Finding THE Dress
Recently I went dress shopping with a friend of mine who is also getting married in 2010. The owner of the store just happened to be there, and she said to us, “You girls spend HOURS on the Internet looking for the perfect dress and come in with all sorts of pictures you’ve found. And what good does it do? No girl ever comes in here buying the dress that they fell in love with on the Internet. I bet I’m right about you girls too, my theory never fails.”
Well smooth-talking shop owner, your theory failed with me! Bwahahahaha! Because I bought THE DRESS that I fell in love with on the Internet. More precisely, one of my favorite wedding blogs (right after EAD of course :)), Style Me Pretty. If it hadn’t been for my obsession with wedding blogs, I would have never even seen this dress in the first place.
[Brier Rose by Kitty Chen Couture]
I did not know who designed it when I saw the posting on Style Me Pretty, so I immediately left a comment, and then proceeded to post a call for help on my blog. I was that excited about it! Luckily because of the wonderful world of wedding blogs, it didn’t take more than an hour for someone to reply that it was designed by Kitty Chen. Kitty Who? I had never heard of Kitty Chen, and none of the salons I had visited carried her line. The funny thing is that Kitty Chen is based in San Diego, just like me. Dream dress was just waiting in my backyard the entire time.
That weekend I went to go try it on.
[The front]
[The back]
[Close-up--smile!]
And I loved it. Lace? Check! Fabric flower? Check! A little bit of bling? Check!
Budget? Almost! Let’s do some research!
I went home and called a couple of other salons to inquire about the price, and found it being sold cheaper at a shop an hour away. I called the first salon to ask if they could match the price, and they agreed! It saved me $300, and for that I am so glad that I called around.
After about 6 months of searching and a lot of tulle, chiffon, and silk, I found my dress while casually making my daily wedding blog rounds. The dress is scheduled to ship in October for alterations, and I cannot wait! I am so excited to try it on.
Did anyone else find their wedding dress via the Internet or a wedding blog? Any other Kitty Chen brides out there?
You look adorable in this! Congrats on finally finding your dress. Your happiness is written all over your face, and that’s the most important thing!
It’s gorgeous! I first spotted my dress online, too. I called around to find a shop that carried it, and it was the first one I tried on. When you know, you know! Congrats!
oh it’s beautiful!! I love the deep ‘V’ of the back…gorgeous!! You look so pretty in it!
Lovely dress! I found my dress on Alfred Angelo’s site, fell in love with it, went to the Alfred Angelo’s store about an hour away, and spent less than 30 minutes there with my best girlfriend. Most of that time was finding my dress in an appropriate size to try on. Only dress I tried on!
it’s gorgeous! looks amazing on you!
What a beautiful dress! The “V” in the back is the best part….
I had a similar experience although I didn’t know exactly which dress I would end up with… I knew from perusing Lela Rose’s gowns online that if I tried on the right one I would be hooked…. So at the third store I shopped at… (the only one in my area carrying LelaRose) I put on “the one” and spent the rest of my dress shopping days comparing the other candidates to it….
Congrats! My problem was that I fell in love with dresses on the internet, but then none of the stores had them in stock so I never got to try them on!
I also first spotted my dress online! After a disappointing trunk show that I thought would unite me with my dream dress I was feeling like I would never find a dress, so I spent about 2 solid hours looking at websites and runway slideshows and found a new dress to focus my energies on. It took some doing to have it brought in to a salon close to me, but once I got it here and tried it on, it was definitely the one! Nobody else has my dress (yet) since it’s not in stores at the moment, so that’s pretty cool… it’s only a matter of time, of course ;)
Thank you all for your sweet comments and dress stories!
Isn’t the Internet great? How did we ever shop without it? :)
@Melissa: Wow, I’m impressed, 30 minutes!! I took 6 months, lol.
@Katie: I ADORE Lela Rose. Her designs are all so pretty and unique.
@Clare: I had that problem too–the Internet is helpful but sometimes tortures us with what we can’t try on, doesn’t it?
@kathleen: how cool that no one else has your dress!!
Oh yay, congrats mo!! Still on the hunt for my dress…hopefully going shopping with mom in a couple weeks.
that dress is stunning!
That’s so strange! I did the same thing last year – WITH THE SAME DRESS! I saw it online, wanted it, finally found it and bought it! I’m getting married this weekend in it :)
I was just so glad to find a cap-sleeved, vintage-y dress! Kitty Chen’s Briar Rose is so lovely – you look gorgeous!
@jessica maria: A dress twin!! Congratulations and good luck this weekend!!!
You are going to be such a beautiful bride, it’s going to look gorgeous on you. :)
I loved how you proved the shop owner wrong! lol. Also cool how she’s San Diego based.
I am trying to find the same dress, and I live in SD – you said you found it 30 minutes away, where?? Please help – I’m getting married in May 2010 and that’s the dress. :)
Thanks so much in advance!
neira
@Neira: Thanks for dropping by, Neira. I sent you a PM, but just in case anyone else wants this information…
I purchased my dress from Aria Bridal in Escondido, California. They are a family business and were efficient and professional. I would recommend the shop to anyone looking for more affordable options in the San Diego area!
Mo’s most recent blog post: When You Need a Little Cheering Up…
Love the dress, love seeing others in it. I just was married first of October and wore Brier Rose also. Loved it and am getting ready to post it on bravobride.com this weekend so it can be worn again by another lucky bride. Too pretty for me to let hang in my closet and figured there is a bride out there on a budget too. Fabulous dress. You look great and super happy in your photos. I found the dress by looking through wedding blogs and just knew. When I describe the dress to people I start off with that it’s Jane Austen meets the 21st Century. Yeah for Kitty Chen — she is a brilliant designer. ~ Heather
@Heather: Thanks so much Heather! I saw your pictures and you looked absolutely lovely in it!! Congratulations!!
I’ve had several queries from brides about used Brier Rose dresses, so I’m sure it’ll be scooped up in no time.
Mo’s most recent blog post: Temperley in L.A.
Mo – The dress is beautiful. I’m really inspired by this post, as I was the photographer behind the photos of this gown featured over on Style Me Pretty. It’s such a joy to be a wedding photographer and icing on the cake to see the photo helped you find the gown of your dreams! Congratulations and best wishes!
Anyone know of anyone else wanting to sell a Brier Rose Kitty Chen dress. I’m about a size 4 and am completely in love with this dress. its just a bit over my price range. Its a beautiful piece and well worth every penny.. if only I had every penny. I’ll keep my eyes out.
How much can a dress like this really be altered as well. If I find one in a much bigger size will it be able to be scaled down to my frame? any sugggestions?
Hi fellow Brier Rose lovers
Not sure if any of you are still interested, but I have the beautiful Brier Rose gown handing in my wardrobe, never worn. I was married in September 09 in Australia and like many of you, completely fell in love with this dress after having seen it on the Internet. Unfortunately it was too big when it arrived (I had anticipated I’d need to take it in slightly). I was a bit pushed for time and concerned it would have changed the look of the gown by taking it in as much as was needed, so I went with my back-up. Its a bit of a shame and I’d hate to see this gorgeous gown go to waste. I’m happy to hear from anyone who might be interested. Its a size 12, still with tag etc. and I’m more than happy to send anywhere.
I love this dress! I’m getting married this summer in Carlsbad, CA. I don’t have an enormous dress budget so this dress could be out of my range. I can’t find prices for this line anywhere. Anyway, if you’re really interested in selling, please email me jennvega@gmail.com thanks!!
Please please please let me know if you’re selling this – I live in London, England and cannot find anyone who stocks this! I am desperate to get one as I fell in love with it from Stylempretty too!
Also, I am a size 10 (UK) but a size 14(UK) chest – would this kind of dress suit a big bust or would it make me look much larger?! I love it so much!
Hi Tarah,
Thanks for your post and you’re in luck. I do still have it. Even better news, the sizing should be no problem. I’m really small chested and that was one of the reasons I chose not to wear this dress. I think it is designed to fit larger busts better, without making one look bigger. As you can see from the pics, the beading and lacework across the front helps to conceal cleveage. It is just such an elegent gown.
Let me know if you are interested. I’m happy to post anywhere.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sonia
Hi Sonia,
How much were you looking to sell it for? Also, where are you? I was wondering if there was a chance I could come and try it on? But I’m not sure what size it is as well!
Please let me know! Thank you!
Tarah
