Splurge vs. Steal
update…one of my favorite people, Melissa, just pointed out that I mispelled the word splurge…spluge on the photos. Yes, it’s finally out in the open. I am a TERRIBLE speller. That is why design works for me! No words! I once spelled the word Massachusetts wrong on an invitation that went to 50 Massachusetts natives. and now, I am just a little too lazy to go in and change all of the photos:) The secret is out!
First and foremost…only 1 day left in the Mindy Weiss planner contest. A winner will be announced tomorrow morning, so there is still plenty of time to post a thoughtful and unique idea!
Let’s get to it. Today is the first (of hopefully many!) Splurge vs. Steal posts, focusing completely on bridesmaid’s dresses. I think that the settling on a bridesmaid dress is one of the trickier components to the wedding process. With different heights, shapes and sizes, not to mention budget constraints, it is incredibly difficult to find a gown that all the maids will agree on.
With that said, so many everyday designers are coming up with really great, affordable options that are MADE to flatter all different types of girls. Here are some of my top picks for all budgets:
You can’t go wrong with a slimming little black dress (plus, your girls will be more likely to cough up the cash if they really can wear it again)…
(Below) ABS Satin Dress $375, Diana Cotton from J Crew $270, As U Wish from Nordstrom’s $68
An empire waist dress (with a little breathing room) is another style that will flatter a wide variety of figures and hide ALL sorts of flaws…
(Below) Anna by thread $400, Camilla by J Crew $250, Brocade Mini dress on sale at Anthropologie $129.95
Chic and sophisticated NEVER goes out of style. Scour stores that you wouldn’t typically think of for simple silhouettes, like major department stores, chains, sale racks at places like Anthropologie and J Crew and even places like Target and TJ Max sometimes have dresses that are timeless in cut and color.
(Below) Vera Wang, Emma by J Crew $195, JS Boutique at Nordstroms $118
If you’re bridesmaids feel gorgeous, your wedding day will be so much easier. Here are some dresses that will make your bridesmaids feel like a million bucks…
(Below) Group USA on Brides, Lighthouse Dress on sale at Anthropologie $84, wrap dress by Victoria’s Secret $98, Satin dress at Nordstrom $130
(Below) ABS Style $275, Lola at Jenny Yoo $382, Dot Shirtdress by ABS $220 and Tara by J Crew $340
Hopefully these dresses will give you a good idea as to where to begin…if I am being completely honest, I think that the new J Crew Spring line and the Vera Wang collection are the best. I am a bit biased, as my bridesmaid’s wore Vera Wang, but it’s true. In Vera, everyone looks good. It doesn’t matter what shape, size or coloring they have, Vera’s gowns just fit.
**Remember, send me YOUR ideas for bridesmaids dresses (or anything else wedding) and I will create an inspiration board for you!**
J.Crew and Jenny Yoo are members of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
10 Comments about “Splurge vs. Steal”
Leave a Reply
| « June Bug Weddings | Winner Picked! » |
 |
Visit us on Facebook |
 |
Follow us on Twitter |
 |
Subscribe to our RSS Feed |
- More Style Me Pretty...
- February 13, 2012
- February 11, 2012
- February 10, 2012
- February 9, 2012
- February 8, 2012
- February 7, 2012
- February 6, 2012
- All Archives
About
Press
Advertise
Submit A Wedding
Contact
Terms Of Use
I love that you posted the As U Wish dress from Nordstrom - I have been looking at that dress for a year debating!
It really is adorable...and you simply cannot beat that price! I swear, 80% of the weddings that I have been in, the brides have told me that I will be able to wear the bridesmaids dress again. I don't think that I have worn a single bridesmaid's dress twice. This one though...I would wear it all over the place.
I think it's great that you showed the Victoria's Secret dress that has a little bit of a sleeve. I've been searching forever for stylish dresses that are more modest up top (most bridesmaids are strapless, spaghetti strap, etc.) My bridesmaids are all gorgeous but some don't like showing their arms much cause of weight. I know some faiths also don't allow anyone in the wedding party to bare their shoulders. It's hard to find something that's fashionable and not matronly.
You know, you are so right...there are VERY few dresses that aren't strapless or skimpy. For my own wedding, I had all of the girls wear a chocolate brown pashmina for the ceremony. At the reception, some ditched it, others kept it on. You can tie it in such a way that it looks more like a shrug than a wrap and it stays put.
Pretty dresses! As a wedding photographer I LOVE it when my "casual wedding" brides choose fun, fresh and non traditional options for their wedding parties. It adds so much personality. Looking at places like Anthropologie, J.Crew and Nordstrom where women can shop online from around the country is a great idea too.
I am soooo having trouble finding flattering bridesmaids dresses, my ladies are a 40 yr. old mother of 3, a beautiful earth goddess that hasn't shaved in years and an envy inspiring size 2. Oh yeah and we're all broke. Thank you!!!!
HA!!! Just read that one out loud to my poor husband who I seem to be reading aloud to a lot lately. Hilarious. Well, if I were you...I would pick a color and let the girls go at it. That way, they can choose something in their own budget that reflects their own personalities. Even though they won't match, you will be able to look back at the photos and smile because each girl will look so "her"
I love the idea of being able to find simple bridesmaid dresses at stores like Nordstrom and Target rather than the bridal chain stores or an expensive designer. However, most of these dresses are a little too scandalous for a wedding in my conservative area (smack dab in the middle of the bible belt)! One important consideration in weddings I've been a bridesmaid is has been making sure there are no visible knees or cleavage-- don't want to shock the church folk. These deep v-neck dresses wouldn't work, but for some reason (long) strapless dresses are considered acceptable.
hi I need a vintage stapless black or brown dress could u tell me where to get it????
thanks
alice
Hey i think your blog is very interesting. I found it on Google. I think i will come back one day.
BTW: Did you know that http://www.mispelled.co.uk " rel="nofollow">mispelled is one of the most commonly misspelled words? ;-)