Ariel’s Chicago Wedding Dress Experience
By Ariel Ann Norris
I am beyond excited to share my recent wedding dress experience with the up-and- coming BHLDN by Anthropologie in Chicago. Okay now wait… Anthropologie makes wedding dresses now? I asked the same question when one of my mentors in the fashion industry suggested I give it a shot while exploring the Windy City. All I can say is “WOW”! To be honest, I was quite skeptical at first and did not believe that I would possibly be able to find a wedding dress at what I thought was going to be an Anthropologie store stocked with a couple wedding dresses. Boy was I wrong!
To begin with, the lovely associates at BHLDN made an exception to get me in for an appointment since I called in so last minute. They kindly and enthusiastically acquainted me with a personal stylist who took note of everything I had looked at a little longer in the store. Once I had a few dresses picked out, she escorted me back to a lovely private room equipped with a large dressing room and multiple chairs for your bridal party in the main area. Since I didn’t plan ahead very well, I unexpectedly ended up wedding dress shopping with Dylon so he just took up a quant spot on the couch. However, that room could hold a whole army of bridesmaids and mothers of the bride. Just sayin’.
As soon as we got comfortable, my fabulous stylist offered both of us a glass of champagne while she went through my profile. The profile they take on you is to better understand your wedding theme and location, your favorite dress style, and of course your body measurements.
As you try on dresses, she asked what I like and didn’t like and added that on to my profile. Since I’m aiming for a boho-chic wedding, I knew that I wanted to stick with a mermaid style dress. To be clear, if you are aiming for mermaid style, BHLDN doesn’t currently carry. However, this mermaid fanatic has gotten hooked on something new- fit and flares. They are extremely similar to mermaid style but are just not quite as fitted down your thigh. I actually love the look of the fit and flare because of the attention that it draws to the train. Another thing I discovered is that I’m not as sold on strapless as I used to be. Certainly not opposed to it, but I found alternative halter style dresses that I also really liked. It gave off a very classy vibe and the satin finish made it so very comfortable.
The best advice I could give to a bride who is seeking a wedding dress is to stay open-minded. Try on everything that peaks your interest because you might just be pleasantly surprised. Again, I was dead-set on a certain style dress and completely changed my mind as I tried on the BHLDN line. Trust your stylist and go with your gut no matter what.
Below you can also see some more pictures of the store and dressing room. Not only does BHLDN carry wedding dresses, but they also have all of your bridal needs- bridesmaids dresses, mother of the bride dresses, accessories, and lingerie.
This is the first wedding dress store I’ve been to so I definitely need to do some more investigating at other stores before I make a decision.
However, whatever my decision, I would recommend trying BHLDN to anyone! I cannot stress enough how fabulous and accommodating they were. I felt like an absolute princess in their store… enjoy the pictures!
- Ariel Ann