Buy Small Saturday Should Be Buy Small Everyday!

Saturday was Buy Small Saturday where shoppers were encouraged to make at least one purchase from a small business.  I say EVERYDAY should be buy small day.  Our small businesses are the backbone of the American economy.  The money you spend at a small business goes directly into the local economy, it doesn't go overseas, it doesn't go into the corporate money world and it doesn't go into a fat cat's wallet.  The taxes they collect from small businesses (and they are numerous) go into the local schools, streets, fire, police, etc.

For three decades I was a small business person, I ran the family bridal shop.  Small businessmen eat, sleep and breathe their business 24/7.  When you deal with a small business, they remember your name.   You get personalized service and you get great deals.   The money you spend is appreciated.   When was the last time you walked into a big box store and were greeted warmly and thanked warmly?   You are lucky if someone even looks up at you when they hand you the change.

I felt like I was part of the local community and providing jobs for people who needed jobs and weren't able to work the rigid corporate hours, but desperately needed work.

"Jenny" was a single parent  who's fiance left her in the hospital after the birth of their child.  She was living with her grandmother.  She also needed the flexibility to call off if her child was sick.  Today, she has her own place, paid off her furniture, drives a new car and volunteers in the community.  Her child is an honor student who helps mom do community work.

"Mrya" was 70 something divorced woman who couldn't make her house payment and buy groceries on  her pension.  No one would hire her because of her age, but she was a punctual, capable and experienced.  She was able to finish paying off her house so she could live on her pension.

"Candy" was a mother of four whose husband's job was downsized.  They couldn't live on unemployment and public assistance and he couldn't find a job.   She was able to feed and keep the roof over the family until he found work.   

Countless college students working their way through college who now are employed in their field.

Before you run to the big box store to make a purchase, check out the local independent shops.  Before you hit the big box bridal store, check your local bridal salon. They will remember your name.  You'll find better deals, higher quality and personalized service. Your dress won't look like thousands of other wedding dresses. Sounds like a win/win situation to me! 

Shopping For Your Wedding Dress

Shopping for your wedding dress can be
fun or it can be exhausting, futile and
just a pain in the you know what. The trip
is what you make it.

Here are my best tips for shopping for the
most amazing and important dress you will
ever buy in your lifetime.

This should go without saying, but I have to
say it because some people didn't get the memo:
Take a shower before you shop. Wear some form
of underwear. In our bridal shop, we help you
dress because trying on the dress is not a do
it yourself job. Its too hard for the bride
to figure out how to put it on, so we help.
If you "forgot" underwear, you'll be
embarrassed unless you like seeing your bee-hind
reflected from every angle in your birthday
suit. I am uncomfortable when the bride
strips down to nothing. Don't get me wrong,
I've seen it all, including dressing men as brides,
but I prefer you have on panties and a bra. You don't
need a strapless bra, you can always slip your
bra straps down or use a try on bustiere.
You don't need to bring a slip, all stores have them.

Bring a pair of heels so you can get an idea of
the length of the dress. The dress takes on a
different look when you are wearing heels. If you
are wearing flats, bring a pair of flats.

Don't shop if you are tired, cranky, ill, hungry or
hung over. More than one time, I've had a bride
pass out from hunger, exhaustion or barf from
being hung over. Its not pretty in a dressing
room and it REALLY grosses everyone out. It also
scares the you know what out of us when someone
passes out on the risers and we have to try
and catch them. By the same token, if you are sick,
use your noodle and stay home. We don't want to
catch it! And eat and keep yourself hydrated
before you shop. Trying on dresses is tiring
and you need energy fuel.

Dress in clothes that you can easily change
and redress easily. Tops that zip or button
in the front are excellent.

If you are wearing your hair up on your wedding day,
put it up in a similar style. Your hairdo with the
dress will make a huge difference as some necklines
will dictate hairdos. If you are planning on wearing
your hair down, wear it down. Nix the ponytail that
day. Know that your hair will get messed up from
trying on dresses.

Wear a bit of makeup to get an idea of how the
dress color will look on you. White can sometime
drain all the color out of your face. Makeup
can correct it so you can wear white if you
want to wear white. You don't need to come in
full face paint, just enough to give the look
of your wedding day.

Don't shop with a big posse. Limit it to mom,
a sister, maid of honor or a trusted friend.
Keep it small, too many opinions will confuse you
and upset you. It happens a lot. They
might be excited for you, but they can come later.
Once you find THE DRESS or narrow it down, bring
the posse to see it. They'll be just as excited
to see it after you pick it out.

Leave the kids at home when you are shopping for
the wedding dress. They get bored in a bridal
shop and they distract the bride from her special
time. Its the brides time, YOU should be the
center of attention. Get a babysitter. You won't
regret it. Its not fair to us to watch the kids
while you shop. We are here to help you, not
babysit. Hey, we love kids, but I can't do
it all. Keeping the kids from getting hurt or
pulling over a heavy mannequin on themselves
rank as number one. If I'm watching the kids,
I can't help you.

Don't let anyone high pressure into buying
a dress unless you are sure you want that dress!
Some salespeople are commission and they
HAVE to make that sale. Sometimes family
and friends pressure you into buying a dress
and you are not quite sure. Don't suffer
from bridal dress regret. Make sure you
are buying exactly what you want before
you buy.

Have fun shopping!

For more info on dress shopping, you should
check out the following:
Buyer Beware, eBay Wedding Dresses, Buy Smart!
The Dress
Why is it so hard to shop for my wedding dress?

What does your wedding dress say about you?

What does your wedding dress say about you?
Take the Wedding Dress Test and find out?
Its very cool and the results seem to be true.

I've sold wedding dresses for longer than I care
to admit. For freaking evah. I'm in love with wedding
dresses. My friends say that I'm easily distracted by
shiny objects. Its no secret that I love bling, lace and
beading. I am also a card carrying fashionista. But when
it came time to choose my wedding dress, I went directly
to my own personality. I had my eye on a stunning
Eve of Milady gown, but when I tried it on it just
wasn't me at all. I ended up with a dress that defied
fashion rules at the time, it was sleek, it was
sophisticated and it had only minimal bling.

When I took the wedding dress test, I realized that I
was expressing my personality in my wedding dress.
I wasn't a frothy princess, I wasn't a sweet ruffled thing,
I was sophisticated and fashion forward. And I thought
I just loved the dress and it made me look thinner and taller.
Whodda thot? ;)

When its time to dress shop for the wedding, shop with
yourself in mind. Don't choose a dress because your
friends or your Mom loves it. YOU have to love it!
You have to feel good in it. You have to feel taller,
thinner, shorter, sexier, sweeter, bustier, and above all
comfortable in the dress you choose. Don't be railroaded into
a dress by a pushy salesperson on commission. Don't be
railroaded by your friends, family or someone peeking into
the dressing room. Assert your self and buy the dress that
is YOU!

For more info on shopping for your wedding dress and
finding the dress that is so you....click here.

Wedding Trends We LOVE!

Since I've been talking about trends for
weddings, we have trends we actually
love. There are actually trends you should
investigate! Put it in your wedding plans,
tweak it to make it your own.

Lace wedding dresses, a return to femininity
after years of stiff satin and big embroidery
and big pearls embellishing wedding dresses.
We aren't talking about big tablecloth stiff
lace, the soft flowing laces that drape.

Unique wedding cakes that express the
individuality of the couple.

Photos from the Pink Cake Box
These cakes are just amazing!

Color on wedding dresses. Soft pinks, tiffany
blue, colored crystals. It can be a sash or an entire
soft pink gown. Set yourself apart
from the crowd by showing your sophistication
and style panache.

Colored shoes for the bride. We are seeing a lot
more silver, metallics and colored shoes
for the bride. No more uncomfortable satin
wedding shoes that blister your feet. Choose
a hot pair of cool shoes to complete your ensemble.
We recently had a bride wear a pair of red shoes
she bought in Europe with her cream colored gown.
She added ruby accessories and red roses. WOW!

Men's tuxedos are hot and looking better than
EVAH! We love the look of the Windsor ties
with a vest. Nix the shiny lime green vests , go
with something the men actually WANT to wear.

Invitations with personality. The selection of
what you can send is just amazing. If you can dream
it, someone can do it. We received a message invitation in
a bottle complete with sand and sea weed for a beach
wedding.

Flowers and bouquets are amazing this year.
In addition to the hand tied bouquets with
"jewelry" on the stems, the flower combinations
are unique, colorful and make a statement.

Your Wedding Coach, The Best Time To Buy & Save on Your Wedding Dress

Bet you didn't know that there is a BEST time to buy your wedding dress and save a lot of cash. During the doldrum months of November and December, any full service bridal shop will welcome your business with open arms. The reason? All brides are in holiday mode and there is little happening in the bridal salon. Sales are down and new stock merchandise is arriving by the truckload and they have to pay for it. They need to clear out the racks to make room for the new merchandise. Bottom line, they will be willing to deal and you win.

Shop during the day during the week in November or December. Not only will you get their full attention, you won't have to wait for dressing room time.

Nicely ask if there is a discount if you buy the sample dress. All they can say is no.
Nicely ask if there are any specials available to you. All they can say is no.
Nicely ask if there is anything they can do for you if you are willing to buy today. BUY TODAY is the key. Don't expect them to keep the offer on the table while you comb the world looking for a better deal. You need to be in the buying mode if you ask.

You may be pleasantly surprised at the discounts or the specials they will offer you. The bridal salons need to pay the rent, utilities, insurance and payroll during the slow times PLUS pay for all the new merchandise that is arriving. Bridal salons are willing to negotiate. (This won't work at corporate big box stores. )

Ask nicely, be nice and smile. The nicer you are, the farther you'll get. If you are demanding, you will get nowhere. If you are a genuinely nice person, who knows what you can save?

This Week's Head Smacker!

Hang in there, I have a point!

"Beth" walked into the bridal salon today. I recognized her, she'd been in a lot of times trying on wedding dresses. Beth was crying. She's purchased her wedding dress off the rack at a big box bridal store on sale. She begged me to help her, said she was having problems with getting her wedding dress altered. No one would touch the dress, and price quotes if she did were running over $750.00.

Always up to a challenge and feeling sorry for her, I said I'd help if I could. What is the problem with the dress?

Beth: (sobbing) "Its too big for me".

Me: "Let me see the dress. OMG, this is a size 12. You are what? A size one?"

Beth: "No, I'm a size zero."

Me: " I am not sure it can be done, that's a full 6 dress sizes. The neckline is too big and its already cut and can't be made smaller. The bodice has darts that are cut and in the wrong spot for you and the armholes are too big. I don't think it can be done without putting a new top on the dress." (Hello...out there....do you hear me Beth?)

Beth: "I want the trail cut off and the lace rounded like it is on the trail. (the train of the dress) I don't want it bubbled up in the back. (She means bustled, I'm translating because I speak bride).

Me: " Beth, it can't be done by just cutting off the train. Your dress has a carriage back that is edged in lace and it can't be put back on because of the way its cut. You'd have to take the dress apart at the top and the side seams and reset the zipper. Its major to do it from the top. "

Beth: "But that's what I want. I spent $250 for this dress 'cause I don't want to spend a lot on a dress that I am only wearing one time. But now I want to wear it again."

*Me...eyes rolling....thinking...where in God's name are you going to wear THIS formal wedding dress again? A Halloween party?*

She says church or another wedding.

*ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??? You'd go to church or someone else's wedding wearing a formal wedding dress? Were you hit in the head or are you THAT stupid?*

Me...drawing diagrams, talking about dress construction, talking to the wall. So I come out and ask her...."Beth, why would you buy a dress that is too big, needs cleaned and has a train if you don't want a train?"

Beth: "Because it was in my price range. "

I told her something she didn't want to hear as nicely as I could, but I wanted to scream at her:

You were sold a bill of goods by a really good COMMISSIONED salesperson who didn't give a damn about you. You spent $250 and your alterations are going to cost you triple that amount and its going to look like crap. That's a thousand dollars. Add another $100 for cleaning. Your bargain is a really expensive bargain. You could have ordered a brand new pristine dress that fits you and needs only minor alterations for half that amount. Or you could have bought an informal wedding dress without a train in your size for the amount you paid for your too big, dirty dress. Of course, I didn't say what I though,but I wanted to! When she walked out the door, I did the old head smack and muttered wtf a few times.

I know she'll schlep the dress to a dozen more places until she finds someone who will rig her dress together. She'll either wear it and tell everyone her wedding was ruined by that seamstress, or she'll buy another dress at the last minute and tell everyone costs and stress ruined her wedding. She'll blame everyone but herself.

My point:

• Don't be talked into anything when you are shopping for your wedding dress. If it doesn't feel right, don't buy it. Don't be high pressured.
  
  
• When you are considering buying an off the rack dress....ask the in store seamstress to look at the dress and give you an estimate of your alterations costs. Every dress needs some form of alterations UNLESS you fit the size chart exactly and are 5 foot 9. The odds of that are slim and none. You have to factor the cost of alterations and add it to the cost of the dress.
  

• Add all the extras such as cleaning into your bargain dress. I personally would not buy a dirty dress, no matter how cheap the price. Not only is it a hygiene issue, but cleaning and pressing is expensive.

• If the decide to buy a dress off the rack, don't buy it because its a bargain you can make over. Buy it because you love it. Buy it because it makes you look fabulous and FEEL fabulous. Don't buy it just because its cheap, you'll so regret it.
  

Ready To Wear Trends Translate to Wedding Fashions

The hottest fashion trends in ready to wear always show up in bridal and wedding fashions. Look for the todays fashion trends to hit the wedding '08 fashions.

The biggest trend for fall '07 is sparkle and shine. What, you say? Haven't wedding dresses always been sparkly and shiny? The answer is yes and no. There have always been wedding and bridesmaid dresses that have had no sparkle and shine. And in the 80's, sparkle and shine exploded all over dresses, veils and headpieces. Ah, the excesses of the 80's with their huge puffy sleeves, may then never return!

Today's bridal fashions have sparkle in the details: Austrian and Swarovski crystals, tiny delicate beads on the dresses and the veils. Metalic sparkles on the shoes. We are seeing wedding shoes that aren't just dyed satin, you know, the ones that gather dust in the closet and you've never worn again.

These shoes have both sparkle and shine and are from Coloriffics. They can be worn again, which is a big plus! And they are being worn from everyone from the bride, maids, moms and wedding guests.

Bridesmaids dresses are embellished with beads and crystals, in small, delicate details. Big sparkly broaches accent the waistlines of simply cut dresses. They are pinned on so you can wear it on your everyday clothing. Coming back is iridescent taffeta fabric which has the shine! Ditto for sexy, slinky charmeuse fabrics.

Accessories for the wedding party include crystal necklaces, earrings, bracelets and small beaded evening purses. There's the sparkle!

Casablanca Bridal Gowns

Casablanca Bridals

An unbiased review from someone who just loves this company! Ok, I admit, I AM biased. I've sold wedding dresses for 30 years and rarely does a company come on the scene that produces wedding dresses that causes me to get excited and rave about the company. Great companies with great customer service, a superior product at an affordable price are rare in this business. Casablanca has managed to do all that and more.

Casablanca's designers have taken the time to figure out what women really want in a wedding dress. Brides want a good fit. They want to look and feel like a princess or a sophisticated woman on their wedding day. They want exquisite fabrics, laces, embroidery and real hand sewn crystals and beadwork. Casablanca delivers on all of the above.

Casablanca is known for their delicate embroidery and details. Their embellishments are not garrish, they are tasteful and feminine. Casablanca is known for cutting a great fitting dress. Not only will this company make the dress in regular or petite length, they'll do custom work as well. You need the gown shorter or longer? No problem. You want to add straps? How wide, beaded or plain? You want to add sleeves? Do you want satin, sheer, embroidery, lace, beading, long, short, cap, three quarter length? You love the dress but want the neckline higher? Lower? Want it sweetheart instead of rounded? The back lowered? No problem. They'll do it. They'll cut the dress to your exact measurements, and if you don't gain or lose an ounce, the dress will fit you exactly without any alterations. And, they include an inner bustle FREE in the train of the dress. That saves you $$$$, you don't need to pay a seamstress to bustle your dress for the reception.

I've NEVER received a problem dress from this company. I've never had a dress not match the measurements we've submitted. I've never had a dress with a spot or a stain. I can't say this about any other line of wedding dresses.

If you are shopping for your wedding dress, you owe it to yourself to try on Casablanca's wedding dresses. For the money you'll spend at a big box discount store, you can have a genuine Casablanca that will blow every other dress in its price range out of the water. It will fit better, look better and the quality will be light years ahead of what you see in this price range. Prices range from $599 and up. Your friends will think your've paid triple the amount!

Bridesmaids Dresses in 54 Colors!

Forever Yours Bridals, Expressions Bridesmaids , sent out their new color charts and their dresses are now available in 54 different colors! 54 DIFFERENT COLORS! I'm totally blown away by the color choices. Most manufacturers offer a fraction of colors, they offer all the colors in all their fabrics:, satin, charmeuse, chiffon and bobinette fabrics. They are also doing taffeta in 25 colors. If you are looking for that special color and you can't find it, check out Forever Yours Expressions Bridesmaids.

If you want to match a Tiffany blue, their aqua is the match. We've even matched the color chart to a Tiffany bag, its exact!

Expressions Bridesmaids come in a large range of sizes from size 0 to size 30 and they are sized generously. They also have nice sized seams for alterations. Most bridesmaid companies size their gowns smaller than normal sized dresses. These run true to size or larger than normal size.

And, here is the best part: every dress has a matching flower girl AND junior maid dress! Now you won't have to shop in a tri state area and spend weeks on the net looking for a dress for the grooms 12 year old sister. She'll look like everyone else! Woo Hoo! Junior maid dresses for that tween age are nearly impossible to find. Not only does FY do the junior maid, they are age appropriate. Not too old, not babyish. Just right. Junior maids want to be one of the girls and FY pulled it off with style.

All of their strapless dresses come with detachable spaghetti straps that hook on in adjustable loops inside the dress. All their dresses come with a matching handbag, a drawstring bag that matches the dress. Its the perfect place to stash your cell phone, lipstick, tissues and mints.

The prices are very affordable. Expect to spend somewhere around $150, give or take a few dollars. They do some nice Levkoff knockoffs. If you don't want to spend the money for a Levkoff, or Levkoff has the style but not the color, check out Forever Yours.

Shopping For Your Wedding Dress Part 4

Most brides feel they need to have the "Hallelujah moment" when the skies open up, the angels sing, Mom cries, and you just KNOW this is THE dress before they buy their wedding dress.

From experience, this doesn't always happen. Yes, it DOES happen, but more often than not, its a myth that it will happen to you. If you shop only for the Hallelujah moment, hereafter referred to as the HM, you will be shopping past the wedding. On the reverse side, I've seen HM's worthy of a televangelist and the bride chose another dress based on whim.

For some brides, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. They look good in several styles, they have to pick the one that the like best. Other brides look great only in one style and they have to narrow their focus. For others, its a matter of budget.

Reasons aside, don't wait for the HM to make a decision on your wedding dress. If you love it and you feel the dress, then you should buy it. Go on to another decision, cross it off your list and shop for accessories. Once you find what you love, STOP SHOPPING and don't second guess your decision. You'll only make yourself and those around you crazy. Indecision is a handicap. A bad decision is better than no decision.

You ideally need to order 9 to 12 months ahead of your wedding date to have your dress made and arrive in time for you to start your alterations. All wedding dresses need some form of alterations, you can't just put it on and head to the church. Alterations take time. If you need to order a dress on rush, expect to pay extra. Don't expect because you CAN order a dress on rush that the manufacturer can accommodate your schedule. It doesn't always happen. Avoid disappointment and order timely.

The bridal manufacturers can't produce a gown in a matter of days. These dresses are all hand beaded, every tiny bead and crystal is sewn on by hand. It takes time for fine workmanship. From production time, add shipping time and time for it to clear US customs as most dresses are manufactured in the far east.

Bottom line, order in time for your dress to arrive WITHOUT stress and in time for alterations. If you have had a HM, congratulations. If you haven't, don't live for it. It may never happen, but in all probability, you'll be a beautiful bride in a dress you love!

Your Wedding Coach: Shopping For Your Wedding Dress Part 1

Your wedding dress is the MOST important dress you will ever buy in your lifetime!


I tell all my brides to close their eyes and picture themselves walking down the aisle. What do you see? What are you wearing? What color is it? That's your first clue!


Plan your shopping day. Don't expect to hit every bridal salon and big box bridal shop in one day. Schedule just one stop per shopping trip. Even though you'll make an appointment for an hour and a half at a salon, you'll need time to digest what you've seen and tried on. A lot of gals want to look around the shop at other things, pick up literature and ask questions. You can't do this if you are on the fly.

Yes, its exciting to shop for wedding dresses. For a couple of hours, you get to be a princess atop a pedestal trying on gowns fit for a queen. The reality is that after awhile, its tiring, really really tiring. Brides never want to admit it, but after the initial excitement wears off, you'll get tired and cranky from standing up in heels for hours on end. And that breeds confusion and irritability.

Look at online sources and through wedding magazines for ideas of dress styles, necklines, fabrics, etc. that interest you. Take the pictures with you when you shop for your dress and show them to your sales consultant.

Have an idea of what you want and express it to your bridal consultant. Your consultant will ask you questions to figure out what type and style of dress that will interest you.

Shop by the formality of the wedding. If you are getting married on the beach, don't try on cathedral train ball gowns. It might be fun, but you are only wasting your own energy.

Shop within your budget. If you can't afford a couture dress, don't try it on. You'll probably love it and make yourself crazy trying to get that dress out of your head. And IF you find a copy of the dress, it won't be exact.

Don't be afraid to HONESTLY tell your consultant your price range. She will ask your dress budget, its NOT because she wants to up sell you or violate your pricacy. She needs to know HOW to help you. I will not show a girl a dress a dollar over what she believes she can afford. Why waste everyone's time?

When you are tired, stop shopping. Confusion and white blur will set in and you will only end up exhausted and confused. Take a break, get something to eat and give yourself time to think.

Ebay For Wedding Dresses & Accessories!

Why is it so hard to shop for my wedding dress?

The quest for the dress seems harder than finding your true love. Why? The media is bombarding you thousands and thousands of glossy images of beautiful Photoshopped tall thin models with a full mane of hair extensions. She's professionally made up, lit for photos, her dress is pinned to fit her exactly and she's posed. Her make up artists, hairdressers, stylists and photographers are world class professionals. You see the pic...that's the look I want!

So you shop and shop until you realize that you aren't going to look like the gal in the pic. She doesn't even look like the gal in the pic in person. Trust me, I've seen and met some of them. Sometimes the dress doesn't even look the same in person!

Today's bride doesn't just thumb through a Bride's magazine. She spends hours and hours on the net perusing wedding dresses. She posts on boards and asks opinions from other brides who she's not met in person. She shops with a possee of friends. She's confused, she's got too many opinions and too many people telling her what she should wear. She's got too many images of wedding dresses dancing through her head. She is suffering from "white blur" a bridal term meaning after awhile all wedding dresses start to look alike.

So what to do? I tell brides to take a break from dress shopping for a week. Stay off the boards, stay off the net, stay out of bridal salons. Don't talk about your wedding dress, don't think about it for one week. Clear your head and open your mind. Your focus should be to open your mind to new possibilities. You can't and you SHOULDN'T purchase a dress from a photo. Focus on another aspect of your wedding.

My next post will be about how to prepare and shop for your wedding dress. Remember, take a one week dress vacation. You'll be so glad you did!

Wedding Dress Trends for 2008

Here are my hot wedding dress trends for 2008 based upon the fashions I've seen at the national bridal market:

• Sleeker closer to the body wedding dresses, bias cut, mermaid or soft A-line skirts

• Hip draped gowns

• Some color on wedding gowns, done either with colored Swarovski crystals or small splashes of fabric.
• Wedding dresses done in full unexpected color
  

• Ivories of all hues accented with soft golds or silver

• White or ivory dresses accented with a colored sash

• All lace gowns done in soft flowing styles. Some are all over hand beaded, others have just a touch of embellishment.
  

• Silk, satin and charmeuse fabrics, and taffeta returning, especially in ruched pick up skirt dresses. New fabrics like parchment taffeta are gaining in popularity.
  

• French bustles in the back of the gowns flowing into the train.
  

• Glamorous sexy gowns in the mermaid silhouette, hip drapes, lots of beads and crystals
  

• Sexy low backs on chiffon destination wedding dresses, perfect beach wedding dress!
  

• Larger selection of destination wedding dresses, more choices for the brides.

• Halter necklines.

Regardless of your figure or budget, your dream dress is available. The right dress will make you look fabulous! For a guide on how to choose the perfect wedding dress to maximize your figure, click here for expert fashion tips!