Miss Ruby Volunteer Outing

This past Thursday, the Miss Ruby Team closed the boutique and volunteered at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk at Milwaukee's Veteran's Park. From assembling lots of lanterns to helping guests light up the night, seeing all the support and hearing all the stories was an incredible experience! 

It was such a great reminder of what an amazing community we are all a part of. 

Front Desk Leaders Cynthia and Sara look happy assembling lanterns!

Hundreds of lanterns put together! Valerie, Cynthia, & Hillary show off the finished products

Red lanterns were for Supporters, White were for Survivors, and Gold were "In Memory"

Boutique owners Erin and Pauline showed their support!

The Light the Night walk was truly beautiful once the sun went down!

Click Here to Support the

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

and Light The Night

Spend A Day Downtown (and Find Your Dream Dress!)

We know exactly how exciting a bridal shopping experience can be. We also know that it's an experience best shared with your friends and family.

Whats exceptional about Miss Ruby Boutique's location downtown is that we are right next door to some of the Milwaukee's most fabulous bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Our recommendation for a day of bridal shopping that you and your girls will never forget? Make it a designated "girls trip" and spend the entire day (or weekend if you're from out of town!) enjoying all the great things that downtown Milwaukee has to offer. 

Read on for our favorite places to eat, drink, and be merry in Milwaukee's fashionable Third Ward. We'll leave it up to you to figure out how to arrange your schedule. Just make sure that saying "Yes" to a dress at Miss Ruby Boutique is also on your itinerary. 

So many great places to visit - all just across the bridge from Miss Ruby!

Breakfast / Brunch - 

Before your appointment, you want to eat light and make sure you are properly caffeinated. Check out these great coffee shops and restaurants that will perk you up immediately!

Holey Moley Donuts - 316 North Milwaukee Street

This donut counter is a favorite of Milwaukee insiders. The grab-and-go locale is better for brides who are on the move rather than those looking to linger, but don't let that dissuade you. With unique flavors (the Maple-Bacon donut comes to mind), gluten-free options, and coffee by local Hawthorne Coffee, your entourage will be impressed with your knowledge of this great little place. 

Wicked Hop - 345 North Broadway

To be fair, Wicked Hop has great food all day long. But their massive and delicious Bloody Mary's will make you want to stop here in the morning. If you live by the mantra "It's 5-o-clock somewhere," then take your party here for brunch and a bloody before walking to Miss Ruby!

Collectivo - 223 East St. Paul

This iconic Milwaukee coffee shop is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Miss Ruby Boutique. Perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee to go, they also have great pastries and a full menu if you are looking for something more substantial. 

Lunch - 

If you are a late riser and scheduled your appointment at Miss Ruby later in the afternoon, picking a great lunch spot is of the utmost importance. Luckily, we are within walking distance of many of the areas most amazing restaurants. 

Cafe Benelux - 346 North Broadway

Belgian-inspired Cafe Benelux is our go-to for lunch recommendations. Cocktails and an extensive beer menu are just the beginning - they also have a menu with something that everyone in your party can enjoy. If you are lucky enough to visit during the summer months, be sure to sit on their rooftop for an incredible view of Milwaukee's downtown. 

Milwaukee Ale House - 233 North Water Street

Bar food at its best, the Milwaukee Ale House has a relaxed atmosphere for brides who want to kick back after a long day of shopping. Also a local micro-brewery, this restaurant is located right on the river and has great views from the back deck. 

The Milwaukee Public Market - 400 North Water Street

One of downtown Milwaukee's most iconic locations (you can't miss it from the highway!), the Public Market has dozens of different vendors and you don't need reservations, making it a great place to go with a big group! There's even a wine bar if you want some champagne to celebrate finding your gown. 

Shopping & More - 

If you are staying for a weekend, want to bring home some souvenirs, or just want to get even more shopping under your belt, we've got you covered! Here are some great spots to stop if you have money left over after buying your wedding gown. 

Anthropologie - 301 North Broadway

This retailer's adorable website merely hints at how fashionable this store is. If you have never been to an Anthropologie box store, it is definitely worth a visit. From oven mitts to bedding to formal wear, this store is a charming treasure-trove and a great place to browse. 

West Elm - 324 North Water Street

The newest addition to Milwaukee's shopping scene, West Elm has a huge selection of unique furniture and home accessories. Scope out some wedding gifts from this fabulous store. 

Red Elephant Chocolate - 333 North Broadway

Two words: Chocolate Cafe. There really is nothing more to say, other than a trip to Milwaukee deserves a stop at Red Elephant Chocolate. Stop here with your girls for a decadent dessert or (at the very least) to bring back a treat for your fiance. 

Real Wedding: Rob & Maggie

Wedding Gown: Love, Marley by Watters

Veil: Jennifer Leigh Veils 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Various Designers by Miss Ruby Boutique

Photographer: Elizabeth Haase Photography

See More Photos From This Wedding Here

Real Wedding: Katie & Mark

Photography By: Kim Thiel Photography

Bridal Gown By: Wtoo from Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique

Belt By: Jaxie

Veil By: Jennifer Leigh Veils and Accessories 

The Little White Dress Event

Real Wedding: Michelle

Bridal Gown By Mikaella From Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique

Bridal Belt & Hairpiece By Jaxie From Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique

Photos By: Bryan Swisher

Miss Ruby is Hiring Bridal Sales Consultants

Miss Ruby Boutique is seeking a fashion-forward and highly motivated Bridal Sales Consultant to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties to ensure that their wedding day is everything they dreamed it would be. 

As a Bridal Sales Consultant you will connect with brides &  guide them in their style selections while keeping a focus on personal & company-wide sales goals.  Our most successful sales consultants are energetic about their work & are self-motivated. They have a passion for & a working knowledge of the latest trends in bridal fashion. They understand the level of attention to detail that goes into each & every item sold. Top-performing consultants strive to achieve their goals, are hands-on & build meaningful relationships with their customers. 

Responsibilities

• Assist brides & bridal parties in helping them find the perfect gown & accessories.
• Exhibit a warm & professional attitude while providing exceptional customer service.
• Use the proper techniques to close sales. Your sales will be evaluated on a monthly basis.
• Meet & exceed sales goals set by sales manager.
• Answer phones & schedule appointments.
• Receive & process sales transactions (cash & credit card).
• Assist in daily store duties including but not limited to cleaning & organizing dresses & displays.
• Conduct follow-up calls to customers.
• Assist with the opening & closing of the store.
• Measure customers and recommend sizing.
• Participate in store events & trunk shows as needed.

Details

2-4 Saturday shifts per month approximately 8:30-5:30pm

1-3 Sunday shifts per month approximately 10-4:30pm

This is primarily a weekend position - there may be weekday shifts open based on applicant’s availability.

(Please note: Consultant must consistently be available 3 Saturdays/month & 2 Sundays/month)

Skills required

• Friendly, outgoing & upbeat personality
• Outstanding listening skills
• Must be responsible and comfortable working with little supervision
• Possess a strong sense of bridal fashion & fashion in general
• Must be able to close a sale
• Bridal experience preferred but not required
• Experience in a fast-pace sales setting preferred
• Must be organized, detailed, and able to multi-task
• Must show patience with the customers
• Must be able to handle stressful situations
• Must have computer and math skills
• Ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time.

Please email your resume, cover letter & availability to info@missrubyboutique.com. Serious applicants ONLY!

Wedding Theme: Carnival

A carnival themed ceremony and reception has been a pretty popular wedding trend recently. It's such a fun way to incorporate great memories from your childhood (who didn't love going to the carnival or fair when it visited your hometown?! Candy and games, yes, please!) Plus, the color palate is so diverse and fun - it definitely makes a statement!

Check out some of the great ideas we found around the web to make this fun and flirty theme a reality for your big day!

Photo from Style Unveiled-- see more of this wedding here

Love these photos! Found On Wedding Wire-- more of this wedding here

A great idea for centerpieces- Found on Green Wedding Shoes-- more of this wedding here

Robert Bullock's Whitney is covered in pearls, the perfect dress to complete a vintage carnival themed wedding--and available at Miss Ruby!

No carnival theme is complete without a Big Top!-- Found on Bloved Weddings--more of this theme here

We love the vintage feel in this setting! Found on Pinterest, photo credit Josh Goleman

Another adorable idea for flowers and table settings! Found on Wedding Chicks--more ideas here

These are just a few ideas on the pretty endless list of ways to incorporate a carnival theme into your big day. Whether it's vintage or modern, the carnival theme is a great way to make your big day memorable for your guests and makes for a great trip down memory lane!

Fun Fabric Mix for Bridesmaids

Looking to make your bridal party stand out? We love the idea of mixing fabrics and textures within your bridesmaid dresses. It creates a cohesive look in the same color family with a modern twist! We pulled some hot colors for the upcoming summer and early fall wedding season to show you how you can do it too.

Mint

Jim Hjelm 5375, Bari Jay 230, Siri Milly Dress

 Navy

Watters 5214, Siri Minuet Dress, Watters 7594

 Plum

Jim Hjelm 5417, Bari Jay 726, Siri Dahlia Dress

We have all of these great samples at Miss Ruby and they all come in a variety of color options to satisfy whatever look your hoping to create with your bridal party. The mix of textures and variations in color can give your wedding the pop you need to stand out from the rest of the crowd!

Just In: Jim Hjelm Occasions 5427

We just received in this fabulous Jim Hjelm Occasions bridesmaid dress for spring and we already have brides calling to schedule appointments to have their bridal parties try this gorgeous new style!

Jim Hjelm 5427 Front View

Jim Hjelm 5427 is a floor length chiffon A-line gown.  It features a sweetheart neckline with gathering through the bodice as well as lace cap sleeves and a keyhole back.

Back view of Jim Hjelm 5427

Available in a variety of colors, this dress has a great feel for a summer wedding with the delicate lace details and open back.  It is sure to be a favorite among your bridal party and a beautiful dress to have the opportunity to wear!

A Miss Ruby Ordering Timeline

To all of our recently engaged and soon to be Miss Ruby Brides - we have some key dates to think about when tackling the process of planning your wedding and picking out your dresses. Whether it is going to be a 2013 wedding or if you are planning on a long engagement, here are some key planning deadlines to keep in mind.

After the Engagement

After the initial announcements and celebrations are over, start thinking about the colors, styles, and details you want at your wedding. For brides who have been planning this their whole lives, this is easy! For those who haven't, start looking at wedding blogs and magazines for ideas.

9-10 Months Before the Wedding

This is when we recommend ordering your both wedding and bridesmaids dresses, as they take up to 4 months to arrive.  Take time to look at bridal magazines for gown ideas, but also don't be afraid to try on different styles and shapes once you get into the store. Our bridal consultants are willing to help you narrow down your gown options so you end up with a wedding gown you love.

By this time, you should already have your bridal party selected. It is especially important to get the bridesmaids dress order started now, because their order can't be placed until all bridesmaids have paid. 

5-6 Months Before the Wedding

At about this time your dresses will arrive at Miss Ruby. Once we give you a call that your dress has arrived, we recommend picking it up at a time when you can take a few minutes to try on your dress before you take it home. This ensures that the dress is fitting properly.

This is when you would also set up your first alterations appointment. Our in-store seamstress is available by appointment.

3-4 Months Before the Wedding

If you didn't do this at your initial appointment, take the time to pick out bridal accessories such as belts, hair pieces, or veils. Every month we host a bridal styling night at our store - it is a casual and fun event where local jewelry designers and our very own Jackie from Jaxie Accessories are in-store and ready to work with you. We don't require a formal appointment, just that you RSVP so we know how many people to expect and how much champagne to pour. 

1-2 Months Before the Wedding

At this time, you should be finishing up with your alterations appointments and be able to take home your dress in the exact size and condition that it will be at your wedding. We supply garment bags so that your dresses can be stored properly before the wedding. This also allows a few months of "wiggle-room" just in case last minute changes need to be made.

After the Wedding

Don't forget to send us pictures of your wedding! We invest time in your wedding vision and we LOVE seeing the finished product! We also can feature your wedding on our blog as one of our Real Weddings as an inspiration for other brides!

 

Happy Holidays from Miss Ruby Boutique

Miss Ruby Boutique wants to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season! We are so grateful to be able to help hundreds of brides and bridemaids find their perfect wedding day looks and we cannot wait for all of the wonderful people and experiences that 2013 will bring our way! From all of us here at Miss Ruby, have a safe holiday season full of light, laughter, and love!

Photo Credit