About Us
Shelly Stouder Maestri has opened a bridal boutique unlike any in the New Orleans area — Bustles and Bows.

After searching for her own wedding gown, Shelly realized that there were not many bridal stores that offered the level of service she had hoped to receive.

"It became a chore for me to find the perfect dress." Larger salons were crowded and chaotic; boutiques were snotty and high priced.

At Bustles and Bows we offer our brides one-on-one attention from a knowledgeable and friendly bridal stylist in a calm atmosphere where you feel relaxed and not rushed.

Our selection and prices are fabulous, and people rave over our customer service!

About Our Stylists

What began as a part time job for Kara has now become her passion. She loves all things wedding and exercises Bustles and Bows’ mantra everyday by giving Bride’s the time and attention they deserve. “It is really important to me that Brides leave here feeling good about themselves and their quest for the perfect dress. Not everyone will find their dream dress here, but they will have a great experience regardless!”

Stephanie
After several years in woman’s apparel, Stephanie, like many other New Orleanians, was displaced and without a job after Hurricane Katrina.  Upon returning home in March of 2006, she began a long search for a job and eventually found solace at a bridal store. “I applied for the job on a whim, thinking I would be turned away yet again. To my surprise, I was hired on the spot! I took it as a sign and began work immediately. Almost two years later, I am still here and not looking to leave. I love my job. I get to meet tons of people during one of the happiest times of their lives. Nothing compares to the moment a Bride finds her dream wedding dress! When the mother’s eyes fill up with tears everyone in the store gets the goose bumps and the tears become contagious.”

“I believe in Bustles and Bows’ mantra because Bride’s should be treated special. It is a huge emotional purchase and it should be treated as such. We hear stories over and over again from Bride’s about bad experiences they have had in the past. We take time with our Bride’s and their parties. At the end of it all, everyone here knows your name and your whole story, and that’s just how we want to keep it!”

Ashley
Working in bridal was not something Ashley thought she would be doing seven months ago, and now she can not picture herself working anywhere else. Her love for bridal attire began when she was shopping for her own wedding gown six years ago. “After trying on several dresses, feeling an array of different fabrics and taking notice of different styles and necklines, I began to notice how little touches can change an entire dress. I also saw how these touches may look great on one body style, but do absolutely nothing for another. Following my wedding I found myself asking all of my friends and relatives if I could accompany them to pick out their wedding gowns, only minutes after they had announced their engagements.”

“When a Bride walks through the doors at Bustles and Bows it is my pleasure to help facilitate what can be for many an overwhelming task, a pleasurable and memorable experience. I truly love working for a company that strives to achieve optimal customer service satisfaction with our one-on-one service that enables me to form relationships with each one of my brides!”

Shelly
"I wanted the whole experience when selecting a wedding gown... to be pampered in a relaxed and beautiful environment... a large selection with several price ranges and great service."The owner, Shelly, reflects on how she came into the business: “I feel like it was just meant to be! I had just completed a hundred page business plan to open a bridal store in the uptown area and heard a rumor that the owner of a Bridal Shop in Metairie was thinking about closing. I immediately gave the owner a call and she agreed to meet with me. One month later, we made the switch and the store became Bustles and Bows! I am still pinching myself! It is very surreal to have your dream job!”

Bustles and Bows is not your typical bridal store. Our customers are not your typical Bride. They know that they are worth the time and energy that we spend with them.