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}

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! 

happy new year! | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

To all our Brides from 2010 - we hope you have a wonderful first New Years Eve with your lovers tonight - and to all our 2011 Brides we wish you a happy start to one of the best years of your life!

To all our faithful followers ~ we wish you the same! You have all been so devoted in sending your friends in to the boutique & suggesting our fan page - we appreciate you more than you know! Have the happiest!

Love Nicole

[See T H I S post for a little list of our holiday thank yous!]

sweet like sugar | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I'm a GMA addict. It's mainly the only thing I watch in the morning while getting ready . . . and good thing I do, otherwise I might not have picked up on this little trick . . . perfect for wedding finishing touches!!

They had featured a party planner {he plans inaugurations & presidents daughters weddings} to help with last minute New Years Eve tips . . . and this one stuck with me . . . . 

Using sugar in bowls to display everything from table numbers to cocktail menus! 

I happened to have a few empty vases & the table numbers from our wedding {which are house numbers - which we thought would be cool to use on a future home . . . we had laid them on the tables, but wish I would have known about this sugar technique sooner!} 

I also used this method for a few of my jewelry displays as well - the sugar in tea light holders gives me a great base to prop up the accessories!  

. . . here's how it turned out . . . 

The possibilities are endless!

trending 2011 | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

As we prepare to say good-bye to 2010, I look forward to what 2011 will hold for weddings . . .

{I've listed a few of the trends that will power on & pave the way through 2011!} 


~ Ruffles hang on as the go-getter in wedding gown styles, off the shoulder will be queen, and lace will still be big {as vintage remains influential in the bridal world.} Three dimensional & tulle speak volumes to the romantic visions Brides dream of! 


~ Dramatic Veils! We will soon have cathedral length veils in stock as we predict that Brides will be going for more statement pieces!  


~ It will be a defining year for photography in 2011 . . . Brides are begining to understand that the cheapest photography doesn't always mean the best photography. And of course, nothing says fresh like old-style photography! 


~ As the Friday evening wedding became popular in 2010 for being cost-effective, venues are catching on and raising prices accordingly. Look for day weddings & brunches to be the new alternative! 


~ Wedding cakes get more texture & move away from colored fondant. However, color looses no ground when it comes to shoes! Don't be afraid to dye them something funky! 


~ Local is chic. Brides are looking to stay close to home & keep it intimate. Natural settings work perfect for this style wedding - an old blue barn, garden location, or conservatory fit the bill!  


~ Eco & DIY still reign supreme, with family heirlooms making themselves a very important wedding accessory! 


I was scouring the internet to make my own inspiration board & then came across this little beauty [below] that pretty much sums up what I was going for . . . Dramatic veil, white cake with textured flowers, do-it-yourself place cards, heirloom handkerchief . . . and shows both a lacy traditional gown & a modern layered tulle gown! . . . and you know how I l.o.v.e. grey on a bridesmaid!

                           {Not sure why they threw the bed picture in there . . . but doesn't it look lovely about now!?}

                                      {inspiration board was found H E R E}

HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING IN THE NEW YEAR!! 

I hope yours is a happy one! 

happy anniversary! | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Today is the 54th anniversary of my grandparents, Bill & Donna Lou Saunders!

Luckily I have a picture of their wedding day to share with you!

Mike & I were lucky enough to both have all of our Grandparents attend our wedding! In tribute to them we gathered up all their wedding pictures & placed them as you walked into our ceremony & then moved them to a table as you enjoyed cocktails & walked into our ball room! 

The photos of our grandparents weddings now reside on the shelf beside my desk at the boutique!

Happy 54th Grandma & Grandpa!! 

You know that you & the examples of your marriage mean the world to us! 

here is how we displayed all the pictures outside our reception room! photo copyright coale design co. 

[Thanks Aunt Shannon for the reminder . . . gotta love Facebook!]

british vogue | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

A little eye candy for a cold Tuesday . . . It's Dior & it's Blue! 

seeing red | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I wonder if it ever be possible to know exactly how many shades of red lipsticks there are out there!? 

I wouldn't particularly know . . . I'm not a red lipstick wearin' kinda girl! Do I wish I could pull it off? 

Heck yes! . . . . . . Maybe that will be a 2011 thing for me to try - to see a little red in my life!

While I may not be anyones inspiration for picking out a fresh shade of rouge - you can't deny that Anne Hathaway & Gwen Stafani have always worn it well {first & third picture} There's something about the magnetic attention it demands . . . and how lovely of an accent on a Bride!!?

Let this little inspiration board I made up for you to be the hand that grabs a little red tube next time you find yourself in the beauty isle! Whether it be sultry, deep, siren, or classic red . . . Go for it!

Someone I know that's not accustom to wearing red lipstick . . . my cousin Callie {on the far right below} . . . You could never tell that it's not a color she wears often or that Laura {from POSH Hair & Make-Up Studio} gave her a fabulous new lip line to follow! 

Since being a live mannequin at our Bridal Show - Callie's picked up her own little lipstick in red!

Sometimes you just have to try it!

{UPDATE!}

I tried red lipstick for New Years Eve!!! 

I bought Rimmel brand {a little cheaper, just in case I didn't like it} in Temptation, Rouge a' Levres 166

happy holidays! | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I certainly didn't get through this year on my own, and I've been meaning to do a round of thank yous ever since our anniversary in November . . .

First and foremost - our Brides! They are exquisite in their search for finding 'the dress' . . . and we're so glad that they can find that in Something Blue! We look forward to collecting more pictures & testimonials from our now married Brides & hope the best for all the upcoming weddings of our Brides in 2011! We wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of you . . . and we thank you for that!

I also have to thank my now suite-mate {Kel Leigh of Coale Design Co.} for allowing us to take over the full space at Two Fifteen [A] and letting us share in the process of creating a new space for yourself along with all the day-to-day adventures of being women in our own businesses!

With our dresses & her photography & design skills . . . how can a Bride go wrong!?

My husband. My loving, devoted, sweet husband. Up for anything . . . and all my long talks about the ongoings of appointments & future plans. You have been the ultimate support for letting me go out on a whim and chase after dreams!

Our family & friends - for the business talks, custom racks & painting, and the encouragement to keep it up! A support network is crucial in any young business and I'm so glad that we have family & friends that are willing to pop in for support of an event, see new changes, model in the front windows, change out all the hangers . . . it all means so very much!

And to all our vendors that help keep our racks filled with gorgeous gowns & beautiful accessories - thank you for entrusting me with your goods in hopes of them finding 'their bride!'

Thank you for this wonderful year of firsts & I can't wait to see what a whirlwind 2011 is!

HAPPIEST HOLIDAYS TO YOU & YOURS!

Love, Nicole

announcements | something blue bridal boutique holly, michigan

If you've been following us on Facebook you might have noticed some recent announcements here & there.

Here's a full list of our updates & changes, along with some of our new inventory you might have missed!

First and foremost - Our ultimate goal is to be all about the Bride! We now have almost 150 gowns in stock between off-the-rack sample & new order-able gowns! We also have a small selection of jewelry, hair accessories, & veils - which we look forward to expanding on in the new year. We will also have a limited line of shoes by NINA on display come Spring! Looking forward to dressing you from head-to-toe!

 

In effort to continue to be all about the Bride, we are only keeping the off-the-rack formal gowns on display through the end of Prom season. [We need to make room for all the Bridal Gowns!] So if you know anyone that will need a formal gown for a New Years party, winter school dance or prom - have them make an appointment to come in!

We will be discontinuing taking in any consignment bridal gowns effective immediately. While we find this to be a nice alternative for Brides, the gowns that have been presented to us are just not up to par with the rest of our inventory. {The only exceptions will be for never worn gowns or for Brides that have bought there gowns from Something Blue, must schedule an appointment to bring in gown}

We are also in talks with a couple different Bridesmaids companies to help build our Maids selection!

On the phone; The Dessy Group, Bill Levkoff & Alexia Designs!

Our current Maids gown company, Forever Yours, has come out with some beautiful new gowns for the Spring 2011 season - be sure to take a peak! They have also introduced matching men's ties & hair flowers! What a fun accessory for your Bridesmaids!

Available in two sizes; 3" {$15} & 5" {$20}

In effort to be more accommodating as we head into 'engagement season' - we are making ourselves available  7 days a week! Gowns will still be shown by appointment only. {We might not necessarily be here all day everyday - but if you schedule an appointment we will be!} Appointments now include a glass of bubbly!

Also, be sure to check out the new tabs at the top of this blog page {below Something Blue logo} for more information . . . kinda makes the blog more website-esque! 

If I'm forgetting anything I will update this post & let you know!

honeysuckle | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

We revealed a few posts ago that Pantone announced their color of 2011: Honeysuckle

Here's a little inspiration board that I put together of Honeysuckle Inspired Hues!

The wedding gown pictured is Alfred Angelo style 2049, which we have a sample of in our boutique and the bottom right picture is a Forever Yours bridesmaid gown in Watermelon, style 711105. The hair accessory pictured is a one-of-a-kind hair piece that is also in our boutique!

stock photos | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Here's two stock photos of the gowns from the 2011 Alfred Angelo Spring Collection that we have in our boutique!

[Style 2167 & 2170]

Style 2167 came in just last week and I love it WAY more in person! And how beautiful is style 2170!?

Stay tuned for more photos as soon as they put up pictures from their Sapphire Collection!

ray of sunshine | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

As you may know, we offer Forever Yours maids gowns here at Something Blue! I really liked their true-to-life sizing, color range, and modern styles. And while we only have about 20 Forever Yours sample gowns in the boutique so far, don't let that limit you!

We have enough styles in the store so that you can try on something similar to a style you might see in their catalog or on their website. [www.foreverbridals.com]

We don't have either of these gowns in our boutique, but our newest Bride, Michelle, her bridesmaids and myself are in love with the gowns they picked out and know they will look just as fabulous in person!

It's very traditional that the Maid of Honor may wear a gown slightly different from the rest of the Bridesmaids, as in the case of Michelle's girls. Her Maid of Honor will the gown on the right, while the rest of the girls will wear the gown on the left. They will all be in the same color & fabric . . . and I LOVE that both gowns have pockets!

Let me tell you how nice it is to throw your camera in one pocket, lip gloss in the other & be able to be hands free on the dance floor without sacrificing a touch-up or photo op! 

I think the gowns will go great together and will be vibrant & fun in their color choice: SUNSHINE 

{see color chart below} 

And speaking of colors . . . the 2011 color of the year?

HONEYSUCKLE!

Check out Pantone's color of the year article H E R E . . . And while we don't have an exact color called Honeysuckle - we do have close options! I would say that Rose,Watermelon, or Lipstick and couple others  would be a great fit! I know a couple of our Brides with May/June weddings were looking at Watermelon & Rose . . . those Fashionistas! 

secret something blue | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Want a fun way to incorporate 'something blue' into your wedding!? 

How about a SECRET SOMETHING BLUE??

A dainty blue bow sewn discreetly to the underskirt of your wedding dress is a charming way to honor an age-old tradition! Choose any pretty blue ribbon you like and have it sewn to the inner layers of your gown or undergarments. 

It'll be your little secret! 

Something Blue that's hidden from view! Soon available at Something Blue Bridal Boutique with our seamstress . . . . We'll have a selection of blue ribbon for you to choose from! 

Won't that make such a great picture!?!

last one | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Finally, the last gown in our Alfred Angelo stock order has arrived! YAY!

{Style 2167} Tulle over Satin, Re-embroidered Lace, Metallic Embroidery, Crystal Beading with Rhinestones & Pearls, Optional Spaghetti Straps Included, Chapel Length Train

Available in White or Ivory, Sizes 0-18 & 16w-30w

Isn't she a beauty!?

Order yours brand new for only $1049!
{$200 off or 30% off - whichever is greater - thru the New Year!}

in love | something blue bridal boutique . holly, michigan

While this gown was not on my original stock order from Alfred Angelo, everytime I opened the catalog I would pass this dress and think, 'Shoot! I should have gotten that dress!' ... And the next thing I know, I find a lady who was selling her brand new sample and it's now in our boutique!

And I am in LOVE! It's one of those dresses where I wish I would have gotten in sooner....you know, maybe for my own personal nuptials! It's sleek, sexy, & traditional....all at the same time!  

The gown ~ Alfred Angelo [style 850] Point d' Esprit, Re-embroidered Lace with Metallic Accents, Satin Flowers, Crystal Beading, Rhinestones & Pearls, Chapel Train
Other available options: Self-Color Lining & Lace-up Back, Spaghetti Straps

Our boutique sample is a size 16, with zip-up back, and has the self-color lining in Ivory with metallic accents.

Here is a picture of the gown straight from the catalog: 

[this gown is so new it's not even out in stores or on their website yet!]

Shown without the self-color lining.... the flirty version!

A gorgeously detailed gown at only $1,649