A hat as your accessory

Choosing to accessorize your wedding gown with a head piece will definitely add a bit of vintage flair to your look. A hat worn by a bride dates back all the way to the 1500's. Whether you have an heirloom piece that just needs a good cleaning, something to restyle or a new piece to pair with a vintage gown, it is something that you can make your own and what a statement that will be!

Below are some images of current hats we have in the boutique. The first is believe it or not, not true vintage...I know. I was fooled at first.

Vintage for your Maids!

The Bride is not the only one who can wear vintage to their wedding! Vintage cocktail and formal gowns are not only affordable, but one of kind and Earth friendly! Ask your maids to stick with the same color and length and let them  start the search for that amazing dress for your you special day!

altered halter...

I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see brides choose a non-strapless wedding gown. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of gorgeous strapless gowns out there, but it has come to a point now that they are expected.

Some benefits to a non-strapless dress are that it adds a sophisticated touch, and it is not necessary to add a necklace.

Pictured above, Bailey is modeling a vintage 1970's wedding gown that has been reconstructed to appeal to a modern bride. The sleeves were removed allowing her beautiful shoulders to show.  It is has thin cut out and is accented with tiny pearls and floral lace. It is waiting for you in the boutique to come try on!

Coming soon...

 

Whether you love vintage clothing, furniture, or pottery, you'll agree with us that the unexpected finds are often the very best!

A few weeks ago, a lovely lady showed up at September's Bride with two vintage bridal gowns, saved from the bridal store that her aunt owned in the 1960's!  The tags are still on the gowns.  One of them is a fabulous little number with spaghetti straps and a short-sleeved bolero and attached train that is worn over the gown.  I've taken a few snapshots here to share with you.

Unfortunately, the gowns are a little discolored, so I am working on restoring the color and freshening them up before adding them to our Vintage Couture Collection.  Once they are ready, they will be available for sale on this blog and at September's Bride.

Mix it up!

One fear many people have about vintage is that it may look "costumey." And sometimes it can if you are dressed head to toe in it! I suggest picking one vintage piece and letting it take center stage! The accessories you choose should be the supporting role. Pictured above, Bailey is in a vintage 1970's ivory halter gown with small pearl accents. By accessorizing her with modern jewelry by Meg, it updates the dress and she now has a very chic look. If you need suggestions regarding restructuring a vintage gown or accessorizing one, we would love to help. We look forward to hearing from you!

Up front and Personal...

To those of you who frequent Downtown Holland often, you may have seen our new decals in the front windows. We are ready to share a collection of vintage gowns with all of you! Periodically we will be switching out our latest vintage gown that has been restored or restyled. If you would like to see the entire collection, feel free to pop in and take a peep! We would be more than happy to share them with you. So, if you are a regular on Eighth street or planning an upcoming trip, make sure to stop by our storefront!

 This is one of the favorites. Is it just me or does it just it scream Audrey Hepburn?

Our Vintage Couture Blogger-In-Chief :: Julie!

As much as I would love to write each day and share amazing photos of the Vintage Couture Collection we have at September's Bride, my other responsibilities seem to keep me very busy!  So, I have asked one of our gown consultants, Julie, to become the chief blogger here at our Vintage Couture Blog.  Julie is introducing herself below...join me in welcoming her!  

  ...Tami, owner of September's Bride

Hello! My name is Julie. I will be taking over the blog entries for the Vintage Couture Collection at September's Bride.  I would like to take the time and share a bit about myself and qualifications.

Julie and her fiance, Brian, and Bud the stylish dog :)

I started working as gown consultant at September's Bride in January 2010.  I chose to venture into the bridal industry because like vintage, each bridal gown  is hand selected by it's wearer. I very much wanted to be a part in helping bride's make this special decision. What may have gotten me hired was the fact that Tami and I share a passion for cleaning, restoring and redesigning vintage clothing!

Although, it has been a tremendous experience; the business of bridal truly is it's own little world! Tami and Rachel are a wealth of information. I have learned so much from them in the short time I have been with the company. When Tami approached me about being the main contributor to this blog, I was honored and excited! I am always willing to share my love and knowledge of vintage clothing.


As far as my qualifications for this position, both currently and before working at September's Bride, I  sold vintage clothing on Etsy, which is an online marketplace for handmade goods and vintage clothing. Through this venture, I have learned about clothing construction and
history.

I am not sure there was specifically one thing or moment when I discovered this passion. I love the uniqueness and the story behind the piece. Who wore it before me? What were they like? How did they feel when they wore it? All this is amazing and beautiful to me.

In fashion, a little can go along way. In this blog we will be featuring and discussing how to incorporate just the right amount of vintage into a modern age bride. Whether it be redesigning an heirloom gown, incorporating a 1960's pillbox hat with Russian tulle, or finishing off your look with the perfect set of pearls.

I would love any feedback on topics you would like to be discussed on the blog, along with photos, stories and maybe even a couple pieces to add to our current collection in the boutique! I am looking forward to this new venture and am anticipating the new people I will meet, the stories I will be told and the pieces that are given a new life!

Sincerely,
Julie Zeh

I can be reached at our boutique, September's Bride. The phone number is 616.355.1433.

Bridal Season Begins with Vintage Love!

Another bridal season is upon us at September's Bride and we have several vintage gowns that we are working on, also. 

The wedding gown featured in last year's post, worn by Bethany, is being worn this summer by her sister Jenna!  Jenna will be the fifth bride in their family to wear this gown.  Look for photos later this summer.

We also have three brides who are wearing their mothers' gowns, after we have put some Vintage Couture TLC into them!

We also hope to share some great news with you later this season about some new places where you can find Vintage Couture by SB!