Be still, my heart

I would be lying if I said that the newly opened BHLDN bridal boutique didn't make me want to get married again, just so I could throw another party! BHLDN, pronounced "beholden" (get it?), is Anthropologie's online bridal brand. It opened the doors to its second physical shop right here in the Gold Coast of Chicago this week, and I was invited to cover the launch event on Monday night for PinkMemo. 

As media, I got to preview the collections before anyone else. I fell in love with all those gorgeous fabrics and intricate beadwork gracing so many exquisite gowns, got to dab on Acqua Colonia perfume (ordinarily only found in Florence, Italy!), and tour the private fitting salons. 

 

The level of detail contained within the boutique is just incredible––anything and everything a girl could dream of for her big day is right here at BHLDN. You will surely be inspired by things you didn't even consider as you walk glide through all the inspiration rooms. And, of course, everything has Anthropologie's signature whimsical/bohemian touches, with an elevated elegant take for the pretty penny you will pay. 

I also caught up with a few PR girls that I had built relationships with over the course of the last year and a half as a PinkMemo contributor. It's amazing how being a blogger suddenly makes you important and people start calling you "the press." Yea!

The artist who was on hand to cutout your silhouette, like those on vintage cameos, was pretty awesome, too. And, my favorite part of any event, sipping bubbly and tasting the most amazing passed hors'deuvres like lobster corn dogs and truffle and fontina pinwheels, to name a few.

Other observations: 

1 - At least two women were toting newborns. The hot new accessory? One was being worn facing outward in a Baby Bjorn, crying hysterically, while mum was carrying on a conversation with a flute of bubbly in hand. The funny thing is, you couldn't hear his cries over the deejay's music and partygoers, so baby looked like he was on mute. I don't know whether I was more sad for the baby, or amazed by the new mom who was out having a good time, or incredulous at the people in the conversation who were facing the crying baby.

2 - Some very stylish people were in attendance, like this lovely lady in an emerald green dress and glittery bow purse. Figures her dress is vintage, aren't all the best things? I basically wanted to hit her over the head and snatch her purse. And dress. And shoes! Oh just give me everything, even the hair!