Project Virtual Runway
August 6th, 2008 @ 3:00 pm by Miss Hot Cocoa
In my last post, I described my efforts to find a couture dress bargain on the in-ter-web. In this post, I provide a detailed list of websites for your shopping enjoyment. Oh, and since a dress post without pictures is like a cupcake without the frosting, I thought I’d also present a virtual fashion show of some of the delicious couture gowns available at significant discount online.
As Heidi would say, “Let’s start the show.”
[In descending order: Lela Rose "Park" ($2200 at Bella Rosa); Reem Acra 3103 ($1950 at Bridepower); Claire Pettibone "Marguerite" ($1850 at Dream Bridal L.A.); Monique Lhuillier "Yolana" ($2590 at Encore Bridal); Anne Barge 257 ($1890 at Bridecouture); Romona Keveza L637 ($1275 at Scarlett’s Closet); Melissa Sweet "Layla" ($2250 at Sabrina Ann)]
1. Sellers of sample and gently-used wedding gowns
Avant Bridal: Website for Bozeman, MT, bridal boutique; offers very limited selection of sample gowns
Bella Rosa Bridal: Website for Richmond, VA, bridal boutique; over 80 sample and discount dresses and headpieces for sale online; sample sale includes pieces by the fabulous Lela Rose (hard to find on discount)
Bridal Boutique of Carmel: Website for Carmel, IN, bridal boutique; offers a number of sample dresses for sale online
Bride Couture: Website for Poway, CA, store; hundreds of sample gowns available online; well laid out and easily searchable website
Bride Power: Website for Vows Bridal Outlet, in Newton, MA; hundreds of sample gowns for sale online; well organized, detailed, and easily searchable website
Carine’s Bridal Atelier: Website for Washington, DC, bridal boutique; offers a number of sample dresses for sale online, including this Carolina Herrera stunner for $2775
Dream Bridal L.A.: Online retailer from which I bought my gown; offers a well-edited selection of new, sample, and gently worn gowns, incl. this $2700 new with tags Melissa Sweet “Lia”
Hitched Salon: Website for Washington, DC, bridal boutique; offers limited selection of sample gowns, including this chic Oscar de la Renta sheath
Sabrina Ann: Website for Ardmore, PA, consignment bridal shop; offers new and gently used gowns
Scarlett’s Closet: Online retailer of sample wedding, evening, and MOB gowns and bridal accessories; good selection
Your Dream Dress: Ebay seller with hundreds of sample gowns, new and sample veils and shoes, and satin sashes in myriad colors; steals include this $195 (yes, you read that right) Amsale gown
2. Consignment stores and listing services
3. Online retailers with limited selection of wedding dresses
Bluefly: Offers discounted new with tags Nicole Miller wedding dresses, as well as evening gowns from various designers
The Frock: Tons of gorgeous vintage wedding dresses, including this dreamy Dior confection perfect for a modern day Joan Fontaine
Stylebug: General retailer of discount designer merchandise; bridal section offers a number of new with tags gowns from various designers, incl. Carolina Herrera, Christos, and Badgely Mischka. Check out this Vera Wang that’s perfect for a prima ballerina:
Auf Wiedersehen!
Related Posts
12 Responses to “Project Virtual Runway”
I didn’t think to look online for designer gowns until after I purchased my (non-designer) gown. It’s such a great option for anyone who has gone in-store gown shopping and knows what looks good on them. Your posts are so helpful!
oh my gosh i love the 4th one down
LOL Haute Cocoa! I just did this same post on my blog. Almost exactly the same! We think alike! I never get to have couture *anything* so I was excited that it might be a possiblity for my wedding. I bought my dress from Carine’s in DC even though I live in Vegas! I didn’t end up with my Vera Wang, but I did make a new friend named Priscilla. She’s from Boston. Do you know her?? LOL.
i love all of them but the 4th one down is my favorite!
I love the 4th one down too! Like, crazy much. Like, it’s a good thing I’m already married or I’d be very tempted. Heck, I’m tempted anyway.
i am absolutely in love with yolana also! it’s gorgeous!! too bad i’m not getting married anytime soon 
I emailed with the owner of Your Dream Dress, and she was really great! I ended up not getting my dress with them (I went to Bridal Garden in NYC instead), but she seemed really on the level and has an amazing selection of dresses.
[...] fellow shopaholics: I posted previously about websites where you can find couture bridal gown bargains and sample sales. Here are a few [...]
[...] you want without taking out a loan.” Or you can just read Miss Haute Cocoa’s fabulous post here. I wanted something timeless, simple and elegant. I knew I definitely wanted something strapless [...]
Miss Hot Cocoa, Boston/Los Angeles
Age and Occupation: 31, JD/PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Medical Student
Engagement Date: May 30, 2008
Wedding Date: March, 2009
Blogging Since: April, 2008
Venue: Ritz Carlton, Marina Del Rey
About Me:
I am a professional student by day and an amateur cupcake taster, bargain shopper, and wedding planner by night. I am obsessed with NPR, the Food Network, paper, dance shows, Anthropologie, post-structuralist theory, Weddingbee!, "The Office," and celebrity gossip. When not procrastinating from my dissertation, I spend time catering to Jellyby, our overly anxious shih tzu, and getting to know Mr. Hot Cocoa. We have only been dating for fifteen years, so it's like I'm in love with a stranger! From the East Coast, we are planning a Jewish-Chinese Extravaganza in L.A., where we both grew up.
I wish you were around posting when I was gown shopping. I cannot wait to see what you picked out. Please post pics soon!