Across the water in Newport News, a trove of satin and sparkles awaits.

Blush, the only bridal consignment shop between here and Maryland, is filled with all things bridal: wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, flower-girl gowns, mother-of-the-bride suits, veils, tiaras, clutches, shoes, garters, jewelry and even a brocade-covered mailbox where wedding guests can deposit gifts of much-needed cash.

In the spirit of saving money in this turbulent economy, The Pilot's shopping squad is making reconnaissance rounds of consignment stores within driving distance of South Hampton Roads. Blush is stop No. 3.

Holly Yaskowsky's pretty little shop opened in Port Warwick a little more than three years ago when she couldn't find a place to consign her wedding gown. Today, the center of attention at her spotless, champagne-pink boutique is 95 linear feet of brid al gowns, about 450 in all, each current in fashion and pristine in its own plastic garment bag.

Bridal wear is perhaps the perfect consignment item. The finery is either worn once, or never. Yaskowsky's inventory comes from brides, bridal shops that consign samples and some designer samples.

New gowns also come from "two-dress brides," those who buy one dress and then decide on another style or style of wedding.

On our visit, the first thing to catch our eye was the shelf of tiaras and shoes. Maneuver past that into the main salon, where the dresses await. Yaskowsky has banished any hint of "thrift" from her place. Snow-white armchairs sit in front of the requisite pedestal box, with plenty of mirrors for oohing and aaahing.

We found V-necks, halters, cap sleeves and plenty of strapless-style dresses. Colors ranged from diamond-white to champagne to mocha, and some had pops of color. Sizes ranged from 4 to 24; prices ranged from $200 to $2,000, with an average of about $500.

We paused at a strapless silk sheath with pleated cummerbund, chapel-length train and covered buttons to the floor, by celebrity designer Monique Lhuillier. The original price was $3,400. The Blush price: $1,900.

A mermaid-style satin halter dress with a beaded front and lace-up back by Destiny was originally $520, and $375 at Blush.

Several sets of bridesmaid gowns hung nearby; Yaskowsky accepts only groups of three or more. We saw a set of four cinnamon satin strapless bodice and long skirts, sizes 0, 4, 6 and 8, for $129 each. Beyond the bridesmaid dresses, a long rack of special occasion dresses was arranged by size and then by color.

Come in and browse any time, Yaskowsky said, but you'll need an appointment to try on the gowns.

Lorraine Eaton, (757) 446-2697 lorraine.eaton@pilotonline.com