Iyasha & Michael

Welcome to our first blog on our brides weddings.  I wanted to do these blogs so I could show off our amazing brides and also to give brides to be some inspiration for their own specials days. I hope you enjoy reading them and looking at all the beautiful pictures.

For our first blog, we have Iyasha and Michael.  When Iyasha first came into the boutique I instantly knew she was going to be a MiliMili Bride.  She is class and sophistication personified and you could see she knew a thing or two about fashion.  

Iyasha tried on a few different styles but when she put on Hanoi by Blue Enzoani she knew this was her dress.  She looked absolutely stunning and it showed off her figure amazingly even though the sample dress was 3 sizes too big for her.  My pin skills were tested that day! I always say if you love a dress when it doesn't fit you then you know you will love it even more when it does and Iyasha did just that. I'm sure you will agree she looked fabulous. 

The wedding was on 7th November 2015 and the venue was Hintlesham Hall.  If you haven't already booked a venue I would highly recommend a look at this venue, it is a very impressive setting for a wedding. 

Iyasha and Michael's photographer for the day was D&A photography so quick shout out to him for the beautiful pictures. 

I'm not being biased when I say Iyasha is a naturally stunning girl.  So her natural hair and make up really complimented her look.  Her make up artist for the day was Victoria Jones and her hairstylist was Kim Wade. 

You may recognise Michael if you have been buying a house recently.  He is the Michael of "Michael's" Estate Agents in Colchester which I have to say is a very trendy and modern looking Estate Agents! 

Iyasha wanted to ensure that her Indian heritage was brought into the wedding, so she had the most brilliant idea of putting her bridesmaids into saree's.  I was lucky enough to see the saree's up close as she brought one into the boutique when she came in for a fitting and the detail was absolutely exquisite on them.  The dusky pink colour went perfectly with her flowers. 

Her flowers were by Interior Floral Design and I think you will agree that they did a fantastic job. 

Iyasha accessorised her dress with a Cathedral veil from Charlotte Balbier which has a beaded detail on the comb.  She also wore a back necklace from Chez Bec. 

Congratulations Iyasha and Michael!  Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us xx 

Flash Sample Sale

Its coming to that time of year again when I go to choose from our designers new collections.  So, we need to make some space for all the new dresses which will soon be on their way to us.

This is good news for you, especially if you want to grab yourself a bargain!  We will be selling off some of our sample gowns at ridiculously good prices to make some room.  The sale will be on Sunday 17th April from 1-4pm.  No appointment is needed, it will be first come first served. 

Be prepared to purchase a dress if you fall in love with one as there is only one of each sample available, so once its gone it gone.  Sample prices will start from £100!  This includes dresses from current collections from Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, Rita Mae and Charlotte Balbier.  

Keep your eyes peeled for some sale sneak peeks on our Facebook over the next few days.  If you have any questions please do contact us. 

Separates Range from Charlotte Balbier

For a while now I have been looking for a new range for the boutique and I was specifically looking for a range of separates.  So you can imagine my delight when I get an email from our fabulous designer, Charlotte Balbier, announcing that she is releasing a new Separates Collection!

Charlotte is known for celebrating a brides individuality and for tearing up the wedding dress rule book and she has done it again with this collection.  

The collection features 10 interchangeable pieces all designed for the bride to build and create her own look.  Options include a satin slip paired with a lace topper of your choice to a ball gown skirt which can be worn with a super trendy crop top and lace reverse topper.  This collection lets you put together your own look and allows you to stay true to yourself.

To celebrate the launch of the new Balbier Separates collection MiliMili will be hosting the 1st exclusive event of 2016. Be one of the 1st brides in the UK to view and find your ‘one’ from this exciting new collection from the award winning Charlotte Balbier.

As a special gift from Charlotte every bride who orders at this exclusive event can choose any belt from the collection as a complimentary gift.

The week long event will take place between 7th-14th January 2016 at MiliMili Bridal Boutique in Colchester Essex. To secure your appointment call 01206 616368/email enquiries@milimili.co.uk today.

Sample Sale 25th October 2015

Its Sample Sale time again!  So put on your bargain hunting heads and prepare to be amazed at the discounts available. 

The date is 25th October 2015, no appointment necessary but highly recommended.  If you see something on here you like and want a pre-sale chat then please give us a call.  

The dresses are samples which have been loved and looked after in the boutique but some may have flaws such as beads missing hence the discount given on the dresses.  However, with the help of our Fairy Godmother style seamstress these things can easily be rectified.

Here are some of the dresses available and the amazing prices!

Charlotte Balbier

Emelia - Blush size 14

Was £1495 Now £600

Daydream - Size 14

Was £1335 Now £550

The Charlotte - Size 12

Was £2300 Now £700

Krystal - Size 14

Was £1095 Now £400

Beatrice - Size 14

Was £1199 Now £400

Marnie - Size 12

Was £1440 Now £700

Enzoani

Hamilton - Size 16

Was £1230 Now £600

Harrogate - Size 14

Was £1110 Now £500

Dillon - Size 12

Was £1320 Now £600

Hamlet - Size 14 

Was £900 Now £450

These are just some of the dress which will be available, so hurry and grab those bargains!! 

White Gallery 2015 - Part 1

Last month I got to do one of my favourite things of the year, go and pick our new dresses from next seasons collections!! Whilst it is a serious part of my job, it is all so exciting!!

To choose the new dresses, we attend an event called The White Gallery.  At this event, the top Bridal Designers release their new collections for the year. There are various fashion shows that happen throughout the day and are perfect for viewing the new trends.

We have four of our designers at White Gallery: Charlotte Balbier, Ian Stuart, Eliza Jane Howell and Charlotte Mills shoes. Here are some sneak peeks of the new dresses we will soon be welcoming to our boutique.

Charlotte Balbier

The 2016 collection is named "Willa Rose" and marks her 12th year in Bridal fashion. Charlotte's signature feminine style was abundant in this beautiful new collection.  It features ethereal soft flowing chiffon gowns adorned with delicate Rose details and Charlotte signature hand cut flower designs. 

Maud from the "Willa Rose" collection.

Charlotte uses an array of luxurious fabrics from Rich Mikado to silk tulle and French lace.  There was also a gorgeous colour pallet with Rose Pinks, Antique golds and rich Ivory Shades. 

We cannot wait to receive this collection is store, they are seriously gorgeous!

Lainey in Blush

"Lilac" - this is a delightful gown with delicate lace sleeves and gorgeous pearl detailing around the bust.  This is a real WOW factor dress. 

Ian Stuart

Our next stop was the rather fabulous Ian Stuart. This year he named his collection "Runway Rebel" which is perfect for his love of designing dresses which are that bit different and ooze style. He described this collection as an ode to life and the freedom to be expressive, creative and rebellious in it.

Paradis

In the collection there were some classic Ian Stuart style designs but there are also some more softer and fluid lines which allows the slightly more conservative bride to still have the stunning design and make that Ian is known for. 

Excuse the poor picture quality, this one was just taken on my iPhone! 

I love an Ian Stuart short dress and he didn't fail to disappoint. 

Ian has also designed stunning veils to match his dresses. 

As you can see the dresses this season are stunning!  In part 2 we will give you a sneak peak at the new Eliza Jane Howell dresses and the Charlotte Mills shoes. 

New Dress - Willa Rose by Charlotte Balbier

We were very excited today as we received 3 new dresses from Charlotte Balbier.  We are among the first to receive these dresses as they are from her new collection "Willa Rose".  This collection is officially launched on 17th May but we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek and chance to order these dresses early. 

The first dress is Willa Rose, which Charlotte has named this years collection after.

This is a beautiful soft chiffon gown adorned with cotton flowers and has a sheer neckline which is very on trend.  The movement on this skirt is amazing and gives it the romantic look. 

We know our brides are going to love this dress, so give us a call to be one of the first to try this fabulous dress. 

Part time Job Vacancy

JOB VACANCY - PART TIME

We have an exciting job vacancy for a part time Bridal Style Consultant. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and professional person who can provide exceptional customer care to our brides.  We want someone who is energetic and has excellent communication skills.  As a modern, fashionable boutique we are looking for someone who has a passion for fashion.  The hours will include two days in the week (12.30pm-5pm) every Saturday and some flexibility is required for ad hoc evening appointments.  Previous retail sales experience is highly desirable.  Bridal boutique experience is preferred but full training will be given.

The job role will include:

• Assisting other members of the team during consultations and eventually directing appointments yourself.
• Helping in all aspects of styling brides from the dress to the accessories.
• Assisting during fittings to ensure brides are happy with the end result. 
• Preparing the dresses for collection including steaming of the gowns.
• Answering phone calls and emails
• Booking brides in for appointments
• Daily cleaning and tidying of the boutique including the upkeep of the sample dresses - ensuring dresses are steamed and fixing missing buttons/beads.     

Please email your cv with a covering letter to laurenwade@milimili.co.uk.

The Ultimate Princess Dresses

I cant have helped but notice that there has been a lot of talk about the latest Cinderella film from Disney, particularly the tiny waist.  So I thought I would take the opportunity to show you how we do the Princess look at MiliMili.  As you know, we like to take a classic and put a modern twist on it which is perfect for you fashion loving brides.  

The Charlotte by Charlotte Balbier

This dress was designed by Charlotte for her own wedding day and it is the ultimate in Sophisticated Princess.

It has the prettiest lace sleeves and a beautiful low v back.  There are shimmering diamante buttons which go the full length of the train.  The skirt is the softest organza with an exquisite lace edge and an extremely long train.  To top it all off it has an organza sash which ties into the cutest bow!  This really is a WOW dress.

Charlotte Balbier on her big day wearing 'Charlotte'

Pracatan by Ian Stuart

If someone asked me to describe Ian Stuarts style I would have to say think Carrie Bradshaw - Sex in the City. Ian is known and highly sort after for his dramatic creations and use of exquisite materials.  Pracatan is no exception. I absolutely love this dress and yes, I have tried this dress on and then felt completely distraught when I remembered I am already married so will not get a chance to wear it out

Pracatan has a flattering dropped asymmetric waist line which shows off your figure whilst allowing you to have the full princess skirt.  Ian's corsetry is legendary and when you are fitted into this dress you look and feel amazing.  The skirt is a wave of silk and tulle/organza with a beautifully long train. The dress is then finished off with beaded decoration on the waist and neckline.

The dress is available in 4 different colours: Pale blue, Pale Lilac, Honey and Ivory. This dress is amazing and is perfect for the bride who isn't afraid to stand out.

If you have any questions about these dresses please do not hesitate to call us!

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