Epiphany Boutique, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

 If you have been to Epiphany Boutique, you know that we are actually two boutiques, side by side.  Epiphany Bridal is our full-service bridal boutique and Epiphany Boutique (pictured above) is our original space where we offer special occasion, cocktail/evening wear, bridesmaid/flowergirl dresses, resort wear and great accessories.

Spring is all about fresh and new beginnings. A perfect time for a makeover at Epiphany! We said goodbye to our soft blue walls.  Hello to a rich, warm and deep champagne look.  In fact, the inspiration color for our new look came from one our gorgeous Laundry by Shelli Segal silk charmeuse gowns.

We also rearranged some of our floor displays, re-merchandised the entire store and added a huge wall mirror.  We love the new Epiphany! 

Here are a few shots of the space. Thank you to Epiphany fashion guru, Janie, for documenting the process and taking these great pictures!

Epiphany's Cocktail and Eveningwear Department

Evening Shoes from the Benjamin Adams Collection

Epiphany's Mother of the Wedding Department

 

Bridesmaid Dresses at Epiphany Boutique

 

 

Great selection of flowergirl dresses at Epiphany!

 

Good bye old color. Hello new color! Thanks Mark for doing such a great job!

  

Great selection of dresses for every occasion.

 

Big new mirror! The better to see yourself, my dear!

Sun-shiny day at Epiphany!

 It takes a lot of people and help to do a transformation like this over one weekend.  Thank you to everyone who worked so hard! Janie and Kristina, Epiphany’s amazing bridal and fashion consultants, who helped way beyond the call of duty!  I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you to my sweet 11 year old, Erica, who gave up her weekend to help out (with pay, of course) at the Epiphany makeover weekend!

For more information about Epiphany Bridal and Epiphany Boutique, please visit our website at www.epiphany-boutique.com or call us at 831-626-7700.

Happy Summer to all!

Every bride deserves a perfectly wonderful bridal gown experience.  We hope we helped you gather some knowledge and enjoy your gown journey in our alterations series: Your Gown’s Arrival!, Creating A Flawless Fit, and How To Find An Alterations Expert.  The first three parts of our series were offered for brides everywhere.  The information provided will help you wherever you purchase your gown. When you are informed about your options, you will be able to make better choices.

At Epiphany Bridal Boutique, we take service a step farther! We believe that Brides deserve the best experience and treatment available!  Once you purchase your gown at Epiphany Boutique, it is our mission to see you through your entire fitting and alteration process, from start to finish.

We’ve set a new standard in bridal.  Every bridal gown purchased at Epiphany Boutique includes alterations, fittings, a custom veil (bride’s choice!) and final steaming and pressing of your gown.  Wow! 

 FREE ALTERATIONS! Yes, it’s true.  Whether your gown needs just a slight adjustment or a major fitting, we do it at no extra charge. You probably are wondering how this is possible.  Let’s do a little Q & A from some questions that our customers have asked.

Q. Do ALL Epiphany bridal gowns come with free alterations?         A. Yes, we offer free alterations for all gowns, including special orders and in stock gowns.  The only exception is on our discontinued gowns that are marked down on the sales rack.  These gowns are 30-70% off regular price, an already incredible savings.  There may be a small charge for altering those gowns, depending on what needs to be done.  For all other gowns and dresses, all alterations are free!

Q. Do you mark up  your bridal gowns to help cover the cost of alterations?  A. Absolutely not!  In fact, brides that shop around and check out the prices of gowns they love have told us that our prices are even lower than the same gowns at other bridal stores!  We stand behind each of our gowns and our designers. Our bridal gown prices are set by the designers. We do not add any additional markup to any of our gowns. 

Q.  What if I want to make some design changes to the wedding gown? Will that cost extra? A. Design changes, such as changing the shape of the neckline, shortening the train, etc are included with your alterations.  If your desire is to add additional lace appliques, beading and buttons, there is a charge for the materials. Quotes are given based on the cost of purchasing those. 

Q. Can I see examples of alterations work done at Epiphany? A. Of course!  We have profiles of Epiphany Brides in our Blog: Real Epiphany Brides!  All our brides had their alterations provided through Epiphany. Veils are all designed by Epiphany Boutique.

We hope you enjoyed our Alterations Series! Do you have a question that we haven’t covered?  Send us an email at info@epiphany-boutique.com or give us at call at 831.626.7700. 

Gown by Watters Bridal

Jessica Velarde Photography created this beautifully stylized bridal shoot here in Carmel Valley, California.   What great inspirational shots! If you are a bride looking for a great photographer (as well as a beautiful spirit!), Jessica is for you!  With floral arrangements designed by Lilify Designs, bridal gowns and bridesmaids from Epiphany Boutique and three gorgeous models, we’re in love with the natural beauty that our corner of the world offers to brides.

Gown by Watters Bridal

Gown by Watters Bridal

Gown by Martina Liana Bridal

Gown by Martina Liana Bridal

Gown by Watters Bridal

We’ve been discussing alterations in Part 1 and Part 2 in our alterations series. Fit is crucial to a flawless look on your wedding day. Now the question is, how does a bride find the right alteration expert to help her with proper fit and alteratioons?

You should start thinking about alterations BEFORE you finalize the purchase of your wedding gown. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your gown, but that’s only the first step in the dress process.

True, full service bridal salons, both large and small, should offer in house alterations. This reassures the bride that the salon stands behind their gowns and will take care of the bride right up to her wedding day. When a salon hands you a list of suggested seamstresses, they are also handing off the responsibility of the final result of your gown. The fact is that many people sell wedding gowns for the “glamour” or for the dollars. Then they pass off the real service of bridal to someone else.

If the salon where you find your dream dress offers in-house alterations, get a written estimate of anticipated alterations. Although these might change a bit once your gown arrives, at least you will have a general idea of what to expect. Find out how many fittings are included. If your weight changes, will you have to pay again? You don’t want to find out after your gown arrives that your alterations are double or more than what you expected.

What happens when you find a gown you love, but the store does not offer in-house alterations or you just don’t feel comfortable with the salon’s staff? First, check online to see where else that designer offers their collection. If possible, visit those stores and check out their service staff. You might find the dress at another location.

How do you find a bridal gown alteration specialist once you decide to buy a gown from a shop where you will not have alterations done? Best place to start is with friends and family. Get referrals. You might also check online. Look for wedding gown specialists, not general alteration seamstresses. If time allows, get a couple of estimates. It’s important to find someone who is not only skilled in alterations, but who is up to date on fashion and trends. When you meet with them, are they willing to work with your time frame and idea?

Although it may seem a bit of a daunting task, trust yourself, listen to your inner voice and make the choices that will make you the most comfortable.

The final chapter of our 4 part series will be “The Epiphany Alterations Experience”. See you next week!

Need more information or have a question that we’ve not covered? Our team of bridal consultants are available to answer any of your questions. info@epiphany-boutique.com or 831.626.7700.

 Yes, it’s true!  We have found some beautiful bridemaid dresses that really can be worn again!

What makes one bridesmaid dress wearable for other occasions and most other bridesmaid dresses just that – beautiful, but still just a bridesmaid dress?  There are three elements that elevate a bridesmaid dress into a great wear again dress:

1.  Fabric.  Flowy chiffons or a luxurious silk charmeuse are much more wearable for other occasions than, say, a poly satin.

2. Color.  While a particular color may look great for a wedding party, it may not be a color that a girl will pull out of her closet for another occasion.  Black, navy, chocolate brown, those are some colors that you might use again.  Turqoise satin, not so much. 

3. Style.  Bridesmaid dresses that reflect ready to wear styling are much more wearable again. Think clean, simpler designs that are comfortable to wear.

To make a bridesmaid dress re-wearable, all three of these elements need to be in sync.

Here are a few dresses from our collections that fit the “I will wear that again” look!

That’s just a few.  Depending on how you mix and match your colors and styles, you really can create a great look that your bridesmaids will love to wear again. Come visit us and our great consultants will be happy assist you.

If you are a shoe girl, you are going to LOVE this collection! Benjamin Adams of London has just introduced a brand new 2012 evening shoe collection. Gorgeous, glamorous and unbelievably sexy!  

The entire collection is now available here at Epiphany.  Stop by and take a look! 

May Proms are coming up!  Epiphany Boutique still has a great selection of gorgeous dresses from our top designers.  Long is definitely the trend, with a few short and sassydresses  in the mix.  What else is big? Fabulous colors, incredible beadwork and trims and dramatic backs. 

Stop by this weekend and take a look.  And don’t forget, Epiphany includes all your alterations with every dress purchase!

Gown from Watters Bridal

Today’s Part 2 gets down to the details of what it takes to create a flawlessly perfect fit. An impeccable fit can make even a simple gown look amazing. A poor fit can ruin an expensive, couture gown.

Part 1 of our Alterations series  focused on the immediate questions that arise when a bride is notified of her gown’s arrival.

Some brides wonder why they will need alterations if the gown was ordered in their size.  After all, the bridal salon took their measurements.  Shouldn’t it fit?
Sorry, but no. Unless that gown was custom made for you, in which case fittings would have been done along the way, gowns ordered are made from size charts. These charts vary from designer to designer. This is why you may wear a size 8 from one designer and a size 12 in another. You order your gown in the size that most closely matches your measurements. When the gown arrives, it will need to be customized to your body.

When you begin your fittings, remember, this is your gown and your wedding, Never be afraid or hesitant to state your vision, wishes or concerns. If you are someone who doesn’t speak up, bring a trusted person who will be your spokesperson.

As we mentioned in Part 1, be prepared. Make sure you have your undergarments and shoes. Alterations are not guesswork or estimations. If you are ready, you’re alterations professional can better do their job.

Your first fitting will be the most involved. Your bodice will be fitted and pinned. Hem will be measured. Any design changes should be addressed. This is the time to discuss your overall vision. If you want embellishment, lace, beading, neckline changes, your train shortened, anything you think can or cannot be done, speak up. Many things can be done. Some may not. But this is the time to bring it up.

Depending on your wedding date and the amount of alterations required, your next fitting will be scheduled accordingly. This is the fitting where your wedding gown looks like the gown you’ve imagined. Things are starting to pull together and  the bride’s eyes light up. Now is the time to fine tune the fit. You want your gown to fit your curves and accent your assets. Check the hem length. Can you walk without tripping? 

 Any last changes or adjustments? Now is the time to bring it up.

The second fitting is also a great time to bring in your jewelry options, think about hairstyles and select your veil and/or headpiece, if you have not already done so. If your gown has a train, the bustle should also be pinned up.

Many times, 2 fittings are usually enough. Your need for a third fitting may depend on the amount of alterations required, weight loss/gain, etc. If possible, try to schedule your last fitting closer to your wedding date.  If there are any last minute adjustments that need to be made (again, due to weight loss/gain), you’ll be able to catch them before you put your gown on on your wedding day!

Final step, schedule the day you’ll be picking up your gown.  A full service salon will have your gown pressed and ready for you!

 Next time, Part 3 will focus on how to find and what to look for in a wedding gown alterations professional.

If you have any questions regarding your wedding gown fit or altertions, please contact us at info@epiphany-boutique.com or 831-626-7700. 

Epiphany Boutique offers alterations on all gowns, including bridal gowns purchased outside of our boutique! Give us a call for a complimentary consultation and estimate.

What happens when you get three artistic minds together who have a passion for art, fashion and lingere?  Private Arts Lingerie is created!

Private Arts intimates are a combination of hand drawings, photographs and graphic designs. Each piece is individually hand pressed making these little works of art one of a kind. It is designed and made near the sunny beaches of southern California.

The art is focused on different moods and personality types found in the modern woman.  The idea of putting art on undies translates into a kind of freedom of expression. Undies are something that, traditionally, should be kept underneath something (hidden). Art is something that is, traditionally, meant to be exposed for the world to see. A strange juxtaposition occurs when fusing art and underwear.

The Epiphany girls are always on the lookout for the newest and cutest in all things fashion!  We are very excited to add this totally unique collection to our already amazing selection! 

Congratulations! You found the perfect gown. A big check off the wedding to do list. Time to relax? Maybe for a moment – then it’s time to continue the planning.
What to do next?  Here are our top 5 suggestions.

1. Pick your bridesmaid’s dresses. The style of the bridesmaid dresses should complement your gown, but not duplicate it. Also consider formality, color scheme and what looks good on your attendants. There’s lots more on this topic, but that’s for another day.

2.  Shop for your bridal shoes.   There are so many beautiful styles and colors out there! Comfort is very important as well.  So start early, because it really make take longer than you think to find the perfect pair.

3.  Pick out your veil and/or headpiece. Some brides select their veil and headpiece at the same time they find their bridal gown.  It’s ok to wait a while and think about how you’ll be wearing your hair and what your overall vision is.  We find that it can be a bit overwhelming for a bride to make the veil/headpiece decision at the time of your gown purchase.

4. Jewelry and Accessories.  The jewelry and accessories that you choose to wear with your bridal gown can make or break a look.  A good option is to bring several choices to your gown fittings when they begin and choose then.  Don’t lock yourself into a particular necklace or earrings.  You really won’t know what works until you see it on with your gown.

5. Help Mom shop for her gown.  Some mothers of bride or groom are lucky and quickly find the perfect dress.  The reality is that most moms have  a hard time choosing their ensembles. So many factors play into it. Is it the right color/style?  Is it appropriate for the wedding/venue?  Do I look good in it?  It really helps if the bride can take a day and go out with the moms. They will appreciate your input.

Brides, we know that your to do list is way longer than this!  One thing at a time.