Meet Kipp Harmon, Circle Park Bridal Boutique’s Fashion Director
So you all just opened a new location in Addison down the street from f8studio….
Yes and it IS gorgeous! It is very upscale chic. Back when Circle Park Bridal first came together, Andrea, our owner, had started the Addison Road store as a hobby, open just three days a week. I don’t think she realized how in demand the store would be. No one else was offering brides high quality, affordable gowns in a really cute boutique. We outgrew that original two story space but we really love being in Addison. There’s such a cool vibe being here near the Circle and next to all the events at Addison Circle Park. We didn’t want to leave this area.
It was a total challenge to find a larger space that could offer the same inviting atmosphere. In April, we gutted out our new location at 4950 Keller Springs, which is just north of Addison Circle Park and just three blocks from our first location. We put together a great collection of bridal gowns we call our “LUXE Collection”. We are still offering our signature “off the rack” gowns at great prices. However, we now also offer select designer lines that can be special ordered to accommodate all brides in all sizes. The new store is really stunning. We truly are in love with the way it all came together, but the expansion is only beginning!
What? Another expansion?
I know. In today’s market, we are really fortunate. Phase Two of our new space is happening now and should be complete by early September. We are doubling the space we have at Keller Springs. Once Phase Two rolls out, you’ll find a larger collection of gowns, “to die” for shoes, bridesmaids gowns and more.
What are you more into, the gowns or the accessories?
I am obsessed with them all! Andrea has to stop me from buying up our accessories so there’s still stuff on the shelves for brides to choose from! (Laughs)* We put lots of effort into having a variety of unique pieces so each bride can individualize her gown for her big day. We’ve been known for our large selection of birdcage veils, feather pieces and silk flowers, one of kind belts and items like that. We’ve really expanded our jewelry to be custom pieces as well. We now carry a beautiful line of limited edition genuine pearl jewelry. I am a pearl snob so I am really excited about real pearls at affordable prices.
How did you make your way to Circle Park Bridal?
Honestly, I was miserable at my old job which was a licensed professional counselor for underprivileged families. Loved my kids but hated my company. I was helping one of my best friends shop for her wedding gown and thought “how much fun is this”! So, I started part-time with Andrea on Saturdays over two years ago and loved it. When the expansion was in the works, Andrea asked if I was interested in coming on full-time. I said YES, excitedly and have loved being involved with creating the new store’s layout, design and going to markets to select gowns. At times, I feel like I am being paid to shop and it’s great.
I do tend to get too excited and bring lots of work home with me, but I love working with Andrea and she is always telling me to “go home and relax”. It’s a nice change. It really is true, if you love what you do, then work doesn’t feel like work. Plus, I went to school at Trinity Christian Academy and my parents both work there, so Addison completely feels like home to me.
Tell us about the design of the new “The LUXE” Collection store:
When Andrea showed me the space she was contemplating leasing, she took me over for a tour and I was not a fan. It was a basic office space in need of a complete demo. Andrea was wanting extra square footage and location so I told her I would go home and do some sketches to see if I could help turn the space into a place where girls would get excited about getting their gown. I made a few sketches, Andrea and I tweaked it and working with a great contractor, made it very close to the original sketches. We shopped like crazy to make it gorgeous.
I think a bridal shop atmosphere should be as pretty as the gowns brides are trying on and I feel we accomplished that. That was one of the great things about our old space… the charm. We wanted to be sure the charm carried over into the new space.
What are some things we can expect from Circle Park Bridal?
First, always great customer service. Our girls on staff are some of the sweetest and real people I’ve ever met. They get more excited about making a bride happy than making a sale. Often they are crying tears of happiness with the bride and her family, especially Diane (Laughs)*
Second, we are known for our fun events. We were the first to bring a Running of The Brides Event to Dallas in 2008. We did a “Battle of the Brides” for Military Wives in 2009. We were the only Dallas bridal shop partners for the movies BRIDE WARS and MADE OF HONOR. We love getting out and doing unusual things.
Last but not least, we will always hand selected gowns and bring the best quality and variety at the most affordable prices we can find. We strive to bring truly gorgeous gowns at a price that really won’t break the bank or cause any buyer’s remorse.
Any advice for brides who are starting the process?
Start with the gown! The bride is the centerpiece of the wedding so plans should be made around the gown, not the other way around. Finding that gown can be easier than you think. It should be a painless process, not a painful one. Read reviews of bridal shops and go to where the staff is more focused on you and giving you what you want, rather than what they think you should have. Shop in a store that is beautiful and comfortable. You only do this one time, so you should have good memories. Once you fall in love with a gown, stop shopping! *Unless you haven’t seen us yet, then stop after us. (Laughs)*
by f8studio
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