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Bridesmaids’ Dress Trends 2017

From the runways to the wedding aisle!

When New York Fashion Week ended, I went into a slight depression. It was so fun seeing all of those fab, fresh looks (via celebs in my Instagram feed) and learning what hot trends we can expect for this Spring/Summer. Now that it’s over, what am I going to see in my feed now?? Back to shots of my friends’ babies and meals? Boring! OK, just kidding, we love a good baby and/or food photo, but seriously, we need our fashion fix too! Good thing for us, London Fashion Week kept the chic snaps coming! London is such a trendy, fashionable city, and there were inspiring looks all over the place! Here are a few trends we caught that you can totally incorporate into your bridesmaids’ styles:
Red and Yellow – See ya later, muted colors, bold is back in a big way! In particular, reds and yellows have been all over the runways, so why not all over your wedding too? Yellow specifically, though, can be a tricky color on some skin tones, so just be sure to have all of your girls try it on before you commit. Red, on the other hand, has a tendency to read Valentine’s Day and/or Christmas, so be sure to pair it with non-holiday shades to give it a more weddingy (yes, we made up that word) look. Tiffany blue, aubergine, and dove gray are a few favorites that come to mind.

Anna Elyse has one of the largest color palettes we've ever seen; plenty of reds and yellows for you!

Anna Elyse has one of the largest color palettes we’ve ever seen; plenty of reds and yellows for you!

Cut outs – OK, we know that cut outs have been around for awhile, but we’re not talking about the typical ones that you’ve seen at the waist. We’re seeing cut outs in whole new places, including the backs of dresses. If you want to show a little skin but still be wedding appropriate, this trend is for you!

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Red AND a cool cut out?! This Dessy dress is soooo on trend!

Mixing Prints – Prints have become popular in the bridesmaids’ world over the past year or so, but this year if you really want to step it up, then mix them up! Have your girls wear a few different coordinating prints for a modern, unique look!

We can't think of much chicer than mixing different floral prints. Way to go Jenny Yoo!

We can’t think of much chicer than mixing different floral prints. Way to go Jenny Yoo!

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Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Get to know her innovative Nabi Collection!

The ultimate bridesmaids’ dress struggle: matching dresses or different? These days most brides are opting for the latter, but we’ll be honest, neither choice is without its challenges. Do you spend the time to find that one perfect unicorn of a dress that all of the girls will love, or the time to find multiple dresses for each girl individually? If both options sound a little overwhelming to you, you’ll love Jenny Yoo’s Nabi collection! Each dress in the Nabi collection is convertible, meaning that it can be worn multiple ways. So essentially, you get the best of both the worlds – the ease of choosing just one dress with the peace of mind knowing that each girl can style it to her liking. Genius! Even better, this month all of the Nabi dresses are on SALE! Check out some of the styles below and then give us a ring to make an appointment to see them in person and get your orders in for this fab deal!

The Annabelle dress is a tulle lovers dream! Soft, romantic, and universally flattering! And yes, that is a convertible bridal gown for any brides who want in on the fun :)

The Annabelle dress is a tulle lovers dream! Soft, romantic, and universally flattering! And yes, that is a convertible bridal gown for any brides who want in on the fun 🙂

Brides who want a knee length dress are in luck too - the Keira dress is super cute just as is, or tied up in one of the many, many strapped options!

Brides who want a knee length dress are in luck too – the Keira dress is super cute just as is, or tied up in one of the many, many strapped options!

Love chiffon? The Aidan dress is easy, breezy, and beautiful (cover girl...we couldn't resist) ;)

Love chiffon? The Aidan dress is easy, breezy, and beautiful (cover girl…we couldn’t resist) 😉

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!

Bridesmaids’ Dress Colors

Hot Trends for 2017!

Many brides these days are opting to give their girls some choice when it comes to their bridesmaids’ dress silhouette/fit. Makes sense; after all, they are the ones actually wearing them! One thing brides should be ready to stand firm on, though, is the dress color. The color contributes to the overall look of the wedding and the photos, so it’s important that the bride love the color; if the bridesmaids’ love it too, that’s just a fab bonus 😉 To get you ready to make your choice, brides, here are some hot color trends for the upcoming season:

Muted colors – Pick a shade and then add a soft undertone to it, and you’ve got a new, modern color option! That softness creates a super romantic look and ensures that the girls’ dresses aren’t too jarring next to your light gown.

We're obsessed with this muted sage green grey color from Jenny Yoo's 2017 collection - so chic!

We’re obsessed with this muted sage green grey color from Jenny Yoo’s 2017 collection – so chic!

White/Ivory – I know, totally taboo in the past, but today it’s totally chic! Brides shouldn’t have any worries about their girls looking too similar to them; bridesmaids’ dresses are way simpler than most bridal gowns, so you’ll still stand out!

Social style S2975 from the Dessy Collection is perfect for those wary of the white trend; the black belt adds the perfect pop of color!

Social style S2975 from the Dessy Collection is perfect for those wary of the white trend; the black belt adds the perfect pop of color!

Blue Gray – Navy has ruled the bridesmaids’ world recently, but this season there’s a new hue in town! A gorgeous French grey is the perfect option for the bride who loves blue but wants to do something a little new and different.

Not sure what French grey is? The front dress is a great example, though it can also be a shade or so darker. Oh, and Jenny Yoo's having a chiffon sale this month FYI! :)

Not sure what French grey is? The front dress is a great example, though it can also be a shade or so darker. Oh, and Jenny Yoo’s having a chiffon sale this month FYI! 🙂

Coral – Like orange but worried about how it’s notoriously hard on most skin tones? Take a step back, add a little flattering pink, and you’ve got your perfect shade – coral! This color will add a touch of brightness and fun to your wedding photos, and is sure to have your girls smiling all day/night long!

Anna Elyse is the queen of color and has tons of options in the coral family!

Anna Elyse is the queen of color and has tons of options in the coral family!

Tell us – what color are you choosing for your bridesmaids?

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 😉

Bridesmaids’ Dress Fabrics

The key to comfort!

When shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses, most brides and maids tend to focus on the cut/style of the dress. It makes sense; when you look back at your wedding photos the style of the dress is really what stands out the most. That is, of course, unless your bridesmaids are grimacing because they’re uncomfortable. Then, it will probably be their sour faces that make the biggest impression. To avoid that discomfort, consider the fabric of your bridesmaids’ dresses just as much as their style. No matter how cute the dress, if it’s made of a fabric that itches, pulls, clings, etc., your girls simply won’t look/feel their best. To get you started, here is a brief overview of the major fabrics you’ll likely come across as you shop:

Can't decide on one fabric? You don't have to! Mix and match like these gorgeous models in Jenny Yoo! Oh, and if you like tulle, give us a call because this month her tulle stunners are on sale! Photo credit to Caroline Tran

Can’t decide on one fabric? You don’t have to! Mix and match like these gorgeous models in Jenny Yoo! Oh, and if you like tulle, give us a call because this month her tulle stunners are on sale! Photo credit to Caroline Tran

1) Tulle – Don’t freak out! Tulle gets a bad name from the horrid prom dresses of our past, but in the bridal world, it is the perfect choice for anyone searching for a soft, ethereal, and romantic look! Keep in mind that this fabric is lightweight and breezy, lending it more towards warmer weather weddings. If you want it for your winter wedding then definitely go for it, you just may want to opt for a warm, winter color to counterbalance the light fabric.
2) Raw silk – Sometimes called silk shantung or silk dupioni, this is a great fabric for the bride who just can’t decide. It’s not too heavy or too light, not super expensive, and it generally comes in a ton of colors. See, a real crowd pleaser! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this fabric does have a unique texture. What may at first glance look like a blemish is actually the raw quality that gives this silk its name.
3) Lace – Somewhat new to the bridesmaids’ world, this fabric is something you’re probably familiar with from looking for your bridal gown. While it can be a little heavy, in a shorter style it still totally works for a Summer wedding. As gorgeous as it is, keep in mind that lace tends to be one of the more expensive fabric options for bridesmaids.
4) Chiffon – This is the most easy-breezy fabric in the bunch. If you’re having your wedding outdoors, prepare for some stunning photos of your girls’ dresses blowing in the breeze. Swoon! Its only downfall is that because of how light and thin it is, you’re going to be more prone to snags when you’re in chiffon.

Still unsure? Give us a buzz to make an appointment; we’ll be happy to go over all of the fabrics with you in person!

Fall and Winter Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Stay chic in the cold!

Newsflash: This summer has been really hot. I know, I know; New Englanders are, like, never happy with the weather. Too much snow in the winter, too hot in the summer; it’s really only those couple of temperate weeks in the Spring/Fall when we have no complaints. Even then, get ready for the whining to commence if we get too much rain. Regardless, the heat and humidity we’ve had recently has me dreaming of Fall and Winter, and longing for sweater weather. Good thing now’s the perfect time for us to start talking about Fall/Winter bridesmaids’ dresses! Late Fall/Winter brides need to be ordering in the coming weeks or so, and here are some things they should consider:
1) Be sensitive to skin tones – During the chilly months, most of our skin tones tend to revert back to a more, well, pasty shade. So, think jewel tones or other darker colors for your dresses, as pastels and soft shades will likely wash out your ladies. If you’re totally set on a paler color, then consider offering to pay for a spray tan for your girls. It’s a nice gesture that will help them get on your pretty, pale page!

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In this blog, we’ll be showing off some of Dessy’s just released, brand new styles that would be perfect for a Fall/Winter wedding! Up first, you can’t go wrong with black, back, and bling, as seen on style 2972!

2) Don’t forget the fabric – Most brides tend to focus on the dress cut/style, but in the colder months the material the dress is made from is just as important! Try to avoid summery chiffon and charmeuse, and instead opt for a heavier weighted silk, satin, or even lace. Trust us; your girls will thank you for it!

Lace is perfect for Fall/Winter! Isn't style 2966 a beauty?!

Lace is perfect for Fall/Winter! Isn’t style 2966 a beauty?!

3) Think accessories – In the Fall/Winter, we have to dress a bit more practically. Don’t be afraid to do so on your wedding day, too! A well placed wellie boot, scarf, or jacket can actually help create super cool photos and will also go a long way to keeping your best girls comfortable.

UMM how adorable would style D730 look with a red tartan scarf?!

UMM how adorable would style D730 look with a red tartan scarf?!

Ready to embrace the colder temperatures? Give us a ring and we’ll help you create a fabulous Fall/Winter look for your girls!

Theia Bridal

Now bridesmaids can get in on the Theia fun!

Not going to lie; our job is super fun! Playing dress up with pretty dresses on even prettier Boston brides and bridesmaids? Yeah, it’s hard to even call that “work”. One hard part of our job, though, is finding new designers to integrate into our collection. Browsing through all of their gorgeous gowns is easy, but when it comes time to actually choose someone to add to our Flair family, that’s a little trickier. We have very high standards, as we only want to bring our Flair girls the very best. All of our designers have to have the perfect mix of affordable pricing, reasonable lead times, and stunning styles, to name just a few. We got lucky recently, though, when a designer we already know and love decided to add a brand new collection. We are thrilled to announce that Theia is expanding beyond their beautiful bridal gowns and is now offering equally beautiful bridesmaids’ dresses! They’ll be in the store soon, but in the meantime here’s a little preview of what you can expect:

Theia's bridesmaids' dresses are gorge from front to back - as seen on the "Allison" dress!

Theia’s bridesmaids’ dresses are gorge from front to back – as seen on the “Allison” (left) and Holly (right) dresses!

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There are tons of gorge, non-strapless options, like Hannah (left) and Ashley (right)!

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Want a little sparkle and shine? Theia has you covered!

Want a little sparkle and shine? Theia has you covered! How stunning are Gigi (left) and Kaylee (right)?!

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We can’t wait to see these beauties on our girls! Stay tuned to find out when they will be in stores 🙂

 

 

 

 

Bridesmaids’ Jewelry

Find the perfect cherry to top off their look!

Picture a cupcake without the frosting, a burger without the cheese, or a sundae without the cherry. They still look good, but you’ve got to admit, there’s just something missing. It’s those finishing touches that really make each food special (and let’s face it, tasty)! When it comes to bridesmaids, of course the dress is the “meat” of their look, but it’s the jewelry that really completes their wedding day style. So yeah, it’s pretty important to pick just the right pieces! Here are some things to consider – along with some pretty pieces from Flair sprinkled in there!:

Dress Style – If you chose a soft, romantic bridesmaid’s dress, for example, then your jewelry should follow suit. Consider a classic string of pearls as opposed to a chunky statement piece that reads more modern.

Can't decide between pearls and crystals? Mariell says you don't have to!

Can’t decide between pearls and crystals? Mariell says you don’t have to!

Dress cut – Not all dress silhouettes go with all styles of jewelry. Higher necklines are trickier to pair with a necklace, for instance, so you may want to consider earrings and/or a bracelet instead. A thicker cut v-neck already takes up plenty of real estate on your girls’ décolletage, so if that’s your chosen style you’ll want to think about a thin, delicate necklace to match.

Want a little color? Elizabeth Bower has you covered!

Want a little color? Elizabeth Bower has you covered!

Dress fabric – These days, bridesmaids’ dresses are getting more and more intricate. Complete with sparkle and even patterns, some dresses today make a loud enough statement all on their own! If that’s the case with your chosen dress, you may want to opt for a simple stud earring that won’t compete with the dress.

A jewelry set is the perfect way to ensure that your earrings and necklace match perfectly!

A jewelry set is the perfect way to ensure that your earrings and necklace match perfectly!

Whatever you’re considering, decide in advance if you’ll be picking up the jewelry tab or allowing your girls to choose and buy their own accessories. If you’re not footing the bill, you can give them guidelines but really the final decision is theirs, so make sure you’re comfortable with that! Lastly, think about if you’re OK with your girls coordinating their own pieces into their wedding day look. Maybe one girl has an heirloom watch that she never takes off, for example. Are you OK with her wearing it on your big day? If not, think of a way to gently let the girls know that the pieces you/they pick are really the only accessories you envision.

Above all else, shopping for bling should be fun! So, if you’re feeling stressed about it, don’t hesitate to call us and schedule a half-hour accessories appointment. We’re happy to go over your vision and make some recommendations! Happy shopping 🙂

Bridesmaids’ Gifts

A+ Presents for your Best Girls!

Not to toot our own horn, but we work pretty hard to keep our blog and fresh and full of original content (toot toot). One topic we like to repeat every now and then, though, is an important one; bridesmaids’ gift ideas! While it is a fun thing to shop for, it’s not without its pressures. After all, these girls have been at your bridal beck and call for months, so they definitely deserve something special! If you’re in need of some ideas, here are some of our favorite, new gift ideas:
Luxury phone cases – Let’s face it, we all want to splurge on the designer cases from Bloomingdales and Bergdorfs, but we tend to talk ourselves out of them before hitting “Add to Cart.” Bridesmaids’ gifts are the perfect opportunity to opt for something somewhat frivolous and definitely fabulous for your best girls! Added bonus: your girls probably pick up their phones, like, a million times a day, and now they’ll think of you every time!
Kindle – These days, you can snag a Kindle (or something similar) for under $100, so why not get one for each of your girls! Go the extra mile and download a book that you think she’ll love, or that reminds you of her, for a thoughtful, yet practical gift!
High end liquor and accompanying glasses – I don’t know about you, but when I go to the liquor store, I tend to auto-pilot to, well, the cheap section. I rarely splurge on a high-end, high-quality bottle, and if you think your girls are in the same boat, head to your favorite packy and go straight for the rapper approved, expensive section! Whether it be wine, vodka or whiskey, choose a fancy bottle of their favorites and pair it with chic glasses for a gift that’s sure to have them toasting to you!
The classic – As I’m always telling my husband, you can never go wrong with jewelry! The same goes for your bridesmaids, so if you’re having trouble finding just the right thing, opt for the bling! Whether it’s something you want them to wear on the big day, or just a fun piece to add to their everyday wardrobe, your girls are sure to love something new, special, and sparkly!

If you want to go the jewelry route, Flair has tons of stunning sparklers from Elizabeth Bower and other fab designers!

If you want to go the jewelry route, Flair has tons of stunning sparklers from Elizabeth Bower and other fab designers!

Tell us – what are you getting for your bridesmaids??