Secret Closet

SCAM!!! If I could give negative stars I would do so whole-​heartedly. I gave Secret Closet my beautiful wedding dress, to sell for me. After 6 months I called to pick up my dress because I had not heard if it had sold. Michelle, the former owner, was very hard to get ahold of. (She missed our original appointment because she said she was out of the state). I made a second appointment, and after dropping off my dress at the store, there was no communication on Michelle’s end.
I called once to check in on the sale of the dress and she couldn’t give me a straight answer and made up a story. I called again but she said she was driving, couldn’t talk and was out of town again. I e-​mailed her twice. When she finally got back to me she said the store had «legal» issues, had shut down, and had been returned to the original owner who had moved to Arizona. She said the store was no longer there.
I asked where my dress was, because I wanted it back, since it apparently didn’t sell, and she said she dropped off a ton of dresses at the Goodwill so mine was probably there. However, this was a month ago. She said she called me to talk to me about my dress before this happened. This was a lie. I never got a phone call or a message. I went to the Goodwill she mentioned and to Good Will’s corporate office, in attempts to find my dress. No luck.
This place is a big time SCAM! The website still exists, even though she assured me the place is closed for good. Trust me, you want to be able to trust the people that are helping you with your wedding dress. Never trust Michelle or Secret Closet. They are completely dishonest. No wonder there were legal issues that shut the store down. I have never had to write a negative review in my life. What they are doing is wrong and I hope they get sued for every penny and more. I hope I’m saving you from a headache, a huge waste of time, and the loss of your precious wedding dress.

I hate shopping, I hate trying on clothes. The idea of shopping for a wedding dress was daunting and not something I was looking forward to. I was looking for something simple — I did not want «a whole lotta dress» and certainly not a one with all the glitz and a train. I found Secret Closet on Unilocal,within walking distance from my house in a little center I have driven by thousands of times in my life. I’d never ventured into the center and had NO IDEA a cute little bridal shop was tucked in there. I emailed — via Unilocal — and Shelly quickly responded and offered to accommodate my schedule. I ventured into her shop — between errands and an Angel’s game — with only the intent of trying on a few, to get a feel for my style and what might look good on me. My goal of a no-​frills, short and simple tea-​length dress and when I tried a couple on they were not at all what I’d envisioned in my mind. Shelly was so patient while we grabbed so many dresses, several different styles, as the hour appointment turned into more than 1.5 hrs. Funny part, the first full length dress I tried, was the one. It needed some alterations, but it had such potential to look fantastic! I didn’t walk out with the dress, after all, it was the very first shop, the very first time — ever — trying on wedding dresses and it was the first real dress I’d put on. I left, but couldn’t get it out of my mind. Forty-​eight hours later, I returned and purchased the beautiful Paloma Blanca. Now, I’m determined that my experience with a seamstress is equally as painless and successful. If you’re looking for that perfect dress — the one you keep pinning on Pinterest — but would rather spend your hard earned money on a fabulous honeymoon or a down payment on a house — make an appointment with Shelly and try Secret Closet!!!

My daughter is getting married in two months and we found ourselves in the unenviable position of needing to go with plan B for a dress. Last weekend I sketched out a game plan for which Orange County shops we would try and Secret Closet was at the top – only because I wanted to get it out of the way before we tried the «regular» shops. Now I know that Secret Closet should be at the top of the list for all brides because the selection and prices are amazing – simply amazing. My daughter found her dream dress here. Her style is a little more unique and so she wanted a simpler dress and she found just what she wanted, but this shop has something for every bride’s taste and style. Michelle was very kind to us, sympathetic to our situation, and gave us her full attention. We also saw lovely formals and even flower girl dresses here. Do give this little shop a try before heading out to the pricey salons – you will be so glad you did!

I was lucky to find this place. I actually heard of it from eBay, because some of the dresses offered on that site were sold at this boutique. I wanted to try some of them on, so I contacted them. Michelle was glad to take an appointment from me online. When I inquired about available appointments, she stated that she likes to only have one appointment in the store at a time, so each guest is given undivided attention. Upon arrival at the shop, Michelle cheerfully greeted us and got enough information for what I was in search of to point me in the right direction. After finding a few gowns I liked in my size, she put them into a dressing room. She helped me change into each gown, securing it and even adjusted the train when I walked to the large mirror.
Michelle is very knowledgeable in the bridal industry and offered tips on making other bridal purchases (alterations, veils, etc.) Prices are reasonable (some gowns in the $ 500 range, and some couture around $ 1200), you just have to get lucky if you find what you like in your size here. This shop is located in a business plaza with bars, restaurants and a beauty salon (tucked in the back). A clean, small boutique that is neatly organized with couture and veils on the left side of the store, and bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses on the right. Unlike larger bridal stores that have staff that work on commission, Michelle allows you to take your time when trying on items, is happy to provide insight, and (most importantly) doesn’t apply pressure for a sale. I highly recommend Secret Closet.

Michelle is a sweetheart! My sister just got her gown for her wedding there tonight. Michelle was so helpful! I’ll be back again :)

Michelle was so good at getting what I like out of me even though I didn’t even know exactly what kind of a dress I wanted. She asked me a bunch of questions and then showed me the dresses she had which matched what my answers were. Patiently putting on me all the dresses I had picked. She was so kind, so honest when I asked for her opinion and didn’t rush me with any dress. The other two places I had gone to, seemed like they wanted to get me out of the store as soon as my hour was up, but she was so patient. The dresses I tried on were all beautiful, but as soon as I put the dress I ended up buying I didn’t want to take it off and again she patiently waited until I realized it is my dress. I asked to come back in two days and didn’t purchase the dress then. Even though it was her day off, she came in for me with her husband. I tried the dress on again, with a sash and vail this time and after realizing that and hour and a half had passed and I didn’t want to take the dress off, I knew this is it. she gave me the best price she possibly could on the dress and the sash and after spending so much time there, I walked out so grateful of the experience that I feel every bride-​to-​be deserves to have. the chance to figure out which is «their» dress on their own, with guidance and expertise that Michelle has and the much appreciated honest opinion when asked. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a dress for their special day.

Michelle was so kind and helpful! Although I didn’t end up purchasing my dress from here, she did a great job of listening to what I really wanted in a dress. I really liked the fact that she was honest and had a positive vibe about her. Thanks Michelle!

The new owner, Michelle, is a gem! She is absolutely amazing, caring and so accommodating. There were many gorgeous wedding dresses in her shop, and she knew the story behind each one, creating a personal and touching experience. I highly recommend shopping here if you’re looking for a high end boutique feel with the personal friendly touch of a passionate store owner at a reasonable price!

More than thrilled to find the Secret Closet and really pleased with my shopping experience. I called ahead to make an appointment (which is always a good idea with bridal dress shopping) and when I got there I was impressed with the dress selection and how clean and nicely organized the shop was. Shelly was very helpful and helped me try on 6+ dresses that ALL FIT. It’s a consignment shop, so some of the dresses were used and some were brand new, but still priced way under retail. Dresses had a good price point, many under $ 1K, all under retail!, lots of sizes, and these are designer gowns.
Check Unilocal for any special check-​in deals!
I actually found my dress here, then came back for my veil and and my flower girl’s dress! I would recommend it to anyone shopping for bridal gowns or accessories in the North Orange County area. Shelly was really helpful and very kind.

Bought my future DIL a dress here last weekend! Shelly was awesome! The place was awesome! It was by far my best experience at bridal shops. The owner is a local girl and she knows her stuff! Planning a wedding is stressful. It was such a joy to find a dress so easily! It was fun! I encourage everyone to check this place out. We need more Entrepreneurs like this gal! I didn’t give it 5 stars because I think she could use a bit more inventory. We still found our dress but maybe a few more dresses she’d make everyone as happy as she did us. You go girl!

I found my wedding dress here! The owner Shelly is so sweet and helpful. They had a wide variety of selections to choose from and I found the most beautiful Mori Lee dress there for an unbelievable price. The dress looks super expensive but it fit within my budget. She also has a large selection of bridesmaids/​MOH/​Prom dresses. Highly recommend– this place is a hidden gem!

Best bridal shopping experience! Wish this place had been around when my two sisters got married. Luckily Secret Closet was our first stop when shopping for my best friends wedding dress. So many options and the dresses all exquisite! My best friend is going to be a beautiful bride thanks to Secret Closet. I strongly recommend this shop to anyone looking for a one of a kind experience that will be pleasant and memorable!

This place is awesome. We went in on a Saturday. There was no waiting for my appointment. The bride before me found her dress which was encouraging. Shelly was super sweet. She did everything I need to help me with my needs. The dresses were gorgeous, brand names and in perfect condition. A gem of a store.