Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning

Wedding Tiaras

A modern take on the classic look!

On her wedding day, every bride should feel like a princess. Don’t lift a finger, have everyone fawn all over you, get dressed up…yeah, princesses and brides totally have the life! They have alot of fun things in common in the wardrobe department, too; a grand dress, perfectly styled hair, and killer shoes, to name a few. However, one classic princess accessory has gone somewhat by the wayside in the bridal world in recent years. Tiaras used to be the ultimate in special occasion wear but somewhere along the way I think brides started to find them a little, well…dated and over the top. Lucky for all of the wanna-be princesses out there, though, today there are tons of fresh, modern ways for brides to rock this look:
1) Flower crowns – I know, we’re getting dangerously close to these being over-done, but they’re just so darn pretty that we couldn’t leave them off of the list! They’re the perfect casual counterpart to the typical gilded style.
2) A lace headband – Alot of what makes most tiara styles a little “much” is their over the top sparkle. It can be a little heavy-handed, especially for a more laid back bride/wedding. Swap in lace in place of some crystals, though, and you automatically turn down the volume and create a more mellow, current look.
3) Fascinators – From one princess look to another! Fascinators are a chic, cool way to update the tiara look, and add a touch of Kate Middleton to your bridal style!

When in doubt, check out Elizabeth Bower’s crown collection! Every piece is GORGE, so you can’t go wrong! All of these beauties are sure to wow and will make any hairstyle wedding ready!

The Titania crown totally has "modern princess" written all over it!

The Titania crown totally has “modern princess” written all over it!

Elizabeth Bower's Budding Cap is the perfect blend of chic fascinator and traditional tiara!

Elizabeth Bower’s Budding Cap is the perfect blend of chic fascinator and traditional tiara!

Wedding Hair Accessories

Add some chic to your coiffure!

Welp, it has finally happened. Winter has arrived. We got off easy for awhile, but there’s no denying it now. As much as I tried to be annoyed, secretly I was happy to see the flakes fall this week. I probably won’t be singing the same tune after a few more weeks of this, but for now the snow just seems to have added some much needed sparkle to the world. It got me to thinking about something that adds sparkle to a bride’s world; her hair accessories! I love a good bridal headpiece. We’re used to wearing jewelry on a daily basis, but it’s not often that you get the excuse to adorn your tresses with some bling, too. So, make sure you do it right! Here’s how:
Marry your dress and headpiece – If your gown has bling, you’ll want to make sure the sparkle on your headpiece matches accordingly. If your dress has crystals with a gold tone/setting, for example, try to find the same for your hair accessory. Or, if your gown is heavier on the pearls, focus your headpiece search on those with pearls, too. If your gown is bling-free, that leaves the door wide open, though; do whatever you like!

We love that this gorge "Bramble" headband (by amazing designer Elizabeth Bower) works both over and under a veil!

We love that this gorge “Bramble” headband (by amazing designer Elizabeth Bower) works both over and under a veil!

Consider your hair – Not every headpiece works with every hair type. Heavier styles, for example, work best with thicker hair that can really hold them in place. On the other hand, if you have thin hair you might want to stick with more delicate pieces that won’t overpower your locks. If you’re considering adding some extensions, just make sure your stylist puts them in nice and tight, so that your headpiece doesn’t accidentally loosen them.

Elizabeth Bower's Cleo comb is such a modern style; a total wow coming down the aisle!

Elizabeth Bower’s Cleo comb is such a modern style; a total wow coming down the aisle!

Give it a thorough inspection – Your photographer is going to catch you from all angles, so be sure you like the placement/look of your headpiece from the front, back and sides. You don’t want to find out when you get your proofs that your accessory gave you a cone head look in all of your side shots! In the same breath, you also don’t want to find that it gets lost in some angles. After all, you worked hard to find your piece, so make sure you can properly show it off! Have your hairstylist try it in a few spots to see what you like best.

When in doubt, schedule a half-hour accessories appointment with Flair and we’re happy to help you find your perfect piece!

Wedding Dress Accessories

How to make sure your bling and bridal gown are a match made in heaven!

When it comes to wedding planning, one thing leads to the next. You make your guest list which leads to finding the venue that accommodates it. Then, once you book said venue you can plan your décor. Checking one thing off of your to-do always seems to just add another. Luckily, though, most of this to-do list is fun! For example, once you choose your wedding gown, you can then think about accessorizing it! With the exception of those that have an heirloom piece they definitely want to incorporate, most brides choose their gown before their shoes, jewelry, headpieces, etc. The reason being is that, let’s face it; the dress is the most important part so you find that first and then work everything else around it. To ensure that all of your bridal style items work together, keep the following in mind:
1) Your dress neckline determines what jewelry you should wear: The basic rule of thumb is that the more covered the neckline the simpler you want to go with your jewelry. A strapless dress is obviously the easiest; add pretty much whatever you want! On the other hand, if you choose a one shoulder or boat neck, for example, you probably want to skip the necklace and stick to earrings and/or a bracelet. The same goes for your dress’ fabric; busier fabrics pair best with simpler jewelry that won’t fight with it. If you’re unsure what’s best, we always have jewelry on hand here to try with the gowns that you like!
2) Consider the color of your gown when choosing metals: Bright white gowns often pair better with silver tones, while off-white/cream mixes well with gold. For the bride looking for something a little different, rose gold tends to go well with either!

Now this is a bride (ok, model) that did it right! She skipped the necklace with her high neckline and opted for a sparly headband instead. Plus, it's gold tone totally goes with the off-white lace. Perfection!

Now this is a bride (ok, model) that did it right! She skipped the necklace with her high neckline and opted for a sparly headband instead. Plus, its gold tone totally goes with the off-white lace. Perfection!

3) Remember the style of your gown: We’re not talking the fit here, but rather the dress’ aesthetic. If you choose a vintage gown, for example, you probably shouldn’t pair that with a trendy, chunky necklace. At the same time, a sculptured, architectural, and modern gown wouldn’t really mesh well with a classic pearl necklace. This can be a tricky one to navigate, so again, we’re always here to help with style choices!
4) Last, and certainly not least, stay true to your personal style: Don’t let those around you talk you into an accessory that doesn’t feel like “you.” After all, while the dress won’t be easy to re-wear, the accessories definitely can be! Keep that in mind as you shop.

It’s a ton to absorb, so if you’re in need of some guidance, Flair is always here to help! We book half hour accessories appointments most days, and also have stylists standing by to chat at our online shop, Frills, that is chock full of beautiful, budget friendly baubles! Happy shopping 🙂

Fitness Tips for Brides

Be your best self by the big day!

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that no two brides are alike. Even those that purchase the same gown accessorize it to their taste and make it totally unique and their own. If we did have to pick one commonality among brides, though, it would probably be that all of them have some sort of fitness plan. Whether it’s major weight loss or just striving for more toned arms (aren’t we all!), we have a feeling that pretty much every 2016 bride has fitness on the brain in the new year. So, we decided to pull together some tips to make even the most frazzled bride’s fitness routine fun and easy:

This fun and quick 15 minute workout is perfect for the busy bride!

This fun and quick 15 minute workout is perfect for the busy bride!

1) Write it down – Jot down your fitness goals/routine somewhere you look often. Keeping them in the forefront of your mind and out in the open will likely help you to stick to them. It will also help you evaluate your plans. If they take up a whole page, you’re probably trying to tackle too much. Start with the attainable; you can always add more later!
2) Grab a partner – Whether it’s your Mom, fiancé, or bridesmaid, there are a ton of other people who are probably also looking to get in shape for the big day. Plan to work out together, to motivate and keep each other on track. Plus, it’s just more fun when you’re not going it alone!
3) Stay hydrated – There are endless benefits to those eight daily glasses of H2O. They help to boost your metabolism, keep your energy up for your work outs, and brighten your skin, to name a few. So no matter what your fitness goals, this step should be a must for ALL brides!
4) Reward yourself – Most people who establish a fitness routine do really well in the beginning when it’s fresh, new, and dare we say, fun. Cut to a month or so later, though, and it gets harder and harder to stay faithful to your plan. If you fall into that category, we have one thing to say to you: a little bribe never hurt anyone! Commit to working out 4 days next week, for example, and treat yourself to a manicure if you stick to it. Lose those 10 pesky pounds and get that rehearsal dress you’ve been coveting. Decide what motivates you and use it to your advantage!

Tell us – do you have any tips for staying on the fitness straight and narrow? We’d love to hear them!

Wedding Stationery and Inspiration Boards

Plan your wedding in style, and stress free!

With the holidays now over and a new year begun, have your social media feeds been taken over by bling and bent knees? The holiday season brings about more proposals than any other time of year, so we have a feeling you’ve seen your fair share. With all of those new brides and grooms-to-be out there, we figured now was the perfect time to chat about one of our favorite resources for engaged couples – the inspiration board! One of the toughest things about wedding planning is making decisions on various items and not really knowing until the big day if they actually go together. Putting them side by side on an inspiration board is an easy, and free, way to get a sense of how your choices will meld on your wedding day. Plus, they are a great visual to provide your vendors with; giving them a good sense of your preferences. One of our designers, The Dessy Collection, has a super user-friendly inspiration board builder for anyone who wants to get started. That’s where we built ours, with the phenomenal Paperless Post as our muse.

Paperless Post is a must for engaged couples. They have tons of style options at prices to accommodate any and every budget. Plus, their site is so well organized and easy to navigate; a major plus for couples overwhelmed by the seemingly endless number of choices out there. Check out a couple of our favorite stationery designs in the inspiration boards below:

save the date
The “Love Struck” save the date card (top left corner) caught our eye for several reasons. It has visual appeal, but isn’t too busy, and we’re OBSESSED with arrows as a wedding theme. Maybe it’s the cupid connection, but for some reason the arrow, when done right, strikes us as a totally modern and chic symbol of romance. We also love the colors. The periwinkle shade is totally on trend (think the new Pantone color of the year “Serenity”), and we’re always a sucker for gold. We popped in a little bit of that gorgeous, rich shade of deep raspberry as another accent, to make this palette lean more “romantic wedding” than baby shower. Speaking of which, though, this card set would also totally work for a shower (baby or wedding)!

wedding invite
The “Marbelized” wedding invitation drew us in immediately. It totally hits on what we think will be a big trend in the coming years – using natural elements for your wedding décor. Whether it’s marble, agate, or reclaimed wood, these “green” elements are perfect for a contemporary barn wedding, or even a city fete looking to add a pop of nature to their big day. And those classic, stunning shades of blush, black, grey, gold, and lilac? Tres chic!

For all of the newly engaged couples out there, head on over to Dessy’s website to create your own inspiration boards, and be sure to hit up Paperless Post early in your planning process. After all, the save the date and invitation are the first hint of your wedding style your guests will see, so be sure to mail them off in style!

2016 Bridal Trends

Ring in the new year in style!

The end of December is all about reflecting on the past year. You can’t turn on the radio without hearing a countdown of the top songs of 2015, for example, while all of the news channels are reminiscing about the year’s biggest headlines. We’re all for it, let’s just not recall those resolutions we made back in January. Forget about those, instead let’s shift our focus to the future! We’re ready for a new year, and definitely pumped for some new bridal styles! Here are some trends we think will be huge in 2016:
Feathers: Every year, brides get bolder and bolder with their style, and in 2016 that might just come in the form of feathers. Romantic, soft, and flowy, feathers have just what you need to create a modern yet not too outside of the box bridal look. Aria’s Veronica dress is a perfect way to dip your toe into the feather pond. It makes a great reception dress, so you can take part in the feather trend while still wearing a more traditional look for your ceremony.

veronica by aria
Embroidered Illusion detail: By now, we’ve all become familiar with illusion necklines. They’re a great way to have the support of a strapped top but the look of a strapless. Now it was time for designers to take this look one step further, and one way they’re doing so is by adding embellishments to their illusion styles. It gives an almost 3D look that is super fresh, modern and unique! The Elodie gown from Willowby by Watters makes this trend look good!

elodie willowby by watters
Keyhole tops: I don’t know about you but I loved me a keyhole top back in junior high. It was an easy compromise for me and my mom; mostly covered but with a little hint of skin! The same principles work for a bride. Most don’t want to show too much skin in front of their families, but still want to show a little for their future spouse 😉 Hayley Paige’s Zahira dress is a totally modern take on this “best of both worlds” look!

HP Zahira
Lingerie inspired looks: This is a whole new way to bring the sex appeal on your big day! Lingerie inspired slip dresses were huge on the recent bridal runways, and why not?? They are the perfect mix of comfortable, lightweight, and sexy. You’ve been forewarned, though; these clingy beauties will almost definitely require a Spanx underneath. If you’re not into this particular look but still want to pop in a little lingerie to your style, opt for the already popular corset top!

Left: Amy Kuschel's Ginger gown Right: Jenny Yoo's Celine gown with applique

Left: Amy Kuschel’s Ginger gown Right: Jenny Yoo’s Celine gown with applique

Tiered skirts: Gone are the days of the single layer skirt! Popping in a few tiers is an easy way to add volume, interest, and drama to your look. Depending on the fabric, it doesn’t add a ton of weight, either. Whether you add one tier or a bunch, you’re sure to have a current, gorgeous look. Need proof? Tara Keely style 2609 is a tiered dream!

tara-keely-2609_x3

See you in 2016, Boston brides and bridesmaids 🙂

Wedding Planning Tips

Get support from stats!

As a general rule, I try not to take too much stock in statistics. It seems like every morning when I flip on “GMA” they are spouting some sort of doom and gloom stat, most of which seem to want me to give up my vices. Skip my morning cup of coffee? No thanks! I saw some wedding stats recently, though, that I did find to be really interesting, even helpful. For example, did you know that almost 40% of all engagements happen between November and February? Yes, that’s right people; we have entered prime engagement season! If you’re one of the many recently (or about to be) engaged, here are some other stats you may find helpful as you begin the wedding planning process:

OK...we couldn't find any pretty photos about stats to add to this blog. So instead, we're showing off some of Jenny Yoo's new designs (which you can see at our preview trunk show next weekend)!

Confession: we couldn’t find any pretty photos about stats to add to this blog. So instead, we’re showing off some of Jenny Yoo’s new designs like the Sophia dress here (which you can see at our preview trunk show next weekend)! We thought you wouldn’t mind 😉

The average time spent wedding planning is 12-13 months – Roughly a year; that’s how long it takes most of us to plan an 8 hour day (albeit it the most important 8 hours of your life). We have to say, it seems like the perfect amount of time! That’s not to say, though, that you can’t plan in less or more time, but both do come with their challenges. Less time means potentially paying more to rush items, or missing out on your favorite vendors because they are already booked. More time means…well…more time to mull over and second guess your choices. Sometimes it’s nice to have a deadline to force you to be decisive. So, consider those things as you pick your wedding date!

Want to look as calm as this bride (wearing Jenny's new Ophelia gown)? Give yourself plenty of time to plan!

Want to look as calm as this bride (wearing Jenny’s new Ophelia gown)? Give yourself plenty of time to plan!

50% of all weddings in 2015 occurred on only 25 days – We bet you can guess (roughly) which days. Saturdays in the summer months get scooped up before any other, so act fast if you want to snag one, and be prepared to potentially push your wedding off a year if they’re already booked. If you don’t want to do that, though, consider a Friday wedding, or look at other seasons. If for no other reason, sometimes you can get great deal if you book in an “off” season or on an “off” day!

Planning a popular summer wedding? You can still choose long bridesmaids' dresses as long as they're in a lightweight, flowy fabric like Jenny Yoo's gorgeous chiffon!

Planning a summer wedding? You can still choose floor length bridesmaids’ dresses as long as they’re in a lightweight, flowy fabric like Jenny Yoo’s gorgeous chiffon!

Most couples book their vendors 7-9 months prior to their big day – Let’s think about that for a second; most couples are getting married around the same time (Summer) which means they are also booking their vendors around the same time. What does that breed? Competition! Decide what vendor is most important to you and book them first, before they get scooped by another couple. Have back-ups ready in case a favorite does get booked, and don’t procrastinate on the vendors that typically book out the quickest (venues, photographers and bands, to name a few). Oh, and don’t forget about your friendly neighborhood bridal shop 😉 With summer weddings still reigning supreme in Boston, that makes winter the prime time for wedding and bridesmaid’s dress shopping. Call us well in advance to snag your spot, and be prepared to snap up a dress that you love. With 5 months to manufacture and a couple months for tailoring, Flair definitely falls in that list of vendors to connect with 7-9 months in advance of the big day! The earlier the better, though, we always say, so give us a call to make your appointment; we can’t wait to shop with you soon 🙂

Yes, even the adorable little Etsy flowergirl dress takes a few months to produce, so be sure to order ALL of your dresses well in advance of your big day!

Yes, even the adorable little Etsy flowergirl dress takes a few months to produce, so be sure to order ALL of your dresses well in advance of your big day!

Jenny Yoo 2016 Collection

Get the newest, hottest styles before anyone else!

If I had to pick a super power, the ability to see the future would be high on my list. Will I get that bag I want this holiday season? Will the weather be nice for that anniversary trip I have planned? Not to mention the obvious lottery benefits! While seeing the future is probably not in my, well, future, there is one way that I (and you!) can see what’s coming ahead in the bridal and bridesmaids’ world; a 2016 preview trunk show! You know about a normal trunk show, right? It’s basically when we get a ton of pretty, pretty dresses in from one of our designers and for that weekend they’re all on sale. You can’t get much better than that! However, our upcoming Jenny Yoo 2016 preview trunk show (November 27-29) manages to do one better; all of the dresses we’ll be receiving are brand, spanking new and have never been available in Boston before! This is THE time to snag them for your wedding before anyone else, and know that you’ll be getting the latest and greatest. To clue you in on some of the hot, new trends in Jenny’s latest collection, we have a little sneak peek for you below (thanks to The Knot for all of these gorge photos!). Check them out and then give us a ring to book your trunk show appointment (while they last!) and see all of these beauties in person!

Separates:

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Patterns:

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Sleeves:

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Embellishments:

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Gorgeous, right?? Act fast and make your appointment come see us (and these stunning dresses) while they’re in town!

jennyyootrunk2016 (1)

Wedding Dress Necklines

The latest and greatest tops for the 2016 wedding season!

We’re still on fashion cloud nine after our recent trip to New York Bridal Market. Seeing the latest wedding styles hit the runways is so exciting! The only downside? Now, we have to wait an excruciatingly long few months for those new 2016 beauties to arrive at Flair. We simply cannot wait to see them on our gorgeous brides and bridesmaids! So, in the meantime, we’re going to get our 2016 style fix by taking over the blog and drooling over photos with all of you 🙂 Today’s topic: tops! It’s no longer just strapless and v-neck; there are tons of amazing new necklines to choose from! Check out some of the fresh top trends that we caught below and then keep your eye on the AMAZING Long’s Jewelers blog. We shared these new necklines with them, and they’re going to be pairing them with jaw-dropping jewelry to match. Prepare to swoon over their stunning pieces!

Tops that feature cut-outs are the definition of modern and chic! This Theia Fall 2016 style is a stunner! (Photo courtesy of The Knot)

Tops that feature cut-outs are the definition of modern and chic! This Theia Fall 2016 style is a stunner! (Photo courtesy of The Knot)

Spaghetti straps aren't just for a casual, weekend look - they are becoming a bonafide wedding staple! We are loving this Spring 2016 Willowby by Watters style (photo courtesy of Brides.com)

Spaghetti straps aren’t just for a casual, weekend look – they are becoming a bonafide wedding staple! We are loving this Spring 2016 Willowby by Watters style (photo courtesy of their facebook page)

Off shoulder tops are the epitome of romantic elegance and this brand new Jenny Yoo Fall 2016 style is no exception! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Off shoulder tops are the epitome of romantic elegance and this brand new Jenny Yoo Fall 2016 style is no exception! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Amy Kuschel's Fall 2016 collection is full of stunners - and illusion tops! (photo courtesy of their Facebook page)

Amy Kuschel’s Fall 2016 collection is full of stunners – and illusion tops! (photo courtesy of their Facebook page)

Double straps create a unique look in the front AND back of a dress. Theia did it right with this new Fall 2016 style (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Double straps create a unique look in the front AND back of a dress. Theia did it right with this new Fall 2016 style (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Deep V necklines are elongating and elegant - as long as you have a smaller bustline! We're obsessed with this Hayley Paige Fall 2016 beauty! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Deep V necklines are elongating and elegant – as long as you have a smaller bustline! We’re obsessed with this Hayley Paige Fall 2016 beauty! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Crop tops are the ultimate style for the modern, trend setting bride! Thanks to Brides.com for showing off this Spring 2016 Willowby by Watters stunner; we're in love!

Crop tops are the ultimate style for the modern, trend setting bride! Thanks to Brides.com for showing off this Spring 2016 Willowby by Watters stunner; we’re in love!

Corset tops give brides an amazing look, feel and fit, and this new Jenny Yoo Fall 2016 is the perfect example (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Corset tops give brides an amazing look, feel and fit, and this new Jenny Yoo Fall 2016 is the perfect example (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Tops that feature beaded straps are an easy, chic way to add some shine to your bridal look! Hayley Paige would know, she's the queen of bling, as you can see with this new HP Fall 2016 style! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Tops that feature beaded straps are an easy, chic way to add some shine to your bridal look! Hayley Paige would know, she’s the queen of bling, as you can see with this new HP Fall 2016 style! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

What do you think? Which top would you rock?

Bridal Gown Preservation

Keep your dress flawless and fabulous, forever!

There aren’t too many things that you can keep from your wedding day. Sure, your love lives on, photos keep the memories alive, enter other sappy statements here. While those are obviously true, we’re talking about the tangible things. You can’t take home those plush rental cocktail couches, you can’t keep those fabulous flowers alive forever, and you probably can’t recreate those tasty rice ball passed apps. One thing you can keep, though, is your bridal gown! Sure, if your party was a success your dress is probably a little worse for the wear, but we’ve got a fix for that; gown preservation! From fixing loose beading to eradicating stains to steaming and pressing, preserving your gown is the best way to keep your dress looking “aisle amazing” for years to come. Need more convincing? Here are just a few reasons to preserve your gown:

Click here to learn more and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!