reader question: hoping to find a non-weddingy wedding gown

I recently received the following question from Ashley, a spring bride who has a soft spot for high fashion: "I am hoping to find a non-weddingy wedding gown for my Spring 2010 wedding. I am going for floaty and ethereal a la Nina Ricci or J Mendel. I was wondering if you knew the name of the designer of the gown in the picture (at top.) I feel like I have seen it somewhere, on one of the blogs or in a magazine, but cannot for the life of me remember where."

The gown Ashley was referring to is a stunning Reem Acra beaded cap sleeve gown recently worn by both Jessica Szohr and Olivia Wilde. Both Jessica and Olivia are fulfilling my dream of wearing nothing but white gowns to red carpet events (when I become famous, that is.) Ashley is correct in that this isn't specifically a wedding gown. It appeared in the 2008 Spring Read- to-Wear collection, not bridal. And while the gorgeous beaded cap sleeves and silver gray fabric may be a bit out of your price range, this Twist Front Chiffon Gown with Beaded Cap Sleeves isn't. At $198, this floor-length champange gown embodies the spirit of the Reem Acra gown (at left.) It even lends itself to the same slice of ribbon that can be worn at the waist. It's a perfect fit for Ashley, who wanted something non-weddingy but is every bit the blushing bride!



{photo credits: gossip girl, elle.com, nordstrom}