Not related to the Rapture

Discount designer wedding dresses hit Costco and the crowd is intrigued, if notinspired to buy

The wedding gown scene at Costco.
Photo by Caroline Gallay
Kirstie Kelly, designer
Photo via www.KirstieKelly.com

We reported back in March about the designer wedding dresses slated to hit Costco stores (and we were a little apprehensive).

Well, six designs by Kirstie Kelly hit Costco Thursday, and we dropped by the Richmond location to see the scene. The dresses looked expectedly out of place in the midst of the discount warehouse, but the ambiance fared better once we stepped inside the pop-up, makeshift "fitting room."

We were prohibited from snapping any photos of the interior, but it was pretty standard fare: White curtains and carpeting, strappy sample sandals for trying stuff on and a long rack of sample sizes of the various designs. There are no individual stalls, just one semi-spacious fitting area, so cost-conscious brides-to-be are encouraged to make an appointment.

We talked to one of the two Kirstie Kelly reps, who told us that "a few" women had been by, but not many. The passersby we saw did less dress shopping than smartphone picture taking, and we were right there with them.

The rep also told us that there was no particular design that usually sold best. (Whether that's a statement on the overall success of the Costco wedding dress market or on the universal appeal of the designs, we can't speculate.)

But even if you don't find the dress of your dreams at Costco, you can still scoop up your cake. Your wedding bands. Your honeymoon. Your foliage. And your lifetime supply of hummus.

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exclusive sneak peek

Haute Houston jewelry designer's Grecian getaway inspires new collection

Photo by Paige Beitler Photography

Christina Greene is debuting her latest collection, Grecian Escape, on Thursday.

Houston jewelry designer Christina Greene McAllen's turquoise-and-gold, Western-inspired designs have established her as a recognized name with local jewelry aficionados. While jewelry tends to have a slower pace than fashion, it is constantly evolving and changing, which is why Greene's latest collection, Grecian Escape, which steps away from her usual Western vibes, will make a splash when it makes its official debut on Thursday, September 12.

McAllen attended the Parson School of Design in New York and interned with notable designers, including Michael Kors and Shoshanna before she switched to jewelry. In 2011, the Houston native started her jewelry business and recently moved from her longstanding Rice Village boutique to a new outpost in Tanglewood.

Christina Greene Grecian Escape McAllen embraces different designs inspired by her travels. Photo by Paige Beitler Photography

Her latest collection has been two years in the making and was inspired by a trip the jewelry designer took with her husband and friends to Greece. "I absolutely loved the country, culture, food, architecture — everything. I'm so excited for people to enjoy Grecian Escape," McAllen tells CultureMap.

The collection features earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings with sunburst motifs, natural stones, and hypoallergenic 18K gold-plated brass. McAllen doesn't stray from her love of turquoise and gold, but with her latest collection, she wanted to embrace different designs inspired by her travels.

Layering has been on trend for several seasons, and McAllen encourages her customers to layer, stack, and pair pieces from Grecian Escape with other designs from previous collections. "The beauty in layering is that you can easily dress a look up or down, making it an easy day-to-night transition," she says.

When pressed to pick a favorite from her latest creations, McAllen admits that she loves the Meet Me in Mykonos Chain Bracelet, which is very different from any other bracelet she's designed. "I absolutely love the thick, chunky chain and the uniqueness that the piece offers. I will be wearing this on repeat as soon as the collection launches on Thursday."

Christina Greene Grecian Escape One of McAllen's favorite pieces from the Grecian Escape Collection is the Meet Me in Mykonos bracelet. Photo by Paige Beitler Photography

Photo by Paige Beitler Photography

Christina Greene McAllen is debuting her latest collection, Grecian Escape, on Thursday.

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