Meet & Greet: Haley, owner of Houston

From bridesmaid to bride, and now an official Bella Bridesmaid owner, Haley Grayless has become Houston’s go to lady for the best bridesmaid dresses in the area! Originally from Georgia, Haley was a customer of Mandi Jackson, owner of the Atlanta boutique. After working with Mandi and seeing what a great opportunity Bella offered, Haley decided this was simply something she could not pass up. We wanted to get to know a little more about Haley, and what her experiences have been over the past four year owning Bella Bridesmaid Houston…




BB: What did you do before owning Bella?

H: I worked for a boutique investment bank specializing in the oil and gas industry.

BB: Why did you want to become part of the Bella franchise?

Haley pictured with her husband, Ryan and son, Nate.

H: I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and I worked with Mandi, the Atlanta Owner, twice as a bridesmaid. I had so much fun working with her that when I got engaged it was an easy decision to want to work with her again. I remember thinking at the time I was choosing my bridesmaid dresses how much I would enjoy having her job. After I got married, I was sick of working crazy hours and had always wanted to own my own business.  I saw the Houston territory was for sale, and the rest is history. I think my husband thought I was nuts when I told him I wanted to quit my job and sell bridesmaid dresses for a living. Four years later and we haven’t looked back!

BB: What is the most memorable moment so far in your boutique?

H: Wow! That’s a tough one. I’ve had a lot of good laughs, and have made a lot of sweet memories. But if I had to choose…probably the day I added the key to the store onto my keychain. I know it sounds cheesy, but as a little girl I would come up with logos and business ideas for the store I wanted to open one day. The day I added the store key to my keychain was surreal. I was terrified, excited, overwhelmed but there was no question in my mind this was what I was suppose to do.

Haley's mother and her maids wearing their yellow veils!

BB: What is your favorite bridesmaid dress that is hanging in your personal closet?

H: Ha! It’s actually pretty funny. Some of my favorites aren’t even the ones I’ve worn in weddings! I have some of my mom’s old bridesmaids dresses that she wore from the late 60’s and early 70’s that I use to play dress up in when I was little. One has a lace bodice with long, cuffed sleeves and a crushed purple velvet skirt. It’s fabulous! My mom’s bridesmaids dress from her wedding is actually my favorite. Her maids wore long yellow dresses with, wait for it...yellow chapel length veils... unbelievable, we’ve come a long way!

Haley with Amsale (middle)

BB: We were told you had a star struck moment at the NYC Bridal Market… can you share some of the details?

H: One of the most exciting things that happened to me this past year was when I met Amsale Aberra! I have always admired her designs and even selected one of her gowns for my wedding. When we found out her company was hosting a dinner for all of the Bella owners while we were in New York for Bridal Market, I never thought she would attend. I’m not usually one to get star struck, but when Amsale walked through the door my mouth nearly hit the floor. The girls were teasing me because they had never seen me move as fast as I did to go introduce myself. What amazed me is how humble and appreciative she was!

Angie Harmon via Celebrity Bride Guide

BB: What would you say is your fave celebrity wedding dress?

H: I have always loved Jackie Kennedy’s dress when she married JFK. I just love the detailing and the long lace veil. There’s something so regal and timeless about lace veils. I also love Angie Harmon’s wedding gown. Simple. Elegant. Timeless. I’m a sucker for “twirly” dresses, you know, ones you can get a good spin on out on the dance floor. I chose an Amsale wedding gown very similar to Harmon’s for my own wedding.

BB: What are a few of your most versatile styles at the moment?

H: There are about four that I’ll pull for a bridal party which will tell me what my clients’ style is for her wedding: LulaKate “Zoe”, Amsale G425C, Swoon “Barbados”, and the TwoBirds Ballgown. Those four are so different which helps me figure out the brides likes and dislikes, and then we can go from there based on her bridesmaid’s body types. And of course the new trend, whether any of the girls are pregnant… there’s something in the water in Houston!

LulaKate "Bridget"

BB: What is the best wedding trend you've seen recently?

H: I LOVE RUFFLES! I know it’s not a new trend, but I can’t get enough of them. LulaKate does a great job of offering different styles of ruffles that you can add to any of their necklines. I’m also really excited about the silk organza dresses Ivy & Aster is offering in their new Bella Bridesmaid exclusive collection, Love Lane. I’m all about different fabrics and textures and silk organza offers great body while still giving the movement girls are looking for in silk chiffon.



                                                           Thank you Haley!

Our Interview with Coren Moore

Talented designer, mother of three, historian and environmental enthusiast… Coren Moore is a lady that does it all! Coren’s unique, chic styles excite brides all over to dress their bridal parties in only the best. The seemingly endless array of fabrics and colors, from shantung and seersucker to tiffany blue and emerald, accommodates any bride’s vision for their big day. Taking a brief pause, Coren shared a little more about how she got her start and even her own high school fashion faux pas…

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

CM: Customer service and a high quality product. We make everything in NYC so we can ensure timely deliveries. We put our brides and stores first and do everything possible to help make the day go off without a hitch.



BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

Coren and her team at the Martha Stewart Weddings party

CM: Classic, timeless American icons of style…CZ Guest, Grace Kelly, Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Hutton, Ralph Lauren, Slim Aarons photographs…you get the idea! I majored in History at Bowdoin College and have always revered American style and spirit. My bookshelf is also full of interior design books for inspiration - Sister Parish, Albert Hadley, Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss, anything published by Rizzoli. I recently heard Carleton Varney speak and love his use of color. Planning a wedding incorporates many elements of interior design - choosing a color palette and overall style that carries through to the many details of the wedding – from the font used in the stationery, to flowers, dresses, linens, reception site, photography style. For brides, planning their wedding and choosing these elements allows them to express their personal style. When I design a dress, my first criteria is to make sure it’s something I would wear! Then I make sure it will flatter different figures, and keep it from being too “bridesmaid-y”. But I always envision the dress in a wedding and how it will fit with a bride’s vision and style.

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

CM: I would say planning my own wedding in 2003, as well as being a bridesmaid. Too often, I had experiences in stores where I felt pressured, encountered unhappy or intimidating salespeople, had to order dresses in sizes we had never worn, that came in and weren’t close to fitting. I thought - weddings are about love, friendship, happiness – this should all be more fun and pleasant. Since then, the wedding industry has changed and it’s refreshing to see there are many options for dresses that feature off the rack sizing, made by smaller boutique dress labels.

Jennifer Garner, Image via Gloss

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would she be and how would you style them?

CM: Jennifer Garner. She always looks amazing on the red carpet, but for every day I would bring in better fitting, more colorful items.

BB: What high school trends are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

CM: I graduated from high school in 1993, in Connecticut. Laura Ashley dresses were the trend back then, when I look at our group pictures, it looks like we are all wearing floral curtains! Girls today look a lot cuter.

Bella Bridesmaid bridal party in Coren Moore dresses

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?


CM: There are so many! On the creative side - Interior Design, Landscape Design, working at Christies, Sotheby,The National Trust for Historic Preservation. On the personal fulfillment side, I would want to do something cause related – a company focused on solving environmental or healthcare problems.



BB: What is your favorite dress in your collection?

Coren Moore's Lauren dress

CM: The Lauren is my new favorite. It is very simple, but with the structured fit, softer boning, and straight skirt… it’s a little bit sexy and a little bit sophisticated.

BB: Any advice for certain styles on different body shapes?

CM: Our signature is our fitted bodice. It is structured and supportive, with boning and interfacing, designed to hold you in and camouflage problem areas. The thicker fabrics that we use, such as faille and shantung, enhance the structure and fit. The bodice cinches in and sits higher up on the waist, flattering the waistline and creating an hourglass figure. This top flatters most body types. From here, you can choose a full skirt for larger hips, or straighter skirt such as the Lauren. What it comes down to is a question of personal style.

BB: What are you carrying in your purse?

CM: Clinique Black Honey lipstick, Essie polish (“Island Hopping”), car keys, wallet, iphone, peppermint gum, jelly beans, scissors, crayons, paper…and many other random things! I have 3 girls, ages 5, 3, and 1 so you can imagine the collection!


                                                                                                 Thank you Coren!

Meet & Greet: Erin and Kathleen, owners of Chicago and Milwaukee

Kathleen & Erin

Mother-daughter duo, Erin Casey Wolf & Kathleen Casey opened the Chicago store in September 2007, and not long after the Milwaukee store in April of 2008. These two marvelous ladies have fallen in love with everything weddings but certainly have a great passion for dressing brides and maids alike! Working and managing two stores keeps these gals busy, but we wanted to hear a little more of how they came to be Bella owners…






BB: What did you both do before owning Bella?

K: I was a financial consultant and commodities broker at the Board of Trade in Chicago before I paused my career to raise my three girls - Erin, Colleen and Mary Kate. Erin worked in media at Starcom MediaVest Group in Chicago and New York.

Erin, Kathleen and Maureen, Chicago store manager

BB: Why did you want to become part of the Bella franchise?

E: My mom gets TOTAL credit! She was stranded in an airport, traveling for my sister's lacrosse tournament. While on her fifth wedding magazine, I got a call - "Have you heard of Bella Bridesmaid?" We were in bridesmaid dress selection mode and I wanted each bridesmaid to wear their own style in varying shades of the same color. Great in theory, but tough in execution without a boutique like Bella Bridesmaid in Chicago.

I, of course, thought she was CRAZY when she mentioned that franchise opportunities were available and that we should consider it, but after visiting San Francisco and meeting Bridget and Nick Brown - we knew that it was the right opportunity at the right time for us. It really was a perfect fit.




BB: What inspired you to open up your sister location in Milwaukee?

Friends & Family Sample Sale "Dress Up"

K&E: We knew there was a tremendous need for this kind of shopping experience in both Chicago and Milwaukee - truly...in the Midwest. Milwaukee is only 90 minutes away and we were so excited to bring Bella Bridesmaid inland (at the time, stores were only on the East & West Coasts and in Houston). We've loved building our relationships with Milwaukee wedding vendors and enjoy working with Wisconsin brides planning for different venues and reception sites. It keeps things exciting and interesting.

BB: What are the most memorable moments so far in your boutique?

K&E: We had a friends and family sale to raise money for our favorite charities this past summer. Despite having tons of friends and family local, attendance was lower than expected leaving LOTS of champagne for those who did visit. Four words and a photo to summarize the event -

BEST DANCE PARTY EVER!

Ivy & Aster "Gemma"

BB: What are your favorite bridesmaid dresses that are hanging in your personal closets?

K&E: We try to wear Bella dresses every day in the shop and for special occasions, so we have LOTS! New ones on order that we know we will wear to death...

E: Ivy & Aster Gemma in the Monet print and Coren Moore's Alex

K: There is one style in particular that Amsale wore herself on The View. Look out for style G692C in January.







BB: Tell us about a favorite recent bride that has an interesting story/wedding.

Maura's wedding. Image by Robyn Rachel Photography

K&E: We are very lucky to have so many friends and family here in Chicago and there is nothing more special than getting to be at the wedding after seeing the months of hard work and decision-making. Erin's friend, Maura had a wedding that looked so stylish because she varied the Lela Rose colors throughout the bridal party. We also loved working with our cousin Kathleen who looked stunning in her Saja bridal gown. She is an incredibly talented florist too and everything, including the bridesmaids Charcoal Amsale dresses, came together beautifully!




BB: What are your fave celebrity wedding dresses?

Image via She Knows

Image via Simple PrettyWedding

E: Grace Kelly, specifically the cinched waist and shape of the skirt. Obviously the lace is divine too.



K: Jacqueline Kennedy. I love her veil - such a classic piece for that time period.





BB: What's your go to dress for a busy Saturday in the shop?

Ladies with Coren Moore at NYC Bridal Market '11

E: Whatever we have in for a trunk show. I LOVE getting new styles in. My latest fave is the Mamie + James collection.

K: Coren Moore is a great line, because of the fabulous styles and color options.








BB: What would you say is the best wedding trend you've seen recently?

K&E: We love the idea of varying the colors through the bridal party - even patterns. We are currently OBSESSED with Molly Sims wedding and dressed our mannequins today in Joanna August's super stylish new CEREMONY line to replicate.


                                                                                                             Thank you Erin & Kathleen!

Our Interview with Lauren Leonard of Leona Bridesmaids

Our beloved southern sweetheart, Lauren Leonard of Leona Bridesmaids, has won us over with her modern and impressive bridesmaid collection. Fitting for any bride looking to dress her lovely maids in stylish, flattering and adorable frocks, Leona dresses are just the ticket! Combining her Nashville roots with her knowledge of fashion, which she developed after working in the Big Apple, Lauren’s designs are perfect for the modern gal. Taking a break from the bustling holiday season, Lauren shared some of the inspirations and secrets to her fab collection…

Leona office in Nashville, TN

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

LL: Never forgetting the customer. I strive to blend special appeal; versatility and functionality into something the Leona girl will feel striking and comfortable in... no detail is forgotten!

Lauren and her fabulous team!

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?


LL: I initially try to take the word bridesmaid out of the picture, thinking more of designs that this girl would wear to an elegant party. I take that idea and form it into something that is both appropriate and phenomenal for a wedding party to wear. There are so many factors to consider like photographs, body types, and functionality. If the design meets those criteria and is still stunning and special then we have a winner!



BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

LL: When I started the Leona ready to wear label, I was immediately approached to do bridesmaid dresses. I have now been designing for weddings for three years. It was time to officially launch the new label and Bella Bridesmaid was the perfect partnership for us because of its focus on luxurious, modern dresses.

Image via Victorian Wedding

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?

LL: I would love to see modern day makeovers on some of the women from the Victorian era. They looked so uncomfortable. Wouldn't it be fun to see Queen Victoria in a Leona dress?!

BB: What high school trends are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

LL: It was the age of Britney Spears, distressed jeans, and tube tops...not exactly a shining moment in fashion history. I tried a little bit of everything.






BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

Serena dress

LL: A photographer! Although I have no current skills in this area, I love being a creative director at our seasonal Leona photo-shoots.

BB: What is your favorite dress in your collection?

LL: The Serena! So versatile, effortless and chic.

BB: Any advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

LL: A V-neck or halter looks nice if you have a larger chest. I love a sweetheart neckline to add definition for more boyish figures. A skirt that is slightly A-line with some added fullness at the hem looks great on all shapes and sizes and a sash is the easiest way to define the waistline!

BB: What are you carrying in your purse?

LL: iphone, Chapstick, business cards, RayBan Cats, bobby pins!


Thanks Lauren!

Meet & Greet: Nancy and Meredith, owners of Seattle

Meredith and Nancy

After discovering Bella Bridesmaid while planning her own nuptials, Nacy Storment recognized the need for a bridesmaid boutique in her hometown of Seattle, Washington. Sharing her enthusiasm for this opportunity, friend and now business partner, Meredith Rebhuhn paired with Nancy to open the first Bella Bridesmaid in Washington state! Both lovely ladies have different professional backgrounds, but brought their great skill set and passion for weddings to pursue what they love. Nancy and Meredith shared a little more about their history and how it has been running Bella Bridesmaid Seattle…

Nancy with her husband, Gabe and son, Jameson

BB: What did you both do before owning Bella?

M: I have a degree in Apparel Design and had worked as a seamstress making custom window treatments, bedding and home accessories for a high-end interior design group in Seattle. After having my first daughter she did freelance design.

N: I have a background in marketing and public relations in the entertainment industry, having worked for Disney and launching the Scene It DVD Board Game.

BB: Why did you want to become part of the Bella franchise?

Meredith with her family

N: I discovered Bella Bridesmaid when I was planning my own wedding and couldn’t believe there wasn’t one in Seattle. I approached my friend Meredith with the idea and we jumped at the chance to become a franchise owner…it was a perfect fit!

M: I had been at home for two years with my first daughter and was ready to get back into working. I have always wanted to own a boutique and fell in love with the idea of Bella Bridesmaid.

BB: What are the most memorable moments so far in your boutique?

N: We have had a lot of fun times in the store. It can get quite crazy during the busy season, but when a group of fun girls comes into the store, their energy just radiates and it’s infectious. We love those big groups and have even had a few come back to visit on the actual wedding day to get help with tying their TwoBirds bridesmaid dresses!

M: When I connect with a bride and see her vision it is such a satisfying feeling to help make everything come together. I enjoy when the girls are trying on dresses and having a good time it’s like hanging out with my own girlfriends.


BB: What are your favorite bridesmaid dresses that are hanging in your personal closets?

Meredith tying a favorite TwoBirds dress

M: Since I have just recently lost most of the baby weight from my second daughter, I have a list of dresses I would like to own: Riverside by 57 Grand, The Ball gown by Two Birds and Zoe with the party skirt by Lula Kate. Just 5 more pounds to go!

N: You can’t go wrong with a TwoBirds dress! I also love LulaKate’s Gina and Zoe dresses.

BB: Tell us about a favorite recent bride that has an interesting story/wedding.

M&N: A few months ago we had a large bridal party fly in from Montana to shop for bridesmaid dresses. There were 10 girls in the bridal party and all but two made the trip. They tried on dozens of dresses and ultimately selected one of our favorite Amasale dresses, G425C. They had so much fun in Seattle for the weekend and we were honored to have been a part of their girl’s weekend.

Nancy and Meredith in their Seattle boutique

BB: What's your go to dress for a busy Saturday in the shop?

M&N: LulaKate is our go-to designer. The dresses are so versatile with the skirt and waistband options that you’re virtually guaranteed to find something for everyone in a bridal party.

Image via Creative Wedding

BB: What is your fave celebrity wedding dress?

M: Reese Witherspoon’s pale pink gown by Monique Lhuillier is gorgeous. Its pink, lace and tulle - everything I love.

N: That was my choice too! I love that it’s not the traditional big, puffy, white dress. It was perfect for a second wedding.

BB: Best wedding trend you've seen recently?

M: I am loving the Novelty fabrics! Lula Kate’s Little White Dresses are perfect for the girl who wants something unique.

N: The jacquards are my favorite as well as the stripped organza.



                                                          Thank you Nancy and Meredith!

For a Fabulous New Year's...

3...2...1... Here's our very fave New Year's Eve dress, and yes, it happens to be a reception dress! This Saja beauty could not be more perfect for a fabulous New Year's night. Whether you're strolling around town or at a spectacular party, you will certainly turn heads in this sequined frock. With these added accessories from Nina, you'll be all set for a glamorous evening...

1. Saja BP6252

2. Maeve, Antique Silver earrings by Nina

3. HB Kaitlin handbag, in Silver by Nina

4. Evan high heel pump, in Metal Dust Crystal by Nina 

Tis the Season to Reuse your Bridesmaid dress!

It's that time of year again when the holiday parties are in full swing....and the task of finding the perfect outfit from head to toe. But rather then stress about buying a new dress, why don’t you head back to your closet and revisit that “old” bridesmaid dress? With a few simple accessories, you can take that once worn dress and dazzle at the hottest parties of the season...

1) Lincoln Dress in short by Joanna August
2) Starshine Bolero from Anthropologie
3) Zelda pumps by Nina Shoes
4) Frieda clutch by Nina Shoes
5) Trista Chandelier Earrings in Crystal by Kendra Scott