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 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

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.

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

DREAMING OF "WHITE ONE" BY PRONOVIAS......fullfill your DREAM now!

We   are pleased to announce "WHITE ONE BY PRONOVIAS"  is available at Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique and Bridals!   Part of the Pronovias family which offers La Sposa, and others, WHITE ONE'S Bridal Gown style's are very similar to La Sposa's, but you get a beautiful gown at more AFFORDABLE price!

If you where a Bride, which one would you choose...WHITE ONE..of course!

Gorgeous styles are available, in satins, laces, and tulle with the lace back option  in most styles, you cannot surpass these gowns with their excellent price points with glamour and European Elegance!


Easily accessorized with a belt with "glam" or a beaded jacket,  and other accessories we have available, each Bride can individualize her wedding gown to suit her style!

Sizes range from 2-28 and special orders take 8-10 weeks.   For more information and to set up your Private Bridal appointment to view  the Collection, please give us a call (831)626-1287 today to meet with our staff of experience professionals.

We are also Certified Members of the Monterey Bay Wedding and  Event Planners , where the best of the best of Wedding Professionals unite!

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!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR.....ENGAGEMENTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

THE Christmas  Holiday Season is the most popular time of the year for Couples to formally announce their Engagement.  With families getting together, this appears to be the most appropriate time to "pop the question..."will you marry me?"    Whether he gets down on his knees with the little box with the surprise you have been  dreaming about..or he may be  asking your Father's consent for your hand in marriage, it's the most exiting time of your life for the both of you and your families to share!  Christmas to Valentine's Day is the time when most couples become engaged.  Whether or not you have been looking at engagement rings, here are few tips:

Bear in mind there is a budget for your ring.  Shop around to local jewelry stores you can trust. Be sure you have a written appraisal of your rings accompany your purchase. Don't insist your fiance' makes a purchase on an Engagement  that is out of your budget.  Keep your budget in mind and stick to it. 

If you are "surprised" with an Engagement ring and did not get to pick it out, please accept it graciously!  The world isn't going to end.  There will be Anniversaries and milestones to share later where you will either be able to afford your dream wedding set and it will be meaningful.

Congratulations to all the Brides getting engaged...and Happy Holidays!!!!!

    

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!

I AM TALLER THAN YOU..WHAT do I DO??

ARE you a TALL woman...5'7"or MORE and thin?  Many will envy your possible ability to walk the runway, however, don't fret..your ability to wear anything is all a matter of taste!gown

A Ballgown will be your "Princess Dress" if you decide to go this route,  however,"Couture Elegance" is ideal!

We  hope these recommendations will help you with your
search and make it a lot easier!

Remember, to patronize your local Bridal Boutiques for all your needs!   Authorized Dealers are the ONLY ones that will sell what they advertised in certain Bridal Lines.  Buying ON-Line..please BEWARE...what you see is often what you do not receive.

All images shown Are Copywrited by Allure Bridals and have been used with their consent.   If you are interested in any of these styles, Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique & Bridals, Su Vecino Courtyard, Lincoln bet. 5th. & 6th., Carmel by The Sea,CA 93921 (831)626-1287  is an "Authorized "Dealer for Allure Bridals including their Private Lable.  For scheduling an appointment give us a call (831)626-1287.  We are always delighted to work with you!

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!