Alexandra Sent on 01/02/2020

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This review is for the LA Bridal Salon - GIGI IS THE BEST!!

This review is for the store in LA (NOT Walnut Creek). Let me start off by saying if you are looking for a COUTURE bridal salon, you've come to the right place. Yes, the dresses are not cheap/extremely affordable, but that is what you should expect when coming to a couture salon. I loved my whole experience here - from the selection process to the staff. Although everyone I interacted with was so lovely, I have to give special attention to Gigi. If you are going as a new customer, book with Gigi!!! She is one of the kindest, most honest, down to earth ladies I've ever met. She seriously made the whole experience PERFECT. I was all over the place with my taste and choices, and she really helped me narrow down what was important for me to have in my wedding dress. Also, a special shoutout to Lara, who did my alterations. She created a wedding wrap to cover the top bodice for my ceremony (I had a strapless dress and wanted to be semi-covered for the ceremony). I cannot say enough about my positive experience here, but just understand the price points here are on the higher end before booking.

Crissy Sent on 09/21/2018

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Hands down, I had the best wedding dress shopping experience at Kinsley James in Walnut Creek compared to all bridal boutiques I had visited, even compared to ones out of state. I went to KJ multiple times, and every encounter was great. The overall atmosphere of the boutique, the attentiveness from the entire staff, and the dress & accessory collections they had to offer made a huge difference in my experience for choosing a dress. The quality of the dresses are incredible and surpass any other store I had been to. The owner, Dawn and all the KJ staff are fabulous and truly exemplify customer service. They really listen to your personal preferences and understand your budget; they are not just trying to make a sale. I worked mostly with Tiffany, and she was such a sweetheart. She helped me find the perfect dress for me, made by Rivini. I did not truly understand when everyone had told me "when you know, you know" after putting on the perfect dress until I had experienced it myself. It was actually not the dress I imagined buying, but immediately once I tried it on, I saw myself marrying the man of my dreams in it. It matched my venues and personality exactly.
I also was able to purchase my veil and belt made by Anne Barge at their accessory trunk show. I even found a last minute hair piece there the week before our wedding, and it all came together better than I imagined. I received so many compliments on my dress from all of our family and friends, and I could not have had my dreams come true without Kinsley James!

Grace Sent on 01/30/2018

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I just wanted to put down a note here even though I did not end up purchasing my dress here. Nicole, my stylist, made my experience shopping for a wedding dress so fun and relaxing. She really is a pro, as is everyone in this shop. Ultimately I fell in love with a dress from a designer that Kinsley James does not carry, but if you are looking for a shop with beautiful gowns, go here. I used to be a bridal stylist myself, and I can say that it's all too common to have your experience tainted by stylists who are hurried, who don't listen to your feedback, and who don't respect your budget. Kinsley James and Nicole were fun, respectful, and helpful; she listened to everything I said about what I liked and didn't like, and was just all around pleasant to work with. I didn't feel like I was at a used car dealership - I really felt like a bride having fun! Thank you Nicole! I will definitely be sending my friends your way.

Brittney Sent on 12/28/2017

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Beautiful boutique. Every staff member I met was friendly and responsive. And I never felt pressured to make a purchase or go over my budget. It's a great spot to visit when dress shopping in the Bay Area.

Christina Sent on 06/21/2017

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I wanted to buy a Galia Lahav dress for my wedding and Kinsley James was the only place in northern CA that carried this particular designer. We made an appointment to try on dresses and we arrived to the salon, I was so impressed by the dress selection and the service! I found a dress that i really liked, but the price was insane, so I decided to keep looking. About a month or so later I got an email saying that Kinsley James was having a sample sale - my aunt offered to get there at 0500 to wait in line (she got there and was #3 in line) - after a few hours the line was wrapped around the building. I was welcomed back into the store when they opened and the same girl who assisted me for my first appointment remembered me and was helping us out. I found an amazing dress that another bride had worn and was putting up for sale - It was Galia and it was perfect! I bought the dress and was given referrals on where to have alterations and cleaning - both vendors (Jila for the alterations and elegance preserved) were the best. When everything was done, it looked like a completely new dress! At the wedding all of the guests commented on how beautiful my dress was and one girl even wanted to buy it! If you want a dress that no one has ever seen before, come here, it's the best dress salon in northern California.

Avra Sent on 01/17/2017

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had the most perfect day at Kinsley James. The ladies were SO helpful (Alexia was my gal) and so patient with me (I'm incredibly into fashion so this was the number one important choice and I probably sent them 70 emails). She helped me try on all TEN of the dresses on my pinterest list and was so helpful in helping me narrow it down, and didn't AT ALL try to upsell me on dresses closer to the high end of my budget (I actually came in under). The store is also super well put together and made for a super pleasurable experience.

I went for a trunk show as well and it really I think says something about this shop that they are one of the first in the US to carry Galia Lahav which is my favorite designer. The rep they had there was also amazing and super knowledgeable on the brand and made me feel so beautiful. I got the perfect dress I was beyond impressed/pleased with the whole experience. One of the best days of my life!

I will update with more information as the dress arrives and process goes on, but I can't even imagine it getting any better! I'll have to save my "say yes to the dress" moment photo til after the wedding day, but it was such a special moment thanks in NO small part to the ladies at Kinsley James :)

Kendal Sent on 11/27/2016

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Kinsley James was the first place I went to look for dresses early on in the wedding planning process. I ended up going to other places to see what other dresses were out there, but ultimately returned to Kinsley James because they had a dresses that just did not compare to others. Throughout the process of choosing a dress, Kinsley James always kept in touch and communicated with me. The Modern Trousseau dress I ended up buying was way out of my budget, but Kinsley James worked out a payment plan that was comfortable for me. The ladies who work here are also so kind and helpful! I probably emailed them over 20 times about my dress and payments and they always got back promptly. I would highly recommend checking out dresses at Kinsley James!

Kate Sent on 03/21/2016

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I just bought my wedding dress at Kinsley James and had the most amazing experience. In my dress search, I was looking for something very specific—I wanted something clean and modern and not frilly or lacy, which unfortunately is extremely difficult to find. By the time I walked into Kinsley James, I had already tried on about 50 dresses or so, and was feeling very frustrated by the entire experience. My mom and I were actually in Walnut Creek to visit another bridal salon and we didn’t even have an appointment at Kinsley James, but the staff was able to fit us in due to some last minute cancellations (we got really lucky, apparently they usually have a waiting list!). When I walked in, Amanda and Amber immediately made me feel comfortable. They took the time to ask me about the style I wanted for the dress and my vision for the wedding, and helped me pull dresses that would fit. With each dress, they made sure to ask me how I felt about it, trying to understand my style and what I liked or didn’t like about each dress. Overall, they had better and more interesting dresses than I’d seen anywhere else by a long shot (including the Rivini dress I ended up buying). After trying on several, I narrowed it down to two that I was really torn between. At no point did they pressure me to make a decision (they were EXTREMELY patient as I kept trying on the two dresses and comparing them side by side), and they even encouraged me to take time to think about it. They recommended a great lunch spot, and after lunch we came back and picked a dress! It aligned perfectly with my vision and the staff made sure that they did everything they could to help me get there. I really can’t recommend Kinsley James enough!

Stephanie Sent on 02/28/2016

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I had the most magical experience picking out my dress at Kinsley James Bridal. All of the ladies are fabulous and the dress I picked out is the most beautiful dress I've ever had the pleasure of wearing!

I fell in love with Tara LaTour's fabulous colors and fabrics and was thrilled to find that Kinsley James carried her dresses. I made an appointment, and Dawn was so helpful, and the dresses I tried on were beautiful, but I didn't find the one that day. Dawn told me Tara would be there for a trunk show in a few months so I decided to come back then, in the meantime I kept looking.

I almost purchased a dress elsewhere, but waited because I wanted to see Tara LaTour's dresses at the trunk show. When I went to the trunk show, I saw the most beautiful dress I had ever seen and when I tried it on, I knew it was the one! Tara was amazing and personally took my measurements. Her dresses are incredible and I love her unique style! The dress was everything I could have dreamed of and more!

I can't recommend Kinsley James enough, I had nothing but a fantastic experience every time I came in, and I came in a lot! I bought a lovely custom veil and jewelry by Renee Pawele there as well. Thank you so much to the Kinsley James crew, they have a beautiful shop with gorgeous dresses and fabulous customer service...you won't be disappointed!

Gretchen Sent on 01/13/2016

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Kinsley James has by far, the best gowns in Northern CA. After visiting all the bridal salons in San Francisco (where I live) , I stumbled upon Kinsley James and couldn't have found a better place.
Not only did they accommodate by shipping a dress in (they were the only bridal boutique to carry Rivini), but I found multiple options. The quality of their gowns/designers they carry are top notch. The staff is friendly, they are responsive and the boutique itself is beautiful. Lastly, their on site seamstress, Despina, is fantastic! She was so kind and did an exceptional job. Thank you to all of you for providing such a wonderful experience.

Alexa Sent on 01/11/2016

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I couldn't have imagined a more perfect dress for me! Thank you for making me feel comfortable and for being so helpful in my search. Beautiful selection of dresses and jewelry.

User2498006 Sent on 01/07/2016

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KJ has a stunning collection of upscale gowns. All of their gowns have wonderful unique details that I didn't find elsewhere. They know the designers that they work with and hand select the dresses to curate their shop's selection - it's actually a beautiful display that is really pretty to look at! The shop is a real treat! The service was top notch! They also work with outstanding tailors. I had complete trust that my dress was going to turn out great! If you have an eye for style, appreciate quality fabrics, unique details and are willing to pay for it, then I suggest scheduling an appointment!

Julie Sent on 11/25/2015

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Kinsley James was the second shop I went to look for my dress, and I knew it would be the last. The quality of gowns, the service of the team, and their attention to detail was impeccable. I walked away with the most gorgeous gown and felt so special in there.

Then when I went to pick my dress up they had a fantastic woman there to alter (which I hardly needed because their team measured so great!) and it was so easy and seamless. I would highly recommend Kinsley James to all brides!

Katy Sent on 11/15/2015

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They did a great job helping me find the perfect dress!!!!
It also came a couple months earlier than expected, which is great because I was getting antsy. Katie was great at helping me all the way through my journey to find the right dress.

Lauren Sent on 10/09/2015

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Kinsley James is simply amazing! KJ was my first stop when I started my dress shopping and I could not have had a better experience! I went shopping with my mom and 2 sisters and we felt like celebrities throughout the whole process. We received exceptional service from Alexia and the rest of the KJ team. Alexia actually picked my dress! I was a little unsure about trying it on but followed her lead and fell in love as soon as we put it on. We went to another salon after my appointment because I was nervous that I hadn't tried on enough dresses. We didn't receive half the service at this other salon, so we immediately went back to KJ to meet with Alexia, put my dress back on and the decision was made! The KJ team brought our champagne to toast this special moment.

Alexia provided updates on my dress during the ordering process and always made sure to say hello every time I came in for alterations. I so appreciate the constant updates and excellent customer service I received.

Not only is the service unbeatable at KJ, they have the most beautiful gowns to choose from!

I could not be happier with my dress and I am so glad that I found it at Kinsley James.

Kaelen Sent on 10/07/2015

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I have lived in Walnut Creek for about 3 years now and would frequently drive by this beautiful bridal shop on my way home from work. When I got engaged last October (2014), I definitely had this on my list of places to try on dresses and ended up buying my beautiful gown during a Ravini trunk show weekend. Katie and her team are so incredibly helpful! Katie is not only fun and hilarious, but she was so personable and made me feel so comfortable. Each KJ girl that I met through the entirety of my dress are so educated on the designers and their inventory, not to mention they make you feel so comfortable in the salon. I don't think words can evoke how memorable this experience was for such an important time in my (& husbands) life. From their customer service, to the attention of detail and fashionable recommendations, my experience was seamless. These girls know what their doing and how to make it enjoyable for each bride! My bridesmaids, mom, mother-in-law, and of course myself, had a blast and it was a truly (positive) memorable experience within this craziness of wedding planning. I can't say thank you enough!!

Aizza Sent on 10/06/2015

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The staff at KJ were amazing! There were no added pressure when I first entered KJ. Katie help me find the perfect dress by Lian Carlo. She was fun and very easy to work with, making me feel 100% comfortable, at the store and via emails. I also found my veil, garter, earrings and head piece at KJ. All the girls were accommodating with finding all the right pieces to complete my beautiful gown. I highly recommend KJ Bridal not only because of their beautiful gowns and accessories, but also because of their great staff and awesome team work!!

Jennifer Sent on 10/03/2015

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Kinsley James made my wedding dress shopping experience more perfect than I could have ever imagined! When I got engaged in 2014, several perople recommended I check out the shop. When I first walked in to KJ, I was speechless! It is designed and decorated beautifully, and you seriously feel like royalty while shopping! Katie Cramer was my stylist and she was so much fun to work with. She was very personable, knowledgeable, and respectful of my budget. She made my girls and I feel so welcome. Within a few short minutes of looking and talking to Katie about my vision, she found me my absolute dream dress. When I walked out to show my mom and friends "the dress", the reaction and moment was as perfect as I have always imagined it to be!

I always heard that finding your wedding dress was a stressful event. The supposedly "stressful" process of finding a dress was non-existent with KJ. The atmosphere was calm, and I never felt pressure to rush or make any big decision.

We were just married in July and my dress was absolute perfection. It photographed beautifully. I will definitely be taking my newly engaged friends here! I would recommend KJ a million times over to any bride!

Christy Sent on 09/27/2015

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When I started looking for dresses in Oct 2014, I was overwhelmed. A co-worker suggested Kinsley James. So we decided to go there first for the 'bridal experience' and then to a more established store next.
From the moment my mom, sisters and I came to KJ, we were treated like VIPs. Maria asked about dresses and we were offered champagne, etc. The store is beautiful with a long runway, large dressing rooms and many accessories to try on with your dress. On that first day, there were two dresses I loved but just was not sure so wanted to think about it.
At our next appt, dresses were crammed together in plastic bags and the whole experience felt more like a cattle call than dress shopping. We left feeling a exhausted from the rapid fire try on session.
The next week, Maria sent me a picture of a dress from a new designer, Sareh Nouri. When I looked at the picture, I knew it was it. I came in on Friday to try it on to be sure before dragging the family back up. The rep from the company was there too and very helpful. All it took was putting it on in the dressing room to know it was definitely it. My mom and sisters came back on Sunday and we greatly enjoyed the KJ experience one more time!
When the dress arrived, we returned to try it on. I loved that they made a big deal about this day too - even though the dress was already purchased - this made it even more special. I ended up getting a beautiful pair of earrings, my veil and belt from KJ. Even the seamstress was top notch! I could not have asked for a better bridal experience and even though I worked mostly with Maria (absolutely amazing!) all the staff were very helpful and knowledgable. Kinsley James has incredible customer service.
Next month, my mom, sisters and I return to do it all again for my younger sister! I'm excited to relive the KJ experience with my sister and feel pretty confident that she'll find her perfect dress at Kinsley James!

Carmen Sent on 08/27/2015

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Amber and her team are absolutely AMAZING!

When I was starting my dress process, they were (and I think still continue to be) the only vendor in the Bay Area that carries Galia Lahav, and I'm obsessed with Galia's unique dresses that marry sexiness and classiness. They had a trunk show for the newest collection, and I went in with my mom and my girlfriends wanting to try on a few of her styles.

What I didn't know was that trunk shows samples really meant "runway sample size" and I'm a 12, so there was no way to shimmy those samples on. I tried on a range of other styles and brands, but just wasn't getting the "this is the dress" feeling. Amber had the idea to pull the Galia Lahav styles that I originally wanted to try, and pull everyone into the dressing room so that we could hold the dress up against my body to visualize the Dolce dress on me. I immediately got the "this is the dress, I feel like a bride!" feeling. I took some concepts from other Galia Lahav styles that I loved and customized the dress with my mom and Amber.

Amber listened to what I wanted from the beginning, and was very focused on making sure I had the best chance to get what I wanted and wasn't pushy at all. Had it not been for her, I may not have ended up with my Galia Lahav. She and her team are customer-centric.

My mom passed away shortly after we ordered the dress, so she wasn't able to see me in the wedding dress that she helped to customize, but I will never forget the experience we had together at Kinsley James.

I'm getting my dress preserved (vendor recommended by KJ as well!) so that I can keep it as a family heirloom. I highly recommend Kinsley James for any future brides!

Julianne Sent on 05/21/2015

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Kinsley James (KJ) is the best place to find your dream dress. Although their prices range from $2,500 - $10k their dress style, fabric, and over all feel make every penny worth the picture perfect dress. The second I walked into the store I spotted my dress and couldn't walk out the door. After coming back 3 separate times to try it on again I just had to get it and the KJ team was helpful every step of the way! I absolutely love love lovedddd my dress on my wedding day. SO comfy, elegant, beautiful and I feel the dress was made just for me! I would recommend anyone to try Kinsley James no matter what if your dress shopping, chances are you'll find the dress you want here!

Lisa Sent on 03/09/2015

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Kinsley James made me feel like a princess from start to finish. I booked their VIP appointment which made for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They have the most gorgeous assortment of gowns and accessories and the customer service I experienced from Katie and Amber made this such a special day that I will remember forever.

Meredith Sent on 02/16/2015

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Kinsley James Couture Bridal provided the best experience when shopping for my wedding dress. It was a such a fun day and they helped me find the dress of my dreams! I highly recommend going to Kinsley James for your wedding dress.

Chelsea Sent on 01/29/2015

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I bought my gown at the sample sale and couldn't be happier! It was an amazing deal and Katie was such a lovely consultant. I'll be going back for my accessories!

Liz Sent on 01/02/2015

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I worked with Melissa and the team at Kinsley James when purchasing my wedding gown for my October 2014 wedding. It was a great experience all the way around.

From the first time I went into the shop, I was very impressed with the décor and the amazing selection of beautiful gowns.

The team at Kinsley James is very knowledgeable. Melissa was incredibly patient with me. I also love that they allow you to take pictures, which was so important to me. Having the pictures of the two dresses I was debating between let me go home, review and make a really thoughtful decision. In having the time to think, I was never pressured by the staff to make a decision and Melissa would just send nice emails to check-in to see if I had any questions. After a few weeks I went back and purchased the gown and it felt GREAT!

I looked an many salons across the Bay Area and Kinsley James was hands down the best. A great bonus is that they are in the East Bay (where I live) and saved me from having to go into San Francisco for fittings.

Thank you Melissa and team for helping me find my perfect dress. I received so many compliments on my original, classy and timeless Rivini gown!

Stacey Sent on 12/05/2014

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Katie and all of the girls at Kinsley James really made my experience of finding my wedding dress. They were so helpful and friendly. They also made sure my group was having fun and enjoying the special day as well. No one was pushy and I didn't feel pressure from them that I was taking too long to decide on my dress and was never rushed due to another appointment. I highly recommend Kinsley James! Beautiful dresses and wonderful staff.

Sabrina Sent on 12/04/2014

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Kinsley James has a beautiful selection of dresses, and they make you feel like a princess trying them on. I went, without an appointment, with my mom, sister, cousin, and best friend, and we all sipped champagne while I got to strut down their catwalk in some gorgeous dresses. I found my dream dress that night, and was lucky enough to meet the designer who was visiting from New York for a fashion show in San Francisco. Once the dress came in, Kinsley James was very flexible with times for me to have my first fitting, despite being very busy helping other brides. And we got the same royal treatment the second time around as we did our first visit. The dresses are high-end, so a little pricey, but they are all fabulous and the people at Kinsley James are wonderful to work with. Definitely recommend!

User1948675 Sent on 12/03/2014

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I had a wonderful experience shopping for and purchasing my wedding gown from Kinsley James. My sister and I worked with Dawn, who was patient, friendly, warm, and attentive. I tried on probably 7-8 gowns, some more than once, and actually made the purchase the same day!

The boutique carries some amazing, and very unique gowns. I had visited three other shops before Kinsley James and was disappointed with the selection and quality of gowns, and in some cases, the shopping experience. When we walked into KJ, my sister and I exchanged a look, and agreed that this place finally felt right.

The studio is airy and bright, with big dressing rooms, a dramatic runway down the middle of the space, and great big mirrors that lean against the wall so that when you're standing on the pedestal, looking at yourself, you can't help but feel like...this is a big deal.

Dawn and her associates were all highly professional. They did not pressure us at all, and answered every question or request with a smile. My only regret was not taking longer to make my decision so that I could have visited a few more times.

Cristina Sent on 11/04/2014

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KJCB was my second bridal store to visit and the last!
Soon as you walk in you get a sense of excitement and love. The girls that work there really value what they do and it shows. The shop is clean, charming and warm. I happened to be the only bride during my appointment (lucky me) and it felt so great!
The dressing rooms are pleasant and very spacious. Wine with cheese and grapes.
A cute little robe to wear in between dresses are provided.
Now let me tell you about the dress!! GORGOUS! Katie really has an eye to match up your body type with the right dress. My choice was a simple breathtaking draped silk chiffon dress by Tulle New York called the "Judy". Timeless and elegant. EXACTLY what I wanted. I purchased the dress :)
My overall experience was professional, fun and chic. Girls and the owner also assisted me with accessories and worked with my budget. I say this with all sincerity and love, an applauding BRAVO for this bridal boutique!

User1963600 Sent on 10/09/2014

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The women of Kinsley James are simply amazing - top notch service and knowledge meets your best friend. Not only is their boutique gorgeous and inviting but the gowns are all so beautiful. If you live in the Bay Area you must stop at KJ for a fitting and a day of fun.

Sarah Sent on 10/06/2014

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My Kinsley James bridal experience was literally perfect in every way possible.

The short version:
The ladies at KJ are sweet, helpful and accommodating; the ambiance of the store, and quality of the dresses surpassed by “wedding dress purchasing” expectations.

The long version:
Both the owners at Kinsley James (Dawn and Amber), as well as the rest of the KJ team, are an incredible group of women. They treated me like a friend from the moment I walked into the store, and helped make sure my experience of picking the perfect wedding dress was fun and stress free. These women live and breath everything bridal, and it really helps make the wedding dress purchasing process wonderful. Each and every one of them is wonderful!

The atmosphere at the salon is romantic and downright fun. One of my fitting appointments was during a Galia Lahav trunk show, and I pretty much wanted to hang out there with the KJ ladies all day. Everyone is so nice and easy to talk to; the energy and positivity in the salon was great everytime I went in.

And the dresses KJ has…they are GORGEOUS! I could not have felt more satisfied with the dress I bought from them. When it was time for me to have alterations done, the seamstress KJ set me up to work with (Elani) was so sweet. She did an amazing job working with my intricate dress – it fit like a glove. I had such a great experience at KJ that my younger sister went in and purchased her dress there last month.

I HIGHLY recommend Kinsley James <3 My only disappointment is that now that my wedding is over, I don't have an excuse to drop by the salon and see the wonderful KJ team.

Katie Sent on 10/05/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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From the moment walking into the shop, I was blown away with it's unique charm and stunning gowns. My experience at Kinsley James was beyond my expectations. The girls made the experience so fun and exactly as a bride would hope to expect. The ladies pay such attention to detail to making the experience a truly memorable one. Although a couture bridal salon with exquisite high end gowns, the girls at Kinsley James will work with your budget to find you the perfect gown, whether you are looking for a gown from a magazine or one that you'll seen only envisioned in your mind. Every time I walked into the salon, I was welcomed as if I were close friend. It is such a beautiful place with wonderful people.

Catherine Sent on 09/14/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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As both an event planner and a bride I can't say enough good things about Kinsley James! After visiting a number of stores in San Francisco we came here after a friend who had gotten her dress here suggested it. They had the best selection of dresses I'd seen and a good variety of price points. The store is beautiful, and they welcomed us with champagne-what's not to love? Dawn was fabulous and the team was so welcoming, friendly and helpful. The wedding dress shopping experience at Kinsley James was the best by far! Highly recommended.

Daniella Sent on 08/17/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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Shopping at Kinsley James for my wedding gown was a great experience. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Their couture dress selection is stunning. They helped me find my dream dress and were super patient with my indecisiveness! It was a great experience overall.

User1757898 Sent on 08/10/2014

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Kinsley James is the BEST!!! They have an amazing collection of dresses that are all gorgeous and very reasonably priced for the quality and uniqueness. And the staff is wonderful - very attentive, responsive, and in no way pushy. I wish I could get married all over again, just to work with these ladies. You will not find a better couture bridal salon anywhere!!

User1757424 Sent on 08/10/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Everyone went out of their way to help and rushed a dress I needed at the last minute. Just hope you'll carry more dresses for "Mothers of the Bride". ;)

Melanie Sent on 07/18/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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Everyone at Kinsley James was so wonderful! Especially Dawn! She was so patient and helpful throughout the entire process. Whenever I needed anything they were able to help me right away. I was really happy with my dress, everything turned out beautifully! I would definitely recommend them, and the shop is so cute as well!

Jennifer Sent on 07/17/2014

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I was so happy to fly to California and find the dress of my dreams. Absolutely loved my dress and couldn't have asked for a better one!! Thank you ladies for helping me out :)) big thanks all the way from Canada

Rachel Sent on 07/15/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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If I could give more than 5 stars, I would... My experience with Kinsley James will forever be remembered as one of the most exciting and happy experiences throughout my wedding planning process. I had the pleasure of working with Katie, Amber, Dawn, and Melissa (she happens to be my wedding coordinator as well). All of the girls were so professional and had amazing personalities! They listened to what I was looking form, however, I went in with an open mind and wanted some professional opinions. My favorite parts were their roomy and well decorated dressing rooms and I absolutely loved their LONG runway right down the center of the store. It made me feel like I was in a fashion show ;) I always said I would not wear a ballgown but agreed to try one on after some convincing from the KJ girls and my maid of honor. It was the first one I tried on there. Although Katie was patient in letting me try a few others, she picked up immediately that in the dressing room, I kept looking at the first dress, touching it, and comparing it to the ones I was in. After my 3rd attempt to beat the first one, I finally put it back on. I sat there for some time just staring at it, and not once did any of the KJ girls make me feel like I had to make an immediate decision. They put a veil on me (the one I ended up buying) and some jewelry. It was the first time I looked and felt like a bride. So I "said yes to the dress" ! We celebrated by the girls helping to take pictures of the event along with more champagne! I had gone to 3 other salons and NONE made me feel even remotely as comfortable as when I was at Kinsley James. Sometimes its WHERE you buy your dress that gives you the most fond memories and Kinsley James provided that for me... The dress was the icing on the cake. I would recommend Kinsley James to ANY bride looking for not only the perfect dress, but the perfect dress shopping experience!!

User1612973 Sent on 04/29/2014

5 out of 5 rating

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Amber and team were phenomenal! I had a unique request for a red wedding dress. They found me a designer who was willing to do a custom color and we met at a trunk show. Olia (the designer) was great and Kinsley James worked with me to get exactly what I wanted. The dress turned out beautifully. The salon experience was also super classy-- mimosas or champagne, snacks, lovely decor. The whole thing was top notch but with realistic prices. Would recommend them to anyone!

User1748328 Sent on 08/04/2014

4.9 out of 5 rating

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Everyone at the shop was very friendly and welcoming. I was surprised that they remembered me and the gown I bought when I stopped by to pick up my veil a few months after my gown purchase. I had such wonderful experience.

Michelle Sent on 07/06/2022

4.8 out of 5 rating

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I found my dream dress at Kinsley James!

I found my dream wedding dress at Kinsley James! Amy was so helpful throughout my initial visit, taking the time to get to know me and understand the vision of my wedding day. I ended up falling in love with my dream dress, thanks to Amy, and it wasn't anything I originally imagined I'd like.

KJ also connected me with a seamstress, who was amazing. I also left my earrings there by accident, which they kept in an envelope for months until I returned back for my next appointment. Another perk was that they stored the dress there until my first seamstress appointment.

The only piece of feedback was that the experience felt a little less personal as I came back for follow-up visits. I didn't see Amy after the first 2 times and a few of the other employees seemed less experienced and didn't quite have the context on my dress/situation.

Overall, highly recommend KJ! Great customer service and dress selection.

Cheri Sent on 08/19/2020

4.8 out of 5 rating

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Best experience hands down!

Marissa is who I met with and let me tell you she is EVERYTHING! 😜 she was so good at what she does. She was patient, funny, considerate and kind all rolled up in a very knowledgeable saleswoman. I don’t think she ever even asked me my size to be honest. All of the dresses she pulled fit, were thoughtful of my body and oh so very nice. I had already been dress shopping several times prior to this appointment, even having flown to another state in hopes of finding a dress. I was no longer even looking forward to scheduling an appointment but my maid of honor took the liberty of booking here and it was the best thing she/I ever did! Kinsley James and Marissa definitely changed my mind about the process and I found myself torn between several dresses until I found that one. 🥰 Thanks again for such a magical experience.

Vanessa Sent on 01/16/2017

4.7 out of 5 rating

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4.5 out of 5 rating

Kinsley James is a gorgeous store! The dresses and designers they carry are quite unique and you will have the opportunity to find a dress here that you won't find anywhere else. I think that is their biggest draw. I got my Angel Rivera dress here and was very happy with my dress. The only issue I have is that when my dress came in, it was very large on me. They measured me and the dress was even ordered to be split sized to fit me better, so I'm not entirely sure why the whole dress was so big. I got it altered and it fit better, but I'm not sure if they didn't measure me right or if that's just how wedding dresses come. Anyway, I would highly recommend stopping by on your dress shopping quest. My dress was about $4,000 (but I got a 10% discount for it being an Angel Rivera trunk show), so if you are trying to pinch pennies or have a small dress budget, most of the dresses might be out of price range for some.

Elizabeth Sent on 01/05/2016

4.7 out of 5 rating

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Amber and the staff at Kinsley James were wonderful. After five or so appointments at other salons in Ohio, Michigan, and San Francisco, I found the dress of my dreams at KJ. The staff really listened to my vision and also respected my budget. They were wonderful in accommodating family members that traveled from out of town for my dress search and for my first fitting and patient as I tried on numerous veils and belts to complete my look. They calmed me down over the phone whenever I had crazy questions regarding my dress, the timing, the shipping, or the ability to alter it.

In addition to my gorgeous dress, my veil and belt were perfection and my alterations seamstress was amazing. I'm obsessed with the belt that I wore. It complemented the dress perfectly and took the look to a whole new level.

I love looking at my photos from my wedding day. They make me so happy. Thanks to the KJ staff. It was wonderful working with you!

User1796616 Sent on 09/05/2014

4.7 out of 5 rating

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I found the service at Kinsley James to be excellent. I had a short engagement and needed my dress in a shorter window than most brides (10 weeks). Katie was very on top of things and even got my dress in earlier than expected without a rush fee. Though the seamstress was not officially affiliated with the store, she was wonderful as well, very efficient and helpful.

It is a smaller boutique so if you have something very specific in mind, you may not find it here. The dresses also start around $2,500, so it is not for the budget conscious.

User1598084 Sent on 04/26/2014

4.7 out of 5 rating

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4.5 out of 5 rating

I love this shop! It's small with limited selection but what they have is all great! Very different than most stores. They treated me and my bridesmaids special....best service I've been too! Most of dresses are higher than my budget is my only negative thing to say.

Jennifer Sent on 01/27/2017

4.6 out of 5 rating

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5 out of 5 rating

Went to Kinsley James on a whim to try on wedding gowns. First of all, the place is gorgeous -- the decor is everything you'd imagine to house couture gowns. By the time I went to KJ, I wasn't having great luck and was on the verge of buying a dress at another boutique 'just in case.' I'm super glad I didn't!

The selection of dresses and variety of designers was just what I wanted -- I didn't want a dress that everyone had seen before on someone else. One of my girlfriends and I went to KJ to try on an Anne Barge dress; I ended up falling in love with a Rivini gown instead! By the time I came back with my mom (about a week later), the salon got another Rivini dress that no one had tried on before that was made specifically for the Walnut Creek store. I was so torn between the two gowns and the girls there helped me try them on again and again until I felt comfortable choosing my dress. Kinsley James is perfect for the girl that is all about the details.

User1965133 Sent on 03/19/2014

4.6 out of 5 rating

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My experience here was awesome. A great place to try on dresses. Beautiful selection. No pressure to buy. Not pushy at all. Super sweet consultants. And champagne, too!! I have not purchased a dress yet, but I'm glad I started my search here!

Trisha Sent on 12/17/2015

4.4 out of 5 rating

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My sister made the appointment for me and it was the first boutique on our list of 3. I went in with my MOHs, sister and mom. My experience with the KJ was AMAZING! Their extraordinary service allowed me to find the dress I never knew I wanted and treated my team just the same. Alexia was my stylist and she was incredible! I literally did not have any dress in mind, and Alexia did a wonderful job finding my dress by asking simple questions about the wedding, location and my own personal style. The experience was extremely personable and enjoyable as a bride-to-be during one of the most stressful times!

After putting the 'Taylor' dress by Olia Zavozina on hold while we still went to other boutiques, I found myself back at KJ after half an hour. The other places didn't have a chance! After saying yes to the dress, we added a sash and veil by Renee Pawele, which was also from KJ.

Thank you to the incredible Kinsley James team for contributing to my perfect day!

User2064102 Sent on 03/11/2015

3.8 out of 5 rating

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3.5 out of 5 rating

Kinsley James has beautiful gowns but my issue was that I didn't receive my dress for 7 months and even after that they had to take 7 inches off of my dress! I am quite happy with what I chose but for the money the dress did not quite fit the idea that the dress was fitted to you.

User2982236 Sent on 02/15/2017

3.4 out of 5 rating

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3 out of 5 rating

Kinsley James has a gorgeous selection of bridal dresses, accessories, and services.

In particular, we came to look at accessories, and found a few pendants and earrings that would work for our style. However, the price was really very high even for no-name brands and they don't accept returns in case things don't work out. As we were just browsing, no one came to help us really and we were just rather awkwardly there while other families watched their girls do the runway walk with bridal dresses around us.

The store is lovely though, and well-stocked. :)

Alexa Sent on 04/02/2023

1.2 out of 5 rating

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Extremely upsetting

I have been seeing similar reviews as the one I am about to share about my experience with Kinsley James. Unfortunately, my dream dress has turned into a nightmare. I have spent over 12K on my wedding dress which was supposed to be custom to my body.
I bought my dress in September 2022, and my wedding is in April 2023. The day I tried on the dress, I was thrilled to have it made, but they completely messed up my measurements when ordering it. I have had to fork out over $1,000 to get my dress fixed and I am still not content with the way it looks. (Alternations are usually $100- $600)
I have not gained a pound since getting measured, and the measurements are the same since the first time ordering the dress.
I would not recommend this place to anyone who does not want to pay a ridiculous amount into their wedding dress. The manager was not helpful at all, and she did not offer to cover the costs of my alterations even though it was their mistake.
The only solution she gave me was to get measured again, and the measurements were only off by 1cm when the dress had a complete gap, as if I gained over 20 lbs. When the seamstress saw my dress the first time, she was surprised and asked "wow what happened". That's when I knew something was not right...

I am now super self-conscious about my body, and even cried multiple times outside the shop knowing that I had to pay so much for a dress that should have fit perfectly when receiving it the first time.

Elisa Sent on 03/10/2023

1 out of 5 rating

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Incredibly disappointed by what was supposed to be a luxury experience

If you spend $13K on a dress, you expect a luxury experience. I expected attention, professionalism, and peace of mind. I received none of it.

They messed up my measurements, refused to bear the cost of their mistake, and repeatedly broke promises to help make it better. Because I went with Kinsley James, I spent an $2,200 beyond what they advertised. (Most alterations cost $150-$600).

Initially, I spent $8,930 on my dress, including an additional topper for $1,870 which made my dress come out to $10,800.

Beware when someone tells you "if anything goes wrong, this can all be altered!" Why are you getting something custom fit if you fork out an additional $2000 in alterations?

All the wrong things that happened:

1. When they measured my long sleeve topper, they didn't measure the arm hole. I asked them if they needed this, and they said it wasn't necessary. Turns out it was necessary!

2. I ordered my dress in January 2021. It was supposed to arrive at the beginning of August, but was delayed due to shipping problems during the pandemic. It arrived in mid-September. No one let me know there would be shipping delays until I proactively emailed. I had only 1.5 months for alterations. (Google says "you should come in for your fitting two months in advance, but not less than 1 month before".) My October 2021 wedding was ironically delayed due to COVID, and there was no way that I would have been able to solve the subsequent fiasco if the wedding had taken place on the original date.

3. Sept 2021: My measurements changed. The bust increased by 1-2 cm, and the waist increased by 4cm. But the dress was gaping open at the back 4-5 inches and would not close. I insisted that they measured incorrectly, since I had not gained weight on the scale. They said the dress has no affordances because it has to be tight or else it won't look nice. (Google says most dresses should be able to let out 1-2 inches from seams). The initial salesperson told me I had nothing to worry about, that they would find a solution, and she found the situation surprising.

4. Nov 2021: I was given 3 options: (a) The designer can add additional panels for a large cost. (b) The designer can replace the corset entirely for $3080. The owner offered to cover 20% saving me $616. (c) A seamstress can add a lace-up corset to the back for cheaper.
(c) was out of the question, because it changed the design of the dress and was frankly an incompatible design. I was unhappy with all of the choices so they said they would keep trying to figure something out.

5. They spent Sept 2021 to October 2022 "discussing with the designer", only to leave me in the same position. The new idea was to have the seamstress get fabric from the designer and add the panels. This idea took a year! I felt like I was backed into a corner to pick this option, since there were still no other solutions offered.

6. Nov 2022: When I went to my first fitting with the seamstress, I was insulted by the store manager who asked me if I had lost any weight hopefully, as if that was the solution they had been searching for the past year. Unhappy that a year later, I would be expected to bear the full cost, I asked them to honor the offer to cover 20% of the corset cost. This was verbally accepted. The alterations were supposed to be significantly cheaper. I wasn't necessarily looking for a discount, but some sort of acknowledgement of my frustration.

7. March 2023: After the alterations finished, they now do not want to pay the 20% cost of the alterations (~$400). They told me that they supposedly halved the cost of fabric. This was never communicated to me when I paid for the fabric (attached email), so I do not know how I am supposed to trust that. I paid $418 for the alteration fabric and then another $1800 for alterations with a seamstress, for a total of $2218. This was not significantly cheaper than if I had picked (b) which would have ended up being $2464.

I'm frustrated that to the end, they would leave a sour taste. I had so many back and forth email conversations and phone calls, and drove from SF to Walnut Creek way too many times than I needed to end up with the same results. 2 years later, none of the solutions offered were anything different than "Just pay for expensive alterations".

Kinsley James Couture Bridal Reviews

Reviews

Kinsley James Couture Bridal