In the past I’ve looked at Frank Usher Mother of the Bride Collection and also have given you a list of Coterie Mother of the Bride Outfits Stockists

In this post I would like to show you a few more Frank Usher Coterie collection outfits. It’s been a bit of a task gathering the images because their website doesn’t really display as many outfits as you would like (also, when you click on the images they don’t open in a bigger frame).

Frank Usher the label has been designing the outfits for well over half a century, which is a long time in design terms I’m sure. You can almost tell by the look of the creations that the past is very much imprinted within the present – the length of the skirts, the overall fitting and feeling of the finished work just have that “thing” about it.

Personally, I love it. And even though I still would kill for a John Charles or an Ian Stuart, there’s no doubt that with an outfit from the Coterie collection my soul would be very happy indeed.

The creations are very elegant indeed, definitely timeless with a “hint” of the past and will do a great job if you are looking for something special for your very special event.

Check out also the hats which compliment the dresses to perfection. Frank Usher’s handbags are also to die for, which are usually shown off at the races.

With prices that can be quite affordable and high class couture, a designer label of the calibre of Frank Usher will most definitely dress you to kill on the day.

(Although the label is British it can also be found in other countries and has won several awards)

Part of A Great Collection

Even though I always tend to praise (highly) John Charles, Paule Vasseur and Ian Stuart above and beyond the other designers, there’s no doubt that labels like Presen, Mireia and Carina are doing a great job in Spain, while other labels in the UK contribute to what the mother of the bride needs to look splendorous on the day of the big event.

Frank Usher mother of the bride collection is conservative at the same time as chic and elegant. There’s an air of “a bit of the old” mixed with “a bit of the new” in the overall feel and the designs have that subtle but divine touch about them. In the article Frank Usher Mother of the Bride Outfits you can learn more about this magnificent designer/label.

I’ve emailed the company so they would send me this a link to year’s creations but I haven’t heard from them. If you have any information on this, please let me know by leaving a comment below. Thanks.

Fabulous Designs

Check them out. There’s another two designs displayed on the link above, and I’ve added four more here.

Fabulous short dresses, lots of colour and temperament in the designs – great vintage style combining with patterns that deliver fantastic visual texture. I particularly love the first outfit: baby pink, black and white is a combination to die for. It just works so well.

Pay attention to the fabulous hats and fascinators, which I think is one of the creations’ fortes.

Prices are usually not that high either – check your nearest stockists and give them a call. Find out if there is a sale going on; sometimes it really is worth it to travel a bit further in order to get a good reduction on your outfit. I always advice people to take time to find the perfect garment. Time will save you money if you spend it wisely!

**Frank Usher stocksits here

Here goes my post on hats, fascinators and mother of the bride outfits; Cambridgeshire area. So far I’m trying to cover as much territory as possible so you can find your nearest boutique. While exploring the different shops I’ve found some really fascinating places, where the mother of the bride (or groom) is properly taken care of. From custom made outfits to big department stores a la John Lewis, with a little time and dedication you’re sure to find the perfect outfit for the day of the wedding.

Here are six shops for the mother of the bride

OUTFITS

Karen Forte

A family business and those are the ones that I like! Karen Forte offers one to one consultation and has been dressing brides, bridesmaids, mother of the bride and groom since the late 90s.

Who do they stock? The best. From John Charles to Gloria Estelles, Ispirato, Coterie, Michaela Louisa and Linea Raffaelli amongst others. Separates are also available which is always extremely handy.

Get your matching shoes and gabs and other accessories as well as hats and fascinators.

As you can see, Karen Forte has it all!

Karen Forte
Verona House
Old North Road
Bassingbourn
SG8 5JL
01763 242790

Young Romantics

What a lovely name. Young Romantics stocks Mori Lee, Cameron Blake, Veni Infantino, Rena di Montella, Intermettzo and Bella Rosa amongst others. Accessories are also available as well as The Hat Mill; where Rena creates your very own hat for the day of the wedding.

Young Romantics
3 Scrimshires Passage
Wisbech
Cambridgeshire
PE13 1AP
01945 465 538

The Frock Exchange

The Frock Exchange specialises in prom dresses, evening wear and special occasion wear so you are bound to find the perfect mother of the bride dress. Check out their “Dinasty” and “Mascara” collection!

The Frock Exchange
7 High Street
Fenstanton
Cambridgeshire
PE28 9LQ
01480 461187

Anne Furbank

For more information check my post: 3 Mother of the Bride Boutiques I Would Definitely Pay a Visit To – there I expand on this fabulous boutique!

Anne Furbank
41 High St
Buckden
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 5WZ
01480 811333

HATS

Monsoon

Monsoon is always a great place to check out when you need that fantastic hat for the day of the event. You can get yourself a fascinator for very little and hats are also not that expensive. Most definitely worth a visit!

Monsoon
8 Worts Causeway,
Cambridge.
CB1 8RL
0203 372 3000

Abigail Crampton Millinery

Abigail will create your piece and there’s nothing like a custom made garment or accessory. Be unique and make a statement with your own creation.  Abigail also offers creations for people who have problems with hair loss. Fantastic!

Abigail Crampton Millinery
8 Worts Causeway,
Cambridge.
CB1 8RL
01223 245073
0777 5783142

Ispirato: Mother, Bride & Outfits.

If you are looking for designer mother of the bride outfits which are really stylish and at the same time sophisticated but also glamorous (don’t we all like that!) then Ispirato is most probably for you.

It belongs to the Condici group, but it is aiming at a younger clientele with prices that are more affordable.

The Ispirato collection is just a dream come true, it doesn’t really get more exquisite or luxurious. Condici is the epitome of sophistication as we all know, but Ispirato does a fantastic job as well. And, as I mentioned before, the good news is that prices are not that high – you can get yourself an Ispirato outfit from around £100 to £400.

Wonderful occasion wear, the Ispirato collection is just perfect for the mother of the bride or groom (or the wedding guests).

The bride can be happy knowing that her mother will be looking sensational on the wedding day.

Glamour and perfect appeal

This label things about the young mother of the bride (or groom) when creating the designs; something that is probably a niche in the market because most of the creations are oriented towards the mature mother. The colours are radiant, the cuts are sexy because the younger woman has been kept in mind and the quality of the fabrics is just simply exquisite.

If you are looking for an elegant design, Ispirato mother of the bride outfits are probably just for you.

Have a look at the images and see what you think:

Ispirato Stockists

Instead of linking to the Ispirato stockists’ page, I thought I’d just add the information here (so basically this is exactly what you would find if  you checked the official site). I just thought it would be really helpful to just have all the stockists here under the same page where you get to see lovely images of the outfits : )

There are fabulous mother of the bride hats and bags in the different department stores that will really add up to your outfit. If you haven’t got one yet, make sure to plan before hand and allow yourself plenty of time to find the perfect garment.

You don’t want to rush because that would lead to two major disasters: 1) big probabilities of you ending up with the “wrong” garment – aaaarrgh!! 2) spending lots more than you had intended.

My mum always used to say: when buying your Christmas presents do it well before hand (months before the actual date). Why? That way you will avoid spending unnecessary money on stupid things that nobody needs anyway!

The same principle applies to your mother of the bride outfit. You want to look good and also FEEL good on the wedding day. In order to enjoy every tiny little bit of the process you HAVE TO allow for time. 6 months in advance is simply a good idea.

Finding the right accessories is not difficult, but again, you need to spend a little time looking around. Your shoes, hats or fascinator and bag must be impeccable. You don’t want to spend lots of money on the perfect designer wedding outfit to get your accessories at the last minute and not be happy with them because they simply don’t flatter the dress you bought at that fabulous (and expensive) designer boutique.

For this article I’ve chosen a few mother of the bride hats and bags for you to choose from – they are all from different department stores (Phase Eight, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams, etc). Take your pick by going with your first hunch. If too expensive when checking out the price (I don’t feature prices here because they keep changing), then simply keep searching.

You WILL find what you are looking for, which is the perfect accessory for your amazing outfit.

1. From Coast

Stunning pearl clutch bag from Coast. I mean, stunning!

2. From Dorothy Perkins

Be different. This black satin bag just works.

3. From Phase Eight

It just keeps getting better and better. Look at this amazing spotted clutch bag.

Over the top? You decide : )

4. From M&S

Comes in three colours (purple, read and fuchsia) and I adore it.

Fabulous flower organza hat.

This one also caught my attention. Hope you like it, it’s just…. different.

5. From John Lewis

Jacques Vert at its best.

6. From House of Fraser

A Ted Baker for the designer-crazy mum.

Simplicity with Linea.

I found two boutiques around the same area (just 15 minutes apart by car), which is not bad if you live nearby.

The two boutiques for mother of the bride (Meopham and Gravesend) offer an extensive range of wedding outfits for both the mother of the bride and groom.

Here they are in no particular order:

1. Fashion  Scene

Fashion Scene stocks creations from great designers. They pride themselves in having over eight hundred dreses, suits and jackets for you to choose and their sizes range all the way from 8 to 26 so there’s something for everyone. They claim to have the largest selection for the mother of the bride and groom in the South East of England together with the fact that some of the designs they sell you cannot find in the larger stores.

They also stock hats and fascinators to compliment your outfit as well as other accessories like shoes and matching bags. Having their own seamstress you can make sure that the outfit will fit you like a glove!

With an experienced team behind the name that can help you find exactly what you are looking for and need, this is most definitely a boutique to visit.

Fashion Scene
Ltd4/5 The Parade
Meopham
Near Gravesend
DA13 0JL
01474 814632

2. Bridal Wardrobe

Bridal Wardrobe has two homes: Rochester and Gravesend.

I don’t think they have a vast range like Fashion Scene claims to (please leave comments below if you visit this boutique) but Bridal Wardrobe stocks for the mother of the bride, including accessories like hats & fascinators as well as shoes and bags. A nice little touch is that they offer to dye the accessories so they can match. Sweet.

Bridal Wardrobe
54 High Street
Gravesend
Kent
DA11 0AY
01474 35 88 11

Bridal Wardrobe
33 High Street
Rochester
ME1 1LN
01634 84 98 11

If I had limited time and I could only visit 2 or 3 mother of bride boutiques these are the ones I would definitely pay a visit to.

Why? Because I like people who love what they do, and although big corporations are great in the sense that I can get my money back with no problem if I decide I don’t like the outfit any longer, there’s nothing like getting first hand, first class treatment when it comes to choosing your mother of the bride outfits.

Personalised advice as well as custom made outfits can’t be beaten. If you want a divine outfit, you will also want divine attention by the members of the shop or boutique. It is so important that you are advised well, that you are treated like someone who really wants to look absolutely amazing on the day of the wedding and that you pay only what you can afford without feeling pressurised.

Throughout the months and years I’ve gathered a nice list of different places dedicated to the mother of the bride. Some of them sell or hire the hats, while others give you the whole ensemble (whether for the wedding day, or a day at the races, or just any special event that calls for that very sensational outfit).

After many long hours looking at the different shops during this time I surely remember the ones that really caught my eye. I’m a bit upset as there’s one particular shop I really liked (run by mother and daughter) that I can’t find anywhere in the site. I spent a lont time looking for it without avail! The moment I stumble accross it again (and I”m sure I will), I’ll add it to this list ladies, that’s a promise!!

Ok, so here are the 3 boutiques I would most definitely pay a visit to if I had to find my mother of the bride outfit pronto!

Al Ruin – Galway, Ireland

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the website for this boutique. I mean, look at this:

When you see something like this you just know that the owner/s care! Also, the music in the background is to die for. I remember writing an article for the website some time ago and having this window open so I could listen to the music. Love it!!

Visit their About Us page to find out about Ail Ruin. Meritta is behind the name, and she has most definitely created an experience with the website. One of the songs she features (the one on the About Us page, actually) is “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. I think the song describes the experience when you visit the website.

They have a Chit Chat page, which is the name they’ve given to their blog. How very quaint : )

“By night the boutique is taken over by a design fairy, (also known as Meritta!) who works her magic in creating one off pieces, which she compares to as a “candy shop selection”. You never know what u might find!”

Áil Ruin design centre
Clarinbridge
Co. Galway
Ireland
091-776671

Anne Furbank – (for addresses see below)

Let’s see. At Anne Furbank you can find the following brand/designers: Caroline Charles, Condici, D’Exterior, Carina, Apanage, Escada, Luis Civit, Marc Aurel, Just White, Gina Bacconi, Gold, John Charles, Olvi, Oska, Luisa Cerano, Marc Cain, Ribkoff, Presen, Vera mont, Sonia Peña and many, many more! You can also accessorise your outfit with a hat or jewellery.

But it’s not the wide range of brands / designers / stock that caught my eye – it’s the philosophy and personal touch behind the Ann Furbank group.

They started as a small shop in a village in Cambridgeshire, back in the early eighties. Today that shop has grown into many showrooms, and Rebecca (daughter in law) has joined the group. Together they keep the passion alive, making sure that quality and design are always top. This has won them awards as well as a place in this article : )

Today, Anne Furbank continues to offer beautiful, hand-picked fashion from around the world, and the ultimate in personal styling to its customers.

41 High St
Buckden
St Neots
Cambs
PE19 5WZ
01480 811333

29 High St
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 8LX
01638 668 031

High St
Buckden
St Neots
Cambs
PE19 5XA
01480 812300

Joyce Young – Glasgow/London

There’s NOTHING like an outfit that has been made to measure. NOTHING. So, if you have the time and the money, I very much recommend the whole experience.

With shops in both Glasgow and London, where you would be having your fittings done.

Their collections are absolutely divine. The designer, Joyce Young, has been in the industry since the mid seventies – you can see her passion in the collections, and needless to mention that having your own custom made outfit is just such a delicious treat.

“We never take for granted how lucky we are to be chosen to create the most important dress in a girl’s life. By the time our clients leave us we feel we have become friends and share in all the excitement of the run up to the big day.”

The Cottage
156 Milngavie Road
Bearsden, Glasgow
Scotland
G61 3EA
0141 942 8900

11 Chiltern Street
London
W1N 1HB
0207 224 7888

I hope you like my choices. I most definitely do!

I’ve just written an article on five fabulous pairs of shoes for mother of the groom and thought I’d show you 5 designers you might not be familiar with but that you will absolutely love!

We all know John Charles, Paule Vasseur, Ian Stuart, Ann Balon, Ispirato, etc… then there’s the Spanish couture (Presen, Mireia, Carina) and the likes of Luis Civit and Gloria Estelles.

But today I will look at three amazing designers that do indeed deserve to have their own post on this website!

Patricia Avendaño, Juno Morelli and Kirk Rayment (Niche Collection)

I’m always on the look for new talent. And I found it. Through Nigel Rayment Boutique (a favourite of mine) I have discovered three designers I didn’t know about. I looked at their style and found it fabulous and very appropriate for you, the mother of the groom in need of a fabulous designer outfit.

Patricia Avedaño

Spain is coming in strong. Not only we have the above mentioned names, but here we can see the glorious latino feel with these sensual, feminine, impressive creations. The Fiesta and Carlota collection are simply wonderful – a Sex and the City mother of the groom-Carrie Bradshaw has been born!

Check out these glorious outfits. They are beautifully designed and I particularly love the bold, vibrant colours she uses in her creations.

 Juno Morelli

The Juno Morelli website was done at the time of me writing this, but you will get an idea of this designer’s style through the images below. Enjoy!

 The designs are “laid back” carrying with them the sophistication and glamour needed for the day of the event but without too much or simply overpowering features. The creations feel “loose” as opposed to the ‘tightness’ of an Ian Stuart or a John Charles (which I particularly love), but sometimes we need something that does the job nicely without it feeling like we’ve taken the role of the mother of the bride on board.

Niche Hat Collection (by Kirk Rayment)

As part of the Rayment family Kirk has followed the tradition and created a very passionate hat collection. I really love the designs; anything that takes me back to a wonderful Hepburn era has my thumbs up straight away.

The Niche collection is simply fabulous. Have a look at these stunning hats:

Glorious. All you need is a simple dress to match the the glamorous and attractive hats!

If you are a mother of the groom and you have a favourite designer, leave your well needed comments below! Thanks : )

I’m looking at wonderful designs and accessories for the mother of the bride and tend to leave the mother of the groom on the side.

Well, not today : ) I’ve looked at 5 pairs of shoes for mother of the groom that you will most definitely like. Well, hopefully at least you’ll like one pair! ; )

Looking for the right pair of shoes can really be a daunting experience at times. There is no doubt that it is very possible you won’t find the pair of your dreams at a first glance on your first day of shopping. You have to think of many things – obviously the shoes have to match your outfit perfectly well, but then there’s also issues of comfortability, looks, how “weareable” are they for other occasions, and, of course, how much can you splash out.

When all of these fall into one place, you’re ready to do your purchase. So don’t be discouraged if you have to spend time until you get the perfect pair of shoes: that’s why you need to hunt for your outfit and accessories months before the day of the event.

I really hope to help you out with my choices for today. At least they will give you an idea of colour, shape, fit and overall look. Prices range between £25 and £90, depending on the shoe and department store. At the time of writing this article the shoes from Debenhams were the cheapest to purchase!

Let’s have a look at them:

1. Pink diamant from Debenhams

These shoes from Debut have that special “touch” to add to your wedding outfit. The stiletto is not too high so you should be able to wear it for long hours. Make sure you are used to heels or that you wear them at home for a few hours during a few days so you can get used to them.

2. Wonderful turquoise from Debenhams

This colour seems to be really popular with the mother of the bride and groom. The detail on the she is subtle but effective.

3. Romantic lace from Marks and Spencer

I love this shoe. It is just so perfect for the day of the big event! It is a timeless classic, a very romantic choice.

4. Bowed court from Phase-Eight

This was the most expensive shoe out of the lot, selling at just a bit less than £90 at the time of writing this. It is very elegant indeed, but not a must choice if you can’t afford it. There are lots of shoes that will do the job very well if you look around; especially if you happen to hit a sale that is on and is also good!

5. Summery feel from Coast

Coast doesn’t really have a lot of choice when it comes to shoes, but I do like what they offer. The design is very pretty, delicate and feminine at the same time. The heel is low and the overall effect is elegant, which might probably be all you need.

**For guidelines please visit my post on mother of the bride shoes.

When it comes to Italian mother of the bride outfits Ann Balon is your answer.

If you come accross an Italian designer that can pull off such delicate outfits for the mother of the bride, leave a comment below and I’ll write a post on it.

For the moment, Ann Balon is a favourite (you might also want to look at Eddy K).

Let’s have a look at some of her outfits.

(Both Occasions and Tuscany are part of her collection, her Tuscany collection in my opinion tends to be a little less formal)

I’ve chosen a few outfits for you to have a look at – they are not displayed in a particular order.

1. Romantic elegance

A wonderful dress  with empire line bust – great for bringing attention to that very area with colours that really compliment a woman’s body. The applique is extremely beautiful – look at the jacquet and the way it fits gracefully adding that extra touch to the outfit.

2. Exquisite sophistication

This is an exquisite outfit, the way the jacket “falls” on the sides with such delicate detail is just delicious. This is a 3 piece outfit which gives out the feeling of timelessness. Italy at its best, the skirt shape the legs beautifully with a fantastic fluted shape.

3. Decorative Luxury

This is a fantastic choice. The lace is just to die for and the long skirt adds tons of elegance as well as decor to the overall look. Lovely jacquet, the three quarter sleeves adds the perfect touch.

4. Timeless Class

The colour is subtle and delicate but adds presence to the outfit. The skirt is elasticated for extra comfort and the jacket is a three quarter length piece that displays class and sophistication without taking the spotlight from the bride. A wonderful outfit!