Without a doubt, the most expensive garment most of us will ever buy
for our wedding is the dress we wear to walk down the aisle. But a
new business is taking the sticker shock out of high-fashion bridal
gowns by giving once-wed dresses another shot in the spotlight!
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These are not just any hand-me-downs. This first of its kind bridal
boutique is putting a contemporary, couture spin on consignment.
"Even though someone might think of consignment in a different
way, we want to elevate it and make it a bridal oasis for brides,"
said Ursula Guyer, owner.
The modern River North space is decorated from floor to ceiling
in sleek, all-white furnishings.
"Along with finding the dress, you can immerse yourself in all
things bridal in the store's own research lounge," said Guyer.
It is not exactly the shopping experience you'd expect when in
search of second hand.
"If you were looking at consignment, it was crammed in the back
of some second hand store so this is great. It is a great space
and it has a great vibe and feel for brides," said Guyer.
Tracy McLeod only wishes she would had a place like it to shop,
when she was in search of the perfect gown. Now, she considers White
Chicago the perfect place to recoup a little cash spent on that
big dream wedding.
"It made me happy but I was like, why should I let this sit in
a box or in my closet. I wanted to make someone else happy," said
Tracy McLeod, shopper.
After a couple months of brides browsing through a couple of her
dresses they were sold.
"I got some extra money in my pocket," said McLeod.
Ursula Guyer and Stacy Sklarski are the duo behind this unique
new wedding concept and for their services, they do keep a 50-percent
cut from all gown sales. There are also a few ground rules before
they will accept a gown.
"We just require that they are less than four years old and are
in great condition. We accept dresses that retail over $1,500 and
they must include the receipt," said Stacy Sklarski, owner.
Along with the once wed variety, White Chicago also boasts plenty
of never-worn gowns.
"Sixty percent are samples coming right from designers and from
stores all across the country," said Guyer.
For newlywed Katy Altemose, White Chicago was just what she was
looking for.
"I liked the selection, it was very extensive everything from
some very simple gowns to very elaborate and beaded ones, it really
gives you a lot of options to try on different looks and surprisingly,
a dress I thought I'd never end up with was what I chose," said
Katy Altemose. For more information:
White Chicago
222 West Huron
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 397-1571
www.whitechicago.com
