Location, Location, Location

We have found a premises!

Had a really good meeting with a land-owner in Goodworth Clatford and we are now in the process of agreeing the terms of my rental on a little converted barn!

Situated in a courtyard on a working farm, it's a rural setting, and looks like a cowshed at the moment but a lick of paint and some carpet and inside the barn will be light and spacious - perfect for my office and enough room to store the dresses.

Very excited :)

LuLu Loves - Classic Black Oscars Style

Inspired by Kristen Stewarts old school classic Monique L'Hullier midnight blue dress on the red carpet, here are some of my favourite pieces to complete an ensemble fit for a Hollywood Starlet!

The fishtail shape of the dress is always a classic, and the ruched fabric is flattering for all shapes and sizes. Actually this dress is quite similar to the one I wore from The Dress Boutique collection to the Andover Musical & Operatic Society 2009 Christmas Ball.

I must give Cheryl Cole a mention here, just because I loved the black ball gown style dress wore for the X Factor Finals last year. I've googled it but can't seem to find a definitive answer as to who designed the dress - many have suggested that it was Marc Ross - anyway, I think she looked fantastic.

For accessories, I love these Swarovski wing earrings available from Net-a-Porter at around £80 although Dorothy Perkins has a similar still at a bargain £8!

The Black strappy flower sandals are just £30 from Debenhams, while the Black Corsage Suede Ruffle Shoes are by Steve Madden priced at around £90.

Finally for the ultimate black nail polish it has to be Chanel Darlings!

LuLu x

For more information visit our polyvore page: http://www.polyvore.com/classic_black_dress_red_carpet/set?id=17786208

LuLu Loves - Red Carpet Neutrals!

I'm loving all the beautiful neutral shades on the red carpet at this years Oscars!

Kate Winslet, Anna Kendricks, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, Helen Mirren all choose variations on the theme, be it soft pink, gold or shimmering silver for their Oscars gowns.

Kate Winslets simple column dress in a subtle silver tone by Yves St Lauren was a classic and I loved her old-school wavy hair! Cameron Diaz glittered in Oscar de la Renta as did Demi Moore in her buff-coloured Atelier Versace ruffled gown.
Anna Kendricks pale pink chiffon creation by Elie Saab was youthful and elegant, while Dame Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka dress proved that these neutral hues look good on women of all ages.

For me it was Sandra Bullock, who took home the Best Actress award, who outshone them all in her figure-hugging gown by British label Marchesa. The combination of the shimmering skirt with the embroidered floral bodice was a winner!

On the jewelery front, diamonds and pearls played a big role as ever, with favourites from Tiffany and Chopard.

Lulu x

For more information about the items in this collage, visit our Polyvore page: http://www.polyvore.com/neutrals_at_oscars/set?id=17808817

We have a name!!!

I have decided to call the business...... drum roll purlease!!!

THE DRESS BOUTIQUE

A survey of over 100 people agreed that this was the best name out of the shortlist of 10 that I came up with!
Hope you like it

LuLu x

TDB Ebay Page

THE BAFTAS 2010

Yet another wealth of beautiful dresses on the red carpet at this years Orange British Academy Film Awards.

This year's celebration of the very best in film took place on Sunday 21 February at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden.

Despite all the colourful confections worn this year by starlets such as Romala Garai who went for a striking, bold floral-print dress by Erdem, Anna Kendrick in Lurid Yellow Lime Pucci and Audrey Tautou, who wore a Blush Pink creation by Lanvin, I only had eyes for those classes black dresses!

Timeless and elegant, a black evening dress rarely fails to deliver. My particular favourites were Rebecca Hall in her striking Gianfranco Ferre gown - I look the fishtail shape and the statement shoulders, Kate Winslet who looked stunning in a split-to-the-thigh Stella McCartney gown with lace inserts in the sides. She accessorised with Roger Vivier heels and sparkling jewellery from Tiffany, and finally Kristin Scott-Thomas who I think looked simply beautiful in her Louis Vuitton - the detailed bodice, pretty capped sleeves and sweeping skirt were unusual but looked fantastic.

Shopping till I drop!

I must admit I'm having a great time sourcing stock for the shop!

Although I will be inheriting around 400 dresses from Smart Exchange, some of them are a little dated so I am sourcing some newer stock to make sure that I can provide some modern styles as well as the traditional.

It's great fun looking for beautiful sparkly dresses, but of course I must keep in mind that the dresses are not for me and I need to cater for all tastes so I'm looking at all sorts of shapes and styles.

Awards season is just starting so I'm getting loads of inspiration from the red carpet confections of the celebrities!

My monthly feature - Lulu Loves will give you the lowdown on all the latest celebrity styles and fashions of the moment!