Sample Sale UPDATE!!!

We are really excited about our upcoming sample sales and the response that we are receiving!

Just to clarify, here are the details on both sales:

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HAUTE BRIDE Flagship Salon in San Francisco is hosting a GOWN sample sale, with discounts marked down to 80% off of retail. This sale is a ONE DAY ONLY event, taking place on Sunday, November 16, from 10am-4pm. Appointments are NOT required. Brides will be able to try on gowns on a first come-first serve basis. Come early for the best selection and savings. (We are normally closed on Sunday's, and are opening for this special event). We have created our list of gowns that will be a part of our sample sale, and there are some fantastic styles! We'd like to have an idea of how many brides will be attending, so please RSVP to salon@hautebride.com.

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HAUTE BRIDE ACCESSORIES Sample Sale

Starts November 1, and ends on November 30. We have an entire selection of duplicate pieces, that have been worn on the runway, used for photo shoots, editorial, etc. These pieces are in perfect condition, and if any piece needs a touch up, we will certainly take care of it for you. The accessories samples will be marked down to 50% off the retail price. You may call our salon for pricing/availablilty; however, we will be selling the majority of our sample pieces in a Haute Bride EBAY store until they are gone. This includes accessories/jewelry as well as footwear. Our EBAY seller name is "hautebridesf".

You won't be able to see items online in the EBAY store until after 11/1. We also have a VIP list of brides who have emailed in regards to certain pieces. We will be contacting those brides first, and then the remainder of the designs will go online for sale. Don't worry, there is enougt to go around for everyone! Remember, sale ends 11/30. Please allow up to 2 weeks to receive your sample sale items after the time of purchase. Buyer is responsible for shippping (UPS Ground). For any other questions, please post a comment on our blog and we will get back to you ASAP! Thank you!!!!

Haute Bride with Caroline De Villo (in Chicago) on DAILY CANDY

Wedding planning should be an Olympic event. Think about it — it’s got all the criteria: challenges, scoring, competition, nervous sweating, rings. People laugh; people cry. And someone always takes the cake.

You’re Goin’ Gown
One step inside Caroline DeVillo’s sun-filled studio and you won’t want to leave. Well, not without a dress. DeVillo designs timeless couture looks — elegant, simple silhouettes with architectural lines made from the highest-quality Italian silk. Throw in shoes from Filippa Scott and jewelry from Haute Bride and Betsy Tanner Designs, and you’ve got a veritable one-stop shop. You’ll win best dressed, bar none.

She Shoots, She Scores
Or in this case, he shoots, you score. For impeccable photos with the perfect amount of tongue in cheek, hit up local fave Jeremy Lawson. His eye for detail and penchant for in-the-moment shots give him an edge above the rest. Not a fan of posing? Neither is he.

Apply Yourself
Enough with all this talk about bronzing. Go for the gold at Sonia Roselli, Esthetique, a brand new storefront in Rogers Park. Roselli offers airbrushing, eyelash extensions, and custom color mixing for the blushing bride and her party. Stop in for a trial application and you’ll be hooked.

Sweet Victory
Chicago native Jeremie Lappe is a real winner. After whetting her palate at Cheryl Kleinman in New York, she returned home and started Batter Up Cake Bar, whipping cakes that’ll knock you out of the park. Lappe meets with her clients to discuss flavors (chocolate, red velvet, vanilla), fillings (citrus curd, chocolate ganache), icings (lavender, pistachio, coconut), and decorations (she specializes in sugar flowers). Tastes like a grand slam to us.

Step Up to the Plate
Winner takes all with Black Rooster Catering. Headed by the folks behind Jerry’s, the reputable group dishes modern comfort food to the masses. Options include a whole poached salmon; beef tenderloin with ancho-coffee rub; tomato tapenade and goat cheese bruschetta; marinated shrimp, basil, and prosciutto skewers; and much more. Liquor and spirits are also available, guaranteeing you’ll beat ’em to the punch.

There Will Be Buds
Simply Flowers wins first prize in our eyes. Owner Toni Lenzi sticks to the cream of the crop (premium Dutch buds; Ecuadordian roses). She picks her blooms according to season — this fall she’s loving vine maple, safflower, bright dahlias, chocolate cosmos, and kale — and pulls it all together with fragrant geranium leaves. Not a bloom expert? Not to worry. Lenzi is on-site the day of, pinning boutonnieres and making sure your bouquet is picture perfect.

The Invitational
Win your guests’ hearts with invites from Greenstar Creative. During a personal consultation with fun-loving owner Lynda Junge, you’ll pick a design that fits your fancy, from the traditional (cursive, bows) to the cheeky (Eat, Drink, Marry). Even better? Junge can create a stamp to match the invite (not that we don’t love liberty bells). Post-celebration, thank those who made it happen with a letterpressed Wedding Expert Appreciation Kit from Cardiology Cards. For your jeweler: We’re thrilled and delighted with the bling you provided. For the caterer: You’re swell, you fed us well.

Go get ’em, Champ.

Need more inspiration? We’ve published Wedding Guides in every edition today, so check them all out.

Haute Bride (in San Francisco) on DAILY CANDY!

From this day forward, I pledge you, DailyCandy, my faithfulness.

You’re Invited
If you’re looking to make a killer first impression with unconventional save-the-dates, invites, and all things paper, turn to local graphic designer Jenn White Topliff of 13 Creative (415-290-4908; jenn@13creative.com). From starfish to wax stamps and wine corks, Topliff’s three-dimensional materials and clever copy will have tongues wagging.

Something Blue
Something old and borrowed? Check, check. New and blue? Get two for the price of one with artisan organic chocolates from the newly opened Chocolatier Blue (1964 University Avenue, Berkeley; 510-705-8800). The perfect party favor for your guests, the adorable bonbons come in signature (PB&J, lime) and seasonal (pumpkin, egg nog) flavors.

Wild at Heart
You’ve always dreamed of tying the knot on a private game reserve in Africa until you found out about the shots and, oh, yeah, the cost. Stay close to home with a destination wedding at Safari West in Sonoma County (3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa; 800-616-2695). Say “I do” in front of the bird aviary, then head out with guests on a 60-minute safari scouting cheetahs and giraffes before your reception in the canvas-walled Elephant Room.

A Thousand Words
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you’ll want local photog Jamie Grenough to stick close by on your big day (310-387-2261). Whether you want abstract close-ups in brilliant color or classic wide-angles in black and white, take a shot with this talent.

Badge of Honor
The last time you had to choose a boutonnière for your dude was prom. They’ve come a long way since then, as proven by the whimsical creations designed by Rosenow Floral Design (415-424-7437; rosenowfloral@gmail.com). Sourcing hilarious materials like hood ornaments, dice, and dominoes, the medallions avoid the girly-man vibe of a flower.

A Cut Above
Get stacked with organic wedding cakes from Pinkie’s Bakery, SF’s new purveyor of artisan tiers (415-533-4525; cheryl@pinkiesbakerysf.com). Recently opened by Cheryl Burr (former pastry chef of Bacar), Pinkie’s stunning shapes of iced deliciousness (strawberry shortcake, chocolate fondant) come in big or small packages.

Sky’s the Limit
You want a traditional ceremony in your family’s church. He wants to be barefoot on a beach in Mexico. Meet in the middle while overlooking the ocean on a seaside cliff at Liquid Sky (650-726-4090 ext. 112; events@cetrella.com). The picturesque 30-acre private property in Half Moon Bay sets the gold standard for couples seeking the ideal outdoor setting.

Material Girl
Earth girls are easy to please with the ecobridal collection by Adele Wechsler, now at Haute Bride (1954 Union Street; 415-923-5900). Her chic cocktail number in hemp charmeuse with knife-pleated organza or the vegetable-dyed shantung gown with overlay will make them green with envy. Always a bridesmaid never bridezilla? Lucky you. Be a good maid of honor and suggest frocks by Queue at Bella Bridesmaid (2250 Union Street, suite 1b; 415-931-5492).

Runaway Bride
For a piece of Europe close to home, honeymooners need look no further than Chateau du Sureau at the Estate by the Elderberries (48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst; 559-683-6860). Nestled in the mountains near Yosemite, the charming (part Tahoe, part Provence) Relais & Chateaux inn is the ultimate romantic backdrop with dreamy rooms complete with fireplaces and homemade breakfast.

We now pronounce you ready to wed.

Need more inspiration? We’ve published Wedding Guides in every edition today, so check them all out.

Saison Blanche Photo Shoot

Every season we are honored to design the jewelry for the new gown collection by Saison Blanche. We just got back from market and absolutely fell in love with their new designs... and of course their beautiful new catalog featuring our accessories! ;) From the 2008 collection, this is our absolute favorite necklace and photo. Check back after October to view Saison's newest collection. Saison's Designer Jason G is truly FIERCE!!! You'll love what he's been up to!! Visit Saison Blanche

Brides We LOVE!! ... Amy Weber

We were so honored and excited when the beautiful model and actress, Amy Weber, contacted us back in March to create a custom designed rhinestone headband for her May wedding. Designed something special to match Amy's Reem Acra gown was the most fun I've had in a quite some time! (and I am always having fun!) Amy wore her Reem Acra gown to the ceremony and then changed in a stunning Jenny Packham gown for the reception, in which we custom designed a choker which featured a fabric flower from the dress. These beautiful photos were taken by Aaron Delesie. His work is amazing! Wishing Amy and her handsome husband a lifetime of love and happiness! For more pics on Amy's wedding, view Style Me Pretty's Blog.

SAMPLE SALE OF THE YEAR - SUNDAY, NOV 16th FROM 10AM - 4PM (1 DAY SALE ONLY)

Haute Bride Couture Bridal will be hosting our annual Bridal Gown Sample Sale on Sunday, Nov 16, 2008. We are preparing for our 2009 stock to arrive, so we will be selling samples by Adele Wechsler, Augusta Jones, Caroline De Villo, WToo and more! Gowns will be up to 80% off retail prices!

There is no appt necessary during the sample sale- brides will be able to try on gowns on a first come, first serve basis. Come early to get the best selection!

To RSVP for this event, please email us at salon@hautebride.com or call at 415-923-5900. Hope to see you there!!

Spring 2009 Wedding Gowns: Styles and Trends

Spring 2009 Wedding Gowns: Styles and Trends
The Editors of Perfect Wedding Guide
Updated 10 Oct 2008

Brought to you by our good friend, stylist and Melissa Lamkin—fashion blogger and former fashion and beauty editor of Destination Weddings and Honeymoon Magazine.

Put your best fashion foot forward when shopping for your spring 2009 wedding gown. To help spot the hottest looks of the season we sat down with stylist Melissa Lamkin as she identified the five wedding gown styles and trends to take spring 2009 bridal wear by storm.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Style: The mini-dress

High hemlines are making a big splash this season. "This is a perfect 'second' dress, like a reception dress if the bride wants to change into something for partying and dancing the night away," says Lamkin, whose styling credits include luxury retailer Neiman Marcus and lifestyle clothing line, Robert Redd. The emergence of tea-length wedding dresses show designers catering to the fun-loving, youthful bride.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Trend: Floral embellishments

Floral accents are sophisticated and sweet. Bridal wear designers are adding eye-catching rosettes to couture collections, placing buds at the hip, neckline and shoulder. Lamkin notes the versatility of the trend, stating that brides can pull off the look in at a formal church ceremony or a beachside wedding.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Trend: Pockets

While this style was introduced a couple seasons back, its presence in spring 2009 bridal fashion still has us enamored. "When you're a bride, it's not like you can walk down the aisle with a purse, so pockets are the perfect place for your tissue and lip balm," says Lamkin. Pockets are also a great prop for wedding photos, giving you another posing option for hands.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Style: One shoulder

Toned arms and delicate necklines are ideal for sporting a spring 2009 wedding gown that dares to bare one shoulder. This bride wants all eyes on her without a doubt, Lamkin reveals. "The one-shoulder gown is great for a destination wedding—beachfront, marina or outside. It's simple and no fuss, but definitely not boring."

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Trend: Ruffles and layers

Whether it's tiers of silk organza, wispy tulle or feathers and chiffon, ruffles and layers are a definite "I do" for the bride who loves fantasy and lots of romantic elements. Ruffles are architectural and add volume to an otherwise basic skirt, Lamkin states. "This style is for the bride who wants to make a dramatic statement on her way down the aisle."

Look to these spring 2009 wedding gown selections for the best in bridal style this season. To view collections of the latest inspirations in spring wedding fashion, visit your local bridal salons and formalwear retailers.

Visit The Perfect Wedding Guide


For more fashion talk, visit Melissa Lamkin's style blog, SwankyPeach.

The Remainder of our Chicago Market Trip!

Need we say more...? We had a fantastic time!

Day One.... Market in Chicago

We are so excited to be at market in Chicago debuting our new 2009 collection! Allow us to toot our own horns: the new collection is spectacular!

Yesterday we arrived, and after spending hours setting up our booth, we realized that a box of displays was missing- and of course, it contained ALL our earring and bracelet displays! Frantic, we had to get creative...we cabbed to Crate and Barrel and grabbed every frosted glass container we could find. We also draped fabric on our mannequin and turned her into a brooch display! Macgyver, right? :) Haute Bride's design skills came in handy as we used every available resource, including "borrowing" a bright pink rolled pillow from our hotel room. Thanks, Hotel Sax!! We promise we'll bring it back! :)

We love our neighbors, the adorable Sara Gabriel Veiling, our pal Jennifer Leigh Veils, and the always fabulous Matthew Christopher. After a long day, we sat down for a cocktail and stumbled across the dapper Mr. Christopher. For any of you who aren't familiar with his amazing collection of couture bridal gowns, definitely check him out! His ad in Martha Stewart (which features our Marjon chandelier earrings) is incredible- like a promo poster from a 40's flick! www.matthewchristopher.com

Here are a couple of shots of us lettin' loose in the Crimson Lounge!