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Mrs. Cookie, Denver Age and Occupation: 25, Nonprofit Fundraiser/Theatre Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Financial Analyst Engagement Date: September 2007 Wedding Date: September 2008 Blogging Since: May 8, 2008 Venue: Ten Mile Station About Me: With a degree in Theatre I never realized that planning a wedding was a lot like Theatre Management, until I started planning my own. I am a coffee addict, especially Starbucks' Grande Mochas, yummy! I love to cook (especially chocolate chip cookies for my honey), travel to exotic places, and be creative. As a couple, Mr. Cookie and I are extremely practical, down to earth, and children at heart. We live in a cozy abode with our adorable Pomeranian, and love to play board games and watch movies into the evening.
About Mrs. Cookie

*** Mr. Cookie step away from the computer and no one will get hurt ;)***

My Matron of Honor has been my best friend since we were five, and I was her Maid of Honor at her wedding. She has always been there for me — through thick and thin — even though we live thousands of miles away from one another. When I told her that I had made appointments at several bridal salons, she booked a flight from Boston to go dressing shopping with my mom, my FMIL, and myself. It was a fun weekend filled with wedding dress shopping and a season 1 “How I Met Your Mother” marathon.

For about a month I looked online and in bridal magazine for wedding dresses. I am a curvy girl, and I wanted a dress to show off my curves. Also, I am not a strapless dress kinda cookie, but I like how a v-neck looks on me. Just to give you an idea of my ideal bride look, I am going for a modern, old Hollywood style — simple, yet very elegant.My first appointment was at a very frou-frou bridal salon in Denver that I had only made an appointment at because they had a designer I really liked. Ok, you know the scene in “Pretty Woman” where Julia Roberts goes shopping on Rodeo drive and the snotty salesperson runs her out of the store because of how she is dressed? Well, I totally had that experience shopping at this store.

From the moment we stepped foot in the door, the owner took one look at our party and blatantly started explaining what dresses in the store I could afford. We probably should have left, but I wanted to try at least a few dress. The owner was very rude during the entire appointment, and made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of the dresses. On top of that, she tried to sell me a sample that was really dirty for over $2,000. Needless to say, I didn’t buy my dress from this salon. I like to call this my “Pretty Woman” experience. There are times that I would like to get in my dress, walk over to the store and say, “Big mistake!” (I am not naming the salon just because I don’t feel like giving them any business.)

The next place we went to was Schaffer’s Bridal. On Saturday the place was packed with brides literally fighting for dressing rooms — Schaffer’s doesn’t take appointments. After waiting for a little while, I finally was able to get a dressing room. Meg, the saleswoman helping me, was in her late fifties and had this deep, raspy voice and great personality. I later learned that she had been working at the salon for over 30 years. The dresses at Schaffer’s had a lot of bead work and embroidery, which isn’t me, but I did find this dress from Casablanca Bridal Style #1831 that I really liked. (I apologize but the photo of me in it got accidentally deleted.) At $500 this dress was definitely worth the price! Although I really liked the dress, I had one last bridal appointment.

The last bridal salon we visited was Anna Bé. Located in the Highlands area of Denver, it’s a modern boutique that feels like all your girlfriends work there. Stacy, the lovely salesperson helping me, suggested I not only try on V-necks but sweetheart necklines, as well. Below is the first dress I tried on. (I am so sorry I don’t remember the designer of this and a few other dresses as I tried these on back in January. If you happen to know, please comment below.) I was suprised by how much I like the sweetheart neckline, but I didn’t like the look of the A-line on me.

Dress #2 was stunning. Again, I don’t remember the designer. Even though it was champagne colored and had embroidery, I LOVED this dress. I felt like I was on the red carpet in it. Also, I really liked the mermaid skirt look.

Dress #3 was from Nicole Miller . Again, this dress felt like I was on the red carpet. Even though it was beautiful, it showed every little tiny flaw and felt a little too revealing for my personal taste.

The next two dresses are from Augusta Jones. My MOH purchased an Augusta Jones dress for her wedding, and she looked amazing in it. I tried this V-neck dress and didn’t like it at all. It had a funny train with embroidered branches on it. This dress would be great for a winter wedding, but not for the fall.

I really liked the next Augusta Jones dress. I don’t know if you can see it very well in the photo, but the dress had a very light pleated tulle with a beautiful full train. Even though I really liked the dress, it just didn’t feel like mine.

When I slipped into this dress by Marisa, I knew it was the one! It’s a V-neck, like I had orginally wanted, with a mermaid skirt and the middle is cut on the bias. I feel very sexy in this dress, and I am hoping that I will take Mr. Cookie’s breath away. Without further ado, I give you my dress.



What do you think?

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64 Responses to “My Pretty Woman Dress Shopping Experience”

1.
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karasue

I love it! I also bought my dress at Anna Be — they are the best! I tried on that Marisa gown and thought it was really beautiful. Great choice! :)

 
2.
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SanDiegoGirlyBride

You look stunning in that dress! Great choice!!

 
3.
stargazerlily
Member
stargazerlily (message)  946 posts, Busy bee

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! I loved EVERY dress on you, especially the one you picked! You’ve got great taste, dahhhling :)

 
4.
Joanne
Member
Joanne (message)  258 posts, Helper bee

absolutely beautiful!

 
5.
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SKM

It’s BEAUTIFUL! Being a Casablanca 1831 girl myself, I didn’t think I could like anything after that in your blog (tehehe)…but yeah, the dress you picked…it’s really gorgeous! Great choice!

 
6.
stargazerlily
Member
stargazerlily (message)  946 posts, Busy bee

You ROCK the mermaid BTW…not many people can pull that one off!

 
7.
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Bee
Mrs. Emerald (message)  901 posts, Busy bee

HeLLLLOOOOOOOOO Cookie!!!! You look smokin! Its so VA VA VOOM =) Perfect modern/old Hollywood (which sounds like an oxymoron)

Man, I really wish I had tried on more dresses, haha.

 
8.
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haliwood (message)  107 posts, Blushing bee

That dress is PERFECT for you!

 
9.
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Miss Pineapple (message)  676 posts, Busy bee

I totally agree with everyone else, you look stunning in all of the gowns, especially the one you chose!

 
10.
Miss Tiramisu
Bee
Miss Tiramisu (message)  877 posts, Busy bee

That’s a hot little cookie right there! Love it!

 
11.
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Miss Jasmine (message)  1,154 posts, Bumble bee

You look unbelievable! I mean, you really looked beautiful in every dress you tried on, but you look particularly stunning in the one you chose. You’re going to make a beautiful bride!

 
12.
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rebecca

Wow, your dress is absolutely beautiful and you look great in it!!

 
13.
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GetMarried4Less (message)  915 posts, Busy bee

gorgeous!!!! cqana’t wait to see the accessories you plan to put with it!

Are you favoring the long veil? its really a romantic look for your dress. the elbow length sets it off nicely too…..you really couldnt go wrong with either one!!!

 
14.
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GetMarried4Less (message)  915 posts, Busy bee

that strange word up there should say “can’t”

(blushes in embarrassment)

 
15.
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ErinSea (message)  172 posts, Blushing bee

Great pick! You look stunning!! I can’t wait to try on the Casablanca 1831 one. I’ll be terribly disappointed if I don’t like it, but your Marisa one will be a potential too. Beautiful!

 
16.
Miss Toucan
Bee
Miss Toucan (message)  984 posts, Busy bee

STUNNING! The mermaid cut looks SO great on you!!!

 
17.
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Brandy

Simply stunning!! Good choice!

 
18.
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Kaci

I love it! It looks sorta like mine on top (Sophia Tolli - Lynette) but I have tulle coming out on the bottom!!
Congrats on finding your dress!

 
19.
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Miss Sundae (message)  198 posts, Blushing bee

Completley agree with everyone else - you looked beautiful in every single one of those! But the one you picked is fantastic…love the mermaid style

 
20.
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liv

I love it.

Anna Be is a great store.

 
21.
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Miss Cookie (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

Thank you. You guys are making this cookie blush!
@karasue: They are the best. I would highly recommend Anna Be to any Denver brides-to-be.
@GetMarried4Less: I have a whole post about my veil. Stay tuned!

 
22.
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Miss Flamingo (message)  1,267 posts, Bumble bee

AH… wow your are truly beautiful. I love your dress choice! Mr. Cookie will literally be blown away!

 
23.
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missm (message)  811 posts, Busy bee

completely fab… makes we want to go dress shopping all over again. *sigh*

 
24.
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HannahT (message)  99 posts, Worker bee

Love it. I will definitely check out Anna Be when I’m ready to go dress shopping in Denver.

 
25.
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Miss Candy Corn (message)  516 posts, Busy bee

Goodness, you look amaaaaazing! So gorgeous :)

 
26.
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Kat

I looooove that dress! It’s gorgeous & you look absolutely unbelievable in it!

You’ll totally take Mr. Cookie’s breath away.

 
27.
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bklyngirl (message)  65 posts, Worker bee

i have that same marisa dress for my june wedding-i love it!

 
28.
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Melissa B.

Oh, what a gorgeous gown! Great choice! I love the Augusta Jones ones too. I’m a Colorado native (currently exiled to NJ, alas!), and I’ve heard nothing but raves about Anna Be.

I think I know which shop you had the Pretty Woman experience at … I won’t mention the name either, but my best friend and I had the exact same experience when we were shopping for her dress. Now that it’s my turn, they definitely aren’t getting my time or business!

 
29.
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missrae (message)  121 posts, Blushing bee

WOW - one of the best dresses I’ve seen on someone in a while! he is going to be stunned! it looks so great from the back too!!

 
30.
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Namine (message)  15 posts, Newbee

It’s beautiful!

 
31.
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Tara

I’m so sorry you had such a bad experience at the first salon, but the dress you chose is a winner! You look lovely and it’s very beautiful.

 
32.
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marianneinvan (message)  198 posts, Blushing bee

Oh WOW, you look stunning! I love how it hugs your curves in a very classy but va-va-voom way.

 
33.
ErinMarieMack
Member
ErinMarieMack (message)  642 posts, Busy bee

Your dress looks exactly as if it were designed for you! It met all of your requirements and looks HOT on. I am sure your hubby-to-be will love it!

I have heard such great things abut Anna Be. One of my good friends just got her dress there and she raved about it! I only had 1 day to try on dresses with Mom (she’s in Chicago), but I may check them out for BM attire.

I am guessing I bought my dress at the first salon you mentioned ;) Thinking a pominent store in the heart of Cherry Creek….. I have heard horror stories about how snotty they can be, but had a great experience there myself:)

 
34.
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Tea

HELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOO NURSE!!! you look amazing in that dress!

 
35.
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Miss Scarlet

Oh my gosh, you look absolutely fabulous Miss Cookie! It’s just perfect on you!

 
36.
frenchbulldog
Bee
frenchbulldog (message)  6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

GORG! Just GORG! I love it!
Like SKMI am a Casablanca 1831 one girl too… or at least I think I am, we haven’t been shopping yet.
But like you,Miss Cookie, I am not a strapless girl and I am also curvy, I loved looking at your dresses. Thank you for sharing :)

 
37.
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VanGal

Pretty Woman indeed!

Although I think you could’ve pulled off the second Augusta Jones dress, you look stunning and soooo happy in YOUR dress. I believe that the dress that makes a bride feel the most beautiful and comfortable in is the best dress for her.

I didn’t believe in that “this is the dress” moment until I slipped on what is now my dress and got all emotional just thinking about my fiance me in it - Did you feel get that feeling too?

 
38.
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Linda

That is one gorgeous dress! Congrats on finding a winner!

 
39.
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sara

AMAZING Your dress is just AMAZING

 
40.
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Mrs. Lemon (message)  425 posts, Helper bee

you looked gorgeous in all of them… but the one you picked is a drop dead stunner!!!

 
41.
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Emily

Breathtaking!!!

 
42.
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Melissa

Oh my gosh!
Love the dress! I am also a Denver bride and dress #1 is mine!!!!

How exciting!

 
43.
rzblna
Member
rzblna (message)  265 posts, Helper bee

I think you’ll be a beautiful bride!

 
44.
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lulubelle (message)  173 posts, Blushing bee

Wow, you look awesome in all of them! I feel like you and I are dress soulmates, b/c I’m also a curvy girl and am rocking a very similar dress, only with a sweetheart neckline instead of the v-neck.

 
45.
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fatafelice (message)  30 posts, Newbee

Wow! You totally picked the perfect dress for you. It looks stunning on!

 
46.
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Kelly

It’s great! Big plus is that it isb’t strapless!!

 
47.
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Jennifer

Miss Cookie, that dress is h-o-t! :-D

 
48.
Mrs. Bee
Bee
Mrs. Bee (message)  3,261 posts, Sugar bee

you look fabulous miss cookie! and i love that scene from pretty woman. :-)

 
49.
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katya

I rarely comment on people’s dresses, but that dress looks stunning on you! You picked the best dress on you.

You need curves for the v-neck but not too much hip to carry off a mermaid. It’s a rare woman who can pull that off.

 
50.
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Bee
Miss Cookie (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

Everyone– thank you for your wonderful comments. I’ve got a nasty cold, and have missed the last three days of work. All your comments made my day!

 
51.
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katze (message)  46 posts, Newbee

Ooooh, one more comment. I scrolled down before looking at text really quick and that “wow I hope she picked that last one, she looks GORGEOUS!” and you did! Yay! Beautiful!

 
52.
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Miss Shortcake (message)  446 posts, Helper bee

WOW WOW WOW WOW! Miss cookie, would the Mr. mind if I hump you? just a little bit??

you’re totally giving me dress envy - I love mermaids, but my birthin’ hips make those styles a no-go. :( You look breathtaking! Amazing! Stupendous!

 
53.
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loveables

girrrrrrrl. you have fabulous taste and I can tell that you know how to dress yourself. The dress you chose is SO SO SO beautiful on you.

 
54.
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Elisabeth

Hi! just wanted to say that I just love the dress you chose! I’m a swedish bride-to-be that just recently starting reading your blog and I just love it!

Can’t wait ’til I drop these last few pound so I can start dress-shopping aswell!

thanks again for a great blog!

 
55.
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Miss Peacock (message)  374 posts, Helper bee

You look gorgeous! It looks like it was made for you :)

 
56.
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LittleMissBride (message)  36 posts, Newbee

You look totally amazing in that dress!!!

 
57.
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The Veil That I Bought and Then Returned! » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] could try on my dress while trying on veils. When I arrived at Anna Be, Stacy, who helped me find my dress, informed me that my dress sample had recently been sold at their sample sale, but they had an [...]

 
58.
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marissa

STUNNING! You look amazing in the dress!!!!!

 
59.
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My Other Dress Is… » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] Nothing is quite va va va voom like a mermaid gown. (Seriously, check out Miss Cookie - everyone except you Mr. Cookie.) This one is particularly girly and pretty with the lace and [...]

 
60.
Guest Icon
Guest
They Once Were Lost But Now are Found! » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] way back on my Pretty Women Dress Shopping Experience post, I mentioned that my photos had been accidentally deleted from dress shopping at Schaffer’s [...]

 
61.
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Bertie

You look so great! This is by far the most flattering!!! Perfect!!!!

 
62.
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Jessica

I am looking for a sweetheart neckline a-line dress kind of like the 2nd one you’re wearing in this post. I wish you remembered the designer b/c it looks lovely!

 
63.
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bill

WOW! You look great in your dress. Truly vision of elegance and grace. So, how did the wedding come off? If, for any reason the groom was a fool and doesn’t make you feel fully loved and appreciated, post me. I’d marry you!
Bill In Missouri

 
64.
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Varta

Nice dress! thanks for sharing.

 


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Mrs. Cookie
Mrs. Cookie Mrs. Cookie, Denver Age and Occupation: 25, Nonprofit Fundraiser/Theatre Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Financial Analyst Engagement Date: September 2007 Wedding Date: September 2008 Blogging Since: May 8, 2008 Venue: Ten Mile Station About Me: With a degree in Theatre I never realized that planning a wedding was a lot like Theatre Management, until I started planning my own. I am a coffee addict, especially Starbucks' Grande Mochas, yummy! I love to cook (especially chocolate chip cookies for my honey), travel to exotic places, and be creative. As a couple, Mr. Cookie and I are extremely practical, down to earth, and children at heart. We live in a cozy abode with our adorable Pomeranian, and love to play board games and watch movies into the evening.
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