A Formal Affair to Close Doors by November

{ October 12, 2011 @ 12:34 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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A Formal Affairis saddened to announce that it will permanently close the boutique’s doors next month. The bridal and formalwear boutique has been a fashionable fixture in the Fauquier community for over six years under its current ownership.

A Formal Affair was formerly owned by Charlotte Brady. Debbie Richards, a local Warrenton resident, purchased Charlottes’ Formal Affair in June 2005. Before Debbie purchased the boutique Charlotte had owned it for over 26 years. Charlotte was preparing to close the store and retire to North Carolina when Debbie spotted the unique shop and decided to purchase it.

Richards relocated the store to its current location in the Peebles shopping center in 2007. The new location was well-known for its beautiful and frequently changing display windows.
 
Throughout the years, the boutique was honored with awards from The Best of The Knot, The Best of Warrenton 2011, and WUSA 9. WUSA Channel 9 recently featured A Formal Affair’s Bridal University in their “Smart Living” segment as an educational, fun approach to wedding planning. The store’s small staff was known for their vast knowledge of the wedding industry and their meticulous customer service, as evidenced by their “Best Customer Service” award from Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine.
 
In addition to their excellence, the store’s staff was also well-known for their participation in charitable events such as fashion shows, fund raisers, and local social promotions. They often worked with local high schools as well, hosting prom fund-raisers, participating in career shadowing, and speaking to fashion marketing classes. “Our store was truly special, and was really a part of the local community. We made so many friends within the schools and local businesses throughout the years,” said Lisa Miller, the stores director of  marketing and special events.
 
A total stock closeout sale will begin immediately to liquidate every single item of
merchandise in the store to include all bridal gowns, mother of the bride dresses, bridesmaids dresses, prom dresses, special occasion dresses, formal dresses, cocktail dresses, pageant dresses, shoes, jewelry, flower girl-christening-communion dresses, informal dresses, undergarments, accessories, men’s formalwear, and more.
 
Because the store is closing forever, all merchandise, store fixtures, furniture and
equipment must also be sold.
 
The sale will officially begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 13th.
In addition to the discounted prices, prizes such as cash, an Ipod, a Kindle, and other items will be awarded to shoppers who register to win during the sale event.
 
 “This store closing sale is initiated only after careful consideration. It is our way of thanking you for six wonderful years of business and friendship. We look forward to seeing you take advantage of these huge savings while at the same time accomplishing our goal of taking our business interest in a different direction,” said Debbie Richards, President of A Formal Affair.  
 
Andrea Gillis, Manager of A Formal Affair remains enthusiastic about this upcoming sale. “I am so excited to pass along the great savings to our loyal customers. Please be assured that we have a plan in place to continue to take care of our valued customers. We are working tirelessly to be sure all orders are fulfilled and all customers are satisfied before we close,” Gillis said. 
  

 

Wtoo Trunk Show Scheduled for October!

{ September 17, 2011 @ 2:00 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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A Formal Affair is pleased to announce that it will unveil
the Fall 2011 line of Wtoo wedding gowns at a special in-store event in
October! This exclusive trunk show will be held on October 21-23 in the
Warrenton bridal boutique.

The event will feature gowns from the world famous designer
and will also celebrate A Formal Affair’s new affiliation with the Wtoo brand.
During the event, the store will have more Wtoo gowns than ever before.  As always, trained bridal consultants will be
on hand to answer questions about the line and help brides accessorize, while
helping them to select the perfect, most flattering gown.

The Wtoo Fall 2011 collection features a selection of gowns
from traditional beauty to sophisticated chic. The Wtoo brand is known for its
ability to create modern, gorgeous gowns at a very affordable price point.

Over the past 25 years, Wtoo has been fortunate enough to
receive design awards for innovation, rave reviews in the press, and to be
chosen for quite a few celebrity weddings. Wtoo wedding gowns have also been
featured in many bridal magazines such as Brides, The Knot, and Get Married,
and regularly appear on the covers of these publications as well.  The Wtoo design team is the driving force
behind everything they do. Vatana Watters, the company’s founder, continues to
be intimately and passionately involved in designing and overseeing the production
of every style.

A trunk show is a special fashion event, held just for
fashion-conscious brides! At a trunk show event, the store features MORE
dresses from our designers, allowing brides to try MORE styles, MORE unique
trends, and MORE colors! It allows brides to experience THE LATEST in bridal
fashions!

 Trunk shows are also
a time when A Formal Affair brings designers and bridal fashion experts to our
boutique to help brides create their ultimate wedding day look! Trunk shows are
only held a few times a year, so they are not to be missed! In addition to the
fabulous new gown collections, this trunk show will also feature local wedding
experts Shelley Campbell of Shelley’s Floral Enterprise, Joanna Burton of JB
Sweets, and Mona from Ciao Bella Photography. The experts will be on hand to
answer questions, offer samples, and provide literature about their services.

Debbie Richards, President of A Formal Affair is excited
about the trunk show featuring this new line of award-winning wedding gowns.
“We are excited to introduce a new bridal line to add some variety to our
current selection. A trunk show will be a great kickoff event to introduce the
new line, and allow our customers to experience the Wtoo collection,” Richards
said.

Andrea Gillis, Manager of A Formal Affair just as
enthusiastic about this upcoming event. “I am so excited to showcase this new
collection of Wtoo dresses! The styles are so fresh and contemporary. They are
truly different from the other collections that we carry, so I think brides
will be very happy to have so many unique options,” Gillis said.

For an appointment to the Wtoo trunk show, call
540-347-5126.

About A Formal Affair

A Formal Affair is a boutique that specializes in bridal,
formal, and informal wear, as well as accessories for all occasions.  The boutique was honored with awards from The
Best of The Knot, The Best of Warrenton 2011, and WUSA 9. WUSA Channel 9
recently featured A Formal Affair’s Bridal University in their “Smart Living”
segment as an educational, fun approach to wedding planning.  A Formal Affair is located at 251 West Lee
Highway in Warrenton, VA and can be found on the web at http://www.formalaffair.us The
store’s phone number is 540-347-5126.

Posted by Lisa Miller

What’s Up With The White Bridesmaid Dress Trend?

{ August 24, 2011 @ 12:06 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Let’s have a little chat about bridesmaid dresses. More specifically, let’s discuss white bridesmaid dresses.

First, Pippa Middleton showed off in that white Alexander McQueen bridesmaid dress, then the Kardashian sisters donned white, almost bridal-style dresses for Kim Kardashian’s wedding last weekend. So, what exactly is going on with this new trend?

Well…white is definitely an easy color (or lack of color) to work with. White is a clean, crisp, elegant color to work a big event around. There are endless varieties of beautiful flowers that come in white and white linens and décor are just as easy to come by. Paper products are often white anyway and white men’s accessories are certainly out there.

The issue seems to become problematic when brides think about bridesmaid dresses.

Most brides want to be the star of the show. They see their wedding day as their time to shine. They want all eyes on them and many feel white bridesmaid dresses may take away from that.

But you can stand out from your best girls even if you do dress them in white! Try some (or all) of these tips:

  • Dress them in a silhouette that’s different from yours. If you’re in a long, sleek gown and are surrounded by girls in shorter cocktail dresses, there will be no mistaking who the bride is.
  • Accessorize bridesmaid dresses with a colored sash. If you’re going to work in other colors, pick it up in a sash. It will make the look of your wedding cohesive while establishing a difference between the bridesmaids and yourself.
  • Adorn the bridesmaids in fun accessories. Bold pieces that aren’t classically bridal will set them apart—whether it’s earrings, a necklace or a fun hairpiece.
  • Style your hair differently. If you’re wearing your hair down, ask your girls to get up dos (and vice versa). Again, this will establish an obvious difference between yourself and your girls.
  • Have your girls wear a bright shoe. A bright pop of color on the  feet is another way to bring in other colors. You could also put the  girls in a neutral and rock the fun color yourself.

The lesson to be learned from this chat? Don’t be afraid of white bridesmaid dresses! You can create a beautiful clean look with white and still stand out as the center of attention. It can be done!

Written and researched by Lisa M.

Wisdom on Selecting Wedding Gown Colors: White, Ivory, or Champagne?

{ August 20, 2011 @ 10:16 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Gown by Maggie Sottero.

At one time, traditional, stark white was the only real color option for brides. At this point, brides opt for the color that is most flattering to their skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Although designers name their wedding gown colors differently, there are four basic color options for the traditional bride. Here are some general guidelines on these color families>

White: Stark white is a tricky shade to pull off, though it can be extremely flattering to women with cool undertones. (This describes you if you tend to look better in silver than in gold, and if colors like hot pink, blue, and purple flatter you.) If you have very pale skin or yellow undertones, stay away from stark white, and know that stark white fabric with a sheen to it looks even starker!

Ivory: This is a creamier shade of white. It is flattering on most women. Ivory warms up the skin tone, and is an especially good choice for women with pale skin. There are many variations of ivory; some have a bit more warmth than others. Some designers call ivory “eggshell”.

Champagne or candlelight: This tone is creamier than ivory, and sometimes has a bit of a beige undertone. It is best on women with warm undertones, and it can look great on both pale and olive skin tones. Its flattering glow and sophistication also make it an excellent choice for older brides.

Pale pink or rum: Depending on the designer, this can mean white with a pink cast or pale pink. It can be flattering on nearly everyone, though women with very olive skin may not care for this tone.

Once you select your gown, ask the bridal consultant to show you swatches of all of the available colors. This should allow you to select a color that flatters your skin tone and makes you look your best!

Written and researched by Lisa M.

Knowing Your Wedding Gown Silhouettes

{ August 11, 2011 @ 2:08 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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So, you are engaged and ready to shop for the perfect wedding gown. You arrive to your very first appointment at a bridal boutique, and the consultant suggests that you try on all six of the classic wedding gown silhouettes. I know…you are thinking “Ugh. I already know what I want! Look, I have a huge pile of pictures of my favorite dresses!”

Your best bet in this situation is to trust your bridal consultant! She knows exactly what she is talking about and will show you options that may not have occurred to you. Since most women do NOT try on formal wedding gowns throughout their lives, most do not actually know what gowns will work with their body type. As you look through your huge pile of pictures of gowns that appeal to you, try to keep in mind that the model wearing the gown in your beloved pictures is most likely almost six feet tall and around a size 2. Be sure to give yourself the chance to find a dress silhouette that is perfect for your own size and shape!

So what are the six silhouettes that your consultant may show to you?

1. A-Line: This style is slim on top, fitted through the waist, and softly flares away from the body. This style tends to be universally flattering, as it creates an illusion of a small waist!

2. Ballerina: This is traditionally thought of as a length, rather than a silhouette, but it is a tea-length dress with a fitted bodice and a full, layered skirt. Since short wedding dresses have recently come into fashion, many boutiques do carry this option. This style has a fun, youthful vibe.

3. Ball gown: the fullest, most formal style, a traditional ball gown features a boned and fitted bodice and a very full skirt supported by layers of crinoline. The shape here is similar to A-line, but is fuller and more structured. Extremely petite brides could be overwhelmed in this style.

4. Empire: this style features a high waist that hits under the bustline. The look is elegant, youthful, and comfortable.

5. Mermaid: this style hugs the torso, then flares out from the knee, or just below. This style works well on short-waisted brides.

6. Sheath: this is a sophisticated, close to the body shape that outlines every curve.

Try to be open to trying these different silhouettes! Brides are quite often surprised to find out that a style they had not considered is actually their most flattering option!

Written and researched by Lisa M.

Selecting The Best Dresses for the Office

{ July 25, 2011 @ 11:33 am } · { Accessories, Miscellaneous, Trends }
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One of our fabulous work dresses by Max and Cleo.

 What to wear to work? Every fashionista faces this issue, and some mornings it is just difficult to find fashion inspiration. One way to make the choice easier: dresses!

The ease of putting on a one-piece outfit for work every morning is only part of the appeal of dresses for the office. You’ll also look polished and professional in a great work dress (did I mention slimmer and chic, too?) Not just any dress will do the job, though. Save frilly or sexy dresses for the weekend and opt for structured looks instead. Here are some style ideas:

The Sheath Dress: Nothing beats the fitted sophistication of a sheath dress. In a not-too-girly color like gray, navy or black , this silhouette can even feature add-ons like a pretty neckline without looking frivolous. Wear it by itself for warm weather; add a belted cardigan and tights for cooler weather.

The Shirt Dress: The button-front, belted shirt dress is almost universally flattering; it creates a strong vertical line to lengthen and slim the body.  A belt creates or accentuates the waist and the collar brings your face into focus.

The Jersey Dress: Look as good as you feel in a jersey dress for the job. This essential work dress is a great travel basic that you can take out of the suitcase and top with a jacket; it can be dressed up or down depending on accessories and shoes.

The Wrap Dress: Announce your fashion status on the job with a classic wrap dress that flatters all figures.

Power Colors: Forget the “power suit” of decades past: today’s working woman knows that strength comes from powerful colors like red and clean lines.

A great collection of work dresses can be paired with fitted cardigan sweaters, stylish jackets, and a variety of tights and shoes to create different work looks that can span multiple seasons. Say yes to work dresses!

Written and researched by Lisa Miller

How the AFA Girls Spice up their Wednesday

{ July 20, 2011 @ 5:35 pm } · { Employees, Trends }
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Do you ever wake up on a Wednesday excited solely because there are only two more days until the weekend begins? If so, the ladies at A Formal Affair may have a solution for you and your work colleagues. Here at the store, Wednesdays are a thing to celebrate because we play a game we like to call “Dress Up Day”.

The Rules: Every week, we pick a theme to dress up for that Wednesday. Whether the theme is western, superhero, disco, or something completely random, everyone must dress appropriately enough for work. Thus, dramatic makeup does not count, nor do props. Whoever dresses the best for the theme that week, but still is in dress code wins and gets to pick the theme for the next week.

The girls at the store are very enthusiastic about the game. Bridal consultant, Lea King says,“I feel like it’s spirit week at Liberty High School all over again.” Last week our theme was Fourth of July and we all dressed in red, white, and blue. The Wednesday before that was “Grandma Day”, where we wore silly brooches, Angora cardigans, and freshwater pearls.

Lately, even others have been picking up on our game too. “Now I’m looking forward to Wednesdays!” says Elvis, our UPS delivery man. Kortney Shannon adds, “I won last week, and I’m excited to see what everyone comes up with for my theme.”

Feel free to pass on this AFA tradition with your coworkers and if you want to keep up with our game, tune into our Facebook page, or stop by the store and visit us in our Wednesday best.

Written and researched by Ryan Elizabeth Roach

In collaboration with Lea King and Kortney Shannon

Kim Kardashian’s Wedding Gown Choice: Will She Surprise Us?

{ June 22, 2011 @ 3:27 pm } · { Accessories, Bridal Gowns, Brides, celebrity wedding gowns, Trends }
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By now, everyone knows that reality star Kim Kardashian is engaged and shopping for a wedding gown! Her signature style over the years has been to wear very fitted, figure-enhancing clothing for most occasions. Will she stick to this expected style choice for her wedding day, though? Or will this momentous occasion be an opportunity for Kim to surprise everyone by taking a fashion risk and selecting a conservative, traditional gown?  This is actually a dilemma facing all brides, not just Kim. Be yourself or be a bit different?

According to published interviews, Kim is mentioning that she would like to wear a gown that is “classic old Hollywood”.  She also mentions being impressed with Audrey Hepburn’s wedding gown choices (Hepburn actually wore simple, short or tea length dresses for her weddings). Would choices such as these be fashionable and unique for Kardashian, or would she appear to be in costume?

Overall, it is probably best for most brides to start with the concept of being themselves. Examine what your everyday, comfortable style really is.

Are you classically preppy? If so, look for simple cuts (try A-line) in classic fabrics, such as dupioni silk. Also look for small, subtle details (a small bow instead of a huge one, not too much beading, etc.).

Do you favor a form-fitted, sophisticated look? Look for dresses with lace-up backs and maybe experiment with a mermaid or sheath style dress. Just be careful with this form fitted style for your wedding day. It is ok to wear a low-cut dress!  It is ok to wear a backless dress! It is ok to wear a short dress! It is ok to wear a tight dress! But DON’T wear a low-cut, backless, short, tight dress; you may regret this look later.

If you favor a princess-y style, look for a ball gown in a fabric such as satin or tulle.

Once you (and Kim) figure out your BASIC style, you can experiment with ways of giving your bridal look a unique (but not completely out of character) twist. The preppy bride could opt for a surprising low-back dress or a pop of color. The bride who loves form-fitted, sophisticated gowns may opt for a fitted mermaid gown with a modest, high neckline worn with a birdcage veil. The princess-y bride might select a ball gown with a sexy sweetheart neckline and hot pink shoes.

In all of these examples, the bride is being herself, but adding a fun twist for her special day. With this in mind, I think Kim should go with her basic style (she loves form-fitted gowns), but select a softer, less structured fabric, such as chiffon. The Grecian look of the dress pictured would work well for her wedding gown.  A one- shouldered look (unlike the dress pictured)  is modern and fresh and would look fabulous if Kim wore it with a flower in her hair or a subtle, traditional veil.

Another option for Kim? A mermaid gown with a full skirt (think high-fashion ruffles), perhaps in a unique color such as blush or mocha, with a full, double-layer veil. This look would combine her everyday style with both fashion and tradition.

Written and researched by Lisa M.

The Amazing Maggie Sottero Fit

{ June 18, 2011 @ 8:02 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Looking for a reason to come to our fabulous Maggie Sottero trunk show on June 25th- 26th?

 

The Maggie fit! Maggie Sottero wedding gowns are so flattering because they are designed to properly fit brides of all shapes and sizes! Meticulous design and lace-up backs help to create this flawless fit.

Designing, producing and delivering high quality products is integral to the Maggie Sottero image and company mission. Creating magic from the moment the gown is tried on; Maggie brides immediately recognize the best fit in the industry, coupled with the highest quality fabrics, Swarovski crystal hand sewn embellishments and lines that flatter a woman’s figure. An innovator in the industry, Maggie Sottero creates styles that will make every bride’s dreams come true. These high fashion gowns offer the look and feel of luxury, at amazingly affordable prices.

Trunk shows are exciting events where authorized Maggie Sottero retailers present the latest breathtaking styles. This fashion experience is an exciting and fun way to view  Maggie Sottero gowns from this current season!

Make your appointment NOW to experience the masterpieces of this amazing designer! Go to: www.formalaffair.us to make your appointment for this exclusive event!

written and researched by: Lisa M.

Pippa, Pippa, Hooray!

{ May 29, 2011 @ 2:37 pm } · { Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids, celebrity wedding gowns, Traditions, Trends, Uncategorized }
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Ok, now that things have calmed down a bit, and the Royal Wedding is over, we can look back and truly observe how the event will influence bridal fashion. Not surprisingly, some brides will wish to emulate Kate’s understated glamour and style, but who knew that her sister, Pippa Middleton, would make such a huge fashion splash?

Pippa’s lady-in-waiting gown was memorable for breaking several traditional rules, but seamlessly blending into the classic style of the event.

Pippa’s dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, who also designed the bride’s wedding gown. Although it is unusual for a bridesmaid to wear the same color as the bride, many applauded Pippa’s ivory satin-based crepe form-fitting column dress with a cowl neck and the same button detail and lace trims as the bride’s dress.

 “I like the counterpoint that they gave each other,” said fashion expert Tim Gunn. “Very interesting that Pippa would wear that dress everyone predicted Catherine would wear.”

Others have described Pippa’s look as “flawless” (The Daily Mirror). Sherri Shepherd of “The View” wondered if Pippa outshined her sister, and US Weekly described her as the “hottest bridesmaid ever.”

So, of course, it is only natural that designers worldwide are working tirelessly to produce similar dresses for stylish bridesmaids! Faviana, one of our favorite formal gown designers, will release their version of this fashion-forward dress in late summer. Of course, we will be carrying the dress at A Formal Affair!

Written and researched by Lisa Miller.

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