Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year

As we look back at 2011, we’re reminded of how lucky we are at Simply Elegant Gowns! The year has been amazing, full of beautiful brides and wonderful memories…and we couldn’t have done it without our brides. Having the pleasure of being part of your weddings, is truly a gift, and we want to say Thank You.

 This picture is one of my favorites....This photo was taken only moments before Kim's walk down the aisle, and Jess & I were there to make sure everything went off without a hitch! Working with Kim was an incredible experience. She & her groom have an amazing love story, and every time she was in the store, it reminded us how much we love our Brides and love being part of their weddings. For Jess & I, this business has always been about so much more then selling a wedding dress to a bride....it has always been about creating an experience and building a relationship with our brides. 
Again, a big Thank You to all of our customers over the years...your love stories inspire us and your weddings amaze us! Happy New Year!!!
With Love,
Kristen & Jessica


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

TOYS FOR TOTS

The Toys for Tots campaign has started!  Again this year, we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at our store.
 Each year the local campaign ensures that over 3,000 Centre County children can enjoy the holiday spirit. Beyond donating a toy, there are other ways to help, by cash donations or helping out with the wrapping and sorting of the gifts.It is important to note that the Centre County Toys for Tots works hand in hand with the seven Centre County Food Banks. The Centre County Office of Adult Services along with the Toys for Tots program requests your donations of food or gift cards to the food banks during the upcoming Holiday Season.  For more information on the Nittany Leathernecks Detachment and their commitment to this cause, you can check out this link.
http://marines.centreconnect.org/comm_t4t.php#info

On a more personal note, I want to share that Jess & I hold this campaign especially close to our hearts. Our Great Grandfather, Don Watson, was a proud Marine and a member of the Nittany Leathernecks. For as far back as I can remember, he was always telling me stories about what it meant being a Marine. Back then, I saw him as a tough man that worked hard, a man that gave me rides on his tractor and talked about the days when he walked to school....I didn't appreciate the lessons he was teaching me then. I now understand that  his commitment to his country and community was a part of him.  He truly enjoyed his time spent with the Nittany Leathernecks,  and we are very grateful to them for the service they provide to our country and community. 







Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Bridal Market

Jess & I just got back from Bridal Market in NYC and I am anxious to write this blog entry and share some of the highlights of the things we did & saw. When we go to market, it is a very exciting time for us. We sit down with our designers and choose the dresses that we will be bringing back for the store. There is no exact science for this process. We spend alot of time researching Bridal Trends, as well as looking at what lines are most flattering to the body. Typically we listen to what our brides are asking for and combine that with the current bridal trends as well as the advice of our designers. Then we pick out the best of the best and bring it home!
 This year we started at the Pier. Below are a couple of pictures from inside. 

Our first stop was with Allure Bridals. As always, we were thrilled with the new styles for the season. Allure does such a great job of using silhouettes that really work with the body. We found a great mix of  modern Ball gowns, as well as some stunning fit & flare styles. The attention to detail really sets Allure apart from other designers, they use such lush fabrics and their beading/crystal work is truly unmatched!  Here are a few previews of dresses that will be arriving.

I also LOVED this with a swarovski beaded belt!

The mix of lace with the satin belt....LOVE it!

We saw this one & KNEW it was coming back with us!

This is a slip dress style, and honestly to see it on a person, it is so glamorous!

The beading on this gown is amazing!
 We also went to the Intercontinental Hotel, where more designers were showcasing their gowns. When we arrived at the hotel, we saw some of the staff from Kleinfelds (Say yes to the dress!) They were just finishing up their shopping, when we arrived.  Here are some pictures from  the Hotel.



While we were there, we spent most of our time focused on Jade by Jasmine, and finding the best mothers dresses to bring home! We have such a soft spot for mothers, we love to take the extra time to really find the best designs we can. Here is a small sample of the dresses that will be arriving.
We will actually have this dress in the long version - it is very stunning!

The Cape is very sophisticated, and gives just enough coverage.

Jacki-O - Classic! This was an easy pick!

A great tea-length dress with coverage. 

We have so many new dresses & accessories coming this season...we will keep you posted as they arrive!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Shoes!

Oh My~ When the topic of shoes came up for the blog, I knew it would be easy to write. Those who know me, know that I loooove shoes! Here is some input on selecting your shoes, along with some pictures of some shoes we have here in the store.
 It's your wedding day, I know that you want to feel gorgeous all over, which means  some of you gravitate to those amazing 4" heels that make you feel awesome....for about 5 seconds. Standing still. Yes, I know some of you ladies can run marathons in your monster heels, but what about the rest of us? Do we have to sacrifice style for comfort? Thankfully, I say no. Here are a few suggestions while  shopping for your wedding shoes.
First, find a heel height that you can realistically stand, walk and dance in for most of the night. Many brides have come in and said they will wear the 3" heel for their ceremony, then switch in to the flat for the reception. That seems logical however your gown is hemmed to go with the taller heel, so when you switch in to the flat, you now have a hem that is laying on the floor, and can be a nuisance. While you are dancing and enjoying your reception, you don't want to worry about stepping on or tripping over your hem line. So I suggest you pick a middle ground height that you can manage for most of the night. Usually a 2" or 2 1/2" heel will do the trick. (some of my favorites are shown below!)


So, if you are a girl like me, and you simply must wear a tall shoe, go for a platform style shoe. A platform shoe has thicker soles sitting under the front part of the foot, which definitely adds to the comfort and support for your feet. Also a wedge style shoe can be great, especially outdoors.

 It also wise to buy your shoes early, so that you can wear them around before the wedding. Break them in - get them nice and comfy for the big day - your feet will thank you!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Bridesmaids - How to coordinate your wedding party!

If you have 1 Bridesmaid or 10 Bridesmaids, finding a dress that pleases both you and the maids', can be a difficult task. While it is great to ask for all of your maids' advice, make the final choice yourself.... it is after all, your wedding! 
Here are some suggestions to help you on the journey to the perfect Bridesmaid dress.

For a modern, but still cohesive look - you could always choose the designer, color, fabric and length you want, but allow the maids' to choose their own style.  With all the girls in the same shade and length, it still feels put together, but can allow each girl to find a shape that is most flattering to them. This is also helpful if you have varying sizes in your bridal party.

If you are planning to keep everyone in the same dress, sometimes it helps to start shopping with only 1 or 2 of your maids'.  Maybe bring the one who has the most similar shape to everyone, or  the one who will be the hardest to fit.  This way when you bring the whole group in, you will have an idea of what works best.

Lastly, don't forget about the accessories! Make sure you communicate to your bridesmaids what color or style of shoe you would like them to wear, and what type of jewelry you would like them to wear. 

Check out one of our designers, Pretty Maids, and enter for a chance to win the Ultimate Bachelorette Party!  
http://www.prettybridesmaids.com/dressessweepstakes/index.php

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Time to Accessorize!

You've purchased your gown....now it's time to accessorize!

When it comes to your Bridal Jewelry, balance is key. Too much  can overpower the bride. Here are a few suggestions on choosing your finishing touches.

A Pendant or Y shaped necklace typically works well with any neckline. Try and keep the size in proportion to your body. This photo shows a beautiful set by Jim Ball Designs.
 
You can't go wrong choosing simple and understated pieces, especially if your gown has elaborate beading or detail.Don't underestimate the power of a diamond stud! Often I suggest to a bride that if you are choosing a necklace and earrings, keeping them more simple is a great way to wear both.
However, if you are craving more glamour, a bold, dangly earring is always a great choice.


As with your Bridal Gown, ultimately the choice is yours! You should wear the accessories that make you feel gorgeous.

Friday, August 19, 2011

The I do's are done.....what to do with the gown?

What to do… after you say I DO!

What to do with your wedding gown, after the wedding - Some tips and ideas!

 It's been trapped in a garment bag ever since that amazing day and you're left with THAT question....“What do you do with your beautiful gown AFTER the wedding?” Save it for your daughter? Sell it?? Is it weird to wear it to the grocery store??? Well, here are some tips and advice for your post-wedding dress plan…

1. Preserve It

So you can’t bear to part with your beautiful gown. Get it professionally cleaned and preserved to protect it from the elements.We have a preservation kit available in our store at a very reasonable price. Our kits come from  the Wedding Gown Preservation Company and they have been preserving gowns since 1913 - they are truly one of the best in the business. The kit includes pre-paid shipping both directions, cleaning and preserving of your wedding gown, plus 3 additional items. (veil, garter, etc.)


2. Donate It
Donating your dress is an opportunity to give back to your community or an organization of your choice. 

There are many non-profit organizations both locally and nationally that resell dress donations and use the 

proceeds to benefit numerous causes.



3. Capture It

While I was thinking about ideas for this entry, I asked local photographer,
Jan Thiessen what ideas he had! Here is another thought he had for your gown...
 
Want to do something fun with your wedding gown? Schedule a "trash
the dress" shoot. This picture was shot at Greenwood Furnace State Park, but
swimming pools and streams are good choices, too.

        If you're really adventurous, find a muddy area.

                         (Photograph by Jan Thiessen)
www.photosbyjan.com 
 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Veils

The history of the veil is culturally diverse, with many interpretations. Historically, veils were worn to conceal the bride from the groom on the wedding day. American folklore tells us that one of the first brides to wear a veil was George Washington's daughter, Nellie. The story goes that Nellie was sitting by a lace-curtained window when one of her fathers aids walked by and fell in love with her lace-framed face. When the two married, Nellie re-created the effect by wearing a lace veil.
Today veils are worn more often as a fashion statement. They can add a sense of  romance to the wedding day, taking any form the bride chooses to reflect her personal style. We will showcase 3 styles of veils that are really popular this season.


Mantilla veils are regaining popularity due to their ultra-feminine look and traditional appeal. This style is usually made from lace, or features a lace edge, and drapes over the head like a scarf.(photo courtesy of Bel Aire Bridals)


Birdcage veils are also trendy. Reminiscent of 1920′s starlets, these dainty veils range from full facial coverage to small pancake-styles.(photo courtesy of Bel Aire Bridals)

For a more formal or dramatic look, a long veil makes a big statement. Cathedral veils are typically 108" in length, while a Chapel veil is about 90" in length.(photo courtesy of JL Johnson Bridals)

There are so many options for veils, with different lengths, trims, details, colors.....It is always good to try them on with your gown, and determine the look you are going for.



Friday, April 15, 2011

Spohia Tolli - our latest addition!

We are so excited to introduce the latest addition to our store - Sophia Tolli Special Occasions!
These dresses work well for Mothers, guests at weddings or any of the other special events you may be attending.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Great services we offer at our store!

We offer some very unique services at our store, and wanted to share them with you!All of these packages are reasonably priced, and if you have any questions or are interested in booking a service, please email us at info@simplyelegantgowns.com!

One of our most popular services is the Bridal Gown Delivery service. If you so choose, we will deliver your gown to you on your wedding day to the location where you will be getting dressed. Many of our brides have found this service to be very useful and efficient.
"We can't thank you enough for delivering my wedding gown to the church....it was such a help not to worry about picking it up...." - Janelle, Philipsburg.

We also offer a Dressing the Bride service. Typically we arrive 1 hour before the ceremony starts and meet the Bride at the site where she will be getting dressed. We will deliver your gown and assist you, and the Bridal Party, in getting in to your gowns, as well as adjusting the veil/jewelry and any other finishing touches that you may need.  We will travel with our emergency kit and portable steamer so that we can take care of any last minute issues that may arise!
"Having you girls there to help Angela get dressed made everything go so smoothly and it made it fun for us because we knew if anything went wrong, you had us covered." Margaret, mother of the Bride - Pittsburgh

Our last package, and one of our most booked, is the Wedding Coordinating Service. This service is designed to to be customized to suit each individual Bride's needs. We will sit down with you and determine all the things you need to make your wedding day run smoothly, and then we will take care of all of those details so you can relax and enjoy your day. This allows you to have someone there the day off, making sure that everything that you have planned is executed the way you want it to be! With this service, we always include delivery and dressing services.
"One of the most wonderful, reasonably priced services you offer your customers is the dressing/wedding day coordinating service. We are so thankful that we made  the decision to have you help with the last minute details. In addition to arriving at Toftrees with the gowns for the wedding party and Trisha, you came prepared with a steamer, needle and thread, tissues and more! Your attention to detail, along with calm support for last minute jitters was simply invaluable. ......Kristen and Jess...you are truly contemporary, energetic, friendly , professional owners who provide services that will take a bride-to-be and bridal party from the wedding gown selection process to the walk down the aisle."  - Karen and Trisha - State College.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Heart Health Event!

We had the privilege of being invited to the heart health event at Mount Nittany Medical Center on Tuesday. People were able to get a peek at Heart Truth celebrity dresses from Jordin Sparks, Venus Williams, Gayle King and Jennie Garth while hearing about the risk factors and heart-healthy tips from the experts. We went early to steam the celebrity gowns and dress the mannequins and we showcased some red gown of our own, modeled by Jess and Diane! Below are some photos of the fun we had. It was such a great community event, and we were really grateful to be part of it!

 Even our Grandmother and Aunt came out for the fun!

 Steaming the gown that Venus Williams wore
 Dressing the mannequin with Jordin Sparks gown


 Jess & Diane Showing support in our red dresses!


(r) The Heart Truth, its logo and The Red Dress are registered
trademarks of HHS.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Mothers Dresses

Here are some of the latest arrivals for our Mothers! The ones that we are featuring in this post are Jade by Jasmine. They are all available in over 2 dozen color options, as well as Petite sizing. Also, at no additional cost to you, Jade will cut any full length gown in to a tea or knee length!

This first gown, is a gorgeous asymmetrical bodice with a beaded applique at the shoulder. The skirt is a layered asymmetrical cut, which is so flattering! 


The second gown that we are showcasing today, is a stunning front portrait neckline, with a boat back neckline. It has a band with a beaded flower detail at the natural wait line, and just a small gather down the front of the skirt. We absolutely love this neckline!



This gown has a slight asymmetrical bodice with a boat neck line. a front draping on the skirt really adds to the understated elegance of this gown!



The last gown we are featuring today is another asymmetrical bodice with a layered skirt.  We are loving the detail on this gown!





Tuesday, January 25, 2011

2011 Central Pa Bridal Expo!

We are very excited to be sponsoring the 2011 Central Pa Bridal Expo this Sunday, January 30th from 12-4 at Celebration Hall in State College! As one of the sponsors of the show this year we will be giving away a wedding gown to one lucky bride to be. We will be showing off some of the latest styles in Bridal and we can not wait to share them with you!
I was planning to offer some advice on attending a Bridal Expo, and I found this article on Nittany Weddings. I thought that Alan from C. Barton McCann School of Art did a wonderful job writing  this piece on Surving a Bridal Expo, so I figured I would share this instead!
http://www.nittanyweddings.com/wedding-planning-articles/surviving-a-bridal-expo-5-tips-for-attending-a-bridal-expo/

Also, another link for more info on the Bridal Expo! You can pre-register on this site and  get a preview of what vendors will be attending the show!
http://bridalexpocentralpa.com/

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Ball Gowns anyone?

 Starting of 2011 with some serious Ball Gowns! Take a look at these 3 gorgeous gowns that just arrived!
 This strapless ball gown features a unique sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice embellished with embroidery and Swarovski crystals. The skirt has soft pick-up details accented with a flowers and feathers. This gown is stunning in person - a must try!
This sparkling ball gown features a strapless, scooped neckline and fitted bodice. Embroidery, applique, beading, and Swarovski crystals adorn the entire design.
Strapless, fitted bodice encrusted with Swarovski crystals and pearls. The ball gown skirt features organza ruffles and floral accents.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

3 tips for Bridal Gown shopping!

Congratulations - You are getting married! One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is finding your wedding gown! It should be a memorable and fun experience. Here are 3 tips to help you along the way!

Know the budget
When calculating your wedding dress budget, don't forget to factor in the cost of your veil and headpiece, as well as your shoes and wedding jewelry. Also, keep in mind that almost all gowns need alterations, some Brides are disappointed when they find a gown at a great discount  but later find out that the cost of alterations are more than the dress. Make sure to inquire about all of the costs before you commit to buying your gown.

Style

Some brides have a specific idea of what they want before they even begin trying on wedding gowns. While doing some research before you begin shopping can help you, it is important to keep an open mind. Don't eliminate a gown at first glance, and don't let the "rules" narrow your search. It helps to try on many different silhoutes and from there determine the shape that looks great and feels great on you. Once you have found a shape that you love, it is much easier to zero in on details such as lace or beading. I have always believed that the gowns that you try on and eliminate,are just as important in the process as finding the right gown. Trust your instincts when shopping, if you have to be reassured, this may not be your dress.

Size

Don't get hung up on what size the gown that you are looking for is. Bridal Gowns tend to run 1 to 2 sizes smaller than your regular clothing. Also, depending on the shape of the gown, you may try on several sizes in a store. When you're ready to order your wedding dress, the store will take your measurements: bust, waist, and hips. Each manufacturer has its own measurement chart, and this is what the store will use to determine your size. A knowledgeable store will know how a particular designer's gowns are supposed to fit.  One thing to remember: wedding gowns run small, so don't be alarmed should your final size measurement jump up a number or two.