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Business & Tech

The Lady in White

This week we shop for wedding gowns

It’s that time of year again. No, not Christmas. Wedding season.

Bridal magazines always seem to pose the same very pressing question: “What kind of bride are you?”

A flirty bride? A beach bride? A traditional bride? A modern bride? A Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, tall, short, young, old bride?

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Or my favorite bride: A Brooklyn bride!

These days women have more choices than ever when it comes to THE BIG DAY. Some still dream of wearing a long, white gown, while others desire something more casual or contemporary. For some it may be a second wedding, or a City Hall wedding. But the commonality amongst every bride, without a doubt, is that they want a garment that will signify that this is not just any occasion, but a most important celebration.

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This week I hit the streets to see what kind of options our neighborhood has for those about to say, “I do.” I checked out for real-deal wedding gowns, as well as for street wear that would be perfect for a less traditional bride.

You won't find any “cupcake brides” at Michelle's; here the gowns are elegant and twenty-first century, and completely fit the bill for a bride who wants to “marry” tradition with modern glamour.

I tried on two of Michelle’s beautiful designs. What’s fantastic about these custom  gowns is that they can be made in white, off-white, or ivory (as well as additional colors). If you have ever painted white walls in your home, you know that all whites were not born equal.

Michelle’s Reworked Alençon Lace Strapless Gown with Trumpet Skirt combines a fitted silhouette with a flared trumpet bottom. The lace is feminine, classic and understated. I paired this gown with a chapel length white tulle veil, which made me feel utterly ethereal. Veils don’t have to be old-fashioned -- the right one can turn a bride into a vision.

Their most popular gown is Michelle’s Silk Taffeta Sweetheart Strapless Gown with Modified A-line Skirt. Pure, simple and lovely, this gown is a contemporary take on the classic American bride: the perfect amount of bare shoulders, fitted bust and full base. The matte quality of the silk taffeta makes this gown feel ultra chic and up-to-date. I accessorized this gown with a perfect intricate stone and silver hairpiece.

I also loved the ivory Double Faced Satin Halter Gown with Twist Back Detail from the Nicole Miller Collection, with plunging neckline and exposed back. This gown made me feel like Veronica Lake, very statuesque, powerful, and lusty -- one hundred percent sexy, refined glamour. This gown is double-faced, so no need to fret about lines and bumps.

Michelle New York Brides can also hook you up with bridesmaid and flower girl dresses (oh yeah, them).

It is recommended to make an appointment to select a gown six months prior to the wedding date, and to begin final fittings two months prior.

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But let’s face it, not all brides want to look like, well, brides. This doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t want to look stunning.

Our friends at Diane T on Court Street have some fantastic options for a more low-key bride.

I am wild for this Foley and Corinna beaded champagne frock. It’s slinky and sexy and totally special. The hem is on the short, but the impact is not. I’d wear my hair in some great coif and throw a party worthy of Gatsby.

Adam Lippes’ floor-length, fog gray dress is an amazing find for a second wedding, or a bride who is going for a more mature or serious look (and maybe just doesn’t want to wear white). The cut and length still has a formal feel, and the strapless neckline lends itself to a statement necklace. This dress is totally sophisticated.

Lastly, good old Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a delightful mid-length, strapless summer dress which is perfect for a garden wedding, a City Hall wedding, or even as an “after-party” dress. Sweet and sunny with a subtle floral print, this dress is comfortable and simple, but you’ll still be the one in white.

There are numerous options for the Brooklyn bride catering to all types of hearts, souls and settings. Hopefully I have given you brides out there a head start on finding a dress that you will adore forever. Good Luck and Good Love.

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Michelle New York Brides

376 Atlantic Ave

Michelle New York Brides Collection:

Alençon Lace V-Neck Jacket with Silk Taffeta Sash & Embellished Silk Taffeta Skirt - $3500

Reworked Alençon Lace Strapless Gown with Trumpet Skirt- $2500   

Silk Taffeta Sweetheart Strapless Gown with Modified A-line Skirt -$1600

Nicole Miller Collection:

Double Faced Satin Halter Gown with Twist Back Detail - $730   

  • Alterations -$400 & up (prices increase based upon additional embellishment or major change to original design.)
  • Veils- $300 & up (includes various lengths including birdcage, fingertip, and chapel & cathedral lengths)

Diane T

174 Court Street

Foley and Corinna beaded dress - $490

Adam Lippes fog gray dress - $330 (on sale for $170)

Marc by Marc Jacobs “Amelie” summer dress - $368

Pedro Garcia “Charlize” shoes in Clay Castoro - $400

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