Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Destination Bridals Trunk Show

Join House of Brides Couture in Chicago to celebrate the best in Destination Bridal July 30, July 31, and August 1! View and try-on Destination-inspired wedding dresses from leading designers perfect for your romantic wedding getaway!

Complimentary champagne and Hor d’oeuvres will be served!

House of Brides Couture presents the Destination Bridal Trunk Show Friday July 30, Saturday July 31, and Sunday August 1.

Trunk Shows are by appointment.

House of Brides Couture
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60610
312-475-0500
chicago@houseofbrides.com

See our ad! Click http://www.houseofbrides.com/TrunkShows.aspx.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: House of Brides Couture offers special prices during trunk shows on featured designers!

House of Brides Billboards


House of Brides began a massive billboard advertising campaign over a year ago to rave reviews from our customers and passer-bys!
House of Brides billboards have popped-up from the Kennedy to the Dan Ryan Expressways with more billboards planned in the near future.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: Let House of Brides know what you think of the billboards! House of Brides loves to hear what customer think!

The Bachelor Party Alternative

Guys look forward to the Bachelor Party. Women dread it. Long seen as the groom’s “last night of freedom”, Bachelor parties have a dubious reputation of liquor, women, and all-around excess. And frankly, the party is more often for the groom’s friends than it is for the groom.

Why not skip the “norm”…and the inevitable argument with your fiancée, and really enjoy a night-out with the guys closest to you? Consider these ideas for Bachelor Party spots. Sure, they may be G-Rated but they’re still big on fun!

Day Tripping
Get a jump on the party with a day activity. Go for a round of golf or place your bets at a local horse track. Chicagoland’s “mane” track is Arlington Racetrack in Arlington Heights.

Game Night
Guys love sports. So head-out to a game-themed spot and get competitive. Try Lucky Strike Lanes for bowling and billiards set against a lounge atmosphere. Or grab a game of air hockey at ESPN Zone. Head-out to one of the many city or suburban sports bars to watch a game and mingle with the crowds.

Raise the Bar
Still want serious bar time? Then pick one with a little character! Visit Hogs N Honeys for a no-frills establishment where the beer is flowing and the mechanic bull is bucking!

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: Avoid the eventual argument altogether and plan a group Bachelor and Bacherlotte party. Take part in the hottest bar trend and organize your own pub crawl! Go for a crazy theme! Some of the most popular Chicagoland crawls include the Double-Denim, Snuggie, and of course, Andersonville’s Zombie pub crawls!

The Group Trunk Show

House of Brides Couture in Chicago is hosting The Group Trunk Show July 16, 17, and 18! The Group collections include Divina Sposa, Miss Kelly, Collector, and Just For You.
This is the first-time House of Brides Couture will present the collections in a trunk show!

The Group collections are European-inspired with wedding dress styles you won’t see anywhere else! View and try-on wedding dresses from The Group’s Fall collections.

Enjoy you’re the Trunk Show with complimentary Champagne and Hor d’oeuvres!

House of Brides Couture invites you The Group Trunk Show Friday July 16, Saturday July 17, and Sunday 18.

Trunk Shows are by appointment.

House of Brides Couture
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60610
312-475-0500
chicago@houseofbrides.com

See our ad! Click http://www.houseofbrides.com/TrunkShows.aspx.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: House of Brides Couture is located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Make a day out of your visit! Checkout Chicago like the Taste of River North Fest July 17 and 18 at nearbyErie Park!

Wear Again Bridesmaids...Really!

The most important factor in wedding planning is the budget. The budget determines how lavish…or low key a wedding the couple can afford. Especially in today’s economy, couples are looking for ways to stretch their dollars to get more bridal bang for their buck.

Budgets likewise affect the wedding party. Bridesmaids, in particular, face major expenses for their role in the wedding. With the dress, accessories, shoes, hair, and make-up alone, bridesmaids can easily spend $400.00 - $500.00. This does not include other associated expenses including parties, gifts, travel, and more. Saying “yes’ to being a bridesmaid is an honor and a huge financial commitment,

Brides are becoming more mindful of their maids’ financial obligation and search for money-saving options. The most popular trend is the “wear again bridesmaid dress”. Not just an urban legend, the wear again bridesmaid dress does exist!

There’s 3 keys to a wear again dresses:

#1 Style
Choose a simple style that is easy to accessorize like a classic strapless neckline. Skip trends that will look dated after a season or two.

Pick comfortable fabrics like lightweight Chiffons and luxe Silks. Many designers use non-traditional fabrics such as Matte Jersey to give parties wear again stylability.

#2 Silhouette
We love the new cocktail length we’re seeing from our designers. Cocktail length dresses come just above the knee, which looks fresh and young…and just modest enough. Shorter lengths are instantly more wearable than floor length dresses.

# 3 Color
Don’t be afraid of color! Black and neutral hues are not the only choice for wear agains. Take a cue from the latest colors and punch-up the “wow” of your bridesmaid dresses. Bridesmaid dresses come in an array of fun colors like Pretty in Pink, Mango, and Sunshine!

Take a look too at patterns! Designers play with patterns like plaid, floral, and color-block for extra interest.

Check-out the Alfred Angelo bridesmaid collection for the great wear again styles! Wear again bridesmaid dresses is an excellent money saver. And what girl doesn’t want to add another cute dress to her closet!?!

Eva Buziecki’s Bit: Transitioning a wear again bridesmaid dress is simple with the right accessories!

Work – Add a fitted jacket, skinny belt, and heels for a look that commands attention.
Weekend - Top with a denim jacket, grab a tote, and slip on flat sandals for a breezy look.
Night Out – Pair with opaque tights and stacked heels dressed-up with a chunky necklace and sleek clutch definitely worth a second look.

Totally New on Something Blue!

Every bride knows the wedding day saying, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. Here are some twists to make the “something blue” tradition…trendy!

Wedding Dress
Wear your Blue big with a wedding dress accented in a choice of hues. Whether a colored sash or beading, Blue bridal gowns are sure to catch everyone’s eye!

Check-out Alfred Angelo wedding dresses for our favorite Blue accent styles!

Headpiece
Add color to your crown with Blue accented headpieces. Many designers offer headpieces and hair jewelry with Blue crystals and beading.

View Illusions Bridal for veils with special colored edges! The perfect match to a Blue headpiece!

Jewelry
Colored jewelry is not only a great way to add Blue but also gives your wedding day look an extra “wow”. Choose a necklace, bracelet, or earrings in the deepest Sapphire or coolest Aquamarine.

Have your bridesmaids wear Blue jewelry too to create a complete party look.

Shoes
Looking for a more subtle way to wear Blue? Wear Blue shoes for a “peek-a-blue” of color!

Our fav is Gloss by Allure Footwear. The icy Powder Blue is the perfect compliment to classic wedding dress shades.

Purse
A colored purse is a smart way to spread your dollars. Skip a traditional bridal bag and go for a Blue-hued purse. You’ll sure to get more use of it after the wedding.

Remember most guests will never see your purse. Buy a color and style you love and can easily be added to your wardrobe!

Lingerie
Blue lingerie is secretive and oh so sexy! Add Blue-bowed thigh high nylons or specialty bridal panties with a twinge of Blue. Give your groom something to look forward to after the reception!

Fantasy Lingerie features a Honeymoon collection including pieces with sweet Blue accents.

Eva Buziecki’s Bit: Use tradition twists to personalize and modernize your wedding! From flowers to favors, make your wedding totally unique!

Bridal Appointment Tips

Shopping for your wedding dress is the most memorable moment of your wedding planning. However, it can also be the most overwhelming. Follow these 10-tips to for a stress-free and fun experience!

1. Shop Early
Give yourself as much time as possible between the day you place your wedding dress order and the day of your wedding to allow for special order delivery, necessary alterations, and most importantly, your peace of mind!

2. Make an Appointment
House of Brides salons are full-service meaning a sales consultant provides one-on-one assistance from your first to last visit. Appointments guarantee a sales consultant is available for you, especially on busy sale days.

3. Bring Ideas
The best way to describe your dream dress is with pictures. Check-out dresses in bridal magazines or on houseofbrides.com and show them to your consultant.

4. Choose Attendees Carefully
Invite only a couple of relatives and/ or friends to come with you to the appointment. Choose people whose opinions you trust and will respect your personal style.

5. Wear Undergarments
Your body looks its best in proper undergarments. House of Brides consultants suggest a strapless bra and shaper panties for optimal fit. If you have the undergarments you plan to wear on your big day, wear them! Also, bring shoes with the heel height you think you’ll wear.

6. Wear Make-up
Forget the idea that if you look good in a dress without make-up, it’s the one. Wear make-up to help visualize your overall look. But avoid heavy make-up that might rub off on the dress samples.

7. Eat and Drink
Trying-on wedding dress after wedding dress is hard work! Make sure to eat a light meal and drink plenty of fluids before your appointment.

8. Take a Breather
Brides often try-on up to15 wedding dresses during an appointment! Make sure you take a short break to review the dresses you’ve seen…and breathe! The break will help clear your mind and help make a decision.

9. Buy Your Dress
If you absolutely fall in love with a wedding dress, buy it! Don’t waste your time shopping when you’re sure you’ve found “the one”.

10. Don’t Overdo It
Make another appointment with House of Brides to select your bridal accessories or bridesmaid dresses. Again, finding the dress of your dreams is a lot of work so you deserve a rest in between!

Eva Buziecki’s Bit: Check-out the Store Promos page on houseofbrides.com for upcoming salon sales!

Eva Buziecki is the President and Contributing Editor of House of Brides.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Top Travel Picks by Dale Buziecki

Summer is nearly here and that means sun, fun, and vacation. Start applying the sunscreen now and check-out my top travel picks!

Quick Escapes…
Las Vegas, Nevada

Looking for a trip short on time but long on fun? Then, Las Vegas is the ticket, baby!

Las Vegas is more than the Casino Capital of the World. Vegas offers a bevy of fine dining, arts and theater, luxury shopping, and one-of-a-kind sites. Yes, summer in Las Vegas is hotter than a slot on the Strip but cool off while touring the air-conditioned, magnificent hotels…or better yet, chill poolside! As Elvis would say, “Viva Las Vegas”!

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: People-watching in Vegas is worth its weight in poker chips. Enjoy the spectator sport while catching one of the free shows like the Freemont Street Experience light show, the erupting volcano outside the Mirage, or the dancing water fountains at the Bellagio!

Family Friendly…
Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada

Think a family vacation outside the U.S. is out of reach? Discover our “neighbor to the north” and one of the greatest natural wonders in the World…Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada!

Niagara Falls has a surprising carnival feel with a bountiful of attractions, exhibits, and vantage points to experience North America’s powerhouse waterfall. If the family needs a break from the sometimes-kitsch tourist trap, visit MarineLand. The aquarium-
theme theater includes a petting zoo and theme park.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without a ride on the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour. Get unbelievably close-up to the Falls while decked-out in the souvenir poncho!

Adults Only…
Jamaica, Caribbean

“No worries” here! Jamaica is a surprisingly economical and easy-to-get-to couples getaway!

Jamaica has something for every couple. Nature lovers gravitate to the Blue Mountains near Port Antonio. Party lovers head to Montego Bay for the buzzing nightlife. And lovers of all kinds visit the beaches and reefs of Negril. Plus, get the best prices are in the summer months!

Dale Buziecki’s Bets: Negril is legendary for its hedonistic style and is the location of the infamous all-inclusive hotel, Hedonism II. The hotel offers day and night passes for couples that only want a hint of the “anything goes” attitude.

Plan your next escape with House of Brides Travel Agency! Book your next Honeymoon or Vacation getaway and get great deals on packages, cruises, and more!

Visit www.houseofbrides.com to get started!

The Trend We Love... 1 Shoulder Gowns!

House of Brides cannot get enough of the 1-Shoulder wedding dress! Designers have shown 1-Shoulder styles over the past few seasons but now the style is a fixture in all leading bridal collections.

Why all the love? The 1-Shoulder wedding dress is dramatic and contemporary. Best of all, the 1-Shoulder frames the face bringing the focus where it should be…on the beautiful Bride!

Eva Buziecki’s Bit: Allure Bridals offers several 1-Shoulder wedding dresses in their new Fall 2010 collection. View the new collection here.

Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids New to House of Brides

House of Brides unveils their newest designer collection, Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids. House of Brides’ 6 Chicagoland salons will feature the Fall collection with samples starting to arrive June 2010.

House of Brides’ President, Eva H. Buziecki purchased the Fall collection after viewing the styles at the National Bridal Market™ in Chicago this Spring. The National Bridal Market™ is a show for retailers to preview and purchase designer collections for the upcoming season. “The collection was impressive and stood-out in the crowd of other bridesmaid dress collections showing at the Market”, said Eva Buziecki.

The Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaid collection is a division of The Dessy Group, a leading wedding apparel design house. The Dessy Group includes the Dessy Collection, After Six, Alfred Sung Bridesmaids, Destinations Bridal, and Dessy Flowergirls lines. Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids is their latest addition to the ever-growing company.

Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids are inspired by the designer Cynthia Rowley’s runway collections. The Cynthia Rowley Collection is headed by designer, Cynthia Rowley and includes everything from women’s wear to handbags to beauty products. This newest endeavor in the bridal industry has produced designer bridesmaid dresses, affordably priced and sensibly styled. As House of Brides President, Eva H. Buziecki states, “Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids are truly wear-again dresses”.

The dresses are available in sizes 0 – 28W with many styles orderable in over 70 colors. Prices will range around $200.00.

Eva Buziecki expects a fantastic response to the Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids collection at House of Brides salons. The complete collection arrives at House of Brides Summer 2010.

For additional information, please contact House of Brides or visit www.houseofbrides.com.

Learning the 4 Cs of Engagement Rings

Master the 4 Cs of diamonds and take the stress our engagement ring shopping!

Cut
A diamond’s cut is the number, placement, shape, and craftsmanship of the facets. The cut is especially important as it determines the brilliance of the stone. In other words, it’s what puts the sparkle in her eye!

Color
Diamonds actually come in an array or colors beyond the widely popular clear stone. Diamonds can range in color from Deep Blues to Canary Yellow. While color adds extra interest to an engagement ring, it is considered trendy. Be sure she prefers a colored diamond.

Clarity
The clarity refers to how clear or “clean” the diamond is from imperfections. These imperfections are examined by the naked eye or magnified using a jeweler’s loupe.

Carat
A diamond’s weight is measured in carats, often described as points. For example, 100 points equals 1 carat.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets:
Buy the best engagement ring within your budget. Don’t go into debt trying to impress your intended. More expenses follow the engagement so buy smart!

House of Brides Summer Trunk Shows Announced

The Summer Trunk Show schedule is announced for Summer 2010! I’ve personally planned each Trunk Show event to showcase the best in bridal! Brides, you’re invited to join House of Brides Couture in Chicago for our exciting upcoming shows:

June 11-13 - Marisa Bridal
June 25-26 - Allure Bridals
July 16-18 - The Group featuring Divina Sposa, Kelly Star & More!
July 30-August 1 - Destination Bridal
August 13-15 - James Clifford Collection
August 27-29 - Sophia Tolli Bridals

Our Trunk Shows highlight our most popular bridal designers and their newest collections. Gowns are on display in our beautiful loft-style showroom for Brides to view and try-on. Our expert staff personally assists in the selection of the gown providing the ultimate in service.

House of Brides Couture in Chicago will host the Summer Trunk Shows. House of Brides Couture is located at 730 North Franklin Street, Suite 300 in the River North neighborhood. By appointment, contact House of Brides Couture 312-475-0500 or visit our website, www.houseofbrides.com.

From the President, Eva Buziecki: Brides, invite your wedding party to a Trunk Show! Trunk Shows are a fantastic time to share and shop with your family and closest friends! Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres are served. Enjoy an elegant party atmosphere while you shop!

Signature Cocktails for Your Wedding

Personalize your Wedding reception with a signature cocktail! Couples are adding signature cocktails to accent their wedding’s theme décor.

Ask your caterer or reception site add a signature cocktail to match your Wedding’s style!

A martini is an ideal choice for your signature cocktail because of its versatility. Here are a few favorite twists using the classic martini!

Destination Weddings
Beachy, breezy weddings need a tropical drink. Try a Mango martini made with Mango rum for a taste of the islands.

Las Vegas Theme
What’s more Vegas than a Dirty Martini? Serve this extra dirty and let the good times roll!

Candy & Sweets Theme
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a luxe Chocolate martini. Use Godiva® liqeur for a decadent touch.

Color-Infused Drinks
Is your wedding color Yellow? Try a Lemon Drop Martini.

Green hued? Try an Apple Martini?

Pink? A Cosmopolitan, of course!

Dale Buziecki’s Bets:
Order special favors to accompany your signature cocktail like monogrammed drink napkins or
swizzle sticks! Visit www.houseofbrides.com for more favor and gift ideas!

Top Honeymoon Destinations

Ask any groom-to-be what they look forward to the most about the Wedding and the answer will be the same. The Honeymoon. Fess up, Brides…we know you can’t wait to get out that Ball gown and into a bikini! Check-out my top Honeymoon destinations!

O’ahu, Hawaii
A classic spot for Honeymoon travel, O’ahu is the original in beach vacations. O’ahu is the second northern most island of Hawaii and home to the famous Waikiki Beach. O’ahu is rich in beaches and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in Hawaii. Most notably is Hanauma Bay with its clear, turquoise pools and exotic underwater life. Take a day to dry-off and visit the U.S.S. Arizona Pearl Harbor. This monument commemorates the Japanese attack marking the start of World War II.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets
Relaxing is a definite must while on your Honeymoon. But don’t forget to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Like taking a hike around the Diamond Head volcano or strolling the Foster Botanical Garden in O’ahu!

Antigua, Caribbean
Antigua sits in the middle of the Caribbean islands and boasts one the most idyllic climates in the World. Temperatures typically stay in the mid-80s but can reach the 90s in the hot weather months of May to November. Remember to plan accordingly. Hurricane season stretches from June to November, which also means the best prices for travel.
365 sugar-white sand beaches encircle Antigua, each with their own attractions. Visit Half Moon Bay for windsurfing, Dickinson Bay for dining and entertainment, or Five Islands for sunbathing…clothing-optional.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets
Take the stress out of Honeymoon-planning and book your stay at an all-inclusive hotel. Everything is paid for before you arrive so you don’t have to worry about dining or drink tabs. Just sit back and enjoy!

Florida Keys, Florida
Traveling long distances or even out of the country isn’t necessary when paradise is so close! Just 3 hours from New York, the Florida Keys is nestled within the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The island chain features the popular islands of Key West and Ishlamorada. Visit Key West for the eccentric atmosphere enjoyed by writers, artists, and treasure hunters for decades. Ishlamorada is a fisherman’s dream and dotted with beautiful purple bougainvilleas.

The beaches of Key West can rival the Caribbean but partake in some of the islands’ other popular activities. Go scuba diving and snorkeling in Key Largo for one-on-one encounters with over 500 species of fish. Or visit North America’s only living coral barrier reef in Marathon.

Dale Buziecki’s Bets
Score major points with your new husband with a deep sea fishing expedition! Fish the bountiful seas of Key West while enjoying the day on a gorgeous fishing boat.

Book your Honeymoon with House of Brides Travel Agency!
Visit www.houseofbrides.com to get started!



Friday, May 7, 2010

House of Brides Makes a Significant Donation to the Glass Slipper Project




April 29, 2010




Chicago, Illinois - House of Brides donates over 500 formal dresses to the Glass Slipper Project. The Glass Slipper Project is a Chicago based charity that provides high school students who are unable to purchase their own prom attire, the opportunity to obtain a prom dress, shoes and accessories free-of-charge. Each student receives "personal shopper" assistance from volunteers as they shop for the dress of their dreams.


Dale Buziecki, Marketing Consultant for House of Brides says, "House of Brides is extremely happy to provide this donation and will continue to support this effort. The Glass Slippper Project is doing a great thing for young women who may have never had the opportunity to experience their prom. House of Brides is in the business of making brides happy and hopes that continued donations will do the same for these young ladies."


For information on how to make a donation, go to http://www.glassslipperproject.org/ .