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Dress Shopping



I recently got engaged. And like all brides, the most important item on the list is "THE wedding dress". And after many many hours of research online and flipping tons of magazines later... I have booked appointments with several popular wedding gown shops in Vancouver.

My very first wedding dress shopping experience is with Isabelle located right by Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It was a popular day at the boutique, full of ladies shopping for graduation dresses, party dresses and of course, wedding dresses. The prices for the dresses are reasonable and the service was outstanding. However, to my opinion, the selection for wedding dresses are quite limited.

I visited Bisou after. It was located right in Granville Island. Such a pleasant shop and place to visit on a sunny afternoon. They carried one of my favorite designer -Monique Lhuillier. Her dresses are to die for, but very pricy. I had my eye on one of her dress but had to let it go once I saw the price tag. They also carried some beautiful dresses by local designer and the prices are sensible.

Both stores above did not need an appointment during the weekdays. The next two shops will always need you to book an appointment first.

When I booked my appointment with Something Blue I was so excited. After all, they carry the Vera Wang name, and is even mentioned on the Vera Wang website. I was determined I will find my dress there. I even got reinforcements with me - my girlfriends. However, I was very disappointed by their collection and their service. Their focus is not on Vera Wang line anymore. They mostly carry their own label. And when I asked if there is a catalogue I could browse or if I could show them the Vera Wang dress I was looking for online, the answer was "No, and No". I would not recommend anyone to visit Something Blue.

The last dress shop in Vancouver on my list is Blush in West Vancouver, right by Ambleside. I was ready to go to Seattle after this since it seems like no one in Vancouver carries my dress.
But the minute I stepped into Blush, I was blown away. They carry so many dresses! Not just bridal dresses, but dresses dresses dresses all around! They have a private section just for the bridal dresses and the most comfortable environment. Three fitting room all to myself, a sofa, a "practice" aisle and tons of mirrors. It was the most amazing experience a girl could have. And needless to say, I found my dress with them. They also charge fairly when comes to rush fee and alteration, unlike some other places.

I am also curious about other people's experience at Blush or Something Blue. Drop me a line and let me know ~


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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 25th, 2007 at 10:33 am and is filed under Shopping by Jules. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response

9 Responses to “Dress Shopping”

Carol Browne Says: May 3rd, 2007 at 12:04 am

I got married ages ago, and I made the unfortunate choice to go to a few of those wedding shops in New Westminster. Not only were the salespeople rude and obnoxious, they had very poor selection. It was an awful experience for me. What I ended up doing was going to a place that made custom dresses on Hastings. It ended up costing the same as the other dresses I looked at. That worked best for me. But Blush sounds lovely. It's good to get that taken care of, isn't it?

Susan Says: July 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm

Interesting that you had such a good time at Blush in West Van, I experienced the complete opposite there. I came in with my appointment and was told I was not allowed in the wedding dress area. I informed them of my appointment and they said they only carried very expensive gowns. I assured them that cost was not an issue but I was still denied access. Needless to say I left and went off to Isabelles where I had an awesome experience. They had great dresses at reasonable prices and that is where I got my dress and all of my brides maids dresses. I continue to encourage other fiends and family members who are looking for dresses to go to Isabelles.

VGgirl Says: August 7th, 2008 at 10:08 am

Wow, I cant believe you had a bad experience at Blush, they are so nice and accomodating. My mum and I had a wonderful time and felt like we were with friends, we laughed and cried. I would recommend Blush anytime, they are very professional and they take their business very seriously. They are by appointment only, and while I was there they did inform people that tried to come without an appt in that the time was just for my party and they could make an appointment, which made it feel very special for us. I would recommend Blush.

consultant Says: September 19th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Something Blue is the best place to buy a dress. They are very tentative to every brides need. They have their own designer label but they do carry the best of the best vera wang dresses. If you want a wedding dress that everyone has had or worn then just go to a second handshop!

Julie S. Says: October 27th, 2008 at 4:30 am

It almost sounds like comment posted by "consultant" on September 19th, 2008 is by someone that works at Something Blue, hummm, interesting. I prefer the genuine experiences and stories brides are posting.

2009Bride Says: January 25th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

I had good experiences at both Blush and Something Blue. My appointments were on weekdays and service at both places was very attentive, friendly and professional. There were no other customers around to distract me and I never felt rushed or pressured. I am going back to Something Blue for a second time because I fell in love with a couple of their dresses and believe that "the one" is there waiting for me. =)

Krista Says: June 7th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

I had a terrible experience at Blush and would not suggest that anyone makes the trip to West Van to be treated so rudely by their staff. I had an appointment but the clips (to make the dress fit) were literally pulled off me in order to make them available to the other bride - perhaps she was interested in the higher priced dressed. The owner was there and very rude to both myself and my sister in law. When I left, despite the service, I requested an email with pricing for a gown that I liked but didn't have a tag. they never got back to me by email, or by phone when I called to follow up.

I also went to Bisou and WED - excellent service but pricey dresses. I wish a had bought at Something Blue. They had excellent service and good selection.

Cher Says: July 2nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm

I got married last July and I got my wedding dress at Something Blue! It was a Vera Wang that no one else carried (not even Blush) They were excellent! They attended to my every need and they were simply awesome. I would totally recommend Something Blue - I had an amaxing experience with them! They even did a rush job for my mom who also ordered a red Vera wang gown and delivered it to our house!

I also went to Blush Bridal after I had visited Something Blue. The service wasn't up to par. I had also asked for the prices and images of several gowns and they said they'd e-mail me but I never recieved it.

I totally recommend something blue! :)

Jackie Says: September 5th, 2009 at 7:40 pm

I had a wonderful experience at Something Blue. It was the only place I went to where I felt like I wasn't under pressure to buy from them. The owners are both wonderful and always made me feel like I was their most important customer. I'm so surprised that you did not have a good experience there!

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