dress shopping part two

A week later I made an appointment for a store in Bethesda-- Promise for the Savvy Bride. I initially contacted them to find out if they had any Herrera samples, and they did, but it was a mermaid shape. So I went, thinking I could try on some other ballgowns. Except when I got there, there was not a single ballgown to be tried! Now the girl I was supposed to work with was apologetic and tried to offer some other stores that may have ballgowns. If you're from DC and in the market for a slim fitting or mermaid style dress, this seems like a good place to start. It just wasn't for me!

Next I made an appointment at Vera Wang in Chevy Chase. Before I get into the details of the experience, I want to share something neurotic about myself: I have a "I'm not worthy" complex about expensive stores. I would never walk into a Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton--whatever luxury store because I can't afford anything, not even a sock. I worship them in the pages of Vogue but out of some weird reverence (or just plain inferiority complex), I could never bring myself to just walk in and look ever so briefly. Perhaps I don't want to taunt myself with things I can't buy. The point is, I thought I was going to have some terrible averse reaction upon entering Vera Wang.

But I didn't. Crisis totally averted.

So at Vera (last name is such a mouthful) I was asked to fill out a little questionnaire, mostly to facilitate their future email marketing. My consultant then asked me about the ceremony (chapel) and how many guests I was expecting (about 50). Then she asked what kind of dress I was thinking of-- if you're a lady that wants a dress that isn't typical for your particular guest count/venue, be prepared for some looks. We all know I want a tulle mess. But this consultant wasn't yet aware of that and did her best to get me into more "appropriate" gowns. Now I didn't protest this because I was curious about these trumpet-y shapes and hell, they were Vera Wang.

I didn't take pictures because I pretty much forgot to ask. I was too busy wondering if I should be playing coy about flashing my boobs to the consultant in the dressing room or if I should just let nips slip as part of this whole duck and dive business.

But here's a general overview of the dresses I tried on:

They were all pretty but nothing cried out my name. I also need to mention the matter of the budget. I told her I was looking to spend $3000 or less, which was generous considering my budget. I came here more out of curiosity than with an intention to buy, though. Still, she showed me a good selection of gowns within those parameters, including a tulle ballgown.

Vera Wang - an approximation of the dress

That's right, there was a tulle ballgown on sale. It was almost the one from Bride Wars. As soon as I put it on I had that goofy smile--confirmation I was wearing a glorious tulle mess. It was under $3000 but at this point, my wedding was still over a year away and I just wasn't feeling the heat.

So the saga continues!

dress shopping part one

For a few Saturdays I trekked out into the DC-area retail wilderness searching for zuh Dress. It has been a journey of many miles, some tears and tulle, and nearly fruitless.

But before we begin, let's quickly see what I had considered my dream dress. Tulle, girly, perfect.

Oscar de la Renta

First I went to Richmond, Virginia for the Saks sample sale. This was intended as an opportunity to test the dress waters, see what shapes I was drawn to and perhaps get an idea of which designers I liked.

I have to say, the Saks experience was a great first time. I got to look at their entire selection of dresses by myself and was allowed to take anything I wanted into the dressing room. I didn't pay attention to the pricetags because I wasn't out to buy.

But then the second dress I tried on, a Carolina Herrera from her spring 2008 collection, was a dream. I didn't want to take it off. The price, though, forced me back to reality: I was 14 months away from my wedding and there was no impending need to spend $3000 on the dress yet. It was sad, but ultimately the right decision.

The Herrera that got away

let's try this again

Due to some personal tribulations (terrible economy, anyone?) I abandoned this pet project. But now with a new job and my own wedding planning back on track, I'm so excited to start this blog again.

So stay tuned: I have new posts coming, pronto.

well-heeled wedding

In my wedding-related internet travels, I've noticed a lot of blogging brides opting for high fashion (and high priced) shoes. I think the prevailing rationale is that your shoes, if they're not wedding white, can have a lifespan beyond the big day. I haven't totally committed to this idea myself because $500+ for a pair of heels makes me just a little woozy, even if they're Loubs.

But because I love love love shoes, I had to put together this season's wedding-worthy shoes.

darling gold sandals, Kate Spade

glittery greatness, J. Crew

purple and charming, Christian Louboutin

to-die-for satin sandals, Louboutin again

sparkly peach! Miu Miu

black and white wedding, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

gowns!

So I have a part two for the South Beach chic entry but I just came across the following gowns in Martha Stewart Weddings and had to share. They're sorted under "outdoor wedding," but these would look dreamy under any circumstances.

organza & feathers, Pronovias

tulle heaven, Edgardo Bonilla

Vera Wang

I've died a little bit over these gowns. And who knew shrubbery could be so chic?

south beach chic

This theme is purely from my own infatuation with the '60s Palm Beach vibe. It's glamorous and yet subdued and tremendously chic. Impossible? Non!

the location: The Raleigh, poolside

the dress: eyelet amazingness

the invitations: classy classic

Intriguing, yes?

welcome

Welcome to lovely lovely, the culmination of months of wedding stalking and clipping.
I am a bride-to-be still very much in the planning/dreaming process. I luuurve pretty things, especially pretty wedding things; so I thought it was time to share the fruits of this obsession.

love,

miss diorable