Last but not least, the something blue. I believe this to be the most fun and the one that you can really go all out with. Whether you want the blue to be somewhat hidden or noticeable to all there are so many ways to incorporate this color into your wedding day look. Here are a few ideas…

A friend of mine from college wore these bright blue shoes on her wedding day. I like the boldness of the color, it’s a little different than the pale blue one may tend to think of for the “something blues.”

A sash or ribbon is a great way to incorporate blue into your wedding gown…especially if it goes along with your wedding colors.

Photo from Amsale.com

 Jewelry with blue stones is a great option too. You could do something with aquamarine for just a hint of blue or something more bold like sapphires. These stones are also thought to have special meanings. Sapphires stand for love, faith, and fidelity (perfect for starting a marriage). Aquamarine is associated with faithfulness, courage, and friendship. There is an ancient Roman tradition where the groom would give aquamarine to his new bride on the morning following the consummation of their marriage. The gemstone was thought to absorb an atmosphere of young love so it was considered to revive the love of the married couples.

 If you want to go for something more subtle, a garter is the perfect place to have that splash of blue.   There are many styles of garters to choose from and it is very common for them to have blue in them.

Hair accessories are also a bit more subtle. I bought one of these hair pins for my friend Laura

because she didn’t have a “something blue.” Whether you use one or several, they are a pretty addition to any up-do.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to the blue. Just be creative and make it fun!

Kira Elizabeth Designs

Bridal Couture, Alterations, and Styling

Charleston, South Carolina

You have a lot of freedom when it comes to the something borrowed category. It could be something sentimental, or something of convenience. Many girls will borrow something from a friend or relative who just got married. It is always nice to get more use out of something you buy intending it to only be worn once, and it is also nice for the borrower to save money by borrowing rather than buying. And who knows, maybe that particular item will end up being something that gets passed among sisters or a circle of girlfriends.

Here are a few ideas:

• Crinoline slip
• Earrings
• Necklace
• Bracelet
• Tiara or hair ornament
• Veil (if you are lucky enough that it matches your dress)

I recommend to only borrow items with sizes if it is the size you would normally buy for yourself. You don’t want to compromise fit or comfort on your wedding day just to save a little money. These are just a few ideas. Remember, in order for it to qualify as a “something borrowed” item, you need to give it back to the owner after you use it!

Kira Elizabeth Designs

Bridal Couture, Alterations, and Styling

Charleston, SC

The “something new” category is a little less specific considering the majority of the things you are wearing the day of your wedding are most likely new. I believe that you shouldn’t count your gown as your “something new,” simply because it’s too obvious. Now I know that some girls may borrow a gown or wear one that has been passed down but the majority of brides buy a brand new one. My personal opinion is that you should buy yourself something to use as your “new.” Think of it as a wedding gift to yourself, from yourself.

A few ideas might be a beautiful necklace that might be a little more than what you had originally planned on spending, some pearl earrings, fancy shoes, or a nice right hand ring.

Sometimes grooms will get their bride some special jewelry as a wedding gift also so you could always drop hints about those diamond earrings you’ve been eyeing

Kira Elizabeth Designs

Bridal couture, alterations, and styling

Charleston, South Carolina

You know the tradition…”Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Wearing one of each of these categories the day of the wedding has traditionally been used as a means of bringing good luck to the bride, you don’t have to be superstitious to follow the tradition. It can be a fun way to incorporate objects of meaning or honor people who are important to you. I will be doing a four article series to give you some ideas you may not have thought of for this tradition.

The “something old” object is typically that which honors someone. Most often brides will use something of their grandmothers or great grandmothers. Often times the object is passed down and has been worn by generations of brides. Here are a few common ideas of objects brides like to use, with creative ways to use them…

Veils – This is a great thing to pass down, however, it is unrealistic that a veil from 75 years ago is going to go with your wedding gown today. But there are still ways to incorporate it into your outfit. If the veil has a trim on it, sometimes the trim can be removed and placed onto a new veil that is more up-to-date. If the veil is short and plain, you could always wear it underneath a veil you pick to match your dress. Often times brides layer veils anyway because it adds interest and body to the headpiece.

Brooches – This is probably the easiest “old” thing to use these days. With sashes being high in fashion, it’s a great idea to add an antique brooch onto the sash. Tie it in the back and pin the brooch on, or tie it in the front in a small bow with the brooch being the center of the bow. Most bouquets have a coordinating ribbon wrapped around them, why not pin a brooch to that. Or you could even have the florist place the brooch inside the bouquet.

Jewelry – aside from the obvious ways to wear jewelry, you can also use it in a few non-traditional ways. Often your grandmother may suggest wearing her gold necklace that was her mothers, when all your other jewelry is silver. You don’t want to hurt her feelings, but really don’t want to wear it around your neck. A necklace could also be wrapped around a bouquet and fastened with pins. If the necklace has a pendant that you don’t like, you could always use the chain and put something more to your taste on it. I have even thought about using a necklace in hair before…if you are going to have an up-do, there are ways that it can be wrapped into that. You could even take a bracelet or necklace and wear it as an ankle bracelet instead.

Handkerchiefs – This is one of those things that if we have them, they are usually old, as most people do not use them anymore. You can have it on hand in case you tear up during the ceremony, OR, get this, you can wrap it around the bouquet. Instead of having the traditional ribbon covering on the stems, you can use a handkerchief. This is a great way to use it especially if it has something embroidered on it that you can showcase.

So you found the guy, he proposed, you said yes…now time to find a dress!  Here are a couple things to keep in mind when dress shopping. 

First of all, in the length of an engagement, there really isn’t a time when it is “too soon” to buy a dress.  My theory is that the dress kind of determines the whole feel of the wedding.  If you get a ball gown with a long chapel train, you will probably have more of a formal style wedding.  Whereas a simple style may be better suited for an outdoor or beach wedding…something more casual.  Of course, I don’t believe in following “rules” when it comes to your wedding, because it’s just that…YOUR WEDDING. 

When you go to a store to try on wedding gowns, you may have already done a little preliminary research in magazines and whatnot.  This will always be helpful for the consultant at the shop who will be helping you.  I think it is great to even have clippings of dress styles that you would like to try.  Even if they don’t carry that exact dress, they probably have something similar.  I always ask brides, “what kind of styles do you definitely want to try?”  Then I tell them to keep an open mind to other styles as well.  Sometimes it’s the exact opposite of what you thought you wanted that you end up going home with. 

Your first experience of trying on dresses should be a personal one.  I do not encourage you to bring your entire bridal party of seven bridesmaids and your mother, future mother in-law, and favorite aunt along for the day.  This will make for a lot of confusion as everyone will be voicing an opinion and the opinions are most likely going to contradict.  My suggestion is to bring one or two people along.  Someone close to you who knows you well enough and who’s opinion you trust.  You can always go by yourself too.  More often than not brides will venture to the store more than once before making a final purchase.  Once you have it narrowed down to a couple dresses, you can bring the whole party along.  Just remember, YOU are the one who will be wearing it, not them.  Don’t worry about pleasing anyone else.  You don’t want to be walking down the aisle the day of your wedding thinking, “I wish I would have gotten that other dress.”

When you go to try on dresses, be prepared to TRY ON DRESSES.  Wedding gowns are hard to get into yourself so someone will most likely be helping you in and out of them.  Don’t opt for the No-Panties-Wednesdays look that day. I wouldn’t suggest wearing a thong either.  I would suggest bringing along a strapless bra.  Sometimes stores have them, sometimes they don’t.  But it can be distracting trying on a white dress with bright pink bra straps showing.  If you have an heirloom veil or necklace you plan to wear for your wedding bring it along.  It’s always a good idea to see how the whole look will go together before buying.  And if you are dead set on Great Grandma’s veil, you don’t want to get a dress that completely clashes with it. 

Trying on dresses should be fun.  If you start to get stressed out, sometimes it’s best to just leave and make an appointment to come back.  Keep it fun!  It is a big decision, but when you find the right one, you’ll know.

~~Kira

Kira Elizabeth Designs

Bridal Couture, Alterations, and Styling

Charleston, South Carolina

These emergency kits are a must have for your wedding day!  Be prepared for any slight mishaps that might happen on your big day. 

The emergency kit includes:

• Hollywood Fashion Tape – The last thing you want to worry about that day is keeping that strapless dress from falling down!  This pack includes enough for you and your bridesmaids.  Also works great for tacking down fallen hems, split seams, and (gasp) sudden tears.
• Tide TO GO Pen – Be prepared for any spillage mishaps with this.
• Sewing Kit- This little sewing kit includes extra buttons, snaps, safety pins, scissors, needles, and ten colors of thread.  I also added two extra boutonniere pins (in my experience the flowers always seem to be short one pin).
• Band-Aid Brand Friction Block - This is a product I am constantly raving about.  It has saved my feet from horrid blisters many many times.  Just rub the stick on the areas of your foot where your shoe is rubbing and it keeps a blister from forming.  I usually put it on as a preventative but it also works great when you feel the blister start to form.
• Lint Removing Sheets – Booklet comes with 30 sheets for removing unwanted fuzz.
• Bobby pins – Keep those hair flyaways secure for pictures
• Candle – This is a secret solution for those dresses that have beading on the bodice.  If the beads start to irritate the sensitive skin under your arm, just rub the candle over the beads.  The wax will coat the sharp edges of the beads and sequins so it won’t be as bothersome.

All this in a bridal themed satchel that will easily fit in a purse.  Give it to your personal attendant, mom, or maid of honor to keep it handy!  This is a great bridal shower gift, bachelorette party gift, or gifts for your bridesmaids.

Also great for Prom and any other formal occassion.  The products are great to keep in your purse for any day.

Only $25.00

Bridal Conuslting Packages

Kira Elizabeth Designs understands that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the dress.  That’s why she has teamed up with Mackenzie Image Consulting to put together consulting packages to help brides get through those initial planning stages. 

Diamond Package ($550)

• Pre-consult/focusing
• Accessory consult
• Undergarment consult
• Alterations up to $200
• Hair and makeup analysis
• Bridal emergency kit

Pearl Package ($295)

• Pre-consult/focusing
• Alterations up to $125
• Bridal emergency kit

You may have a lot of questions and not even know where to start.  Let us help you get your thoughts organized and help you figure out how to begin shopping for your dress.  We can also help you get the right look for your wedding in terms of hair and makeup.

Feel free to contact Kira @ 843.771.4770 for more information on these packages!

Kira Elizabeth Designs

Bridal Couture, Alterations, and Styling

Charleston, South Carolina

Thank you to everyone who attended the Charleston Bridal Show.  For those of you that didn’t get a chance to talk to me or didn’t make it to the show, I’d like to give a bit of an overview of my business.

I design and make couture gowns at affordable prices.  I believe that every bride deserves to have a custom made gown but know that custom has a reputation of being unaffordable for most.  My gowns range from $2000 to $5000.  The price of each gown is for a standard size.  If you would like the gown custom made to your specific measurements it is $500 extra.  If you choose to have the custom fit, several fittings are necessary throughout the pattern making process.  Otherwise, the standard sizes can be altered to better fit you. 

If you are having a hard time finding the dress you had in mind, found one that is way beyond your price range, or like different aspects of several gowns, I can work with you to come up with a custom design.  Pricing for this will depend on the gown but I can also work within a price range if you have one. 

I also make accessories including jewelry, veils, and headpieces.  I use Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls in most of the jewelry.  I also do custom accessories to specifically go with your dress.  This is especially great if you want something specific for your bridesmaids to match their dresses.  Prices for custom jewelry and veils will vary but the range is about $50 to $400.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any inquiries or would like pricing for specific gowns!

~~Kira

Kira Elizabeth Designs

Bridal couture, alterations, and styling

Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON’S NEWEST BRIDAL DESIGNER TO SHOWCASE DESIGNS AT LOCAL BRIDAL SHOW

Kira Elizabeth Designs Announces Involvement in July 9^th Charleston Bridal Show

 July 6th, 2009 — Charleston, South Carolina – Kira E. Schlepp, owner of Kira Elizabeth Designs, will be previewing her spring 2010 bridal collection in the Charleston Bridal Show, July 9^th at the Shriner’s Building in Mt. Pleasant from 6 to 10 p.m.  Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, Kira is the newest designer to the Lowcountry to unveil her designs at the bridal show.

At what is considered to be the most unique bridal show of the year, Kira’s distinctive and innovative designs will cater to the fashion-forward and non-traditional bride.  Attendees will be able to view several new gowns and accessories including Kira’s handmade couture jewelry and veils.  Kira will also offer styling packages to help brides streamline the shopping process.      

“My number one priority is to create a unique, perfect fitting design for the client that they can’t find anywhere else,” said Kira.  “Every bride deserves to have a gown that is made to fit them, and at an affordable price.”

The label, Kira Elizabeth Designs, is characterized by unique textures, startling asymmetry, elements of architecture and silhouette, as well as the influences of Kira’s background in art history.  Working with Kira Elizabeth Designs promises a delve into art, perfection of design, and unrivaled fit—undeniably, every bride’s dream come to fruition.  Kira Elizabeth Designs was founded in 2007 and is based out of Charleston, South Carolina. 

For additional information about Kira Elizabeth Designs or her involvement in the July 9^th Charleston Bridal Show contact Kira E. Schlepp at (843)-771-4770 or visit www.kiraelizabethdesigns.com.

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Kathryn’s veil and alterations were done by Kira Elizabeth Designs.  I put many pick-ups in her bustle to mimic the front of the dress.  Her veil had similar beading to the beads that were on her dress.  It was only one layer because she wanted something very simple.  Her wedding was June 6th, 2009.  Everything looks beautiful! 

The bustle turned out great!

What a beautiful bride!