Our New Blog!

We're working hard to overcome our somewhat technically challenged crew at Anna Be and have launched a new blog that we hope will be a better version of our existing blog. It will still include all of the latest events. But, our new blog will also allow us to keep updated information about our designers, a section for our brides to post to and share pictures, as well as post our latest sample gowns! It's still a little bit of a work in progress, but from here on out please check out http://blog.anna-be.com for the very latest at Anna Be!

Junko Yoshioka Trunk Show

Wow! We just got in the dresses for the Junko Yoshioka trunk show and they are amazing! Touches of feathers, hand-pieced details, slim silhouettes, fuller skirts, short dresses - it's an unbelievable collection full of architectural details. The trunk show is from Friday the 5th - Sunday the 7th. There's still a few available appointments so call today to schedule one today. Gowns range from $2,600 - $10,000 and all Junko purchases will receive a 10% discount during the weekend.

Anna Be Birthday Bash

We're turning 2 and celebrating with 2 full weeks of amazing gifts for our wonderful brides! From November 20th thru December 4th, for every bride who purchases a gown during this time period will have her pick of gifts from the absolute best in the wedding industry. It's a first come, first serve and the gifts include everything from a night at the Magnolia Hotel, dinner for two from Eat Catering, free spa sessions, portrait sessions with top photographers and so much more!

It's a long list to thank, but we've got amazing presents to celebrate with from Brows, Alchemy, The Oxford Hotel, The Magnolia Hotel, Paige Elizabeth, Cheryl Ungar, Jenna Walker Photography, Marilee Langner, Megan Valentine, Jim Christianson, InPhotography, Bloom Jewelry, Sara Gabriel, Plum Sage Flowers, The Flower House, Christi Johnson, Bird Dog Press, Eat, Mondo Vino, Chocolate Affair, Dramatic Events, Table 6, Pilates Aligned, and a few goodies from Anna Be. Happy Birthday!

Monique Lhuillier Coming Soon...

Wow! We are unbelievably excited to be announcing that we will soon be carrying Monique Lhuillier! Known for gorgeous lace, glamorous fabrics, and out of this world designs. Our fingers are crossed that the first few dresses will be arriving by the end of 2008. We'll keep everyone updated!!!

Part-Time Weekend Associate Wanted

Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for highly motivated individuals to add to our team as a part-time sales associate. Associates are part of the team who work directly with brides assisting them with gown selection and ensuring that their experience is always fun and never stressful. Associates must have excellent communication skills, a passion for design, and an upbeat attitude.

Associates must be willing to work weekends.

Hours and Compensation
We are looking for part-time help to begin immediately and to work through at least March if not longer. Associates will work 8-15 hours per week. Salary and compensation is based on experience.


To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@anna-be.com

Vera Wang Trunk Show November 14 - 16

Vera Wang. The ultimate name in bridal. Artistic. Modern. Luxurious. And for 3 days some of the very latest pieces from her collection will be at Anna Be for a trunk show. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to try on and purchase these fabulous gowns! Appointments are required.

Sara Gabriel 2009 Collection Debut

Short Dress: Long on Style

I'm a little bit out of the tv loop, but in the last week I've heard so many brides talking about the Project Runway finale that I had to check it out for myself. It seems as though people were loving the challenge of designing a wedding dress and lots of folks were lauding that fabulous short dress with the feathers! I can only hope that Kenley goes on to bring that dress to production, but in the meantime there's Stephanie James for flirty frocks with a retro touch. Here's just a couple of images from Stephanie's collection... check out her site for more photos!

http://stephaniejamescouture.com/

Shopping in Chicago!!!

We're in Chicago right now at the National Bridal Market! This is one of the biggest bridal shows bringing in top designers like Augusta Jones and Watters Bridal to show their new collection. We're picking out the the best new dresses to bring back to Anna Be. But be warned, these dresses won't be shipping to us until late winter/early spring (We're just now getting the rest of the fabulous new styles we picked out last spring.).

TRUNK SHOW 411

For most, labor day signals the end of summer...But here at Anna Be labor day signals the start of trunk show season. What exactly is a trunk show you might ask? A trunk show is more than a sale - it's a chance to view oodles of dresses from a specific designer. Typically for a trunk show a designer will send us 30+ dresses - some best sellers and some brand new designs from their latest collection. To compare, we typically have 7-15 dresses from a specific designer at any given time in our store making a trunk show a chance to see dresses and designs that may not even usually be in the state! We'll be posting the upcoming trunk shows on our blog as they get scheduled. Coming up soon... Augusta Jones Trunk Show, September 19th - 21st.

AUGUSTA JONES TRUNK SHOW 9.19 - 9.21

Don't miss your chance to check out the Augusta Jones collection. We'll be featuring the best sellers and the 2009 collection from September 19th - September 21st. Augusta Jones is a hot UK designer known for contemporary clean lines with a twist, http://www.augustajones.com/. The gowns have been featured on Say Yes to The Dress, Brides Magazine and The Knot. Give us a call at 720.855.1111 to schedule your appointment for the trunk show.

Photo Credit - Cheryl Ungar
www.cherylungarweddings.com

New Hours at Anna Be

Summer 2009 seems so far away, but in the wedding dress world it's right around the corner! We recommend that a wedding dress is ordered at least 6-8 months before the wedding and often times even earlier. The dress can set the tone for the entire wedding so a lot of decisions often get put on hold until the dress is purchased, so for peace of mind it's nice to get the dress ordered and off that checklist!

Because it's such a busy time right now, we have extended the hours at Anna Be to make it even easier for our brides. Beginning in August we will be open 6 days a week: Tuesday thru Sunday and during the week we're open from 10:30am till 7pm. We're hoping that this will make it more convenient to visit us after work and with all of your friends and family! See you soon!

5280 Top of the Town

Thank You!!! 5280 just released their annual Top of the Town Issue and we could not be happier to announce that we were voted Readers' Choice. We love our brides and are thrilled that the love is mutual.

Here's what the write up says:

"Ode to Anna Be: We love you because of your beautiful, hip, tasteful gowns and affordable-yet-elegant designers. We love you because of your savvy vibe and laid-back ambience. We love you because bling is not part of your vocabulary. And we especially love you because we don't feel like cupcakes on a pedestal when we try on your gowns."

Thank you dear readers. We love you!!!

Home Sweet Home

Some of you may have heard that we had been thinking about moving locations. We are truly excited to say that we will be staying put in our fabulous home at 32nd and Zuni for the time being. We've been growing and at times feel like we're busting at the seams, but when all was said and done we just could not find another space that had the right layout and the fantastic brick and urban setting of our current home. During the coming months we will be investing some time and effort into maximizing our current space so it's more comfortable for brides, family, and friends. We'll post some pictures as the changes occur and we would love to have you come by and visit!

Highlands Street Fair - June 14th

Don't miss the annual street fest in the heart of Highlands! There will be tons of yummy food, fun bands, and lots of great shopping to check out. We'll have a booth set up on 32nd between Julian and Lowell. If you're there, stop by and say hi!

A Wedding in Wonderland

The other night we attended the ISES Wedding Showcase at the Ritz Carlton and it was truly a spectacular event! The entire theme of the evening was based on Alice in Wonderland and Anna Be helped create a bridal look that would make anyone grin like a cheshire cat.

We had four models at the event wearing simple gowns from Nicole Miller, Vera Wang, Caroline DeVillo and Stephanie James. With the help of incredible hair styling by Erin Ferris, fabulous makeup, and completely over-the-top veils by Sara Gabriel - the models were transformed into a wacky, fashionable look. While the look was a little too much for a typical wedding, we did leave the event hoping that little elements from the day could be used in moderation for the average bride.

Our takeaways...

We've seen the colored sashes and think if you're going for a bit of the flair why not step it up a notch. For the reception make it fabulous with polka-dots, prints, or even a little preppy-striped grosgrain ribbon.

Hair extensions. If you've got short hair, a radical change can be made with a couple of extensions. And if it's too much, maybe it's just a fun look for the rehearsal dinner or bachelorette party.

Simple is not plain. We hear the concern all the time "too plain" "too boring" "not enough sparkle"... This event absolutely proved that you don't need a bedazzled gown to make a statement.

Enjoy the pics! (courtesy of John Heisel)

SPRING LINGERIE SALE

Celebrate the warmer months with some sassy lingerie! For th entire month of May all lingerie will be at a 15% discont - just in time for bridal showers and honeymoons.

Spring Sample Sale: Sunday, March 30th 9am - 6pm

Don't miss the bridal sale of the season! Up to 75% off classic and couture looks. Call 720.855.1111 to schedule your appointment for March 30th. Doors open at 9am.

Augusta Jones Trunk Show March 14 - March 16

Contemporary clean lines with a twist defines the Augusta Jones line. Don't miss your chance to check out the latest collection during the trunk show at Anna Be from March 14th thru March 16th. Call 720.855.1111 to schedule your appointment to try on these gorgeous gowns. Plus, all Augusta Jones purchases will receive a 10% discount during the trunk show.

Caroline DeVillo Trunk Show

Friday 2.22 – Sunday 2.24

Chicago-based bridal designer, Caroline DeVillo, creates vintage-inspired gowns that are meticulously crafted and hand-finished. During the weekend, we will feature DeVillo's newest collection and her best sellers. Appointments for the trunk show are required and we'll be honoring a 10% discount on all Caroline DeVillo gowns during the weekend.
Check out her website at www.carolinedevillo.com

Lela Rose Trunk Show Jan. 31 - Feb 3

Lela Rose Trunk Show - Jan 31 - Feb 2.
For thoroughly modern brides, Lela Rose's collection is the ultimate find. Known for her innovative ready to wear line, Rose brings innovative fabrics and stunning embellishments to redefine elegance. All Lela Rose purchases will receive a 10% discount during the weekend. Appointments are required.
www.lelarose.com

We have a winner!

You made a wish and it came true. Well, for one lucky bride at least. Congrats to Taegen McGurk! The drawing was held on December 29th and according to Taegen we "made [her] year!" when we called to tell her the good news. Taegen will receive a $2,500 credit towards her dream Vera Wang gown and she couldn't be more thrilled. What a fun way to end the year for Taegen and for us. Thank you Taegen and to all of our fabulous brides for helping us celebrate our 1 year milestone. We couldn't have done it without you!