BHLDN.

So it happened. Yesterday I went to the BHLDN boutique in Seattle for my bridal appointment, and it was absolutely MAGICAL. Literally the most wonderful experience. Anyone who has heard me talk about wedding dresses has listened to me gush over Anthropologie's bridal collection. It's so different than anything I've found from other designers--simple, romantic, natural, ethereal, and classic. All somehow wrapped up into a collection. & the majority of the dresses are surprisingly affordable! They range between about $500 and $3000, but of course the ones I looked at were between $900 and  $1250. Despite being on the less expensive end of the spectrum, they were no less gorgeous. I've scoured their website, clicking through all of the dresses and sales and options. Basically if I had to choose only one store to buy all of my pre-wedding clothes, wedding gown, bridesmaids dresses, accessories, and decor... it would be BHLDN. It's bad. 

There are only five our six BHLDN boutiques in the US, and needless to say I was ecstatic when I realized there was one in Seattle. I instantly made an appointment during the week I would be up in the PNW visiting Cass (who had also been gushing over their bridal and bridesmaids dresses). I had been looking forward to this for weeks, and on Tuesday, March 24th, the day had finally arrived. We strolled into the store as casually as we could while absorbing the glory that is Anthropologie, then meandered upstairs to BHLDN. Soon thereafter we were greeted by my bridal consultant, Rachel, who was sweet and outgoing and made me feel so comfortable. She offered us little glasses of champagne as we relaxed on a vintage couch and she collected dresses. She pulled the ones that I had my eye on before coming in, as well as a couple she thought would fit me well. Honestly, I enjoyed them all. I just love the fit of the collection, the sheath silhouette and the flattering necklines. None of them were heavy, and I didn't feel like I was lost beneath a dress. Of course, there were a couple that I liked more than the others, and there was one that I fell in love with... the Valentina. 

 

It's so incredibly different than anything I've seen or tried on or even wanted to try on. I thought I wanted a flowy sheath dress with an illusion sweetheart neckline or cap sleeves and a little bit of sparkle. But this one... it's wonderful. It feels so sleek and light but still bridal. It accentuates my body type. It's conservative and classy in the front, but contemporary and unique in the back. I love the high neckline and the dramatic back. Basically I just love it. It's also $1000... which is what my cap was in theory. I wouldn't need it to be tailored much at all, depending on whether I wear heels or flats.  We'll see though. I think it may be the one. Fingers crossed!