In the past year, the gals at Something New Bridal Boutique have opened and grown a retail business selling designer wedding dresses, mother-of-the-bride apparel and accessories for the big day. Their beautiful storefront imparts a blissful shopping experience�it�s calm, serene atmosphere of light blues, cool whites set the tone, and gorgeous dresses frame the walls around beautifully appointed furniture perfect for relaxing and watching the try-on show. Together, Celeste Wiltberger and Morgan Wiggins own and operate the haven for soon-to-be-weds and others who are part of the ceremony. The women have filled a niche of the retail market answering a call from Bay area brides-now shopping for gown of their dreams doesn't involve a day trip to surrounding cities, and sometimes states. They take great pride, and put in great effort, in providing each bride, mother or friend with the perfect ensemble for the big day. The attention to detail is apparent from the first step in the door to trying on Homa Veils and accessories�Something New Bridal Boutique is the line�s exclusive vendor. The boutique offers a wide range of prices and a host of designers and styles to choose from. Mobilebaymag.com caught up with the two and asked them a few questions. Here�s what Celeste and Morgan had to share: MB: In the years you�ve been in retail, how have you seen the market change? SN: I have been in retail for three years. The biggest change in the market that I have seen, is that people are a lot more conscience of prices. Three years ago, people were willing to spend more. Now, with the economy being the way that it is, people are sticking to budgets and cutting corners. We have been lucky to not have been as effected by this trend, because people will always be getting married and tend to splurge on their wedding dress, since they will be wearing it on such a special day. MB: Do you think the Mobile/Eastern Shore market is different from those in surrounding areas? SN: I think the difference between the Mobile/ Eastern shore market and the market in other areas, has to do with Mardi Gras. This time of year creates a lot of revenue for different businesses throughout the area. In other cities, this time of year for retail is generally slow. MB: When at market, did you do anything different to plan for 2009? SN: Do you have plans to treat upcoming markets differently than you have in the past? How so? Our 2009 market plan is simple; Do not over spend! It is easy to get carried away when you are surrounded by tons of beautiful dresses, but we have to keep in mind that we are in the middle of an economic crisis. We make a list of what styles sell and stick to that so we are not stuck with pieces that do not sell. MB: What are new trends people should look for? SN: One-shoulder dresses are a huge trend right now. We have seen a lot of this style not only on wedding gowns, but also on formal and cocktail dresses. Floral appliques are also really hot right now. MB: What are trends that should really be let go? SN: It�s not really about the trend, it�s about how you wear it. MB: If someone wants to really freshen his or her home/wardrobe, what is one item each you would suggest splurging and saving on to do the job? SN: Accessories always make an outfit! For a woman, a fabulous necklace can always brighten an outfit. For a man, it�s a little harder to accessorize. I would suggest a great sport coat that could be worn with jeans or slacks. MB: What is your favorite part of this job? SN: The best part of this job is getting to be creative and meeting so many great people. MB: What is a major fashion mistake people often make? SN: Wearing the wrong size. The fit is what matters, not the size on the tag! MB: What�s the best dressing advice that applies to men/women? SN: Keep an open mind. So many people come into our store with a preconceived notion of what they want. You have to try every fit and every style, because you just might love something that you would not have thought to try on. MB: If you weren�t doing this, what would you do? SN: Interior decoratoring. Something New Bridal Boutique 4467 Old Shell Road, Mobile 251-345-0860 somethingnewbridal.net