Sydney's Closet at Prom and Bridal Show at the Atlanta Apparel Mart

Thanks to all the buyers from across the U.S. and around the world who visited us yesterday during  Preview Day of the big Prom and Bridal Show at the Atlanta Apparel Mart.  We were very busy in Room 10N302 having fun showing our Spring 2012 Collection of plus size dresses for Prom 2012, Bridal and Evening. The Fashion Team loved seeing our friends from stores that already carry Sydney’s Closet Signature Collection.

Buyers from TJ Formal in Joplin, MO got an extra big hug!  We were relieved to know that their huge store and homes escaped any damage from the deadly tornado.
We’re super excited to welcome stores from Mississippi, Indiana and Pennsylvania to our ever-growing list of retail partners authorized to carry our Signature Collections.
Of course it’s still too early in the show to pick the top sellers, but if Preview Day is any indication , style SC3028, a dreamy one-strap ball gown with beaded bodice and tulle skirt
layered in violet and blue is going to be a glam slam!  So will SC7048, a one-shoulder  A-line formal dress in an  attention-getting multi-color graphic print with a dramatic sweep skirt.
We re-open the showroom at 9 AM Wednesday when the five-day show officially starts.  If you’re in Atlanta, please come see us at the show!  We’d love to show you the line.

Sydney's Closet Photo Shoot: Fall 2011 Cocktail Collection and Prom 2012 Collection

From left, super talented models Yanderis Lodos, Kelsey Olson, Caralyn Mirand and Denise Bidot flank Phyllis Brasch Librach, center, President and Founder of Sydney's Closet.

The Fashion Team and Models had a fabulous time at yesterday's photo shoot for Sydney's Closet Fall 2011 Cocktail Collection and Prom 2012!  These gorgeous ladies modeled evening gowns, ball gowns, cocktail dresses, and prom dresses.  The models loved some of the sexy cocktail gowns so much, they placed orders already!

It took a crew of more than a dozen to pull off the incredibly smooth two-day shoot:  photographer, photographer’s assistant, videographer (look for very fun behind-the-scenes video coming soon!),stylist, hair, makeup, wardrobe mistress, dressers, and alterations. One big reason the shoot ran without a hitch is that Mickey Librach acted as production assistant coordinating every last detail from what to order for lunch to making sure every model held up a style number before we shot a dress!

We loved shooting at Studio Altius in Maplewood. It’s a super spacious and comfortable space complete with dressing room, makeup stations and full kitchen with counter and bar stools.  The hottest place to chill was the comfy lounge with a large flat screen showing images straight from the photographer’s camera.  We’ll definitely be shooting there again!

Fashion team member Ann sewing

Ann fitting model Caralyn Mirand

Models Denise and Caralyn get a caffeine jolt before they head for hair and makeup

No time to change so Anne takes out the wrinkles while Yanderis still wears the dress!

Jessica Dana does a quick after lunch touch up on model Denise Bidot's makeup

Yanderis Lodos is all smiles as makeup artist Kasey Lamm gets her ready to go on set

Technical Designer Anne Warmer fixes delicate beading on a 2012 Prom dress so it's perfect for the photo shoot

Hair Stylist John Napoli curls the long golden locks of model Kelsey Olson

Anne and Phyllis decide make the final tough decision on which model wears what styles!

Getting ready for the Sydney's Closet photo shoot

Production Coordinator Mickey Librach finalizes the lineup for the models with the photographer's assistant

Phyllis loves the creative ideas of videographer Rick Dilly as they get ready to roll

The Crew on day one

The Low Down on High-Low Dresses

Trend Alert!  For 2011, Prom dresses with high-low hemlines are all the rage. 

What's a high-low dress?  It's really simple. The front of the dress features a skirt with a shorter length skirt.  The back of the dress dips low to the floor.  The result: the best of both worlds in one dress.  The front is styled with the fun of a flirty cocktail dress that hits at or above the knees.  The back of the dress drapes with the elegance of a formal evening gown. 

Now the trend extends to almost every special occasion dress.
We're spotting high-low hemlines on wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and evening dresses. Style savvy shoppers love the chance to show off their great legs and create a real head-to-toe glam look with show-stopping shoes.
Designers just want to have fun with the hi-low hems whether they use chiffon, taffeta, satin or lace fabric. Some create a real fashion pop by lining the skirt in a contrasting color or playful polka dots. Others make a  fashion roar by lining the dress in a bold animal print. 

Here at Sydney's Closet, the Fashion Team is working hard on a high-low dress for Prom 2012. Of course, the new design is still under wraps. But we can tell you the 2012 Prom dress will feature a form-fitting bodice with a sweetheart neck and a skirt that skims the knees in the front and falls to the floor in the back.  The look is sure to make a dramatic entrance - and exit- at Prom 2012!

Do you think this trend is tasteful? tracky? trashy?
Would you wear a high-low dress to Prom 2012 or to your next special occasion? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you!

Sydney's Closet Expanded Store Now Open

Super talented artist Mary Rinney just put the finishing touches on the newly remodeled Sydney's Closet store location in suburban St. Louis by hand painting in glamorous gold letters what's behind each door. Now no one has to guess where to find the powder room or comfy dressing room!

Shoppers love the spacious, bright space with tons of room for friends and family to take a front row seat when they step on the mirrored runway to model a fabulous dress. Best of all, the expanded store means you can browse twice as many plus size dresses for Prom, Brides, Bridesmaids, Mothers of the Bride and Groom. No wonder Happy Customers drive from as far as Chicago, Louisville and Kansas City to shop at Sydney's Closet only retail location.

What do you think of the changes? Leave us a comment and let us know - we love hearing from you!

Can't make it to the store? Everyone can shop online at SydneysCloset.com.