new gown | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

With a little luck I was able to come by this gown from another store that was closing, lucky for you, I have one more sample from Alfred Angelo!

It's one that a lot of you have commented on as you thumb through the pages of Alfred Angelo's catalog - mainly for it's pocket feature! But it's not like that's all it has going for it . . . what, with it's ruched sweetheart neckline and soft angel satin fabric with crystal beaded sash! What's not to love!? 

The sash gives us some color options to make your gown unique - choose from: Cafe, Black, Claret, Clover, or Robin Egg Blue {shown}


Stock photo for style 830

Order yours in white or ivory with complimenting or colored sash! Only $999




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100th BLOG POST | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan


I can't believe we've made it to 100 blog posts . . . I love sharing inspiration & all the daily happenings of the boutique!! This morning we've changed our mannequins into Valentine appropriate red & pink gowns . . . 
 . . . it just seemed right since we are giving away a Valentine inspired gift to our 'Fan of the Month!'  

What's up for grabs!? 

How about a gift certificate to the Holly Hotel & a fashionable clutch filled with crystals . . . 
. . . crystal necklace & earrings that is! 

And our winner is . . . 


Congratulations Amy! Please contact us at somethingblue4u@gmail.com with your address & we will get this shipped out to you as soon as possible!
*If we don't get a response within 5 days we will pick a new winner

While we're on the subject of Valentines, enjoy these valentines inspired inspiration boards, both from a fabulous website, Postcards & Pretties!

I love that they're not bright pinks & reds that you traditionally see - they are softer . . . a lot like love!



Now this may not be my finest creative work - but here are cutouts from the stock photos of the gowns in the window! 

Thanks for following us through 100 posts! Here's to 100 more! 
Lots of Love  ~Nicole





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hydrangea hues | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Inspired by our most recent Bride, Julie, and her hydrangea colored wedding! They will be getting married at The Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills, MI. They have a fabulous old red barn for amazing photos, a perfect patio for your outdoor ceremony & gorgeous reception rooms!

Can't wait to help her add the perfect dusty blue sash to her wedding gown!

Feast your eyes on this inspiration board for all of those planning a wedding with any shade of blue or hydrangeas!

                                                                                                                                                                      {Ispiration Board Found HERE}




Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog, which will be our 100TH POST! 
We'll be giving away a special gift to kick off our 'Fan of the Month' promotion on Facebook! 






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emerald city

As you may have heard by now, emerald was the color of the night at the Golden Globe Awards this past weekend! 
Check out this beautiful hue on these leading ladies!!


Here's a little emerald inspiration for your wedding!

I love the white textured cake, the pairing of pink with the emerald & the subtle touches of color on the invites & favors! 
A great way to pull it all together!
{Inspiration Board found here}

a romeo & juliet wedding | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

This wedding immediately stopped me in my thoughts. One, because it was absolutely gorgeous - a wedding straight out of a Romeo & Juliet movie - and secondly - because I noticed a picture of the Duomo of Florence, Italy - in which some friends & I climbed to the top of a few years ago . . .
. . . all 463 steps!
Image #129599

I've never felt so entrapped in my life. There was literally moments when I thought I might die right then & there - as if the stairwells weren't already narrow enough for one person to navigate . . . at times people would be coming the opposite direction and we would have to squeeze past ourselves. The worst had to be when we came to the winding stone staircase - where you can't see how much further you have to go - it was relentless climbing! But you better believe the views were worth it!! 

And as you can see - below - a wedding anywhere in Florence is absolutely gorgeous! 
I love the light feel of the sage bridesmaids gowns - in a style that we have in the boutique - and the airy bouquets that compliment them perfectly! 
The Brides gown is whimsy & elegant, adorned with timeless accessories. 

{see below to see inspired fashions from Something Blue!}



Looking for a wedding gown as featured in the inspiration board? You'll have to wait til Spring - but we'll have a pretty good match! 
YOU'RE HEARING IT HERE FIRST: WE WILL HAVE A SMALL HANDFUL OF GOWNS BY FOREVER YOURS HERE IN THE SPRING! 
Check out style 411110; Strapless mermaid with sweetheart neckline, ruffled skirt, lace-up back with beading around the waist. 
Organza, available in Cafe, Ivory or White sizes 0-30
ONLY $749!

Did you like the Maids Gown featured? We can get that too . . .and we have a sample in the boutique! 
Check out Forever Yours style 710205; Strapless with gathered waistband & a ruffle down the front of the dress
Available in sizes 0-30 in 77 different colors!
Only $140 {$125 with Something Blue Bride discount!}

The hair accessory also reminds me of something else that we have to offer . . . see hair piece below! 
Only $25!

Let us know how else we can help you complete your wedding! Happy planning!

the sweetest thing | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Whenever I get a package around here I hardly ever know what it is for - Alfred Angelo is always sending me promotional items & signs, there's my random ebay purchases . . . and then there is this little package - sent from one of my most recent Brides, Lauren! 

I never think of my work as a job, I never see a Bride as a 'sale', and I genuinely love what I do! So I was caught off guard when Lauren sent me a 'sweet' little package! A heartfelt card & my favorite - brownies {how did she know I had a sweet tooth!?}  

"Nicole, Just a note to say thank you & it was great meeting you! Your store is beautiful and I love your personality - you made an amazing first impression. I'm very excited that I found my dress in such a short amount of time - and your attention to detail is what made it happen!"

Thank you Lauren! The pleasure was all mine!

heart fairy | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

There seems to be a little ice heart fairy about town this morning! They are spread out between storefront mailboxes & trees along the downtown!


Thank you!

wedding dress shopping tips | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

This one is for the Brides that have yet to make their appointments! I loved this list that AisleDash gives Brides before making the big decision! [Something Blue notes in blue]


1. Keep your wedding location (and date) in mind. Your wedding venue will help determine both the style and the formality of your wedding dress, so it's important to know where and when you are getting married before you make an appointment. For example, if you're getting married in a garden, you may want a shorter train to avoid grass stains, or if your wedding will be on the beach, choose a fabric that will keep you cool, such as cotton.
We have a couple Brides that have two very different gowns in mind - but will make their final decision once they have picked their wedding location to see which gown better fits the feel of the day!


2. Stick to your budget. Determine how much you want (and can afford) to spend on your wedding dress and be realistic. You don't want to fall head over heels for a dress that is not an option. Remember that in addition to the cost of your wedding dress, you will need to pay for alterations, headpieces, shoes and jewelry.

We always sit down with Brides before getting into the gowns to make sure we have a clear budget & let them know of alteration costs. Typically they run around $150 with our in-house seamstress. She also attends each appointment to help assess each gown so you'll know for sure! And most of our accessories are reasonably priced between $20-$50, with our most popular veil only costing $32!!

3. Do your homework. Before heading to a bridal salon, browse designer collections online to get an idea of the styles you like. Once you've bookmarked your favorites, print them out and bring them with you to the salon. Even if you don't end up with any of the dresses that you originally chose, these pictures will give the sales consultant an idea of what designs you're interested in.
This gives me a great starting point! Most likely we will find something completely different from your original intentions, but it saves us from both staring at the dresses in wonderment! 


4. Always make an appointment. Most bridal salons are by appointment only, so call ahead. An appointment will guarantee that you will have at least an hour to work with a dedicated salesperson.

Obviously, this is very important to our boutique! We currently only have one fitting room - but we certainly don't apologize for it! We love being able to lock the door during appointments & making each Bride feel like they are the only Bride in the world! I get more compliments on it than complaints - so we're sticking with it! 

5. Keep an open mind. Wedding dresses look very different on a hanger than they do on a body, so don't be afraid to try on something that at first glance you don't think will work for you.
I love when I can squeeze a gown in the fitting room that the Bride wouldn't have normally tried on - and it's even better when it becomes 'the one!' I've had girls drive over two hours before for a certain gown that she thought would be hers, only to find out that it didn't quite look the same on! [She ended up with a completely different style!] And all too often I hear . . . 'I don't want the princess gown' or 'I want the bustles & white' only to find out once they do put on the poofy dress that it's not so bad after all - or that Ivory is just as beautiful on - especially when it's in something that looks very couture! 


6. Book an appointment. Many salons are appointment only, so don't assume that you can walk in and try on wedding gowns. And if shopping for the dress is stressing you out, schedule an appointment on a weekday, when salons are not as busy.

Love that they stressed this point twice! 

7. Remember to wear nude undergarments. Seamless and nude-colored undergarments will lie flat and undetectable under your dress, and will prevent visible panty lines under figure-hugging gowns.

I have seen more hot pink polka dot bras & well . . . bare chests, than I ever imagined! We try to be accommodating by having two different sized undergarments on hand - but we just can't cover them all!

8. Dress for your body type. Try on wedding dresses in silhouettes and fabrics that will flatter your figure.

There are so many gowns that I wish I could have worn - but they just did not compliment my figure in a flattering way. Sometimes I'll need to see a couple gowns on you & then I might be able to pull some gowns that better suite you!

9. Consider the rear view. You'll be spending a lot of time with your back to your guests, so make sure the dress you choose flatters you from every angle.

We always make you take a spin on the pedestal with a hand held mirror so you can see the train laid out nice & how you'll look to the majority of guests during your ceremony & special dances!

10. Start shopping nine months in advance. Begin wedding dress shopping at least six to nine months before your wedding day. Designers may need several months to make your gown, and if they don't have enough lead time, you will incur rush charges. Once your dress is delivered to the salon, you will need enough time for several fittings (over the course of six to eight weeks) with a seamstress who will make sure you get the perfect fit.
For our new order Alfred Angelo gowns we definitely need your order six to nine months ahead of time to allow for shipping & ample fittings. However, with our large selection of off-the-rack gowns you can get away with a little less time! We still suggest at least four to five months - again, to allow for alterations. 


11. Wedding dress sizes run small. Don't be alarmed when, after your measurements are taken, the actual gown ordered is two sizes bigger than your normal clothing size. Wedding dresses are designed on a different measurement chart.

Why they make 'dress sizes' is still beyond me! We're supposed to be worrying about how to accessorize & what to say for our vows, not what size the label says! That's why I always tell Brides to not worry about what the tag says! As long as it fits you - or maybe we go up a size or two to find the right style - as long as we can alter it back down to you - why worry what the number is!? I've had a girl cry before because she was in a size 10 gown when they wear about a 6 in jeans . . . I had to have the seamstress help me convince her that it was okay! 

12. Buy or order a dress that fits you now. Whether you are planning on losing 5, 10 or 15+ pounds before your wedding day, it's important that you purchase or order a wedding dress that fits your current size. It's much easier for a seamstress to take in a dress than to let one out.

Couldn't have said it better myself! 

13. Bring accessories with you. If you know that you are wearing a family heirloom, such as a veil, headpiece or item of jewelry, bring it with you to the salon. When you're trying on wedding dresses, make sure that the heirloom complements the dresses you are considering.

It's always best to envision the complete look right from the get go. This will save you from wondering later - 'does this match my dress!?' . . . if you think you'll wear it - bring it! Shoes the same height as you would most likely wear never hurt either!

14. Shop around. Enjoy shopping for your wedding dress and don't feel that you need to buy one at your first appointment. Visit multiple retailers and try on a variety of styles and silhouettes so you can make an informed decision.

We have a curse at Something Blue! Most often the first dress Brides have tried on here or ever - ends up being 'the one!' But we don't frown upon Brides wanting to get the full experience of shopping around and eliminating any other possible contenders! In fact, we had two Brides this past weekend who fell in love with gowns, put them on hold, one went to another appointment that she had right after her appointment at Something Blue & the other went to a bridal show to check out other styles and fashion shows . . . they both called back Monday morning to make their purchases! And I feel more comfortable selling you a gown when I know that you know without a doubt that that is the gown for you! 

15. Bring a buddy. Ask your mom, sister and/or best friend to go shopping with you. You may want their opinions, but remember that their personal styles may be different from yours, and if so, take their advice with a grain of salt.

We've previously seen too many times where the Bride would bring five or six people in & they either give overwhelming responses or surprisingly - no opinions at all, leaving the Bride a little confused. I find that if you have a good relationship with your mom [and especially if she is helping you pay for the gown] that you bring her with you - if you come on your own at first, most always they want to come back with their mom, so just bring her! [However - I've also had the opposite, when Brides know that their moms can be over bearing - they come in first alone & get their style & choices narrowed down to two gowns or 'the one' & simply invite the mother in to show off her choice.] Your best friend can also be your best option or your worst enemy . . . sometimes they are too honest,  or if they've had their wedding, sometimes like to live vicariously & reminisce throughout your whole appointment. BE CHOOSY! Pick the one or two most supportive people you know!

16. Buy the dress you love. Not the one your mom, best friend and sales consultant love. You'll feel when it's right. Just like the guy, you'll know.

If I had a penny for every time I heard 'This is the one I love, but get whatever gown you want' from moms - I'd be a rich woman! Trust me, you will know the gown for you! Your face will start to glow, a little smile will begin to creep up on you & you'll almost start twirling in the gown . . .  we've had twirlers!

17. Stay true to your personal style. This is your wedding and you should feel comfortable and look like yourself. If your style is simple, this is not the time to wear an overly beaded dress. You want to look back at your pictures and love what you wore.

I always stress that you'll always have the memories of your wedding day - but it's the pictures that last! You won't want to look back and barely recognize yourself! For your dress, your hair, your colors - pull from your everyday personal style!

rustic is here to stay | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Love this wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes this morning!

Rustic has dug it's heels into bridal fashion and isn't going anywhere soon!

Of course I love the use of cars in weddings! They have usually been in the family a while 
& have carried you to fun filled destinations!
outdoor wedding ceremony

I also love the quaint location, the romantically strung lighting, the simple table scape, and the selection of records. 
Music is another big influence on a couples big day! 
record player cake table

[All the records kind of remind me of my best friends childhood home. Johnnie's mom always had the more current version of record playing - cds - filling the house. You never knew what was going to playing when you walked in . . . one day the couch might have been pulled in front of the fire playing something soft or empowering like k d lang, or maybe the table was set for dinner & something jazzy was in the background - or my favorite, you just never knew when a dance party was going to break out!]


Obviously this couple made their wedding very near & dear to their heart . . .
. . . and isn't that what is all about!?



For the full post & more pictures from this wedding, please click {here}

peacocks abound | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I've been getting a lot of appointments & emails asking for help coordinating peacock feather hues into weddings . . . especially for maids gowns. It's a growing trend to have your girls in different colored gowns, and more specifically - in the shades of the peacock feather! 

Let's start with an inspiration boards to draw some ideas from and then I'll show a couple of items that I can order for you that fit the peacock bill & that you might find interesting from other local vendors!

I love how there's an emphasis on lime green in this inspiration board! 

site & credits {click here}

Now on to the good stuff! What can Something Blue do to help you achieve your peacock themed wedding!? 

Notice in the inspiration board the infamous Manolo Blahnik blue satin shoe that Carrie wore in the movie Sex & the City! 
I'm not sure if there's ever been a bigger shoe inspiration in our time . . . but who can afford them!? 

That's why were excited to let you know that you can! 

Okay, so they're not Manolo Blahniks . . . they're Nina! They are only slightly different, but way more affordable, and we can order them for you . . .
. . . for only $89.95!!

Your 'something blue' that has huge fashion ties & ties into your peacock wedding for under $100!? 
Might as well get them in the Black, Ivory & Grey they come in too!

Other shoes that we can order for you that have a peacock vibe....
{All by Nina $89-$129}

And now on to the Maids gowns . . . 

Here are a few stock photos from our 'Forever Yours' maids collection that are shown in this theme of colors! 
{Not all of the samples shown are in the boutique - but we can order anything you see on their website, such as the gowns below!}

I love the Passion color in the first picture showing style 711104, as well as the brighter lime color, Kiwi, shown on style 711110 in the second picture. Of course, the perfect hue is the darker dress in the thrid picture, which is Teal on dress style 711113. Other great hues are Cornflower, shown on the fourth dress, style 710207 & Plum, shown on the fifth dress, style 71029. And don't forget about the color Copper - as it is the main color of the full peacock feather - shown lastly on gown style 79113!

Also, check out these fab accessories from local designer, Arbie Goodfellow!

You should now have a great place to start as you plan your Peacock Themed Wedding! Let us know how we can help!

new year = new inventory! | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

FINALLY! The Alfred Angelo boleros are here! 

I knew I liked them in the catalog - but some things are just better in person!

This is the first one that was opened . . . IN LOVE! 

{style 2193} Net & Feather, available in Ivory & White sizes 0-30 . . . $159

{Stock photo of 2193}

. . . below . . . {style 2188} Net with Summer Organza, available in Ivory or White one size fits all . . . $69

We thought . . . why not use this one as a sash!? We threw it on Alfred Angelo gown {style 2034} to add a little texture! 

{style 2192} Feather & Satin, available in Ivory & White sizes S M L XL XXL . . . $129
{style 2191} Satin, available in Ivory & White sizes 0-30 . . . $179
{style 2189} Net & Satin, available in Ivory & White sizes 0-30 . . . $99
{style 2190} Net & Velvet, available in Ivory & White sizes S M L XL XXL . . . $129 


Aren't they beautiful & fun!? 
Some are perfect for the ongoing winter weddings & some make just a little statement that say you're up on your fashion!