Friday, 7 December 2012

The Dress Boutique Sale is now on!

To make way for new stock we are selling off hundreds of ex-hire dresses.
From simple black evening dresses to elaborate vintage prom dresses, sparkling sequins to fancy ruffles, we have something for everyone!
Prices start at just £25.

Call us now to make an appointment on 07881624711

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Conleigh Bridalwear - SALE NOW ON!


Here at The Dress Boutique, we think it's important to co-promote other local businesses, so I am pleased to let you know that Stockbridge's Luxury Bridal Boutique - Conleigh Bridalwear is currently having sale.

You can see some examples on their website, but the best thing is to pop into their lovely shop in Stockbridge High Street and see for yourself where Vanessa will be happy to show you her collection.

We reccommend lunch at Stokes of Stockbridge, or perhaps some tea and cake in Thyme & Tides - go on! make a day of it.

For more information see the website: www.conleighbridalwear.co.uk

New updated website coming soon!!!

We've been really busy over the last few months, taking pictures of our hundreds of dresses ready to update the website!

The new content will go live in early March so please come back soon and take a look.

As well as galleries of all our hire gowns, we will also be selling ex-hire stock online and we will be offering mail-order or collection, so it doesn't matter if you are not located near us.

Watch this space!

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Its my 31st Birthday today!

To celebrate, I went for a lovely lunch at Thyme & Tides in Stockbridge, where I enjoyed a yummy Cheese Ploughmans, followed by a sumptuous slice of carrot cake, washed down with a pot of Earl Grey. Bliss.

Thyme & Tides is a lovely deli/bistro in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, set in the upmarket gastro-village of Stockbridge.

They sell a variety of tasty treats from sweet to savoury, with an amazing cheese counter and a reside fish monger too. Try the Olives!!!

For more information visit the website: www.thymeandtidesdeli.co.uk

Sunday, 11 September 2011

1st Birthday!!!

Wow! Where has the last year gone? I can't believe we have been in business for one year already!

Big thanks to all our customers over the last 12 months, without you we wouldn't be here - I've had a lot of repeat custom from some of you which is lovely as it shows we are obviously doing something right.

Working full time and running my own business is definitely challenging, but its also so worthwhile as I have met so many lovely ladies in the last year, and its been so much fun!

The next year will see us develop the business a little more, we're looking to expand our bridal sales area, and also finally getting some all important photos on the website!

Our end of year sale starts on 1st December, so come along and grab a bargain with many frocks priced from as little as £25.

A special mention to my mum and all she has done to help me get the business off the ground, I love you and I couldn't have done it without you, and to my husband Matt, for all his support - I am eternally grateful.

Best wishes,
Lulu x

Friday, 10 June 2011

NEW Bridal Shop in Stockbridge

Conleigh Bridalwear opens its doors on 11th June in Stockbridge High Street.

According to their website, it will be an individual boutique with friendly and helpful service. The boutique has a bright, shabby chic feel to it which is very easy to shop from with lots of personal touches. They will stock collections from the designer Alan Hannah Mia Mia range whose gowns are light and pretty with beautiful touches.

Other suppliers will be Kate Sherford - whose gowns are soft and feminine with ruching, gathering and lace and Beverly Lister gowns with romantic clean lines which are breathtaking to see.

Conleigh Bridalwear, owned by Vanessa Wilson, will also be selling award winning Bridal Jewellery from Leigh- Anne McCague and locally sourced bespoke handmade jewellery, using Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and Murano glass.

For more information please see the website: www.conleighbridalwear.co.uk or call 01264 811616

Thursday, 12 May 2011

Underwear Solutions.... Stockbridge

If you are having trouble finding underwear suitable for your special occasion... you can stop the search.

Undercover in Stockbridge High Street offer a huge range of lingerie suitable for every occasion!

Undercover is the harmony and happiness boutique offering top of the range lingerie, resort wear and nightwear including the most beautiful silks from France and Italy.
We are trained Specialists offering our expert advice to you, your friends, and your loved ones (not forgetting your daughters).

Male partners are always welcome. Many British men over the age of 30 are not very knowledgeable about or comfortable with the subject of lingerie, especially its importance to their partner's wellbeing, morale and health. But, really, being fitted for lingerie is as important as the need to be properly and professionally kitted out with sportswear in order to feel and perform your best.

And of course beautiful lingerie is designed to be as pleasing for your partner as it is for you!

For more information visit their website: www.undercoverintimates.co.uk or to make an appointment for a fitting call Nicolette and the team on 01264 810888

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

Introducing..... Rachel Drewer


Rachel Drewer believes you should wear something fabulous and handmade on your head. Whether for a wedding, party or just everyday, there are pieces in Rachel Drewer's Collection to suit you - and your wardrobe. The Winter Collection combines striking and wearable shapes, neutral colours, and the season's rich textures.

All ready to wear and delivered straight to your door. What more could you want?


Rachel left behind her corporate career to study the art of millinery with established London milliners, and subsequently on the renowned HNC Millinery course at Kensington & Chelsea College, London. As she nears the end of her formal millinery training at Kensington & Chelsea College, London, work is almost complete on her final collection. Drawing inspiration from the life and work of famed 18th century Hampshire naturalist, Gilbert White, the collection of five pieces will explore the best of nature in unexpected and innovative materials, textures and shapes.

For more information please see the website www.racheldrewer.com

WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK!!!


The Dress Boutique are exhibiting at Winchester Fashion Week!!!

Winchester Fashion week is set to take place from 25-31st July 2011.

Located around the city, venues to include Theatre Royal and Winchester Discovery Centre with events including lectures and exhibions on Fashion Photography, Illustration and Film.

The week of fun filled fashionable activities will culminate in the Cirque Du Fashion Show to be held in Winchester’s very own Guildhall. Expect a spectacle.

As if it couldn’t get any better think gorging on fabulous cupcakes, sipping on fashiontinis and ending it all with local bands at an after party at The Railway. What more could you want?

TDB Supports Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Charity Fashion Show


Come and see the cruise & event collection from The Dress Boutique at a charity fashion show in aid of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance....

Saturday 28th May. Harrow Way School, Andover. 7pm.
Other local stores will also be showcasing their summer collections including Animal, Eton Brown, Cloud 9, George at Asda, La Senza, Marks and Spencer, Mooch, New Look, The Dress Botique, Torr Boutique and Ruby Shues. There will also be stalls from some of the featured companies on the night.

For tickets please contact Natalie on 07884 217 170 or Jo on 07739 022 438 or email them on joandnats@hotmail.com

TDB Supports Andover Mind Ladies Night


The Dress Boutique will be displaying a collection of our dresses to hire at Andover Mind Ladies Night on 11th May 6pm—9pm


Why not treat yourself? To an evening of mini manicures, make-overs and much more!

Exhibitors include Ruby Shues, Pheonix Cards and Vie at Home

Raffle available on the night with fantastic prizes!

Tickets £4.00 inc a glass of wine on entry

Available from Mandie Taylor, Andover Mind, Westbrook Close, South Street
Tel: 01264 332297

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Olivier Awards 2011

Being a massive fan of musical theatre, the Olivier Awards are one of my favourite awards ceremonies!

Nothing like a bit a theatrical glamour and boy were there some fantastic dresses there tonight. A host of leading ladies past and present including Summer Strallen, Kara Tointon and Amanda Holden put on their finest frocks as they dazzled on the red carpet at London's Theatre Royal.

Amanda Holden looked absolutely stunning in an asymmetrical fishtail royal blue Ralph & Russo gown.
Kara Tointon went for old school hollywood glamour in a sweeping strapless red number, while Summer Strallen kept it simple in a gold column dress with ruched detail, trimmed with beaded neckline.

Friday, 11 February 2011

Katie Piper - Beautiful Book!

17th February marked the publication of Katie’s memoir.
Described as “A beautiful girl. An evil man. One inspiring true story of courage.
A harrowing but ultimately inspiring memoir of how one girl’s beautiful face was destroyed after a vicious acid attack and her tremendous courage to fight back to life.”

Beautiful is published by Ebury Press and is available in bookshops now priced £6.99.

Kate Middletons Reiss Dress!

You can finally get your hands on Kate's white engagement dress...in America that is!

The Nannette, by Reiss, sold out last year after the bride-to-be caused hysteria when she was pictured wearing it in formal portraits by Mario Testino.

The High Street chain has decided to re-release the £159 dress this week but only in the U.S. Reiss

It made a brief re-appearance last month in the UK, only to be out of stock again almost immediately.

Lyndon Mackenzie, general manager of the company's Soho store in New York City, said the dress is flying off the racks and will probably be sold out by week's end.

Prince William's fiancee has proved a hit with style watchers and the public alike.

The royal-blue dress she wore when her engagement was announced to the media also sold out within days.

The outfit by Brazil-born designer Daniella Issa Helayel, who set up her Issa label in London, also inspired a number of copy-cat gowns sold by high street retailers.

Middleton's style is so closely watched that she has even dethroned eccentric-dresser Lady Gaga as the top fashion buzzword for the upcoming season. Other top 10 words include 'sheer', 'shirt dresses' and 'sustainable style'.

The words were chosen from the global fashion media and nominated by important individuals from the industry.

While Middleton's engagement desses continues to create a lot of buzz, it is the choice for the big day that still has still has the fashion industry guessing.

Mackenzie believes that dress is 'going to be something very timeless and classic. Very sophisticated.'

The Nannette dress has 3/4 sleeves, an asymmetric draped neck line, paneled waist band and side pockets and an overlay on the front skirt.

It features a cascading frill alongside an exposed zip that fastens the dress at the front.

The couple will marry on April 29 at Westminster Abbey.

BAFTA 2011

COMING SOON! Sunday 13th February 2011

Golden Globes Red Carpet Dresses

I absolutely love this time of year! Award Season is well and truly upon us, and last night the stars shined at the Golden Globes.



Green was a popular colour this year and Angelina Jolie looked fabulously old-Hollywood in a Swarovski crystal embellished, emerald green Atelier Versace gown. I love the shape and the high neck and long sleeves leave something to the imagination.

Nominated for best TV actress in a drama for her role as Peggy in "Mad Men" Elisabeth Moss arrived in a hunter-green Donna Karan bodice gown

Also on Team Green Catherine Zeta-Jones poses in a textured Monique Lhuillier strapless gown paired with diamond drop earrings

Finally Mila Kunis wore a ladylike Vera Wang one-shouldered gown

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta gown,

Dianna Agron, a member of the "Glee" cast, looked delicate and refined in a J. Mendel beige silk chiffon hand-pleated strapless gown and Cathy Waterman jewelry with gold Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

The bombshell typically turns up the heat on the red carpet but we felt cold after spotting Megan Fox in this asymmetrical Swarovski-crystal-adorned Armani Privé number matched with crystal-heeled Brian Atwood pumps and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Country star Carrie Underwood opted for a Badgley Mischka strapless gown and Swarovski metallic clutch.

"Mad Men" star Christina Hendricks always looks red hot, but we were distracted by the oversized ruffles of her Romona Kaveza dress.

I'm not normally a fan but I love Christina Aguileras Zuhair Murad beaded gown

Thursday, 9 December 2010

Stokk - Web Design Andover

We've had so many compliments about our website, we thought we would share with you the wonderful and talented company responsible for it!

Ladies, I give you.... Stokk.

Stokk have created us such a brilliant website, taking our initial brief and delivering everything we asked for. You will see from their portfolio of work that they have worked with many other local companies, creating impressive brand identities and excellent websites. In addition, they also offer professional photography and video work too.

Stokk pride themselves on high quality workmanship. They won't cut corners, because it will always come back to bite you! Doing it right the first time is always the most cost effective solution.

For more information visit their website: www.stokk.co.uk

Desina - For the girl that loves her curves

Desina is an online lingerie and swimwear company specialising in larger cup sizes ranging from DD-K.


It was set up by Sophie Adesina who wanted to help women find beautiful lingerie and swimwear.

When Sophie found it difficult to find lingerie that was beautiful and fitted well, she thought that she was the only women who was frustrated by the limited choice available, but after asking around found that this was a problem that most ladies experienced, so she set up Desina.

There are lots of beautiful, well designed bras now on the market, so let Desina help you find the perfect ones for you! Visit their website www.desina.co.uk

The site is packed with practical and elegant styles that can be worn for any occasion to suit your lifestyle.

Sophie offers a personal fitting service to ladies in the Andover area, and Desina also offer local fitting services provided by trained fitters across the country - for more information see the website.

As any woman knows, the secret to looking great is good quality foundations, so The Dress Boutique recommends Desina for all your undergarment needs!

Call Sophie to book your personal fitting appointment on 01264 760 062

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Katie Piper in Glamourous Photo Shoot


'It's amazing to feel like a model again!'

Katie Piper poses for glamorous magazine shoot

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Katie Scoops Price of Andover Award!

Katie Piper has won a Pride of Andover Award for Courage.



Last night over 200 people packed into the Lights Theatre for the annual Pride of Andover Awards - an evening of emotion and celebration as 14 prizes were handed out to people from all walks of life in Andover in recognition of their contribution to the community.

Also recognised was arguably the highest profile winner of a Pride of Andover Award ever... Katie Piper hit the headlines last year after waiving her right to anonymity in order to tell her story after she rebuilt her life following an horrific acid attack.

She set up her own charity this year to support burns victims and said it was wonderful to be recognised by her home town, "This award is particularly special because it is where I grew up and went to school. Ultimately, what Andover means to me is when everybody actually turned their backs on me and didn't want to be seen with me because I was disfigured it was Andover that I came home to and it was there that I was able to feel safe when I didn't really think I'd feel safe again."

Congratulations Katie!

For more information about the Katie Piper Foundation visit the website: www.katiepiperfoundation.co.uk

To donate please visit our JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/thedressboutique