Paulette's Ambiance
Pasadena, CA 91106-3933
Phone: (626) 683-7575
- Cross Street:
- S Lake Avenue
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11pm-7pm, , Sat 10am-5pm
Editorial Review for Paulette's Ambiance – by Lee Parker
The Scene
This cozy, atmospheric little bridal salon, tucked amid a row of quaint shops and gardens, offers personalized attention for the bride-to-be. The elegant front room overlooks the garden and features a dramatic, free-standing dressing mirror perfect for gauging that first impression from head to toe.
The Goods
Like most bridal salons, this one is reluctant to list the labels it carries, but popular designers include the Diamond Collection, Monique Bridals and Alfred Sung, as well as some special custom labels (you can even create a veil to suit your choice of tiara). Accessories by Felina Lingerie and Beverly Clark finish the ensemble. And it doesn't stop with the bride. There is also a nice selection of bridesmaid dresses (labels such as Panoply), adorable flower-girl dresses (by Us Angels) and men's formalwear (from Perry Ellis, Chaps Ralph Lauren and Demetrios).
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasEnd your bridal fitting appointment with tea and scones at Rose Cottage (at the end of the walk).
User Reviews for Paulette's Ambiance
06/23/2008 Posted by gttgmarried
I was wary of shopping at Paulette's Ambiance after reading all the negative reviews that had been posted at this site. However, when I visited there the owner, Bella, was helpful and attentive. When I described the dress I was looking for and told her my price range she picked out some different options for me to try on. I will say that Bella is not the most personable, chatty, sales person I've ever met but she was very friendly and helpful. I was able to find a beautiful dress and bought the store sample for a deal that included alterations. The only trouble I had was when I went back to have the dress fitted and altered and she tried to make it seem like the only alterations included were hemming and adjusting the straps. But when I insisted that we had talked about the different alterations that the dress would need she agreed and stuck to the original bargain. I would encourage brides to have her write down everything on the receipt since she doesn't remember or keep good track. After that original fitting I went back once more and tried on the dress. The alterations were wonderfully done and the dress fit me like it was made for me. One of the straps had to be readjusted so I left the gown there and went back to pick it up a few days later. The dress looked wonderful and had been steamed and pressed. All the alterations had been done exactly. Bella was very helpful in explaining how to take care of the dress, walk in it, put up the bustle, etc. All in all I was very satisfied with my experience shopping there. I would say just be firm and make sure you have her write down everything you agree on. As for parking, which some reviewers have complained about, there is a small parking lot in the back which can be accessed by an alley just east of the shop. If anything terrible happens to my dress at the wedding this Saturday, (like the bustle tearing the dress which happened to one of the other reviewers), I'll make sure to post it here.
Pros: large selection, excellent atmosphere, great seamstress
Cons: owner can be a little pushy
05/21/2008 Posted by ArChen
This place is a bride's worst NIGHTMARE. The store itself seems very charming and romantic--but the owner, Bella, is horribly rude and dishonest. She took my deposit (and rapidly cashed my check) with a promise for a very expensive designer dress that she later said was discontinued and she couldn't get! By then, I was almost out of time, so out of desperation I took her offer to buy the floor model at a very small discount. She kept making excuses for the measurements and alterations (saying her seamstress was on vacation, etc.). The final alterations were eventually done 2-3 days before the wedding and they were awful. They completely changed the look of the dress. I could go on and on (she even lied to my mother!!) but I'll just end this by saying PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE save yourselves the heartache I had to endure.
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