Post Messenger Recorder -

By Kim Tschudy

A new bridal shop and tea house, Very Tres Chic and Paper Moon Tea House, opened recently in the former Disch Hardware building on the west side of the 400 block of Second Street, which could potentially become the Second Street National Historic District.

The owner of both businesses, Paula Stanton, spent a number of weeks cleaning up the building, refinishing the floors and doing a paint job, that is an inducement for customers to stop in and check out the bridal wear and also the Paper Moon Tea House.

What makes Very Tres Chic unique is the selection of bridal gowns. The gowns offered for sale are very affordable, and reasonably priced, from $500-$2,000, as compared to $1500-$5,000 gowns in the big box bridal shops.

Using her 30 years of experience in merchandising bridal wear, she says her shop can outfit brides seeking a traditional dress, an original design, or a vintage bridal gown. If, perchance, you wish to do a Roaring 20s wedding, Very Tres Chic can outfit your bridal party. The vintage dress inventory covers a century of various bridal fashions which are sure to please.

Stanton described herself as one who loves fashion, and she will help customers pick out what is best for the bride's individual fashion taste, saying that wearing a vintage bridal grown does, "take some moxie. Our shop offers a very different experience, you will not find elsewhere."

Walking into the store on any given day, you will be greeted with a wide variety of music ranging from Ray Charles, the blues, Bruno Mars, and even Linda Ronstadt, and rows of dresses in a comfortable living room setting.

To compliment Very Tres Chic, the north half of the building is set up as a Tea House, which offers various types of tea parties. If you've ever dreamed of having a tiara tea party, the Paper Moon Tea House will accommodate this request, as well as many other types of parties. If a sari or an Indian tea party is desired, all one needs to do is ask. Guests will be able to dress in tea shop clothing for their special event. The room will also be available for engagement parties and girl's day out. Accompanying your special tea will be delicious homemade desserts.

Once each month, the tea house will be holding children's tea parties, with a variety of themes that will appeal to children, including paper dolls, coloring, Alice in Wonderland parties, served with lemonade or other childhood favorite drinks. All of the special tea parties will include having individual photos taken sitting on the Paper Moon if desired.

Kim Tschudy

Stanton is also planning on hosting art shows of area artists. She also said she has been very delighted with the reception her new store has gotten by other businesses downtown. She explained that one of the reasons she picked New Glarus for the location for her shop is because New Glarus has so many special events each year and has become a destination stop for many travelers.

The Very Tres Chic, and its sister business Paper Moon Tea House, will be holding a Grand Opening on Sunday, November 8, from Noon until 5:00 p.m. Included in the Grand Opening will be live music by Robert Jay of Madison, the Stellanovas and Moon Gypsy. Store hours will be Thursday/Friday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., and also by chance or appointments which can be made by stopping into the shop or calling (608) 527-3100.