Hilary of Estera Events Reporting from the BHLDN Store Opening in Chicago!

One of the many perks of being editors of a national wedding blog are the fabulous parties we are invited to!  One of the down sides is, we can't always attend them.  That's why we're glad we have friends all over the country who will go for us!  :)  Like Hilary of Estera Events in Chicago!  When we told her about the grand opening of the BHLDN Chicago store and asked her if she'd be open to reporting for us, she was 100% ok with that idea!  Below is her story about the opening ... what she saw, *who* she met, and what she thinks!  All photos below were taken with Hilary's trusty camera.  Enjoy!

It has been exactly a year since the B H L D N brand launched and what a way to celebrate an anniversary!  Little did I know last year when I was approached by Style Unveiled to plan a styled shoot inspired by this collection that I would soon be attending the launch of the Chicago store (not to mention covering it!).  Since the first moment I laid eyes on the stunning offerings of B H L D N, I have been smitten. Smitten with every. single. item. And the store, not to mention the party, did not disappoint.

The exclusive Gold Coast location, a glorious urban manse, is truly a shopping experience.  The first floor is dedicated to the perfect party dress – whether for the ladies in your bridal party, a sweet number for a bridal shower, something a bit more ‘evening’ for an engagement party or bachelorette party, the list goes on.  I love the fact that you could find a range of bridesmaid gowns (monochromatic, in different styles, of course) in one place, not to mention an entire wardrobe suitable for the span of your engagement and beyond!  Don’t tell anyone, but this will be my go-to for party dresses from now on…

Then it is up the grand staircase to heaven…seriously…there are angel wings suspended from the ceiling.   The second floor feels very much like a proper, sophisticated salon.  The main ‘room’ is filled with accessories; modern cases of jewelry, shoes in a variety of vintage influenced styles, hats and hairpieces, fancy boleros, vintage purses, handkerchiefs, not to mention one of a kind garters. I’m generally not a fan of garters – but these make the concept so appealing!  There is also a small section devoted to the groom – here you can find the perfect bow tie, colorful socks, a vintage flask or cuff links. Plus plenty of comfortable seating if you dare bring him along…

Just off the main salon, the Bridal Gown room is truly breathtaking.  Imagine you are in a chateau in the South of France and you just happened into a room filled with gowns that at first glance appear to be perfectly preserved in time.  Only when you take a second look do you realize the fabrics, cut and a few modern details reveal they are very much chicly tailored to the way we get married today.

Lingerie is next, because we all know it’s not just about the dress on your big day.  What is underneath is just as important!  The softly lit lingerie ‘boutique’ is nestled in a corner, again off the main salon.  Very private and very luxurious – this area has a separate dressing room and offers an expansive array of Santa Maria Novella products (which I’m told is one of the only boutiques in the country to do so).  Perfect for finding your wedding ‘scent’, the one that when you smell again in 5, 10 or 20 years will always take you back to that perfect day.  Did I mention the perfumer is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1221 A.D.?

After finding the perfect gown, charming underpinnings, the shoe, jewelry and other accessories to complete your look, it is time to finalize the details of the décor for your day (my favorite part, but I am a bit biased…).  The décor suite, located in another corner off the main salon, is a truly fabulous destination.  Packed into a room that could otherwise be a very spacious walk in closet, you will find the perfect touches to make your wedding one of a kind.  From sequined chandeliers to colorful drinking straws, cake pedestals and toppers, champagne coupes, garlands, table numbers, bottled glitter, and much more. I have no idea how they fit it all in, but it works and there are a range of styles to compliment any look!

I would have to say, the best part about the B H L D N store is that it is constantly evolving.  Four collections are debuted per year (2 in the Spring, 2 in the Fall), with mini collections making an appearance throughout.  Vintage finds are abundant and will be constantly refreshed (they do the rummaging through Aunt Bessie’s attic for you). B H L D N is a delightful shopping experience that should be a destination for every bride looking for something old and something new.

On a personal note, the highlights of my evening included meeting Darcy Miller, Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings (who graciously hosted the event) and Trevor Lunn, Creative Director for Anthropologie and mastermind of the B H L D N brand, both very inspiring and genuinely lovely people.  I would also like to mention the caterer, Truffleberry, who turned out the most imaginatively presented hors d’ oeuvres and desserts. Paired with flowing Prosecco, it made for an enchanting evening!