Dresses

1. Chicago's seasoned seamstress

   Back when I got married a few years ago, I wish I would have known about La Modista, Ltd., a hidden gem of a tailor on Chicago's North Clybourn Avenue (2449 N. Clybourn, to be exact). Seamstresses do expert alterations on wedding gowns and receive referrals from some of the best boutiques in town. They can even create a gown from scratch.... read more

   October 11, 2007 9:21 PM

2. Chicago's seasoned seamstress

   Back when I got married a few years ago, I wish I would have known about La Modista, Ltd., a hidden gem of a tailor on Chicago's North Clybourn Avenue (2449 N. Clybourn, to be exact). Seamstresses do expert alterations on wedding gowns and receive referrals from some of the best boutiques in town. They can even create a gown from scratch.... read more

   October 11, 2007 9:21 PM

3. Go strapless, be stress-free

   When it comes to strapless gowns (still one of the most popular and flattering wedding dress silhouettes around) Chicago designer Sam Kori George is a master. Inside his corsets, which he builds around a client's figure, he uses ultra flexible spiral boning that actually moves with you and never pokes—even when you're sitting down! His sleek Delaware Street studio houses his luxe ready-to-wear collection and gowns fit for galas but he does craft custom wedding dresses on the side. ... read more

   October 15, 2007 1:00 AM

4. Go strapless, be stress-free

   When it comes to strapless gowns (still one of the most popular and flattering wedding dress silhouettes around) Chicago designer Sam Kori George is a master. Inside his corsets, which he builds around a client's figure, he uses ultra flexible spiral boning that actually moves with you and never pokes—even when you're sitting down! His sleek Delaware Street studio houses his luxe ready-to-wear collection and gowns fit for galas but he does craft custom wedding dresses on the side.... read more

   October 15, 2007 1:00 AM

5. Getting a "green" clean

   An eco-friendly wedding doesn't need to come to a halt post wedding reception; there's more to be done. Choosing an eco-conscious cleaner for your wedding gown eliminates all those iffy-chemicals and toxins that can be part of the standard dry-cleaning process. ... read more

   October 19, 2007 7:09 PM

6. Getting a "green" clean

   An eco-friendly wedding doesn't need to come to a halt post wedding reception; there's more to be done. Choosing an eco-conscious cleaner for your wedding gown eliminates all those iffy-chemicals and toxins that can be part of the standard dry-cleaning process.... read more

   October 19, 2007 7:09 PM

7. For hurried brides...

   Speaking of White CHICAGO, the elegant and virtually all-white boutique is offering some benefits to the get-wed-quick set. Shop for your dream gown at White CHICAGO and receive a wedding incentive... read more

   October 24, 2007 4:51 PM

8. For hurried brides...

   Speaking of White CHICAGO, the elegant and virtually all-white boutique is offering some benefits to the get-wed-quick set. Shop for your dream gown at White CHICAGO and receive a wedding incentive... read more

   October 24, 2007 4:51 PM

9. Made in the USA

   So it appears I'm not the only sucker for bridal events (when I had the time, I loved going). You're only a bride once (hopefully!) so why not make the most of it. (My dad did say I milked the long church aisle for all it was worth. Well, they said walk slowly...) ... read more

   October 25, 2007 7:35 PM

10. Made in the USA

    So it appears I'm not the only sucker for bridal events (when I had the time, I loved going). You're only a bride once (hopefully!) so why not make the most of it. (My dad did say I milked the long church aisle for all it was worth. Well, they said walk slowly...)... read more

    October 25, 2007 7:35 PM

11. The 'ultimate' choice on Oak

    When I got married, I went to Exclusives for the Brides (a fairly upscale salon that went abruptly out of business!!), Marshall Field's (now Macy's) and my favorite Oak Street salon—and where I bought my gown... read more

    October 31, 2007 11:35 PM

12. The 'ultimate' choice on Oak

    When I got married, I went to Exclusives for the Brides (a fairly upscale salon that went abruptly out of business!!), Marshall Field's (now Macy's) and my favorite Oak Street salon—and where I bought my gown... read more

    October 31, 2007 11:35 PM

13. Here comes Vera...

    While we're delving into the resources along Oak Street in Chicago, I would not being doing my job without mentioning one of the newest and most eagerly-awaited kids on the bridal block, Vera Wang Chicago... read more

    November 1, 2007 7:15 PM

14. Here comes Vera...

    While we're delving into the resources along Oak Street in Chicago, I would not being doing my job without mentioning one of the newest and most eagerly-awaited kids on the bridal block, Vera Wang Chicago... read more

    November 1, 2007 7:15 PM

15. Your bridesmaids will thank you!

    I must say the selection of bridesmaid dresses has greatly improved since I tied the knot some six years ago. There are those cute, simple, seemingly wearable-again dresses from J. Crew and attractive special occasion options from Ann Taylor.... read more

    November 6, 2007 4:23 PM

16. Your bridesmaids will thank you!

    I must say the selection of bridesmaid dresses has greatly improved since I tied the knot some six years ago. There are those cute, simple, seemingly wearable-again dresses from J. Crew and attractive special occasion options from Ann Taylor.... read more

    November 6, 2007 4:23 PM

17. Bridesmaids' bash

    It's called the bridal party after all, so shouldn't your bridesmaids have fun too? Cloud 9 Bridal in suburban Gurnee makes sure your faithful friends aren't forgotten by hosting its own Bridesmaids' Bash from 3 to 7 p.m. this Sunday Nov. 11. ... read more

    November 9, 2007 6:06 PM

18. Bridesmaids' bash

    It's called the bridal party after all, so shouldn't your bridesmaids have fun too? Cloud 9 Bridal in suburban Gurnee makes sure your faithful friends aren't forgotten by hosting its own Bridesmaids' Bash from 3 to 7 p.m. this Sunday Nov. 11.... read more

    November 9, 2007 6:06 PM

19. Up close and personal

    We've discussed some of the trip-worthy bridal salons in Chicago, but why trek all the way into the city when you can receive some personalized assistance closer to home. Vanessa's Modern Bride in downtown Arlington Heights, with its exposed brick wall and fitting room paintings of vines evoking an English garden, specializes in hands-on customer service delivered in an intimate ... read more

    November 19, 2007 10:00 AM

20. Up close and personal

    We've discussed some of the trip-worthy bridal salons in Chicago, but why trek all the way into the city when you can receive some personalized assistance closer to home. Vanessa's Modern Bride in downtown Arlington Heights, with its exposed brick wall and fitting room paintings of vines evoking an English garden, specializes in hands-on customer service delivered in an intimate... read more

    November 19, 2007 10:00 AM

21. One-stop shop and wed?

    Another suburban salon worth a visit is the ski-lodge-like setting at family-owned Wolsfelt's Victorian Bride in Aurora. Unlike Vanessa's, Wolsfelt's at 10,000 square-feet is expansive and geared for brides who want to do some one-stop shopping.... read more

    November 20, 2007 10:00 AM

22. One-stop shop and wed?

    Another suburban salon worth a visit is the ski-lodge-like setting at family-owned Wolsfelt's Victorian Bride in Aurora. Unlike Vanessa's, Wolsfelt's at 10,000 square-feet is expansive and geared for brides who want to do some one-stop shopping.... read more

    November 20, 2007 10:00 AM

23. Super sample sale!

    Calling all bargain-hunting brides, make your way to Macy's on State Street Saturday, Dec. 8, when select bridal gown samples will be 50 to 70 percent off retail price. An inside source told us you might be able to find a $7,350 Vera Wang lace and silk gown for under $2,000, a $5,200 Reem Acra beaded-bodice ball gown for $1,300 and a $4,700 Romona Keveza strapless silk organza gown for $1,175. ... read more

    November 27, 2007 10:00 AM

24. Super sample sale!

    Calling all bargain-hunting brides, make your way to Macy's on State Street Saturday, Dec. 8, when select bridal gown samples will be 50 to 70 percent off retail price. An inside source told us you might be able to find a $7,350 Vera Wang lace and silk gown for under $2,000, a $5,200 Reem Acra beaded-bodice ball gown for $1,300 and a $4,700 Romona Keveza strapless silk organza gown for $1,175.... read more

    November 27, 2007 10:00 AM

25. It's all about the details

    If you're a super smart shopper, you might head to Macy's on State Street to preview the merchandise before the sample sale madness. Here's another reason to drop by in early December—representatives from Toni Federici bridal accessories ... read more

    November 28, 2007 10:00 AM

26. It's all about the details

    If you're a super smart shopper, you might head to Macy's on State Street to preview the merchandise before the sample sale madness. Here's another reason to drop by in early December—representatives from Toni Federici bridal accessories... read more

    November 28, 2007 10:00 AM

27. More buzz-worthy bargains

    Keep those calendars open bride-to-bes because there are more bargains to be had. Local couture designer Elda De La Rosa will hold her own sample sale Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at her atelier in Edgewater at 5555 N. Sheridan Road.... read more

    November 29, 2007 10:00 AM

28. More buzz-worthy bargains

    Keep those calendars open bride-to-bes because there are more bargains to be had. Local couture designer Elda De La Rosa will hold her own sample sale Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at her atelier in Edgewater at 5555 N. Sheridan Road.... read more

    November 29, 2007 10:00 AM

29. When less is more

    So when it comes to wedding dresses are you a 'know it when I see it' shopper who found the gown of your dreams at the first bridal salon you visited or do you prefer to peruse as many bridal salons as possible to find the best dress at the best price. Either way, Francia in Hinsdale may fit into your shopping strategy.... read more

    December 11, 2007 6:17 PM

30. When less is more

    So when it comes to wedding dresses are you a 'know it when I see it' shopper who found the gown of your dreams at the first bridal salon you visited or do you prefer to peruse as many bridal salons as possible to find the best dress at the best price. Either way, Francia in Hinsdale may fit into your shopping strategy.... read more

    December 11, 2007 6:17 PM

31. They are your friends after all

    If I could do it again, I might go with different bridesmaid gowns. Don't get me wrong, I liked what I selected. They looked good on most of my friends, looked good in photos and fit the season and theme.... read more

    December 14, 2007 5:47 PM

32. She makes house calls

    If you're like me, more than once you traveled out to your friend's choice of bridal boutiques, got measured by a less-than-discreet employee who shouted out your measurements, tape measure in hand, and then proceeded to debate your size with another sales associate. Perhaps, things have evolved since I did my "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" stage. I would hope so. Just the same, wouldn't it be nicer to go through all that in the privacy's of a friend's home with a cocktail in hand?... read more

    December 28, 2007 10:00 AM

33. Ditch the duds

    Let's just say, I did my time, most notably in a bright-pink taffeta number with full skirt slip (that I remember cost $50 on my then measly reporter's salary) and dangling hair piece. So what to do when the party's over and you've got a closet full of less-than-flattering bridesmaid dresses? ... read more

    January 7, 2008 10:58 AM

34. Project wedding

    You might remember him and his penchant for luxe evening gowns from Project Runway Season 1. Well now Austin Scarlett (do you think that's his real name?) is extending his 15 minutes of fame a bit longer with his Kenneth Pool line of bridal gowns.... read more

    January 8, 2008 12:00 PM

35. Think about her

    Let's talk about those MOBs, mother of the brides, for a minute. My mom was invaluable. She helped with the wedding planning, cared, listened and offered advice on any detail with which I struggled. I was very lucky-on more than one front. What about yours?... read more

    January 14, 2008 6:21 PM

36. Wedding trends revealed

    On Saturday, Jan. 26, Macy's Trend Expert Jennifer Wilkins will discuss trends in all things bridal in three presentations at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., and Bill Hoopes, director of Macy's wedding registry, will offer related tips and trends, during his own presentation at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ... read more

    January 18, 2008 9:21 PM

37. The princess bride

    In any case, here's a sneak peak at some 2008 bridal trends to be highlighted at the upcoming free Macy's event Saturday Jan. 26 ... read more

    January 24, 2008 7:28 PM

38. Do good with your dress

    It seems that glorious gown can have a life beyond your wedding--and could even save a life in the process. That's assuming you're willing to part ways and donate your dress to the Brides Against Breast Cancer annual gown sale March 6 through 8 at the Wyndham Chicago Hotel, where 100 percent of the proceeds go to breast cancer research.... read more

    February 22, 2008 10:57 PM

39. Bridal bargains

    Let's just say you should have much better luck with the bargains at Chicago's Macy's on State Street bridal sample sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 1. How about a designer bridal gown for $199 or sample bridesmaid dresses at just $49.97?... read more

    February 25, 2008 12:40 AM

40. Dream gown for a dream price

    Let me tell you this, if you haven't been there go. Yes, you may need to trek out to Barrington, but a trip to Wedding Belles Ltd. can be way worth it. We say this because a few of our friends found their perfect dress at Wedding Belles, weddingbellesltd.com, and enjoyed substantial savings.

    ... read more

    February 29, 2008 12:37 AM

41. Couture cleaners

    Davis Imperial Cleaners in Chicago takes cleaning to another level. Receiving acclaim from both Vogue and Chicago magazines, this family business makes good on their promises takes the utmost care with precious pieces, namely wedding dresses.... read more

    March 6, 2008 10:20 PM

42. Wearing of the red

    We feel like we should be writing about 'the wearing of the green' today given it's St. Patrick's Day and all, but we didn't find too many green accented wedding gowns. We did, however, come across redhotbrides.com, a resource for those courageous types looking to add a bit of drama to their ensemble.... read more

    March 17, 2008 6:46 PM

43. It's all about the details

    Attending a trunk show opens opportunities that may not be available otherwise. One in particular that caught our attention is Junko Yoshioka's April 4 and 5 trunk show at Ultimate Bride on Oak Street.... read more

    March 25, 2008 10:45 PM

44. Slip into something simple

    I've always been a fan of Nicole Miller and I remember regretting that I ordered my bridesmaid dresses before shopping there first. Don't make the same mistake I did. Head over to her bi-level Wells Street store where the upstairs contains bridesmaid dresses your girls will want to wear.

    ... read more

    March 27, 2008 6:20 PM

45. His and hers

    

    The ladies at white CHICAGO, a sample or once-wed bridal boutique in Chicago, are teaming up with Montopoli Custom Clothiers to offer a deal for grooms who want to move one step beyond a rented tux.... read more

    May 9, 2008 9:00 AM

46. Dress-ing the bride

    

    Well, there's a brand new store (literally set to open next week) to serve all your dress-ing needs. Simply called, le Dress, this shop in the city's Wicker Park neighborhood specializes in just what you think. It's 100 percent dresses, many of which look to be shower or rehearsal dinner ready, btw... read more

    May 22, 2008 9:43 AM

47. A real deal

    

    Who doesn't love a deal? Well, our friend who's getting married this summer found one when she bought her Demitrios gown valued at $1,000 for $425 at I Do Bridal Consignment on West Belmont Avenue in Chicago.... read more

    May 23, 2008 9:06 AM

48. Two-for-one

    

    This weekend, Watters and Watters hosts a trunk show featuring both its bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses at Macy's on State Street.... read more

    May 29, 2008 9:59 AM

49. It could happen to you

    

    For one week only, July 7 through 13, Macy's 4th floor bridal salon will offer sample designer dresses from the likes of Reem Acra, Romona Keveza, Anne Barge, Jenny Lee and Watters and Watters among others.

    ... read more

    June 20, 2008 9:10 AM

50. Plus-size power

    

    We're happy to come across a collection by San Francisco-based Igigi, a line that says it specializes in sexy, sophisticated plus-size clothing, that features an ultra-affordable bridal collection.

    ... read more

    June 26, 2008 9:00 AM

51. Mira Couture

    

    ... read more

    July 1, 2008 9:43 AM

52. Problem solved

    

    Here's a situation. You've got a pregnant bridesmaid. Here's a solution. Visit Chicago's Jenny Yoo showroom, which offers maternity bridesmaid dresses along with an attractive assortment of regular bridesmaid dresses and some wedding gowns to boot.

    ... read more

    July 11, 2008 9:00 AM

53. Just for you

    

    It's your wedding, it's your day and it should be your dress. That's why I like Dame Couture in Chicago, which offers so many ways to create a wedding dress just for you.

    ... read more

    July 16, 2008 9:00 AM

54. Enlist an expert

    

    You may want to visit Macy's on State Street in Chicago next month when Lazaro, the man behind the brand bearing his name, will be in town for three trunk shows, Aug. 1 through 3.

    ... read more

    July 23, 2008 9:00 AM