There is something classic and almost Renaissance inspired by this detailed drop waisted gown with dimensional pleating detail.

Credit: Blue by Enzoani "Bedford"

Cake Couture: Bold Black

A dress with bold black florals...

Credit: Jasmine Bridal gown style T481

requires an equally bold black floral cake.

Credit: black floral cake from Brides

Another Dream Dress!
Who: Anaïs Collezioni 2010 style AN114
Why: For the uniquely wonderful mermaid skirt!  The rouching is exquisite and the embellished bodice is ornately elegant.  But the asymmetric sheer paneled touches on the mermaid skirt really take the cake.
(I also happen to love the hair styling.  A short red bob looks so current and fuss free with this gown.  Too often you see too many brides do the whole curled hair or up-do that ends up being too much.  This is just enough and it looks natural yet it goes with the dress.)

Who: Maggie Sottero "Antonia" gown

Why: While the top of this gown is utterly tailored and pristinely exquisite, the asymmetric skirt keeps this gown from being too prissy.  I would even dare say parts of this gown recall a Vera Wang creation but no one has to know this is a more affordable inspiration style.

Credit: Maggie Sottero

Icelandic Princess

This is perhaps unusual inspiration but I couldn't help it.

A sheer illusion gown bedecked with flowers and a feathered headpiece instead of a veil.

Credits: Pintrest via My Modern Met via Fashion Gone Rogue

Dream Dress Friday: Dimension

Who: Jasmine Couture style T485
Why: While this gown from the top looks like an elegantly constructed pleated bodice gown.  But the unique floral appliques really make this gown unique.  The dimensional swirled flowers with feathered and jeweled centers give this gown a bit of a twist.

Credit: Jasmine Bridal

Look-a-likes for less: rouched strapless with floral applique

Do you remember that scene in "The Devil Wears Prada" when Anne Hathaway's character Andy sits in on a run-through with the editors in Miranda's office? (I wish I could find a clip to post!) When she fails to see the difference between two belts Miranda delivers a scathing yet well explained monologue on what I like to call the "trickle down" effect of fashion.

That's basically what "Look-a-likes for less" is.

Sooner or later some part of high fashion looks trickle down to those of us with less lavish means, but that nowadays that doesn't always have to mean a lesser look.

Everything that can be done will eventually be repeated and that applies especially to fashion. A very basic silhouette can be interpreted and reinterpreted endlessly and what we end up with is a designer idea that eventually gets replicated or becomes the inspiration for less costly look-a-likes.

And now, our first "look-a-like for less".

The original inspiration - Oscar de la Renta 2008 collection.

The elements

Bodice: strapless, rouched silk taffeta with straight neckline

Waist: natural

Skirt: tulle A-line with embroidered flower appliques

Back: Invisible zipper with an asymmetrical "pouf", slight sweep train.

Price: over $3000

Look-a-like for less - Alfred Angelo style 2114 (2010 season)

The elements

Bodice: strapless, rouched satin with a subtle sweetheart neckline

Waist: dropped, with empire bow detail

Skirt: A-line organza over satin with embroidered, beaded lace appliques

Back: Corset style lace-up with semi-cathedral length train

Price: under $1000

Which would you pick?