LoveSong | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

  Both Mike & I have always liked 'LoveSong' . . . {originally by The Cure - we've come to know & love the version by 311} We had the song played during our reception dinner music . . . so I was pleasantly surprised to hear Adele's rendition when I purchased her new Cd yesterday! 

I think I'd love just about any version of LoveSong!

                                                                                                                                                                                                 one of our engagement pictures by C O A L E  D E S I G N  C O.

- LOVESONG -

whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am home again 
whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am whole again
whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am young again 
whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am fun again

however far away, i will always love you 
however long i stay, i will always love you 
whatever words i say, i will always love you 
i will always love you

whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am free again
 whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am clean again

however far away, i will always love you 
however long i stay, i will always love you 
whatever words i say, i will always love you 
i will always love you 

If you'd like to watch Adele sing it live . . . 

Lace & Frames | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

Oh what shall I do with 5 square matted frames from Ikea . . . 

{that used to reside in a row above the couch at our now sold home!! Thanks Donna Charlick!. . . www.donnacharlick.com} 

 . . . & the lace that came from the bottom of my wedding gown!? 

I think I shall arrange the lace inside the matted opening & hang them back in a row in our new Something Blue location!

 Look for these little puppies in the spring . . . til then I'll be playing with putting in the lace just so. 

A great memento of my wedding gown among all the other pretties in the boutique! 

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Tumblr | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly MI

We just mentioned to you our Twitter account . . . be sure to also follow us on Tumblr! 

I love tumblr because it's a great way to see inspiration & quickly reblog to save all your lovelies in one place! 

I feel like I'm planning a wedding all over again! 

click the following links to join us!

{TUMBLR}

{TWITTER}

{FACEBOOK}

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Gray & Yellow | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

I follow a couple people on Twitter that we're front & center at a lot of the shows during New York's Fashion Week & they mentioned that there was a lot of yellow & gray! What ever happens on that runway usually spills over into the bridal world . . .  so here's some yellow & gray inspiration for ya! 

I love that you can play off pale yellows & soft grays . . . or you can kick it up a notch with brighter yellows & darker grays!

Both boards found on {Wedding Wire}

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Diana: A Celebration | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

As soon as someone mentioned to me that Princess Diana’s wedding gown was making an appearance in Grand Rapids, MI - 

I knew I had to see it! Not only have I been to the church in which she wed - but being in the bridal industry - 

I just thought it was a must!  

And it was everything that I hoped it would be. Elegantly understated. Modest. Fit for a Princess.  

Worth the two hour drive. 

It wasn’t before traveling through rooms filled with everything from her birth to her unfortunate death, 

mementos of a life that couldn’t be more celebrated, that I got to see what I came for - 

at which moment I was literally taken aback as I turned the corner to the room that held ‘the dress’.

I have to admit - we weren’t technically aloud to take pictures. But I just couldn’t help myself. 

With the flash turned off on my camera phone, slightly hidden behind my pamphlet - I was able to take these few quick shots. 

. . . which do not do the gown justice . . .

This is a dress that belonged to a moment that just about every female elder I know woke up extra early to witness - and here it was in front of me - so significant. 

I read a lot of factoids while at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and have since enjoyed looking up more information online. Here is how ehow.com describes the significance of her gown:  

"Princess Diana's wedding gown might be considered one of the most famous celebrity wedding dresses of all times. 

When Princess Diana wore the gown during her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, she set a trend for 1980s wedding attire. 

The style of the dress came to be known as meringue. It was just one step in the path that made her one of the leading fashion icons of her day."

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I can't fully describe what it was like to not only see the actual gown that she wore - along with one of many flower girls dresses, her earrings, the crown, umbrella & shoes - it was a little overwhelming as I spun around in a room filled with wedding day videos & over sized wedding portraits. 

But beyond the dress & the fashion there was so much more to be celebrated, and it was a nice reminder of a life lived with compassion. I don't think there will quite be another like her . . . however, I think Kate Middleton will step nicely into her shoes. We're in the home stretch now to see what the new Princess will wear - maybe one day I'll be taking my daughters to see Kate's gown. Will you be waking up to watch the Royal Wedding!? 

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London, England, which means it will begins at these times around the world:

4 a.m. in Los Angeles

6 a.m. in New York

12 noon in Paris

2 p.m. in Abu Dhabi

6 p.m. in Hong Kong

8 p.m. in Sydney

The ceremony will likely last around an hour.

I'm particularly excited to wake up extra early to watch the event, especially after just seeing Diana's gown

 . . . and I will have just celebrated my own 1 year anniversary with my husband! {on the 24th}

Just for fun, here are some pictures of St. Paul's Cathedral, where Diana & Charles' wedding took place - and Westminster Abbey, where William & Kate will wed - from when I visited Europe with friends back in 2007. 

Stay tuned for a compiled post of Kate's wedding gown coverage & all things Royal!

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Blushing Beauty | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

There's just too many awesome Valentine inspired inspiration boards out there today - here's the latest one I viewed from Snippet & Ink . . . . 

We hope you have a great day filled with lots of love!

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CHANEL | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

What's black and white and Chanel all over!? 

This Chanel themed wedding inspiration by Style Unveiled is!

At the requests of the authors, we were instructed to only use one photo {or I supposed one photo cluster - as they all copied together} 

. . . so I choose the one below . . . 

When I saw the use of the pearls elegantly draped on the back of the chiavari chair with that chunky piece of black fabric I thought . . . 

GENIOUS! So simple, yet so classy!  

And what does Chanel teach us!? 

"A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous" ~Coco Chanel

Believe me, you'll want to check out the rest of this post! The funky bouquets, the use of pearls as both statement pieces &

 triumphant decoration, the understated hue of pink, AND THE CAKE! 

See what I'm talking about by clicking HERE

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What's black and white and Chanel all over!? 

This Chanel themed wedding inspiration by Style Unveiled is!

At the requests of the authors, we were instructed to only use one photo {or I supposed one photo cluster - as they all copied together} 

. . . so I choose the one below . . . 

When I saw the use of the pearls elegantly draped on the back of the chiavari chair with that chunky piece of black fabric I thought . . . 

GENIOUS! So simple, yet so classy!  

And what does Chanel teach us!? 

"A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous" ~Coco Chanel

Believe me, you'll want to check out the rest of this post! The funky bouquets, the use of pearls as both statement pieces &

 triumphant decoration, the understated hue of pink, AND THE CAKE! 

See what I'm talking about by clicking HERE

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twitter | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

So I've had a Twitter account since I've started up - I was told it was the way to go, but I just have so much loyalty to my Facebook Fan Page - and, to be quite honest, I feel like theres a little bit to learn when it comes to tweeting!

But I've decided to re-visit it a little! As you'll notice, I started the account, did a few tweets, then didn't do any posting til spring, which is where I left off . . . LAST SPRING! Almost a year ago!

But I really feel a sense of community in the Bridal world there - so I look forward to finding even more great inspiration & ideas for you all!

So if you are on Twitter & would like to follow us, find us {HERE}

Alfred Angelo even tweeted us yesterday!

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loving you is easy | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Leave it to Green Wedding Shoes to find & showcase these lovely works of Valentine inspired art!

They are so frame-able! . . . and every time I think of that song 'Loving you' {is easy because you're beautiful} . . . I can't help but do the little scream in my head . . . Don't know what I'm talking about? View the song HERE. I know you try to do it too!

Perfect as a Valentines or Wedding Day card!

Find photo credits & the rest of the post HERE

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we | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

As soon as I figured out what this picture was trying to tell me, I instantly loved it.  When you get married there is no more 'me' - I understand it's important to not lose individuality - but every thought & decision needs to be in constant account of you and your partner. 

Another saying I like, that was recently brought to my attention by another fellow bridal boutique, was the end of a poem that states:

"It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner."

Isn't that the truth!? Thanks Gina! 

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picture found here

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!

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!}

{click here for full story, more photos & credits on Style Me Pretty}

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!

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! 

[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}