A J.Jones Blog

Suit Yourself

12/14/2020

Who says that all the wedding day focus is on the bride? The groom is 50% of the wedding day activities. You may think that going and picking out your wedding day attire for you and your guys is going to be easy but there is still some planning that goes into it. What kind if style do you want to go for? Do you want to go for the full suit/tux or do you just want to do pieces i.e. a combination of vest, tie, jacket, etc.? Is this wedding going to be in a big church, a simple hall, outside, in a barn? Do you want everyone to look the same or do you want to be the only standout as the groom? All of these questions go into the planning of your wedding day look. Don’t just shrug it off and leave it up to the bride; make your opinions heard and show off just how handsome you can be all polished and tied up!

Suit vs Tux

Many people, guys included can’t spot the difference between a suit and a tux. The main physical difference between a tux and a suit is that tuxedos have satin details—satin-faced lapels, satin buttons and a satin side-stripe down the pant leg—suits do not. Instead of satin buttons, a suit will usually have bone, plastic or fabric-covered buttons. The lapels on the tux can be satin lined or fully satin.

Ultimately it just comes down to the aesthetic of the wedding and how fancy you want to be. For a black tie wedding, obviously a black tuxedo and polished tuxedo shirt, tie and vest are the way to go. For a more casual but still dressy vibe then a navy or tan suit will be do the trick. And not wanting to be too stuffy? Then new tailored designer jeans with a crisp white button down with tie and vest will best fit your theme. Going over the general theme, location, and aesthetic of the wedding first will help create a better flow when you’re in the middle of planning and how you want things to look.

Colors and Fit

Just like picking bridesmaids and flower colors, the guys have to coordinate as well. It’s easy to put all of them in a black suit/tux, white shirt, and black tie and vest but some guys want to be stylin’ and make their own statement. Suits/tuxes can come in a variety of different colors, patterns, materials everything that will make the guy feel confident as well in his wedding day attire. Fits can also come in classic, to modern, to trim fit styles. This way if a guy wants a more polished and trim fit then he’s able to get a more tailored look. Whereas someone who may have more of a belly or a bigger butt (yes guys can have big bootys too) then they can go for a more modern, roomier fit. These fits should coordinate throughout the different styles so that all the groomsmen can have a nice tailored look but not look like they are wearing two different style of pants. The colors of the accessories should also coordinate with the wedding colors. Normally the groomsmen match the bridesmaids and the groom matches the bride, but then again there aren’t any rules to weddings anymore. A popular wedding trend happening right now is coordinating bridesmaid dress colors that are like an ombre effect or different variations of the same color. This can pose an issue in finding what color works best in vests and ties but a good rule of thumb is to find a coordinating neutral color. Silver, cream, champagne, black, or a solid color of the main bridal color can be easier for your guys and then have the bridesmaids be the effect. Guys work best when it’s “the easier the better” so don’t try to over complicate things

Colors, fit, emotions oh my!

12/4/2020

Bridesmaids. A blessing and a curse. It’s true and it can be exhausting. Wanting your best gal pals to stand by your side on your big day can be so exciting and can also turn into the best “Girls Day Out”. It can also sometimes take a possible turn for the worse. Opinions can come out of nowhere when it comes to what color, what style of dress, what neckline and waistbands looks best. Here are some tips and tricks to manage the world of chiffon and coordinating styles and colors.

Gal Pal Game Plan

Getting everyone to agree on an appointment time can be tough but that doesn’t mean that’s the final answer. Having all of your girls together can be exhausting and trying to figure out the best time to get everyone together can be never-ending. First, take a deep breath. You don’t need everyone there when doing your initial planning. Take your most trusted opinion or your two hardest to fit girls. If you have someone who can give you honest answers about fit then it should carry over to all your other girls. Having your two hardest fits can help show how different dresses fit on different body types. Someone who is extra busty or hippy, someone who is a stick, or someone very tall will help you see how the dresses are going to fit differently. This is beneficial if you are choosing the same dress for all your girls. If you’re allowing them to pick their own style then you and your maid can come in together or they can go on their own. Allowing them to pick their own styles allows more freedom for everyone. Giving a timeline is also VERY crucial. Normally bridesmaids are done about 6 or more months ahead of time. This allows time for the order to come in and for alterations. Have a game plan and timeline in mind when it comes to your wedding party and if you have any questions, your bridal consultant will be more than willing to help you with timelines of when to check details off your list! Finding a wedding planning app or book can also be beneficial!

UhOh-pinions

You, as the bride, just have to remember to stand your ground. This is still ultimately your decision. Hearing and taking in all the opinions can be helpful but it can also be overwhelming. It can be tough to please everyone but making sure everyone keeps a respectful open mind then the decision making shouldn’t be a scary process.

Making sure you are listening to all opinions is also very crucial. You don’t want to be that bridezilla that forces your friends into ill-fitting styles and unflattering colors. The best option is to have a solid plan. Before you head into the bridal store with your girls and everyone’s opinions, do all of your major planning. Know or have an idea in mind of what color and style you are going for; i.e. do you want your girls all in the same dress or do you want them to pick their own dress? The next question is if you want the girls to pick the same material of dress or have your girls chose whatever dress they want as long as it’s in the same color scheme?

You may also have that friend that recently got married that will try to put her own wedding pros and cons into your own wedding planning: i.e. “Well at my wedding…” “For my wedding…” etc. Having outside opinions can be very beneficial when it comes to some pros and cons but make sure not to let someone else’s wedding and opinions get in the way of your wedding planning.

Sizes

Sizes can be such a tricky subject not only in the bridal store but also in a department store. It can still be intimidating dress shopping on your own but add in other eyes and ears and a gal may become very insecure when it comes to picking out her bridesmaid dress. For a girl who is insecure with her weight or arm fat or stomach pooch, I have this to say: YOUR BODY IS BEAUTIFUL! Your body is yours and you should feel confident in it no matter your size or insecurities. Your bride picked you for a reason because she couldn’t see her perfect day go without seeing you by her side. So keep that in mind when looking for a bridesmaid dress. We all have insecurities but that is when we have the choice to find a dress that helps hide our “bad” parts and highlight our good parts. A dress should make you feel comfortable and confident and your bride should know and understand that.

We’ve also have heard or said the phrase: “I want to lose weight”. That’s great and more power to you for having that goal! Losing weight can be all fine and dandy but what happened when the dress comes in and you didn’t lose as much weight as you want and the dress doesn’t zip? I promise you that the wedding guests are not going to be able to judge you on what size your dress is. Find a style and fit that is comfortable and flattering to your body figure where you can breathe and be able to party in it all day. A dress can always be altered down or exchanged for a different size (if there is time to reorder from the designer). So if it happens that you lose weight from your bust and mid-section but maybe not your hips then a seamstress can customize your alterations. We fit your fullest point and recommend the size that fits when you order and then alterations can create your perfect fit when your dress comes in. Don’t be that bridesmaid (or even bride) that waits until the last minute to order your dress and then scramble last minute to make it fit. Also remember “Just because it zips, doesn’t mean it fits!” Make sure you are COMFORTABLE!

Picking people

Picking the girls and/or guys for the bridal party can also be a challenge. Not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings by leaving them out or having to pick a random cousin, sibling, or long-distance friend. Then comes in the titles of maid and/or matron of honor, bridesmaid, flower girl, junior bridesmaid, etc. It can easily turn a wedding party into a baker’s dozen! I’ve been the obligatory bridesmaid for my brother’s wedding, I haven’t been a bridesmaid for my good friend of over 20 years wedding, and because of personal life issues, I don’t talk to the bride who I was her maid of honor. There are no rules to a wedding anymore; absolutely none anymore. If you want to have your grandma be your flower girl, have a male as your “maid of honor”, or not have any bridesmaids at all then YOU CAN! There shouldn’t be anyone out there telling you and your fiancé how to run your own wedding. If he wants 8 groomsmen and you only want two then go ahead! At the end of the day, it is about you and your fiancé. Sure it would be nice to have someone there to fluff your dress or to wrangle up the drunken groomsmen for pictures but family, friends, and even a possible wedding coordinator can be there to help you as well. If you feel that you can’t decide between your 3 sisters, 2 college roommates, coworker, niece, and best friend then have them all, have none, have the ones you feel can make the commitment to the time and money.

At the end of the day, your wedding-your rules. You can easily try to please everyone and everything could run smoothly but things can also go sour if there isn’t a set plan and you let other opinions overstep your wedding vision. Remember to start with a deep breath and don’t be afraid to speak your mind if you are feeling overwhelmed.

I DO OR NOT TO DO? COVID and Weddings

11/20/2020

With the COVID-19 outbreak also came a sense of uncertainty. Events were canceled, trips rescheduled, weddings postponed, time with friends permanently delayed. Even something as simple as a hug now seems like a thing of the past. For many, it has felt like life has been placed on pause. We are all trying to navigate a world with new norms, face masks, and social distancing. It seems that each day there a new state and local regulations on restaurants, businesses, school openings, and social gatherings. But in all the chaos, something beautiful has emerged. Communities have banded together, neighbors have stepped up to lend a helping hand, and, despite social distancing, people have found a way to become closer than ever before as life is still happening! Even in the middle of a global pandemic, there still can be a silver lining.

I DO OR NOT TO DO?

For most couples scheduled to wed in the spring or summer of 2020, wedding plans had to be postponed in light of local shutdowns. Weddings have become a main topic of conversation and even a pandemic isn’t strong enough to stop true love. Many couples have opted to still say ‘I do’ in some unconventional, beautiful ways. Zoom, drive-ins, even Romeo and Juliet balcony style have become the norm for recent nuptials.

Moving into the fall and winter COVID season, some couples are still thinking of the possibility of having in-person weddings. Depending on state and local regulations weddings can still happen. Maybe not to the extent that they were once originally planned, i.e. 100+ guests. Most couples are opting in for backyard, close family and friends vow exchange while some are headed straight to the courthouse. Ultimately the day and ceremony are about the couple making a vow to each other and if that has to after with a limited number of people to keep everyone safe then that’s how it has to be. It's not an insult to their family and friends but more of a courtesy to keep everyone safe so that a bigger party can or may eventually happen once the virus is under control.

COUPLES ARE STILL GETTING ENGAGED

Life is still happening and the world is still turning. If you can make it through self-isolation and a global pandemic with your significant other, that’s a surefire sign that they're the one. In light of COVID-19, couples are finding new ways to pop the question - in front of a chalk drawing of the Eiffel Tower, during a serene walk around their neighborhoods, over their quarantine cooking creations, and so on. Engagements may be postponed due to distance or lack of funds but love is endless and if there’s a will there is a way.

RECONNECTING Virtually

Social distancing has left a lot of us to crave the comfort of pre-coronavirus social interactions. And while a day at the beach or dinner out on the town is still a no-go in most states, technology had helped us reconnect with our friends in new and exciting ways. Apps like Zoom and House Party have been integral to helping keep people connected during lockdown. Weddings have turned into live-streams

A REASON TO CELEBRATE

While it may be some time before in-person celebrations return, many are turning to virtual festivities for big occasions. From birthday parties and weddings to anniversaries and graduations, the world is taking parties online.

Even in the middle of a pandemic, there are still so many reasons to celebrate. Family, friends, shelter, food, health. There are so many things to appreciate and look forward to even while the world navigates this crisis. Finding joy in the small things is part of our human experience and making time to show love is critical for our everyday happiness. So holds your loved ones in your heart, wear your mask, and stay safe!

Homecoming 2K17 Forecast

By Kelly Camarote Greathouse

Preparations are underway at JJones Evening Wear to double the selections available for Homecoming 2K17! Options range in sizes 0 to 28 and will be stocked at both JJones locations in Weirton and Wheeling. Plus, we’re looking out for our freshmen JJones Girls by offering age appropriate dresses.

Get ready to see these fashion forward looks while you shop for your homecoming look!

1. Boho Style

Bohemian inspiration takes over homecoming this year. This style includes flowy fabrics and unconventional designs. You’ll see a lot of paisley and floral patterns at your homecoming dance.

2. Rompers

Elegant pieces include rompers this homecoming. They provide an unconventional option for anyone who wants to make a statement or who just doesn’t like the traditional skirts.

3. Bell Sleeves

Bell sleeves are taking many dresses to the next level. This unexpected element to a dress will scream fashion forward.

4. Jewel Tones

Expect the dress colors to really pop! Bright jewel tones are the preferred color palette. This trend will also be seen in the jewelry options at JJones.

5. Choker Collars

You won’t need a necklace for many dresses this homecoming thanks to choker collars accenting a lot of looks. Turn to the right earrings and bangles to add jewelry if you choose a dress with a choker collar.

Kelly Camarote Greathouse became a JJones Girl while shopping for her bridal gown. Kelly lives in Weirton with her husband Sam Greathouse. They married at the Barn on Enchanted Acres in Dennison, Ohio on March 25, 2017. They have a 5-year-old German Shepherd named Harley.

So MANY Prom Gowns! So LITTLE Time!

By Kelly Camarote Greathouse

Each teen who enters high school as a freshman believes their senior will never arrive. But it does! And that’s the year that really counts when picking the perfect prom gown.

Here’s a recap of the top picks many of our seniors made as they celebrate prom at their high school for the last time.

1. Florals

Flower power goes to a whole new level with this year’s prom gowns. The result is a beautiful array of color in various types of fabrics. These gowns don’t need anything extra to distract us from the bold prints. It’s the perfect statement gown for a senior’s last prom.

2. Pants

Who says pants are only for a JJones Guy? This year, the ladies are choosing fashion forward options and that definitely includes pants. Many pants options include trains although it’s not a necessary component. No matter how the pants are worn they’re all looking great!

3. Rompers

Rompers are taking the seniors by storm! These looks provide an edge that other gown options have a hard time providing. We are stunned by the sophisticated styles from our top designers that provide beautiful options for our ladies who like to break the rules when it comes to fashion.

4. Ball Gowns

A lot of our seniors are going with what some consider “traditional options” by wearing ball gowns to their senior prom. But DON’T confuse traditional with boring! JJones Girls are anything but boring. These ball gowns come in a wide array of styles and colors. Our ball gown babes are choosing to remember their magical prom night dressed like beautiful princesses on the inside and the outside.

5. Accessories in Gunmetal Grey

Right now, the hot accessories come in Gunmetal Grey. Designers are actually making dresses with colors that are enhanced by this edgy and beautiful look. We expect gunmetal grey to be the go-to accessory color for Homecoming 2017!

We’ll have more details on next year’s styles in our Forecast for Homecoming 2017 next week! We’re here to keep all our JJones Guys and Girls fashion forward for every special event!

Always a J. Jones Guy

By Kelly Camarote Greathouse

The days of prom being only for the ladies are over! A JJones Guy wants to be just as unique and fashion forward as the beautiful JJones Girl on his arm. And he definitely can be!

JJones Evening Wear features tuxedo styles from three of the largest companies on the east coast. They include Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Joseph Abboud. Plus, there a wide array of options from other designers as well.

Here’s what your handsome JJones Guy needs to think about as he tries to coordinate his perfect prom look with your beautiful gown.

1. Think about mixing up colors.

Break tradition by mixing up the color of the jacket and the pair of pants that you wear. It’s a bold statement that can set you apart from the crowd.

2. Options are reasonably priced.

Looking good doesn’t need to break your budget. Options easily start at $129 when finding your tux through JJones.

3. Burgundy, navy and classic black suits lead top fashion trends this year.

These colors take your prom look to a whole new level. Just make sure the color you choose will match what your date wears.

4. Cool shoes and pocket squares that pack a punch are a must.

Right now polka dots, plaids and florals are a hit. You can find full sets that include ties and pocket squares at JJones.

5. Cognac and brown shoes pair nicely with navy and grey suits.

This combo is a top pick. It’s the perfect way to be unique while still matching your date’s look.

Kelly Camarote Greathouse lives in Weirton with her husband Sam Greathouse. They have a 5-year-old German Shepherd named Harley. Kelly became a JJones Girl after purchasing her bridal gown and accessories for her wedding on March 25, 2017.

Prom Dress Shopping 101

By Kelly Camarote Greathouse

Excitement is growing at J. Jones Evening Wear as more and more girls say yes to beautiful gowns for prom. Walk in the store and you’ll see every personality type. Some girls are shy and then light up with the right gown sparkling with confidence while feeling beautiful. Some have all the confidence in the world and the dress merely enhances their lively spirit.

I enlisted the help of the staff at J. Jones to find out some tips that may help any lady find the dress of her dreams for her special night!

1. Know your style before you walk in the door.

When you take those first steps to find your gown, you’ll feel overwhelmed. There are so many dresses and so many different styles. Try to narrow down what you like before shopping. If you do your homework now, picking a dress and a style will be easier.

2. Bring trusted family and friends.

The people who accompany you to shop for a gown need to be your closest family and friends. You need to trust that they’ll be honest as you work to find something that is going to enhance your natural beauty.

3. Find the right fit.

Everyone’s body is different. Certain styles look right on me and certain ones just don’t. Make sure to find something that is going to flatter your shape.

4. Keep an open mind.

I’ve gone into finding a gown with an exact idea in my head of what I want and then going in a completely different direction. It’s ok to change your mind through the process. Allow yourself the ability to take a risk and go with the flow.

5. Relax.

No matter what gown you choose you’ll be beautiful. Let your beauty shine from the inside out. Just enjoy the shopping experience. I know the staff at JJones will ensure you have a good and relaxing time.

Kelly Camarote Greathouse lives in Weirton with her husband Sam Greathouse. They have a 5-year-old German Shepherd named Harley. They tied the knot at the Barn on Enchanted Acres on March 25, 2017.

Love, Bliss and a New Last Name

By Kelly Camarote Greathouse

Since waking up on Sunday, I've been getting used to my new last name. Greathouse! Kelly Greathouse. I always knew I'd want to take my husband’s last name. But it just feels weird! My maiden name was with me for more than 30 years! I wonder how long it will take to get used to this new last name.

So far, that’s the only difficult part of this new chapter of my life. Many of people focus on the pitfalls of marriage and try to convince others to run away from the legal commitment. Although I haven't seen anything to support that yet, I have encountered situations with the wedding planning that could have been handled differently. Here are the tips I wish I would have observed.

1. Don’t fear the “Bridezilla.”

Through the entire wedding planning process, I feared being a bride that everyone would hate. I continually worried that my bridesmaids were spending too much, that my family was being asked to travel too far and that my wedding would be a hardship on those I love. No one wants to be labeled a “Bridezilla!” You don’t want people involved with your big day regretting the decision to participate. Chances are if you worry about any of these things, you are not a bridezill. So no one will regret helping you and being apart of the best day of your life.

2. A reception with Kids? Or NO Kids? That’s the question!

Sam and I love kids! We want to have at least two of them when the time is right. That time is not now. Being that we are not at that point in our life, we chose to have a kid-free reception. There was only one youngster at the wedding, our 5 year old nephew, David. We knew he would behave. Plus, there would be enough kid wranglers in our family to ensure proper guidance if David did wander astray. You will see all kinds of reactions if you choose to have a kid-free reception including people who don’t ask, people who ask and are offended you don’t want their child there, and people who are happy to get rid of their child for the night. I encourage you to refer to number one and stay true to what you and your future husband want.

3. Don’t let potential weather woes get you down!

Don’t stress over the things you can’t control. Weather is definitely one of those thingd. It’s going to rain or snow whether you worry about it or not. Have a backup plan and move on. That to-do list is long. So you don’t have time to focus on the weather.

4. Everyone loves a good cookie table.

I’m originally from Crabtree, PA. It’s east of Pittsburgh and my parents still say, ‘Worsh,’ instead of the proper pronunciation of wash. That’s why the cookie table is a must in my neck of the woods. Looking back, I should have put someone else in charge of organizing who baked cookies rather than myself. Something requiring so much organization can go a lot smoother when a bride delegates the responsibility. Find as many chores to delegatenas possible. Those who love you want to help. Plus, it will make life easier for you and your future husband.

5. Find vendors that put you first.

The vendors you choose can make or break your special day. I can confidentially say I didn’t have to worry about anything the day of my wedding. It’s all because of the site (Barn on Enchanted Acres in Dennison, Ohio), the caterer (The Western Grill located near the venue) and JJones Evening Wear in Weirton. Find vendors that are passionate about creating a day that will honor your commitment and love for your future husband in a way that you’ve always wanted. My vendors were incredible and helped make our day perfect!

Kelly Camarote Greathouse lives in Weirton with her husband Sam Greathouse. They have a 5-year-old German Shepherd named Harley. They tied the knot at the Barn on Enchanted Acres on March 25, 2017.

The Final Stretch

By Kelly Camarote

It's finally here! It's the week before I marry my best friend! It's been months of preparation, although it doesn't feel like that now. I think I blinked and now the wedding week is here.

When you tell someone that you're a bride, they'll throw all kinds tips and suggestions your way. I've graciously accepted any and all help offered. I know it comes from a good place. They want the day to be perfect. And it will be. In this monumental week of my life, I'm doing my best to follow these rules.

1. Just breathe!

The end goal is gonna happen! No matter what Sam and I will be married at the end of this whole thing. Everything else is just details. I promise to breathe.

2. Find some ME time!

I will enjoy this experience and live in the moment. The best way to reach that goal is thru some ME time. ME time will allow a reset on any stress I may encounter.

3. Hit the mute button on other opinions and voices!

Lots of questions will be thrown at me this week. And everyone will have an opinion about my answers. I promise to be patient and remember that others have the best intentions when they make suggestions.

4. Keep making healthy choices!

I've struggled through this whole journey to make healthy lifestyle choices. Working out, getting enough sleep and eating right took a back seat to dealing with the wedding stress at times. I will do my best to make good choices because it will help me in this marathon week!

5. Come up with a plan…. then toss it out and roll with the punches!

I accept the fact that my plans are going to encounter some road blocks. Although I've tried to plan ahead with plans A, B and C, I’m confident that at some point I’ll need plans X, Y or Z.

Kelly Camarote lives in Weirton with her fiancé Sam Greathouse. They have a 5-year-old German Shepherd named Harley. On March 25, 2017, they will be married at the Barn on Enchanted Acres.

The Scale: A Bride’s Worst Nightmare

By Kelly Camarote

Practically every bride says it. “I’m gonna lose ___ lbs before the wedding.” Then life gets in the way. The full-time job of planning a wedding takes over every free moment of your life. You eat, drink and sleep all things wedding. The stress may influence your good intentions to eat right and exercise daily.

This week, I'll meet with my seamstress for my final fitting. That first fitting stressed me to the max. I imagined zippers that wouldn't close, not being able to sit down and holding my breathe through the whole wedding. My fears were unfounded. That's why I can stand by my rules to ensure my dress fit several months after it was ordered.

1. Don't stress!

Seamstresses are pros. In my experience, they've been able to fix my biggest dress fiascos encountered with proms and being a bridesmaid. A good seamstress will be able to tackle any problem or refer you to a fellow alteration-god with expertise in handling specific challenges with your dress situation.

2. Try to keep sweets and alcohol consumption in check.

Although the seamstress may be good, they don't need pressure if it can be avoided. I tried to watch my choices when it came to sweets leading up to the wedding. I also cut back on drinking adult beverages.

3. Hop on the treadmill.

Exercise helps control weight. Plus, it keeps stress at bay.I tried to get to the gym at least a couple times a week. When I slipped, I made sure to forgive myself and just do better the next day.

4. Trust your bridal consultant.

They have experience in properly sizing you for your gown. They'll encourage you to order the size you are currently wearing. If you are able to lose all that weight you intend to lose, alterations will customize your exact fit. It's always easier to take a dress in rather than add material to a dress. Also, they work with the manufacturers and know which products may run small.

5. Beware of the store with sale prices too good to be true.

Some places will offer sales and cheap dress options to later inflate the cost of alterations. Thankfully, that didn't happen at JJones. My gown price was way under my budget and my alteration quote was less than $100 even though my dress was slightly larger than me since I stuck to my goals and plan to make my dress fit come wedding day!

The Complicated Color Wheel

By Kelly Camarote

New homeowners typically paint all the rooms of their new purchase before they move into their home. I didn't. It took a whole year for me to overcome the complicated color wheel and land on the right paint combinations.

A million different shades and tints accompany each primary AND secondary color. Choosing just one color becomes a major hurdle. These tips helped me navigate the color wheel with ease while choosing a main wedding color.

1. Be inspired by your venue.

The general theme of the wedding will fall into place once the venue is secured. For example, my groom and I will be married at the Barn on Enchanted Acres. As the name suggests, the venue has a rustic theme. Plus, the owners allow each bride access to a room full of rustic decor and table settings to help make the day special. I purposely picked colors that would align well with the venue to make decorating easier.

2. Take the date of your wedding into consideration.

The season can cement your color choice. I love coffee colored bridesmaids dresses, but I am getting married in March. Typically, there are no leaves on trees in March. If we take pictures outside, my bridesmaids could blend in with the background while wearing brown. Jewel tones seem to provide the perfect contrast for my wedding and that time of year.

3. Allow yourself the time to explore multiple options.

You could fall in love with something completely out of your comfort zone. I confidently landed on eggplant because I kept getting drawn to it over several weeks. Eggplant was just one of several color schemes I considered.

4. Look to your everyday style for guidance.

You'll find inspiration in your house, and especially in your closet. Most likely, you'll pick a wedding color that you wear most often. As you can guess, there's a good bit of dark purple shades in my wardrobe.

5. Keep your overall goal in mind.

Above all else, I wanted each of my bridesmaids to feel amazing. Their body types vary and I knew that most would feel best in a dark color. In the end, that's why eggplant was the best choice for our special day.

So MANY Details, So LITTLE Time!

By Kelly Camarote

Picking the right wedding gown was a challenge until realizing I needed to find the right accessories. From the veil and headpiece, to the belts and shoes, the accessory combinations were endless! I turned to one of the fashion greats for inspiration!

Giorgio Armani is quoted as saying, “To create something exceptional your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” So I started my search for accessories armed with Armani’s advice, and then discovered these tips along the way.

1. All the extras can take your wedding gown to the next level.

That was the case with my dress. I tried on the gown at the suggestion of my consultant. On the hanger, the dress felt rather plain. With a belt, the dress morphed into a masterpiece! Add the veil and the look created tears on my face, my Mother’s face and my Maid of Honor’s face.

2. Know what accessories will flatter your look.

Just like there are multiple types of dresses, there are multiple types of belts...and veils….and shoes….and hairpieces….and the list goes on. Try several different types of each accessory to determine which one is going to compliment your style.

3. Pops of color could be the perfect way to shine.

Colorful accessories may allow a bride to show her unique style while staying true to a traditional bridal look. Plus, it could tie the bridal gown to the bridesmaids’ dresses.

4. Oftentimes, less is more.

You want to wear the accessories, rather than having the accessories, or the dress, wear you. You'll know when you've gone overboard. And if you have any question, turn to those you trust: your family, your bridesmaids, and of course your bridal consultant.

5. “Confidence is the best fashion accessory.”

This last tip comes from British Fashion Designer, Vivienne Westwood. Without a doubt, you will be radiant with any outfit. That's true on your wedding day, and each day before and after! So rock whatever you choose!

The Good...The Bad...The Ugly of Wedding Gown Shopping

By Kelly Camarote

At my age, I’ve been a bridesmaid in my fair share of weddings. The job includes helping find the dress that defines a bride’s walk down the aisle. That’s why I felt prepared to find my own wedding dress when my fiance popped the question in August at Myrtle Beach.

JJones Evening Wear was my first stop after Sam and I found our wedding venue. Jill and the entire JJones staff stood by me through the entire process. So I definitely felt honored when Jill asked me to share details about my experience in this blog, the guide to being a JJones Girl.

Even with all my experience searching for dresses, these are the tips I wish someone would have shared with me before I went shopping for the most important dress of my life!

1. Make an appointment.

Ask any of my friends. I am not a pre-planner. So making an appointment goes against my spontaneous nature. But shopping for a dress is not the time to be spontaneous. Whether you come with one person or with a big entourage, you want to try on several dresses without feeling rushed. Plus, an appointment allows the consultants to prepare with several options you may like before you arrive. At JJones, I tried on at least 10 different gowns to ensure I could say, “Yes!” with confidence.

2. Keep an open mind.

I had modeled dresses for JJones in a local bridal show before searching for my dress. I thought one of the dresses I had modeled was “the one!” I tried that dress on during my appointment and I still loved it. But I didn’t stop with that dress. I tried on a ball gown, a fit-and-flare, an A-line and a mermaid. I went after dresses with colored tulle just to see how those would feel. It quickly became clear that the silhouette I landed on worked best for my shape. Although I didn’t pick the dress I modelled in the bridal show, I picked the dress that was perfect for me.

3. Add accessories.

Dresses can look completely different when you add the right accessories. That sure was the case when I found my dress. The dress is simple. But add a belt and the wow factor goes through the roof!

4. You will cry when you put on the veil.

Get ready for it! When you put on the veil, you will get teary-eyed. It happens to the best of us. It was the way I knew I had found the right dress. Remember, there are various options when it comes to veils. They include blusher veils, cathedral veils, shoulder length veils and so many more. So explore the options that will work for you.

5. Be honest with your consultant and trust them.

This is the most important tip I can give you. Be honest with your consultant. They are truly experts when it comes to everything related to your bridal outfit. Whether it’s your budget or how you feel about the look of a dress, tell them all about your concerns. They are there to help you from start to finish. Plus, trust them when they suggest ordering a certain size, even if it’s bigger than the size you think you’ll be on your wedding day. It’s easier to make alterations than to rely on losing those couple extra pounds.