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Tara Keely Bridal

Meet the Spring 2017 Stunners!

While technically Spring doesn’t arrive until later this month, we’re starting to feel it early thanks to our Tara Keely Spring 2017 trunk show this weekend! Designer Lazaro Perez (yes, THAT Lazaro) has really outdone himself this season, and we’re jumping out of our skin excited to see his newest TK beauties on our Boston brides! If you’re looking for high style, a romantic feel, and lush fabrics, then this collection is for you! Here is some of what you can expect:
Flower Power – 3D flowers with tons of volume have been all the rage in the bridal world as of late, but this season we’re really loving Tara Keely’s bold, 2D floral designs. They make a big, wow statement without being over the top, or overpowering the bride.

We love that style 2700 has a bold floral top without adding a ton of weight!

We love that style 2700 has a bold floral top without adding a ton of weight!

Modern Illusions – The illusion neckline has been a bridal fave for years, but this season we’re loving that Tara Keely is doing it in a whole new way. With deep, deep v’s (SO on trend) and sheer sleeves, the illusion is back and better than ever!

An illusion top with embellishments starting below the elbow is a totally new look, and we love it (and you style #2712)!

An illusion top with embellishments starting below the elbow is a totally new look, and we love it (and you style #2712)!

Understated Elegance – Brides don’t need to be covered in lace and bling to make a statement on their wedding day. The perfect fit, a stunning silhouette, and fab fabric is all you need! This season, Tara Keely features a few chic, simple styles that will really allow YOU to shine!

Style 2704, your fit is on point and your fabric is fierce!

Style 2704, your fit is on point and your fabric is fierce!

Bridal Style

Achieve the perfect overall look!

Naturally, when it comes to a bride’s appearance, we here at Flair tend to focus on the dress (duh). However, even we can acknowledge that there’s way more that goes into a bride’s overall wedding day look! So today, we’re talking bridal style from head to toe. Here’s what you need to be thinking about, from top to bottom:
Hair – Most people automatically assume “hairstyle” but you need to be thinking about way more than just that. For starters, plan out your haircut schedule so that you end up with a cut/trim a few weeks before the big day. Want to dye your hair too? Then you’ll want to push your pre-wedding salon appointment a little closer to the wedding day to avoid any unsightly roots. At home, you may want to consider adding in a hot oil, mask, or other treatment to get your tresses in tip top shape! Talk to your usual stylist about any hair issues you might be worried about and he/she can likely recommend some great at home remedies! Once your hair is healthy and perfect, it’s time to adorn it, and Flair can help with that!

Elizabeth Bower (available at Flair!) has a stunning headpiece for every bridal style!

Elizabeth Bower (available at Flair!) has a stunning headpiece for every bridal style!

Face – Of course, every bride should hit up Pinterest and decide what she wants her wedding makeup to look like. It doesn’t matter how fab the makeup is, though, if the skin underneath isn’t on point. So long before your Pinterest binge, consider visiting a dermatologist and/or facialist to discuss any issues you’d like to address before the big day. That way, if they recommend any new products or services, you can test them out in advance of the wedding to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
Ears, neck, and wrist – You guessed it, the jewelry zones! Based on the cut/style of your dress, determine what bridal baubles you’d like to add and start shopping for them a few months prior to the big day. Not sure what pieces go best with your dress? Schedule an accessories appointment at Flair and we’d be happy to talk you through it!

The fab A.B. Ellie has some stunning jewelry to choose from - including her super on trend, heavy metal "Hardware" collection for 2017!

The fab A.B. Ellie has some stunning jewelry to choose from – including her super on trend, heavy metal “Hardware” collection for 2017!

Bust, waist, and bikini zone – Time to think undergarments! Need a bra with a low back? Or do you prefer a one piece shaper that also covers the tummy? Discuss with your friendly neighborood bridal salon 😉 so that you have ample time to shop for your perfect delicates.
Hands – You’re going to be getting some seriously stunning new hardware on lefty, so it (and righty too) needs to look good! Start getting manicures a couple months in advance of the big day to get your cuticles and nails in top form. At home, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! A pretty mani on a dry, scaly hand is no good to anyone!
Legs – When it comes to your stems, you need to think about whether or not you’d like a garter and/or pantyhose. Summer brides shouldn’t have to worry about the latter, but Fall/Winter brides may like the extra layer. As for the garter, it’s definitely a tradition that seems to be forgone more and more, but still fun none the less!
Feet – See hands. Pedicures are important too, ladies, and are also a perfect way to sit back and relax prior to the big day! They are especially important if you’ve chosen open-toed shoes. Speaking of which, be sure to buy your shoes well in advance so you can wear them around the house and break them in. Wearing them a little will also let you know if you need any comfort inserts to keep those feet happy and dance ready!

Tell us – did you do anything else to get head to toe wedding ready??

Blush by Hayley Paige Fall 2016

What to expect from the latest collection!

Over the course of our years carrying the Blush by Hayley Paige bridal collection, we’ve come to find that these dresses are perfect for the bride who wants it all! Looking for something classic, but with modern touches? Love lace AND bling? Want to feel both sexy and elegant? Then this collection is for you! Somehow Hayley Paige manages to combine many different elements seamlessly into one gorgeous, cohesive dress, and you get to reap (and wear!) the benefits! Plus, her Blush collection is at an affordable price point that should make all wallets happy 🙂

This weekend we’re hosting a trunk show for HP’s latest Blush collection (Fall 2016) and we cannot wait to see these multi-faceted beauties on our Boston brides! Here’s what you can expect from this fresh crop of stunners:

Modern straps – Spaghetti is great on your plate, but we’re looking for something new and fresh when it comes to our shoulders! Blush’s Fall 2016 collection has a huge number of strapped looks (8 out of 9!) that will make strapless haters happy, and their innovative designs make Flair (and you) happy!

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The Anouk gown features a cage of bling on the shoulders…yes please!

Unique pops of skin – The illusion look has been super popular in recent years, and while we still love it, we’re happy to see Hayley Paige showcasing skin in new ways! Worried about showing too much flesh? Have no fear; HP knows how to show off your fab figure in the most elegant, wedding ready ways!

The underarm doesn't typically get a ton of love, until now! Lanai gown, we heart ya!

The underarm doesn’t typically get a ton of love, until now! Lanai gown, we heart ya!

Tulle – The ballgown is back, y’all! OK, so it never really went away but we are definitely seeing an increase in brides looking for that floaty, Cinderalla look, and lucky for them, Hayley Paige has taken notice! This new collection is full of beautiful and oh so bridal tulle that will have you looking and feeling like you’re floating on a cloud!

Scout dress, we think Cinderella would totally approve of you!

Scout dress, we think Cinderella would totally approve of you!

With Blush by Hayley Paige, you can expect these hot trends and much, much more! Give us a ring to come see them in person! 

New York Bridal Market

See what’s in store for 2017!

If you could have any super power, what would you choose? I’d totally want to be able to see the future. Stock market, here I come! While that might be wishful thinking, there is one way that I can see the future right now – bridal market! Every October, we head to NYC to see what our amazing designers have in store for our customers for the coming year. We just got back, and let me tell you, 2017 brides and bridesmaids are going to have some majorly gorgeous dresses to choose from! Every year, our designers amaze us with how they continue to step up their game and innovate, while always remaining true to their specific aesthetic and style. It’s so fun to watch and we can’t wait to see their new, stunning styles on our girls later this winter! Dying for a sneak peek? Here are some top trends that we caught:
Cold shoulder bridal gowns– We saw an awful lot of shoulders at this year’s shows! Cold shoulder necklines have been a huge trend in ready to wear, and this year the wedding world got in on the action. Cold shoulder is a great way to show some skin in a new, totally Grandma approved way, and we’re obsessed! The only thing to keep in mind is that this style is uber trendy, so be sure think about if that’s the look you’re going for.

We snuck you this shot of a brand new Amy Kuschel gown that beautifully showcases the bridal cold shoulder :)

We snuck you this shot of a brand new Amy Kuschel gown that beautifully showcases the bridal cold shoulder 🙂

Bridesmaids’ separates – Bridal gown separates made their debut last year at market, and this year bridesmaids’ are joining in on the fun! We love separates because they’re current and on trend, but also because they tend to be easier to fit. Is your bust bigger than your waist? No worries! With many separates designers, you can order a different sized top and bottom, creating the optimum fit!

Jenny Yoo was totally on top of the bridesmaids' separates trend!

Jenny Yoo was totally on top of the bridesmaids’ separates trend!

Bold accessories – While soft, classic pearls are always going to be a wedding staple, if you’re looking for something a little more modern and fresh, go bold! Our amazing accessories designer, A.B. Ellie, designed her new collection, “Hardware”, for the bride looking to make a statement with her accessories! Think metals, bold shapes, and oversized pieces – super glam!

Here's a pretty little preview of AB Ellie's new "Hardware" collection; totally swoon worthy!

Here’s a pretty little preview of AB Ellie’s new “Hardware” collection; totally swoon worthy!

Stay tuned to our social media to see when these new trends (and more!) start arriving in the store later this winter!

Wedding Gown Add-Ons

How to make your gown truly YOU!

I’ll never forget the day I saw it; the episode of “Say Yes to the Dress” when another bride bought my wedding dress (yes, I bought at Kleinfeld because I got married a million years ago, pre-Flair having its AMAZING bridal collection). How can this be?? That dress is MINE! I looked so fabulous that surely they just retired that dress after me, right?! Once my hysterics died down, I realized that it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Of course other brides are going to wear my dress; if they don’t, that might say more about my fashion sense than anything else. Besides that, the way I styled it was totally different than the TV bride, making our dresses look more like cousins than twins. Crisis averted. If you’re having similar feelings, have no fear, there are tons of bridal embellishments and add-ons that can truly make your dress YOURS! Check them out:

A topper – Bridal tops are a MAJOR trend in the wedding world right now! Pop one on and instantly change your look, making it fresh, modern, and (if you need it) more covered up. They’re perfect for a ceremony that requires more modesty, or just a little pop of extra style all day/night long!

Yes, that's a lace topper! Works perfectly and seamlessly with the dress, right? Amy Kuschel's "Audrey" top totally has us swooning!

Yes, that’s a lace topper! Works perfectly and seamlessly with the dress, right? Amy Kuschel’s “Audrey” top totally has us swooning!

A petticoat – It may sound like a thing of the past that Jane Eyre was forced to wear, but actually petticoats are still totally relevant and current in today’s bridal fashions! They are an affordable, easy way to add some volume to the skirt of your wedding gown, and you’d be surprised how different they can make it look!
Detachable straps – We know, we know; the bridal world is still predominantly strapless. It’s getting better, we swear, but in the meantime, accessories designers are taking notice and adding removable straps to their repertoire! So, no need to avoid strapless styles when you head out on your gown search!

No need for a necklace when you add AB Ellie's STUNNING, sparkly "Josephine" straps to your strapless gown!

No need for a necklace when you add AB Ellie’s STUNNING, sparkly “Josephine” straps to your strapless gown!

Buttons – Almost all of our bridal gown designers have the option of adding buttons down the back of their gowns. Don’t worry, though, most don’t actually require you to button them up. Slide up your zipper and the buttons hug over the seam, creating an elegant, photo-worthy look!

Of course, these options are in addition to the always fabulous and classic options of jewelry, belts/sashes, and veils! Flair is happy to help you explore any of these add-ons; let us know if there’s one that speaks to you!

Tara Keely Fall 2016

Fall into fabulous!

It’s trunk show season y’all! What does that mean for you? More dresses in the store AND lower prices! Yeah, pretty much a win win! Trunk shows are a win for us too, because we love seeing our designer’s latest creations on our beautiful Boston gals. This weekend we welcome Tara Keely’s new Fall 2016 collection, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’re coming to see us, here’s what you can expect:

A mix of modern and traditional: A bride’s dream! Most girls come in looking for something a little unique, yet not so outside of the box that they’ll look back on their dress years later in horror. Tara Keely has achieved the perfect mix that will ensure you wow your guests and remain timeless in your photos!

New style #2659 has a traditional silhouette with a modern twist - a subtle chevron pattern!

New style #2659 has a traditional silhouette with a modern twist – a subtle chevron pattern!

Unique beading: This season, TK took bling to a whole new level! Look for sparkle in places you haven’t seen before, and eye-catching looks that are sure to make for some pretty phenomenal photos!

Style 2653 has a delicate beaded strap along the bottom of the low back; super sexy and chic!

Style 2653 has a delicate beaded strap along the bottom of the low back; super sexy and chic!

Hot tops: While the entire dress is important, if we had to pick a “better half” it’s definitely the top. After all, it ends up in pretty much every photo; close ups, wides, and everything in between! Tara Kelly recognizes this and this season she outdid herself with some truly intricate and stunning tops that are guaranteed to be (almost) as gorgeous as your glowing smile!

Style 2652 has a sleek, chic skirt that truly lets that gorgeous, appliqued bodice shine!

Style 2652 has a sleek, chic skirt that truly lets that gorgeous, appliqued bodice shine!

Soft shades: You’ll be hard pressed to find a bright white gown in TK’s new collection, and we, for one, are thrilled about that! Bright white can be super tricky to wear, and 9 times out of 10 the more off-white/ivory tones work best.

Style 2650 is made in a flattering, unique, and gorgeous Ivory Gold shade; we're in love!

Style 2650 is made in a flattering, unique, and gorgeous Ivory Gold shade; we’re in love!

Bravo TK, this collection has us swooning!

Wedding Dress Knockoffs

Bride/Buyer Beware!

I was doing a quick Google today, which started like many of my searches, with the words “wedding dress.” Then, Google does that fabulous thing where they fill in the rest of what you might be looking for. Normally I love that feature, except that every symptom I put in seems to always have “cancer” following it, but I digress. So today, Google thought I’d want to see “wedding dress” + “under $100” and it got me thinking. Tons of brides must be searching for that if it made the Google auto-populate list…tons of brides that most likely will end up sorely disappointed. I get it; we all want a bargain, but there are certain times when spending more is totally worth it. Your wedding gown is definitely one of those times! If you’re tempted to explore those bargain sites though (I admit, I’ve done it!), here’s what you should consider before clicking (or, as we recommend, NOT clicking!) “Add to cart”:

Brides Beware is a great resource for those looking to avoid a cheap dress blunder! Plus, it's just fun to look at these crazy bad knockoffs! Photo courtesy of Brides Beware and the Huffington Post

Brides Beware is a great resource for those looking to avoid a cheap dress blunder! Plus, it’s just fun to look at these crazy bad knockoffs! Photo courtesy of Brides Beware and the Huffington Post

Customer service – That low, low price is likely to come with absolutely zero customer support. From start to finish you’ll be on your own. If the gown is lost in transit to you, good luck finding someone to track it down for you. If it doesn’t fit or it has a defect, we have a bad feeling that a warm, understanding person will not be greeting you as you call in a panic. In fact, getting an actual human being to talk to will likely be a feat. Oh, and what happens in the worst case scenario; you’re unhappy and you want your money back? Hahahahaha!
Fabric and embellishment quality – These are often the first things to go in order to cut costs. So while you may receive a dress that in theory looks somewhat like the design in the photo, if it’s made in a cheap fabric or with gaudy bling, does it really matter?
Quality of construction – Sure, there’s a (small) chance that you’ll open the box and be happy with how your gown looks, but a lot more goes into the creation of a wedding dress than just getting the outside appearance just right. Quality designers do a ton of extra work to not only make the dress look great, but feel great, and stay that way for the entire day of your wedding. We’ve heard horror stories of a cheap dress literally unraveling before the “I do’s”; don’t let that be you!

So, when it comes to wedding dresses, think of them like sushi. Sure, you can find it cheap, but is it worth the stomachache?

Wedding and Bridesmaids’ Dress Sizing

Don’t fear the measuring tape!

We see countless brides and bridesmaids in the store, and each one is unique. One thing they all have in common, though, is a fear of the dreaded measuring tape. It doesn’t matter how fit or confident a girl is, when we pull it out everyone has the same response – yuck! We get it; it’s not fun to have a virtual stranger pull that tape around you and then ::gasp:: discuss your numbers with you! Unfortunately, though, we can’t do away with it because it’s an essential part of the dress buying process, and ensures that you get the best fitting garment possible. We’ve found that learning about potentially nerve-wracking things tends to make them less scary, though, so today we’re going to go over every little detail of the sizing process. Here’s what you can expect:
Who: Everyone – no one is immune to the sizing process! Even if you fit well into a sample dress in the store, we’ll likely still take your measurements. The dresses in the store tend to get stretched out from being tried on so often, and are therefore no longer an accurate representation of their size.
What: Here’s what we’ll use – a soft, flexible measuring tape and the designer’s size chart; that’s it! What you should bring: a tighter fitting outfit and your beautiful self! Bulky, loose clothing is harder for us to measure around and may affect your measurements. Bonus points if you bring: an open mind! Sizes in the wedding world don’t always line up with ready to wear sizes, so don’t be alarmed/surprised if we mention a number that you’re not used to wearing.
Where: With us, ideally! Of course, if you can’t make it to the store there are other places you can get your measurements done, but with our knowledge of the dresses/fit, we prefer to measure as many people in house as we can. In the event that you have to be measured elsewhere, just be sure that it’s a reputable, knowledgeable place. We suggest trying a tailor, bra shop, or other specialty clothing store that is used to measuring customers.
When: We typically start the sizing process once you’ve settled on a particular dress/designer that you like best. Each designer has a unique size chart so it helps to have a focus before we measure. Non-local brides and bridesmaids take note, though – if you don’t live in the area and may not be back for any follow up appointments, let us know and we can take your measurements earlier in the process to save you time/stress down the line.
Why: Well, duh. You need the best fitting dress possible!

A handy dandy guide/infographic for those of you preparing to get sized :)

A handy dandy guide/infographic for those of you preparing to get sized 🙂

How: Here’s how it goes down. Most of the time, just three simple measurements are all we need; bust, waist and hip (for some bridal gowns, though, we may take more). We’ll take around the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist (i.e. where your natural waist dips in a little), and the fullest part of your hip (yup, your butt). Then, we’ll explain where your measurements fall on the designer’s size chart. Most girls tend to be all over the place, so we often recommend ordering for your largest measurement; you can always take the dress in! Ultimately, though, it’s your dress and therefore the final size decision is yours. Be ready to make a decision and come prepared with any size related questions you may have for us. We’re always here to help!

See/measure you soon 😉

Wedding Veil Styles

The icing on the bridal cake!

I never know where I’ll find inspiration for the blog. Sometimes it’s something I saw on TV, other times it’s food (yes, I can relate even food back to weddings!), but most of the time it’s our brides! This week we received a photo from one of our bride’s wedding days, and it was just a perfect, shining example of why you wear a veil. Check it out:

Our bride Shannon and her new husband Chuck just ooze love; we're swooning! AMAZING photo courtesy of the fab Sarah Dickenson Photography

Our bride Shannon and her new husband Chuck just ooze love; we’re swooning! AMAZING photo courtesy of the fab Sarah Dickenson Photography

Seriously, how stunning is that? Today, when wedding traditions of the past are getting left behind more and more, we really hope that veils never go by the wayside. I have a feeling that photos like this will keep them in fashion for years to come! If we’ve convinced you to consider team veil, here’s what you need to know when it comes time to shop for yours:
Length: It’s not just long and short!
Birdcage – A small piece of material that just covers about half of the face (usually the eyes). Ideal for a vintage look!
Shoulder length, elbow length, waist length, fingertip length, and knee length – These are pretty self-explanatory, right? These shorter veils are something to consider if your gown has a great deal of detail at the skirt that you may not want to “fight” with.
Floor length – This veil just hits the floor, and has no train.
Chapel length – The first veil with a train, chapel length extends no more than 3 feet beyond the hem of the dress. Perfect for the bride looking for “length light.”
Cathedral length – Going for drama? Cathedral is your girl! With more than 3 feet of train, this veil is ideal for a formal wedding, but may be tricky outdoors.
Trim: i.e. what covers the edge of your veil. Don’t want trim? Consider a cut edge veil, that is trim-free and just has a clean edge.
Beading – Whether it’s crystals, beads, or pearls, this edging is the perfect way to add some sparkle to your look. Just be forewarned that this veil edge often comes with a bigger price tag.

All of the below veil trim photos are courtesy of Flair's fab veil designer, Illusions bridal :)

All of the below veil trim photos are courtesy of Flair’s fab veil designer, Illusions bridal 🙂

Cording – This option gives a rolled edge look to our veil. Delicate and generally not expensive!

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Lace – This is an obvious one, right? You can’t go wrong with lace, it’s oh so bridal, but just be prepared that it can also can be oh so pricey.

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Ribbon – An affordable way to add a little texture to the edge of your veil! Often available either sheer or shiny, and in various ribbon widths. A classic option!

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Soutache – Subtle and chic, soutache basically means tight stitching on the edge of your veil. If you want a minimal look but something more than a cut edge, this is a great option!

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Give us a ring when you’re ready to shop for your veil, we’re happy to walk you through it 🙂

Bridal Gown Embellishments

The Flair (see what we did there?) of the Wedding Dress World!

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been conducting somewhat of a mini-seminar on wedding gowns. We have gone over the various fabric and fit options, and for our final session we’re going to tackle the fun flair of the bridal world – embellishments! Yup, we saved the best for last! When it comes to trimmings and flourishes, you’ve got a ton of options available to you. Here are the basics:
Appliques – Essentially, appliqués are pieces of fabric sewn onto the body of the dress. Often, they are cut into shapes, such as flowers, and they can be accompanied by crystals or left to shine on their own. Appliques are a great way to add some chic texture to your gown!
Beading – This is an easy one! If you like bling, beading is your best friend! Whether it’s in the form of crystals, sequins, or pearls, adding beading always ups the glamour and drama of your dress. Just be warned, though, that beading often tends to up your gown’s price as well, as it is one of the most expensive embellishment options.

Hayley Paige's "Star" bridal gown is bling-tastic, and for good reason; HP is known in the wedding world as the queen of sparkle!

Hayley Paige’s “Star” bridal gown is bling-tastic, and for good reason; HP is known in the wedding world as the queen of sparkle!

Embroidery – Basically a fancy word for added stitching, embroidery is a newer, more modern embellishment in the wedding world. It gives the gown an almost 3D look that is perfect for brides who want a trendy, unique style!
Lace – You truly can’t go wrong with lace if you’re looking for a romantic, timeless bridal style. Lace is one of the most versatile embellishment options; it comes in many different forms/designs and therefore is also available at many different price points. It’s a bridal classic that will never go out of style!

Amy Kuschel's Boston gown is a lace dream!

Amy Kuschel’s Boston gown is a lace dream!

Ribbons – Whether it’s worn as a classic sash at the waist or as delicate banding built into your dress, ribbon is an affordable, fun way to add some interest to your wedding dress! Even better, ribbon tends to be one of the more affordable embellishment options, so you don’t have to break the bank to get some added style!

If you’ve been reading along, then you’ve totally earned an A+ in “Wedding Gown 101!” Now, give us a call to book your appointment and put your knowledge to use at your bridal gown appointments 🙂