Like the rest of us, did you drool over the stunning Temperley gown and fur coat from our “Sail Away With Me” shoot and then melt when you laid your eyes on the timeless gold sequined dress also featured? Well then, let me tell you all about the boutique they came from and how it has inspired today’s post. Covet – The Borrowers Boudoir located on the top floor of Dublin’s stylish Powerscourt Centre, is what I like to describe as a little bit of heaven on earth. My dream of owning a wardrobe home to even one masterpiece created by Alexander McQueen, Rachel Gilbert or Marchessa, will sadly (thanks to the taxman) remain just that.. a dream. But you know what, it’s absolutely fine. Covet is the light shining oh so bright at the end of a dark tunnel. Now, all of us wannabe models, actresses and superstars also have the option of dressing up in a gorgeous gown that was made to walk the red carpet for a special occasion, without having to worry about selling our granny’s to cover the credit card repayments. Yep, the best bit is that all of this “luxury on loan” comes in at 10% or less of the retail price.
We were really keen to have Covet involved in the styled shoot because this boutique is exactly the sort of Destination Friendly Inspiration that we want to keep featuring. They have an exquisite range of dresses suitable for bridal wear, especially if your dream dress is something a little bit vintage or just off the runway. You can arrange for a private appointment where you don’t just get the dress altered to fit like it was made for you, but also receive savvy styling tips on how to create the whole look, compliments of their team of fashion experts. Why not hire and save yourself the hassle of worrying how to pack “The Dress”… that you only plan on wearing once anyway. If, on the other hand, it is really important for you to hang on to your wedding dress for sentimental reasons, then think of your bridesmaids. I know I certainly would have zero objections to wearing Chanel for a day. Female guests will also appreciate being made aware of such “practical indulgence”. So today, you can feast your eyes on some of Covet’s collection in Dublin and because we love this idea so much and love our readers from all around the world, we have found boutiques and online shops of a very similar nature in other cities across the globe…
IRELAND COVET – THE BORROWERS BOUDOIR
Some seriously high fashion above but below, we have picked six gowns that we think would make beautiful wedding gowns.
From left; 1 ) This timeless petal silk dress is actually one of Covet’s own creations. 2) This Valentino number is a show stopper with such a deep V for detail on the back. 3) For something off white, how about this Galliano to make you blush?
4) Pure elegance and gorgeous pearl detailing on this Badgley Mischka. 5) This Cymbeline creation is made of fine French Lace. 6) For something truly Vintage, this full length gown with stunning floral applique detail is a winner for us.
For bridesmaids and female guests, here is a small sample of what is on offer.
The boutique is full of amazing finds, more than they have on their website and they are constantly updating their wardrobe, so I’d follow them on Facebook here if you really want to keep up to date.
Now let’s move around the world, where the idea of hiring is the same but some of the shops are more online based to cater to those that don’t have a chance to visit the shop.
FRANCE MA BONNE AMIE
Located in the 18th arrondissement in Paris, you can take a look at their website, reserve your dress and pick up two days before that special occasion. Or you can just pop in if it suits. Designers include Cacharel and Barbara Bui.
UK GIRL MEETS DRESS
With around 150 designers to choose from, you won’t be stuck for that perfect dress. It’s very easy, just take a look at their online shop and if you see something you like, they will even send it to you to try on. Below are just two of the hundreds of dresses on their site. The Dina Bar – El range is just insanely glamorous and perfect for the BMs who dream about Hollywood.
AUSTRALIA DRESSED UP
So.. similar to Girl Meets Dress, Dressed Up also offers an online service, this time covering all of Australia. You can browse, choose and reserve online. Dresses are posted and can be hired for a week and longer if you really fall in love. Their main goal is to keep you happy… and they certainly kept me happy looking at all those Rachel Gilbert dresses. Given that she is Australian, I thought I’d showcase primarily her own gowns…. nothing to do with the fact that I have an unhealthy obsession with her, and her Ashleigh Issy, Milio and Simone creations! A little bit of Wayne Cooper and Jayson Brunsdo in pics one and two were another two that I took a shine to.
USA RENT THE RUNWAY
And finally on our search for killer designer dresses at a fraction of the cost purely because you are willing to hire… our last stop is in NYC where you can strut your stuff in unbeatable style thanks to “Rent the Runway”. RTR is not so much geared toward the bride looking for the perfect white dress but if it’s the engagement party, rehearsal dinner and post wedding celebrations you are looking to buy for, look no further. RTR is also bridesmaid heaven. While it isn’t a tradition in Europe for the bridesmaid to buy her own bridesmaid dress like it is in the States (which must become quite costly to the American gal over time), we all share the same burden of owning yet another dress destined to hang in the wardrobe for the rest of it’s life… never to be worn again. So I say, hire the dress! No one will believe you saved a little fortune looking like a million dollars. Let your fellow bridesmaids in on your secret.. you can all get different styles in the same colour if that’s what the bride wants… like these lovely little Badgley Mischka’s…
And there you have it. The ability to look like you just won the lotto with more money left in your pocket to rent the next one, all the while saving yourself the trouble of having to carry the dress with you if you are a destination bride / bridesmaid / guest and if that doesn’t make you feel great.. you have reduced your carbon footprint as well! Hooray!
Lindsay ad Pamela x
