Thursday, April 26, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: PART 5: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA -THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL...

Collezione Fortuna: PART 5: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA -THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL...: PART 5: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA-THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS Part 4 covered the topic of " The Truth of Alterations in the Bodice of Brid...

PART 5: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA -THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

PART 5: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA-THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS


Part 4 covered the topic of " The Truth of Alterations in the Bodice of Bridal Gowns".  As you can see the process is time consuming and not as easy as it appears..that's why Alterations Specialists come into play.

When  you have a Bridal gown that requires shortening in the length these procedures can be done depending on the dress and pattern:

1.  It can be taken up from the waist. This requires detaching the top of the gown from the skirt completely, removing the zipper completely  and  doing the same  buttons and any decorations on  the back of the dress. This is not recommended for lace gowns, or tulle, or anything that has a beaded waistband.  A skilled seamstress will have to look at the dress prior to doing the work.  An experienced Bridal Salon and their consultants are familiar or (should be) with all fabrics and styles of gowns and be ready to give their honest recommendations if these processes can be accomplished.

2.  Lace Bridal gowns or satin gowns or any gown with a trim on the hemline cannot be shortened or made longer to accomodate a tall bride.  Bridal gowns are made in a standard length and each length will vary  with each designer.   It's recommended to have the gown ordered in your proper length with a "hallow to hem" measurement.  These charges are all going to be extra...AND you have you allow plenty of time for this to be done!  Your bridal gown will arrive in the proper length and you may save on the alteration costs.

3.  I cannot  EMPHASIZE ENOUGH  to order your gown early!  As soon as your wedding date is set..you need to think about ordering your dress!  It takes 6-9 months to special order your dress unless you are lucky enough to find "the one" that fits perfectly off the rack!

At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals, we have 40 years of experience in fashion design, and alterations.  We will not sell you a dress for the sake of making a sale!

www.collezionefortuna.comFor Bridal, Bridesmaids, please call to schedule your appointment (831)626-1287..and our appointments are FREE of charge!





Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: PART 4: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ...

Collezione Fortuna: PART 4: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ...: PART 4:  COLLEZIONE FORTUNA:  WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BRIDAL ALTERATIONS- THE TRUTH As covered in the first 3 topics about bridal alterations,...

PART 4: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BRIDAL ALTERATIONS- THE TRUTH

PART 4:  COLLEZIONE FORTUNA:  WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BRIDAL ALTERATIONS- THE TRUTH


As covered in the first 3 topics about bridal alterations, in Part #4, we will discuss how a bodice of a Bridal Gown is altered.

The Bodice in well-made Bridal gowns will have 3 layers, the outer part, which is the fabric layer of the dress, which everyone will see when walking down the aisle, and must fit perfectly!  It will have a built in bra, boning, and other linings, to hold them in place.  They must be sewn down by hand, in a "Couture-stitch"which involves hours of work to set in these pieces perfectly.  This part once the task is completed, is lined with a lightweight cotton lining, and will either have a corset that clips like a bra, but it will cover from the top of your bra  line and continue down to your natural waistline.  It is important that this is not tight!!!  Remember, you want to be comfortable in your dress, not faint because you can't breathe.....!

Bridal Gown Alterations
All  designers will use their own techniques.  When this process is completed, all 3 parts are sewn together by hand as needed with all the finishing touches.  Then a corset back with laces with the snaps is sewn inside, or a back zipper.  Most alterations will be completed from the back of the dress, unless the seams on each size allow it.

It is important to get the proper bust and natural waist measurement for the  Bodice to fit.  At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals, we have professionals who work with us when it comes to alterations.  We have great feedback from our Brides, as our Alterations Specialists are the best in the area.
For more information and to setup your Bridal appointment, please call (831)626-1287, www.collezionefortuna.com.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA: Part 3, WHAT TO EXPECT ATYOUR ...

Collezione Fortuna: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA: Part 3, WHAT TO EXPECT ATYOUR ...: PART 3:  WHAT TO EXPECT AT  YOUR  APPOINTMENT  FOR  BRIDAL ALTERATIONS-THE TRUTH In the 40 years I have been in Couture Design and have ...

COLLEZIONE FORTUNA: Part 3, WHAT TO EXPECT ATYOUR APPOINTMENT FOR BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

PART 3:  WHAT TO EXPECT AT  YOUR  APPOINTMENT  FOR  BRIDAL ALTERATIONS-THE TRUTH

In the 40 years I have been in Couture Design and have completed many tasks in  alterations of Bridal Gowns, Formals, these are my recommendations for every Bride to follow.  Whether or purchase is off the rack, or requiring "special order" all gowns are going  to need  some minor adjustments. These guidelines are important:

1.  Remember, your dress will take 6-9 months to special order.  For example, if you are planning your wedding for  July, 2012, you are all ready TOO LATE to special order your gown.  Arrivals for these orders are going to be early 2013.  Check with your bridal salon as these dates may vary but don't expect  it to arrive any earlier and you will have to compromise and buy off the rack.

2. Once you choose and pay for your dress..the Consultant will take your measurements(I have 40 years experience doing this!), or if they have an Alterations Department, they will to it.

3. Your measurements will be as follows- Underarm measurements, natural bustline, under the bustline, natural waistline, natural hip measurement(widest) part.   They will also take measurements from end of the shoulder to the wrist(especially if the dress has sleeves).  To get the correct length especially for lace gowns and you are a petite woman(under 5'4"), a "hallow to hem" measurement is always taken.  This is done from the hallow part of the neck with the measuring tape following naturally to the floor, with your SHOES ON IN THE LENGTH YOU PLAN TO WEAR WITH YOUR DRESS.

4. Your measurements are compared with the size chart prepared with the Bridal designer you chose as they are all different.  If you fall in between two sizes the larger dress size is ordered, or  the largest part of your body measurements determines the size!  You cannot guess as these measurements because your dress will not fit when it arrives!

5. Expect to pay additional costs for the above.  Each designer determines their own and there is no negotiation on "how much".  It takes extra time to make the dress especially for you,and many times it's going to cost less than having it altered professionally when it arrives.  No matter how it is, Bridal Alterations are going to cost.

In Part 4, We will discuss more about Bridal Alterations!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: PART 2: THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

Collezione Fortuna: PART 2: THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS: AS WE CONTINUE OUR TOPIC IN PART 2: THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS ,   with many years (over 40 years) experience in Fashion Design, A...

PART 2: THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

AS WE CONTINUE OUR TOPIC IN PART 2: THE TRUTH ABOUT BRIDAL ALTERATIONS,  with many years (over 40 years) experience in Fashion Design, Alterations with the Couture design emphasis, I cannot enforce enough be educated and informed about the person you choose to do the alterations on your wedding dress!


Always ask for references.  A good seamstress in this field will either have a Portfolio of her work. Ask to see it!  Word of mouth is the best advertisement.  She will also have experience in fashion design just in case you want to personalize your gown.  She will know how to match beading, how to take in a zipper properly, and where seams can be taken in or let out.  Think: you have  invested at least $2000. on the average on your wedding dress, which is the most you will spend on any  one dress in your lifetime....are you going to hold back when it's time to pay for alterations which can run anywhere from $150.-$500. on the dress?? 


If you recall in a previous BLOG, I mentioned "BRIDAL ALTERATIONS ARE NEVER FREE AND THEY ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE COST OF THE DRESS."  This fact remains true!  No one works for free, and if they offer free alterations..be careful!  You may not get quality work on your dress!


At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique, there are never hidden costs in our dresses.  We have a wonderful team of Professionals we highly recommend for Bridal Alterations and the feedback we have been receiving from our Brides and other Customers has been excellent!


In Part 3, of this series, we will discuss more what to expect when you have Alterations on your Bridal gown, and much more!


We would also like to mention, there is no need for locals to travel to the Bay Area for Bridal, Bridesmaids, Mothers, and much more!  With rising gas prices, limited time to shop(no Online shopping for Bridal..please..another horror story to tell)we have a great selection and you are supporting local small business.  For your appointment, give us a call (831)626-1287..and all appointments are FREE!!  Have a wonderful weekend!Part 2: The Truth About Bridal AlterationsPart 2: The Truth ABOUT BRIDAL BLTERATIONShttp://www.facebook.com/collezione.fortunahttp://www.facebook.com/camyrotella

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: Part I, The Truth to Bridal Alterations

Collezione Fortuna: Part I, The Truth to Bridal Alterations: The Truth of Bridal Alterations is  this type of alterations is a skilled process that requires many hours of fitting your gown properly in ...

Part I, The Truth to Bridal Alterations

The Truth of Bridal Alterations is this type of alterations is a skilled process that requires many hours of fitting your gown properly in many stages.  Each layer of your gown is considered to be one dress which requires fitting , measuring, tailoring, and whatever it takes for each detail to be perfect!

There are many out there who claim to be "skilled" and "knowledgeable" and Bridal Alterations..and honestly..they are NOT!

Larger Bridal Salons have a full service "Alterations Department" that have several women who specialize in beadwork(which takes hours of work by hand, no glue, ) adjusting the lace appliques, and redesigning certain features of your Bridal Gown.  These alterations are never FREE.

A smaller Bridal Boutique usually does not have an Alterations Department and they focus on working with a "team" of skilled local Professionals in Couture Bridal Alterations.  This is not unusual.  With their focus on bringing in the best in Bridal Couture to their store and working one to one with their Brides, this is ultimately important in placing your orders, and making sure your order arrives in time for your wedding.

With Brides waiting for the last minute to purchase their gowns, they are unaware most salons do not carry every style!  It takes 20 weeks (6-9 months) or more for your Bridal Gown to arrive!   For example, if you are planning your wedding for September 15,2012, it may be too late to order your dress, unless the company has it in their warehouse in your size, with Custom Changes impossible.

At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique, we take every step to make sure your gown arrives in time for Alterations.  I good rule is to have it in your possession  3  months before your wear date of your wedding.

We never charge for a Bridal Appointment!  For more information, and to make an appointment please call (831)626-1287.  All Brides are treated like our "daughters" getting married..we care..and we want their dream dress to be perfect!

In Part 2, we will discuss more about your appointment and what to expect.....Part 1, The Truth About Bridal AlterationsPart 1, The Truth About Bridal Alterations

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: Get a blast out of "Pinterest"...!

Collezione Fortuna: Get a blast out of "Pinterest"...!: HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! I hope you are enjoying a relaxing Easter with your families, and do what I have been doing in my spare time is wo...

Get a blast out of "Pinterest"...!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

I hope you are enjoying a relaxing Easter with your families, and do what I have been doing in my spare time is working on my "Pinterest" Page!!  What a wonderful social networking site using visualization of all your favorites by posting them on a page under a chosen Title of your choice.  I see this as another positive way to target your market or just show off what is meaningful to you and friends!  I hope you enjoy my page too!<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/56717276527306856/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/51298883225570169_mhNm5kGo_c.jpg' border='0' width='480' height ='640'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href=''>Uploaded by user</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/eami/' target='_blank'>Ami</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>