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/ .