RI Beauty Expert: The Dress Whisperer – Ray Gardner Designs
Donna Macdonald, GoLocalProv Beauty Expert
RI Beauty Expert: The Dress Whisperer – Ray Gardner Designs
Ray Gardner Designs may be tucked away in an obscure strip mall, but it is a gold-mine for the woman seeking that one perfect dress, especially when she has exhausted all else. The shop is long and narrow but heavy on racks of stunning dresses in rainbow-bright colors. According to Gardner, navy is the new black and there are plenty of chic dresses in that color, but he states that the hottest blue right now is a magnetic Mediterranean one – the hue of tropical summer seas. It is even prettier when paired with sewn-in beads and sequins. Gardner’s dresses are not shy but stand out not only for the colors and bling, but for the unique styles. They feel like one-of-a-kinds because about 25 percent of them are designed with his own patterns cut from his own scissors. He selects the fabrics and ships it all to California to be sewn together. Every gown is completely made in the USA.
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Ray Gardner Designs also includes Emily Shoes, a tiny corner reserved for dress shoes and named after daughter Emily. A look can be rounded out with a profusion of evening bags and costume jewelry spotted on every flat surface in the shop – it’s truly a princess’s closet. Gardner’s idea is that every woman should be made to feel self-assured and attractive with just the right special-occasion frock and accessories. His personal touch extends to his staff who never hard-sell – they are also afflicted with the same passion for fashion and their desire to ensure that each client walks away feeling beautiful with the best dress and a big dose of confidence to wear with it.
Ray Gardner is a lucky man. He believes that the root of his achievement is in his love of artistry and that to be successful, one must do what they are really good at. He is obviously good at making women feel beautiful and confident, one gown at a time. And that…that is what makes him The Dress Whisperer. Ray Gardner Designs, 80 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick
10 Beauty Salons in RI for Your Weekend Prep
Retail Therapy Beauty Bar
1276 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick, RI
This salon offers manicure and pedicure deals paired with chardonnay, champagne and cocktails!
Beauty Lounge at Magnolia
1375 Park Ave., Cranston, RI
Get a luxurious facial before you go out on the town at Magnolia's Beauty Lounge. They offer a variety of treatments including an anti-aging lactic acid peel followed by a multivitamin recovery masque that will help you put your best face forward.
Photo: Beauty Lounge at Magnolia
Studio B
48 Hillside Rd., Cranston, RI
Located in Garden City, Studio B houses it's very own beauty boutique! After you get your makeup applied you can actually purchase the products.
Photo: Studio B
KY Michaels Salon
442 Wickenden St., Providence, RI
KY Michaels is known for providing the "Best Haircuts" around for men and women.
Photo: KY Michaels Salon
La La Luxe
139 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI
La La Luxe Salon offers special conditioning treatments to tame any difficult hair type: brittle/dry/fragile hair, rebellious to curly hair, and lifeless or dull hair can all be remedied in time for the weekend.
Tiffany's Salon and Spa
21 West St., Barrington, RI
Feeling tense after a long work week? Relax with a hot stone massage or Reiki at Tiffany's. They also offer massage packages so you can feel refreshed every weekend!
The W Salon
713 Westminster St., Providence, RI
The W Salon has a Brazilian Blowout treatment that will smooth and tame your rogue hair. Their staff is also Deva certified to properly cut your curly locks.
Moss Salon
114 North Main St., Providence, RI, 02903
Moss Salon is one of the only salons around that offers neo-extensions: a hair technique that uses no glue or clips to seamlessly give you longer locks and change your look.
Photo: Moss Salon
Flipp Salon Apothecary
38 Transit St., Providence, RI
Flipp provides services using natural, plant-based products, and offer custom-brewed teas you can sip as you relax and enjoy their beauty treatments.
Photo: Flipp Salon Apothecary
Coiffurium Salon
800 Hope St., Providence, RI
Coiffurium has specialty facials for any skin ailment: acne, anti-aging, and even rosacea. They also have Swedish and deep tissue massages to help you begin the weekend feeling invigorated.
