By Irene Marquez, Mommy In Los Angeles® Fashion & Style Contributor
With the abrupt closure of Florida-based wedding gown chain Alfred Angelo last week, hundreds of brides nationwide were left in limbo. In Los Angeles County, there are eight Alfred Angelo stores whose doors remain closed.
On Monday, Alfred Angelo released a statement that offered no solutions for brides-to-be whose upcoming nuptials are too soon to restart the tedious process of shopping for a wedding dress.
“Alfred Angelo filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 14, 2017,” says the company on its website. “We will post additional information regarding the status of dresses on this website as it becomes available. We apologize for the inconvenience and hardship resulting from this event.”
So what’s a woman to do if she has an upcoming wedding and Alfred Angelo continues to be unresponsive?
Here in Los Angeles, you have several options!
The garment district in Downtown LA is a great starting point. You can find, try on and go home with your dress in one day.
My top pick for wedding gowns at the garment district is Mademoiselle, located at 914 Santee Street.
With ready-to-buy gowns ranging in sizes from 0-36, Mademoiselle gives brides the chance to ‘say yes to the dress’ and leave home with their new dress, in a matter of hours.
“We sell everything off the rack, you’re basically getting what you’re seeing,” says Mademoiselle store employee Jeydi Velasquez. “We have dresses, veils and accessories. We also have six tailors. The alterations are done here in the same building. Everything will be done by the time (the bride) needs it.”
Other Downtown LA garment district wedding dress shops worth checking out:
*Atria Couture | 1316 S. Santee St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
*Moulin Rouge | 940 Santee St., Ste, A Los Angeles, CA 90015
Online Options
For brides that have a little more time to order a dress online, I’ve gathered my top five wedding dresses that you can purchase right now online and have delivered before your big day (each under $500):
BCBG Estrella Cutout Gown, $368
For the bride that wants to keep things simple and chic after the whole Alfred Angelo debauchery. You can accessorize this dress with large crystal earrings. I wouldn’t wear a necklace though since the cutout detail is so visual, in and of itself.
www.bcbg.com
Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Beaded Tulle Gown, $349
This dress is soft and romantic for the bride that wants to look glam with a princess-like tulle skirt. The bodice is delicately beaded and the barely-there straps are simply fabulous.
www.adriannapapell.com
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Jersey One Shoulder Gown, $160
Simplicity and asymmetrical styles are often a good combination. This dress is the perfect look for a more formal setting where you want your flawless face and gorgeous hair to be the highlight of the day. It’s simple, yet very elegant and will accentuate your curves in a pleasant way.
www.Macys.com
Betsy & Adam Illusion V-Neck Lace Gown, $249
As part of my top dress picks, I needed to include a lacey gown. This one is perfectly arranged with a plunging mesh neckline and a gorgeous keyhole in the back. I can see a beautiful bride with a pair of diamond studs surrounded by gorgeous flower arrangements.
Dress the Population Harper Plunging V-Neck Sequin Gown, $309
For the bride that loves to be “extra”, I would combine this v-neck sequin gown with chandelier earrings, and a maximalist bracelet to match the earrings. After all, there’s nothing that represents the ultimate luxury bride more than bling and shiny things.
www.dillards.com
Most importantly, relax, drink champagne and love your beau.
Weddings are a once in a lifetime experience, don’t let Alfred Angelo’s bad fate determine yours!