Here Comes the...Sample Sale

I wore my mother's wedding dress, but if I could have a do-over, I'd definitely go and try on some fabulous designer gowns. If you're in the market, now's the time to shop. Chevy Chase Bridal in Mazza Gallerie is having an 80% off sample sale on gorgeous dresses from stars like Romona Keveza, Badgley Mischka and more. The sale starts today and goes through Jan. 13.

Little Mermaid

Last week when I interviewed former Bachelorette and current "Get Married" host, DeAnna Pappas, she told me that "mermaid" style gowns were a popular choice this season. Because June is the month of the bride, I wanted to hunt up the best of the mermaid to share. I could have spent days on this project. I wore my mother's gown when I got married and didn't ever go searching through gowns. What fun. I found so many dreamy takes on the classic silhouette but can't possibly show them all. So here are just a precious few from Romona Keveza, Elizabeth Fillmore and L'ezu Atelier . (L'ezu Atelier above left)

left to right: Natasha gown by Elizabeth Fillmore; Romona Keveza Couture; Romona Keveza Couture; Romona Keveza Legends

Of Brides and Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas

Here come the brides. No, not us ("us," did I just say us about me and Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas??), but all the lucky brides-to-be that will be attending the Pre-Wedding Bridal Party tonight at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase co-sponsored by Lifetime show "Get Married." The show's co-host DeAnna Pappas will be in the store from 6 to 8 to sign autographs and cheer on the brides as they plan for their own storybook wedding, meet vendors, enter contests and enjoy appetizers. In case you don't remember, DeAnna appeared in "The Bachelor" where she had a less-than-happy ending with "Brad." Then most recently, she chose "Jesse" over the single-dad "Jason" in "The Bachelorette." Though my mom still can't believe she'd jilt Jason for Jesse, the heart has a mind of its own, and apparently, a will to go on. Though her own romance with Jesse didn't work out,  she still believes in true love and looks forward to the day she will be again planning a wedding. I had a sit-down with DeAnna earlier today at her hotel (where I also got to meet her dad, Greg Pappas). She says she started hosting "Get Married" last December when she was engaged: "I was completely consumed with it and very excited for this new part of my life." DeAnna says the "party and planning and fashion and food and all of that stuff that really intrigues me." 

Biggest trend:

"Destination weddings - even with this economy. Instead of doing the huge church and all the flowers, have a small intimate ceremony with close friends and family, then come back and have a party."

On wedding planners:

DeAnna says with all the resources available to them like GetMarried.com, brides can do it all themselves.  But she says,  "Planners are geniuses. That's why they're wedding planners. If you can afford it and don't want to be stressed out on your wedding day, hire a wedding planner...They can figure out what your wants and needs are and present you with different options."

What most brides want:

"The perfect memory. What you'll remember 20 years later is the moment you said 'I do,' the moment you became husband and wife."

Most unique wedding:

"A Japanese-themed wedding, where everyone wore Japanese themed attire. And they requested that the guests wore Japanese-themed clothing as well." (ME: "Were they Japanese?'

DP: "No, they weren't.")

Fashion trends:

"Everyone's really getting into the 'mermaid' gown where it's really fitted and then flows out at the bottom. Strapless never goes out of style; they tend to be absolutely stunning."

Important advice: 

"Don't stress out. Remember it's your day. You're surrounded by family and friends and love. Enjoy it. Take it all in."

On being the Bachelorette and now the host of "Get Married":

"My life has been a whirlwind the last few years...But this is what I live for. Who doesn't want to fall madly in love, get married and have a family?"