Gown of the Week for August 29

As this busy day comes to an end, I want to quickly make a post for a new gown. This week I would like to focus on a discontinued sample gown. If you watched the new show last Friday, "I found the gown," you will realize that lots of brides-to-be are looking for a deal. Well, that is exactly what Rushville Bridal has for you. We have a good selection of sample gowns reduced to $95 and another larger selection reduced to $195.

Today feature gown is from Mary's Bridal. This taffeta gown has a ruched bodice with heavy silver embroidery and beading. The dropped waistline flows to a full skirt. The lace up back allows for a comfortable fit for a size 12 or size 16 bride.

But the most important part is understanding what it means to buy a "sample" or "stock" gown. This term can vary from store to store. In my case, sample gowns are the gowns that I purchase from the designers for my fall and spring inventory orders. I hopefully will select the gowns that the brides will love so that I can take multiple reorders. After a certain period of time, one of three things will happen.
1. The designer may discontinue the gown. Even if the gown seems to be a good style for my store, it just may not be doing well in other areas of the country. Or sometimes there is a problem with the fabric choice or beading which makes if difficult for the designer to complete orders. So the designer decides to no longer produce this product. At that point, I still have the gown but cannot place special orders. In order to make more room for new gowns, I will reduce the price to sell it quicker.
2. Sometimes, hopefully not very often, I just select the wrong gowns. If gowns are in the store for several months and few brides have tried them on, it is time to move it out for something new. So again, I will reduce the price to make room for something else.
3. Unfortunately in this slower economy, some designers have not weathered the struggle. In the sixteen years I have been in business, I have had at least one designer each year that has gone out of business or ended at least one segment of their business. Sometimes designers have tried to add on additional lines like bridal, prom, bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers to find they are not a successful in the additional areas. So they stop producing some lines. But as before, once I have purchased a gown, it is mine to keep regardless of what happens to the parent company. These gowns will also find their way to the clearance rack.

So if you are looking for the ultimate deal on a designer gown, come in to see us. Just remember that the clearance gowns are only available in the size and color on the rack. If there are any problems with the gown, we will not make corrections or clean a gown. Keep in mind that we paid at least twice the amount as the price we are selling them for (usually 3 or 4 times the amount).

August 6 Gown of the Week

Look at this dress!! It is the ultimate playful gown. The bodice is made of pleated organza and features heavy beading of white sequins, pearls and bugle beads at the empire waistline. The ruffled skirt has feathers attached with each layer. The organza train is detachable from the back of the dress.
This gown is a definite if you want two different looks for the ceremony and the reception. Or a total makeover from the elegant gown at the ceremony and a more playful party dress for the reception. Or maybe you want to renew your vows or get remarried in Vegas!!
As always gowns from P.C. Mary's can be seen on their website at www.marysbridal.com. Mary's has a wide range of styles and prices. The most expensive gowns from this designer are in the $1500 range. Mary's also has an informal line without trains that retail prices start at $299. All gowns from Mary's are available in sizes 4 to 30. Additional charges may apply for larger sizes, special cuts, and rush service.
When I saw this gown at the Chicago Bridal Market in April, I fell in love with it. It is so pretty and different. But before placing every order, I have to consider if the gown is the right style for my store and customer. So I came home without placing the order wanting to think about it a little longer. Then my sales rep came in to see me. When I looked at the gown the second time, I just had to have it. I am still not sure that this gown will be a best seller for me. Hopefully, it will give a little different look to my inventory and bring me a new customer!! If not, I think I will schedule a trip to Vegas for my husband and I to renew our vows!

Gown of the Week for July 31

Ok, we both knew it was going to happen. I missed my weekly blog for Tuesday. I even know how to schedule these to happen of specific dates but still didn't get it done. So here it is, one day late.
For being late, I will give you one of the best gowns in the store!!
I know business owners shouldn't say they have favorites. And I should promote all my designers equally. And each and every designer I have in the store fills a specific niche. And I do love every designer I have in the store. But with all that being said, if I had to pick one designer to wear myself or for my daughters, it would be Kathy Ireland!!

To begin with, the design of these gowns is outstanding. She always puts together a stunning collection that is different from any other available. Next, the Mon Cheri team uses the finest quality of fabrics and lining to make every gown feel like it is specially made for the bride. Finally the construction is unbeatable!! The inner constructions is so good that undergarments are usually not needed. That is a huge savings to most brides. So even if this particular style isn't for you, look through the other designs by Kathy Ireland that will have the same great qualities. The website for Kathy Ireland by Mon Cheri is kathyirelandformoncheri.com .

Now for this special gown. This style is a strapless dress with a directional pleated bodice. The design makes it great for all body shapes and sizes. The full skirt features pick-ups accented with floral and feather appliques. The back has a button-look closure (you don't really have to button all the buttons) leading to a chapel train (lays about 2 foot on the ground). You can order this gown in crinkle taffeta which is what I have in the store or silk shantung. The silk is a natural fabric which is not available in different colors. Natural silk is comparable to a very light ivory. The taffeta is available in white, ivory and spun gold. My sample is in white but I also have other styles in the ivory and spun gown if you would like to see the other colors. All of the Kathy Ireland gowns are available in sizes 2-20 and 16W to 28W. Regular shipping is approximately 18 weeks. There are also some changes available with this gown such as custom lengths, adding sleeves and adjusting train length. These changes will require additional charges and more shipping time.

Please stop in to feel this wonderful gown for yourself. You will not believe the quality for the price!!