You know how Anthropologie is just fun-there’s so many pretty things to look at and try on? And how you feel special and pretty and like a girl just walking in? Well, take that and multiply by about a million and you’ll get close to what it’s like at BHLDN. BHLDN is pure spun glitter sugar- like a perfect macaroon (which they served me on a silver platter-Hello!)
I was just going to tell you about my favorite dress of the moment. But, since BHLDN is so new, I thought there might be some brides to be who would appreciate a full run-down to see if the dresses and store are worth it (Cliff Notes version- YES!). *Warning-This is a long post, but the pictures are pretty!* BHLDN is literally breathtaking when you walk in. Every single detail has been thought through. I could have photographed every inch of their space and still not adequately conveyed the feeling of each room. The entrance welcomes you in with a quirky, yet grand flair. The sales staff immediately warmly greeted me; they were the very definition of southern hospitality. They really set the stage for my entire experience. I was not disappointed. *I did not tell anyone that I was going to post anything about the store and my experience, though they gave me full permission to take as many pictures as I wanted.*
After the amazing entryway, you walk into the Blue Room. The Blue Room is full of shoes, accessories, and various adornments (capes, necklaces, etc). I fell in love with the Polka Dot D’Orsays from Bettye Mueller. They are too much- vintage fabric, blue and white. A bride could meet both Something Old and Blue with these. If I had ANYTHING that would have fit these, I would have snatched them up. Maybe not for the price, but I would have thought about it really hard!
Before we got into trying on any dresses, I told my SA, Bobbine (?) what I was looking for- evening dresses, at least one in a shorter length for a Texas themed charity gala. I need the dresses to be special but not too revealing since it is a work-related function. I like a vintage silhouette (no big surprise that the 2 dresses I liked most mirrored designs from the 1950s/60s and the 70s). I also prefer saturated colors. When my dresses were ready, I was led back to the salon through the hall of wedding dresses. Y’all. Just. WOW. Breathtaking. It’s been 10 years since I was in a bridal salon, but I don’t remember it being this breathtaking. The gowns are not only displayed in an amazing fashion, but also are amazing fashions. One of my favorites is the Pinwheel Tea Dress, remarkably similar to Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress; which I have always admired. If I were getting married, this would be a heavy contender. Gorgeous.
I tried the Metropolis dress on-technically a wedding dress, but my SA thought the silhouette and length would work well. I LOVED the silhouette and the beading is gorgeous. BUT, there at the middle, where there is a cute cutout? Yeah, that is way open, so when you are talking to someone they basically see your chest. Not cool.
The Ophelia dress is another one that has lovely detailing but definitely chest-acular. The lace has a really pretty sheen/shimmer on it. I can imagine that this would make a great prom or party dress if: 1) you WANTED everyone to see your chest or 2) you altered the dress to include similar lace or a fabric insert up top. I am unwilling to buy a dress in this price range and then have to make modifications.
The Tulle Era dress is technically a wedding dress-but this dress is exactly what I love- a vintage silhouette, interesting details, shimmery, shiny, unique. It was just lovely-all except one tiny detail. But, first, the lovely- the detailing is exquisite. Really well done. This is a Tracey Reese, and she worked in cute little rhinestone buttons all down the back and at the sleeves. If you wore this at your wedding, your guests would thank you for giving them something so lovely to look at during the ceremony. GORGEOUS. But, the sleeves are itchy. Like, really extremely itchy. I think removing the sleeves could easily modify this, but that loses part of the charm of the dress. For $2,400, I’m glad I didn’t fall in love with this dress. Pretty though. SO pretty. (Aside- Dude, what is my hair doing here? Augh. Bad hair day, cute dress)
Next up was the Ribboned Silk Gown in green. My verdict- overly fussy. It looked like a Project Runway dress. I mean that it looked like it was trying so hard to impress you. It had all the bells and whistles- cut on a bias, pleating, draping, ruffles…just too much. It wasn’t me. But, I can imagine this would be a beautiful wedding dress, especially in an outdoor wedding.
Finally the Vivid Fuschia Maxi Dress. This is my dress. It was the dress that sang to me when I put it on. I have never been a big fan of maxi-dresses since they can often look sloppy. This dress changed my mind. It was forgiving enough to allow me to eat at an event, but flowed beautifully when I walked. It didn’t just look like a maxi-dress; it looked like an evening gown. I loved the color, the fit, and the price tag isn’t too bad for an evening dress. I didn’t leave with it since it will not work for my Texas ball at all- I tried this on with 2 ½ inch heels
(the Bow Topped Slingbacks) and it really needs the extra height. Also, the necklace they added, the
Queen Anne's Lace necklace, was insane. This whole look? LOVED. Loved, did I say that? LOVED.
I can’t say enough nice things about the store itself or the people who work there. Anthropologie really outdid itself. This store is fantastic (I only wish they had a few more formal gowns that fit my needs, COLOR BHLDN, more color would be nice). My SA recently called me to let me know that some new dresses arrived in the silhouette I like, so maybe one of those will fit my needs and my budget! So, that’s my review and my favorite. If you are a bride, get thee to BHLDN. If you are going to any type of formal event, get thee to BHLDN. If you want to feel really pretty, get thee to BHLDN. I’m so happy this store opened in my town. I hope someone I know gets married soon so I can share BHLDN with them. If you are reading this looking for fit answers on any dress, let me know, I tried on many more than what is listed.
BHLDN is my newest favoritest store. Definitely my Friday Favorite.
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As my husband said to my daughter yesterday, the Oscars are "Mommy's Super Bowl." Yes, it is. Here are a few of my favorite looks:
Marissa Tomei. This was her after-Oscar dress. I'm picking it because I thought her Oscar dress was a little schizophrenic-it couldn't decide if it was a sweet retro dress or a rampaging bridesmaid dress. This, however, is awesome. I love the color and the silhouette. Love it.
