulla Maija to our vast collection of gowns.  The Ulla Maija bridal couture brand was founded over a decade ago and is manufactured in New York City.   They categorize their style moods in Cathedral, Chapel and Court; which best express the intention of their designs.  Ulla Maija gowns are luxurious in all aspects of the design and in manufacturing. 

For further information on Ulla Maija please visit – www.ulla-maija.com

Please call 843.856.2682 to schedule your appointment.