Real Chic Bride Sends a Real Chic Thank You!
We hear the nicest things from brides in thank you notes. They come in all shapes and sizes, on beautiful stationary and on handcrafted notes made with love. Unfortunately, we can't share them all on here (although we do post some of them in one of the fitting rooms in the boutique - maybe you've spotted them?) but we just received a lovely little email from a Real Chic Bride who wore Berta Bridal for her wedding in Puerto Rico that we thought we'd take the opportunity to share her kind words right here on the blog.
Lucianne writes:
My name is Lucianne Rivera and I am a lucky Chic Parisien and Berta Bride. My wedding was on December 27,2014 and even though I don't have my professional photos yet I wanted to share some of the pictures I have of my special day. A weekend like this up coming weekend one year ago I flew to Miami with my mom and my mother in law for a day to try on the dresses I'd followed for over a year on Pinterest. We were on a mission! Alana was there on that day to help me in finding the perfect dress. Can I just say she is wonderful! She really understood what I wanted, she made us feel welcomed and cared for at all times. Gracias Alana por todo! Gracias por hacer de este momento tan especial uno inolvidable para mi y mi familia!
Everything about my experience in your store was perfect! I loved everything about my dress. If you could please extend my message to Berta... On my special day I felt absolutely beautiful, elegant, feminine, and classy. She is an amazingly talented designer and I felt honored to have worn one of her beautiful pieces of art! I just love her work!
Thank you to Lucianne for forwarding us her pictures so quickly and including this adorable one of her pup Toffee looking incredibly chic!
We just wrapped up our Berta Bridal Trunk Show and it was wonderful! We saw more than a few brides find The Dress in the boutique over the past few days. But, time to move on!
This week is the Lazaro Trunk Show and Lazaro himself, the gown's designer extraordinaire, will be at Chic Parisien. What a treat! You can try on Lazaro gowns with the expert eye and opinion of their creator there to help you put together the whole look and pick the perfect gown for you!
Chic Parisien To Host U.S. Debut Of Berta 2015
We are very excited to be amongst the first to have the new 2015 Berta Bridal collection - and it is amazing. All the elements that you already love about the Berta brand shine just as bright as always; it's a sexy, modern take on traditional bridal silhouettes and fabrics. If you aren't afraid to show some skin, but still want to be an elegant bride, you probably have already been following Berta.
The new collection includes stunning spins on illusion necklines, back-baring gowns, and intricate beaded details.
If you don't already have an appointment for the extra-long, Wednesday - Saturday, trunk show, you should make one now. Space is limited even with the additional time.
Maria Elena Headpieces Trunk Show + Gisele Del Bustos Magic
We love a good Maria Elena Headpieces Trunk Show. Why? Because not only does a Maria Elena Headpiece really complete a chic wedding look but the trunk show usually comes with the very talented Gisele Del Busto - such a treat for our brides. Gisele has both an infectious energy and a skilled eye for matching brides to their perfect headpieces. If you're a bride who hasn't decided on your wedding day hair and accessories you should plan on stopping by this Friday and Satuday, January 9th and 10th, to meet Gisele and have her work her magic on you.
images via Maria Elena Headpieces
Bring It Back
Sure, the first impression is usually the front of the wedding dress, but isn't the back just as important? If your wedding includes a ceremony and an aisle, it's likely that your guests will be looking at the back of your dress for most of the ceremony. When you're looking in the mirror, you're probably focused on the front - but your guests (and your photos!) are looking from all angles - so don't forget to think about the back!
Over the past few years, dresses have plunged dramatically in the back; it's a way to give a traditional dress an element of surprise or feel sexy by tastefully showing some skin. Designers have been experimenting with taking dresses of all shapes and styles for a dip in the back. You can find everything with a low or exposed back - short, long, traditional, bold, classic, modern, sleeveless, sparkly or simple.
Are you shopping for a dress, considering a low back? Or are you a bride who opted for a sexy back? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook at facebook.com/ChicParisien.
Photos taken at Chic Parisien.
Real Chic Bride Eliana Featured on Style Me Pretty - And Boy Is This Wedding Pretty!
When something is beautiful, you know it right away. It hits you hard and you fall fast - that's how we felt about Eliana's beautiful Italian inspired wedding. She found her Lazaro dress with us and topped it off with a Monique Lhuillier tulle skirt also from our boutique. We have lots to say about this Fisher Island wedding, but we'll let the bride tell you about it herself. Here's what Eliana told Style Me Pretty:
My vision for my wedding was an intimate affair that was reminiscent of my family’s lake house on Lago Maggiore, Italy. We chose the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fisher Island to exude the charm and romance of Italy. With Miami Beach as our backdrop we embraced the city that raised us and where we met. We incorporated lace, candelabras and lots of candles to set the tone. Our focus of the evening was family as we embraced Jared’s family history during the ceremony and my family history with opera singer during the reception. We had personal touches by using hydrangeas that are in the garden at my home in Italy, serving oysters which are Jared’s favorite food during cocktail hour, Affogato for dessert which is a traditional italian treat, and our favors were maple cookies from where we lived in Toronto. The toasts were long, the dance floor was sweaty and the champagne was endless. We would not have had it any other way!
Photography: Shea Christine Photography
Real Chic Bride Agueda Lopez Graces The Cover Of People En Español (and married Luis Fonsi!)
Dressed in a beautiful Inbal Dror dress and looking happily in love - not to mention crazy beautiful - Spanish model Agueda Lopez married singer Luis Fonsi. The stunning bride opted to accessorize the mermaid dress with a modern ponytail, chandelier earrings and a smokey eye look. But we'll stop all the talking and get to the photos that stole the cover of People en Español and a multi-page spread:
Three Things to Avoid On Your Wedding Day
A few weeks ago we chatted with Catherine about "Three Do's For Brides On Their Wedding Day," who better to give some tips and tricks she's picked up after years of talking to brides? Today, she's telling us three things she things bride's shouldn't do on their wedding day. We won't call them "don'ts" because every girl has her own way, but we will say that if you follow this advice you'll make your day just that extra bit less stressful - don't say we didn't warn you!
- Avoid making a drastic change to your appearance right before the wedding. If you're going to try a new look for your wedding, go for it way in advance. You don't want to chop off your signature long locks a week before the wedding and then go into a panic because you don't look like you.
- Try to avoid salty foods the day before. Salty foods can be comforting if you're nerves are running a bit wild, we know the power of a bag of chips, but avoid salty food because you'll retain water and be a bit bloated.
- Make all your accessory decisions in advance. Avoid leaving yourself accessory options to decide on the last minute. Have your details picked out in advance so that you can sit back and enjoy the day without worrying over your earring choice in your precious few hours.
Join us this weekend for the Romona Keveza Trunk Show at Chic Parisien.
An Exclusive Look At The Next Trends In Bridal: Chic Parisien Goes To Bridal Market In NYC
The Chic Parisien team visited New York for market last week, the bridal equivalent to Fashion Week, where all the new trends are strutted down the runway. We made big decisions about what will make for the perfect bridal looks for our future Chic Parisien brides, visited with friends, designers and collaborators and, mostly, swooned over all the beautiful bridal looks we got to see up close. Catherine kept her well trained eyes out for trends that were emerging as they hopped from show to show and showroom to showroom and here are the four big trends you should know:
Crop Tops Are Cropping Up
Hayley Paige and Yolan Cris showed looks with a little bit of surprise skin.
Hayley Paige
Color Me Mine, New and Unexpected Bridal Gown Hues
A slew of fun, infectious new colors came down the runway - especially at Monique Lhuillier.
Lazaro
Monique Lhuillier
The Cold Shoulder, Off-The-Shoulder Dresses Are All In
We saw loads of off-the-shoulder dresses like this Lazaro number:
Inbal Dror
Power Suit, A New Meaning To The Term "Bridal Gown"
According to Naeem Khan, pants are having a moment.
Naeem Khan
A Chic Parisien Monique Lhuillier Dress Makes it All The Way To A Dubai Wedding: Real Chic Bride Mariana Silva Abubakar Weds in A Stunning International Affair
When a wedding story starts with a proposal in Thailand and ends with a happily ever after - we're instantly hooked. When said wedding includes a Monique Lhuillier dress with beautiful bright blue embroidery and a seamless blend of cultural tradition and breaking in down on the dance floor - it's going to make our top weddings ever list.
Mariana Silva and Abba Atiku Abubakar, the son of the former vice president of Nigeria, wed in a Dubai affair that was equal parts modern elegance and traditional. Scroll down for more images via Udim EE Photography.
New Berta Bridal Style At Chic Parisien, A First Look
On Friday, we played a bit of dress-up with a lovely Brazilian beauty named Bianca, who happily donned the latest styles by Berta Bridal and some of our other ultra-chic designers.We thought it would be fun to share some of the beautiful, glamorous gowns from our Berta trunk show with those of you who couldn't come see them in person. As our brides-to-be found their future dresses tucked away in private in our dressing rooms, we used the rest of the store as our backdrop and snapped some pictures of Bianca showing off these Berta beauties.
Come back soon, we'll be sharing more images of our photo shoot next week and on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/ChicParisien) and on Instagram (@chicparisien). Xoxo.
How To Take Care of Your Wedding Dress Before and After Your Wedding
We know that a wedding dress is an investment, albeit a beautiful investment that you get to wear, celebrate love and dance in, but an investment nonetheless. Like any investment it requires a bit of care, patience and attention to maintain it. Brides ask us all the time the best way to care for the dress before the wedding and what to do to preserve it after, so we thought we'd round up a few basic tips that apply to almost every dress and share them here:
- When you buy your dress we'll give it to you prepped and wrapped up so that you can just hang it up safely.
- If you're traveling to your wedding destination be sure you hang it up as soon as you arrive. Ideally, the dress will be able to hang for a few days before the wedding and rest on the rack.
- While it may seem like the right thing to do is steam the dress, usually that's a gentler way to get the wrinkles out, it's not what you want to do with most dresses. You should press the dress with a new iron on a silk setting and use a clean pillowcase in between the iron and the dress to minimize the direct heat.
- After the wedding, when you've danced, hugged, kissed and are through with the big day - take it to be dry cleaned immediately after. Don't waste any time.
Don't forget our Monique Lhuillier trunk show is this weekend (September 19-20). It's not too late to book an appointment and come try these dresses on in person. And then take care of them after of course.
images via Monique Lhuillier
Mira Zwillinger's 2014/2015 Collection Trunk Show and Notes on Personal Style
Next week is our Mira Zwillinger Trunk Show (September 5-6) and in preparation/to get you as excited as we are, we wanted to share these photos from her 2014 - 2015 collection. We love the bold and edgy unexpected choices for styling these very beautiful and feminine gowns; instead of seeing them in a traditional bridal style, we're seeing these chic and feminine gowns styled with a bit of edge. Replace the flowing locks with a short cropped hair cut and a bit of sly ink peeking out from under sheer overlays and swap the chandelier earrings for studs on the upper cartilage. The dresses themselves still feature styles that everyone loves and traditional, flattering cuts made of the most sumptuous fabrics you can imagine.
Designer Mira Zwillinger sites snowflakes as the inspiration for this collection, as no two dresses are exactly alike - remind of all of you. This photo shoot is a pleasant reminder of how a traditional gown can be styled to suit a bride's personal style.
Whether you decide to style one of these gowns, or whatever gown you pick, with a bit of your own flair and style you're sure to make it feel like it was made for you. Call and schedule your appointment now to come in and feel these Mira Zwillinger for yourself!
Why Shop A Trunk Show?
If you follow us on any of our social media outlets (and you should!) you’ve probably noticed that we are always promoting an exciting upcoming trunk show. These specialty events sometimes they have obvious additional perks, but we know that with so much to learn and navigate in the world of being newly engaged, brides-to-be sometimes aren’t clear on why to shop a trunk show. We’re here to clear it up.
Additional Perks
A trunk show is a little mini-takeover of a bridal boutique of a single designer and that designer. The designer and the boutique come together to bring you some bonuses, ranging from little to big, to incentivize you to join in on the fun and get to know the brand. Think: free veils, extra train or a discount like 10% off.
Get Up Close And Personal
If you’re attending a trunk show because you know you’re drawn to that designer’s aesthetic, you’ll be in for a treat; trunk shows usually showcase the featured designer’s entire collection instead of just the pieces that store has chosen to stock from that collection. Usually, a store tailor picks what dresses they think will appeal to their clientele, which might work just fine for you, but if you want to see the whole runway collection in the flesh, a trunk show is really the only way to go. You’ll get a look at each and every piece from that season, most of the time, before it’s in stores at all.
Our upcoming trunk show featuring Bliss by Monique Lhuillier will feature the whole range of gowns a few months before you’ll see them in stores (featured in these images). And you don’t want to miss these latte, blush and silk white beautiful gowns for the modern bride – they are positively lovely.
Make A Request
Thinking of coming into a trunk show because you’re a fan of that designer’s past work? If you’re pining over a dress you saw a Pinterest or in an editorial from a few months or years ago, but can’t find it in stores anymore, a trunk show is a great way to make a special request for a specific gown. The store and the brand’s team are working closely together and usually have a personal relationship, so you can start a conversation with a brand and make a request for a dress from past seasons.
Meet and Greet
The biggest reason to shop a trunk show for your bridal gown is if the designer is there in person. What better way to get an expert’s opinion than from the person who knows that gown inside and out, who has a true vision for how to style it, fit it and make sure it’s just right? If a designer is scheduled to be at a trunk show and meeting with brides, like our recent trunk show with Lazaro, you should make an appointment as soon as possible – it’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity made all the more special.
A designer appearance is pretty rare at a trunk show, but it’s more common that the brand will send a brand representative like a stylist or creative director.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming trunk shows – be sure to follow us on Instagram @chicparisien for up to the minute information on events and daily bridal inspiration.
see the full Bliss by Monique Lhuillier collection here and call us now to make your appointment for the trunk show!
Make a Statement in a Berta Bridal Gown; Collection Preview June 27 & 28 (Trunk Show)
When it comes to this year’s hottest bridal trends, there’s no question that the statement back tops the list. During Bridal Week in New York earlier this year, several top designers debuted a series of gowns featuring stunning backs. No stranger to jaw-dropping designs with unique statement back options, Berta Bridal has truly mastered the art of designing tastefully daring wedding gowns.
Not only is Berta Bridal known for its statement backs, but also its plunging necklines, which truly help set this collection apart. Brides revel in the fact that these designs make for a grand entrance, as well as an equally swoon-worthy walk down the aisle. Due to the creative use of illusion netting, tulle, intricate beading, and elaborate appliqués, Berta Bridal gowns are not soon forgotten.
Curious as to whether a Berta Bridal gown is the gown for your walk down the aisle? You're in luck because Chic Parisien is one of the few bridal boutiques in the US that will preview this stunning collection during a special in-store Trunk Show this month. Come see why brides think the statement back is the perfect complement to a plunging V-neck gown, or how a statement back adds intrigue to a simple design in the front. We look forward to seeing you there!
Berta Bridal Trunk Show @ Chic Parisien
June 27 & 28
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756
Once Upon A Dream: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015 Collection Debuts This Weekend
What's the connection between Monique Lhuillier's long awaited Spring 2015 collection and famed American artist John Singer Sargent? The ethereal nature of his portraits, which includes the elegant and mysterious Madame X (below), served as the inspiration for the entire collection.
You may recall that we first brought this collection to you during our behind-the-scenes reporting at bridal market in New York City back in April, and now we're thrilled to finally welcome these stunning gowns in store.
Described as "'[an] ethereal dream" by Monique Lhuillier herself, the Spring 2015 Collection features tulle, Chantilly lace, intricate beading and embroideries. Silhouettes range from mermaid styles to architectural shapes. The collection also features whimsical pastel options in shades of blush, pistachio, and mist.
For this collection, the designer certainly favored the embroidered tulle gowns in a strapless A-line cut with matching shrugs, as well as timeless strapless styles, replete with tiered tulle and lace appliqué skirt.
This Friday and Saturday, we will host a dedicated Trunk Show to showcase Monique Lhuillier's complete Spring 2015 Collection. Chic brides are encouraged to reserve an appointment soon, as this will be one of our premier Trunk Shows for 2014.
As you may know, Chic Parisien is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our Facebook page, where we are posting key milestones, memories and highlights from the past four and a half decades for 45 consecutive days. As part of the celebration, we'd also like to salute our dear friend, Monique, whose designs we've been privileged to carry in store for many years.
We hope you will join us this Friday and Saturday. We look forward to seeing you there!
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015 Trunk Show
Chic Parisien
June 13 & 14
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756
Bridal Market Wrap-Up! Plus, This Weekend's Romona Keveza Trunk Show
Few things could top a weekend trip to New York City in the spring, unless of course you're there to attend Bridal Market. It was a whirlwind trip, but we certainly made the most of the three-day event to bring you, our Chic brides, the latest bridal styles from top designers from around the world, including Jenny Packham, Mira Zwillinger, Anne Barge, Ines Di Santo, Romona Keveza, Naeem Khan, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier and Lazaro.
Our action-packed schedule was a dazzling display of crystals, pearls, tulle, and lace. The runways were nearly as gorgeous as the gowns themselves, as many featured creative themes including Enchanted Forest (Naeem Khan) and Once Upon a Dream (Jenny Packham). There were many jaw-dropping moments, and we can't wait to bring the very best of these Spring 2015 designs to Chic Parisien.
For more behind-the-scenes moments from year's Bridal Market, check out our Instagram account, and watch this space for more information on the in-store arrival of the Spring 2015 collections. Speaking of special events, this weekend Chic Parisien is hosting a Romona Keveza trunk show, featuring the designer's famed Legends Collection. This collection is ultra feminine and draws inspiration from many time periods. This diverse collection will have something for every bride, no matter your body type or wedding venue. We look forward to seeing you!
Romona Keveza Trunk Show @ Chic Parisien
Legends Collection
April 25 - 26, 2014
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756
Be Still Our Hearts! Inbdal Dror Returns For Two-Day Trunk Show (March 28 & 29)
If you've ever combed Pinterest for some bridal inspiration (who hasn't?), then you've definitely come across an Inbal Dror gown. The Israeli haute couture designer has been shared and circulated across all social media channels by trendsetting brides given her penchant for sexy, sultry, and absolutely stunning designs.
Trained in Tel Aviv, Dror spent time in Milan refining her craft while working for world renowed designers such as Roberto Cavalli. It was during this time that she gained an appreciation for modest vintage designs while cultivating a more modern style of her own. The result? A fun and daring blend of old and new world that truly sets Inbal Dror apart. She is widely celebrated for her tasteful use of form fitting fabrics, plunging necklaces, backless features, and barely there straps.
This week, Chic Parisien will host a two-day Inbal Dror Trunk Show featuring one of the designer's most recent collections. Brides will be delighted to preview a wide array of form fitting silhouettes featuring many vintage touches including delicate French lace, airy tulle, and intricate pearl and Swarovski detailing.
Rarely modest, Inbal Dror gowns perhaps invite the more daring bride, who wishes to strike a balance between sensual and romantic. The designer's use of plunging necklines paired with long sleeves, for instance, is a perfect example of this collection's flirtatious play between risqué and elegant.
Inbal Dror Trunk Show @ Chic Parisien
March 28 - 29, 2014
For appointments, (305) 448-5756
Monique Lhuillier Returns! Fall / Winter 2014 Trunk Show, March 21 & 22
If you were watching the "Today" show this morning, then you heard the big news! "Today" show anchor, Savannah Guthrie, announced her secret weekend wedding to longtime boyfriend, Mike Feldman, on live TV! The blushing bride, who also announced she's four months pregnant, shared a photo of her special day with millions of viewers, looking absolutely radiant in a lace Monique Lhuillier A-line belted gown.
Beloved by some of the biggest names in TV and film, Monique Lhuillier has been the go-to choice for many brides, including Reese Witherspoon, Giuliana Rancic, and Carrie Underwood. It's hard not to feel like a princess in a Monique Lhuillier gown, famed for her flattering silhouettes and creative use of lace accents.
The Monique Lhuillier Fall / Winter 2014 Collection, which Chic Parisien will preview during a March 21 - 22 Trunk Show, has something for every bride. Many of the gowns feature Chantilly lace and white or ivory silk organza. From simple to elaborate, the gowns come in varying lengths and colors, but all are absolutely stunning.
Even as we previewed the gowns ourselves, it was hard to pick just one that defined the entire collection. We find this incredibly exciting since preferences vary from bride to bride, and this diverse collection definitely answers the call when it comes to finding the perfect gown for each individual bride.
Previewing the gowns online simply won't do them justice, so we invite you to join us in store this Friday and Saturday for your first-hand look at the gorgeous Fall / Winter 2014 Collection! We look forward to seeing you!
Monique Lhuillier Fall / Winter 2014 Trunk Show
@ Chic Parisien
March 21 - 22, 2014
For appointments, (305) 448-5756
Fall 2014 Bridal Preview: Step Into Marchesa's Secret Garden (March 14 & 15)
We've got a spring in our step, as we prepare to unveil Marchesa's Fall 2014 Bridal Collection during a two-day Trunk Show this weekend! On March 14 - 15, Chic brides will be invited to step into The Secret Garden - Marchesa's inspiration for its Fall 2014 Collection - to experience the magic and allure of these stunning gowns.
In describing this latest collection, the famed fashion house said:
Marchesa's Fall 2014 Bridal Collection draws inspirations from the allure of The Secret Garden. Exquisite handmade floral appliques cascade down flowing tulle skirts and fitted re-embroidered lace cocktails. Light, feminine silhouettes are draped in point d'esprit while dotted pearls accents illusion tulle creations
Hidden layers of chantilly and corded laces peek out from flowing skirts and crystals glisten atop delicate lace caplet sleeve gowns. Marchesa's Fall 2014 collection of signature silhouettes lends charm and romance to every bride."
We can't deny that Marchesa has mastered the art of illusion tulle. A Marchesa bride looks as though she is floating as she walks. The way the light dances with each lace detail and floral applique is absolutely breathtaking. With no detail overlooked, a Marchesa bridal gown enhances and flatters every silhouette. It's no wonder that the designer dresses some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
We look forward to seeing you this weekend. Don't forget to schedule an appointment (details below), as spots fill up fast. For those unable to join us in-store this weekend, we invite you to follow us on Instagram as we chronicle 48 hours of Marchesa bridal heaven!
Marchesa Fall 2014 Bridal Collection Trunk Show
Chic Parisien
March 14 - 15, 2014
For appointments, (305) 448-5756
Two Designers, One Amazing Weekend: Ines Di Santo & Maria Elena Accessories (March 7 - 8)
If you were inspired by last night's Oscars fashion, then get ready for an amazing weekend at Chic Parisien, as we proudly host a dual Trunk Show featuring Ines Di Santo and Maria Elena Accessories! This will be Ines Di Santo's very first Trunk Show at Chic Parisien, so we're pulling out all the stops. In fact, Ines Di Santo herself will be in-store to meet with our beautiful Chic brides.
While she doesn't require an introduction, Italian-born Ines Di Santo is recognized around the world as a leading designer of evening and bridal couture. Raised in Europe and South America, Ines Di Santo is famous for effortlessly blending European sophistication and flair with Spanish passion and romance. Her attention to detail is unrivaled, and it is widely known that she personally oversees the production of every grown at her atelier in Toronto, Canada.
Beautiful from every angle, the Ines Di Santo Fall / Winter 2014 Collection features the finest silks, tulle, embroidery and lace. These gowns, with stunning designs on the front and back, make for a grand entrance and exit, which is an absolute must for brides on their big day. We can't wait to share this latest collection with you.
Speaking of designers that do not require an introduction, Maria Elena of Maria Elena Accessories certainly tops that list, and we can't wait to preview her latest collection this Friday and Saturday, alongside Ines Di Santo.
Surrounded by silk, tulle, lace and sparkling jewels, brides will be in heaven this weekend!
We hope to see you there.
Ines Di Santo / Maria Elena Accessories Dual Trunk Show
@ Chic Parisien
March 7 - 8, 2014
For appointments, (305) 448-5756