Additional Sample Sale Dresses

We have some more dresses going to be available as a sample!  So this means you can buy the sample dress at a reduced cost.  This is perfect if you have a last minute wedding or if you want to save a few pennies.  Here are some of the dresses that will now be available. 

Marnie by Enzoani. Size 12. Was £2235 Now £1200

Mahina by Charlie Brear Size 12 Was £2260 Now £1000

Rosa Clara Asis Size 12 Was £1610 Now £700

Blue By Enzoani Kara Size 14 Was £1740 Now £700

Enzoani Midori Size 12. Was £2730 Now £1500

There are more dresses available in the boutique so please do call us if you want more details.  Dont forget, there is only one of these dresses at this price so if you want it you need to be quick!  Dresses can be altered so if it is not your size give us a call and we can see what we can do. 

Lauren xx 

Greyfriars Photo Shoot

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of arranging a bridal fashion shoot with some amazing fellow Colchester suppliers.  We completed the photo shoot at GreyFriars in Colchester which is a luxurious 5* hotel and is absolutely beautiful.  The photographer on the day was Andrew Mark Wade photography.  Hair was by Admire Colchester and make up by Scarlett Allen.  I can highly recommend all of these suppliers, their work is amazing. 

Here are some of my favourite pictures from the day.  Let me know what you think! 

Desiree by Eliza Jane Howell

McKinley by Enzoani

Margo by Enzoani

Rosa Clara 2019 Launch in Barcelona

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going out to Barcelona to pick the new dresses from the Rosa Clara collection.  This has to be one of the favourite bits of my job! 

We arrived in Barcelona on the Friday around midnight (thanks to a 1 hour delay sitting on the tarmac, good old Ryanair!) and went straight to our hotel as we were exhausted.  Upon arrival at the hotel we were given a bottle of prosecco and some gorgeous chocolates from Rosa Clara, they were delicious! 

We decided on the Saturday that we would have a holiday day and spent our time being tourists taking in Barcelona.  If you have never been I highly recommend it, there are so many beautiful sights to see.  We went to see the famous Gaudi Sagrada Familia which is quite honestly breathtaking.  They started to build it in 1882 and it is still not finished!  They anticipate to complete it in 2026! 

We spent the rest of the day shopping, there is literally a Zara on every street (my idea of heaven!) and then went for a meal.  As it was a holiday I broke my diet, but thats allowed surely! 

Anyway, I digress with stories of my day when you actually clicked on this blog to find out about the new Rosa Clara dresses. 

Currently we stock the Rosa Clara collection only, but I have had soooo many requests for dresses in the Couture Collection that I decided it was time we got them in.  So I'm pleased to announce we now stock 2 Rosa Clara collections, Rosa Clara and Couture! What is the difference between the two?  Rosa Clara couture is the main collection and is inspired by "haute couture" and is made with the best fabrics from around the world.  The Rosa Clara collection is a more affordable line with a large variety of styles available.  Both are made in Barcelona using the highest standards and fabrics.  They both feature the elegance and simplicity which Rosa Clara has become synonymous with and which has appealed to some of the most fashionable brides aound the world. 

I'm afraid I cannot show you any pictures of the new collections as they are top secret until the official pictures are launched, but I can promise you that you will love them.  They are stylish and sophisticated with a modern edge, just like our brides. 

We have ordered a couple of dresses that were in previous collections so I can show you these ones. 

First up is Penelope from the Rosa Clara Couture range.  This dress is stunning!  It has the most beautiful lace sleeves and the much sort after slit in the skirt. I love it!

Rosa Clara Penelope

The next dress is Rosa Clara Couture Pasion.  The bead work on this dress is beautiful and it is a real statement piece. 

Rosa Clara Pasion

The third and final sneak peek I can give you in from the Rosa Clara collection.  This dress is called Alejo and is made from the softest tulle.  We have never been what I would call a "Disney Princess" style shop, its always been important to me that any princess cut gowns we have are modern and sophisticated.  I think this dress ticks those boxes> 

 We are expecting these dresses in around summer time, but if you cant wait till then check out our current Rosa Clara collection.  They are all stunning pieces and perfect for brides who have that extra ounce of sophistication. 

Lots of love,

Lauren xx 

Bridal Materials

I don't know about you, but I really struggle with online shopping. I cant stand it, I like to be able to go into a lovely shop, have a look round, ask the shop assistant any questions I have then purchase my item there and then.  Old fashioned, perhaps, but I like to physically see what I am buying. This especially applies to when I am buying clothes.  We have all ordered a gorgeous looking outfit just for it to turn up and be made out of that horrible cheap material which is falling apart.  So Brides, please do not take this risk when buying your wedding dress!  This is most likely going to be the most expensive dress you ever purchase, you want something made beautifully using the best materials.  

Below I have compiled a guide to the most common bridal materials that you will encounter when wedding dress shopping. This will help prepare you when you go shopping and hopefully give you an idea of what material you like.

SILK

Silk in one of the most popular fabrics used for wedding dresses.  It is a natural fibre which actually comes from the cocoons of a silk worm. It is a luxurious fabric which has a natural shimmer and feels amazing to wear. The fabric is very versatile and is also durable making it suit for all seasons.  Silk is an expensive material, so it can put the cost up of a dress but it is worth every penny!

TAFFETA

Taffeta is made from silk or synthetic fibres.  It has almost a scrunchy effect and the stiffer the fabric the higher the quality.  It makes a great rustle sound as you move! It is what I would class as a traditional bridal fabric which is also great for colours. 

TULLE

If you want to look like a fairy princess on your day then tulle is probably the material for you.  Its a light fabric which has an open weave which makes it look like netting, in fact lots of brides refer to it as netting. Tulle is also what most veils will be made from.  A good quality tulle should not feel harsh to the touch, it should be soft and full of volume.  The major downside of tulle is that it is easy to snag on jewellery so keep that in mind when choosing accessories. 

Rosa Clara Alada has an incredible tulle skirt which is so soft to touch its like a cloud. 

CHIFFON

Chiffon is a light woven fabric which is incredibly sheer and has a weightless floaty look.  This has made chiffon the perfect choice for weddings abroad in hot climates. It is often used in layers to build up the skirt or can be used over another material.  As with tulle, this material can snag easily.

ORGANZA

I always think Organza is in the middle of Chiffon and Tulle.  It is sheer and light weight like Chiffon but it is stiffer like tulle.  It is a more structured material but because it is lightweight it is again a good choice for abroad weddings. 

LACE

Over the last few years it has all been about lace!  There are so many different types of lace that there is bound to be one that you love. Some of the more well known types include Chantilly, Alencon, Guipure, Corded and beaded.  I could write a whole blog on different laces alone.  

Blue by Enzoani Keaton - there is so many different laces to choose from you are bound to find one you love. 

CREPE/CREPE DE CHINE

I have to say that crepe is currently my favourite material. We are finding that this is also our brides preferred choice of material too.   This material is perfect for slim dresses as it creates a beautiful silhouette.  Not only does it have a luxurious feel but it consists of a delicate texture which gives it an exceptional drape.  I absolutely love this material!

This is only a brief guide as there is so many more materials out there but I think these will be the ones you will most likely come across.  If you want to actually see/feel the materials then please come into us and I will be happy to show you them.  

Enjoy dress shopping!

Lauren xxx 

Guide to Wedding Dress Necklines

Choosing your wedding dress is normally one of the first things you want to do once you are engaged.  But there is so much choice out there it can become tricky to find the dress that makes you feel like the most beautiful, sexy version of you. 

So to help, I'll be doing a series of blogs going through different shapes and styles available. To start off with, I'll be looking at the necklines available. 

Strapless

This is probably the most well known of the bridal necklines.  As the name suggests, the strapless dress has no straps attached anywhere.  Whilst strapless in a classic neckline, it does seem to divide opinions.  A lot of brides worry they will be pulling up their dress all day, however the trick to avoiding this is a well fitted dress. The dress should sit snugly across the bust and under the arms, if you have this right the dress is not going anywhere!  

Sweetheart

The sweetheart neckline is again a classic which has been loved for its feminine look.  This neckline forms a heart shape across the bust which gets rid of any harsh lines thus making for a softer look.  It will dip down in the middle so will reveal a little cleavage, how much depends on the dress. 

V Neck

I have to admit that this is one of my personal favourites. The V is made by two diagonal pieces that come from the shoulder and meet at chest level. Again, depending on how deep the V is, you will show some cleavage.  A V-neck will make your neck look longer, so its an elegant choice. 

High Neck

On a high neck dress, the material will come up higher than usual , normally with a collar which comes up to the brides neck. It is a very sophisticated option which calls for less jewellery and normally an updo. 

Halter Neck

This is probably one of the rarer necklines but is such a flattering style. They show off brides shoulders as they have a high neck which secures around behind the neck. It will accentuate your figure and reduce the broadness of shoulders.  For shorter brides, the halter top can make you appear taller and emphasize the neck line. 

Square

The square neckline is created by two straps and a straight line over the bust. This neckline tends to broaden your shoulders so may be one to avoid if you are already conscious of yours.

Bateau

This is a stunning and chic alternative to the sweetheart neckline. Is it an elegant look especially when you keep the dress free from lace and bling and rather concentrate on the material and cut of the dress. 

The best way to find the right neckline for you is to try them on!  You will quickly discover what does and doesn't work for you. 

Happy shopping! xx 

2017/18 Collection Launch

Its that time of year again when our designers launch their new collections and Abby and I had the pleasure this weekend of going to pick the new dresses for the boutique.  We had a brilliant time and the designers have truly created some special pieces. 

The dresses wont be available in the boutique until September time, but who would like some sneak peeks!!?  Silly question, I thought so.  Excuse the pictures as they are just ones I took on my phone, so not the official ones.

First stop was Eliza Jane Howell with this beautifully hand beaded creations.  These are take your breath away stunning gowns. 

Ostrich feather!!!!

Gorgeous long sleeves with a beautiful illusion back. 

The beading on the top of this dress is exquisite. 

Next stop was Charlie Brear with her edgy contemporary style which we love.  The materials she uses for her dresses are a cut above the rest and the cuts of her dresses are just superb.

Perfect for those who want something on their arms.

The back on this dress is gorgeous!

Introducing the Bridal Jumper! Idea for those winter weddings. 

This dress has the most amazing sleeves, they are attached at the wrist. 

These are just a small selection of the beauties we have ordered, look out for the official pictures coming soon!

Who are MiliMili Bridal

Come April, we will have been open for 5 years! I know, crazy how time goes so quickly. You wouldn't believe though how many people still come in asking if we are new. So if you are one of those people who didn't know we existed, here are some facts about what we do.

We are a contemporary bridal boutique. Our dresses have a fashion edge to them. If you want a dress that makes everyone go "wow, thats gorgeous. So nice to see a bride in something different" then come to us.

We are a boutique. Why am I making a specific point on that you may ask? Its because as a boutique we can provide a service different to most other bridal shops. We provide a personal service, you get to know us as individuals just as we get to know you. Most brides seem to end up with my mobile number too so there is always someone at the end of the phone for you when you need us.

Our unique collection of dresses. I cant tell you how many brides have come into the shop and said "these dresses are so different to everywhere else we have been". We have brides coming from miles away just to see our collection as they cannot find anywhere else like it. Every dress in the boutique I have personally picked. There isn't one dress in here that I do not know or cannot explain the reason behind it being here. I have a strict quality policy that our designers have to meet before I will stock them. At the end of the day you girls are purchasing what will probably be the most expensive dress of your life, you want to know that these are quality pieces.

Oh and one final thing, I am rather fond of Jo Malone so we have several diffusers on the go, the boutique smells amazing!

So give us a call and come and see for yourself what we are like!

Meet our Designers: Ian Stuart

As we pride ourselves on being a true designer boutique, I thought we should explain a little more about our designers and why we love them so much. So to start off we are discussing Ian Stuart. Forgive the length of this post, there is just so much to say about him.

Ian Stuart has always had a passion for fashion, art, music and theatre. This passion was the driving force which determined his future as a bridal gown designer.

During his fashion education Ian specialised in bridal and evening wear design, for which he won numerous student awards. Upon graduating Ian began his training at Belville Sassoon, one of London’s finest couture houses who specialise in creating gowns for socialites and members of the Royal family. This training gave him invaluable knowledge of cut, proportion, balance and wearability within design.

Ian then went on to create bi-annual collections for leading bridal and evening wear manufacturers in London before moving on to New York to further his career, where he created bridal wear labels which where sold throughout the world.

With more than a decade of knowledge and experience behind him, the cutting-edge designer decided that it was time to launch his own bridal wear brand based in London. The Collection Designed by Ian Stuart Ltd was an instant success and attracted worldwide publicity.

Launching his own brand has allowed Ian to concentrate on creating collections which truly reflect his passion for innovative bridal design, without any restraints or compromise. His main objective is to provide brides-to-be with a luxurious and diverse selection of shapes, colours, and fabrics to reflect their own individual style.

Ian Stuart is regularly nominated for awards. Some of the awards he accepted include:

2015: New Bridal Retailer (for his Flagship store- The Blewcoat) – You & Your Wedding Magazine

2013: Best Wedding Dress Designer– Retail Bridal Association UK

2012: Best Occasionwear Collection– Bridal Buyer Awards UK

2012: Best Mother of The Bride Collection– Wedding Ideas Awards UK

2012: Best Wedding Dress Designer– Retail Bridal Association UK

2011: Best Wedding Dress Designer– Retail Bridal Association UK

2011: Best Bridal Designer– Perfect Wedding Awards UK

2010: Bridal Designer of the Year– Bridal Buyer Awards UK

2008: Outstanding Contribution to the Industry– Bridal Buyer Awards UK

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007: Bridal Designer of the Year– Bridal Buyer Awards UK

2004: The Bride of the Year– Good Morning Television UK

2002: Style Innovator– Design Excellence in the Bridal Industry USA

2001: Rising Star– Design Excellence in the Bridal Industry USA

1999: Best New Designer of the Year– Brides magazine UK

Ian was also chosen by the prestigious V&A museum to showcase his Flowerbomb dress at their popular wedding dress exhibition. Ian's design was being showcased along with some of the most famous wedding dresses of our time, including those worn by Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani and Dita Von Teese.

So if you want a dramatic style which has hints of Carrie Bradshaw and Helena Bonham Carter then Ian Stuart is the designer for you! You can see his latest collection, Unforgettably Me in the boutique now.

What is Bias Cut?

If you have been into our boutique recently you will hear us talking about how amazing our two new dresses from Charlie Brear are - the Payton and Torum.  One of the things we love about them is that they are Bias Cut dresses. You might be thinking to yourself "what does that mean" so I thought I would give a quick explanation. 

The bias cut started in 1927 by a Parisian Couturier by the name of Madeleine Vionette. Simply put, a bias cut is when the pattern pieces are cut diagonally across the grain of a fabric. A true bias will make an angle of 45 degrees across the length and the width of a fabric. 

The reason why designers use this cut is because it creates a garment which will closely follow the curves of your body. It also provides a great stretch in the material which again allows the dress to accentuate curves and will drape softly. Many brides love the delicate, graceful flow of a finely made bias cut silk dress.  

To cut a dress on a bias requires a lot of skill, time and attention.  The cut is often used for the most luxury and delicate materials such as silks.  

We absolutely love the bias cut dresses and the delicate way they fall which is why we always encourage our brides to try one. The dress may not be covered in crystals and bling but these dresses are all about the most beautiful cut, fit, materials and design which are quite honestly out of this world! They are a sophisticated and elegant design option. 

Charlie Brear Trunk Show - 10th December 2016

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Charlie Brear trunk show on the 10th December 2016.

Not sure what this means?  Well allow me to explain! 

A trunk show is an event when the specific designers sends us additional gowns for the weekend thus allowing us to show you the new collections and pieces we do not normally have in the boutique.  

This is a perfect opportunity if you have found a designer you adore but haven't quite found the right dress yet. The trunk show allows you to concentrate on the dresses by that designer and find your dream dress. 

The appointment will last for the normal 1.5 hours in which time you can view the dresses and decide upon which ones you wish to try.  We will be there every step of the way and will provide advice and guidance. Whilst trying the dresses we will help you to visualise how the dress will work for you on the day.  The dress should be doing the work, not the bride working for the dress. 

As Charlie Brear is an internationally renowned designer who is in high demand, we expect this event to book up quickly.  So contact us as soon as possible to book your appointment. 

Tips for Trunk Show appointments:

• Be prepared to buy your dress.  We offer a 10% discount throughout the trunk show duration, so it is a limited offer.  We also only have the additional dresses for the limited period of time, so if you wanted to show a specific person before you buy then you need to make sure they are there with you.  Once the dresses leave us they are difficult to get back to try and usually comes with an additional cost. 
• Think carefully about who you want to bring with you.  Do not be tempted to bring lots of different people with you to obtain their opinions.  Too many opinions causes confusion and we usually find the most important opinion, that of the bride, gets lost. We would recommend bringing one or two people with you that you feel comfortable helping you make your decision. 
• When it comes to underwear, think nude colour boring seamless knickers.  You will not have lines and colours showing through you dress making decisions difficult. 

We look forward to meeting you and by following our tips we are sure you will find the perfect dress for your wedding day. 

Cydney & Joe

On the blog today we are featuring the Boho perfect Cydney and Joe.  I posted a photo of Cydney on our facebook a few weeks ago and everyone absolutely loved it.  So now you are in for a treat with lots more pictures of their beautiful day. 

Their wedding took place at Newland Hall in Chelmsford.  It is a beautiful setting consisting of a Tudor Manor House with a moat, stunning gardens and a woodland with 4 lakes!  

Cydney has a blog and a popular Instagram account where she posts about all things trendy, so I knew that her dress was going to be something relaxed but fashionable.  The dress she decided on was Inaru by Blue Enzoani.  The dress has a fabulous feature back and is a champagne colour which worked beautifully with Cydney's skin tone. 

Joe and Cydney's photographer for the day was HS Media, so a thank you to them for capturing the day. 

Cydney's hair looked gorgeous!  The loose curls and stunning flower crown worked so perfectly with the dress and completed the boho style.   

The bridesmaids complemented Cydney's look with their cute matching flower crowns.  You all have probably realised by now that we love something a little different from the ordinary and these bridesmaid dresses are a prime example!  The dresses are from Asos and are a step away from the traditional bridesmaid dress. 

Talking of non traditional, has anyone noticed the shoes!  Cydney and her bridesmaids wore Cowboy boots!  Cydney's dad is American (he has a great American accent btw) and this was Cydney's nod to her American roots.  

Joe looked very dapper in his suit as did his groomsmen.  I have to say, this makes me feel very old as I have known Joe's family for many years now and my main memory of Joe is of a little boy running round with a toy snake pretending to be Steve Irwin! 

The flowers for the wedding were by Belle Rose Boutique.  The blue and coral are a gorgeous combination which carry on the Boho look. 

The naked cake was by Sweet Sam and looks delicious. 

Joe and Cydney put so much thought into the extra special touches for the day.  I love the flip flops for guest and the polaroid camera is a brilliant idea. 

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Willis!!  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day.

Samantha & Keith

On the blog today we have the wedding of Samantha and Keith.  This is a real treat for anyone who loves a theatrical style wedding. 

Samantha and Keith got married on 9th April 2016 at the rather trendy Houchins Barn.  This is a relatively new venue on the block but I have heard nothing but positive feedback about it. 

When Samantha first came into the boutique, she explained to me that she is an interior designer and has her own design company (Morph Designs Ltd).  So she was looking for a dress that was something a little different from the normal and as soon as she mentioned the words "Helena Bonham Carter style" I knew there was only one designer for her.  The one and only Ian Stuart. 

Samantha fell in love with the Pracatan dress, and as one of my all time favourite dresses I was truly jealous she got to wear it!  I think the only way to describe this dress to someone is "think Carrie Bradshaw - Sex in the City". Ever the designer, Samantha wanted a few custom changes to the dress which were to remove the sparkle detail off the corset bodice and also to have a corset tie back put in. It was really important to Samantha that she could have different accessories that she could change throughout the day.  In the end, she had 2 different boleros, a veil and a stunning hat (the hat was made by the same lady who helped Vivienne Westwood with the costume design for Tim Burtons "Alice in Wonderland"). 

Keeping with the Vivienne Westwood theme, Samantha had some gorgeous Vivienne Westwood shoes. 

The photographer for the day was Jayne Heather, so a big thank you to her for her beautiful images. 

Samantha's flowers were absolutely gorgeous.  I love the mixture of blue and purples and they are such a stand out feature. Throughout the day Samantha and Keith put in some amazing touches to the make the venue look beautiful.  

The wedding cake was made by Hunnybun Bakery and looks gorgeous, again the colour theme is stunning. The love letters were from My Big Fat Wedding and all the other props and screens were provided by Morph Designs. 

The Grooms and Groomsmen had suits from Anthony's Menswear.  I would highly recommend these guys to anyone looking for their suits.  They have modern styles and are top quality in the cut and make. The guys that work there are really helpful too. 

Samantha and Keith had a female choir preforming on the day which sounded amazing (I saw a video!). 

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Wood, we loved being part of your special day xx