Making a Statement with Accessories

Accessories can totally make or break your outfit. Personally, if I had to wear a white shirt & jeans for the rest of my life but could have any accessories to go with it - I would be happy. My bathroom & closet are cluttered with necklaces, bracelets, scarves, belts, purses, etc.

I often find that bridal or bridesmaid accessories are an after thought or a last minute scramble. I am going to add to my accessory collection at the store but wanted to share some of my current favs.

First off, Florrie Mitton garters. What a perfect gift for the bride! So elegant and well-made. They have elastic so they won't slide & satin so they won't itch. Aren't they so charming?

Next, Made by Stella jewelry. Her pieces are so feminine and delicate. Definitely not something you could pick up at a department store. Also, she'll change the stone color or chain color for most pieces - just ask.

Matching Earrings.

Lastly, Nelle handbags. How sweet is this purse? I recently donated one for a Pretty Indy event and the following day I had a girl come to the store to buy one. They are hand made out of charmeuse and very dainty. Plus they are available in over 10 colors too.

Carrie Underwood has good taste

My fav American Idol/ one of my fav country singers got married this weekend - Carrie Underwood. Sister had a HUGE wedding and according to People magazine it looked fabulous. Although Carrie didn't buy her dresses from Bella Bridesmaid - she did buy her little ring bearer an outfit from the Bella Bridesmaid in Nashville. She chose the Hudson - silk shantung outfit by LulaKate. It's precious. No question about that. Here is a picture of Penny with the Hudson outfit to prove that statement.

It's tough to find something age appropriate and cute for ring bearers - luckily I have another option for the little Romeo in your wedding. Here is an adorable all white, hand sewn outfit from Pears and Bears. I know Boys + White = Bad but that is why some genius invented Shout wipes, Tide pens & Bleach.

To pull it all together why not add a Maihar Design pillow that matches your wedding colors.

Match your colors. I love the brown/ blue combo.

Simple & White. Very Elegant. Marie Pillow.

Juliet pillow with a splash. In background of pics above.

Take a minute to digest all that cuteness and get back to me.

Newsworthy!

Two weeks ago, Penny and I did an interview with Jenny Elig from the Indianapolis Star. Today on the homepage of the IndyStar - our article was the feature under Lifestyle and in the Weekend / Indy Living section of the newspaper. I couldn't be happier with the write up!

Link to the article is here.

Below are some pictures from the article!

"Cheery Atmosphere & Casual Elegance"

Me and Penny a "comforting team".

Picture of the Newspaper Version.

Bachelorette Bliss

I have been to my fair share of Bachelorette parties. Some great, some not so great. Here's what I've learned about planning a successful Bachelorette party!

First things first.... when you're planning a bachelorette party you need to get the bride's opinion and ideas on what she wants. This is HER last hooray and you want her happy! If she doesn't want feather boas and male strippers - make sure you communicate that. The last thing you want is her feeling uncomfortable on her night.

Next, talk to the bridal party about the bride's ideas and get their input. You probably also want to bring up the sensitive subject of a BUDGET! Eek! Nobody likes to talk about money, but it's more awkward if you don't and assume everyone can afford what you've planned.

Pick a date and communicate especially if girls are going to be traveling - the sooner the better. Also, make sure to give everyone your cell phone number - that way if you get split up or someone gets locked out of the hotel - they can call you. Lastly, remember this is all about the bride and have fun! Cheers!

Onto to locally owned Indy resources to pull off a killer bachelorette party!

Everyone's excpecting an Evite why not go old school and send an invitation. Periwinkle in Broadripple has super fun, girly bachelorette invitations. Stop in their boutique or call them 255-1002.

Want to make a custom tee for the Bride-to-Be? Head over Teeki Hut in Broadripple. You can even upload your own pic online and if you bring in an old T-shirt they'll take $5 off your order.

We've all been to the bachelorette party where the bride gets one of everything Victoria's Secret has to offer - mix it up and go to Pillow Talk in Carmel for fabulous lingerie! You can also use their store for bachelorette parties! They even serve up appetizers for you and your girls. For details email: info@pillowtalkinfo.com

Antique Limo of Indy - don't let the name fool you, they rent party buses as well. This bad boy below is pimped out with 2 bars, cocktail table, VCR, 2 TVs and leather wrap around couches. Rates are $465 for 3 hours (minimum) but I'd willing to bet you could negotiate on price. What's the harm in asking anyway?!?

More bachelorette ideas to come. Stay tuned!

LulaKate Love!

It's no secret that I love LulaKate. And according to my sales so does Indianapolis! It's a fabulous line and the versatility is comparable to none. For a gemini like me, I have a hard time making decisions as is - throw in something like LulaKate - it's going to take me days to figure out what I want. The color selection is practically endless, there are four fabric options and finally five skirt styles to choose from. Whew! That's a lot of decision making. Luckily, I've had girls who can make decisions and I can't wait to show you what they've done. Here are pictures from a friend's wedding - she picked LulaKate - various styles all in the same midnight dupioni.

I'm hoping to have a trunk show here in Indianapolis soon. Details to follow!

In the meantime, check out LulaKate's write up on RealSimple.

Happy Half Birthday Bella!

It is hard for me to believe that Bella has been open for 6 months now.

Happy Half Birthday Bella!

Bella September 2009

Bella January 2010

At this time last year, I was in the business plan phase of Bella Bridesmaid. It was still a concept and "maybe it will work out". I had a secret life, I was going to work everyday from 8am - 5pm sitting in a cube day-dreaming about my life as a business owner and at night working hard on my business plan. The process was not all rainbows and puppies - it was by far the most challenging thing I've ever done. But as I sit here in my office at Bella and look at my store - I am so proud. I could not have done it without the support of my friends and family! So here's to you. Love you guys!

Mi familia at my opening.

(missing from this photo: Nick Sass aka Uncle Paws)

Up for the Challenge

Back in January, I had a booth at the Indianapolis Monthly bridal show. I had no clue what to expect, I'd never been to a bridal show and I was more than grateful to have one of my BFFs (Meredith) there to help me. I'll sum it up for you, bridal shows are a bit overwhelming. Come prepared to ward off pushy vendors and ready to eat lots of cake/ cupcake samples.

My booth at the show.

I took the approach of - smile, be cordial and if they like what they see they'll grab a card or ask questions. I didn't want to be like that sales clerk who constantly asks if you need help finding anything. All in all, the bridal show was a learning experience and fantastic exposure for Bella, but the ultimate highlight of that show was one bride that I "met" that day.

As I was loading mannequins into my car, a Mother of the Bride approached me and asked it I was the owner of Bella. I told her yes and she explained they were running late to the bridal show and that they saw some of my dresses midst tear down and really wanted to come into my store. The next week, the bride called and setup an appointment. She came in with her family and I knew instantly that I was going to love working with them.

Rebekah was getting married in June and was looking for a dress that would flatter her 11 bridesmaids. She had a vision of the color she wanted - a shade of green that I would call Apple. Sidenote: I love a bride with a vision. I was totally on board for the challenge. After trying on dresses and narrowing down styles, she decided on LulaKate's Alex style dress with a long straight skirt in Jasmine dupioni. Throughout the decision process, Rebekah came into the store a handful of times with her Mom and her bridesmaids. During this, I got to know her and totally admired her fun- loving attitude and contagious positive energy! I was a bit sad when they came to pick up the dresses because that meant she didn't have a reason to come to the store! I'm sure we'll keep in touch.

Here are a few pics from her wedding courtesy of Carpenter Photography.

Congratulations to the Elliotts!

It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your day!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from my window!

LulaKate Styles: Gina, Charlotte & Bridget

A Day of Dress Up

This was totally one of those appointments that just reinforces why I love what I do! Not only did they find the perfect bridesmaid dress but they found the perfect wedding dress too.

My friend Molly brought her cousin Lindsey to Bella to look at bridal gowns for her Spring wedding. She also had her Mom and Aunt from Terre Haute in tow. The wedding was small and personal and Lindsey was really interested in the Saja Bridal line. The Saja dresses are romantic, flowy and affordable. Lindsey found a style that looked absolutely breath taking on her. Once she had 100% made her decision on a wedding dress, it was time for Molly to find the perfect bridesmaid dress - she was the only bridesmaid and Lindsey gave her free reign to pick any dress she wanted.

Between Lindsey and Molly, a lot of dresses were modeled and eventually Molly decided on a Swoon bridesmaid dress to wear. Both girls wore Maihar Designs flower petals in their hair.

It was a fun day of dress up and I am so pleased both girls found dresses they loved at Bella!

Lindsey in Saja HB6764

http://www.sajainc.com/collection_gowns.html

Molly in Swoon style Fiji color Orchid

http://www.swoondress.com/