Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2005
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2004
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2003
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2002
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2001
Boston Magazine, May 2004: Fashion Forward
Boston Magazine, May 2003
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2005
Wedding Best, Bridal Accessories
"We all know it: Accessories make or break an outfit. It's as true on your wedding day as it is on a Saturday night out. Which is why The Altered Bride has a huge assortment of veils, tiaras, gloves, wraps, and shoes in styles to suit almost every taste- and to accent your dream gown with the pretty panache it deserves."
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2004
Wedding Best, Bridal Accessories
"Looking for iridescent ivory gloves? They're here. Need a pearl encrusted purse to match? Bingo. Women of all ages and income brackets find themselves completely taken with the personal, knowledgeable service of this elegant Back Bay bridal boutique and ecstatic over the trimmings for sale- custom-made veils and tasteful tiaras, delicate satin shoes, and lace and mink garters."
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2003® Wedding Best,
Bridal Accessories
The dress may garner most of the attention, but no vision of white tulle is complete without a few painstakingly chosen accessories. And the more perfect they are the better the odds they come from the Altered Bride. For more than a decade, Boston Brides (and bridesmaids) have made this boutique a crucial stop on their way to the aisle. They come to quiz the knowledgeable and experienced staff and browse the exquisite offerings of jewelry, shoes, and veils, as well as the area's largest collection of handmade tiaras. In her new and expanded Boylston Street space, owner Roseanna Martino acts as a guide, strategizing ensembles that are both simple and extravagant. And when even that is not unique enough, she's happy to provide custom-designed headpieces and veils.
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2002®
Wedding Best, Bridal Accessories
The Altered Bride For brides-to-be, finding the perfect wedding dress is only half the battle. Finding the perfect purse, pumps, and headpiece to match can be just as excruciating--if not more so. The antidote: The Altered Bride. The selection is small, but it's exquisite; brides can rest assured that their money is well spent on carefully handmade accessories they'll cherish long after the bouquet is thrown. The tiny shop offers intricate tiaras, flowing veils, delicate handbags, and comfy, classic shoes--all trendy enough to justify its Newbury Street address.
Boston Magazine: Best of Boston 2001
Wedding, Bridal Accessories
There are few things you won't find at the Altered Bride. Among them are polyester gloves and bags so cheesy you instinctively hunt for the crackers, or beautiful high-quality trinkets so prohibitively priced that only the Miller sisters could afford them. Here you'll find something between those two extremes: upscale, handmade accessories that are worth their price. Think crisp, cool, and feathery white veils (custom-made, if you don't find what you want on the floor), tiaras that are both elegant and playful, and shoes that are comfortable but classy and stylish. It's all enough to leave you in a truly altered state.
Boston Magazine, May 2004: Fashion Forward
The Italian passion for fine design continues around the corner at The Altered Bride (376 Boylston Street, 617.859.8289). Owner Roseanna Martino, who learned the art of tailoring at the knee of her grandmother, has parlayed her passion for fine silks into a novel shop for brides. "Quite often, when a woman tries on several gowns, she finds certain features in each that she likes," Martino says. "We will take two or three of her favorite elements and combine them into her ideal gown. It's thrilling for the customer to discover she can get a one-of-a-kind dress without a huge couture price." Martino especially loves the challenge of incorporating bits of heirloom fabrics into a new dress. She also enjoys catering to one of her newest bridal trends: destination weddings. "We're hearing more and more about couples who are holding their ceremonies in exotic locations such as Italy, Hawaii, or the Caribbean," Martino explains. "To make packing easier, the brides want dresses that are smaller, more compact, and lighter weight-but still special. We love to rise to the challenge!"
Boston Magazine, May 2003
If you're nudging toward your nuptials, don't miss The Altered Bride, which recently moved to a larger space at 376 Boylston street. Though the Decor has moved toward the modern, the exclusive lines of wedding dresses and accessories have not changed. Sophisticated brides appreciate the frill-free mentality of owner Roseanna Martino, who is happy to combine features from her own designs to customize the ideal gown. Take the sleeve from one and the neckline of another if you'd like, then rest assured that the gown will fit as if it were made only for you, because it was. Besides Martino's creations, the shop also carries some Italian imports and a few small wedding dress designers.
