Imagine A World Where Everyone Shopped Local

This year for Holiday Hoopla we decorated our window under the theme of "Imagine," & we couldn't help but imagine a word where everyone shopped local! We stuffed our window with goodies from many of the wonderful local businesses that surround our location on Main Street, & decided to give each of our brides this month a gift from under our Local Business Tree! We think it's important for local businesses to support one another just as much as it is for the people of a community to support their local businesses. 

We felt it was necessary to take a post to recognize all the incredible businesses in our community & the individuals who own them. Our owner, Jen Barkhurst, works so hard every year to create an amazing and beautiful window display for the holidays. We were excited to use this year's opportunity to support all of our local businesses & the hardworking people who make this shop local campaign possible.

As the holiday shopping season winds down, be sure you spread the love to some of your local businesses & see everything they have to offer!

&

Happy Holidays from An Elegant Affair!

Previous years Hoopla Window Display!

"Can't Say No" November

We are getting ready to ring in the new year with tons of brand new dresses. The only problem? We don't have room for them all! So to make room for the new inventory we're marking down all of our current in store styles for the entire month of November! For this month only all sample wedding dresses are 15% off (some exclusions apply, see store for details). What exactly does this mean? These are the dresses we physically have in store right now to to try on. Think of it this way, rather than having to wait for four or five months for your dress, you could leave with it today! 

We are sure to keep all of our sample dresses in the best condition, & any minor issues (missing buttons, beads or hooks) are immediately fixed free of charge after purchase! We have a range of all sizes, & a wonderful in house seamstress that can make alterations if sizing isn't exactly perfect. This incredible sale is on a first come first serve basis. These amazing dresses won't be in store for long, so be sure to stop in or make an appointment today!

Here's a look at just a couple of our favorite dresses that are included in our "Can't Say No" November sale!

Sottero & Midgley "Azita" size 10 in ivory

JLM Blush "Lilac" size 12 in ivory (dress pictured is blush)

 

Sottero & Midgley "Wynter" size 10 in ivory

Mikaella style #1406 size 12 in natural

Don't wait on this sale because these dresses won't last long! Call today to make an appointment 319.277.5655 or stop in today!

Ask An Elegant Affair

Planning your look for the big day can be a daunting task. How do you find the right shoes? Where can you get a garter? What kind of tuxes should you have? Don't worry! Today's blog post will cover all of our Frequently Asked Questions!

How far out should I order dresses?

For bridal gowns they usually take about 4 to 5 months to come in, and then you'll want another 1.5 to 2 months for alterations. We usually suggest ordering your bridal dress at least 6 months out!

Bridesmaids dresses usually take about 10 to 12 weeks to come in, then you'll want about 1 month for alterations. We usually suggest ordering bridesmaids at least 4 months out!

How long do alterations normally take?

It really depends, because each bride and dress is different. Most brides need 3 fittings to ensure everything fits exactly the way it should. We typically recommend starting about six weeks before the wedding. However, if you know you'll need major alterations (if you're changing the style of the straps, or replacing a zipper with a corset) start a few weeks earlier to ensure enough time for yourself!

Bridesmaids are usually much easier and don't normally need as many fittings. Usually just two, so you won't need to start until about 4 weeks out from the wedding.

When should I start picking out tuxes?

Feel free to start looking online at any time to find your favorite styles! The latest you would have to place a tux order is about a month out from your wedding, and your guys can pick them up the week of (it feels last minute, we know! but we promise it's okay!)

     

Style 301                                               Style 342

How can I be sure to match the color of my bridesmaids dresses to everything else in my wedding?

Once you pick the perfect dress in just the right color we can order a small fabric swatch that will let you match your colors perfectly!

What am I supposed to wear to my rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and for an exit dress?

Watters "Encore" collection has an awesome selection of short, more casual dresses. Though they're more casual than a gown, they're still very bridal so you'll be sure to stand out!
(Many of these amazing dresses also come in colors for more unique bridesmaid dresses!)

     

"Tikka" & "Chanel" Encore by Watters 

How can I make sure my shoes match?

We have a wide selection of shoes that can be dyed a wide range of colors! This way you'll be sure to make it the exact color you want!

  

What "must-have's" am I forgetting?

  Check out Ten Things Every Bride Should Have On Her Wedding Day to make sure you don't forget something for the big day! We've got all the jewlery, veils, and little extras you could need!

If you have any other questions or want to check out our inventory feel free to give us a call at 319.277.5655 or stop in today!

Finding the Right Dress For Your Body Type

 It can be hard to know how to accentuate your best assets while shopping for a wedding dres,s but worry no more! We've put together a cheat sheet for each individual body shape that focuses on which design details are best for your shape as well as key features to avoid.

Busty

• If you're looking to elongate your neck and shoulders without showing off too much, look for a dress with a draped cowl, subtle V, or square shaped necklines. 
• Balance out your bust and frame by looking for a dress that has a sweetheart neckline with straps and a full skirt. The proportions of the dress will accentuate your lower half while minimizing your assets.
•  Another way to minimize your assets is with an off the shoulder or a straight across strapless neckline. 

Hourglass

• A fit and flare dress will accentuate your hourglass curves. A glitzy belt is a glamorous way to highlight your small waistline
• With your shape you can pull off a true mermaid silhouette, one with asymmetrical tiers is an especially fun and unique option.
•  An elongated dropped waist and over sized tulle skirt will keep all eyes on your feminine form
• Structured materials like silk satin are an ideal choice for a form fitting gown

Lean & Straight

• Create the illusion of curves with a voluminous peplum skirt or contouring seams.
• A high neckline paired with a full A-line skirt will help showcase and balance your height at the same time
• With your taller figure, you can pull of an over the top ball gown without being overwhelmed
•  Consider a gown with a slit to show off your great legs!

Petite

• Avoid overwhelming your small frame by choosing an airy sheath dress or a structured trumpet style without 3D accents. Instead favor embroidery, light beading, and one -dimensional appliques.
• Opt for more slim, structured skirts over wide poofy ones when looking at dropped waist or mermaid silhouettes.
•  Horizontal details will shorten your frame, so look for vertical panels that will elongate you instead. Straps on a V-neckline and a dress with an empire waistline will also serve to lengthen your frame. 
• High-low hemlines are a fun way to make your legs look longer 

Plus Size

• Asymmetrical pleating and neckline-to-knee embellishments make curving hugging gowns more slimming
• Empire waistline will create a lengthening effect while a basque waistline will enhance your hourglass figure.
• Minimize your waistline with design details that draw the eye inwards. A dark colored sash is another simple way to make your middle look especially trim.
• A high neckline, a sheath silhouette and a slight train are the ultimate trio to creating a look that's long and lean
• A scoop neckline will show off your voluptuous shape while letting you avoid having opt for  strapless bra.

 Call today to make an appointment 319.277.5655!

Ceremonies Through The Seasons

As the seasons change so do the desires of our brides & the look and feel of their individual weddings. So we put together a few "inspiration boards" which piece together & highlight different aspects of each season.

Winter:

The cozy romance of winter allows for deep warm colors like this decadent Merlot to maintain liveliness and color in a season of otherwise cold colors. The black tux & enchanting ballgown allow for a formal affair, even in the dead of winter. 

 

Gown: Sottero & Midgley "Jerrica" Bridesmaid: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style # 5414 in Merlot.

Spring: 

As the snow melts and the trees begin to bud, so does the look and feel of your wedding. The beautifully detailed lace on a dress like this Maggie Sottero will give your wedding a look of fresh elegance. Gorgeous pastels will be set off by the deep navy, but will still appear fresh and springy. Shake off those winter chills with this bright spring look. 

 

Gown: Maggie Sottero "Boston" Bridesmaid: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style # 5357 in Blush & Rose

Summer:

Keep things easy breezy in the hot summer sun in a lightweight dress like this Maggie Sottero slip dress. Guys can ditch the jackets & colors should be bright & joyous like lavenders, bright pinks, and oranges!

 

Gown: Maggie Sottero "Lark" Bridesmaid: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style # 5413 in Lavender & Rose

 

 

Fall:

The rich tones in the Mocha colored lining of this Maggie Sottero wedding gown pair perfectly with the rich jewel toned Jasper colored bridesmaid dresses. The sunflowers add a seasonal accent of color, while the light neutral grey of the tuxes keeps things from getting too heavy.  

 

Gown: Maggie Sottero "Lucinda" Bridesmaid: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style # 5376 in Jasper  

See something you love? Stop in or make an appointment today & we'll help you set up your individual look! 319.277.5655!

Wedding Worthy Red Carpet Looks

During this past week's Emmy Awards we couldn't help but notice a lot of major red carpet looks resembled some of our favorite new dresses! Check out our favorites:

Claire Danes: The backless look on both of these dresses not only wows on the red carpet, but down the aisle as well! (Mori Lee Style #6784)

Sophia Vergara: Sophia was "Va-va-voom" on the red carpet, you'll make jaws drop on your special with this fitted shape & touch of sparkle. (Sottero & Midgley "Lola")

January Jones: The exceptional weave in the fabric turns the simple & flattering ballgown shape into something to be remembered for its uniqueness. (Mikaella Style #1858)

Taylor Shilling: The drapey bodice & dainty beading on both of these looks speaks to a style of effortless elegance. (Maggie Sottero "Gemma")

Camilla Alves: The unique & stunning embroidery detailing set off with sheer detailing makes both of these dresses breathtaking show stoppers. (Mori Lee style #5262)

Uzo Aduba: It's all about the dramatic train & effortless elegance with both of these clean looks, you'll be a natural beauty! (Sottero & Midgley "Viven")

Mayim Bialik: The ballgown shape in lace is a new way to amp up your lace, & the bolero makes for a bit more modest option that can be taken off after the ceremony! (Mikaella Style #1857)

See something you love? Give us a call at 319.277.5655 or stop in today!

Show Stopping Bridesmaids

We've talked before about the 10 Things Every Bride Should Have on Her Wedding Day, one of the most important of which is your girls. Your bridesmaids are important on your big day, and we understand you want to make sure they look fabulous! So today's post is all about the best bridesmaids colors for spring!

Coral: One of the most popular colors of the season, coral pairs especially great with grey or tan suits!

  

Jim Hjelm Occasions  

 

Mint: Fun and fresh, this color is flattering on almost any skin tone

 

Mori Lee

Lavender: Another versatile color, lavender is a great spring alternative to plum!

 

Jim Hjelm Occasions 

Champagne: A great neutral option that allows for a fun pop of color through your flowers and accessories!

  

Bill Levkoff