This Week at MiliMili - 3 September 2018

Hello everyone! 

I hope you have all had a fantastic week.  Its been very busy in the boutique this week with getting the last of summer brides dresses fitted and ready to go.  One of the brides is Laura, who is Abby's sister.  She has a gorgeous dress and I can't wait to show the pictures of her wedding. 

We have also received some new dresses into the boutique and they have been causing quite the stir on Instagram.  First up is one from the Enzoani's exclusive flagship collection - meet Mercedes! 

Dramatic and elegant, this full-length mermaid gown features intricate beaded lace on a deep sweetheart neckline bodice, as well as rhinestones along delicate spaghetti straps. The back showcases a low illusion design embellished with criss-cross rhinestone straps and the most jaw-dropping, tiered lace and tulle train.

The second dress we received is from the Blue by Enzoani range.  The Blue by Enzoani collection focuses on contemporary dresses for the modern bride who does intricate details. 

A sumptuous mermaid gown constructed with sequin embroidered lace on soft stretch georgette. The strapless, illusion V-neckline complements the gorgeous back with a cascading, illusion lace train.

If you would like to try either of these dresses give us a call on 01206 616368! 

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