TRAVEL GUIDE: NYC (WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING) (2024)

A month or two ago, queen-mother Deb and her three sons – Bo, Tucker, and Gibson – joined forces to help Deb’s daughter, Gussie, in the quest for the dream wedding dress. The timing was perfect in conjunction with New York Fashion Week as the “Wedding Dress Advisory Board” hit the streets of NYC in the name of love, fashion, and delicious breaks for fabulous food in between. Whether you’re on the hunt for your own dream dress or heading to the Big Apple for a spring break in the city, we have recs from the OG Manhattanite herself, Deb. Sadly, we will not be going to Kleinfeld’s…

K, so, first of all, none of the dresses featured are THE DRESS, so cool your New York jets, people. If you’re shopping for anything as big as your wedding day, you’re going to want to go with Deb. You will never be wondering “what if,” and you’ll certainly leave knowing you found the one. As a stylist, Deb is going to get neck deep in the taffeta with you, and provide fabulous feedback, and with “the boys” in tow, Gussie had the ultimate “I Do Crew.”

Right off the bat,SPINABridal Salon on 10th Ave at 18th Street, should be noted as it is a townhouse full of bridal gowns from all over the globe. The Johns also headed toThe White Gown,Grace Loves Lace,Anne BargeandPronovias.Gussie did ultimately say yes to the dress, but you won’t get to see it until September when we do a wedding feature, which we will definitely be doing, Gussie!

Need a break from fitting rooms? Do some good old fashioned toddling around and window shopping and go to the tried-and-true (think this may be the first time in history someone has referred to this establishment this way),Bergdorf Goodman. All those immaculate displays and mannequins will really make you feel alive again. A similar font would beDover Street Marketfor a fab museum tour of avant-garde fashion. Other favorite (and simpler) options include,Goods for the Study,Little Moony, a kids boutique on Mulberry Street, andWebster Boutiquefor gorgeous, high-end apparel.

Nothing ignites hunger quite like shopping with your mother. For a light and delicious breakfast or the ultimate brunch spot, march to the iconic Chelsea Hotel and grab a savory omelet atCafe Chelsea. This will get you in luxe, chic, French lady mode, which is quite necessary for a big day of shopping. There’s also a delicious spread of bread and cheese and jam and butter atCrispy Heaven Bakery, reimagined retro donuts atBear Donuts, or the iconic for all ages,Alice’s Tea Cup. If you go toAlice’s Tea Cupyou will have a lengthy list of tea options, which we love.

For ladies and lads who lunch hard, grab a big ol’ tuna melt atEisenberg’s, a cult classic on lower Fifth Ave or storm the counters and cafes at the carb heaven that isEataly.

Phenom dinner options can be found at Deb’s favorites,Via CarotaandBuvette. She also highly recommendsCorner Barin Nine Orchard Hotel orAltro Paradiso(their aperol spritzes look particularly spritzy). For the ultimate comfort food, however, reserve a spot atLa Pecora Biancain the Flatiron. Get the cacio e pepe or rigatoni alla vodka. The other option isGramercy Tavernwhich is always serving fantasy woodland decor AND elevated neighborhood bar food. They have the best burgers and desserts!

And, if it gets really late and you’re simply famished, get a torso-sized slice at Sauce Pizzeria. Sauce features paper thin, flavorful pizza in the Moynihan Train Station.

Now, you’re naturally going to need to lay down at some point. We at SCOUT love to lay our pretty paws to rest at anAce Hotel. You can typically bop downstairs and check out a wonderful art installation in between activities, providing yourself a much-needed moment of art, you may not otherwise have time for while cannonballing into wedding dresses all day. We won’t necessarily be the first to recommend thePlaza Hotelfor overnight stays as it costs a pretty penny, but Deb did stop in for theChristian Siriano Show, which happened to be the first show of Fashion Week! It was Dune-inspired which is super cool and timely, of course.

Honestly, whether you need a wedding dress or not, trying on a dress in a New York bridal boutique is like the ultimate diva moment. Everyone should have that, and if we could bottle it up and ship it, we would. So, get yourself a flight, train ticket, or bus up to the City that Never Sleeps and have some fun of your own. Or at least do something luxurious for yourself locally, like make some chocolate covered strawberries or grab your favorite tea. We hope this concrete jungle where dreams are made with lights will inspire you all season long.