Long White Dresses 2012: Alternative Wedding and White Gowns under $1000

I will openly proclaim that one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was shopping for a wedding gown (you can't deny that many of them are just plain stunning!)  Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that many designers have their eyes set on ladies just like me and apply a not so lovely premium to wedding gowns.  Once you factor in the cost and time for alterations ($300+ for alternations?!), it is a few thousand you may have wanted to spend elsewhere.  While I had very specific tastes and was lucky enough to pay a few hundred each for my Pronovias La Sposa dress and my Monique Lhuillier gown, I wish I had known more about great gowns being produced by a few familiar retailers (the full list is here).

One of my best friends is getting married and had wanted some suggestions on where she could find affordable wedding gowns.  Ms. Efficient (she gets things done!) quickly found one at David's Bridal and no longer needs my suggestions, but I am happy to pass these along for any other bride or lady that just wants a rocking white gown (how great are some of these for a summer soiree!)

Maybe you're like me and are a lover of lace and light, feminine details.  If you love bows, delicate cuts and fabrics, then here are a few gowns for you.

1. Silk Dupioni Cascade Ruffle wedding dress, Ann Taylor, $795

2. Addison Lace dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, $288

3.  Olivia open back gown, Ann Taylor, $550

Maybe you don't want to spend a lot and you have an edgier aesthetic.  You may be looking for some blatant sexiness, asymmetry, and unique touches.  These dresses may be for you!

1. Badgley Mischka gown with beaded shoulder, Zappos, $750

2. Rachel Pally Kimber dress, Shopbop, $233

3. BCBG Max Azria Magdalena gown, Zappo's, $348

Maybe you're looking for something not quite floor length, but still fun.  If tea lengths are your cup of tea, here are a few options.

1. Tiffany dress, Ruche, $349.99

2. Embroidered tea length dress, Ann Taylor, $695

3.  Audrey dress, Ruche, $249.99

FFF - Aisle New York shopping for non-brides and more long flights!

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Sales
The Aisle New York is a new online sample sale website for the chic and savvy bride with everything  from Anne Barge, Lela Rose, and Monique Lhuillier gown to shoes and accessories for everyone else.

But these Oscar de la Renta earrings (now sold out) are worth the click to the website for me.

They also had a few Pour la Victoire shoes on the site recently.  If you're not a bride, but love another resource for chic 'n cheap items, keep an eye on this site for great accessories, jewelry, and shoes!
Here is my invite if you need it.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...spending half the time flying!  Though we depart Friday the time difference is horrid and we get back late Saturday/early Sunday.  Sigh perils of living so far from our native city...my inner clock will be so confused.

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What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

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?

{Wedding Look}: Spring 2011 wedding gowns worth the splurge

It's raining, it's pouring, and I need pretty images that will make me forget that my Nanette Lepore skirt is completely soaked.

So you know I'm married already and loved my wedding gowns.  My Monique Lhuillier and Pronovias gowns still give me butterflies.  But I can't help sneaking a peek at new wedding gown designs if they're in the fashion section of magazines I read already right?

I also wanted to highlight these gowns because each is breathtaking and exhibits workmanship typical of the designer,  It is up to you how much or how little you'd want to spend on a wedding gown.  But it's always good to be aware of styles that make your heart sing.  You can always stalk it at sample sales, trunk shoes, bridal resale sites (Preowned Wedding Dresses - they have new dresses too!) and auction sites (eBay).  Or try to recreate something similar with a good tailor or designer (via Etsy or a local resource).
Be both savvy and styling!

Marchesa is known for its intricate details and unabashedly feminine styling, this dress is a silk organza dream.

Angel Sanchez has always exhibited contemporary, architectural silhouettes with extraordinary fabrics.

Oscar De La Renta brings his refined, feminine style to all his lines, including of course his bridal line,

Vera Wang, the queen of wedding gown designers is known for luxurious fabrics shaped into flattering and sometimes fantastical silhouettes.

All pictures from here

Birnbaum and Bullock create gowns with such amazing details.  This gown is over the top, somewhat medieval, and totally unique.

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What wedding gowns are worth the splurge for you?

Fun Finds {Wedding} Look: The perfect beach wedding gown

I remember reading an article stating that one of Vera Wang's first questions to a bride whose gown she would design is where the bride is getting married.  After all, a wedding gown should make sense in the venue in which the couple is getting married.

So if you're throwing a beach wedding in Bali, this shell wedding gown would be perfection indeed.  That's the glorious thing about wedding apparel - it can be fun or formal, but the main thing is that it should reflect the bride.  Ms. Oracle Fox seriously had the coolest gown - ethereal, crocheted, shell trimmed and undeniably fun (notice the feather headband too).  Congrats and what a lovely wedding!

Thanks to Cristina for highlighting these pictures!

Long white dress love/Alternative {Wedding} dresses?

I love the Long white dress.  It's so timeless, chic, and lovely in the warm weather.  Whether you're hanging poolside, heading to dinner on a warm night with a loved one, or are looking for options for your special day, a long white dress will fashionably cover all of the above.

Ahh a one-shoulder gown is instantly glamorous. 

One shoulder gown, BCBG, 199 pounds

Tadashi One Shoulder Rosette chiffon gown, Nordstroms, $398

If you wanted a little more flair, here are some nice options.

Dalia McPhee Strapless taffeta mermaid gown, Nordstroms, $298

Michelle Jonas Diamond inset dress, Planet Blue, $253

Topshop lace maxi dress, Topshop, $90

Milly Rope tie dress, Shopbop, $398

Do you have any long white dress loves?  Where would you wear your long white dress?

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?