Stuff We Love Archives - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning

by admin

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!

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)!

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!

by admin

Oscars 2017 Fashion

Top trends and how to get them!

We’ve been all about trends on the blog recently, and we’re going to regale you with just one more week of them thanks to the Oscars! It is fashion’s biggest night, so you know we were watching and scouting out all of the top trends for you. Here’s what we caught:
Champagne taste – This celebratory color was all over the red carpet this year! From Nicole Kidman to Emma Stone, the top fashion darlings were popping the cork on this somewhat challenging color. As it’s a lighter color it can be tricky to wear, but if two of the least tan starlets can wear it, so can you! This trend definitely goes along with what we’re seeing in the bridal world, which is a move towards more neutral colored bridesmaids’ dresses. So chic!
Headbands – What girl doesn’t love a good headband? It’s such an easy way add some style and impact to your look. Janelle Monae, Salma Hayek, and more stars rocked this trend, and thanks to Flair’s accessories designers like AB Ellie and Mariell, you can too!

This AB Ellie headpiece is totally red carpet ready!

Navy tuxes – No, men, you’re not left out of this trend report! If your groom wants to be a little trendy while staying traditional, then a navy tuxedo may be the thing for him! Saying he wore the same thing as Matt Damon and Chris Evans doesn’t hurt either!
Long sleeves – Sleeves have been taking over the bridal world for the past couple of years, so yeah, you could say we’re ahead of this trend Jessica Biel and Ruth Negga were just two of the stars who were long on style with this trend!

Jenny Yoo’s Colette gown is totally on trend!

in Celebrity Fashion / Oscars 2017 / Oscars Fashion / Red Carpet Fashion / Red Carpet Trends / Stuff We Love 0 comments

by admin

Pets in Weddings

Ideas and Cautions

On your wedding day, you and your fiancé become a legal family, but I have a feeling that many couples out there felt like family long before that, and often because of the addition of their first “child” – their pet! For many of us, these important and cute creatures bring us together and really complete our lives, so leaving them out of the wedding day seems impossible! If you’re thinking about incorporating your pal into your big day, here are some ways to do so, and some cautions to consider before you set any plans in stone:

Our bride Sofia and her hubby had their adorable pooch there for some photos, and we think it totally paid off! Photo credit to the fab Kate Nielen Photography

First look – Let’s face it, pets are unpredictable, so giving them a role in the more structured parts of the day (i.e. the ceremony/reception) may not be ideal for everyone. Instead, you may want to consider having them there for the more private and carefree first look portion of the day. You’ll get some adorable photos of your little family, and your pet should do wonders to ease any day of jitters you may be experiencing!
In place of a bouquet – Of course, this one only works if you have a smaller pet, but having either yourself or your maid of honor carry your pet down the aisle is a great way to include them in the ceremony while still keeping a semi-tight rein on them. Cue the ooh’s and aah’s!
Cake topper – The reception is typically a rip-roaring, loud party, which may not be the ideal situation for your pet (and certainly not the ideal situation for them to be on their best behavior). So, instead of having them there IRL, consider including them as part of your cake topper! Cutting the cake is still a major part of most receptions, so this will ensure that your BFF gets to play an important role even if they’re not there in person.
And now, some cautions:
Sure, having your pet there will make you happy, but will it make him/her happy? Be sure to keep in mind your pet’s temperament and personality before choosing to include them in your big day. Do they like crowds? Are they high-strung? If you answered no then yes, you might want to consider incorporating your pet in a way that doesn’t necessarily require them to be there in person (e.g. our cake topper suggestion above).
Safety first! Is your wedding taking place in a high traffic area or on a particularly hot/cold day? Remember that you’ll be pretty busy, and won’t be able to keep an eye on or tend to your pets needs as much as usual, so if the environment isn’t ideal you may want to opt to leave them at home.
Keep your guests in mind. Do any of them have pet allergies, or even a fear/aversion to pets? The last thing you want is to make anyone uncomfortable on your big day, so be sure having your pet there won’t cause anyone any undue stress!

in Advice from Flair / Boston Weddings / pets in weddings / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Wedding Planning / Wedding Planning Tips 0 comments

by admin

Wedding Color Schemes

How to rock black at your white wedding!

No one is happier than me that Halloween is over. No offense, October 31st lovers, it’s just that I am head over heels in love and obsessed with Christmas and now I feel like I can start to celebrate it. Don’t worry, I’m not one to put my lights up this early or anything, but Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” may have already been played and I may already have some peppermint coffee in my house. As excited as I am that it’s over, though, there is one thing that I love about Halloween; the color black. It’s my favorite color and pretty much non-existent at other major holidays. It made me think about how tricky it is to celebrate with the color black. It does have a somewhat somber vibe and that may be why it’s avoided for happy occasions, but I’m here to tell you that there are tons of ways to incorporate this chic shade into non-Halloween fetes. If you’re planning a wedding and are a lover of the darkest shade like me, here are some things you can do:
Flowers – Anemones are one of my favorite flowers because of their chic, black centers. Pop a few of these into your centerpieces for an easy, impactful touch of black. Or, consider black vases or black candelabras in addition to the florals on your tables for a truly wow statement! In terms of your bouquet, think about wrapping your stems in a bold black and white striped ribbon; gorge!
Accessories – Sure, your dress is white, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a little black too. Whether it’s a totally rewearable black shoe or a classic black clutch, you’ll never regret rocking a dark accessory that will beautifully pop against your dress! Feeling a little bolder? A black sash is a super chic look and (bonus) having a darker shade at your waist does really amazing things for your already fab waistline!

Chic Flair bride Ali popped a gorgeous, black AB Ellie belt onto her lace Amy Kuschel bridal gown. We LOVE the mix of modern and timeless! Photo credit: Sweet Jane Photography

Chalkboard accents – Duh, chalkboards are black and are totally in style right now, so why not add them to your wedding décor! Consider tiny chalkboard easels for your table numbers, or have your menu written on a larger board. If you don’t want to deal with the potential mess that chalk can bring, most stationery vendors have a chalkboard look option that you can go with.
Food – These days, it’s equally important that your wedding food look good and taste good. Popping a bold color into your cuisine is an easy way for your caterer to create an eye-catching look without necessarily affecting the flavor. A fun black and white polka dot cake, for example, is sure to wow your guests! In terms of dinner, a squid ink pasta makes for such a unique looking plate, and you’d be surprised at how little it changes the flavor of the dish (aka don’t be scared)!

Tell us – how are you incorporating black elements into your big day??

in Advice from Flair / black and white wedding / Boston Weddings / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized / wedding color schemes / Wedding Planning 0 comments

by admin

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!

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!

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??

in A.B. Ellie / Advice from Flair / Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / bridal style / Elizabeth Bower / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized 0 comments

by admin

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!

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!

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! 🙂

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!

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

in Advice from Flair / BM Dresses Boston / Boston Bridesmaids / Boston Weddings / bridesmaids dress colors / bridesmaids dress trends / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros 0 comments

by admin

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!

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!

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!

in A.B. Ellie / Advice from Flair / Amy Kuschel / Amy Kuschel Bridal / Amy Kuschel Wedding Dresses / Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / bridal gown toppers / bridal gown with straps / bridal petticoat / removeable bridal straps / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / wedding dress with buttons 0 comments

by admin

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

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 🙂

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

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.

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!

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!

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

in Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / Bridal Veils / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Wedding Veil styles / Wedding Veils / Weddings Veils Boston 0 comments

by admin

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!

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!

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 🙂

in Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / bridal gown embellishments / Stuff We Love / wedding dress embellishments 0 comments

by admin

Bridal Separates

Look tops with a topper!

Over the years we’ve come to find that a bride falling in love with two different wedding dresses is a fairly common occurrence. Generally speaking, brides aren’t often sold on one particular look so she may covet a romantic, timeless gown, for example, just as much as a modern, trendy one. Unless you have a Kardashian budget, you probably won’t opt for actually buying both dress styles, so then begins your very own Sophie’s choice. Which gown to choose?? Lucky for today’s brides, though, there’s a fairly easy way to get two looks out of one dress – toppers! Slip one of these on and totally transform the look of your dress! Whether you’re looking for a little more coverage for the ceremony, or you just want to change up your look mid-day, a topper is an easy and economical way to get the best of both worlds. Did we peak your interest? Here are some terrific toppers by Flair’s fabulous designers!