Where can I find this $13K dress for, like, much cheaper??

Hello ESB,

I am totally in love with your blog and while scouring the "dresses" archive decided to just write to you myself. I recently got engaged and we're planning a spring 2013 wedding in Mexico. The "theme" (though I hate that word) is loosely Bohemian Glamour.... I have the venue, decor, and most everything else under control but the dress is starting to become my biggest worry... Because I already found my DREAM dress but its wayyyy out of my price range.

In a nutshell, I went to a bridal boutique and after telling the consultant my budget ($2000 - $3000) she pulled a bunch of dresses by this new designer, Tara LaTour. She told me they were within my price range or "a little bit more"... So I tried on this one first and LOVED it with all my heart.... (minus the blue - it would be custom made in ivory/champagne hues). This was MY dress.....

Then I tried on this one and it was a very close second.

Well, it turns out those dresses aren't even close to $3000. The first is over $13,000 (whaaaat) and the second is around $9,000 (better but still not happening). I totally get why they cost that much, they're gorgeous and handmade and custom dyed, etc etc etc. But as much as they are worth those prices, its just not a price I can pay. Anyways...

I would love any suggestions on designers who make dresses in a similar style (the rustic look, raw edges, ruffle/petal, varied colors, etc).... I'm in Washington DC now but am moving to Seattle next month. Maybe in Seattle or Portland??? I feel like a smaller boutique designer is my best bet but I'm not having any luck googling, blog searching, etc.

Also, I'm open to something not necessarily "bridal" and definitely doesn't need to be white - anything in the neutral ivory/champagne/taupe palette works.

Maybe you (or the ever-helpful readers) will be able to suggest something? Any thoughts would be helpful! Thank you so much!!

xoxo

*****

You are aware that I'm not actually a fairy godmother, right?

I mean. ICK on that a*hole for showing you dresses so far out of your price range, but I feel like you ought to just put em out of your mind and move on. If you try to replicate something like that (esp at your price point), you could end up with a real shit show.

p.s. Please, for fuck's sake, will you guys refrain from recommending Wai Ching. That hippie shit was all very well and good for our VENUS ON THE HALF SHELL, but not what we're looking for here.