FRUGAL FIANCÉE NO MORE!

Yay! I just got back from a wonderful two weeks away after an amazing wedding! Here is a little bit of more to come! I dont' have professional pictures yet but here's a great pic of my husband and I walking down the aisle.

The dress, if you are wondering, was custom made by my cousin who made couture wedding dresses professionally for years and did mine as a family favor. It is actually a two piece! The big skirt comes off to reveal a short satin dress. I didn't think this double-dress idea was even possible, but it worked out so well!

More to come!

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Awesome or Ugly?

Awesome?

Or Ugly?

Tell me in the comments!

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Spring Time Is Here?

Spring is here! Right? I mean its been raining for 6 days straight in New York, so I can't tell but I'm sure its arrived somewhere and I love love love this dress for a spring wedding. Kate Spade never fails to combine sophistication and girliness without going too far in either direction.

Made By: Kate Spade

Price: $375

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Twosie.

By Lyndsey

I've been to several weddings where the bride wore two dresses: a ceremony dress and a reception dress. I can see how the idea of two dresses can make your head spin since just ONE costs an arm and a leg, so, what about a two-sie dress? I know it sounds a bit frightening but the reviews on the dress above have been great.

You get a long, dramatic look for the ceremony and then a cute, short number to party the night away in. Love (x2).

Made By: David's Bridal Collection

Price:$549 (originally $599)

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Princess Catherine.

She looks effortlessly stunning! I love the Grace Kelly inspired dress and doesn't she look a tad like Audrey Hepburn? I can't wait for this trend to continue, as princesses so, so goes bridal fashion!

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Busting Out.

I don't speak from experience, but if you are blessed with a full bust, strapless dresses just might not be the way you want to go for your wedding. Some could fit well, others you'll be pulling up all night long and that's no good.

The dress above has a strapless-like sillouhette but has little straps to keep the girls up and some lace in the cleavage line to make sure you can show just the right amount on your wedding day.

Made By: Eliza J.
Price: $498

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: The Perfect Dress

Everything about this dress is great. From the washed-out pastel colored floral pattern, to the high waist which could help you smuggle a watermelon into your reception without anyone noticing. And now, you can wear this drapes-inspired dress for $50 less than original price!


Made By: David's Bridal
Price: $449 (originally $499)

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Yes, Yes, April Fools!

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: What Were They Thinking?

Wow. Just, wow. There are so many things going wrong with this dress. first of all, its categorized as a "mermaid" dress and maybe they are taking that too literally. The change in the direction the satin hangs is really tough on the eye and the capped sleeves are totally out of place. Sorry but I'd tackle any of you if you tried to walk down the aisle in this.

Please Don't Buy This

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Awesome Or Ugly?

J. Crew Wedding Dress

Awesome?

Or Ugly?

Tell me in the comments!

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Pretty Petals.

I've been seeing quite a few of these dresses adorned with "feathers" or "petals", and it is a style that can look cheap if not done well, but I really like this one from Ann Taylor.

They've surprised me with the amount of detail in the dress and just looking at it reminds me of spring cherryblossom festivals, perfect for an April or May bride.

Made By: Ann Taylor
Price: $750 (buy one item get one item 50% using code "Shopspring")

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Wedding Bop.

I feel like one-lucky-blogger that yet another online retailer has announced a wedding section. Today shopbop.com launched their Wedding Boutique and I'm super excited. Above is great, modern dress from BCBG that is fancy enough to be a ceremony dress or just a reception dress. The dress also comes with strap options if strapless isn't your thing.

Made By: BCBGMAXAZRIA
Price: $1048

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Awesome Or Ugly?

Ethereal Monarch Gown

Awesome?

Or Ugly?

Tell me in the comments!

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Here Comes The Discount.

Move over David's Bridal and Filene's Basement, Costco is about to kick your booties at selling discounted wedding dresses. The wholesale superstore is launching bridal events (starting in SoCal and Arizona) to sell wedding dresses designed by Kirstie Kelly at 40% off. And really, I don't know why they didn't do this before, they have the space and the customer base and everyone knows if you buy a 5 pack of bridal gowns to divvy up among friends, you really end up saving money in the end over the individually wrapped dresses.

In all seriousness, I'm pro the ability to afford your wedding so I say: go ahead and buy your dress along with a 40 pack of AAA batteries.

Find a Store

(Hat-tip to Barbara for the scoop!)

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Shape-Showing Chic

Another Vera for David's Bridal and this one is only $700! If you are into the form-fitting look, this dress is a good option for you. I like the structure on top and I swear I'll stop complaining about the models soon but, whatever you do, don't look hungry, sad, and depressed on your wedding day like the girl above.

Made By: White by Vera Wang
Price: $700

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: What Were They Thinking?

Really? That is the one and only picture you post to sell a wedding dress? A picture of the bride sitting awkwardly? Really? A picture in which you can't even see the skirt of the dress? Really? And you want someone to buy it based on the fact that they can't see the whole dress? Really? And this is a Vera Wang Dress and you aren't some fly by night fake wedding shop? Really? Really.

What were they thinking?

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Awesome Or Ugly?

Awesome?

Or Ugly?

I can't decide about the skirt, is it tattered or tasteful? Tell me in the comments!

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Sequined.

I'm not a huge fan of crystals or sequins on a wedding gown because often they just seem like an afterthought. However, the dress above shows how these sparklies can be used elegantly. If you want to shine on your wedding day (but not blind everyone with your dress) consider the above.

Made By: Galina Signature
Price: $750 (originally $850)

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Get Ready To Throw A Bow.

Reportedly, around 2000 women stormed the doors of Filene's Basement in my hood this morning (80th and Amsterdam) for Filene's annual bridal sale. Doors opened at 8:00 a.m. and I heard most dresses were claimed by 8:05.

Now, I don't condone trampling people to get at a dress, but if you are up for it - and you show up with some protective gear - you can grab a huge bargain ($5,000 dresses for $500, etc.) by attending the Filene's bridal sale in your area.

Listings Here

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: VERA WANG at David's Bridal, say wha?

This is what you've been waiting for. This dress makes me feel like floating away on a cloud (which is often how Vera dresses make me feel) and the fact that it is at David's Bridal for a FRACTION of what her dresses normally cost, makes me absolutely ecstatic. Snatch this up ladies!

Made By: Vera Wang
Price: $1000

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FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Anthropologie Bridal!!!

I have been stalking the opening of Anthropologie's Bridal line for the past 11 months and its finally here! BHLDN.com launched today (Happy Valentine's Day!) and no, I don't know what the letters stand for, if you do, let me know in the comments.

Anyway I'm already happy with their stuff, the dotted veil and pinwheel tea dress are fun and modern and femminine, just perfect.

Made By: BHLDN.
Price: Pinwhell Tea Dress $1,400; Dotted Voile Veil $160

BUY THE VEIL
BUY THE DRESS