This one's for the MAIDS

We are eagerly gearing up for the Bridesmaid's Event

happening November 4-6th, 2010!

Although receiving a 10% discount on every bridesmaid dress is excitement enough, we just received confirmation that the Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston bridesmaid collections will be visitng our salon in celebration of this event. These dresses are chic, fashion-forward, and best of all, affordable!

 What is the color to look for in 2011? According to Maureen Griol in the Bridal Guide, bridesmaids are going Plum Perfect: "From low-key lavendar to vibrant violets, the color purple is a naid's new best friend."

Bridesmaid's Event: November 4th - 6th, at Bridal Accents Couture

Fabulous prizes, discounts, and new dresses in-store this weekend only! 

Appointments requested: (952) 846-4496

It's Trunk Show Season!! (What does that mean, anyway??)

Many brides-to-be are beginning their search for the perfect dress for their 2011 wedding.  In order to provide the best selection and exciting shopping opportunities, Bridal Accents is in the midst of trunk show season:

In a nutshell, a bridal trunk show is a traveling collection of wedding gowns. The trunk show is usually in a particular salon for one weekend, which means that if you want to see it, it is important to book your appointment early.

 Trunk shows are very exciting events for several reasons: First of all, the gowns included will often be the newest styles from the designer. This means that you may have the chance to try on dresses that are not otherwise available in stores yet. Oftentimes, the sample in the trunk show is the only one in existence of its kind. This makes a trunk show the perfect opportunity to find a dress that will be unique, instead of ending up with the same style as half of the brides in town.

Brides from all over will come to experience the extra selection, positive excitement, and overall special shopping experience that trunk shows offer.  Brides-to-be are coming to take advantage of these specials and are ready to find their gown.

Trunk Shows give brides the opportunity to view more gowns from the featured designer and often offer show specials and discounts--something a bride with any budget will appreciate. One common discount is for a bridal store to offer a 10% discount on gowns ordered during the trunk show. If you think about it, 10% off of a designer gown would be quite a big savings. If you were purchasing a $3500 dress, wouldn't it be great to save $350? With the money you save, you could buy something special for your attendants, like pearl bridesmaid jewelry. If you save enough on the gown, you could even get a whole set of pearl jewelry for each bridesmaid, and really make them feel appreciated.

Trunk shows are really fun events for brides who are looking for that perfect gown. They are a great opportunity to see unique styles, talk to someone from the company, and maybe even get a discount as well. Trunk shows do move on quickly, though, so when you go, if you find your dream dress, be prepared to order it on the spot or you might never see it again!

Upcoming Trunnk Shows at Bridal Accents Couture:

Martina Liana Trunk Show

October 21-23

Price Range: $1,500 to $3,000

10% off your Martina Liana bridal gown purchase

Don't step on my BLUE bridal shoes!

When it comes to bridal accessories, color is not an immediate thought.  For years, there has been a steady stream of future brides seeking shelter in our shoe department, seeking the PERFECTLY matching shade to create an exact match to their bridal gown.  Comparing seas of shoes in hues named eggshell, candelight, antique, champagne, pale ivory, diamond white, and more, the "traditional" bridal shoe has a new rival:
This season't brides are saying no to the "simple shoe", and opting for fun, flirty, bursts of color.  Here are some images of our favorites!

REMEMBER:

when you find that PERFECT pair of shoes, be sure to bring them to ALL of your alterations appointments with your bridal gown.  You will need them to get the hem length exact, and to get used to moving and standing in them. 

ALSO:

Make sure that you have selected shoes that you can STAY IN ALL NIGHT.  Your dress is going to be hemmed to an exact length for THOSE shoes, and you don't want to trip your hem (and get it dirty!) when the shoes come off!  If there was ever a time to invest in a quality, comfortable shoe, this is it.  You WILL be on your feet most of the night, and are certain to get a workout with all the greeting, posing, and dancing!  Keep you feet happy, and treat them to a fabulous pair a shoes, irregardless of color.

Trend Alert: Summer Hair Florals

Hair flowers are hot right now! Whether for the bride, bridesmaids or even just for fun. It is in part due to the growing popularity of anything vintage. Women from every decade have worn flowers in their hair but the trend seemed to peak in the 1920s and then again in the 1940s.

Adding a hair flower to your hairstyle is like adding the final decorations to a cake. It just takes it to that next level of "gorgeousness". Silk flowers are highly preferred over fresh by stylists, as they can be bent and shaped into your style, and will stay "fresh" throughout the night.

For the true trendsetting brides, a large, dramatic flower is the way to go. Because this bride is not going for the look and feel of a "real" flower, many of our large flowers incorporate feathers and rhinestones.

Hollywood has embraced the hair flower trend!

Colored Flowers: Although white and ivory flowers are classic, many brides want to add a splash of color. Entire silk flowers can be done in color, or more discreet accents can be added, such as a recent bride who added a a "splash" of fuschia in the feathers that accented her hair flower!

Silk Gown Care Tips

We are always asked the best way to treat and care for silk gowns. When we came across these silk care tips, we felt it would be beneficial to share them with the world! When in doubt, always seek a professional.

First of all, did you know that Silk is a protein fiber and similar to human hair? Remembering this will help you when you think about the care and also cleaning it.
To prolong the beauty and life of silk garments, follow these simple guidelines in use and care:

1. Avoid extreme changes in temperature.

2. Since it is a delicate fabric strong detergents will harm the fibers and cause it to lose its silky properties.

3. Do not expose to direct sunlight as it will discolour a white garment and fade if it is coloured.

4. Silk has a natural elasticity which does not hold creases well. Therefore, if you hang your garment many of the creases will fall out naturally. Alternatively press with a dry iron on a silk setting, preferably while the garment is still a little damp. Steam can be used on heavier silks but could cause puckering and shrinkage on finer fabrics.

5. Use care when dressing and grooming to avoid staining silk items. Silk fabric is easily damaged by alcohol-based products such as hair spray, perfumes and chemical products such as nail polish remover. Apply perfume and hair spray before putting on a silk garment as the mist from such products may cause stains.

6. Once dressed, cover the garment with a towel before applying hair spray. Do not polish nails while wearing a silk garment as nail polish can remove color, damaging the fabric permanently.

Spot Cleaning Tips for SilkHere are some of my tips for spot cleaning silk. However a word to the wise, I always proceed with caution when cleaning silk and I test my method on an inconspicuous area first. If in doubt, consult a reputable dry cleaner.
I never use a wet method of cleaning; generally I use a moist sponge or cotton ball gently blotting the stained area until cleansed.

Red Wine: Immediately sponge out the area affected with club soda or white wine. Then dab the area with a mixture of cool water and ammonia. Blot dry.

Perspiration Stains: New perspiration stains are acid based while older stains become alkaline. I use a two part stage to remove these stains. 1. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to a half a cup of water. Blot the stained area with a cheese cloth or cotton ball, dry, and then use a mixture of alcohol and baby shampoo (see below) going over the same area. Rinse using a blotting method to remove solution.

Blood: There are a few methods that I have used ranging from one part hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water, sponging with a lukewarm solution of Oxalic Acid (10%) or a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo. Whichever method you use make sure you remove solutions with warm water blotting afterwards and clean towel to dry. I always have an absorbent towel underneath any spot cleaning I do with silk so that it does not penetrate into the other fabrics.

Lipstick: Over the years I have found that a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo works the best to remove makeup. Generally, I always take a little container with me to every trunk show I go to. The key is to remove the stain as soon as you find it.

Perfume Stains: sponge with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water or a few drops of alcohol to a cheesecloth pad and then sponge fabric lightly.

Interview with Jose Dias: Designer for Justin Alexander Bridal

In celebration of this weekend's upcoming trunk show for Justin Alexander Bridal, we decided to ask the principle designer, Jose Dias, about his inspiration for this incredible international collection. Here is what he had to say:

Would you say there is a key feature of design that defines your signature style?

I love to have your eye gently glide over the dress and come to rest on what is the most important feature on my gown...the bride's face. Be it a strapless corset, a halter neck, and off the shoulder, or an asymmetrical neckline, what is most important is seeing her and not having the dress distract from looking into her eyes.

If you could design a gown for any style icon, who would it be and what would it look like?

I would say Audrey Hepburn. To me, she epitomizes both external, but more importantly, inner beauty. I would have loved to design something with a bateau neckline, plunging V nack adorned with a jewel trim...yet the silhouette would have been simple with a dropped waist and a box pleated skirt all in fine raw silk. I see her petite stature being elongated by the bodice and volume skirt flowing from the high hip to the ground. Her sparkling eyes would have been her only accessories. A tasteful fingertip veil in silk tulle would be accompanied by fresh gardenias in a chignon hairstyle.

What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to a bride about choosing a dress?

Be you. If you are a casual person, go for a relaxed or destination look. If you like dressing up, go for a more formal or a dramatic look. You should not lose yourself by going for something you are not. You should wear the dress, and not let the dress wear you. Look at what best fits your body type and remember, this is your biggest day. All eyes are on you, so you want to walk that aisle like a movie star, and you need to feel the part.

As a designer, what has been your greatest moment?

I really feel it's when you see a bride cry with joy, and when she is so moved by your dress. A double pleasure is when her mom, family, or friends cry along with her.

Bridal Accents Couture is pleased to announce that
Dessert Tables by Shauna Younge
Will be featured during this weekend’s Bridesmaid’s Event!

We were fortunate enough to meet Shauna and her gorgeous dessert display at the recent Bridal Party at the Depot, hosted by Minneapolis/Saint Paul Magazine.
Her lavender macaroon towers were love at first sight, and infatuation at first bite!
We asked Shauna to tell us a little more about herself and her desserts:

How did you get into this business?

My foray into the bridal industry was during my own wedding. I planned the entire event and realized that there were too many dietary considerations to pick one dessert for my guests. Instead, we decided to offer a variety of desserts for the guests to choose from, which worked well for my allergies, my father's diabetes, and my friend's gluten sensitivities. I noticed that more brides were facing similar issues and decided to combine my interests of design, color, and dessert to offer a unique, high-end dessert alternative.

What is unique about what you do?
The dessert tables I create are truly designed to represent the couple and their unique event. For each project, I create an inspiration board, sketch a design for the table and desserts, and incorporate crafts to further customize the display. To truly personalize the desserts on each table, I work with bakers and confectioners who specialize in one or two sweets. Specializing allows them to focus on the most minute details of each piece and experiment with unusual flavor combinations. I recently designed macaron towers that were much larger than any the baker had ever constructed. After supplying height and width specifications and color swatches, the baker was able to bring my design to life.

What are your favorite desserts?

I am head-over-heels right now for hand-painted chocolates. They're like little masterpieces. Each one showcases the chocolatier's personal touch and their commitment to perfection. I recently sampled a hand-painted truffle with a Moet and Chandon champagne filled center. It was amazing!

Color trends for Spring?

For Spring 2010, bright colors will be balanced with tried-and-true neutrals. Vibrant, warm red will add a punch to cool teal, while citrus-y orange will create a sunny vibe when combined with steel-y grey and crisp white. Spring's color trends inspired the palette I'm using to design the "Love" dessert table that will be featured at the "Love" trunk show. Red and pink seemed too predictable a palette for an event so near Valentine's Day, so I opted for true navy and various shades of pink. Together with a conservative tan, these two colors create a feminine feel without leaving the groom drowning in a sea of "girly" hues.

Price range of your services?

Each table I design is truly a new endeavor. Because of the high level of customization and attention to detail that I provide when designing a table, there is no set price list. In the past, I have created tables for $1,000 and beyond. This always includes a free consultation, inspiration board, design sketch, and set-up and tear-down for the event.

What are you bringing to the bridesmaid's event, and when?

For the "Love" bridesmaids trunk show, I will be displaying a dessert table based on the inspiration board I created. The board features Enzoani's B13 bridemaids dress in midnight blue. I translated the details of the inspiration board into a dessert table featuring a one-of-a-kind cupcake display, pink caramels, French nougat, and other custom sweets.

The table will be on display (and available for sampling)

Saturday, February 6th from 10 am - 4 pm.

The table will remain on display throughout February.

Links to Shauna Younge Desserts:

web: shaunayounge.com
blog: shaunayounge.blogspot.com
facebook: Shauna Younge Dessert Tables
twitter: Shauna Younge

Your wedding dress: Tip of the Day

Bridal Accents Couture's Hip Tip:

Choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful:
Your bridal gown is not just a dress, it is an individual expression of you.

Bridesmaids Color Trends

Bridesmaid color trends for 2010

From berries to violet, and everything in-between

Charcoals and stone greys

Teals