Mignonette

Kpoene and her staff are wonderful. It is not an overstatement to say that you feel like you’ve walked into an enchanted cottage when you enter the boutique. And what is an enchanted cottage without a fairy godmother?! Kpoene is a super fairy godmother with a laid-​back vibe. Being a bride can be scary as many vendors take advantage of your naivety; preying upon your uncertainties. Kpoene ALWAYS calmed my fears. I always left my appointments feeling reassured not just about my dress but the entire wedding process and being a bride. They are in high demand and can be difficult to catch on the phone for a detailed coversation so do yourself a favor and MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Sitting down with Kpoene is the best thing you can do for yourself and your wedding. I wish I had followed up on her vendor referrals from the bridal expo she held in her boutique. Mignonette Bridal is where the magic literally begins. If I had it to do over again, I would stick with her and her recommended vendors. I also found her prices to be very reasonable.

Kpoene is wonderful! She did a perfect job on the alterations of my wedding gown. I came to her with a dress 2 sizes too big. She was able to alter it to fit like a glove. She was very prompt in correspondence, affordable, and easy to schedule with (despite her crazy workload). She took the time to show me how to sit in my dress and bustle it to ensure I would be comfortable. Her original work is gorgeous, too! Definitely come to her for your alterations or if you’re looking to have a custom gown made.

GUYS! Let’s just talk about how awesome this boutique is. This was my 3^rd (and final) stop of the day on my first day looking for a wedding dress. I randomly found this place on Google maps and liked the aesthetic from what I saw on their website. Even though I arrived 30 minutes late, these guys were SO understanding, and I still had a FANTASTIC experience. They fit me into 3 dresses before their next appointment arrived. They took the time to offer me water, listen to where I’d been, and what I liked. They asked what on the rack stood out. Having Kpoene (the designer of the dress I loved) standing next to me and telling me she could make it for me, adjust it, or do what I needed was amazing! Plus, since she makes every dress specifically for the bride, alterations are already part of the price! She is funny and puts you at ease. You can see the breadth of her work and how much she enjoys it, especially when she tells you stories about dresses she’s made for others. I’ve already made time to go back for a full appointment and am bringing my mom and friends. I’m excited to try on more of her dresses!

I came to Kpoene with a dress that was in need of a lot of work in the top area and a lot of shortening on the hem. My dress arrived right on time but only left us about 6 weeks to go until the wedding. Kpoene made me feel so relaxed/​relieved/​comfortable about the whole fitting process. The final alterations truly made it feel like «my» dress and I felt like a princess in it. She and her team did a beautiful job!!! I found her rate extremely reasonable and would highly recommend to any bride!

I feel so lucky to have found Kpoene and to have had her do the alterations on my wedding dress. I came to her with the dress 3 SIZES too big and she handled the task with such grace. She was responsive, calm and came with a game plan, making me – and I’m sure many other nervous brides in the past– feel at ease. The dress was quite intricate with layers of lace, beading, and buttons down the back. Kpoene not only made it my size but made its proportions and silhouette accentuate in all the right places. This woman can make miracles happen – even small ones so please be sure to bring all your altering needs her way. You won’t regret it!

Kpone and the team at Mignonette were such a pleasure to work with! I took my BHLDN dress to them (which, I’m pretty sure, everyone does) and she tailored it to fit me like a glove. They’re reasonably priced, efficient, and so so talented, plus not stuffy or trying to push you into more alterations or additions. One of my favorite memories was trying on my dress with my mother’s veil and hearing Kpoene say «Oh, your veil has a hole in it» (fully expecting her to want to upsell me on a new veil). When I said I didn’t mind and would stitch it myself, she said «I agree. It means it has history.» Definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a pleasant alterations experience!

I had a great experience here. I bought a BHLDN dress and they were well versed in the style & material. They also had super cute dresses for sale. I needed a down-​to-​earth place to calm my nerves before my wedding. Kpoene was so awesome and made me feel at home. Easy parking on the street, and great area to go to brunch after your fitting!

I purchased a BHLDN dress and was recommended to take it here. After reading the reviews online, I thought this was my best option.
My dress, the Lucca, is very simple. All I needed to do was have it shortened and have the shoulders lifted slightly so that the illusion neckline was flush to my chest. I specifically mentioned that I loved how the dress had no train since I wanted it to mirror my laid-​back wedding. I asked that Kpoene add buttons from my grandmother’s wedding gown up the back (five in total, non-​functioning — just for show).
On my second fitting, as I looked at my dress hanging up, the first thing I noticed was that the buttons were placed all around the waistline, not up the back. When I asked what was going on, Kpoene explained that it was for my bustle. When I asked what bustle, she said «to bustle the train that I created when I shorted the hem». She showed me the little bustle loops she had added and the train trailing behind my dress. When I explained that this was exactly what I didn’t want in a dress, Kpoene goes «You know, I had initially thought that you just wanted the buttons up the back, but everyone here said I was crazy.» Well why didn’t you 1) take notes in the first fitting or 2) Contact me to find out if you were, indeed, crazy?
Then the neckline was still not flush to my chest so I asked about this again. Kpoene said that she could do it, but that I couldn’t let my arms get any bigger or the dress would cut into me… at this point I was down to 124 lbs at 5’4″. I don’t believe that she was trying to be hurtful, but telling a bride to not let her arms get any bigger doesn’t help with any stress levels. Maybe it could have been phrased differently.
On my final fitting, the dress fit beautifully. The hem-​length and buttons were correct. The chest fit exactly how I imagined (especially since my arms didn’t get any bigger). What left a sour taste in my mouth was as I was checking out. The bill was $ 200 and I asked Kpoene if I could have an invoice for the pricing. Her response was, «What do you need to know?» I explained that since I don’t know anything about wedding dress alteration costs, I would like to see how everything is broken down. (Oh, and also for the fact that the alterations were completely wrong at the second fitting and I want to ensure I’m not getting charged for reworking mistakes). She just said, «it’s hourly and yours took 10 hours». Maybe it does take 10 hours to hem a dress, shorten shoulder straps and sew on five buttons. Maybe not. But when a customer asks for an invoice for services rendered, I think its a reasonable request to make one.
In all, the work on my dress was done well. The steps it took to get there could have been greatly improved.

Mignonette gets two very happy thumbs up from this gal.
Kpoene recognizes what a big purchase a wedding gown is, the moment that it signifies, and wants to help you have that ‘ah ha’ moment in the mirror, while letting you have fun in the process! She and her team are talented, helpful, and honest — something I was definitely looking for. I brought in a dress purchased off the rack that I loved, but it was about three sizes too big… getting the intricacies of it to my size would have cost too much. Sensing that it would be out of my budget, Kpoene tracked down the same dress, in the size closest to my own — at a lower price than the original! — which helped lower the overall cost and let me have the dress AND work with her, and I could not be happier!
Each fitting session was a perfect mixture of excitement and laid back. The shop is a gorgeous place itself, and I loved bringing my bridesmaids and mom along to the different fittings. Kpoene was fun to play «dress up» with, trying out different accents, veils, and accessories to pull the entire look together, without feeling any pressure to buy anything (but everything is so beautiful, you’ll want to!), and suggesting additions to the dress (cups to avoid a bra — yes please!) to make the time wearing it more pleasant. My dress ended up fitting like a dream; comfortable throughout the entire day and night, with a million compliments that could not have happened without Mignonette.
And if I hadn’t found the right dress so soon? I would have definitely come in to Mignonette for a custom gown! Browsing the shop’s available dresses, it is amazing what Kpoene is capable of, and would recommend working with her in any capacity!

First off, this place fully understands the importance of what they do. Bridal gowns are expensive creatures, and they recognize that leaving something you spent that much money on with some stranger can be scary, so they go out of their way to provide great customer service. I immediately felt comfortable with Kpoene, and she was laid back enough that I didn’t feel overwhelmed by that «Squee, Bride!» character that many other vendors will put on. She asked questions about my wedding, what I wanted my gown to look like, and had me try my gown on. At the end of the first fitting, she quoted a price that I thought was ridiculously low but very close to the final price I paid (I expected alterations to be in the $ 500 ballpark and ended up paying about half that, even though my dress had many layers and intricate details). I was shocked & pleased. My second fitting and final fitting were equally easy peasy, and her excitement matched mine each time (i.e., when I put it on at the final fitting & started really feeling it, she recognized it and matched my level).
The décor only contributed to the experience, but what is paramount is the fantastic service and skillful artisans there. They were able to add things as needed and offer recommendations when I was unsure (bra strap holders, bustle, etc.), and Kpoene maintained her easygoing charismatic persona through it all. This is the place to get your dress altered!

I had such a wonderful, no stress, experience getting my wedding dress altered here. Kpoene is very nice and thoughtful about ALL of the details, and gave me great advice about my dress (as well as managing my mother on my wedding day :) My dress looked more beautiful than when I brought it in. Yes, more. Kpoene added bra cups that gave it great structure and made the ladies look perky, and added a train and cute ties to tie up the dress when I needed to dance. The store is adorable. My dress was on time and affordable. I also saw some gorgeous dresses in store and jewelry as well. I highly recommend this place. This has been the easiest part of my wedding planning!

I could not have had a more perfect experience at Mignoette. Kpoene was a dream to work with. So laid back, fun, and helpful. I came in with an $ 80 thrifted find and left w a wedding gown that feels it was made from scratch just for me… style, fit, originality… it’s so perfect. I can not wait to wear it at my wedding. The grand entrance idea always made me nervous (all those eyes on me!!!), but now I’m dying for my dress to make its debut. Well, and me too, the bride… but.. the dress! ! THE DRESS! I just love it. Kpoene and her associate Adriana were so great, I would’ve invited them to the wedding if I could ;)
Go check them out! You will not be disappointed (even if you just leave with a gorgeous accessory… every piece is incredible, and many handmade).

I had a tiny (8 person) wedding, but was intent on having a full on gown. I went to about 8 bridal shops & very methodically narrowed down & ranked dresses, but had no strong feelings about any of them. I thought what I wanted was fairly simple: a fitted dress with color & texture, but found myself liking aspects of many dresses and not the whole of anything. I thought I was perhaps destined to be void of the heart flutters I’d read about on wedding blogs. Until I found myself at Mignonette Bridal. Kpoene immediately latched onto my vision, asked a few questions, showed me a few pics, & then drew a dress I could absolutely see myself in. I left the shop excited for the first time & knowing I was on the right path. From then on the process was an incredible one. I enjoyed the collaborative nature of the process & I was in love with the dress before it was even complete. I got so many compliments from absolute strangers the day of, I felt divine & love that my dress is unique. I would absolutely encourage anyone questioning whether the traditional route is for them to get to Mignonette ASAP.

This was the bridal gown shopping experience I had envisioned when I first got engaged. After visiting two other salons with dresses that felt cheap despite the prices, where salespeople were fake nice and pushy, and where I was just one in a long series of clients for the day, stepping into Mignonette for my private appointment was refreshing.
There was a fireplace. There was a robe. There was a pedestal before a three-​way mirror. And there were beautiful, one of a kind, light as air dresses, that looked and felt amazing. Kpoene was helpful and encouraging without once being pushy or trying to up-​sell me. She carries only her own designs and those of one other Chicago-​based designer, and also offers locally-​made accessories. These are not cookie cutter pieces, and neither is the experience of shopping here.

I had a great experience with Kpoene and Sarah. I purchased a BHLDN dress from a sample sale and it needed a lot of work including taking in parts of the top and taking out the lining of the skirt. I visited them three times and felt like I got great attention and care each time I was there. I felt like she was honest with me about what work was needed but also sensitive to my questions and concerns. She also made me the most adorable head pieces ever that worked out really well with my hair. Thank you, KP!

I was not a Bridezilla — in fact, I went out of my way to be almost annoyingly aloof about most traditional wedding worry points. So right off the bat, the fact that I’m reviewing Mignonette says a lot about the caliber of service provided.
If you’re a like-​minded woman, you might pay special attention to this review. If you’re a bridal-​party-​assembling, tablecloth-​coordinating type, you’re in luck, because Mignonette caters to your high-​maintenance type equally well. Just see most reviews below. I emphasize my difference only to highlight the fact that Kpoene is shrewd and intuitive enough to give you the type of experience you want, starting about five minutes into your first fitting.
For me, that experience meant efficiency, speed, and value — all delivered with a touch of soft romanticism. I did have those «aww, lookit me» moments standing in front of the Mignonette mirrors. But mostly, I was a sloppy problem demanding to be solved. About a month before my wedding, I bought a dress a BHLDN that was more than two sizes too big for me (on sale). It was a beautiful bag, and when the salesgirl pinched the fabric at my shoulders, waist, and hips, I said «Yes!» She warned me it would take a ton of alteration and referred me to Kpoene, and she was correct on both counts.
Kpoene not only completed the alterations on a pretty tight schedule, but she helped me complete my look (without trying to upsell me anything). She hooked me up with a bustier (even bought it for me!), advised me on Target-​brand Spanx, and confirmed that my heels were too big.
I felt that her price was extremely fair, and she didn’t go past her quote, even when we went to a third fitting (and she bought me that bustier).
Logistics aside, Kpoene is simply a fantastic person to have by your side (you know, literally). Even planning a low-​key wedding like mine, you’ll run into a lot of service providers and vendors who will blow a lot of hot air at you. With Kpoene, you can talk about foodie stuff, the ilfe-​paths after an English major, and a lot more — all while she’s orchestrating the best dress experience for you.
I owe Kpoene at least a slice of pie, but I hope this review is a start. I hope I never have to do this over again, but if I did — I’d go Mignonette.

If you are looking for a personal and unique experience when shopping for your wedding gown or accessories, Kpoene delivers. Her quaint boutique feels like a warm hug. On appointment day, we were greeted with wine and conversation. I felt like I was visiting an old friend! She asked about the wedding, the ring, how he asked… we were right at home. I had a clear vision of my dress and she sketched it on the spot. Her talent and professionalism were apparent right out of the gate. Do not pass up the opportunity to work with her on your gown or accessories! Visiting her at Mignonette Bridal was such a bright spot in the planning process!

Kpoene is amazing! I don’t even know where to begin… having a dress made is a truly unique experience and I’m so glad I chose to work with Kpoene. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted but soon realized I needed to talk through my vision, feel different materials, look at colors, see what was flattering on me, etc. Kpoene coached me through the process and created my dream wedding dress. When it was all said and done, it was so much more reasonable to have a dress made, especially considering the typical cost of alterations ($ 300-​$ 600). I also can’t believe the amount of time Kpoene dedicated to working with me to ensure my dress was perfect!

Gem alert. Gem alert. Gem alert. Brides-​to-​be with a vision (or not?), come hither.
Kpoene is a pure, utter, lovely, brilliant, undeniable force of genius when it comes to the intricacies of sentimental bridal fashion. Her shop in Roscoe Village is absolutely gorgeous, rustic, charming, beautiful. Sorry, I’m on adjective overload… but I have so much love for this girl and this shop… and the beautiful piece she created for my wedding (will upload photo ASAP!) and indie Chicago-​made and produced earrings I scored from her display 2 days before my wedding. Just in the «nick» of time.
Here’s my story: I love my grandmother. She’s adorable. She looked fabulous in her wedding attire 60+ years ago. All lace, trains, high necks, long sleeves… and unfortunately, stored out in the open for the past… oh, 40 years. Unfortunately the dress was not salvageable by any stretch, but a beautiful handmade «crown» she wore had silk petals lined in pearls. I thought, «there might be something we can do with this.» And by «we» I mean, «who on earth even DOES this kind of thing?»
Luckily on a great tip from my wedding coordinator (Carlene at Naturally Yours Events) I sent a quick email to Kpoene. And 2 weeks before my wedding I met with her, we discussed the vision, she looked at photos of my dress, she asked me about what I wanted to have done, consulted, and quoted me $ 100 or so (gasp, I really thought it’d be MUCH more!) for what the piece could be… and about a week later I came back to see what had become of grandma’s «cap.»
She also invited me at this time to bring in my dress, try it on with the piece, etc. I thought this was a really kind gesture. Not only did I get to have that «real» wedding dress trying on experience (mine wasn’t traditional, obviously)…but she even went so far as to try many different methods with the piece (belt, hair, side, etc) AND sewed cups into my super low-​cut dress and put a few stitches in the front so I wasn’t «Marilyn Monroe’ing» all over the place at the wedding. She did this for free. She didn’t have to. She was sweet and kind and fun and chill. And just wonderful to work with.
I ended up also picking up a pair of gorgeous earrings as well to complete the ensemble. She showcases some really great local designers with jewelry, bridal pieces, some art, etc.
Such a beyond-​pleasant experience… I only wish I was getting married again so I could work with her. She specializes in creating custom gowns, can transform old gowns, hair pieces, bridal is her thing… if you are a bit offbeat, want something special, have an old dusty gown that needs life, alterations… make an appointment. You will not be sorry.
She’s just simply the best.

Kpoene’s genius lays in taking the time to understand how every bride wants to feel on their wedding day. Every bride wants to feel beautiful. Some want to feel elegant, some want to feel romantic… I wanted to feel «free.» This is the word K wrote and underlined in her notes. This is the quality she invested in my dress.
The day before my wedding, she presented me with the most beautifully crafted dress I’ve ever had the pleasure to wear. It was an eyelet cotton gown with ruffled layers cascading to the ground. In a stroke of genius, the bottom two layers were removable so the dress could become a tea-​length party dress.
It was the perfect dress for me and for my wedding. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I had to marvel at how beautiful the dress is and how beautiful I felt in it.
Kpoene is nothing less that a genie who makes dreams come true. She did that for me.