i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 27, 2004 10:56 AM

i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

Okay, here is the dress dilemma:

I tried on a sample Amsale last week that was gorgeous - and marked down from 4K to 1,200. (eek!) I put it on hold. i LOVED everything about it, except one thing : The weight. It felt really heavy on. The seamstress assured me that once she cuts off the 12 or so inches from the bottom (I am a midget) and takes out some of the crinoline, it will feel much better. My mother thinks one of the reasons I really want the dress is because of the label and the fact that it looks like a VERY expensive peice. I'll admit it...I am a bit of a label whore. But the dress is STUNNING. Another thing: It needs cleaning from being a sample and this makes my mother very uncomfortable - there are a few small stains and some dirt around the neckline - I know it would come out but buying a dirty dress is scary.

It is an old model dress and I can't find a pic anywhere, but looks something like the first one below: It's Silk satin, Alcecon (?) lace around the waist and bottom, ivory, box pleats, long train.

Then, I go and try on a Maggie yesterday and fall in love. It's the Chantilly (I HATE the way the model looks in it - it is so much prettier in person.) I LOVE everything about it except: I am doubting whether the style is too fancy for my outdoor vineyard wedding. It's very black tie to me - but I felt amazing in it. I know I can 'pull off' anything I want because I am the bride, but I just don't want to look silly coming down the grass aisle of my supposedly casual wedding in a huge sparkly thing - you know?

I was just hoping for some thoughts from the 05-ers (I know alot of you have maggies as well, so that helps to hear your input) and just general 'what to do' guidance in the situation. I have to make a decision by tomorrow- they will nt hold the Amsale any longer.

Any thoughts ?

can anyone make the Maggie bigger?

diamondgrlie Posted: Sep 27, 2004 10:59 AM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I love the 2nd one! I wouldnt say your dress could really be 'too fancy', its your wedding!

I would also have to agree with your mom about the cleaning part...

Aga Posted: Sep 27, 2004 11:04 AM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I love both dresses, I would probably pick the Amsale dress but I would be hesitant about the cleaning, what if it doesnt come off you know

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 27, 2004 11:05 AM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

yes, the cleaning thing is definitly on the CON side of the list...

divabride Posted: Sep 27, 2004 11:17 AM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I agree with the rest of the gang, as much as I prefer labels (yes, Im a label whore too), I think your better off with the maggie. With the amsale not only is it dirty, but you complained about the weight. What reassurance do you have that it still wont be heavy after the alterations? Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!

DebMaher Posted: Sep 27, 2004 12:53 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

They are both stunning -- although I like the ivory of the AMSALE. Few questions and points:
1. As far as buying a sample -- you would be amazed what they can get out -- lipstick and makeup being two of the only significant suggestions. You can also use fabric paint to cover small areas.
2. The Maggie is lovely and I think has a timeless quality (well they both do) that suits your vineyard/timeless quality in June.
What is the price differential if you are open to sharing. Frankly, if they are close I would go with whichever is going to make you feel most beautiful.

jennandrob Posted: Sep 27, 2004 01:02 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

It's no doubt that you will look beautiful in whichever you choose, but on the cleaning part alone, I would pick the Maggie gown. Getting stains out is no guarantee, and making the dress less weighty is also no guarantee. Midget or not, if the material is heavy, then that's the way the dress is going to be. Good Luck!

ddb336 Posted: Sep 27, 2004 01:02 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

They are both beautiful dress, you have to pick the one you feel most comfortable in. The most important thing is that it's your day.

Backinneyork Posted: Sep 27, 2004 01:16 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I love the Amsale! I regret not trying any on, and for $1200 - it's a steal.

You need to get which one you like more. As far as being too dressy for a vineyard wedding - it's your day, and you can wear anything you want!!

randella Posted: Sep 27, 2004 01:27 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I like the Amsale dress more.. and I think both are just as fancy- so, I would not worry about which is best for your occasion.

Which dress do you really love more? Are you going to regret not having one over the other?

Also- as much as I prefer the Amsale, I would be weary of the sample. The price is great- but, I would be afraid of the stains, etc. I know they keep their dresses in excellent condition- but, I would talk to the seamstress or someting there- find out if they really think the stains would come out.

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 27, 2004 03:16 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

Ladies, all very helpful suggestions. I am still so torn...

I LOVE THEM BOTH!!!

Deb - i knew you would have something logical to say. I would order the Maggie in Lt Gold (her version of Ivory)

The Maggie can be obtained from RK Bridal for $1180, and the Amsale is $1295. Same difference. It does make me cringe thinking about spending that much on a dirty dress...but it's a Fecking Amsale!

I feel very beautiful in both. i feel more physically comfortable in the Maggie.

I'll keep you all updated.

LadyPrincess Posted: Sep 27, 2004 03:23 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

i like the first one better

Maybe you can get another 100-150 off for the cleaning

brooklynbridezilla Posted: Sep 27, 2004 03:31 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I like the Amsale better, too. I would try to haggle with them about the price of the cleaning. Can you return it for a refund if you cannot get the stains out?

nicknmb Posted: Sep 27, 2004 03:32 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

I like the 2nd one better. I would worry about the cleaning also. What if it doesn't come out, then what! I tried on a sample dress that I fell in love with, but it was too small. I wouls have had to lose about 15 lbs to fit in it comfortably. I want to lose some weight anyway, but what if I don't. Then I would have had a dress that didn't fit! I would go with the Maggie, you love it, and it isn't dirty

marc_rai Posted: Sep 27, 2004 10:26 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

Posted by Bunnymonkey

I feel very beautiful in both. i feel more physically comfortable in the Maggie.

Bunnymonkey,

Stop questioning it sweetie. You already know the answer to your dilemna. Forget about the name, because when it's all said and done, what do you feel more comfortable in??

Posted by Bunnymonkey

I feel very beautiful in both. i feel more physically comfortable in the Maggie.

Enough said.

cranesgirl25 Posted: Sep 27, 2004 10:28 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

woe is me!

DebMaher Posted: Sep 27, 2004 10:29 PM

Re: i think I found my dress(es!), but I am kind of freaking out.

Oooh light gold in a vineyard theme -- sounds so so pretty BUT the AMSALE is amazing too. Honestly, I say do the Amsale -- you just have it in your heart and no matter what you do, you will pine. Not worth the heartache.