Oscar de la Renta: Wow!

These gowns are magnificent. The lace. The movement. The sheer layers. Just gorgeous. Check out his 2009 spring collection.

What do you think? I am IN LOVE with the 3rd, 8th, and 2nd to last gown. Click on a dress for more information--here you can also view the runway show which really shows off the movement of the dresses!

I have no idea what these wonderful gowns would look like on, but I'm going to TRY THEM ON!!! And where are these spectacular works of runway art located you ask? HITCHED! I'm making an appointment for this Friday or Saturday.

Next Stops on the Gown Hunt Express

So, I've been so busy booking the big ticket items for our wedding shindig--like the chef and cake and venue and photographer--that the search for the dress has fallen to the wayside. In my quest thus far, I've only visited Hannelore's, King street boutique, and Jeanette's. I've fallen in love with designers Atelier Aimee, Pronovias, and La Fleur by Anne Barge. I've abandoned the princess poof dress, the simple empire dress, and I'm now quite taken with architecture, ruching, and more whimsical and daring designs. I began with tradition, and now I'm finding myself venturing into the truly brave, and it's a lot of fun.

So, here are the next pit stops in search for that perfect wedding gown. I'd also like to swing back by Hannelores and Jeanette's one more time, as well, as there are a few more dresses by designers I've recently discovered that I'd like to try on for size. I think this will be the biggest challenge--this search--between now and February, as Feb. is the latest I can order a dress through one of these designers/boutiques to ensure plenty of time before the wedding. Apparently, dresses require 6-8 months of ordering time and fittings. Wowza.

Priscilla of Boston
8065 Leesburg Pike
Tysons Corner, VA 22182
703.821.0167

Nicole Miller
Tysons Galleria
1808G International Drive
McLean, VA 22102
703-821-1630

Maria's Bridal Designs
9858 A Main Street
Fairfax, VA
703-865-8338

Hitched
1523 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-333-6162

Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection
1848 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD
410-484-4600

Distinctive Designs Bridal
15709 Crabbs Branch Way
Rockville, MD
301-948-1833

Dance Lessons: On the Search

So, we've started searching for a dance studio to begin our lessons in January!! I was thinking we'd begin with basic ballroom and movement in a class setting, and then, once we've finalized our first dance tune with the band, we'd move to private lessons, where an instructor could fine tune our steps and choreograph a specific piece for us. This way, we'll have our general dance steps covered as well as a customized dance for our first presentation.

This sounds like a good plan, and I know we could use the practice!

Here are a few dance studios in the area that I think would be most helpful to us. Please let me know if you, or anyone you know, has other ideas or suggestions!

The Wedding Dance Specialists, Arlington, Virginia

The Dance Factory, Arlington, Virginia

Dance Studio Lioudmila, Alexandria, Virginia

Vintage Jars!

In the name of creative brainstorming, I went ahead and purchased four vintage glass jars from Etsy (a website I completely adore and found per courtesy of Somer) for the purposes of testing out different materials and color ideas. These four Mason jars were a great deal, so I thought I'd go ahead and buy them!

Few strands to brainstorm about: clear jars, twine, green and white flowers, and how these all work together in the Carriage House.

Let me know your thoughts!

Jeanette's Boutique: A Lovely Experience

On Saturday, mom and I went to Jeanette's Bridal Boutique in Manassas and had a wonderful time. Katrina was a delight to work with, helping me try on 12 different gowns, each time slipping them over my head and assuring me that it takes patience, this adventure of dress shopping.

We were there for several hours, in which time I discovered quite a bit about myself, including that I adore veils (they truly complete the gown), that August Jones empire waist style gowns are surprisingly plain and boring, that sleeveless and strapless gowns looked great (though I still think they are less lovely than ones with at least spaghetti straps), that I'm in love with vintage style cuts and draping, and that the mermaid style gown (fit and flare) was amazing on my frame.

Of the dozen or so I tried on, there were three I adored, though I'm still trying to find pictures of the exact gowns online. The first was Casablanca #1740; the second was Nuccia by Atelier Aimee; and the third was Lorella by the same designer.

Hoping to venture out to Hannelore's in Alexandria this weekend, to sample even more. The search continues!