Last week I checked out the brand-new J. Crew Bridal Boutique in New York City. First and foremost, I’m a big fan of J. Crew’s ready-to-wear so I was only expecting good things from this latest retail expansion completely dedicated to the budding bride. As I suspected, it did not disappoint — the store is fabulous.  

Although J. Crew has produced bridal attire for a minute (since 2004 to be exact), this is the retailer’s first-ever freestanding boutique. Located at 769 Madison Avenue and 66th Street, the typically laidback J. Crew somehow feels right at home nestled between NYC’s most swanky designers. J. Crew Group President Tracy Gardner told Women’s Wear Daily, “We’re not fancy here. We’re still J. Crew, but it’s an elevated experience.”

I personally loved the way the boutique was merchandised. There was denim paired with tulle and lace and cashmere tees mixed with ball gown skirts. The boutique carries a wide range of styles so everyone from the boho bride to the princess bride can feel at home. The price points offer something for everyone as well: $229 for a silk tricotine Sophia gown or $3,500 for a metallic 1920’s-inspired tulle gown. In addition to the modern gowns on display throughout the lower level which is appointment only (champagne is served) there are a sinful amount of accessories on the main level.  Everything from beauty items like nail polish and fragrance for the big day and sexy lingerie for the big night to headpieces and veils, vintage-inspired clutch bags and jewelry are all under this roof.

Last but certainly not least, there is a nice little selection of footwear available in the boutique. I’m still thinking about the gorgeous gold starlight sequin heels but at $350 I will continue to “think” about them. However this is precisely the reason I find this boutique so cool…even if you have no immediate plans of jumping the broom like me, you won’t feel like a total freak browsing in this “bridal shop” because it’s still J. Crew.

P.S. – One of the highlights of visiting this boutique for the first time was getting to chat up Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings who served as the evening’s hostess for the official store opening. Yeah, I can be a geek like that.