Shopping Tips for the Busty Bride

10.10.20

How to Shop for a Wedding Dress as a Busty Bride

We regularly get asked on our Instagram and Facebook often how to shop for wedding dresses as a busty bride. Finally, the wait is over! We spoke to our bridal consultants and expert alterations staff to learn how to approach shopping for your special day as a busty bride, and these are the tips you definitely don’t want to miss. Get the scoop, below.

Think about strap options.

Definitely explore styles with straps thick enough to cover your bra straps! This way, you’ll have extra support and no one will even know. Cap sleeves are a great option here too. Keep in mind, while a spaghetti strap might look nice, the weight of your bust might make these skinny straps dig into your shoulders. Stiffer strap fabrics (think satin, crepe, etc.) will also provide extra support, while fabrics like delicate mesh will not.

Perfect dress options with straps:

Pronovias Orobia Gown

Robert Bullock Avril Gown

Opt for styles with a higher back.

Dresses with raised backs or corsets make great options for a busty brides. This way, a bra can be worn without it being seen, plus a corset can be adjusted as needed for extra support.

Our favorite high backed dresses:

Sottero & Midgley Kevyn Gown

Martin Thornburg 119255 Gown

Don’t count out an illusion neckline as a busty bride!

While some might think sheer illusion in the bodice would be off limits for a bigger chest, fear no more! If you’re totally in love with the look of illusion, we say “yes”—just keep in mind you’ll need to wear a skin colored bra for some secret support. Depending on the level of illusion or cut outs, your alterations manager might suggest filling in these areas with lace, lining or detailing to accommodate undergarments. Keep in mind, customization fees may apply here.

Our favorite illusion dresses:

Haley Paige Effie Gown

Badgley Mischka Cayenne Gown

Think about bust-friendly necklines.

If you’re not wild about cleavage, there are great bust-friendly necklines out there for you! Instead of a more revealing v-neckline, try a bateau neckline or a pretty off-the shoulder look. Both of these styles can incorporate a strapless bra to give you the support you need, but still show off your décolletage.

Our favorite chest flattering gowns:

Allison Webb Ava Gown

Sassi Holford Astrid Gown

The options are truly endless when it comes to finding the perfect gown for you! Of course, if you’re dream gown isn’t listen, or is missing one of these features- don’t fret! Trust that you’ll be in good hands when you arrive for your appointment at StarDust!

Ready to put these tips to use and find your dream gown? Make an appointment!

The Truth About Wedding Gown Sizing

09.09.20

Wedding Gown Sizing

After 20 years of making bridal dreams come true, we’ve found that wedding gown sizing tends to surprise brides to be. It can be confusing, especially when you’re first jumping into the world of wedding gowns. We want to help make these numbers a little easier to digest.

Sizing is just a number.

Bridal sizing isn’t like typical street wear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you may be a bridal size 8-10, and if you’re a size 14-16, you’re likely a 18-20. Don’t worry about it–sizing is just a number! Each designer uses a different size chart as well. So being a size 4 in one designer doesn’t mean you’re a bridal 4 across the board. This is where your stylist comes in. They will be well versed in bridal sizing, so you can just enjoy the ride!

Trunk show dresses tend to come straight from the runway, so they may run smaller.

If you’re shopping during a trunk show, most styles are brought from the designer fresh off the runway. With that, don’t be discouraged if you see a sample in a size 2 or 4—we’ll likely receive our very own sample to try on in a standard bridal sample size 10 or 12 a few months after the trunk show.

Consider your bust size when choosing gown sizing.

Most bridal samples have a B cup size to match, and plus size samples have a C or D cup. Don’t fret if your bust is not that size—as the size of the dress you order increases, so will the cup size. Some designers can customize the sizing and open the cup size to match your proportion as well. Again, your stylist is a pro at sizing and designers, so don’t get too caught up in learning all the details before your appointment. You will be in great hands!

Your measurements and wedding gown sizing can be two different things.

When you say “yes” to your dream dress, we will take three measurements—your bust, waist and hip. Your dress is then ordered to your largest measurement. Because designers do not accommodate a “split size”—meaning you may be a 4 on top but your hip measurement calls for an 8—we’ll order you a size 8 and alter it to fit you to your exact specifications.

Equipped with bridal know-how and ready to shop? Make an appointment.

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Things We Love: Gowns with Sleeves

08.26.20

Gowns with Sleeves

With this terrible Texas heat, we can’t help but dream of colder days ahead. What better way to dream of fall and winter weather than swooning over the perfect gowns for the season? Gowns with sleeves have been around for quite some time, but we’ve seen some fun updates to the traditional look that we must share!

Sleeves with a Twist

The Dolly by Badgley Mischka gown features sleeves AND a detachable cape. Such a chic gown, while still featuring a classic bridal silhouette. You can wear the cape for your ceremony with or without a veil, then remove it for your reception!

Opaque Modern Sleeves

Robert Bullock’s Nora gown features a silhouette similar to Meghan Markle’s wedding gown. The big standout feature is the stunning lacy piece at the bodice. Chic and sophisticated with a dash of sass.

Shake it up with Your Sleeves

Eve of Milady’s style 4379 is an absolute show stopper. From it’s plunging neckline to it’s gorgeous train.. it has it all. Let’s not forget about it’s detachable sleeves! Keep them attached for your ceremony, and remove them to dance the night away!

Modest Boho Sleeves

Pronovias’ Mimosa gown is the perfect flowy boho look. Plus, it passes the modesty test if you’re looking for a modest bridal gown. From the neckline to the hem it’s so dreamy!

Timeless Sleeves

Pronovias’ Malibu gown is a fun updated take on Princess Kate’s gown! It’s both luxurious AND sophisticated. The lace scalloped neck line and classic silhouette are to die for!

Simple Cap-sleeves

The Hayley Paige Brando gown is beautiful with it’s plunging neckline and lace features. It’s perfect for the bride wanting a little bit of sleeve coverage without fully committing to covered arms!

Sleeves that Pack a Punch

Sottero and Midgley’s Zander is one of our favorite gowns. For the bride wanting to make a statement, this fits the bill. An absolute showstopper! (That also comes in ivory for the bride that loves the look, but isn’t dreaming of a black wedding gown.)

Sleek and Chic Sleeves

Paloma Blanca’s 4839 gown is sleek and chic look for the modern bride. The simplicity of this gown is so crisp and beautiful. This gown adds a little extra coverage without taking away from the stylish look.

Hopefully this list has given you a little bit of gown inspo, or been a good distraction from this heat! To see more of our gowns click HERE.

To see any of these gowns or to view our large collection in our Plano showroom, schedule your appointment HERE today!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the wedding planning process- We have a planning department! After twenty years of celebrating love, they’d love to help YOU! Click HERE to learn more!

Find Your Perfect Bridesmaids Dress Online

03.24.20

Find the Right Bridesmaids Dresses Online

Now that you’ve found your dream wedding gown, it’s time to start another gown shopping journey: the quest for the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Check out our tips on finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses for you and your squad below.

Begin by Browsing

Start off by doing some research. In the digital age, you can scroll through endless bridesmaids dress options on your phone. You can see our large selection of online gowns here.

Shop Accordingly

Consider what kind of shopping experience will suit your personality best. Do you want their input? Do you want to pick their bridesmaids dresses and then send them a link? Once you decide how you’d like to proceed, buying bridesmaids dressing online will be a seamless process!

Stick to your Aesthetic

To ensure your bridal party matches your style, order your gown before making any decisions about the bridesmaid dresses.

Ordering Etiquette

It can sometimes take up to six months for orders to arrive and four to six weeks for alterations. A six to eight month cushion will give you and your friends ample time to find and order the dresses and get them fit.

Select a Dress Shade

There are several foolproof ways to pick the perfect color. One of the easiest methods is to play off the color schemes of your palette, the venue and the season. For instance, if your wedding will be held at a rustic vineyard with burgundy décor, you might want to rule out clashing hot pink bridesmaids dresses. Rich colors—marsala and emerald—work well in the fall and winter months, while lighter shades—mint and lavender—are perfect for spring and summer weddings. If you’re still at a loss for exactly which hue to choose, go for a general color, like green, and let your bridesmaids pick their favorite shades from light to dark for a trendy, mismatched look. Want to push the envelope even further? Consider unique colors or prints- floral bridesmaids dresses are hot right now. Just remember: Patterns work best in smaller parties and should be paired with simple accessories. Or, you could opt for an all-white bridal party, à la Kate Middleton, for a bridesmaid look that’s crisp and chic.

Find Complementary Colors

Also, think about choosing a shade that goes well with a variety of skin tones. Stonewashed colors, like blush, greige (a combination of gray and beige) and sand, are universally flattering and right on trend. Jewel tones (think amethyst, emerald and sapphire) complement fairer complexions, while brighter, bolder hues, like cobalt blue and hot pink, pop against darker skin. Want an edgier feel? Try flattering metallic, like silver, bronze and champagne. If you’re opting for a print, make sure the dominant colors work with your entire bridal party. Or alternatively, deck out just your maid of honor in a print and keep the rest of your girls in solid colors. Fully embellished dresses are another fashion-forward option for a more glamorous affair. A velvet bridesmaids dress in the winter is super chic! We also love the idea of mismatched sequin dresses—that way your bridesmaids can choose a shade that suits them. You could even include the Mother of the Occasion gowns when planning your complementary color scheme. Click here to learn more about Mother of!

Find the Right Fit

A bridesmaid dress is typically ordered using a person’s biggest measurements (from the bust, waist and hips), so your friends will likely buy dresses at least a size larger than they normally wear. If a friend wants to buy a size smaller, let her know it’s much easier to alter a larger dress, and if the dress ends up being too small, she’ll likely have to order a new one and you’d hate for that to happen. Click HERE for a video that will show your bridesmaids how to properly measure themselves to order their bridesmaids dresses online!

All in all, shopping online for your bridesmaids has never been easier! Select the gown, send them the link, and they can do the rest. Don’t forget to use the code FREESHIPPING for free ground shipping in the US! Happy shopping!

Shop here!

Designer Spotlight | Badgley Mischka

03.13.20

MARK BADGLEY & JAMES MISCHKA

Mark Badgley

Mark Badgley and James Mischka have been hailed by Vogue as one of the “Top 10 American Designers” and as the darlings of the Hollywood set. The design duo has made their mark over the past two decades with glamorous, stylish and wearable evening wear and accessories.

There is a unique synergy between the talented duo, who met while studying at Parsons School of Design in New York. They share a similar aesthetic about clothes and the way people dress. Both men spent time designing for leading names — Mark for Donna Karan; James, the men’s collection for WilliWear WilliSmith — before starting their own line.

Mark and James joined forces to launch Badgley Mischka in 1988 and since the beginning Badgley Mischka have captivated the fashion press and prominent retailers around the world with their sophisticated style that caters to a younger, more modern couture customer, without forsaking women of any age. They have remained true to this design philosophy and the consistent integrity of their collections. Their timeless designs appeal to a range of fashionable women, including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Mirren and Ashley Judd.

MISSION STATEMENT: “BADGLEY MISCHKA DEFINES TIMELESS GLAMOUR THAT CREATES CONFIDENCE AND PASSION.”

James Mischka

Mark and James’ designs are constructed of the finest fabrics and superior craftsmanship. There is always an element of interest, either in the silhouette or with luxurious detail. They have remained true to this design philosophy, and the consistent integrity of their collections has pushed them to the forefront of fashion.

“Our style harks back to the glamorous Hollywood of the Forties,” says James. “The Badgley Mischka signature style is simple, streamlined and thoroughly elegant.”

“One zip and you’re glamorous!” says Mark. “We like to keep things effortless. It’s fabulous if you can spend hours getting ready, but a woman should also be able to bring a dress to work and change there for an evening out.”

Badgley Mischka is sold in the most prestigious stores in the world, including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, in addition to the Badgley Mischka flagship boutique in Beverly Hills.

To see their stunning designs in person visit us today!

Looking for the newest collection that hasn’t hit stores yet?

Book your appointment for our trunk show 3/20-3/22! Orders placed during the event will receive up to $500 off their order!

Schedule HERE!