LOTC: Top High Street/Mass Market retailers for Chic Wedding gowns in your budget

High street stores now have a great selection for brides Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  If you're looking for a silk gown, head to your mass retailer first.  They have really done a great job of creating light colored silk gowns with great draping, flattering cuts, and sometimes even a little additional embroidered or beaded detail.

If you're looking for more embellishment or specialty material (e.g. I wanted alencon lace which retails for $150/yard), head to sample sales, vintage sites, and trunk sales for wedding gown designers.  You will not find silk glass chiffon, French lace or other materials at these retailers simply because the materials are too costly.  But you will find simple, chic, and fashion forward gowns that may be a great option for you or your friends (p.s. and check out the upcoming Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection too.)  You will also likely find these dresses for a price lower than the one I've posted because all these retailers have sales!

1. The Limited makes cute clothing with just a little feminine edge.  I believe blogger buddy Los Angeles Love tried this gown too.  The cascading silk tendrils are too fun and I can totally see something like this for my original vineyard wedding.

$298 (though I've also seen it on sale for $178) here

2. J. Crew has been a creative force that has evolved to include some chic options like this simple white Sophia gown.

On sale for $250 here

3. eDressme has a few inspired gowns that are truly gorgeous.  Beaded straps, dropped waist, and flowing silk come together beautifully in this elegant gown.

$578 here

4. BCBG pairs fanciful feather details and a lovely defined waist in this vintage inspired gown.

$219.20 here

5. Ann Taylor has a few silk gowns with great draping - the v-neck on this looks so flattering!

$295 here

6. White House Black Market also has simple striking styles with silk and tulle details 

$598 here

7. David's Bridal and Vera Wang seem to be at opposite ends of the bridal spectrum.  Not anymore with the launch of White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal launching Feb. 2011 (I'll post pictures when it comes out).  Prices range from $600 - $1400.

Price TBD, source

8. Nordstrom has a diverse selection of white gowns from known designers,  like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sheila sequin trim jersey dress.  This is such a cool and mod look for a wedding (seriously how comfortable would it be for dancing at the reception!)

$154 here

9. eBay and Etsy are also worthy mentions because they can either connect you with a seller/reseller with potentially great prices for designer gowns (I found Lazaro and my Monique Lhuillier alencon lace gown there) or with custom designers.  Etsy has a fantastic array of vintage sellers and designers (Amy Jo Tatum at Bridechic is one and her gowns are under $2000 for a CUSTOM gown!)  Read the seller's ratings carefully and be careful of fakes!

Yolanda $1995 here

What do you think of wedding gowns from high street retailers?

Fun Finds: Flight of Fancy

I was instantly captivated by this ring.  The color, light, and whimsy reminded me of an Impressionist painting  shrunken down into an pint-sized feathered friend.  $28 at BCBG is a small price to pay for a conversation piece and a undeniably fun piece of jewelry..

Then I saw these earrings, delicate and lovely and only $15.

From here

Have any little birdies caught your fancy?

Little White Dress Love (and some fab picks from around the web)

It's either the endless summer, perpetual wafts from the air conditioning, or poolside lounging that have me searching for more white dresses.  I love that a little white dress can be a refined, fun, statement piece simply because it is a pristine shade of white.

These dresses would be a great for a summer soiree (Diddy's white party may call and you should totally answer) or maybe your own wedding (I was going to wear a short dress for the reception before finding my fun, light Monique Lhuillier). Either way, enjoy!

A classic eyelet design, pockets, and $34.17 - perfect for summer!  Sigh of course not in my size...

Found at NY & Co. here

Rosettes and a one shoulder look at $118 are instantly chic 'n cheap!

Juicy Couture, get it at Saks Fifth Avenue here

Easy, breezy silk chiffon with am embellished neckline for $130 and gotta love dresses that allow you to eat without becoming the dress constricting you more and more as the hours tick by.

From Banana Republic, here

Deal alert: 25% off online with coder summer25 through May 23.

Love the neckline and the oh some forgiving waistline (£45.00 price is awesome too)!

Found at ASOS here

Crotcheted hippie chic loveliness at $88 - I think this should be a closet staple for me.

Get it at Urban Outfitter's here

The draping, those ruffles, le love - pricier at $278 but another item I could see myself wearing for a while.

Found at BCBG here

Do you have any favorites?  Where do you find your favorite little white dress?