NewlyMaid - Why Didn't I Think of That?!?

"You know, you'll totally be able to wear that again!" is one of the biggest lies we will ever hear as women.  I can tell you, from personal experience, that no matter how flattering, pretty, un-hideous a bridesmaid dress is, you will, in-fact, never wear it again.  When 27 Dresses came out, I laughed, because although my six dresses do not compare in numbers, I could totally relate!  I have since, parted ways with four of the dresses, freeing up much needed closet space.  I have to admit that two remain, taking up about two feet of space in Mr. T's closet, (he is an understanding husband!).
 
You may have heard about this awesome idea already, but I had to share; someone finally came up with a plan to turn those un-wearable dresses into something great!  NewlyMaid makes it easy to find the perfect dress, (that you will wear), while freeing up precious storage space, in four easy steps:

1. Pull those dresses out of the back of your closet!  NewlyMaid accepts bridesmaid, mother of the bride, special occasion, and prom dresses from most dress manufacturers.
2. Create an account on NewlyMaid.com and order a pre-paid mailer to send in your unwanted dress.  Don't forget to read the instructions for packaging your dress .  Your package is pre-paid, so you need only drop it off at your local FedEx Kinkos!
3. You will receive an email confirming that NewlyMaid has accepted your dress (as long as you have followed the guidelines, you should have no issues!), and *poof*, like magic, your special pricing will be unlocked.
4. Shop!  Shop!  Shop!  You now have access to the perfect little black dress!  Choose from six styles, order, receive, enjoy!

"What happens to my old dress?" you ask?  NewlyMaid recycles qualifying dresses that are 100% polyester.  They have also partnered with Clothes4Souls, which brings clothes, and shoes, to people in need, around the world.

It's truly a win-win for everyone! 

Check, Check, And Check!

Phew!  We've gotten tons done!

Last Friday Mr. T and I went and got our marriage license (kind of important!).  I picked up my mom and she and I met with the on-site coordinator at my venue along with with my day-of coordinator, to go over all the final details and time-line.  Then the three of us (my mom, my day-of, and myself) went to Miosa to my dress fitting.  We ended up talking with Michael, the designer at the shop for over an hour; he's awesome!  Oh yeah, the alterations were perfect :-).  It was on to Michael's from there to get the table number stands.  Finally we went to See's Candies to pick up the truffles for our favors.  All of this by 2:00 p.m.!

Sunday afternoon was wedding prep time!  We took all the vases and supplies for the favors to my matron of honor's house.  A couple of friends came over and the four of us got to work.  We prepped all the vases (washed and grids in place), and put together 150 favors.

It feels good to get so much done!

Crisis Averted!

Yesterday I took my dress to Miosa Couture bridal salon to see about having it shortened.  Yes, you read that right, shortened.  I am 5' 9"; the "perfect" height for most bridal gowns.  Unfortunately, the dress I chose was too long, even with my 4" heels!

I was extremely nervous, as the bridal salon where I had originally purchased my dress from had told me that the alteration would be anywhere from $400 to $600.  The high alteration cost quoted was due to the amount of work required in removing and reapplication the delicate lace applique, the scalloped seaming at the mid-thigh (yeah for mermaid styles!) and the hemming of the satin under layer.  Please keep in mind that I got a screamin' deal on my dress; if it was going to cost me $400 to $600 I might as well buy a new dress.

In swoops Miosa Couture!  I had my consultation over my lunch hour yesterday (I have to say that I looked pretty silly walking downtown with my dress, my petticoat, which was not contained, and shoes in hand). Though I had purchased my dress through another salon, my consultant and the rest of the team at Miosa never gave me anything other than superior customer service.

I got dressed and the seamstress immediately got to pinning.  She discussed the different possibilities for the alteration, and came up with a solution that I was comfortable with, that would also be cost effective.  In fact, Miosa is able to do the alteration for about half of the original quote.

Yeah for Miosa Couture!

1125 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-443-1301

Today Is The Day

Today is the day that we find out  if we can shorten my wedding dress, or if I am back to looking for a new one.

Here's a little background for those of you who are new to my site.  Several months ago I found a beautiful Justin Alexander dress, that was a sample and fit me perfectly, with the exception of it being slightly too long.  We (the consultant, my friend Mrs. S, and myself) were all sure that with the right petticoat and the right shoes the dress length would be perfect.

Well, I tried on the dress with everything last Wednesday, only to discover that it was still much too long.  Because of the way the dress is constructed I am concerned about what the costs will be to have it altered.  I have an appointment at lunchtime today to get an estimate; if it is too much than I am back to trying to find a sample dress, in my size, with less than a month to go. 

I will keep you all posted.  Wish me luck!

Costco Does Bridal?

It seems like more and more retailers are getting into the wedding game.  The newest to join the ranks is Costco.  Yep, you can buy your gallon of four bean salad (one of my favorites!), the latest movie releases, and then head on over to the wedding section.

Costco is trying out this concept, through "Special Events", in Northern California and Nevada.  Kristie Kelly Couture is holding a trunk show for their Signature line at the Folsom, CA Costco through this weekend.  They will then appear in Almaden, CA February 17th through the 20th, and in Reno, NV February 24th through the 27th.  Dresses range from $650 to $1,400; that's starting at 40% off retail!

This is a great chance to get a beautiful dress at a "Costco" price.  You will get to meet with a consultant, try on the dress, and take home your purchase the same day.

You can make an appointment online by clicking here.

The dresses are lovely; once again, I am strongly tempted!!!

C1201

C1202

C1205

C1206

Your Dream Dress

Okay, so I was partaking in one of my favorite pastimes, blog browsing, when I came across a post from Andrea Jean, on her site Newlywed Bridal Blog, about Your Dream Dress.  All I can say is love, love, love!  Andrea had a great experience with them, and I can see why! 

They have beautiful designer gowns at a fraction of the cost.  "How do they do this?" you ask?  Quote "Our inventory is compiled of gorgeous 100% Authentic Designer couture wedding dresses (new, overbuys, sample, canceled wedding gowns without alterations, etc.) that boutiques simply cannot sell before new inventory arrives."

If you always wanted that designer gown, but are on a budget, this is the place for you!   They have a return policy, yes you read that right.  If you don't love it, notify them that you are going to return it within three days of receipt and return it within seven, via FedEx or UPS insured.  Buy it, try it, love it!

This is your chance ladies!  I already have my dream dress, someone should get these beauties!

Badgley Mischka-Grace X Couture
Originally $5,050, YDD $1,250

Anne Barge La Fleur LF135
Originally $3,730, YDD $1,250

Monique Lhuillier Bloom Couture
Originally $6,160, YDD $1,495

So Many Dresses to Choose From

Have you noticed that there are so many dresses that would work as bridesmaid dresses?  I know that generally the repeated lie is "I'll totally be able to wear this again!"  If you're willing to be a little "nontraditional" you may be able to make that a truth!

I don't know about you, but I would wear any of the three of these again.  Date night, here we come!!!

I also just fell in love with a  Betsey Johnson dress called Belle of the Barre.  Now I know that my matron of honor does not want to go strapless, but isn't this so cute!

Are you a traditional bride?  Or are you thinking outside the box for your girlfriends?

Bridesmaid Dresses

I am constantly amazed at the wide variety and selection when it comes to bridesmaid dresses!

I am only having one attendant, my future sister-in-law, stand up with me.  I was not picky when it came to her choosing.  In fact, she helped me select colors for the wedding!  She has been great about everything!  I asked her what color dress she'd like to wear; she picked chocolate brown. 

Based off her color choice and Mr. Tucker's input we are going with ivory, chocolate brown and moss green (more on color choices later!).

My future sister-in-law was hesitant to pick any dress without me okaying it.  I think she thought I would say I liked what she selected even if I didn't.  That is not the case; it's just an item that I do not have a strong opinion on :-)

Her search began!

There are so many choices out there!  It can be overwhelming.

One neat idea is the "convertible dress."  Two Birds carries collections made famous by My Fair Wedding.  Spiegel carries a more affordable option, called Versatile Convertible Dress, with less color selections.  Which one would you rather see going up the aisle?

Happy 4th of July!

To say that I love this Fourth of July inspired color board is an understatement.  You can see that every detail pays tribute to this holiday, from the drinks and beautiful bridal shoes, to the cake and fireworks send off.

Doesn't this just get you in the mood to have a Fourth of July party?