First of all, wondering where the name comes from? So was I. When I asked, Margaret answered, " 'Bootleg' seems to fit with consignment, especially in Tennessee. To me it really conjures up two images: one of a moonshine still behind a rustic mountain cabin, and another of CD's or DVD's that have, quote-unquote, 'fallen off the truck' that are being sold at crazy discounted prices, which both seemed to fit. And then 'Betty' is slang for an all-around, super-cool girl who is smart, athletic, pretty, low-key, low-maintenance, and an all around awesome female." So, if you're a 'Betty,' or if you want to find a wedding dress at a crazy discount, or both, then you totally have to check this place out! Here's the outside at 122 South Gay Street:
And the super-trendy inside:
And here are some of the roughly 65 wedding dresses currently available to peruse through, fawn over, try on, and get married in:
Here's Margaret again, taking excellent care of the dresses she's selling for consignors. Some of these were worn and provided by former brides, and are sold at 50% off retail (if you bought your dress within the last three years and want to get back some of the money you spent, give her a call at (865) 309-5818 or fill out the form online to find out if it'll work for you!) Many of the dresses are unworn, though, and brand new with tags still on them. These are sold at 30% off retail. Basically, you save hundreds of dollars either way.
So go to the expensive stores, see what they have, do the math, and then GO to Bootleg Betty before you spend WAY more than you may need to! These are the same dresses offered at those stores, all current styles (three years old or newer), and available at great discounts.
You can walk-in or make an appointment. Hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 12-8, Saturday from 10-6, and Sunday from 12-5. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Making an appointment ensures a boutique bridal experience with Margaret's personal attention and a dressing room reserved just for you, and reserves this great space for your entourage to ooh and aah over you (it's bigger than it looks, and comfy):
Have you seen how expensive crinoline petticoats are? Bootleg Betty has them too. And corset bras. At consignment prices. Not to mention gorgeous veils! And if you're already married but not ready to sell or consign your dress, these might be good items for you to consign, because brides need these, too!
While you're shopping for you, your mom and ladies can check out the partywear racks, where they'll find cocktail and formal dresses that range in price from $40-$60 and $40-$99. These make great options for mother-of-the-bride dresses, rehearsal dinner dresses, or even mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses. There are long options:
And short options:
In addition to dresses, you can also find AMAZING cowboy boots from Suzani Styles. There are a variety of boots made from, of all things, Turkish tapestry (for which you can also find coordinating purses at Bootleg Betty!)...
...as well as awesome leather boots with great embroidery patterns.
Go Vols!
Even Corky's statement rain boots!
And if that weren't enough, you'll also find unique gifts and wedding favors by Custom Love Gifts, which are country-chic and super-cute. Your bridesmaids will probably want to check them out for your bridal shower, too. (You should tell them so.)
AND you can also find custom wood decor made by Knock on Wood, which includes picture frames, clocks, and my favorite, a cut-out of the great state of Tennessee! These make really unique gifts for your parents and wedding party!
Faith Road Designs are also available at Bootleg Betty if you want unique, pretty, and even sometimes clever jewelry (and who doesn't, really?):
If I were planning my wedding again, I'd be all over this place. So be a Betty: go check it out, meet Margaret (she's so cool), have fun with your girls, and save some money! --Jaclyn
