Just a few short weeks ago, Chelsea Clinton’s wedding rocked the Hudson Valley. Camera crews and paparazzi descended upon Rhinebeck, NY hoping for star sightings and exclusive scoops. Most came up empty handed, as the Clintons’ ironclad security ensured that very little about the wedding leaked.
There were, however, a few pictures released of the big day that eased curiosity slightly. In each of the pictures, Chelsea beamed with school girl-like excitement and looked absolutely stunning. From the breathtaking dress to the simple jewels and hair, she oozed sophistication and looked downright regal.
Now, not many of us can afford a custom-made Vera Wang gown, but that doesn’t mean we can’t achieve a look similar to Chelsea’s for a fraction of the budget.
Were you hypnotized by the unexpected swirls of soft organza in her gown? Drooling over the crisscross bodice? Swooning over the classic silhouette turned dramatic and adventurous? There are already replicas of that fabulous gown available—and I’m sure there will be plenty more variations of it to follow. I like the softness and budget-friendly price tag of this gown by Bridal Bliss Designs. The raw edges of the organza give it an organic feel, with the swirls of organza bringing to mind churning ocean waters. Like the Vera Wang gown that inspired this design, it’s not just a dress; it’s a work of art.
Now, I’m not sure if Chelsea has impeccable taste or if she just has a fantastic stylist, but the addition of the beaded sash brought her already amazing gown to a whole new level. The crystal and pearl-embroidery brought a classic, vintage feeling to her look. It made a soft, ethereal gown suddenly worthy of royalty.
Little White Dresser makes a gorgeous sash (above right) that’s along the same lines. Handmade with silvery crystals, pearls and glass beads, this gorgeous piece has the ability to totally transform your gown. Whether it adds a little something to an otherwise simple dress or ups the glam factor of an already beaded beauty, this sash would be a great addition to just about any full-skirted look.
With an exquisite gown and a bejeweled waist, Chelsea didn’t need much else to complete her look. She opted for very simple jewelry, wearing only dainty drop earrings and a tennis bracelet. Neither option is difficult to pull off, no matter what your budget. In fact, the sparkly dangles shown here are incredibly budget friendly. The lovely two-inch long pearl and crystal earrings (above left) are just $38, while the dazzling one and a half inch pave-set cubic zirconia earrings (above right) cost $68.
Simple, elegant bracelets are also pretty easy to find on any budget. If you’re up for investing a little money, this half-carat diamond tennis bracelet (above right) is totally drool worthy—and available at a great (reduced!) price. If money is an issue (it was for me!), you can also opt for something like this delicate sterling silver bracelet (left) with sweet heart detail (available for a quarter of the price of the other beauty!). Either option is a simple, chic addition to your look.
Chelsea topped off her outfit with a pair of peep-toe platform pumps, which added a kick of 
retro charm. These are also available to us regular girls in a variety of price ranges. There is the amazing, red carpet worthy Stuart Weitzman version (on the left) as well as the infinitely more affordable Touch-Ups pair. I love the idea of a simple platform pump. It’s refreshingly unfussy yet incredibly glamorous.
Whether you covet Chelsea’s entire wedding day look or just admire a few of the pieces she wore, it’s possible to find any of it at affordable prices. All you have to do is hunt around a little!
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.