Jamie G Sporting Trust Gala Ball

Saturday 2nd October 2010 - The Wolversdene Club, Andover

The Dress Boutique is in talks with the Jamie G sporting trust about supporting their 2nd Gala Ball later this year...

Watch this space for more information - coming soon!!!

The Dress Boutique Official Opening Party!

Plans for the official Opening Party are underway!

We are planning to have a small party in September for friends and customers of The Dress Boutique to celebrate our official opening.

A very special guest will be unveiling our new sign and official opening the boutique office!

We are very excited indeed.

Dates and times will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks so watch this space!

LuLu x

The Dress Boutique supports Enham

The Enham Charity provides Choice, Control and Independence for Disabled People

From housing and employment to personal development and care, Enham delivers a wide range of essential services that provide choice and empower people to make their own decisions about their lives.

Enham is holding a Hollywood Gala style ball for their residents on Saturday 11th September 2010. The evening looks set to be great fun, with a red carpet arrival, film star lookalikes and a live performance from local band - The Torn Off Strips.

The Dress Boutique was approached by the ball organising committee to see if we could donate a couple of dresses for their residents, and we were pleased to be able to help this worth cause - much to the organisers surprise, we ended up donating an assortment of over 20 dresses along with a variety of accessories!

We hope that all the Enham residents enjoy their big night!

For more information about the charity visit their website: www.enham.org.uk

You Shall Go To The Ball!!!

I have recently had some clients going to a ball for the first time, and as newbies to this tradition, they have asked me about dress codes… I referred them to good ole Google as I wasn’t sure of the answers to some of their questions myself, so I thought it would be a good idea to provide you all with some useful information on this subject!

Dress Codes
Unless the ball invitation specifies a particular theme or dress-code, deciding what to wear is likely to be entirely up to you. Personally, I use a Ball as a chance to get dressed up to the nines – I would rather be over-dressed than underdressed at such an occasion! If you are not used to dressing up, keep your dress simple and add little extra details like sparkly jewellery or a hairclip, a beaded bag and a coordinating stole. Make sure you choose well-fitting shoes, and if they are new then try to break them in before the big night as there is nothing worse than having to hobble through the function room to the loo, or even worse – not being able to dance! If you don’t normally wear make-up then a touch of mascara and some lip gloss will make a dramatic difference. The main thing though as always, is to be comfortable in whatever you choose, as if you are comfortable then you will be confident, and confidence makes you smile!

Most ball invitations will specify a dress-code, so it's crucial to understand what terms like 'black-tie', 'white-tie' and 'smart-casual' can mean. This guide on what to wear explains what will be expected of you when confronted with different dress-codes - so you won't feel lost when planning your outfit!

Moreover, if the ball you're attending is themed, ensure you check what exactly the theme is before deciding what to wear. And make sure you take into account seasonal differences too: after all, what you'll wear to a summer ball and what you'll wear to a winter ball are sure to differ greatly!

'Formal dress'
If this dress code is indicated on an invitation then follow the same rules as 'black-tie'. You can wear anything from a smart suit, elegant separates or a glamorous long dress.

Morning suit
Traditionally if this is for weddings that start before 3pm, however the morning suit, consisting of what is often referred to as a Penguin Suit, usually made up of a navy, black or grey tailcoats worn with contrasting trousers either plain or striped, teamed with a white wing-collar shirt, a coloured waistcoat and a cravat. Morning suits are a nice alternative to the Tuxedo for a summer ball particularly if the ball starts with an afternoon reception.

Black Tie
This is the most common dress code for a ball. For men, this means a tuxedo or a dinner suit teamed with a bow-tie.
For ladies, you have the flexibility to go very sexy and glam, in a dress of any length. The only rule is that you should look dressier than normal. i.e. a cotton ‘day’ dress would not suffice. Ideally you should look like you have made an effort. Remember – even the most simple dress can be dressed up with a pair of pretty shoes and some sparkling accessories.

White Tie
'White tie' does not mean that you wear all white, unless you are going to a ball at Elton Johns house!
In essence 'white tie' for men means that you opt for a tail-coat rather than a dinner suit. Shirts, waistcoats, ties and bow ties must be white and patterned or gimmicky ties are a definite no-no! For ladies, 'white tie' means a long, preferably floor length dress rather than a perky short one.Depending on the formality of the event, bare shoulders may or may not be acceptable. Shawls and long gloves are common accessories

Themed Balls
Themed balls are fun but can be a nightmare for finding an appropriate style to suit. Before you start looking for a dress make sure that you find out exactly what type of theme it is. For example, a hot pink dress is clearly not the right for a black and white theme, and similarly if you turn up to a masquerade ball without a mask you will feel rather silly. Equally, if you are not comfortable in an over the top costume then you could just choose something along the lines of the theme, for example, for a Bollywood themed ball you could select a dress with some beaded fringing on it, or wear a scarf in the style of a Sari with a simple dress.

Seasonal Balls
Spring and Summer balls are more flexible in terms of what you can wear, but with our Great British climate you should always be prepared for the weather! On the day it may start to drizzle and appear cooler in the morning, and equally the day may start out as a scorcher, but temperatures often dip after dark, so always take a shawl or wrap just in case.
For Christmas balls it can be harder to find a glamorous dress that will keep you warm in the cold winter chill but there are other options. Buy the dress you want and accessorise with a bolero jacket, stole or pashmina - These are a great way to keep bare shoulders cosy and warm and are available in a variety of fabrics and even fake furs and feathers!

Whatever you choose to wear - Have Fun!

The Katie Piper Foundation Launch

But Katie Piper, from Andover, is the perfect advertisement for the groundbreaking surgery which has given her her beauty back.

Standing tall and beaming with pride, it is hard to believe that just a year ago she was disfigured and afraid to leave her house.

The 26-year-old former model suffered horrific burns to her face and neck after she became the victim of an acid attack orchestrated by her jealous ex-boyfriend.

Katie said that her ordeal has changed her view of beauty and she aims to offer non-medical advice to burns victims to build up their confidence through hairstyling, make-up and mentoring.

'Beauty used to mean to me being the person with the best figure, the prettiest person walking into a room - that's what I thought beauty was,' she said. 'But I have realised that is was nothing - it was a false and superficial view.


'I hope by sharing experiences the Katie Piper Foundation can help other disfigured people to build in confidence, to stand tall and feel beautiful too.'

The Katie Piper Foundation was set up to make a difference to burns survivors.

Katie feels that she’s been extremely fortunate with the life-changing treatment and support she received after her attack. So much so that she set up this foundation to improve rehabilitation facilities for burns survivors while providing a network of support and information on burns, scars and treatment, both medical and non-medical.

The Dress Boutique will be supporting The Katie Piper Foundation as its charity of the year.

For more information visit: www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk

LuLu Loves.... Paris

Wow this month has just been crazy busy! What with trying to get the barn finished and dress moved in etc, and also some changes to my full-time job meaning I now have to to travel overseas every six weeks, I've been working so hard I don't know if I'm coming or going!

Although it sounds glamourous, all this jetting around Europe really isn't as fun as it might sound, although it is quite nice to wander round the Harrods outlet at Heathrow Terminal 5! What better way to pass the time than browsing through the rails of beautiful designer dresses?!

Inspired by my recent business trip to Paris, I thought would share with you my ideas for a french themed outfit...

French actresses have always had that certain "Je ne sais quois" and in the last few years Marion Cottilard and Audrey Tatou have upheld this tradition for style and grace with some spectacular dresses on the red carpet. Red and black are very Ooh La La! It's all about the wiggle, so it's high heels all the way, combined with a classic hourglass shaped dress. This Red Karen Millen Peplum Satin One Shoulder Dress is gorgeous and an affordable style at £180, while at £525 this Issa Strapless silk-crepe gown is a little more pricey, but having tried a few designs from the Issa collection up close at Harrods T5 I can vouch for the quality and cut of these stunning dresses that will make you feel divine!

Those of you who have visited our boutique barn will know that I simply love the french vintage style, so I have included a couple of vintage pieces in this collage - This super cute Black Taffeta Prom Dress by Queen of Heartz is reminiscent of the 1950's and very 'Mad Men' which is very 'de jour'! a Bargain at £125 from www.unique-vintage.com who also sell this sensational Sue Wong Black and Nude Lace Gown fro £305

I have chosen both break the bank and budget options for shoes, with those famous red soled heels - by Christian Louboutin - the Bianca style in patent-leather at £495 and the more affordable red satin peep toes from Kurt Geiger for just £49. As ever similar styles are available on the high street for under £20 so there's really no excuse for poorly shod feet!

To add those finishing touches, feathers and sparkle are a must, this miniature top-hat is very 'Moulin Rouge' and is priced a modest £18 from Monsoon. The bags I have chosen are from Ouloulette and Chanel and are so ridiculously expensive I won't even tell you how much, but we all know that cute little bags both modern and vintage are available to hire from The Dress Boutique!

Finally, I have included nail polish by Dior (who else?!) and perfume from L'Occitane. Yum.

Tres Bien.
J'Adore.

LuLu x

Andover Rugby Club Wedding Fayre

The Dress Boutique has just confirmed that we will be exhibiting at the Wedding Fayre at Andover Rugby Club on Sunday 22nd August 2010.

Catch the current trends and bridal forecasts as a host of local suppliers exhibit inspiring table set-ups, lavish cakes, charming invitations, artistic floral arrangements and lots of other elements to inspire you to create the wedding of your dreams!

For more information call Sam Luke on 01264 339518

The event takes place at: Andover Rugby Footbal Club, Foxcotte Park, Andover Down, Charlton SP11 0TA

Admission is FREE!!!

We're in the barn!!!

Horrah! 4 hours of hauling boxes upon boxes of dresses from my Mum and Dads House to the Barn and we are in and unpacked!

Big thanks to Tracey, Will and Lorraine for helping me pack-up and un-pack all the dresses. I owe you all a drink!

Just some finishing touches to the decor and we will be ready for business.

I have to say that the office is great - it's light and airy with plenty of room to store the dresses.

We will be having an official launch party and open day in the not to distant future so - watch this space!