Lilac Dress Boutique

Lilac Dress Boutique's Vendor Trunk Show

2012-02-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hope you can join us for this local vendor trunk show!

Jenny Yoo Voletta Gown

2012-02-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

New Jenny Yoo Gowns

2012-02-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Coming in March. . . trust me, your search will be over!

Theia White Collection

2012-01-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

You won't want to miss checking out our brand new collection of wedding gowns by Theia. Classic silhouettes with just the right amount of bling and sass. Come in and wee them--they arrive in just a few days!

Hanky Pankies. . . the perfect stocking stuffer

2011-12-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

Eggplant, mint green, buttercup yellow, fuschia. . . I bet you don't have THESE colors in your 'dainties' drawers. Pop by and pick up a pair for you, or a friend. Everyone loves Hanky-panky!

Bridal Trunk Show January 6 - 8, 2012

2011-12-09T12:29:00.001-08:00

Bridal Trunkshow!

2011-12-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

Please join us for our 4th annual bridal trunkshow.
Featuring 2012 bridal gowns by Nicole Miller, Jenny Yoo, Siri and Lynn Lugo.

January 6 thru 8.

Call for an appointment.

Holiday Shopping Afternoon

2011-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

Make sure you mark your calenders. . . on December 3rd from 12 - 5pm we'll be hosting 6 fabulous local designers. Patti Popovich, Malia, Karri Gunnerson Jose, Bird & Whale, Lydia, and Annie Heller will all be here with their locally crafted jewelry and gift ideas. These one-of-a-kind goodies won't last long. . . and nor will the freshly baked pastries and glasses of bubbly we'll be serving. Don't miss out on joining us to celebrate the hap-happiest time of the year ;)

New Store Hours!

2011-11-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Workers of the world need a little love too. To keep you from having to leave work at 4pm, from now on Lilac is going to stay open until 6pm during the week.

So now you know how to make the most of happy hour!

Lilac Dress Boutique

Hobo Handbag Trunk Show

2011-07-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Make sure you join us for our first annual fall Hobo Trunk Show On Thursday August 25 from 5-8pm. We'll have a sneak peek at the new bags as well as door prizes and gift with purchase for the first 10 shoppers. Also, 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Alameda Education Foundation.

Jeans and Tees

2011-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ready for those lazy summer days (and nights)? We mow have a fabulous collection of casual ready-to-wear. . . six styles of AG jeans; Sanctuary cargo pants; Bailey 44 tees; Susana Monaco halter tops. The list goes on (and on). Come and see me--you won't be disappointed.

New from "butter by Nadia"

2011-03-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Come and see for yourself why this designer creates my most popular dresses and gowns!

"Prettied"

2011-03-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

These hand-made vintage accessories are all one-of-a-kind. Local designer Amy Ellis makes these and oh so many more. Come and try her pretties on in person! She'll even meet you at my shop with her goodies and custom design a piece with you.

Another new Nicole Miller Wedding Gown. . .

2011-03-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

This strapless (style # FA0027) curves snugly around the derriere. . . and conceals any trouble spots on the belly. You'll feel stunning when you put it on!

Taste of a new Nicole Miller Spring 2011 Gown

2011-03-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

Silk Stretch CDC Style # EP0010: a gorgeous gown with a twist front and an asymetrical strap.

Got Butter. . . ?

2011-03-02T12:43:00.001-08:00

You'll want to eat the Spring 2011 "Butter by Nadia" dresses up!

New Spring 2011 Nicole Miller wedding gowns

2011-03-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

Check out the vampish new Spring 2011 wedding gowns from Nicole Miller!

Style number FA0031

New Spring 2011 Nicole Miller wedding gowns

2011-03-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the vampish new Spring 2011 wedding gowns from Nicole Miller!

Style number EK0032

Adele Wechsler trunk Show

2011-02-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, Adele is sending me a wonderful array of her Eco-Couture wedding gowns. All these samples will be on sale for $1500. This is an AMAZING deal. Don't miss out--they'll be here in the beginning of March.

Congratulations Kara and Fred!

2011-02-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Raffle

2011-02-01T13:18:00.001-08:00

Pop by and pick up a $10 raffle ticket. . . and you could win a Butter Wrap Dress. All proceeds go to local middle-schooler Isabella Flores so she can go on her Graduation Trip to Washington DC. She is doing her best to raise money herself (walk-a-thons and the like) but will need e little extra support. Lets help her!

Bridal Veils

2011-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

They finish off the dress perfectly. . . and we have them! Beautiful, tasteful veils you will feel pretty (not silly!) in. They wear beautifully with our Nicole Miller, Siri and Lynn Lugo wedding gowns and you can remove them after the ceremony and replace with a fresh or silk flower. Just wait till you try one!

Bridal Trunk Show

2011-01-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

Well. . . the Trunk Show was an enormous success! And it gave my brides a sneak peek, but don't fret if you didn't make it, the best of the 2011 Nicole Miller dresses will arrive at the end of the month. They are glamorous, slinky, and sexy; you'll never want to take them off. Make sure you come by and see for yourself. Oh, and best of all, you don't need an appointment. See you soon!

Holiday Shopping Night

2010-10-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

With the holidays are fast approaching, we'll be holding our annual Shopping Night on December 2nd from 4 - 8pm. As always we'll have bubbly and some cookies to enjoy while you peruse the racks. We'll also have jewelry from two jewelry designers. And, last but not least. . . 15% of all proceeds will be donated to the Alameda Education Foundation. Why not plan to pop by and pick up a few presents and support our local schools at the same time?
See you soon!.

Another Happily Ever After

2010-10-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

This picture says it all. Congratulations to the lovely couple. (What better place to get married than on a beach in Fiji?)

Adele Wechsler's Cassia Wedding Gown

2010-05-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another of Adele's gowns--made of hemp and remnants of silk organza. In a couple of months, I'll have a shot of this on one of my local brides. . . stay posted for another real wedding shot.

Adele Wechsler's Eco-Couture Fern Gown

2010-05-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

I knew the moment I saw this collection that I wanted it for my store. When I spoke to Adele and she agreed to simplify the line and create a more suitable collection for my shop, I fell in love! From the linen-like quality of the hemp, to the crisp, rich shantung, these are truly unforgettable dresses. Come and take a look for yourself!!!

Janet and Todd, Carmel Valley

2010-05-25T14:54:00.001-07:00

What a great shot! Their wedding was at Janet's childhood summer camp. Janet is wearing the Veronique Stretch Jacquard dress by Nicole Miller. Her bridesmaids wore Nanette Lepore (Got to love Janet for not putting them in traditional bridesmaid dresses!). And her mom wore a gorgeous blue Lynn Lugo Mother of the Bride suit. Definitely one of my favorite brides of all time. . .

Nicole Miller Cocktail Dresses

2010-05-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

With the success of the Nicole Miller wedding gown collection, we've decided to carry their cocktail dresses too! Come in and take a peek. The hottest little one is a "Pretty Woman" black lace on nude background which will take your guy's breath away!

Casual Summer Dresses

2010-05-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

After multiple requests, we went shopping! And came up with even more amazing casual dresses. Come in and see buttery soft jersey sundresses by Bailey 44; vibrant, washable supplex dresses by Susana Monaco; and fabulous prints by our old stand-bys, Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk. You won't be able to leave empty-handed!

Carrie D. Mader Jewelry

2010-02-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

I just picked up a great new bridal jewelry line. . . dainty, feminine, and unique. You will wear these pieces for life! Come by and take a look--or get a sneak peek at Carrie's website--www.carriedmader.com

Second Annual Prom Promotion

2010-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Its that time again. Prom season is sneaking up on us, and back by popular demand, I'm offering my Prom Promotion:

Save 10% off your prom dress. . . OR let me donate that 10% back to your high school.

Time to come and try on some fabulous dresses; see you soon!

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

From January 14 till the end of the month, 10% of all sales from Lilac will go to the Red Cross. Every little bit helps. . . we can make a difference; let's do it together.

Adele Wechsler's Eco-Couture Wedding Gowns

2009-12-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

This fantastic Toronto designer is one of the pioneers of eco-friendly wedding fashion. . . and she and her team are a dream to work with. They use vegetable-dyed silk and hemp as well as remnant fabrics and support fair trade. Everything is produced in Canada. She has also simplified 6 of her gowns for my boutique so they appeal to the less traditional bride. On top of this, if you buy a gown during our trunk show on Jan 8 - 10, 2010, she will send you a hand-painted watercolor of your dress, plant a tree in your honor, and monogram your initials into your gown. All that, AND you support our planet. Doesn't get much better than that! I'll have 10 of her dresses on show during our event in January. See more of her collection at: www.adelewechsler.com

Introducing . . . BCBG Max Azria

2009-12-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to have just received my first shipment from this amazing designer. I've got two printed dresses (one of which can double as a tunic) and an absolutely incredible layer cut evening gown in champagne and black. And I ordered some gorgeous gowns for prom 2010 which will arrive in the New Year. Come by to take a look!

Holiday Shopping Night!

2009-11-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

Come by and enjoy 15% off the entire store on Friday November 13, from 4 - 8pm. We will have guest jewelry designer Ory here as well as holiday dress samples by Maria Bianca Nero available for special order.

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and add a little sparkle to your night!

Bridal Trunkshow in January, 2010

2009-11-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

Make an appointment to come from January 7 through 10th, 2010 for a bridal trunk show. This dress is one of the new Nicole Miller crinkle wedding gowns, but we will have more than you can imagine. . . from Nicole Miller as well as Siri and Lynn Lugo.
We will also have other wedding vendors here to show you their floral arrangements, photography, jewelry. Call for an appointment and make this a one-stop shop! See you soon!

Robyn's Wedding in Italy

2009-11-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

These two were married in Italy last month! Robyn chose a Nicole Miller wedding gown and gave her friends colorful cashmere wraps as a gift. What a beautiful couple. . . and they had a great honeymoon idea: to travel around the country after the wedding with two other couples. Best of luck to you both!

Sarah Giggling In Sibley

2009-10-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

I love this photograph. It was taken by a good friend of mine called Anne Kohler--she does weddings, kids, family shots . . . And as you can see, she truly captures the moment. Check out more of her work on her website: www.annekohler.com
In addition to being a great photographer, she is really down-to-earth and fun--an absolute hoot--you'll love meeting her!
Sarah is wearing a Nicole Miller wedding gown and jewelry by local designer Colleen Debratto. Feel free to pop by and see more dresses in person.

Tamara and Oliver's Wedding in NYC

2009-10-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! Another great real wedding shot from Tamara and Oliver. She's wearing the Nicole Miller double face satin cross-back gown with a hair flower by Happenstance Designs, and he's wearing sneakers. I LOVE IT!
Thanks for the great shot . . . and congratulations!

Fashion Shoot at the Oakland Aviation Museum

2009-09-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

Maurice Ramirez did a fun photo shoot with a new rose petal bubble dress by Portland designer Amai Unmei. There are five petal color options with matching silk sashes.
London is beautiful in the feminine, flirty pink.

Flowers by Susan Bell

2009-09-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I recently met a wonderful local florist who made this arrangement for my shop. She has a terrific, creative and unusual eye, and is very down-to-earth. None of the crazy wedding racket for her. In fact, she so enjoys what she does that when she passes my windows, if I have a dress which inspires her, she creates an arrangement to complement it. Who wouldn't want someone like this to do their wedding?

Nicole Miller Beaded Yoke Waist Gown--Style EA0008

2009-09-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have a fun story about this one. . . several months ago a bride called Kate came into the store. And fell in love with this dress. We ordered it. Then she came back with a GORGEOUS pair of light pink and gold shoes. Next, she met with Cathy, our seamstress from Alameda Sewing Cottage, and they chose pink and gold crystals to replace the pearl beading at the waist. And finally, Kate met Colleen, my favorite jewelry designer (www.colleendebrattodesigns.com) and they designed pink and gold swarovski crystal chandelier earrings.
The wedding is at the beginning of October and she is going to be the most unusual and stunning bride ever! Hooray for Nicole Miller with a twist. . . photos as soon as I have one!

Nicole Miller Metal Taffeta Wedding Gown--Style HG0013

2009-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

This dress has been part of her wedding collection for years, but she just switched to a brighter more traditional color of this interesting fabric. (its 25 % copper). It's perfect for a church or a beach wedding. . . and the wrinkles are part of the fabric, so you'll always look fabulous!

Nicole Miller Stretch Metal Bridal Gown--Style CQ0010

2009-09-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

So this dress started as a silk evening gown in black and red. Then it slipped into the bridesmaid collection in a variety of other colors. After that, it moved into the bridal collection in antique white silk where it is still one of the most beautiful simple wedding dresses I've ever seen. And now, it is available in this shiny stretch crinkle fabric with a gold band on the bottom. Terrific to wear, and painless to buy at only $620.
Come and try it on for yourself. Its like wearing your pajamas!
By the way, it does come in other colors too.

Butter by Nadia Satin Wrap Dress

2009-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Maurice Ramirez recently borrowed one of my Butter by Nadia satin wrap dresses for a photo shoot in San Diego. This beautiful picture is the result. These dresses are one-size-fits-all and come in a wide array of colors in both satin and rayon jersey. Perfect for a party, wedding or tooling around town on a hot day! You won't want to take it off--trust me!

Nicole Miller Taryn Wedding Gown Style Number DI0014

2009-09-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

In a brilliant move, Nicole Miller took her best-selling wedding gown and added a frame of feminine lace, making the dress a little more detailed and bra-friendly at the same time. Pop in to try this one on, or to see the original--style number CO0035.
See you soon!

Amanda's Wedding Gown

2009-09-19T14:41:00.001-07:00

Amanda was one of my first brides when I opened in Alameda . . . she is absolutely stunning in the silk Lynn Lugo "Jonna" gown. She's also one of my favorite brides ever!
(Shots are by Real Exposure Photography)

Katie's Bridesmaids

2009-09-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Katie's bridesmaids looked gorgeous in these Butter by Nadia signature wrap dresses. And in a soft rayon jersey that is machine washable, they will definitely wear them again. (I have 2 myself!)

Prom Photo Shoot 2009

2009-06-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Krystal is modeling a Maria Bianca Nero tube dress with beading and feathers at the hem. This dress is a contemporary version of a flapper dress with a sexy, stretchy bodice. Come in to see this dress and a gorgeous version with white beading and feathers!
Thank you Maurice (Mauriceramirez.com) for the amazing pictures!

Prom Photo Shoot, May 2009

2009-06-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

We recently had a fun photo shoot (courtesy of Maurice Ramirez).
Monica--an Alameda High School student--is modeling a black organza ruffle mini dress by Maria Bianca Nero. She is one of my favorite designers; all her dresses are flirty and feminine and definitely stand out in a crowd!

Nicole Miller Plunging Halter

2009-04-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

This Nicole Miller is an old Hollywood classic. Made from flowing silk charmeuse, it has a plunging neckline and twist-back which drape into a hip-hugging bias skirt. Everyone feels like a million dollars in this dress!

Local Alameda hair accessory designer

2009-04-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

"Happenstance" is a local Alameda company started by Clarice Thenard. She designs delicate silk flower hairpieces on headbands and alligator clips and adds a playful touch with maribou and guinea feathers. She can also customize these gorgeous ring-pillows to match your wedding colors. Birdcage veils coming soon!!

(Photos courtesy of another local Alamedan--Maurice Ramirez)

Nicole Miller Silk Cap Sleeve Wedding Gown

2009-03-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

We recently had a fun photo session with a local Alamedan, photographer Maurice Ramirez. He truly captured the demure yet flirtatious sensuality of this Nicole Miller silk wedding gown.

The cap sleeve can also be worn sexily, slipped off the shoulder. Nicole Miller's trademark rusching emphasizes the bust and waist, at the same time concealing any imperfections. This is just one of twenty luscious gowns you can try.

Check out some of the other great shots taken in the store on Maurice's blog.

Welcome to the blog of Lilac Dress Boutique

2009-03-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hi.
We're a small dress boutique in Alameda, California. We specialize in non-traditional wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, black tie and prom. Our goal is to provide sophisticated, sexy and classic wedding gowns at affordable prices.

We carry one of the largest collections of Nicole Miller wedding gowns in Northern California, but also strive to feature local designers like Lynn Lugo and Siri.

Other temptations include sassy, cocktail dresses by Maria Bianca Nero; flirty sundresses by Susana Monaco and Trina Turk; girly frocks by Nanette Lepore; and the eternally versatile and colorful signature wrap dress by Butter by Nadia.