Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Brides Boston Archives - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning Brides Boston Archives - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning

Unique Wedding Gowns

Easy, elegant ways to step outside of the box!

We’ve been back from Spring bridal market for almost a week now but we’re still in total swoon mode over all of the stunning styles that we saw there! We pinch ourselves every time market rolls around; we can’t believe it’s our job to watch fashion shows and buy pretty, new dresses for the showroom. It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it 🙂 One thing we always notice at market is how bridal gowns are constantly evolving. There are so many options out there; wedding gowns can no longer be defined as just “a white dress.” For brides looking to break the mold, these days there are tons of gorgeous ways to step outside the box and wear something unique:

1) Embrace the rainbow! White can be tough color to wear, and if you’re not comfortable in it, don’t feel like you have to wear it. If an alternatively hued dress just feels more “you”, go for it! Check out these wedding dresses with color – still elegant and oh so bridal!

Blush pink is an easy transition for the bride looking for a little color! L to R: Tara Keely style 2510, the Opal gown by Blush by Hayley Paige and Theia's petal gown

Blush pink is an easy transition for the bride looking for a little color! L to R: Tara Keely style 2510, the Opal gown by Blush by Hayley Paige and Theia’s petal gown

2) Think short! While the majority of wedding gowns are still floor length, every year we see more and more styles with higher hems. A shorter dress will be lightweight, comfortable and easy to dance in, and most of them are formal enough to still feel bridal. If you still want the long look for your ceremony, though, consider adding a removable skirt over your short dress, and get the best of both worlds!

Amy Kuschel sure knows how to make a pretty little white dress! Her Jackie Lady Stardust (left) and Mimosa (right) dresses are just stunning! Want to add some length? Jenny Yoo's London skirt is perfection!

Amy Kuschel sure knows how to make a pretty little white dress! Her Jackie Lady Stardust (left) and Mimosa (right) dresses are just stunning! Want to add some length? Jenny Yoo’s London skirt is perfection!

3) Change up the fabric! Lace still reigns supreme in the bridal world (for good reason – it’s gorge) but we’re so excited by all of the new fabrics we’re seeing these days. Completely beaded? Why not! Flowers? Sure! A traditional silhouette in a bold fabric is the perfect way to be unique but still look like a bride!

Theia is the king of alternative fabrics! Pearls and beads and petals, oh my!

Theia is the king of alternative fabrics! Pearls and beads and petals, oh my!

Whatever you choose, just be true to yourself! These days, there is truly a style to suit every bride, so do your research and find what is truly “you”! Happy shopping 🙂

Wedding Dress Shopping

How do you know when you’ve found “the one”?

Quick bride poll: Do you watch any of those wedding dress shopping shows? I always wonder if brides find them helpful or overwhelming. They’re TV shows, after all, so they tend to bring the drama; mean moms, tight timelines and petrifying prices, to name a few. Another thing? Most brides on these shows seem to have that clarifying, aha moment when they just know that a dress is “the one.” Well we’re here to tell you, not everyone has that moment, and that’s OK! We’ve heard brides question themselves all too often: “I’m not getting that feeling” or “I’m not sure if it’s the one because I didn’t cry.” These shows can make us think that there is a particular way we should act, look and feel when we’ve found the right dress, and that’s not always the case. Everyone’s dress shopping experience is different, and their reactions to it are also different. If you’re one of the many who isn’t getting that mysterious, special “feeling”, we’ve come up with some other tell tale signs that you’ve found the dress for you:

Forgive us while we use this blog as an excuse to share pics of some gorgeous brides who found "the one" at Flair! Christa is an elegant, happy and stunning bride in Jenny Yoo's Georgeanne gown!

Forgive us while we use this blog as an excuse to share pics of some gorgeous brides who found “the one” at Flair! First up, Christa is an elegant, happy and STUNNING bride in Jenny Yoo’s Georgeanne gown!

1) You can’t stop thinking about it – Find yourself day dreaming about a particular dress? Thinking about the low back when you should be sending your boss an email? Imagining the beading as you stroll through the grocery aisles? You may have found your dress!
2) You compare all others dresses to it – Most brides don’t stop shopping when they find a dress that they love. We get it; you want to be sure you’ve tried on enough styles! However, if you find yourself constantly measuring other dresses against one you’ve already tried and liked, it’s probably the one for you!
3) You’ve accessorized it in your head – Sometimes our heads are ahead of our hearts! Maybe without even realizing you’re doing it, you’ve already decided what belt to add to a particular dress, or what heirloom jewelry of your Grandmother’s would go well with it. In your mind, you’ve already purchased this dress and are taking the next step to accent it with some bling. There’s probably a reason for that…

Amanda is giving us some serious bridal glam in her Rosemary gown by Amy Kuchel!

Amanda is giving us some serious bridal glam in her Rosemary gown by Amy Kuschel! Breathtaking shot courtesy of the amazing Leah Haydock Photography

Bottom line: If you get that aha feeling, great, but if you don’t 1) you’re not alone and 2) that doesn’t mean you haven’t found your dream dress! No two shopping experience are alike just like no two brides are alike, so just trust your gut, watch for these signs and most of all, enjoy some fun, happy and pressure free dress shopping!

Meet Mariell!

Mariell: Your New Jewelry Best Friend!

Don’t get me wrong, I love living with my husband (most of the time) but I often find myself missing the years I spent living with my girlfriends. Watching trashy TV together (for some strange reason I just can’t get my husband to sit down and watch The Real Housewives with me), having impromptu dance parties, cooking together; I miss it all! One of the hardest things about moving away from them though is that my closet was cut in half! No longer can I roam into their bedrooms and go “shopping” for something new to wear. It was the perfect situation; tons of new (to me) items that I knew would be stylish because well, my friends are fab. I bet it’s something all of us girls miss as we get older, so Flair tries to recreate that experience for you. When you shop at Flair, we want it to feel like you’re shopping in your friend’s closet; easy, quick, fun and full of items handpicked to please! Case in point: our new jewelry designer, Mariell! Flair spent a long time looking for a jewelry designer that has the three necessities: high quality, stylish products, at great prices, with a quick turnaround time. And boy, have we found it! Check out some of our favorite items below and then give us a call to stop by our “closet” and poke through all of our fabulous, new jewelry collection. You can also check out tons of Mariell products on our online site, Frills, from the comfort of your own closet! Happy shopping, Flair friends!

This cushion cut necklace and earring set is a steal at only $85.00!

This cushion cut necklace and earring set is a steal at only $85.00!

Sigh, we love these vintage style earrings, and they're only $56.00!

Sigh, we love these vintage style earrings, and they’re only $56.00!

We are swooning over this art deco bridal headband, and you can to for just $85.00!

We are swooning over this art deco bridal headband, and you can to for just $85.00!

Love, Yu Bridal Guest Trunk Show!

We are in Love with Love, Yu Bridal!

Summer is such a fun time at Flair! One of the things we’re most excited about is our amazing guest trunk show schedule! We love using the summer months to get to know new designers, and bring their gorgeous fashions to YOU! Up first is Love, Yu Bridal. Owner and designer Ee-Lyn Tang was working in the banking industry, but she always had a passion for fashion. So, she bravely decided to leave her old world behind and enroll in Parsons, and the rest is history! Ee-Lyn started Love, Yu Bridal in 2009 and has been wowing brides all over the world since. Flair has always been a fan, so when we noticed that Love, Yu didn’t have a store in New England, we jumped at the opportunity to show off her gorgeous gowns to our brides! Check out some of our favorite gowns below, and give us a call to see them (and more!) in person at our guest trunk starting next Saturday the 31st! This is a rare opportunity to see her gowns in our area, so act fast. We know these appointments will book up quickly!

We love the illusion neckline on the Hailey gown (only $1700!)

We love the illusion neckline on the Hailey gown (only $1700!)

Check out the gorgeous lace hem and detailing on Paige (just $2000!)

Check out the gorgeous lace hem and detailing on Paige (just $2000!)

Maya is perfect for an alternative bridal gown, or reception dress, at $1500!

Maya is perfect for an alternative bridal gown, or reception dress, at $1500!

We are obsessed with the cap sleeves on Olivia (only $1800)!

We are obsessed with the cap sleeves on Olivia (only $1800)!

Madison is the epitome of elegance for just $2200!

Madison is the epitome of elegance for just $2200!

Ode to veils!

An Ode to Veils!

Oh, wedding veil, we love you so. You are the icing on the cake and the cherry on top. You are the finishing touch, helping all of us to achieve that full, bridal look. Working where we do, though, we know that some brides just can’t picture themselves in a veil. We get it! Obviously we don’t wear anything like that on a daily basis, and sometimes girls just don’t feel like themselves in a veil. We totally hear where you’re coming from BUT we encourage you to think about the whole picture of your wedding day as you make your veil decision. You’ll likely have hair and make-up service, paparazzi (aka your fab photographer) following you around, and literally everyone you know will be in the same room, at the same time, to celebrate YOU. There’s nothing ordinary or average about that day, and your look needs to match!

Still not convinced? We invite you to drool over these photos of a few of our brides in one of our favorite veils. It’s a simple, classic, chapel length veil with a corded edge that is lightweight and easygoing; perfect for those of us who want “veil light”. This veil literally looks good with every bridal gown…and it’s only $150! Contact us if you want to try it on! If you can’t make it to the store though, we have exciting news for you….Flair is now ONLINE! We are so excited, check us out! Browse fabulous Flair products (perhaps on your couch with a glass of champagne), without fighting for a parking spot on Newbury Street 🙂

Aly looking fab! Thanks Phil Fox Photography!

Aly looking fab; Phil Fox Photography

 

Our veil looks stunning with Ali's Amy Kuschel gown!

Our veil looks stunning with Ali’s Amy Kuschel gown!

Ali (and her veil!) looks beautiful coming down the aisle!

Ali (and her veil!) looks beautiful coming down the aisle!

 

We love this windblown shot of Lindsey and her groom! Breathtaking!

We love this windblown shot of Lindsey and her groom! Breathtaking!

 

Our owner Stacey even chose this classic veil! You (and Zak!) look perfect Stace!

Our owner Stacey even chose this classic veil! You (and Zak!) look perfect Stace!

TGIF and happy shopping!

The Boston Globe + Flair = A Match Made in Wedding Heaven!

The Boston Globe + Flair = A Match Made in Wedding Heaven!

We were so honored to be a part of the Boston Globe’s recent weddings issue! (Haven’t seen it? Click here!) It just seemed like a natural fit for us to be in the “Seaside Elegance” section. While we cater to ANY and ALL types of weddings, we do seem to work with an awful lot of brides going for the nautical theme. Hey, we’re in New England afterall! We’ve got Newport down south, Kennebunkport up North and the Cape in the middle…New England was made for elegant, seaside weddings!

 

Can't you just see this gown (and you!) frolicking in the sand?

Can’t you just see this gown (and you!) frolicking in the sand?

 

First up in the article, we have the gorgeous Hathaway gown by Jenny Yoo. Is she a stunner or what?! Plus, she is perfect for a seaside wedding. The tulle is so light weight and comfortable, and when it catches that sea breeze, look out! Gorgeous photos ahead! Plus, the Hathaway gown actually has hidden panels of tulle that can pull up to create different necklines. So, if you’re running around in the sand and you want some extra support, pull those babies up to create a soft halter or v-neck top, for example. Genius!

 

Adorable bridesmaids' dresses, party of two.

Adorable bridesmaids’ dresses, party of two.

 

Next up, Coren Moore’s adorable Courtney and Nolan dresses were featured. I mean, are these perfect for a New England wedding or what? The two-tone aspect gives them a bit of a unique edge, while still keeping with that classic, seaside look. Plus, that pleated skirt looks great on literally everyone! Trust us, we know!

 

Stuffy, old guestbooks, watch out!

Stuffy, old guestbooks, watch out!

 

Lastly, a big shout out to our friends at Whim Events who were also featured in the article! They are creative geniuses! We are always so floored by their amazing ideas, and this one is no exception! In lieu of a traditional guest book, each guest gets a slip of paper when they walk into the ceremony. On it, they can write some advice, words of wisdom or just a special note to the couple. Then, each guest slips their note into a jar for the couple to open on either their 1, 3 or 10 year anniversary. How amazing is that? For years to come the couple can relive their big day and connect with their friends and family. We LOVE this and we LOVE Whim!

Thanks to the Boston Globe for all the love, and thanks to all of our brides for inspiring us every day (seaside brides or not)! XOXO

Hey Boston brides: What do you do with your gown after the wedding?

I have a confession to make: I am obsessed with the “Real Housewives” franchise (except Miami, I just can’t get into that one). My husband can’t even be in the room while I watch it; “It’s just an hour of constant arguing!” Sorry honey, I know that when we first started dating I tried to be cool and watch thought-provoking shows with you, but this is who I really am. We’re married now, deal with it. Besides, occasionally you get some really great ideas from the housewives. For instance, I was watching reruns of Beverly Hills the other day and I caught a glimpse of Adrienne Maloof’s wedding gown, framed in her walk in closet. It got me to thinking, what do “normal” ladies do with their gowns post-wedding (those of us who do not have a closest big enough for 5 foot frame)?

We all have closets like this, right?

We all have closets like this, right?

It’s a very personal choice, though based on my chats with many brides over the years, the main school of thought seems to be gown preservation. It’s not a bad idea; get that thing cleaned, pressed and in a nice, neat box for storage. Honestly, though, that has never been for me. I have absolutely no notion that my future daughter might want to wear my dress, so I can’t come up with a reason to spend the money on preservation. I’d rather find a way to work my gown into everyday life. Here are some brilliant ideas that I found, and be sure to let your Flair girls know if you have any to add to the list!

1) Home accents: The actual item will depend slightly on the fabric/style of your dress. For example, my gown had a train of organza flowers and ruffles, which I’ve always thought would make a gorgeous, special accent pillow for our bed. Not for you? There are tons of other ideas! I also found a gorgeous Christmas tree skirt made from a satin, beaded gown; something special and personal that you’ll use every year!

Too pretty to put presents on?

Too pretty to put presents on?

2) Bridal necklace: This is one of my favorites. I found a company (thanks, Etsy!) that will insert a small piece of your wedding dress into a beautiful necklace. Who says you can’t wear your wedding gown everyday?! Plus, how amazing would this be to give to your daughter down the line!

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3) Donate it: If you can’t think of anything you want to do with your dress, you can always donate it to a worthy cause. There are so many options out there, including Brides Across America. Based right here in Massachusetts, this organization takes dress donations to help give military wives the wedding gown of their dreams! Do some research and find the organization that touches your heart, and I know that this is one use for your gown that you, and someone else in need, will never forget!

Happy Holidays!
Your Flair friends

Fall Fashion + Award Season!

Here at Flair, we always have mixed feelings about the return of Fall. It’s a lot like when leggings came back into style. At first, we didn’t like it, we fought it, and then ultimately we accepted it. True, summer is over, but fall brings so many great things; pumpkin spice lattes, boots, sweaters AND the start of award show season!

You know we at Flair love us a red carpet. First up: the Emmy’s! The Emmy’s have a special place in our hearts because it combines two of our favorite things; gorgeous dresses and TV! Over the summer, we really missed our TV friends (Hi, Schmidt! What’s up Mindy?!) and the Emmy’s is the first time we’ve seen them in months. That’s exciting enough, but it’s even better because we get to see them all dressed up!

We love award shows for the glamour and the fashion, of course, but we also love the amazing inspiration they provide for the upcoming wedding season! While some looks should stay on the stars (or in their closets – talking to you Amanda Peet), we did see a bunch of trends that can totally transfer from the red carpet to the wedding aisle!

 

Blue: Forget the “red” carpet, this Emmy’s carpet was all about blue! We’re not talking about navy here, but a true, vibrant blue. It’s a great color for bridesmaids’ dresses; super flattering on all skin tones and hair colors and it pairs with almost any color you want for your bouquets. Perfection!

Inspiration: Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren. Hello gorgeous! The cut is so elegant and timeless, making the color the real statement of the dress. The best part? ANY girl could wear this dress and look and feel amazing in it. Let’s also try and recreate her curls, she definitely had the best hair of the night!

Lace: Just this past season we started to see lace make an appearance in the bridesmaids’ world and we think it’s going to be an even bigger trend this year! Lace is great because it is a fabric that translates well to any event, making it an easy dress to re-wear after the wedding (even we can admit that some bridesmaids’ fabric have that “bridesmaidy” look and feel which makes them hard to wear other places). Plus, lace has the amazing ability to be both modern and classic at the same time. We’re obsessed!

Inspiration: Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. Wow! Let’s face it, Sofia could wear a potato sack and look amazing, but this red lace gown really takes her beauty to the next level! Even a gorgeous woman like her can appreciate the texture that lace provides to such a fitted dress; it hides any lines you don’t want to be seen!

Straps: Did you notice that all of the Flair girls’ favorite gowns had straps? Not only that, but they were all different! Stacey loved Julie Bowen’s ruffled v-neck, Jaime died for Rose Byrne’s classy boat neck and Madison fell in love with Michelle Dockery’s chic halter. We are so happy to see the variety of top styles, and we think that that variety will also translate to the bridal world!

Inspiration: The above dresses of course, as well as Tina Fey in Narcisso Rodriguez. She has never looked better! Her gown was tailored perfectly (which is super important) AND she was in the hot color of the night too. A+ for Liz Lemon!

Happy Fall….and award season!

xoxo

Lindsay