more than just a feather..

If you've been wedding shopping, scouring the web for gown ideas, or glanced at wedding publications you probably noticed a common thread- plumage.  Those light, airy bird clothes are everywhere!! Sarah Jessica Parker may have been the catalyst to get the trend kick started, but as we know feather usage has been part of human customs for thousands of years. Feathers are symbols of strength, royalty, peace, energy. All of which a bride should feel on her wedding day. Not just a chic, trendy statement Sarah Jessica so boldly personified, plumage offers the bride a connection to the past and hope for the future all in one accessory!
Of course, as you know I'm a slightly obsessive fan of all things retro. When a bride considers a feather hair piece, I immediately channel those hair bands of the 1920s as inspiration. Ask your bridal boutique to show you a range of feathered, pieces even if you have initial doubt. Brides are usually surprised how much they like them. Some are very diminutive, but still pack that symbolic energy and chic, modern punch. Or you could opt for a large, peacock colored plum that says wow and commands all eyes on the ultra, fashionista bride. I adore a whisper of color on a bride and what better way than with a natural, work of nature that birds need, but brides can enjoy.

a WINDOW to the soul

It was love at first sight. I was 8 when I saw it--THE WINDOW! Little did I know that glimpse, that awestruck feeling that stirred was the beginning of my future career. That day in tow with my mom at "the mall" was the day I saw my first bridal shoppe window. It happened to be Priscilla of Boston, which at the time (without dating myself too much) was actually one of their satellite boutiques strangely located in a mall! With the news Priscilla of Boston in all its grandeur sadly ending its gift to our bridal world, I couldn't help but get nostalgic and reminisce about the moment I fell hard for wedding gowns.

Boutique windows of any kind always fascinate me to this day. I love how artistic, dynamic and simply quaint they always are. They give a sense of comfort and character to any street they grace. Boutique owners large or small take great pride in window design. In fact, it's an art and a skill many get degrees in. The windows in NYC have been famous inspirations for many films over the years.

Of course, the window of a bridal boutique is my creme de le creme. It allows the bride to get a her first, glimpse and perhaps inspiration for her gown. Something about a whimsical, elegant gown on a mannequin under soft lighting makes brides excited to find their special one and future brides (ages 8 to 80) wonder with delight about what they might find someday. It's a momentary, magical escape.

Before you step inside your boutique, take a minute or two to adore the window. Whether you did as a little girl  for years and now can enter those doors with a sparkling ring on your finger or you just happened to notice yesterday while on your way to a meeting. I just implore you to look, admire and escape for a few moments.

FIT is Fabulous and First

Some may say it's all about "the look" and fit comes in second. Perhaps similar to wearing those hot, shoes you just had to have only to suffer dearly with sore tootsies. I'm guilty of the latter. However, shoes do not compare to your wedding gown! You must absolutely love the silhouette and fit of your gown for comfort, confidence, investment integrity and most importantly to proudly show YOUR dress that is a unique, reflection of you!
I've witnessed several brides do the following: (keeping in mind this is normal if you've done it or thinking about doing it) 1. Choose a gown from a photo only to find when the real thing lays on the body it is confusing and disappointing. Photos can inspire, but be weary when you try on the sample in the boutique. It may not be what you had hoped for. Allow the stylist to choose/suggest gowns for you as they are professionals and know how to match body to silhouette.
2. Similarly, from photos a laundry list of "must haves" in a dress is given to the stylist only again resulting in frustration and disappointment when all those items are not found in one dress. I always say brides should have two "must haves" in a dress. If those are satisfied, the bride will love the other details too because they all work in harmony with her "must haves."
3. When a gown is purchased a photograph is taken to capture the excitement of choosing "the one." Then the photos are looked at again and doubt creeps in. This leads to panic and then OMG I chose the wrong dress.  Sometimes it's just a normal reaction to purchasing such a large item, but always keep in mind how the dress made you feel the moment you decided it was "the one" AND most importantly if you loved it as a sample that never fits well, you'll love it ten times over when it's fitted and customized to you and only you.
AND that is the moral of this entry...Choose a gown that suits YOU the bride who will be wearing the garment proudly and confidently. During the appointment, the stylist will manually adjust the gown to give you a sense of fit and how it will lay on you. Once you feel that "glove like" fit and the gown has your two "must haves" that's it! You've fallen in love again (groom don't worry).. with your dress!