Betsy's in Baltimore: Pretty Pronovias Gowns

Jen and I went to Betsy's Bridal in Baltimore today, and found ourselves immersed in really really really pretty Pronovias gowns. However, before we raided the Pronovias rack, I tried on one Amsale gown, and one Anne Barge gown, and decided it wasn't the right fit for Oatlands, for me, for my rustic vision. Pretty yes, but still: not the one.

With Pronovias, I found two gowns I ABSOLUTELY adore, though: Dango and Radiante. Jen voted for the last of the two, but I'm still up in the air! Dango makes me feel like an ethereal tulip. Radiante makes me feel lacy, curvy with a touch of old-world. I'd post pictures here, but I haven't found ones that do the gowns justice. Still searching. The picture here is the Dango gown--but, again: this still doesn't do it justice.

So, far my favorite gowns among the three bridal boutiques I have visited are these two Pronovias gowns, and Atelier Aimme's gown Nuccia.

Hope to keep up the search. Next stop: Hitched bridal boutique in Washington or Nicole Miller at Tysons Galleria.

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!