Make prom dreams come true . . . donate a dress

Miss Ruby is accepting gently used dress donations through April 8. You'll receive a $20 gift certificate for your donation! Visit http://www.missrubyboutique.com/events.htm for more info.

Updos by Beauty

We have some pretty amazing neighbors on our lil' Water Street block. Beauty, the salon right next door, is one of them. Hair, makeup and other salon services are offered by some of the most talented stylists in the city. And of course they offer fabulous wedding packages too! For one of their photo shoots the beautifully styled models sported Miss Ruby gowns. Here are some of the photos! Check out the updos. Pretty stunning huh?

Let Them Eat Cake

Here are some photos from the fashion show at The Marie Antoinette Bridal Show. The show was hosted by Golden Chic Events and held at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. It was a fabulous event...and Hanle Productions captured it all. The dresses featured can be found at Miss Ruby and Delanie Couture. Enjoy!

She's cute, she's our intern, and she just got engaged!

If you've been to Miss Ruby lately you may have met our new intern, Megan. Isn't she cute? And guess what, she is extremely talented too!

Stop in when Megan is working and you'll see how amazing she is at finding you a dress perfect for your body shape, skin tone, etc. Plus, she's a great help behind the scenes. The past several blog entries have been written by Megan and there are many more to come. Of course she is helping with so many other tasks and responsibilities too . . . there are just too many to list.

But best of all, perfect timing I must say, she just got engaged! Of course we'll be helping Megan with her bridesmaid dresses and bridal gown and our neighbors Monica and Megan at The White Box will be providing endless wedding ideas. But if you have any tips you want to share please do. Megan is already in planning mode and looking for ideas. Congrats Megan!!

Color Me Fabulous!

You don’t need your passport to get some color, all you need to do is go shopping! I’m telling you ladies, this season it’s all about bold hues that are sure to bring out the sun goddess in you! Think bright yellow’s, vibrant greens and gorgeous turquoise blue’s inspired by mother nature herself.

But how, one might ask, can this trend be pulled off without looking like a walking ad for Crayola Color Wonders? The key is to mix and match with neutral colors. For example, you can pair a poppy orange top with a white, beige or khaki bottom. Lime greens, crimson reds and cerulean blues will look great with a darker denim wash. And for those of you who don’t want to commit to just one - color that is - break it up with big bold patterns. Right now oversized black and white prints are a favorite of the runways. What I love about this look is that the colors are perfect for work, but the pattern makes it a great transitional piece from business to play!

And for the ladies who aren’t afraid to take the color plunge, than by all means do! But a word of advice- less is always more! Try a boldly brightened day dress, or a courageous colored tunic that you can accessorize with a neutral belt or earrings, and avoid piecing several colors together. The key to this look is as simple as simplicity itself. Pick one hue to focus on, or let the patterns do the talking, and wear your colors loud and proud!

But this look isn’t only for cocktail hour! That’s right brides, if you are looking for a new way to brighten your big day, try this trend on all of your maids. Trust me they’ll thank you for dressing them in these vivacious colors that they can- scouts honor-actually wear again! Think of adding vintage inspired jackets, thick belts and oversized earrings to instantly go from bridesmaid to street chic maiden!(Check back next week for pics and how-to’s on this look!)

Yellow dresses designed by Siri, After Six, & Dessy and blue dresses designed by Alvina Valenta, Lela Rose & Siri.

A fairytale in chiffon . . .

Hey bridesmaids … the time has come to stop dropping subtle hints in the form of magazine cut outs, to the bride to be about the trendy, “could possibly wear again” dresses you would prefer her to buy. There is no longer a need to quote lines from the movie 27 dresses, and tonight you can dream of things other than the flames of your torch devouring yards of sequins and velveteen. That’s right ladies the Gods have finally answered your prayers in the form of the Lela Rose collection. I promise that in this line, you won’t find any frilly frocks with matching parasols that even have Little Bo Peep running for the hills. Instead you’ll get beautiful flowing chiffon and stunning silk taffeta, subtle feminine details, and a dress that is sure to make both you and the bride happy.

And while Lela Rose has many pieces to choose from, I would like to pay special attention to three that really stick out. I see these beautiful dresses every day I come into the shop and I feel like they would make a great addition to any of the spring and summer weddings coming up. Picture a Midsummer’s Night Dream meets New York’s Upper East side. Cocktail length Crinkle Chiffon with shirring at the natural waist, makes for a clean, crisp look while the hand worked rosettes at the neckline give this dress a romantic twist, sure to inspire a fairytale ending to the day of all days. And yes ladies you can wear this dress again! The length, fit and unique details make this the perfect cocktail piece. I would definitely sport this out on a dinner date or a night with the girls. This can also be perfect for a summer picnic by dressing it down with a cute pair of ballet flats, but that’s a whole other blog!

Now if you’re worried about options, there’s no need. All three dresses come in the same material with a natural waistline and matching belt, with the option of three different necklines - scoop, square or halter. Not to mention the plethora of color options to choose from. All I have to say is Mint is the new black!

So brides before you start tracing patterns on your bathroom curtains (unless you’re a creative soul who loves a challenge!), remember there’s another affordable and trendy solution that’s sure to get you an extra toast!