San Francisco - February 15, 2006

Wedding Crashers

Glamour Closet Opens

Shopping for a wedding dress can be a rather daunting task. Between the snooty salesgirls and sky-high price tags, it’s enough to induce a full-on panic attack.

Okay, first breathe. Then make your way to North Beach’s just-opened Glamour Closet.

A boutique full of brand new designer gowns and bridesmaid dresses at 25 to 75 percent off, it’s a sigh of relief for brides-to-be.

The inventory is all samples and overstock from well-known designers like Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Peter Langner, and Elizabeth Fillmore. While you’re at it, get some Vera Wang or Jimmy Choo shoes and deck your maids in frocks by Thread, Vera Wang, Jenny Yu, or Jim Hjelm.

Unlike at other salons, appointments aren’t necessary, and they encourage you to take pictures. There’s even a seamstress for alterations.

So you can worry about other things.

Like your soon-to-be-in-laws’ ginormous guest list, for instance.

Glamour Closet, 114 Columbus Avenue, at Jackson Street (415-391-1515 or glamourcloset.com).