pictures from a cup of jo and amsale.com
Showing posts with label the dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the dress. Show all posts
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Monday, November 16, 2009
bridesmaid dresses
I can barely get myself dressed in the morning (and I do mean barely). So, I have no idea how I'm supposed to pick out clothes for other people. Particularly other people who happens to include my always stylish and well dressed maid of honor, Grace. But I guess jokes on them, right? Nah. Grace doesn't know this yet, but most likely she will be put in charge of picking out the dresses. Since I'm having such a small bridal party (just Gracie and Cathy), I'm thinking that it would look better if they wore different dresses. Right? I haven't totally made up my mind, but that is the way I'm leaning. I'm also not sure what color I'd like. I've got it narrowing down to blue, yellow, brown, or a light cream/champagne. I could also go pattern if we found something super cute, but we'll see. I was trolling nordstrom.com yesterday and these are two pretty blue dresses I found. 
I love the color, except it isn't the right color for our wedding (don't worry, I won't bore you with a paragraph on the difference between my dusty robins egg blue and this rich nile blue). Suffice it to say, robins egg blue dresses that have the perfect vintage vibe to them and don't look easter and pastely at all are incredibly difficult to come by. Have you seen any great blue/gray dresses lately?
I love the color, except it isn't the right color for our wedding (don't worry, I won't bore you with a paragraph on the difference between my dusty robins egg blue and this rich nile blue). Suffice it to say, robins egg blue dresses that have the perfect vintage vibe to them and don't look easter and pastely at all are incredibly difficult to come by. Have you seen any great blue/gray dresses lately?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
J Crew - Wedding Dress Shopping
this review is for my experience shopping for a wedding dress at J.Crew
As Risa P noted, this is the only location in Chicago that carries anything bridal. Also, they only carry size 8 samples. If you make an appointment at least a week in advance they will order in the dresses that you would like to try on in your size. This is definitely a nice thing, but it also means that you better know exactly what you want to try on. If you don't tell them to get it in your size, then you'll be sol. I should have told them more dresses than just the few I mentioned. Even if you don't think a certain dress will work, it is nice to try on different styles of dresses. Plus, if you are going to make the trip downtown it might as well be worth your time.
If you are coming here for bridal you also just have to be prepared that you will be treated basically like any other customer. They assigned me a "wedding specialist" to work with, but she was also assisting a few other dressing rooms. Sorta awkward when you need someone to zip up a dress or something.
Oh yes, and about those other dressing rooms. There is a chance that they will will be filled with annoying teens that have too much money for their own good. And you will share the mirror with them. And that is also just a bit weird.
My last disappointment was with some of the dresses. The silk dresses they have are basically the most unflattering thing I've ever put on my body. They will show every lump or bump or jiggle you have. They aren't necessarily bad for curves...but they are bad for somewhat untoned or uneven curves. I did really like one of the taffeta dresses though, only to find out that the dress was sold out. That was sort of a bummer. But, they will put you on a "wish list" so that if one in your size is returned you could purchase it. Down side of that? Once it becomes available they will charge your card immediately and send you the dress without asking. So, you have to be super committed to it.
I guess I'm glad I came here. If I didn't, I'd probably always wonder. But, it wouldn't necessarily be something I'd recommend to everyone.
As Risa P noted, this is the only location in Chicago that carries anything bridal. Also, they only carry size 8 samples. If you make an appointment at least a week in advance they will order in the dresses that you would like to try on in your size. This is definitely a nice thing, but it also means that you better know exactly what you want to try on. If you don't tell them to get it in your size, then you'll be sol. I should have told them more dresses than just the few I mentioned. Even if you don't think a certain dress will work, it is nice to try on different styles of dresses. Plus, if you are going to make the trip downtown it might as well be worth your time.
If you are coming here for bridal you also just have to be prepared that you will be treated basically like any other customer. They assigned me a "wedding specialist" to work with, but she was also assisting a few other dressing rooms. Sorta awkward when you need someone to zip up a dress or something.
Oh yes, and about those other dressing rooms. There is a chance that they will will be filled with annoying teens that have too much money for their own good. And you will share the mirror with them. And that is also just a bit weird.
My last disappointment was with some of the dresses. The silk dresses they have are basically the most unflattering thing I've ever put on my body. They will show every lump or bump or jiggle you have. They aren't necessarily bad for curves...but they are bad for somewhat untoned or uneven curves. I did really like one of the taffeta dresses though, only to find out that the dress was sold out. That was sort of a bummer. But, they will put you on a "wish list" so that if one in your size is returned you could purchase it. Down side of that? Once it becomes available they will charge your card immediately and send you the dress without asking. So, you have to be super committed to it.
I guess I'm glad I came here. If I didn't, I'd probably always wonder. But, it wouldn't necessarily be something I'd recommend to everyone.
Monday, September 21, 2009
fashion. turn to the left.
of all the things going on right now, like my first test of graduate school that just happens to be in statistics going down tomorrow or getting ready to juggle jayson and lindsey coming to stay with us and preparing for midterms, you know what is stressing me out the most right now?
what i'm going to wear.
on my wedding day.
many months away.
specifically, 263 days away.
ever since a certain favorite someone found her beautifully wonderful dress, I've felt a bit more motivated to find mine. I suddenly feel like time is running out! It was one of those things that I really wanted to try and force myself to do over the summer, but I just could not get my act together.
It's just so overwhelming!
And, I don't even really love shopping. And, let's face it, I don't want to spend the money. I've always been a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. the pull on whatever is on the floor and run out the door sort of dresser. i don't really do the whole outfit thing. and while i can certainly drop a pretty penny on wonderful cotton t-shirts that shouldn't cost 30 bucks or a pair of jeans that i really like that probably aren't worth the 60 bucks I'm willing to pay for them, looking well dressed just isn't something that is on the forefront of my mind on a daily basis. But, obviously, on my wedding day it is a bit of a different story.
I'd like to look nice.
duh.
but why is it so difficult? for any other occasion I would never ever ever ever ever buy a dress that cost more than 100 bucks. In fact, the last time I bought a formal dress was my sophomore year in college. I think that was the last time I bought my only pair of heals too. That is now 4 years ago. Given this, it is just sooooo bizarre to go to a store and try on these dresses and then think of plopping down hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a dress that I will wear once. It is just sooooooo not like me.
anyways, in my dress anxiety delirium I forced my self to go to j.crew and try on some of their dresses this past sunday. I want to write about some of the horrors of that experience on yelp so keep an eye out for that. but, I did find one lovely dress that was just so wonderfully effortlessly comfortable. (yes, being comfortable always has been and always will be top priority for me)
but then after I tried it on and I told my little helper elf I liked it, she let me know it was sold out. oh. gee. thanks. But whatever, it's 1500 dollars so it happens to be about 1300 dollars more than what I would like to spend. but im still pissed.
If you are still with me right now, you are super fabulous and I thank you. I know everything will be fine. Neill promises to marry me even if I show up in comfy pants so that is somewhat of a relief. It is just frustrating. I wanted a relaxed casual wedding so that I could wear a cheap white sundress from the gap. but for some reason i'm just not feeling brave enough to go that route right now.
le sigh.
what i'm going to wear.
on my wedding day.
many months away.
specifically, 263 days away.
ever since a certain favorite someone found her beautifully wonderful dress, I've felt a bit more motivated to find mine. I suddenly feel like time is running out! It was one of those things that I really wanted to try and force myself to do over the summer, but I just could not get my act together.
It's just so overwhelming!
And, I don't even really love shopping. And, let's face it, I don't want to spend the money. I've always been a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. the pull on whatever is on the floor and run out the door sort of dresser. i don't really do the whole outfit thing. and while i can certainly drop a pretty penny on wonderful cotton t-shirts that shouldn't cost 30 bucks or a pair of jeans that i really like that probably aren't worth the 60 bucks I'm willing to pay for them, looking well dressed just isn't something that is on the forefront of my mind on a daily basis. But, obviously, on my wedding day it is a bit of a different story.
I'd like to look nice.
duh.
but why is it so difficult? for any other occasion I would never ever ever ever ever buy a dress that cost more than 100 bucks. In fact, the last time I bought a formal dress was my sophomore year in college. I think that was the last time I bought my only pair of heals too. That is now 4 years ago. Given this, it is just sooooo bizarre to go to a store and try on these dresses and then think of plopping down hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a dress that I will wear once. It is just sooooooo not like me.
anyways, in my dress anxiety delirium I forced my self to go to j.crew and try on some of their dresses this past sunday. I want to write about some of the horrors of that experience on yelp so keep an eye out for that. but, I did find one lovely dress that was just so wonderfully effortlessly comfortable. (yes, being comfortable always has been and always will be top priority for me)
but then after I tried it on and I told my little helper elf I liked it, she let me know it was sold out. oh. gee. thanks. But whatever, it's 1500 dollars so it happens to be about 1300 dollars more than what I would like to spend. but im still pissed.
If you are still with me right now, you are super fabulous and I thank you. I know everything will be fine. Neill promises to marry me even if I show up in comfy pants so that is somewhat of a relief. It is just frustrating. I wanted a relaxed casual wedding so that I could wear a cheap white sundress from the gap. but for some reason i'm just not feeling brave enough to go that route right now.
le sigh.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Jenny Yoo - Bridal
I had a really positive experience at Jenny Yoo last week trying on dresses. Jenny Yoo has affordable wedding dresses that are minimalistic (in a good way) and comfortable. I was attracted to a lot of the chiffon dresses and they were just as light and airy as they looked online! You have to make an appointment to try and dresses so you get the whole show room to yourself. Diana is very laid back and just sort of let me do my thing, while offering helpful comments and questions when appropriate. I really really liked a strapless dress I tried on, but I feel like I need to try on a few more dresses before making a final decision. Its so hard to decide when you can't try on the right size/color combo!
As others mentioned, they also have beautiful bridesmaid dresses. But, while the dressings are inexpensive in comparison to other stores the bridesmaid dresses were a bit more money then I would ask my ladies to spend.
As others mentioned, they also have beautiful bridesmaid dresses. But, while the dressings are inexpensive in comparison to other stores the bridesmaid dresses were a bit more money then I would ask my ladies to spend.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
rainbows in the dark
last night, some of my classmates and myself checked out piece for some pizza and beer. I happily sipped on flat iron stout before switching to tall boys of strongbow. By the time we sat down and got our pizza, i was full from all the liquid! Of course, I didn't let that stop me from munching on a few pieces of spinach + black olive pizza. nom nom nom. I'm so relieved we all get along. It is quite a relief! Plus, Neill seemed to really hit it off with Daniel (the one boy in our class) and Mike (Edn'a bf). They were yapping away all night and I practically had to tear Neill away from them to go home. I heart my friendly hubby :)
Yesterday, I also stopped by Jenny Yoo to try on some dresses. Out of all of the dresses I tried on, this one was my favorite. But, I'm not sure if the design would be unflattering on me. Maybe it emphasizes the midsection too much? It was hard to tell because I was trying on dresses that were a size too small. I also liked this one. The thing I really liked about all of the dresses I tried on was how light they were! There was no crinoline and the lining was very comfortable. Also, they weren't heavy so it was easy to walk around. They just felt much more wearable than the other dresses I tried on at David's Bridal. Anyhoo, they are having some event at Lumen which sounds totally not my scene, but just for attending you get a 10% discount on anything you might buy. I'm not so sure if it is worth it yet, but I'm thinking about it. We shall see we shall see. I've got a few more places to visit before I make a decision :)
Yesterday, I also stopped by Jenny Yoo to try on some dresses. Out of all of the dresses I tried on, this one was my favorite. But, I'm not sure if the design would be unflattering on me. Maybe it emphasizes the midsection too much? It was hard to tell because I was trying on dresses that were a size too small. I also liked this one. The thing I really liked about all of the dresses I tried on was how light they were! There was no crinoline and the lining was very comfortable. Also, they weren't heavy so it was easy to walk around. They just felt much more wearable than the other dresses I tried on at David's Bridal. Anyhoo, they are having some event at Lumen which sounds totally not my scene, but just for attending you get a 10% discount on anything you might buy. I'm not so sure if it is worth it yet, but I'm thinking about it. We shall see we shall see. I've got a few more places to visit before I make a decision :)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
David's Bridal on Elston Avenue
I am not the least bit embarrassed to write a fabulous review of David's Bridal. I don't know why they should get such a bad rap. I say - good for them! Why should wedding dresses be thousands and thousands of dollars? Doesn't everyone, no matter what price point they are looking at, deserve to look beautiful on their wedding day?
I went to David's Bridal today to try on wedding dresses for the first time. I brought my mom and three friends with me for emotional support and, of course, opinions. We worked with Brittanie and she was FABULOUS. If we had ended up working with someone who was pushy, suggesting awful dresses, and/or rude, I'm sure my experience would have been completely different. Luckily, Brittanie is incredibly sweet and really seemed to get my personal style. She was also very patient and didn't make me feel pressured at all. When I called I had the option to request someone to work with, and I suggest requesting her if you don't have someone in mind you would like to be paired with.
The appointment lasted the full hour and half. In that time I tried on a bunch of dresses! Brittanie brought my the dresses I requested, but I ended up liking her suggestions even more! I found about 3 to 4 dresses that I really liked. One strapless lace dress in particular really stole my heart. On the plus side, it was on sale for under 500 dollars! On the down side, it had been discontinued and so I would have to order the dress ASAP. Because it was my first time shopping and my wedding is just under a year away, I chose to walk away from the dress. Maybe I'll go back in a few days and try it on again, but I just couldn't commit right then. And to her credit, Brittanie never made me feel awkward about this!
I would recommend David's Bridal to anyone looking for a wedding dress. Even if you don't end up buying your dress there, they have so many dresses in so many different styles its a great place to try on lots of wedding dresses. You never know, you might find *the one*.
I went to David's Bridal today to try on wedding dresses for the first time. I brought my mom and three friends with me for emotional support and, of course, opinions. We worked with Brittanie and she was FABULOUS. If we had ended up working with someone who was pushy, suggesting awful dresses, and/or rude, I'm sure my experience would have been completely different. Luckily, Brittanie is incredibly sweet and really seemed to get my personal style. She was also very patient and didn't make me feel pressured at all. When I called I had the option to request someone to work with, and I suggest requesting her if you don't have someone in mind you would like to be paired with.
The appointment lasted the full hour and half. In that time I tried on a bunch of dresses! Brittanie brought my the dresses I requested, but I ended up liking her suggestions even more! I found about 3 to 4 dresses that I really liked. One strapless lace dress in particular really stole my heart. On the plus side, it was on sale for under 500 dollars! On the down side, it had been discontinued and so I would have to order the dress ASAP. Because it was my first time shopping and my wedding is just under a year away, I chose to walk away from the dress. Maybe I'll go back in a few days and try it on again, but I just couldn't commit right then. And to her credit, Brittanie never made me feel awkward about this!
I would recommend David's Bridal to anyone looking for a wedding dress. Even if you don't end up buying your dress there, they have so many dresses in so many different styles its a great place to try on lots of wedding dresses. You never know, you might find *the one*.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
i love me some flower appliques
Lily Strapless Floral Appliqué Party Dress This dress is only
wait for it
118 dollars.
soooo cute
even if it turned out to be too informal for the wedding, it would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner or some other wedding related event. right?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
old old song
If someone were to purchase this dress online with the idea that it could possibly be perfect for a wedding dress even though she has never tried it on, this person would be haled as a logical person given that it is fully returnable and hundreds less than most wedding dresses . . .right?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Dresses
Neill was kind enough to scan and e-mail me my wedding dress pictures. They look a bit crunk because of the way I cut them out. Note to self - next time, cut in straight lines. I uploaded them onto my flickr so check them out here.
This one is my favorite
Oh wait. No. Actually, I think this one is my favorite.
This one is my favorite
Oh wait. No. Actually, I think this one is my favorite.
