Vintage Couture Collection

We've Moved!

2012-01-10T07:36:00.002-05:00

Our blog has moved to our lovely new website! Please follow us here.

A hat as your accessory

2011-11-04T16:45:00.000-04:00

Choosing to accessorize your wedding gown with a head piece will definitely add a bit of vintage flair to your look. A hat worn by a bride dates back all the way to the 1500's. Whether you have an heirloom piece that just needs a good cleaning, something to restyle or a new piece to pair with a vintage gown, it is something that you can make your own and what a statement that will be!

Below are some images of current hats we have in the boutique. The first is believe it or not, not true vintage...I know. I was fooled at first.

Vintage for your Maids!

2011-10-14T15:50:00.001-04:00

The Bride is not the only one who can wear vintage to their wedding! Vintage cocktail and formal gowns are not only affordable, but one of kind and Earth friendly! Ask your maids to stick with the same color and length and let them start the search for that amazing dress for your you special day!

altered halter...

2011-09-22T15:23:00.001-04:00

I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see brides choose a non-strapless wedding gown. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of gorgeous strapless gowns out there, but it has come to a point now that they are expected.

Some benefits to a non-strapless dress are that it adds a sophisticated touch, and it is not necessary to add a necklace.

Pictured above, Bailey is modeling a vintage 1970's wedding gown that has been reconstructed to appeal to a modern bride. The sleeves were removed allowing her beautiful shoulders to show. It is has thin cut out and is accented with tiny pearls and floral lace. It is waiting for you in the boutique to come try on!

Coming soon...

2011-08-31T14:05:00.000-04:00

Whether you love vintage clothing, furniture, or pottery, you'll agree with us that the unexpected finds are often the very best!

A few weeks ago, a lovely lady showed up at September's Bride with two vintage bridal gowns, saved from the bridal store that her aunt owned in the 1960's! The tags are still on the gowns. One of them is a fabulous little number with spaghetti straps and a short-sleeved bolero and attached train that is worn over the gown. I've taken a few snapshots here to share with you.

Unfortunately, the gowns are a little discolored, so I am working on restoring the color and freshening them up before adding them to our Vintage Couture Collection. Once they are ready, they will be available for sale on this blog and at September's Bride.

Mix it up!

2011-08-05T13:49:00.000-04:00

One fear many people have about vintage is that it may look "costumey." And sometimes it can if you are dressed head to toe in it! I suggest picking one vintage piece and letting it take center stage! The accessories you choose should be the supporting role. Pictured above, Bailey is in a vintage 1970's ivory halter gown with small pearl accents. By accessorizing her with modern jewelry by Meg, it updates the dress and she now has a very chic look. If you need suggestions regarding restructuring a vintage gown or accessorizing one, we would love to help. We look forward to hearing from you!

Up front and Personal...

2011-07-15T09:57:00.000-04:00

To those of you who frequent Downtown Holland often, you may have seen our new decals in the front windows. We are ready to share a collection of vintage gowns with all of you! Periodically we will be switching out our latest vintage gown that has been restored or restyled. If you would like to see the entire collection, feel free to pop in and take a peep! We would be more than happy to share them with you. So, if you are a regular on Eighth street or planning an upcoming trip, make sure to stop by our storefront!

This is one of the favorites. Is it just me or does it just it scream Audrey Hepburn?

Our Vintage Couture Blogger-In-Chief :: Julie!

2011-06-03T18:18:00.001-04:00

As much as I would love to write each day and share amazing photos of the Vintage Couture Collection we have at September's Bride, my other responsibilities seem to keep me very busy! So, I have asked one of our gown consultants, Julie, to become the chief blogger here at our Vintage Couture Blog. Julie is introducing herself below...join me in welcoming her!

...Tami, owner of September's Bride

Hello! My name is Julie. I will be taking over the blog entries for the Vintage Couture Collection at September's Bride. I would like to take the time and share a bit about myself and qualifications.

Julie and her fiance, Brian, and Bud the stylish dog :)

I started working as gown consultant at September's Bride in January 2010. I chose to venture into the bridal industry because like vintage, each bridal gown is hand selected by it's wearer. I very much wanted to be a part in helping bride's make this special decision. What may have gotten me hired was the fact that Tami and I share a passion for cleaning, restoring and redesigning vintage clothing!

Although, it has been a tremendous experience; the business of bridal truly is it's own little world! Tami and Rachel are a wealth of information. I have learned so much from them in the short time I have been with the company. When Tami approached me about being the main contributor to this blog, I was honored and excited! I am always willing to share my love and knowledge of vintage clothing.

As far as my qualifications for this position, both currently and before working at September's Bride, I sold vintage clothing on Etsy, which is an online marketplace for handmade goods and vintage clothing. Through this venture, I have learned about clothing construction and
history.

I am not sure there was specifically one thing or moment when I discovered this passion. I love the uniqueness and the story behind the piece. Who wore it before me? What were they like? How did they feel when they wore it? All this is amazing and beautiful to me.

In fashion, a little can go along way. In this blog we will be featuring and discussing how to incorporate just the right amount of vintage into a modern age bride. Whether it be redesigning an heirloom gown, incorporating a 1960's pillbox hat with Russian tulle, or finishing off your look with the perfect set of pearls.

I would love any feedback on topics you would like to be discussed on the blog, along with photos, stories and maybe even a couple pieces to add to our current collection in the boutique! I am looking forward to this new venture and am anticipating the new people I will meet, the stories I will be told and the pieces that are given a new life!

Sincerely,
Julie Zeh

I can be reached at our boutique, September's Bride. The phone number is 616.355.1433.

Bridal Season Begins with Vintage Love!

2011-05-09T21:24:00.000-04:00

Another bridal season is upon us at September's Bride and we have several vintage gowns that we are working on, also.

The wedding gown featured in last year's post, worn by Bethany, is being worn this summer by her sister Jenna! Jenna will be the fifth bride in their family to wear this gown. Look for photos later this summer.

We also have three brides who are wearing their mothers' gowns, after we have put some Vintage Couture TLC into them!

We also hope to share some great news with you later this season about some new places where you can find Vintage Couture by SB!

Grandmother's Gown

2010-08-26T07:32:00.002-04:00

At September's Bride, we get very excited when a bride mentions that she has a vintage gown that she wants to wear. When she tells us that her grandmother, her mom, and her aunt have already been married in the gown, we are practically giddy with anticipation of helping her continue the tradition.

This is Bethany on her wedding day. She brought us a dusty gown with torn lace that was too short for her, had long sleeves, and a high neck. She was marrried in a clean gown with restored lace, a cute and modern tank-style bodice with a beautiful satin sash and matching band finishing the full skirt.

Thanks, Bethany, for trusting us to help you with your special gown. You were a delight!

Our Vintage Couture Corner

2010-07-06T20:34:00.000-04:00

Recently, we moved a few things around at September's Bride to make room for our Vintage Couture Collection and to give us more room for vignettes and style ideas.

More Vintage-Style Inspiration

2010-06-11T11:39:00.000-04:00

Please check out the September's Bride blog for details on Pixel & Hank Couture.

For more images and inspiration, see Amy Carroll Photography's blog

New Vintage Couture Gowns!

2010-05-18T21:37:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce that I added two gowns to our Vintage Couture Collection at September's Bride today.

1. 1950's Vintage lace gown in a larger size!! Pretty sheer neckline with short sleeves and a tea-length skirt.

2. Once-loved modern gown; size 2 with pretty tiered layers and lace appliques.

Pictures will be coming soon!

Our Vintage Couture Collection is a great place to find vintage and once-loved couture gowns at fabulous prices. However, you still receive all of the benefits of purchasing from a full-service bridal boutique!

Visit or e-mail for more information!

A Vintage Photo Shoot

2010-05-10T07:55:00.001-04:00

When Kerri Banyas of Taylor Grey Photography asked me if she could borrow a few gowns for a vintage-style photo shoot; I really wanted to include an actual vintage gown in the shoot.

This tea-length vintage gown is available in the Vintage Couture Boutique at September's Bride. I love the black accessories that Kerri put with the gown; this really makes the vintage gown look current.

For more photos from this shoot, please visit the September's Bride blog.

Vintage Bride :: Liz

2010-02-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

Photos by Michael Overbeek Photography

Last year, Liz's Mom made an appointment with me at our bridal shop, September's Bride, to talk about wedding gowns. "My daughter really wants to wear my wedding dress", she said. You would expect the owner of a bridal boutique to be disappointed at that statement, but not me! Especially not with this gown. Liz's Mom had a beautiful Priscilla of Boston gown that was in fairly good condition. With a good cleaning and some lace restoration, the gown was made ready for Liz and she looked absolutely breathtaking.

Liz wore a new veil, and her attendants wore fabulous knee-length silk dupioni bridesmaid dresses by Lila Couture. All the ladies wore custom jewelry designed by MEG Jewelry. For more photos of the wedding, please visit the September's Bride blog.

Christening Gown Designed & Constructed from Restored Wedding Gown!

2010-01-28T09:40:00.000-05:00

We had the pleasure of helping a particular family with a wedding gown and a mother's gown in 2008. This winter, they asked us to clean and restore the grandmother's wedding gown so that it could be used to make a baptism gown for the first grandchild!

Because the baptism will be held in a big, old sanctuary in Michigan in February, we designed a full-length, lined dress made with the chiffon and lace from the wedding gown. Using new dupioni silk, a coat was also added to the outfit; the dupioni was also used for the bodice and trim of the dress. The bonnet was finished with more lace from the wedding gown. All of this resulted in an absolutely beautiful Baptism outfit which will be come a family heirloom and with a wonderful story and heritage to the pieces.

So, if you wonder if it is worth restoring a vintage gown or even preserving your new wedding gown, the answer is a resounding "YES!"

Looking to sell a Vintage or Couture gown?

2010-01-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

We are currently accepting Vintage gowns and Couture gowns for consignment at September's Bride.

If you have a gown that you would like us to consider, please e-mail by clicking here. Include the details of your gown (designer, age, size, and original retail price) along with a photo, if available. If your gown is eligible for consignment, we will contact you with further information.

Personal Vintage Wedding Gown Collection

2010-01-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

I love vintage clothing. About 2 years ago, I began collecting vintage wedding gowns. I have some of these gowns on display in September's Bride.

I enjoy looking at the design and workmanship of each gown. I touch the fabric reverently, wondering about the bride who first wore the gown and what direction her life has taken. What dreams did she have when she chose or made this garment?

Some gowns I find tucked in the back of antique stores. I take them home and carefully clean them before determining if I want to add the gown to my collection or resell it.

Sometimes someone will bring me a family gown that has been carefully stored. I love these because I get to know something about the original bride.

Stop in and see some of my collection!

Fashion Show :: You're Invited!

2009-12-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

We will be showing gowns out of our Vintage Couture collection during this special event at September's Bride. Please join us; see below for details.

Vintage :: 1950's Tiered Lace Ballgown

2009-12-03T18:22:00.003-05:00

Imagine walking down the aisle in this perfectly unique vintage gown. Whispers will follow you and turn to delighted gasps when your guests view the fabulous tiers of lace that make up the back skirt of the dress.

Add a couture headpiece of feathers, lace, and netting, some bling and bright blue heels. The fitted bodice and flared skirt will show off your small waist to perfection! If you have a great sense of vintage style, this gown is the one for you.

This vintage gown is in excellent condition. It has no evidence of stains, discoloration, or tears. The original bride lovingly cleaned and stored this gown after wearing "her" for their fairy-tale wedding over 50 years ago!

Measurements::

Bust :: 35"

Waist :: 27"

Hip :: Full

Gown Length :: 55.5"

I've named this gown "Jeanette" and priced her at just $299.

Consignment Couture :: "Una" by Vera Wang Luxe Collection

2009-12-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

(Please note :: this is a stock photo of the "Una" gown; it is not the actual gown for sale)

Here is one of the newest gowns in our collection; this gown is from the Vera Wang Luxe Collection. The name of the gown is "Una". The gown is in ivory and a few alterations have been made to it; the neckline has had a piece of tulle added elastic loops have been added for the back buttons. The gown has lovingly and happily been worn once and will be professionally cleaned after purchase.

There is one small tear in an under-layer of the tulle that is barely noticeable. This is an exquisite gown. The original retail price is $9900; we are offering the gown for $3999. This price includes professional cleaning and steaming if desired, along with all the benefits of purchasing from a local bridal salon.

Measurements are as follows:

Bust :: 34"

Waist :: 29"

Hips :: Slightly full

Gown Length :: 55.5"

About

2009-12-01T09:00:00.010-05:00

I'm Tami Parks, the owner of September's Bride in Holland, Michigan.

Our beautiful store offers a wide selection of gowns, flower girl dresses, tuxedos, and all the accessories for a memorable wedding. We also restore wedding gowns, and offer museum-quality preservation, to keep that special day safe.

We are conveniently located in Holland's downtown shopping district at 56 East 8th Street.