Besides the summer being filled with amazing swims, it also was jam packed full of ENGAGEMENTS. So many dear friends got engaged on romantic getaways, bike rides, beaches and more (here’s looking at you Lizzy, Mary, and Matty McInnis!).
And now that I get to help some wonderful lady friends with their nuptials, there is one thing I’ve found myself advising gal pals in often that I thought might be helpful for all ladies. It’s about THE DRESS.
Basically many women (like I was), are looking for a dress that is NOT STRAPLESS. To each his own of course, but that style is not for everyone, and it is the dominating choice amongst dresses these days. And for women that are looking for something different, they inevitably fall in love with Jenny Packham dresses. And it’s not just because of Kate Middleton, or this blog post, or this one, or even this one, it is just because they are truly stunning gowns:
But these dresses are in the $5,000+ range (even used can go for $3,500), which is out of most peoples budgets.
So to help out my ladies, here are some options for gowns that are non-strapless, and (potentially) more affordable:
{disclaimer: these price ranges are estimated guesses, not exact figures!}
SAJA: {gowns ranging from $750 to $1,500}
AMY KUSCHEL: {gowns ranging from $1,000 to $4,000} – I’m bias as my dress was an Amy Kuschel creation!
WHITNEY DEAL: {gowns ranging from $510 to $1,250}
BHLDN: (gowns ranging from $400 to $3,600 – some even on sale for less than $400!}
Ivy & Aster: {gowns ranging from $500 to $3,700}
Sarah Seven: {gowns ranging from $500 to $2,000 – not sure about the new collections prices}
Of course I must note that I completely understand how frustrating it is to not be able to try these dresses on, whether because they are online or at a store only in San Francisco (or another major US city). I have no real solution to this yet, but if I find one I will let you know. And at the end of the day it’s a good reason to grab some girlfriends and go on a little roadtrip!
Got any thoughts/ideas/hot leads on non-strapless gowns? Share it with your fellow Grown-Up Partyers!
