Brides on a budget...

Given the current recession, we are all hyper aware of the financial anxieties looming out there. It is easy to cut some costs - from cooking at home more often to opting for the great outdoors when it comes to recreation – but most of us still get a bit wary when it comes to the point of purchasing. So where does this leave women on a budget shopping for their ‘once and a lifetime’ wedding gown?

Many customers who visit our boutique have tight purse strings and we completely understand. At Blush, we pride ourselves on the wide selection of beautiful and reputable lines that we carry. If you have fallen in love with a gown but cringed at the price tag, please don’t feel discouraged or intimidated because we can still help you find the perfect dress for your special day.

All we need to know is your price range and what inspires you (many of our customers bring in pictures from magazines) and we will give you some gorgeous alternatives. We are pleased to let you know that we offer a wide selection of dresses (some starting at $190) by celebrated fashion designers - Lela Rose, Alfred Sung, Venus, Dessy - and we are also happy to offer some of our higher end gowns ‘off the rack’ at a generously discounted price. Whether your budget is $200 or $2000, we will have something special in store for you.

As professionals in the bridal industry, we sometimes hear about outlets claiming to have access to high-end designers at a fraction of the retail cost. In times like these, it may be tempting to ignore the ‘too good to be true” rule of thumb! Whether or not you are considering such an outlet, please heed our concerns first.

At our shop, we sometimes find ourselves in an unfortunate “disaster management position” as we try to help brides who are horribly disappointed with their imitation gown. More often than not, these brides have originally fallen in love with the real thing at a bridal shop but were shy of the designer price. They explore other 'avenues' hoping to get the same dress for less. When that does not happen, panic sets in and a replacement gown is needed fast.

The most common complaint about knock offs is that the fit is not even close to the original design or that the textiles feel “cheap”. This is because they are cheap! One of the ways that these operators have cut their costs is by substituting materials with lower cost textiles and beading. When viewing a photo online or even a sample floor model, it is virtually impossible to see the difference in quality. However, try to imagine the look and feel of silk chiffon and now think about a crunchy synthetic material posing to have the same beautiful draping effect. 'Impostor' fabrics are not only hard on the eye but they feel very rough on sensitive skin and they make for a completely different fit. Similarly, plastic beads do not give off the same sparkle as Swarovksi crystals or Rhinestones. If you appreciate a designer gown because of its beautiful movement or the way it picks up the light, quality textiles play a major role here - they cannot be substituted.

Another common complaint about imitation gowns is that they are the wrong color. This is because there is often little to no quality control and a lack of consistency between gowns because the factory is often working from a photo! Ivory becomes yellow, light gold becomes the color of grandma’s pantyhose and white becomes so blue-white that a pair of UV protection sunglasses are needed just to look at the gown. You are supposed to feel amazing on your wedding day - not self-conscious in a dress that is less than satisfactory.

There is nothing wrong with searching for the best possible deal but don’t let anyone mislead you. We at Blush want you to look back on your wedding day in years to come and feel great about your dress and your choice. If you have a champagne taste but happen to be on a beer budget, there is still fine wine to be had that won’t break the bank! Name your price and we’ll find you something with an exquisite nose, delicious taste notes and a beautiful finish. Book a free consultation with the ladies at Blush and we will show you a variety of beautiful gowns in your price range!

Back from the Market!

Spring has sprung at Blush regardless of what the temperature is outside.
Emily and Mary (owners) are back from the market and oh have they brought gifts. The vendors market in Vancouver was a hot spot this year abundant with innovative designs, jewelry and ‘must have’ accessories. Featured here is a new dress by Lovely Girl (isn't it darling?) and while we have several more styles in this collection they are quickly flying off the rack. These little numbers are starting at $80 - if it was Christmas, we’d be stuffing our stockings full - and they also happen to be super comfortable to wear. Pair these cottons cuties with jeans and flats (or come summer with bare legs and strappy sandals) and get your Lovely Girl groove on! Visit Blush today to get inspired for a new season and see our ever growing collection of fabulous cocktail rings, clutches, earrings and other goodies (did I mention we also have some new pashminas and beautifully patterned scarves too?)

Go Grads!

You're nearly there...

Although it still feels like winter outside, there is no doubt that prom is bountiful in the air. Many grads are visiting our boutique - some in a bit of a tizzy - eager to find that perfect dress. For many girls, time is certainly of the essence. Depending on the designer, it usually takes two-three months to process an order. However, there may still be time to order your favorite gown so don’t sweat the small stuff!

Thankfully, we are able to rush some orders for an additional fee of $50 so that you will receive your dress well before your big day. Alas, if the proverbial carriage has indeed turned into a pumpkin, we are happy to announce that we have just received some beautiful gowns available to purchase 'off the rack'. Many girls are pleased to learn that these fresh new dresses have never been worn or ordered before (they are exclusive to Blush) so we can confidently award you an A+ for uniqueness should you decide on one of these new stunners! Grads also take solace in our registry program which does not allow us to sell the same dress twice to the same school (not even in another color!). Pictured above is a new satin gown (size 14) by celebrated designer Pronovias (Barcelona). We love the unique and flattering bust line of this gown and the beautiful beading detail underneath. This elegant design is so stunning that we think it would have been ‘Oscar worthy’ and then some - it definitely scores high on the Blush buzz-o-meter!

Also worth mentioning are the other gowns by Pronovias hot in the shop. With decadent fabrics (silk chiffon), exquisite bead work and vibrant colors, who knew it would be so easily to pull off the beautiful 'Bollywood princess’ look? Looking for a Cinderella cupcake dress to pair with those sparkling glass slippers (hey, you never know!)- we have the perfect fairytale dress for your once in a lifetime ‘ball room dance'. Also still available is a size 10 gorgeous purple iridescent taffeta mermaid gown with an applique train and a lace up corset (cinches the waist line and makes for a curvalicious figure).

If you are looking for something a bit more subdued we also carry a lot of evening gowns with simple lines and creamy feeling fabrics. Bear in mind that if your 'off the rack' dress does not fit you perfectly (even if it is five sizes too big) a little nip and tuck by a third party seamstress will make it ‘fit like a glove’. So please ladies, don’t be shy! Advise us with your details (your grad date and high school) and we will find you an amazing dress and the best accessories for your very special night of glitz and glamour. A big congratulations to you all from the gals at Blush!

Bridal fashion flare: Flowers, feathers and more…

The modern day bride has a lot of options when it comes to her overall look. Fusing together the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ is a popular trend that makes for a lot of interesting choices. Drawing from tradition, we see a lot of brides incorporating that ‘something blue’ or long cathedral veils with big silhouettes and blushers. To pair these more traditional looks with contemporary flare (dramatic headpieces, peacock feathers, silk flowers, chunky accessories and pink, gold, oyster or champagne colored gowns) is a popular choice for many brides.

Making an exciting fashion comeback is the 30’s inspired feather birdcage. We love the modern look of Martina Liana’s casual yet gorgeous dupioni silk gown (with pockets!) paired with a structured birdcage. This intriguing look melds together vintage and contemporary styles. To add more romance, an antique lace veil paired with a sleek and modern gown like “Diamante” (a design by Pronovias noted for its elegance and clean lines) is also an exceptional choice. A lot of brides are also wearing veils low (just above the bun) adding a modern twist to a traditional look. To complete your beautiful ensemble, add a whimsical rhinestone headpiece (pictured above is the new tiara and then some) for equal parts ‘princess’ and ‘grace’. Different shapes and sizes are also hitting the pages of trendy fashion magazines: daring knee length gowns with lots of skirt and tulle, antique lace, full volume pick-ups and ‘off the shoulder’ bohemian chic.

Whether you are looking for a gown with simple lines or plenty of ‘princess poof’, visit our boutique to experiment with these dynamic new looks. Who knows, you might just tap into your inner glamour queen of the 30’s! At Blush, it’s all about making your hunt for the perfect treasure fun while giving you professional feedback and a variety of choices. Call us today to book your personalized appointment!