What a difference a belt makes!

October 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Just today we tried a newly arrived gown on a bride, and it looked good on her.  She was tall and very thin, but not a noticable waistline.  Her consultant, Emily, added a beautiful belt and oo-la-la, what a difference.  The belt can make a huge difference in many ways. 

Sometimes the bride wants a simple gown with just a splash of either color, or sparkle.  A belt can give her as much or as little as she likes.  Not only can a belt make your already great waistline look even smaller, but define you entire figure.

Bridal belts are very popular now.  You can find anything from a plain simple satin sash to a fully hand beaded work of art.  They range in price, here  at The Something Blue Shoppe,  from about $49.00 to $650.00.  Our most popular belts, that seem to add the most for less, are about $199 to $249.

You can take a gown that you saw someone else wear, and change the appearance of that dress by adding a belt and  the  bride who wore it won’t even recognize it.  It makes the dress your own, exclusive.

When shopping, be flexible and try on belts with your gown.  You never know what the look of a belt will do for you gown until you try it.  Having said that, let me add, don’t be afraid to try on anything.  You just can’t know what  dress, or accessories will work until you try them on.

After all, that’s why you go shopping, and at The Something Blue Shoppe, we have the very best consultants to help you put your wedding ensemble together so that it not only fits your body, but your style and image.

Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information

Meet Olia Zavozina

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

OLIA IN COLOR 205x300 Meet Olia ZavozinaOlia Zavozina is a Russian Born Fashionista who started her journey by leaving her hometown at the age of 18.  Olia has been traveling and exploring the world of fashion ever since.

With multiple degrees in world economics, an MBA in business administration, biblical ethics and religion, she could not let her passion for fashion go. Olia started her own label at the age of 20.

Designing beautiful garments that show your personality through design, color and texture is a passion of Olia’s.  Her goal is to build a relationship with her customer that is much more than just a sale.  The foundation of Olia’s line is based on the concept that quality goods and excellent service will yield  success.

I believe that Olia’ concept is also that of  The Something Blue Shoppe.  That, along with her beautiful creations are going to be a perfect fit here at Something Blue. 

 The softness of silks, luscious laces that are exclusive to The House of Zavozina, and gentle styling make this collection dreamy and unique.  I’ve been in this business for quite a long time and I’ve seen thousands of bridal gowns, and never have I been so impressed with a designer as I am with Olia.  She is sweet, caring, funny, creative, and puts her best into every gown.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet Olia and see her beautiful gowns.  If you are getting married, you need to call for an appointment.  You’ll be happy you did.

Sarah Morris

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information, SPECIAL EVENTS

Just how do I know when I’ve found “MY Gown”?

July 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This is a question that our Bridal Consultants hear daily.  Some girls know the moment they see it on the rack, some the minute they slip it on.  What if you don’t get that “feeling”?  Don’t panic, everyone is different, and just because you don’t see sparks fly, it doesn’t mean it’s not “the one”.  Chances are you didn’t fall in love at 1st sight with Mr Right either.  You had to get to know him.  Sometimes it like that with the bridal gown. 
I suggest that you try on several different silouettes, necklines, skirts, etc.  This will let you know what style is best for your body style.  The consultant will guide and direct you as to what will work with your figure.  After you narrow down the style of the gown you want, then move on to the detailing.  Do you like embellishment or plainer, silk, satin or taffeta?  Do you like a long Cathedral length train, or something more like a Chapel or Walking length train.  All of these questions can only be answered by you.  It is your wedding, your dress for your day, and you should make these decisions.  Your family and friends know what your normal style is, but do they really know how you want to look for your wedding day. 
Sometimes soliceting the advise of friends is a mistake.  They want you to look like they want you to look.  The bride is the only person in the world who can know how a wedding dress makes her feel.  If you like the way it feels, if it makes you feel beautiful and makes you feel the way you want to feel when HE sees you in it for the very 1st time, then that’s the one!  You alone will know these things.  Just like you don’t ask your friends if HE is the one, you don’t ask your friends to choose your wedding gown.

Being a bride is so special.  It is not only becoming a wife, but becoming a woman, with decision making skills of your own.  Choose your own bridal gown.  You’ll always be glad you did.

Sarah J. Morris, The Something Blue Shoppe 

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information Tagged With: , , , ,

Ready for the “season”

July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I’m often asked “When is your busiest time for brides?”  Bridal season is year around now.  We have almost as many fall weddings as spring and summer, and winter is coming on fast.  We have new gowns arriving now throughout the year so that our brides always have new things to see.

I literally travel the world to find the most beautiful bridal gowns possible for The Something Blue Shoppe brides.  I just returned for Europe where I saw amazing things.  I go there not only to buy new gowns for our brides, but to find unusual and different accessories, that are fresh and different.  I’ve never had a bride say to me, “I want to look just like every other bride”.  We all want to be unique and have that one special element that makes us special and memorable.

We are happy to announce that we have some new lines coming into the store.  There is Robert Bullock, Lis Simon, OLIA ZAVOZINA, Pattis, and possibly others.  Of course we still have the lines you’re more familiar with, like Justin Alexander, Pronovias, Jasmine Couture, Allure, Cassablanca, Marisa, etc.

One of the best finds in Europe are beautiful lace veils that will come to us from Spain.  They are heirloom quality, beautifully detailed with hand crafted lace.  You won’t see veils like this, of this quality, and at affordable prices anywhere else.

Just remember that The Something Blue Shoppe is constantly working for you, our brides.

 

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Off to Europe to see exciting new Gowns

June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here I am just a week away from my annual trip to Europe with Justin Alexander Bridals and Sarah Danielle.  I am excited to be going to the Mododex Show in Essen, Germany.  We’ll see lots of the great new European styles, as well as designs from the American companies.  I’ll be bringing lots of beautiful, exciting, glamorous bridal gowns and dresses for mothers into the store from this buying trip.

After I complete business in Essen, I’ll travel to Dusseldorf for a couple of days and then on to Vienna, Austria.  This will be the tourist part of my trip and I know it will be exciting.  I’m thrilled that one of my daughters, Ceil Heath, will accompany me on this trip.

Check back often, I’ll post some pictures from the trip and let you know more about the wonderful fashions.

Sarah Morris

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information, SPECIAL EVENTS

Bridal Gown Delivery Time

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

 When I first came to The Something Blue Shoppe, over 20 years ago, we could easily get a bridal gown in from the factory in 8 weeks, sometimes in as little as 6 weeks.  Then the times moved to 10 to 12 weeks.  For the last 3 or 4 years we have known that to give us enough time to receive the gown, make any alterations needed, and get it pressed for pickup, the gown would have to be ordered no less than 16 weeks (4 months) prior to the wedding.  Some companies more.

Now, with labor problems in China, the high cost of fuel, which means shipping by slower means than air, and other newer shipping regulations, delivery time has increased to a minimum of 20 to 24 weeks.  That is 5 to 6 months for delivery. If a bride wants to have pre-wedding portraits, she must plan to order her gown 8 to 9 months prior to the wedding.

This is good in some ways.  Since the bride only needs to pay a deposit of half the total cost of the gown to get it ordered, and the balance is not due until the gown actually arrives in the store, it gives her more time before the balance is due.    

Just remember when planning your wedding date and making a schedule for ordering your gown, that shipping times are slow.  When the consultant tells you that you really don’t have a lot of time and that you should go ahead and order your gown, BELIEVE HER!

Filed Under: Information

Tornado Victims

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here in downtown Hartselle, AL we were very fortunate to have escaped the wrath of the tornadoes that devastated areas all over our state, but especially here in North Alabama.  We’ve heard absolute horror stories about the destruction.

We knew of proms that were to be held after that nightmare of April 27, and we offered new dresses to the girls who had lost their prom gowns in the tornado.  We had a toiletry drive for the victims and it has been a huge success.  We sorted supplies into bags so that each recipient had a bag with several much needed toiletry articles such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, body lotions, etc.  We were thrilled with the way our friends and neighbors responded.  We learned that the more you help someone else, the more you want to help.

We had several brides who totally lost their venues.  Some brides picked up their gowns on Friday after the tornado with their wedding scheduled for the next day, and at that time had no idea where they wedding would be.  It’s very hard to say “everything will be OK, but we knew that it would be”.  When a bride has planned for months for her big day, and then in the length of time it takes to pray the Lord’s Prayer everything is changed, it is hard for her to know that things will be alright.

As of yet, we don’t know of any brides who’ve lost their gowns, but if there are, they just need to call us, or come see us.  We’ll be happy to help them in any way we can.  We are the wedding gown store and we’ll be happy to help any bride in a time of need.

I urge not only brides, but all people to remember the purpose of the wedding is to unite with God’s approval, and in front of your family and friends.  You are creating a marriage, a new home, and a future together.  When things go awry, whether they are as huge as a tornado, or as small as a bridesmaid in the wrong shoes, it is not as important as the commitment that you are making.

Filed Under: Information

Bridal Appointments

February 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For over 40 years The Something Blue Shoppe has been seeing brides on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. It has been our pleasure to say to brides, you come when it is most convenient for you, we’ll be happy to serve you.  As with everything, with growth comes change.  While we will never turn a bride away because she doesn’t have an appointment, our business has grown to the place where we are just unable to service every bride in the manner that every bride deserves without planning and scheduling.  We want The Something Blue Shoppe experience to be the most fun experience of the entire wedding preparation.  We believe that shopping for the gown is the biggest decision regarding the entire wedding planning.  Every bride wears her special gown on the day she marries the man of her dreams, and virtually every day after, in her memories, for the remainder of her life.  The bridal gown is that special.

Therefore, we will begin making appointments for brides who request an appointment to better schedule her time, as well as ours.  For those who prefer to come without the appointment, we will still be happy to have you, and will make every effort to serve you as quickly as possible.

To schedule an appointment with a trained bridal consultant, who will use her vast training and knowledge of bridal wear, fabrics, fit and styling to help you find the dream dress to wear for the man of your dreams you may call or email.  The contact information is stated below.

256.773.4956

blueshopsecretary@gmail.com

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information Tagged With: , , ,

SPECIAL IN STORE HAPPENINGS

December 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We are excited that Jan and Feb 2011 will bring us some fascinating in store events.  On Jan 8th, Something Blue Too will host the kick off to Prom season, Prom Party. Jan 13,14,15 will be the 2BE Weddings for Kathy Ireland Trunk Show, at The Something Blue Shoppe.  Terri Hilferty, designer for 2BE will be with us again this year.  She is fun and has lots of ideas for brides.  She will also do a drawing of your 2BE gown for you when you purchase.  February 4 & 5 will be our Jasmine Trunk Show, and Feb 28 will be the big Runway show with Wedding pages in Birmingham.  If you’re getting married soon, mark your calendar and don’t miss these big days.

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information, PROM Tagged With: , , ,

Kathy Ireland dishes on what Kate Middleton might wear

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kathy Ireland dishes on what Kate Middleton might wear

Kathy Ireland with a model wearing a dress from the kathy ireland Weddings by 2be collection

So…2be comfortable on your wedding day or not to 2be comfortable on your wedding day? That is certainly NOT the question for Kathy Ireland.

“Choose something that fits you [and] that’s comfortable. That is critical, ” says the model turned designer, who just launched her bridal line, kathy ireland Weddings by 2be, in partnership with Mon Cheri Bridals at the Chicago Bridal Market in October. (Note: The Website is still in progress—we have the early scoop from Kathy herself!) The collection boasts more than 30,000 designs of comfortable yet couture gowns for the bride, mother of the bride and bridesmaids. And all are at reasonable prices ranging from $800 to $3,200.Ireland says looking back, she would change some things about the gown of her own 1988 nuptials. “I’d go with something much more elegant today—clean lines. I think I was inspired by Princess Diana’s wedding. My sleeves were bigger than my head!”

 What inspires her these days is the confidence of a well-dressed bridal party. “We spend more time on our inner construction than on the outside,” Ireland says of the structure of her dresses. “We’ve got 22 ‘bones’ that support our gorgeous plus-size models. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. So much of that comes from having a good fit.”

Can you just imagine falling out of a strapless wedding gown or ripping your one-size-too-tight bridesmaid dress? Ireland has been witness to both, actually, and so she spreads cautionary tales about getting an ill-fitting dress or going with strapless even though it feels uncomfortable.

As for the wedding of this century (no, not mine), Ireland envisions Prince William’s lady, Kate Middleton, in “something elegant and flowing, with a long train and silk and drape and florals.” Regardless of the pick, she hopes comfort prevails. That’s necessary, even for a princess.

Truth is, we are all our own definition of a princess on our special day, aren’t we? “When you think about it, the wedding is truly the ultimate red carpet event.”

from the 2Be website

Filed Under: Bridal News, Information Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts