CHARLESTON MAGAZINE'S NEW ONLINE DINING GUIDE
The City Magazine Since 1975

Summer in the City

Monday, July 2, 2012



July 2, 2012

Summer in the City

Check out these irresistible sales and can’t-miss events for brides-to-be


Written by Lizzie Gheorghita

We know the beach and pools are calling as summer peaks this month, but trust us, you’ll want to pull on your coverup and head into town for some of these great events. A few standouts: a wedding expo with 60-plus vendors, a sweet “Christmas in July” celebration, “Operation Bridal Gown,” and a killer LulaKate satin sale. Read on for details!

Now Through July 8
We always love heading to Out of Hand to score thank you notes, reception décor, shower attire, wedding jewelry, and more. So you better bet we’ll be there this holiday week for their sidewalk sale that’s helping to clear floor room for some neat doings (flowers to go, anyone?) in the Old Village shop. With select merchandise marked down by up to 50 percent, there are sure to be major deals on summer clothing, shoes, and more. About those fleurs? You can now by blooms by the stem, pick out your own funky, sweet, or classic vase, and have an arrangement made on site for you to take home. Sounds like the perfect thank-you for a shower hostess.
Out of Hand, 113C Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, (843) 856-3585, www.shopoutofhand.com

Throughout July
Satin enthusiasts, listen up. Through the end of the July, LulaKate is having a sale on certain colors of all satin styles in the store. Shades included in the sale are: aluminum, black, buttercup, champagne, melon, night, off-white, periwinkle, raspberry, royal, and wine. Satin bridesmaid dresses in the discounted hues will be going for $189; Grace Dresses, $148; and Lauren Dresses, $168. (And take note of LulaKate’s summer promo, too, which adds an extra five percent discount to all purchases of bridesmaid dresses and wedding gowns.)
LulaKate, 310-B King Street, (843) 805-7193, www.lulukate.com

Throughout July
Jump over to Jean’s Bridal in Mount Pleasant for major discounts while their summer-long sale continues this month. The boutique—whose lines include Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Alfred Sung, and Watters and Watters (just to name a few)—will be offering 20 to 75 percent off all in-stock wedding gowns.
Jean’s Bridal, 798 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, (843) 881-2056, www.jeansbridalcharleston.com

Throughout July
There’s more than one reason to head to Skatell’s this month. Not only will you get a free gift with every purchase of a Swiss Army watch (a great groom’s gift), you can also find the new Debbie Brooks designer handbags—a perfect complement to any engagement or wedding fête frock.
Skatell’s, 1036 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, (843) 849-8488; 1798 Ashley River Road, West Ashley, (843) 763-8925; www.skatells.com

Throughout July
Bella Bridesmaid is holding an amazing sample sale of discontinued styles all summer long. Discounted dresses range from $50 to $200. If you’re looking for an engagement party dress, look no further, or if you’ve got a small bridal party (say, one to three attendants), you’re likely to score big. Designers include Amsale, Coren Moore, and Carol Hannah, among others.
Bella Bridesmaid, 341 King Street, Suite C, (843) 425-8079, www.bellabridesmaid.com

Throughout July
Need a present for your groom? In-stock Philip Stein watches are currently 50 percent off at Croghan’s Jewel Box. Mentioned twice on Oprah’s list of “favorite things,” these watches have a reputation of helping the wearer perform and focus better, stress less, and sleep more soundly. Tall order, but we’re certainly impressed.
Croghan’s Jewel Box, 308 King Street, (843) 723-3594, www.croghansjewelbox.com

Throughout July
It’s difficult not to find something at Loy Harn Jewelers (and it’s always fun to play dress up with their jewelry). New to their store is the Nina Nguyen line, featuring wearable and pretty earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Try on anything from white druzy stones to amethyst geodes. Also, they have 54 new engagement ring mountings in 18K white gold and diamonds.
Loy Harn Jewelers, 1485 Hwy 17 North, Suite B, Mount Pleasant, (Wando Crossing Shopping Center), (843) 881-0111, www.loyharnjewelers.com

Throughout July & August
Kira Elizabeth Designs is offering a whopping 25 percent discount on alterations for appointments booked between now and the end of August. Calling all fall brides on this one…ease some of your planning stress by having your dress fitted now.
Kira Elizabeth Designs, (843) 754-5464, www.kiraelizabethdesigns.com

July 6 & 7
Drop by Bella Bridesmaid for the 31 Bits traveling trunk show, featuring their gorgeous new line of bridal jewelry. Like the company’s other collections, each piece is made out of 100 percent recycled materials and crafted by women in Uganda.
Bella Bridesmaid, 341 King Street, (843) 425-8079, www.bellabridesmaid.com

July 11
Are either you or your fiancé on active duty for the military? If so, don’t miss this chance to make your dream dress a reality. The Bridal House of Charleston is teaming up with the nonprofit organization Brides Across America to bring “Operation Wedding Gown” to Charleston’s military brides. The Bridal House will be giving away 30 to 40 free gowns from designers like Jim Hjelm, Justin Alexander, and Alva. Be sure to pre-register for the event by calling the number listed below.
The Bridal House of Charleston, #20 1055 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard., Mount Pleasant, (843) 971-1477, www.bridalhousesc.com

July 13 & 14
Amsale fans, get ready. The designer’s newest collection is coming to town with this trunk show at Bella Bridesmaid. Stop by to see the freshest pieces from the elegant, understated line of attendant fashion.
Bella Bridesmaid, 341 King Street, (843) 425-8079, www.bellabridesmaid.com

July 15
Get your fill of all (and we mean all) things Charleston weddings at this exciting expo coming to the Charleston Marriott. Live music, passed hors d’oeuvres, and weddings cake samples will set the mood for The Charleston Bridal Show (lasting from noon to 5 p.m.), in which you can interact with more than 60 local vendors—from wedding planners and photographers to musicians, caterers, and florists. Pre-pay group admission is available online and tickets are $10 at the door.
The Charleston Marriott, 170 Lockwood Boulevard, (843) 452-3950, www.awonderfulwedding.com/bridal_show.htm

July 21
Do you or your significant other sport a TAG Heuer watch? If so, don’t miss this TAG Heuer event coming to REEDS Jewelers. A certified watchmaker will be in the house, ready to replace your batteries or perform other maintenance-related services to your wrist clock. Additional Tag Heuer merchandise will be on sale, as well, so it’s a prime time to check out potential groom’s gifts.
REEDS Jewelers, 2150 Northwoods Blvd, (843) 416-3174, www.reeds.com

July 20-25
‘Tis the season! For a dose of mid-summer Yuletide cheer, take a break from roaming Canonborough’s Wedding Quarter (Magar Hatworks, Mac & Murphy, Calder Clark Designs, Jenn Affair, WED, Tiger Lily, WildFlour, Maddison Row, Leigh Webber Photo, stems, Blossoms, and Carmen Ash are all right there) to visit Sugar Bakeshop’s “Christmas in July.” The Cannon Street bakery will be serving up summer-fit twists on holiday classics, including hot chocolate popsicles, peppermint stick ice cream, and gingerbread-topped chocolate cake. Ideas aplenty for winter brides.
Sugar Bakeshop, 59 ½ Cannon Street, (843) 579-2891, www.sugarbake.com

July 27 & 28
Worried about finding a dress that’s fitting for both for your ceremony and your reception? Well look no further than the Erin Grey Couture trunk show coming to Fabulous Frocks. With an array of mix-and-match separates, you’ll be able to find the perfect top and bottom(s) to fashion your dream bridal look.

Fabulous Frocks, 100 Church Street, (843) 754-1855, www.fabulousfrocksofcharleston.com