Discover local companies

Lisa Farley At Mousetrap Dress Boutique

When did your passion for fashion start?

I’ve always had a huge interest in fashion and interior design. I used to make and sell my jewellery in the original shop in Chichester before falling in love with the boutique and eventually taking it over. I started selling casual clothing and party dresses, which grew and evolved into the Mousetrap we love today. We are home to one of Hampshire’s biggest collections of wedding gowns, bridalwear, and prom/ evening dresses.

What do you offer the wedding party?

Mousetrap has been in business for more than 50 years, but I have owned and successfully run the boutique for 27 years. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for all things bridal! We can dress you and your entire bridal party, from your gorgeous flowergirls to your elegant mother. We can match your groomsmen’s ties and pocket squares with the beautiful bridesmaids’ dresses!

What trends can we expect this summer?

Expect to see lots of florals for Summer ’23! Plenty of gorgeous sleeve options will be for ethereal and whimsical weddings. There will always be pearls and lots of glitter!

What is your favourite part of the job?

Our favourite part of the job is creating life-long memories for our brides and their loved ones. Our ultimate goal is to make this a joyous and meaningful experience for all. We love getting to know you and your bridal party, so we can help create looks for everyone involved in the wedding to make them feel comfortable and amazing.

What’s advice that you can share with couples?

It’s hard to try and please everyone, so remember why you’re getting married if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Celebrate your love, and don’t compromise on things that make your day even more special. Do what makes you happy! Check out: www.mousetrapdressboutique.co.uk

Dawn Clarke At Dawn Clarke Designs

When did your passion for fashion start?

I went into a creative frenzy after breaking the arm off my doll at the age of seven and decided she needed some new clothes – I’ve never stopped sewing!

What do you offer the wedding party?

The company started in 2019 with bespoke children’s clothing for special occasions. Since then, the business has continued to grow, offering bespoke gowns and a small collection of flowergirl dresses. Each piece is designed by me and manufactured in Britain by a lovely small company in Somerset, keeping our carbon footprint low. We also continue to offer special occasion clothing for boys too!

What trends can we expect this summer?

It’s all about keeping it simple this summer! Choose a plain colour, such as white or ivory, and add a playful shade or texture. Adding a pop of colour could be achieved using a contrasting sash, big bow, or crown headpiece. Choose a white/ivory dress and add a textured polka dot organza skirt or silk fabric with embroidered flowers.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

I love designing and helping brides with ideas before sewing a little stitch of magic into the garment, sometimes sewing secret messages inside for a special surprise on the day!

What’s one piece of advice that you can share with couples?

If you’re buying a flowergirl dress, choose something that isn’t too fussy so that it can be worn again to parties, family lunches and gatherings. Check out: https://dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk

Whether it’s a hypoallergenic, stackable set of stainless steel rings for your sister, a sterling silver pendant necklace for your mum, or a pearl pendant necklace just for you, Tocara has it all. Our latest collections will dazzle you! Tocara offers nothing but perfection.

Clairey’s Tocara. vickersclaire@icloud.com www.tocara.com/en-gb/Claire

Mother of the Bride & Groom at

Hampshire and Dorset’s largest stockist of Mother of the Bride and Groom.

To celebrate being in business for 30 years we are offering a special promotion for the month of May. Any full priced outfit will receive a 50% discount on any matching millenary and many incredible outfits with 30% off.

We are also pleased to announce we have just won Guides For Brides National Customer Service Awards for the 5th consecutive year.

We have over 1000 dresses in store to take away with you on the day so you can be sure of lots of choice in sizes 6-30. Please contact us for your 1-1 appointment with one of our friendly knowledgeable style experts.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat 10-4pm

Closed Wed & Sun Please email info@charismaoffawley.co.uk or phone 02380 894500.

A great dress doesn’t happen by accident, It happens with an appointment at Charisma

School Road, Fawley, Southampton, SO45 1EA www.charismaoffawley.co.uk

Cheryl Warburton At Cw Hats And Accessories Ltd

When did your passion for fashion start?

My passion for fashion started when I was in school. I studied fashion and textiles in college and was going to continue my education in fashion, but I decided that I wanted to earn some money. I returned to my fashion career six years ago when I found millinery.

What do you offer the wedding party?

CW Hats and Accessories has been open for three years, but I have been doing millinery for six years. We offer bespoke unique hats and fascinators to match your outfit, including bridal and bridesmaids’ headpieces. We also stock wedding shoes, pashminas, clutch bags and wedding gifts.

What trends can we expect this summer?

The trends this summer are hot pinks and purples as well as white. We also expect to see sculptured and large-brimmed headpieces.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I love seeing customers’ faces when they first try on the headpiece I made; some have even cried tears of happiness.

What’s advice that you can share with couples?

Treasure every moment as life is too short!

Check out: https://cwhatsandaccessories.co.uk

Anneliese Ward At Chameleon Bride

When did your passion for fashion start?

I have always loved clothes from a young age. My mum has pictures of me trying to walk in her high heels when I was four years old! I spent my teens sketching pictures of evening dresses and have always loved the glamour of going to special events where you can really get a chance to dress up. Working with mums and brides to find the most special dresses is a real dream.

What do you offer the wedding party?

Chameleon is celebrating 39 years of dressing women. We originally started as an occasion wear shop before moving into bridal as well, and we have now expanded to offer three shops.

What trends can we expect this summer?

Expect lots of colour! Gone are the days when mum-of-the-bride/ grooms like to blend into the background of a wedding. We have seen a massive demand for bright, bold colours such as fuchsias, shamrock green and cobalt blues. Print is also making a huge comeback, with bold florals in floaty chiffons in huge demand.

What is your favourite part of the job?

We love seeing the confidence a great outfit can give a mum. Mums often come in apologising for how they look, and you can see the change in their demeanour when they wear an outfit that makes them feel like a million dollars. We sometimes even get tears!

What’s one piece of advice that you can share with couples? Do your research, and don’t leave shopping to the last minute.

Occasion wear differs significantly from the high street; we only get two deliveries yearly. We cannot reorder an outfit once it has gone, so ensure you’re ready to commit when shopping. Check out: www.chameleonbride.co.uk