We're in...

Just picked up the keys to the barn!
The windows are in and we are about to start knocking down walls! Very excited! Check back soon for photos...

Grace Kelly : Style Icon

The Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition opens this weekend at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The exhibition showcases the spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s. Featuring dresses from her films including High Society and Rear Window, as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955, the display will examine Grace Kelly's glamorous Hollywood image and enduring appeal.

It will also explore the evolution of her style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from the outfit she wore to her first meeting with Prince Rainier in 1955 to her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and '70s by her favourite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent.

The exhibition is on display from 17th April - 26th September 2010.

For more information and to book tickets visit the V&A website: http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/gracekelly/

Lulu Loves - Spring Florals & Bright Colours!

Well April is now here and Spring is upon us - I'm loving all the daffodils around at this time of year! Have you seen the pictures from Aintree this week? Although there were some horrendous sights, I actually quite liked the floral theme that everyone seemed to have adopted, and the daring mixture of colours worked well for most people!

According to the fashion glossies, it seems that bright colours are going to be big this summer, so I just threw together this "Lulu Loves" collage of spring florals and neon brights!

The is one department in which Monsoon comes up trumps! Their eclectic mix of colours, patterns, embroidery and sequins is bound to please all you butterflies out there.

I have featured in this collage the beautiful Elie Saab dress that Amy McAdams wore to the Oscars this year. The soft colours make this flowing floral gown subtle and chic. The dress boutique has a few floral dresses in our collection, from layered chiffon cocktail dresses to full length frocks in bold patterns so come and have a look!

The Alexander McQueen Praying Mantis print bustier dress is a budget-buster at £2600!!! But cheaper alternatives can be found at ASOS, Oli and other high-street stores.

For shoes, my favourites are always LK Bennett for comfort and style - I'm loving these hot pink patent heels, they are a little pricey at £140, but I can guarantee you they won't pinch or rub and they will last for years. A cheaper option are the coral Geranium shoes from Carvela at £69 or the purple Ciao Bella Sandals at just £42.

For bags anything goes! Again Monsoon / Accessorize has a huge choice but this purple frilly one caught my eye priced at £30, and this Ben De Lisi one from Debenhams is another eye-catcher at £28.

For all you ladies in Andover, or the surrounding area, I recommend a visit to 'At Last' located at the top of the High Street. They stock a mixture of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from a variety of designers, in various colours, you are sure to find something spectacular there. I'm sure you will also love their sister shop 'At Home' which is just across the road!

But for evening dresses, prom dress and occasionwear - come to The Dress Boutique!!!

LuLu x

Prom Dresses...

I am acutely aware that Prom Season is almost upon us, and my stock of 400 dresses is still cluttering up Mum and Dads spare room and not nicely displayed in my nice new studio ready for all you budding prom princesses to come and see!

I just thought I should mention that if anyone out there is wanting to hire a prom dress, and would like to view the dresses before May 1st (when we hope to be in our new studio) then you are welcome to come and take a look at the dresses in storage.

Prom Dress Hire is just £40, or I can offer a package deal to include dress, tiara, wrap and satin gloves for £60!

Please call me on 07881 627 411

New website is live!!!

Our new website is up and running! www.dressboutique.co.uk

-- Post From My iPhone

Visit us at the ABC Occasions Wedding Fayre - Sunday 11th April

We are very excited about exhibiting at our very first Wedding Fayre, this coming Sunday 11th April at Ludgershall Sports & Social Club - 37 Tidworth Road, Ludgershall, SP11 9QE

Organised by ABC Occasions, the fayre will showcase a number of local suppliers for all your wedding requirements.

The Dress Boutique will be showing off a selection of our stunning dresses available to hire, all suitable for the bridal party, be it the bride, the mother of the bride or groom, bridesmaids or guests! We will also have bags, stoles and tiaras to add that special finishing touch!

Come along between 11 and 3pm and say hello!

All systems go! We have signed the lease!

I have just come back from Westover Farm where I signed the lease and put down the deposit on our new premises!

The builders will now set to work on the barn, installing windows, knocking down walls and fitting electrics etc to make the barn into an open plan office.

Will update you all with photos as soon as we get the keys.

LuLu x

TDB Advert in Hampshire Life Magazine

For all those of you who live in the Hampshire area, keep an eye out for our advert in Hampshire Life magazine in April!

It's just a coming soon ad, but hopefully it will generate a little interest in The Dress Boutique before we open in May.

Here is the advert...