I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE DRESS-WHEN TO STOP THINKING AND TIME TO BUY

My thoughts have been heavy, looking thru a Bride's eyes and heart.   As a Bridal Boutique owner I had to step back and give some thought to this..why are  these  young woman loving these dresses and not committing to buy them?

  I never could figure this out until now.  When I got married 40 years ago at the tender age of 19 years old, we didn't have the media exposure in 1972 like the Internet, allowing us to look at several options available today. Many are fabulous, however, most are not the wisest choices, but they are out there!  Women are delaying their weddings until they complete their education and become established in their careers into their late 20's and 30's...some do not find their mate until they are much older.

Their dreams are   never gone no matter how old they are or if it's their 2nd. or 3rd. marriage..they want to "shine!"  If the dress they are searching for doesn't do this to their heart the search continues.

For example, a very nice "Bride to be" came into my boutique 3 months ago and tried on some wedding dresses.  She brought 2 friends with her.  One was supportive of  her choices, the other talked her out of everything she tried on, which confused her even more.  The Bride loved this particular dress which looked absolutely gorgeous on her.  Her "supportive friend" thought so, I thought so, her "unsuportive friend" thought it was too casual and became adamant and negative to the point of upsetting the Bride.  To make a long story short...she left the store and waited outside until the appointment was over.  The Bride still loved the dress she tried on and we all loved it on her as well,  however, emotions were kicking in and she wasn't ready to buy, which had to be respected.

I spoke with her a few days later, and she agreed to return again with her "supportive girlfriend" but didn't want to try on anymore dresses anywhere else because she felt that "was the dress."

She called me a couple of weeks ago asking if I still had the dress she absolutely loved, and indicated she had gone out of town to look at other Bridal Salons, but she could not get this particular dress in my Salon out of her mind.  She returned  to the shop, tried it on again and bought the dress!  She had tried on 12 gowns altogether.

It's not a question of liking a dress, Brides have to LOVE IT.  With time being an issue in ordering dresses, and companies taking 6-9 months  in production time to make your wedding dress, unless you are fortunate to find the dress you "absolutely love" and buy it off the rack..Brides have to order their dresses early and start shopping early or their dress will never arrive in time!   When you do find your dress, you have to stop looking at other dresses and stop asking yourself the "what if I don't like it ."...it's DONE.

https://twitter.com/luckycollectionIn the meantime, the Holiday's are creeping among us, and many young women will be getting engaged during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years and we will have 2014 Brides looking for their wedding dress that will make their heart sing! It will be a dream they will never forget.....

A Letter from Steve Lang, CEO and Owner of Moncheri Bridals, etal.

As Professionals in the Bridal Industry, we work hard every day to offer the best of the best products from the major designers in Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaids, Mothers of the Occasion, Social Special Occasion, Prom, and Quinciniera.  We have invested thousands of dollars to become "Authorized Retailers" by these companies we represent and we stand behind what we sell.  We would not be in this business if we were not dedicated.

I would like to share a very important Notice received by Mr. Steven Lang, the Owner and CEO of Moncheri Bridals, ect., one of the largest Bridal, Prom, Social Special Occasion companies.  Mr. Lang is making every effort to stop the Counterfeit Manufacturing of all overseas manufacturing of Bridals and other fashions, as this is becoming a major problem and effecting "Brick and Mortar" bridal Stores.  Being a "Brick and Mortar" store, I cannot stress further to stop buying from these overseas dealers.  They steal our ideas, and we resent this.  We put long hours meeting with clients only to get ideas from us and then try to purchase overseas.    I will say it again..you will never and cannot expect to get the same Bridal gown overseas that costs $300, that we sell for $2500 from a major designer!  It's a fact.  Save your money and tears....we know our Industry otherwise we would not represent it in the Professionalism we do today.

Here is Mr. Lang's letter..please read it, remember it when you sit at your computer shopping online at one of these websites:


Before Ordering Your Prom or Bridal Gown Online…. Beware!
You've searched hours, weeks or even months online scanning dozens of websites 
for your dream dress. Then you find a site with fantastic prices that beat the 
competition. The site features the same photos of dresses from designers that you 
recognize and respect. But the prices are half – or even less. Better yet, they offer 
to custom make your dress to fit your measurements instead of buying an off-therack size.
Sound too good to be true? Well, then it probably is! If you’re tempted to order a 
dress online and the price is super cheap, think again. The Internet is recently 
flooded with hundreds of websites selling knock-offs dresses. Instead of getting an 
authentic designer dress at a ridiculously low price, what you risk getting is a cheap 
counterfeit version coming to you directly from a factory in China.
Delivery to your home can take up to 30 days or longer and might not reach you in 
time for your event… and that’s if you even receive your order at all.
If you do get a dress from a knock-off site, it may or may not look like the picture 
on their website. The Chinese factories behind the slick websites are using the 
designers' copyrighted photos without permission. But the counterfeit sites lack 
the original patterns needed to sew the dresses. Instead, they try to duplicate them 
based on the photo taken by the original designer. As a result, a lot of guess work 
goes into the dress when it comes to construction, fabric and embellishments like 
beading and lace.
Do you really want to leave your once-in-a-lifetime-event prom dress or 
wedding dress to chance?
Here's how to spot a website selling knock-offs or counterfeit dresses:
 If designers are named on a website, find that designer’s website. Then 
check the Store Locator for a list of retailers authorized to sell their dresses. If 
the website/store is not listed, then beware that they are not selling true 
designer gowns.
 The Contact Us page should have a phone number and address listed (preferably 
within the US), not just an email, for customer service. If the site has a phone 
number or address in China, that’s a red flag. It might be difficult to contact 
them about your order given the time difference and the language barrier. 
Some U.S. phone numbers merely forward the calls to China so ask where you 
are calling. If the website claims that you can return the dress for a full refund you can be 
fairly certain that this is a China website. In most cases, Authorized Retailers 
for these dresses cannot take returns unless the merchandise has a factory 
defect. Many people who order from the counterfeit websites are not able to 
get refunds either unless the item is shipped back to China which can be very 
costly.
 The websites requests more than a few of your body measurements.
Professional dress and bridal shops in the USA typically rely on three to four 
key measurements as provided on size charts created by the designers.
 If the models heads are cropped off in the photos, this could be an attempt 
to try to disguise copyrighted photos the counterfeit sites are using without the 
permission of the designers.
Before placing your order directly from a Chinese counterfeit website please 
understand:
 You may not be able to get a refund if the dress you ordered arrives not as 
pictured
 If you are required to return the dress to China to get your refund, the shipping 
can be costly ($50-150 or more). Whether or not you will actually get your 
refund is not certain. You may end up with no dress and no money.
 Your local bridal and prom stores have no connection to these sites and can not 
help you with a refund. These dresses are only copies and the original 
designers or stores who sell them are in no way responsible for defective or 
poor construction.
 There is a pending lawsuit against these counterfeit websites. Once the lawsuit is 
won, shipping companies such as Fedex, UPS and DHL could begin seizing 
packages with dresses that arrive at U.S. Customs that have shipped from 
China labeled as "samples" so that the the American consumer can avoid 
paying the customs duties and taxes that are legally required. Your order could 
be one of the packages that are seized by the shipping companies and you 
may never receive it at all or be required to pay the taxes due before it's 
forwarded on to you.
 Consumers ordering merchandise directly from China are hurting American 
businesses that are facing loss of business resulting in layoffs of many 
American workers by stores and their suppliers.

Shop from "Brick and Mortar" stores for your wedding dress...I can say no more!

Here at Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals, our wedding dresses are authentic, along with our Bridesmaids Collections.   We are "Authorized Retailers" for Allure Bridals,(Private Collection), Allure Bridesmaids, CB Couture, and their Private Collection. White One by Pronovias, Christina Wu, and their Private Collection, Bill Levcoff  Bridesmaid's, and other exclusives to our store in Carmel only.

We offer the best from these collections here locally.  For an appointment, give us a call (831)626-1287, or email us at collezionefortuna@yahoo.com.

Be educated, be wise!

CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE AND CLAUDIO ORTIZ

We would like to extend our congratulations to Stephanie Taylor and Claudio Ortiz who were married on August 5, 2012 at the Georis Winery in Carmel Valley, CA!

Stephanie scheduled an appointment with us at Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique.  We met with Stephanie and worked with her over a period to help her select the "perfect" dress for her, as she wanted something special that was more "fashion forward" than any other wedding dress she had ever seen.

Stephanie and her Mother Pat both said "YES"  at the same time to our gorgeous Allure Couture Bridal Gown that fit her perfectly off the rack requiring no alterations at all!  Stephanie was totally thrilled..and we all shared the excitement, and the box of kleenex for the tears of joy!  She had found her dress..and she looked just stunning, and it was exactly what she was looking for to wear on her wedding day!   Stephanie is a local resident , and she was thrilled to the fact that she did not have to travel to the San Francisco Bay area and search for her dress when we had everything she was looking for at Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals here in Carmel!

We thank Stephanie for trusting US with the most important purchase of her lifetime, her wedding gown and accessories!  Gals, we can do the same for you! How about it?? Give us a call for your appointment (831)626-1287, or email us at collezionefortuna@yahoo.com today!  http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewStoreFront?mode=edit&tab=profilewww.collezionefortuna.com

CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. JOSH ROSENTAL

Summer is the the most popular time for Weddings  here in the Monterey Peninsula!

We congratulate Rachel and Josh Rosenthal who were married on July 15, 2012.

Rachel came into our Bridal Boutique with her Step-mom Betsy, and I went over her theme of her wedding and the location, which was the "Memory Garden" at the Monterey Whaling Station by the Wharf in Monterey, California.   The location is a local Historial park with Spanish flair of "Old Monterey"..with beautiful roses in a variety of colours..the perfect setting for a Summer Wedding.

Without giving it much thought, Rachel tried on and fell in love with her wedding dress by "Victoria Bridals" which was strapless, out of satin and organza.  It had beautiful layers of ruffles trimmed in lace which were all different which added flair and personality to her dress with a corset back for a perfect fit!   Rachel was thrilled, and bought her dress off the rack!   We made a Bride very happy, we couldn't ask for more!

At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals, located at Su Vecino Courtyard, Lincoln Bet. 5th. & 6th., Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921, we continue to serve our customers locally, and from out-of-town, including Santa, Cruz, CA, and the entire State of California.

Let us make your take a special one too!  For an appointment just pick up the phone and call us (831)626-1287, or email us at collezionefortuna@yahoo.com with your appointment request!  We return our calls promptly and respond to e-mails!
Also visit our website at www.collezione fortuna.com.http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewStoreFront?mode=edit&tab=profile

PART 3- HAVING CHILDREN AS JR. BRIDESMAIDS AND FLOWER GIRLS

Including children under 12 years of age is often a common occurrence.  Having a Junior Bridesmaids, one or two walking in together with 2 Flower girls completes the Bridesmaid Court.

How old should children be ?  It depends on the child's personality is the key.  Are they shy?  Have they ever been in a wedding before?  How do they feel having many "eyes" looking at them as they walk down the isle during the wedding procession.

Flower girls...I would think carefully before you expose a young child to this task.  Are they outgoing?  Have they been in a wedding?  If they have this is a "plus" in your favor, because young children can be unpredictable and "freak out".

Purchasing a dress for a Junior Bridesmaid or  your Flower Girls cannot be done way in advance.  Why?  Because they are still growing like weeds.  In view of these facts, you still need to think 12 weeks ahead of the wedding date..that is the day they are wearing the dress, which is the day of the wedding!

In placing your order 12 weeks ahead, consider the child's size at the time of the order, AND the pattern of their growth pattern within that year.  Ordering their dress 2 sizes larger than their regular size is a safe guide to follow.  Always bear in mind there will be the cost of alterations which have to be factored in!  

www.collezionefortuna.com

At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals, we have a wide array of  Junior Bridesmaid's and Flower Girls fashions to coordinate with your selected Bridemaid's dresses.  We have experience in measuring and sizing everyone! At the time of your appointment, we recommend your child be rested, having something to eat or drink before their appointment.  Give us a call today (831)626-1287, www.collezionefortuna.com.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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

WORDS OF WISDOM TO MY BRIDES

Who would ever say or do this..this is uncool.......

DON”T PAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT!  We’ve actually heard of unscrupulous store owners who insist on charging a bride to try on dresses. Seriously? If you come across this, shop somewhere else.

I wonder which store owners do that??   I have never heard of such a thing!


Words of wisdom to my Brides will be in my next BLOG.....so stay tuned..and have a good weekend!

STUNNING FASHIONS....for THE MOTHER'S OF THE OCCASION

Mother's of the Occasion, also known today as Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom also deserve to look absolutely stunning on their daughter's/son's wedding day!   Not  only it's the Bride's Special day, but it's MOM's too!!  To see your daughter grow up in to adult womanhood, or their son grow up to be a fine Gentleman finally getting married is a tremendous milestone!  The Mother of the Occasion is often the last one to buy her dress for the upcoming wedding.

Today's fashions for "Mother's of the Occasion" are addressing women in their late 40's-50's, 60's years young who do not want to wear matronly fashions.  Budget is also in mind, and keeping up with the color theme of the wedding.  We are seeing more black dresses worn  today for a wedding, especially a mother of the Bride/Groom, which was considered to be "taboo" and only for funerals! Not so!
Traditions and fashions do change.  However, you do want to keep the theme of the wedding in place and not show up in leggings!

Keep elegance in mind and you can't fail to make and impression as a proud Mother of the Occasion!



 It's important that you DO make time for yourself to select the dress you plan to wear.  At Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique we are pleased to offer a wide array of  fashions to meet every woman's needs for "THE DAY".  However, if we do not have your size in stock, we do have to special order your dress.  This is not uncommon.
We have many year's experience in Couture Fashion Design and we are familiar with many fine Couture Houses.  We care how you look and want you to look stunning as you always are!

BRINGING THE BEST WEDDING PROFESSIONALS WORKING TOGETHER

I am proud to announce that Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique has been invited to join the "Monterey Bay Wedding & Event Professionals" , also known as "MBWEP".   The organization brings together the best of the best wedding professionals in the area from Event Planners, Photgraphers, Hair and Makeup Artists, Florists, Venues, Caterers, and much more......

About

::OUR MISSION::

To promote a community of local wedding & event professionals with integrity at its core, providing the utmost in professional services to our clients, and a commitment to excellence in all that we do.

::OUR VISION::

• Provide a central source of information to those planning a wedding or event
• Bring businesses together to advance our industry through networking, marketing and promotions.
• Increase the profile of the Monterey bay area by marketing it as a unique destination for weddings and events.
• Showcase the products and services of our members dedicated to quality.
• Offer opportunities for professional growth through the sharing of ideas and knowledge.
• Foster a caring attitude among members in dealings with the community, clients and each other.

Click to view the 2011-2012 MBWEP Board of Directors.

::MBWEP FOUNDERS::

Amy Byrd Amy Byrd Weddings & Events
Anthony Karabetyan, DNA Entertainment
Richard Wood, La Playa Hotel
Hunter Lowder, Holman Ranch
Heidi Hughett, Coastside Couture
Mike Steelman, Mike Steelman Photography
Peri Basseri, BigTime Video Services
Karissa Paxton, Coastside Couture
Brenna Catalano Rhoades, BC Design Studio
Nancy Rohan, Paradise Catering
Nick Elliott, Paradise Catering
Beth Belatti, Amy Byrd Weddings
Kim Lemaire, Ensemble Productions
Jullienne Chranowski
Sarah Ward

In my next blog, I will list the members and their expertise!  Please call on them this Wedding Season and support all of these wonderful local Professionals service your wedding needs!

BRIDAL TRADITIONS- WHO WILL GIVE AWAY THE BRIDE?

In planning your wedding, one of the most important decisions to make,  is who will give you away or walk you down the Aisle on your Wedding Day..

Traditionally, it has always been the honour and duty of the Father of the Bride to walk his daughter down the Aisle and give her to her husband.  Symbolically, this is giving his blessing and consent to the marriage, and is an emotional experience for the Father, as his "little girl" is now a "grown woman"  going into another transition in her life.  I cannot think of a better showing of love!

Unfortunately, in today's World, with divorced parents, and other issues, this may not be possible.
 If your Father is not present in your life or deceased, here are some tips on who can be proper choices:

1.  If raised a Catholic, or have a Godparent you still maintain a close relationship, Male or Female.

2. If your Father is deceased and has Brothers, ask the Oldest of the brothers to give you away..if  he cannot for some reason, and there are other Brothers, or Aunts, ask them.

3.  If your Father has been completely out of the picture while you were growing up and your Mother has re-married, your Step-father would be appropriate.  You can have both your Mother and Step-Father.

The list can go on.  I would search within my family first with your parents as first priority, always.  It's a joy to walk your grown child down the Aisle no matter how old you are and the parent!

I would be interested in sharing on who walked you down the Aisle on your Wedding Day. Feel free to leave your posts...!  Enjoy your day!

MODEST WEDDING DRESSES-WHAT ARE THEY?

MODEST Wedding dresses are Wedding Gowns that are "sanctioned"  by  certain Religions.  This is a delicate subject and there is no intent to offend or single out any Religious Group or Practices.  It's a matter of respect in the manner of how certain Religious customs are still Traditional in today's environment.

Being brought up a Roman Catholic, I can identify with these Traditions.  At the time of my marriage almost 40 years ago in the Catholic Church, anyone getting married inside the Altar or inside the Church was not permitted to expose their arms, cleavage, back as respect for entering a place that is considered "Holy" or  "Sanctioned" or "Blessed" by a Priest ,Rabbi, ,ect.    Within the last several years, the Catholic Church has become lenient with the requirement, therefore, the fashion trends of today are profound without restrictions, and have become individual choices.

However, there are  Religious Sectors today  that still maintain Modesty for the Bride at all times in her choice of her wedding dress and is not permitted to enter her Church unless her arms, cleavage, and back are covered, as an act of respect for her place of Worship.   Princess Kate Middleton's wedding dress would be considered "Modest" , yet it was also elegant, and yet everyone loved it!  Brides that do not want to wear a strapless dress on their wedding day can also choose to where these styles and give more choices available to every Bride.

Here are some examples of "Modest Wedding Dresses" offered today:

FOCUS ON YOUR BODY TYPE: FINDING THE PERFECT FIT FOR YOU

Finding the perfect wedding dress, it is important that it is recognized  what is the most flattering shape for your figure.

 One does not need to try on a multitude of wedding gowns to accomplish this.  

 

Here are some simple guidelines:

 

Hourglass figure :

 

If you have a big chest, big hips, thin waist with curves in the right places,  look for  wedding dress  with an "A" line with a dropped waist. This will show off your curves.  A sweetheart neckline is flattering to your bust-line.  A more "fashion-forward" look would be  a fitted dresses with some flare to the bottom(see photo).  Don't be afraid of trying a mermaid or trumpet style gown.

 I would stay away from Empire-waist styles, as they will make your figure appear "unbalanced."

 

Short Waistline:

Your body is naturally proportioned except for the distance from the ribs to your hips.

Settle for the Princess-line which is fitted at the bodice and opening gradually to a full skirt with the same pattern (see photo on the left) or fabric will make your figure appear longer.  If you want to show your nice shoulders, a portrait or a halter top neckline is another way to go!  Also try a slightly dropped waistline style gown will make your torso appear longer.  

 

I would stay away from the "sheath" style as this will make your short waist appear shorter that what it is.

 

                   TIPS:

 

Bear in mind that weight issues may play a part from the time you are ordering your dress from the time it arrives!    It takes up to 20 weeks for your dress to arrive from the date it is ordered, possibly a bit longer if you need special changes..so allow time!   

Always order your dress in the size you are now even if you plan to drop 20 pounds!  It is much easier to take the dress in than letting it out.  Choose the gown that fits your body type today.

 

This will be continued.................happy reading........and wedding dress hunting!