Thursday, May 31, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: PART 3 SERIES- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BRIDESMAID...

Collezione Fortuna: PART 3 SERIES- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BRIDESMAID...: Y ou have selected your wedding dress-finally! What a relief  to get this part of of your wedding plans completed.   The bridal party has ...

PART 3 SERIES- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BRIDESMAIDS APPOINTMENT

You have selected your wedding dress-finally! What a relief  to get this part of of your wedding plans completed.   The bridal party has been selected, which is your Bridesmaids!


Although there is no set rule on how many you have chosen to be part of the group, my recommendation is to select wisely.  Once  your choice is made and the girls have been asked to participate there is no change of heart! SO, dear Bride you must be in control!  There is always going to be someone in your Bridal party that is going to disagree with your choices of dresses, colours, you name it..so put the cards on the table before you book your appointment with the Bridal Salon for the dresses!  


These are my  suggestions and what to expect from your Bridesmaids appointment:


1.  Bride-go thru some Bridal Magazines like "The Knot" and get some ideas on current styles.  Establish your colour theme and most  important your budget for the dresses.  Bridesmaids dresses depending on the fabrics can range anywhere from $150.-$300..maybe more!  So don't drive yourself crazy driving all over town trying to save $10.00-$20.00. Consider your time, gas, and other factors wasted..IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT!   


2.  Stay away from On-Line websites who offer you "too-good to be true prices" for the same dress!  You cannot expect to get the same dress at an On-Line(especially overseas)website offering the same dress for $99.00 when an Authorized Retailer for that dress is selling it at the proper price! There is a huge difference, and we have dresses in the backroom of our Bridal salon to prove it!  The fabrics from these On-Line retailers are not the same, and the workmanship is horrible.  Save your money and tears...The prices are always set by the Designers!


3. Establish who is going to pay for the dresses in advance..is your family picking up the tab..or will your girls in your Bridal party??  Discuss this ahead of time.  If the reason is "they can't afford it" don't take it personal.  Times are bad right now for many during this economic downturn.


4. Set a meeting with your Bridal party to discuss your wishes..do you want the girls to wear the same dress in the same color, different styles same fabric and color, ect.  Do this before your appointment!


5. Set up your Bridal Appointment.  Make it at at  time  all your girls can attend..and be prepared to buy.  It's rude to waste 2 hours of a consultants time unless you are ready to move forward and order your dresses.  Expect to pay for the dresses in full at the time of your order..and..to receive the dresses in time please allow 12 weeks for delivery.  Waiting too long=no dresses!


6.  Have your Bridesmaids bring a pair of shoes with them in the height you plan to wear with the dresses, including any personal undergarments.


7. Be in charge! You may want to appoint one person you can trust to help make a positive buying decision.  Remember, it's your wedding....your color choices and dress selection is yours!  As stated earlier, there is going to be someone who will downright refuse to wear the dress chosen..and disagree with everything.  Majority rules here...this is when you have to "take" the girl aside and politely discuss your wishes with her. If she downright refuses to compromise make it "her choice" to back out of the wedding.  If she is sincerely wanting to be in your wedding, she will compromise for one day.  Find out her reasons and try to work with her if all possible. Example-  She may like the color of the dress but doesn't feel comfortable in a strapless dress.


8. Once you have selected your dresses and deposits made, you will be measured by the consultant.


9.  Bestselling dresses will be around for years!   Yardage can be ordered at extra .  Do this at the same time you order your Bridemaids dresses to assure proper dye lot.  The dye lot colour sample may vary slightly from the exact colour of the dress and this is not unusual at all.


Once you have completed the task of taking care of your Bridesmaids dresses..you can move onto the next step!


For more information and to schedule your appointment for your Bridesmaids, give us a call today (831)626-1287, www.collezionefortuna.com.


Happy Shopping!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES SERIES- PART 2- ONE OF MY BRID...

Collezione Fortuna: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES SERIES- PART 2- ONE OF MY BRID...: O ne of your Bridesmaids  is pregnant....what are you to for a dress?   Pregnancies happen every day!   Whether or not your bridesmaid p...

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES SERIES- PART 2- ONE OF MY BRIDESMAIDS IS PREGNANT...WHAT DO WE DO FOR A DRESS?

One of your Bridesmaids  is pregnant....what are you to for a dress?  

Pregnancies happen every day!   Whether or not your bridesmaid plans to share her personal information with you..well...is something you can't control..many pregnancies are"surprises"...or just planned.  It's personal...

Lets move on to what she can wear!  Most companies take up to 12 weeks to order a Bridesmaids dress.  You will have to tell your Vendor one of your Bridesmaids is pregnant at the time you place her order,and give her delivery date of the baby,and the approximate time of the stage of her pregnancy at the time of her wedding.

Sizing pregnant Bridesmaid or a Bride can be difficult! Alterations are always going to be part of the picture.  IF she is slim, and has had other pregnancies, this may determine how much weight she has gained in the past.  The normal weight gain is 20-30 pounds with jumps in weight gain in the 3rd., 6th. and the last 8 weeks of pregnancy.  If she is planning a pregnancy prior to your wedding and shares this information with you, most likely she will be pregnant by the time your dresses arrive!  If this is the case, she would be 5 months pregnant(12 week delivery of the dress approximately).  In this case,  I would NOT order her normal dress size in the Bridesmaids dress you select, but you can either go with a loose fitting "empire" dress, ordering it 4 sizes larger(to be safe) and have it altered to fit.  MY honest recommendation is to with a Maternity Bridesmaids dress! There are many flattering styles, and color selections available,and this take away the guessing game of what size to choose because they are made to fit properly.

Here are my recommendations for your Bridesmaids who are pregnant in the early stages of pregnancy(under 3 months):
Any pregnancy beyond the first trimester will be obvious in most women, especially after giving birth to one or 2 children.  This is just a "fact" of life.  I would recommend staying away from form fitting styles as they are uncomfortable to wear even in the early stages of pregnancy. 

If the pregnancy is beyond 3 months, I would just order a Maternity Bridesmaids  dress for her.  This can be worn also should she have given birth a few weeks prior to her wedding if necessary. These styles are flattering:



The above is just an example what we have available for your Bridesmaids should a pregnancy occur.  With different styles,and colors available we can accommodate anyone!  She would still need to be measured at the time of your order to determine the correct size.

For more information  and to make your appointment , call us (831)626-1287, www.collezionefortuna.com.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: BRIDESMAIDS ARE SPECIAL WEEK- PART 1

Collezione Fortuna: BRIDESMAIDS ARE SPECIAL WEEK- PART 1: Bridesmaids are SPECIAL WEEK- Part 1 N othing is more special than having Bridesmaids included as part of your wedding court.  Whether ...

BRIDESMAIDS ARE SPECIAL WEEK- PART 1

Bridesmaids are SPECIAL WEEK- Part 1


Nothing is more special than having Bridesmaids included as part of your wedding court.  Whether you have one or 20, it is important that you do sit down and have  mature discussion of what you have in mind several months in advance of your wedding day.

Brides usually choose their Bridesmaids as soon as they become engaged.  Part of the group is usually your sister, members of your family, including members of the groom's family, your most intimate childhood friends you have already establish a"lifelong"bond. You will need to consider these important factors when you do establish your budget for Bridesmaid's dresses:

1.  Who is going to pay for the dresses?  Are you planning to pay for them or the chosen Bridesmaid?  Some Brides do purchase the Bridesmaids dresses for their Bridal Group as "Thank you" gift.

2. Who is going to be your Maid/Matron of Honor? Are you having any children in the wedding as flower girls,junior Bridesmaids?

3.  Have you established your color theme,and where you plan to buy the dresses?

4.  Do you want your Bridesmaids to wear the sames style and color?

Be sure you discuss your plans with your girls before you book your appointment, and they understand clearly what you have in mind.  You are the Bride and you are the one to make the last call on what you want the girls to wear.  Be courteous to respect everyone's budget.

www.collezionefortuna.comAt Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique, our Bridesmaids Collection consists of Allure Bridesmaids, and Bill Levcoff.   Size ranges are from 2 to 32! The Color palette is over 57 colors with fabrics from silky satins, chiffons,and the workmanship is the best you can find.  Also..these dresses do NOT look like Bridesmaid's dresses and can be worn again!  Isn't that fabulous?  Also, bear in mind, please allow 14-16 weeks for Bridesmaids dresses to arrive..so..plan ahead to book your appointment and place your order! A deposit will be required to be paid at that time, which is normal.

Have any questions and want to book an appointment with us?  Call us today (831)626-1287...let the Bridemaids shopping begin!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: Run to our SEASONAL DESIGNER BRIDAL GOWN CLEARANCE...

Collezione Fortuna: Run to our SEASONAL DESIGNER BRIDAL GOWN CLEARANCE...: HAVE YOU HEARD???? We are having our  Seasonal Year-end Designer Bridal Gown Clearance   We love Weddings and we love to pass value...

Run to our SEASONAL DESIGNER BRIDAL GOWN CLEARANCE


HAVE YOU HEARD???? We are having our  Seasonal Year-end Designer Bridal Gown Clearance  

We love Weddings and we love to pass values to our Brides!!  At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique we continue to offer only the BEST when it comes to our selection!  Many our under the impression that small Bridal Boutiques are "up there" in prices!  That us absolutely not true!  We are access to Private Collections priced anywhere from $800-$2800.00 at the most.  Our sale offers select styles and sizes anywhere from $250.00 -$1000.  So, if you are holding out for the last minute..give us a call to set up your appointment (831)626-1287 today....and our appointments are FREE!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: LOOK YOUR BEST IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS ONCE ALTERATI...

Collezione Fortuna: LOOK YOUR BEST IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS ONCE ALTERATI...: In the last few weeks , we have covered what it takes in completing the proper alterations, and your fittings in your wedding dress. To ...

LOOK YOUR BEST IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS ONCE ALTERATIONS ARE COMPLETED

In the last few weeks, we have covered what it takes in completing the proper alterations, and your fittings in your wedding dress.

To summarize, and as a Professional   in this Industry with over 40 years experience in Couture Design, Alterations, we still stand by the following facts:

1.  Alterations are NEVER free..if someone wants to work for nothing..that is up to them!  The quality of their work ..questionable!  Why? Many , and I say many young brides today lack the skills, and do not recognize the quality of expert alterations performed by a Professional in  Bridal Alterations, and the difference from someone who sews as a "HOBBY!"  There is a HUGE difference!  Anyone can make a veil, sew a comb on it and put flowers..and give it away for free.   Do you want to wear this on your head on a wedding dress dress that you have spent $1,000 plus dollars???  I don't think so!  I would rather have a florist make a corsage to wear in my hair! Veils can cost up to $250.00 or more, especially the Cathedrals..do you think this is going to be given away for free with every dress a salon sells???? I don't think so..unless it's a very large purchase and the entire Bridal Group makes their purchase at that salon. You cannot give away the store.

2. The Price of wedding gowns..all of them are set by the designers.  If the Bridal salon wants to mark up the gown to cover their alterations costs..it's up to the Bridal Salon..to each his own.

3.  Unless you are a large Bridal Salon, you will have at least 2 highly qualified  Seamstresses working for you in your shop and on your payroll.  There is no way possible you can operate your store by yourself and perform alterations in a professional way and consult with Brides who book appointments with you. If you can do this..well, you are not busy enough!

4. The trend right now we are seeing is "last minute" buying off the rack.  This means you have waited too long and it's too late to order your dress in your size. Alterations will be a reality..so don't assume they are included in the cost of the dress.

5.  If you don't believe what I am telling you..pick up the phone and make several calls to Bridal Salons all over, including Davids Bridal.   I bet the majority of 99% charges for all Alterations!!!!!!  Some even charge for color swatches! Some Bridal Salons in Metropolitan areas limit appointment times, and do charge for appointments!!! This is now starting to become an Industry Standard of the future highlighting the true Professionalism of this industry. Be prepared to accept some changes!

6. Your final alterations of your dress is done about 3 weeks before your wedding.  The gown is basted and final adjustments are made to the dress.

7.  There are companies that their specialty is "Customizing" your dress..if you want a longer train, sleeves added long or short, ect, beading added, change of fabrics, they will do this for you , of course, these will take extra time,and extra costs.   I can't stress enough it can take up to 20-24 weeks to order your dress with custom changes.

If you have any questions, please let us know at the time of your consultation .  Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique never charges for an appointment and we never make promises we cannot deliver.  Give us a call for your appointment (831)626-1287, website, www.collezionefortuna.com.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Collezione Fortuna: PART 6: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA- THE TRUTH ABOUT ALTERA...

Collezione Fortuna: PART 6: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA- THE TRUTH ABOUT ALTERA...: IN the last 5 Blog Posts about " The Truth About Alterations", we would like to summarize these facts including how your Bridal Gown should ...

PART 6: COLLEZIONE FORTUNA- THE TRUTH ABOUT ALTERATIONS

IN the last 5 Blog Posts about " The Truth About Alterations", we would like to summarize these facts including how your Bridal Gown should fit once all alterations are completed:

1.  Once the bust line is taken in, it should shape your bust line to it's natural shape. It should not be tight.  Extra bra cups may be added inside the lining of the bra built in for extra shape and uplift.  The built-in corset should be comfortable not tight! You want to be able to breath not faint..

There should be no "back-flab"!!!! If there is, the gown is too tight.

2.  The waistline should be at it's natural length.  Again, you should be able to zip up the dress easily. If you can't..it's too tight!  Lace back corset dresses are a plus for"curvy" figures.  No zipper worries, but again, the dress needs to fit properly!

3. Hips- you should be able to sit in a chair comfortably.  If you can't the dress is too tight!   Be aware "trumpet" styles are often taken in more than they should be without consideration of the fabric of the dress. Laces and tulle overlay fabrics may rip if too tight. Satins may leave seam wholes.

4. The length-  did you get measured for the proper length wearing the proper  shoe length  you plan to wear on your wedding day?  Once this measurement is taken, you have to stay with that shoe length or the dress will be longer than you want it to be and your heels will get caught in the dress.  An experienced Consultant in Alterations will know how to take your proper measurements for your dress.

5.  Bear in mind, Alterations are extra in 99.9%  Bridal salons and Bridal Boutiques, and David's Bridal and never negotiated.  This shouldn't be a surprise , and alterations are never free!  If they are advertised as "FREE" beware because they are often incorporated into the cost of the dress..you are going to pay no matter what..no one works for free!

6. Allow time to order your dress!  It can take up to 6-9 months. Start looking or you will end up buying off the rack.  Bridal salons/stores can only do so much to get your "dream dress" in time for your wedding. It's not their fault if you wait to the last minute to order.

7.  Stay AWAY  from ONLINE retailers...!  There is NO WAY on earth you will get a $2400 dress from a website stating a major bridal lines name for $350 or less.  Shop local..there is a huge difference in every aspect.

At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals, Su Vecino Courtyard, Lincoln Bet. 5th. & 6th, Carmel,CA 93921, (831)626-1287, www.collezionefortuna.com, we know our inventory like the palm of our hand, and have many years experience in Fashion.  Shop locally with us by calling for your appointment today (831)626-1287.

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