Coming Soon: Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria

A new bridal boutique specializing in consignment gowns is setting up shop on Mt. Vernon Avenue in one of the long-vacant storefronts next to .

Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria, which owner Linda Fairall hopes to open in mid to late November, recently installed signage and placed gowns in the display window at 1901b Mt. Vernon Avenue.

“Nobody had been there before, so we could totally do what we wanted with the space,” said Fairall, who looked for retail spaces in both Old Town and Del Ray.

Fairall sees her mission as providing a personalized, high-end bridal experience that customers won’t find at a regular bridal salon. Fairall, who used to work as a bridal consultant at in Old Town, said her store will cater toward both brides on a budget or those looking for designer fashion options.

The shop will carry gowns by numerous designers, including ‪Monique Lhuillier‬, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera and Oscar De La Renta‬. Fairall also plans to carry new bridal accessories and new-to-order bridesmaid dresses from designer Jenny Yoo.

Fairall believes her plan for high-end consignments will find a nice market in the area. Given the economy, she says, women still want to find nice items for their weddings—though they may not want to pay top dollar for them.

“I think people are very savvy in this area,” she said.

Fairall also believes women in the D.C. area are “much more business-minded” and less sentimental, making the idea of selling their old gown an appealing option to some.   

Fairall is currently taking consignments by appointment, though there are requirements to maintain the store’s “luxe brand.”

Fairall said she will not accept consignment gowns that are over five years old. Gowns must be in good condition, have been professionally cleaned or pressed, must have originally retailed for more than $2,000 and owners must have an original sales receipt to allow for accurate pricing and proof of purchase.

“Basically our rules for consignment, what we’re trying to do is set ourselves apart,” Fairall said. “There are only a few consignment bridal places in the [region], but they take pretty much everything.”

Del Ray is home to several consignment shops, including , and .