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

Original post by Bunnymonkey

Sep 27, 2004 10:56 AM

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?

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:39 PM

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

Posted by Bunnymonkey

oh randella!

I am about to have an anxiety attack. I don't want to admit it, but to be honest, I don't think the Amsale is the one. It is so pretty, but so heavy. I just keep thinking of being weighed down while standing in this hot vineyard. Also, I called around for cleaning, and it will be at least $150.00, as well as $300 or so in major alterations!

Now that I have let go of the Amsale, I think I don't even want the Maggie anymore. I don't know why, I just feel like starting fresh and seeing if 'the one' jumps off at me - The maggie is always available to order from Bridesave if i don't find anything else!

I am a little sad. But trying to keep the faith...

Sorry- I posted then wasn't around when you responded.. I too was originally torn between two dresses.. I ended up ordering one, then was so miserable after.. I cancelled it, then found a different one altogether.. The one thing that I learned about my dress dilemma was-- go with your gut.. These little stresses are exercises we need to go through in order to find what it is we really are looking for..

Keep on keeping on!

DebMaher Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:41 PM

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

Randella -- I totally remember that and although they were both stunning -- (and I don;t even know you) but it was so obvious from your words and senses that you found the one with your Reem. I want no less for my bunny.

DMcK Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:44 PM

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

They are both beautiful and elegant... follow your heart, it sounds like you know what you want.

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:48 PM

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

randella - that is really helpful knowing you went through that.

Ladies, I think I have decided the dresses cancel each other out. The one has things the other does not, and vice versa. Neither one is 'complete.'

I think the one that has everything I want is still out there.

Now, with only 8 and a half months to go...this is the real question - should I be worried I don't have the dress yet??

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:49 PM

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

Posted by DIJBH

They are both beautiful and elegant... follow your heart, it sounds like you know what you want.

Thanks...my heart neva lies!

DMcK Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:49 PM

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

Posted by Bunnymonkey

randella - that is really helpful knowing you went through that.

Ladies, I think I have decided the dresses cancel each other out. The one has things the other does not, and vice versa. Neither one is 'complete.'

I think the one that has everything I want is still out there.

Now, with only 8 and a half months to go...this is the real question - should I be worried I don't have the dress yet??

Nah... but maybe you should pick soon

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 07:51 PM

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

I can give you all the gory details of my shopping experience.. if you want..

I ordered my dress in the middle of August.. my wedding is in April.. so, shoot for the end of Oct to find something- and you'll be fine..

What are you looking for- maybe I can suggest some places to check out..

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 28, 2004 08:30 PM

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

thank you!

I am looking for something that looks sort of antique - defintily ivory or light gold.

It has to have lace somewhere on it.
It has to be strapless or cap sleeves.
It has to be less than 1500.

I know - it's alot. I have a very specific vision. I think I am going to break down and go to Kleinfelds. I have been trying to get a designer sample and I am frustrated.

I have been to:
THe Gown Company
The Bridal Suite of Manhattan
Macys Herald Square
Paula Varsalona
RK Bridal

I live in Brooklyn and work in NYC. Coming to LI is not really an option....

Also, there are a few more second hand places/sample places I want to try - but I am scared of finding another stained dress!

stacy&joe Posted: Sep 28, 2004 08:41 PM

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

You know what - I felt anxiety too before buying my dress. I found my dress early on in the shopping process, and I got anxiety - was I choosing too soon? My mom gave me the best advice. She said to go shopping one or two other places, try on a few more, but if you find yourself comparing every other dress to that ONE - well, then, your decision is made. And, you know, she was right. PS - I bought the dress, and now sigh whenever I see it. I hope that helps!

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 08:54 PM

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

ok.. well, I live in the city- so, I really do not have an extensive knowlede of LI wedding salons.. so you came to the right person! Plus, I was looking for an antique-y style of dress too.

Here is what I would suggest:

- Adrienne's on Orchard St. on the LES. I was there last weekend with one of my BM's and they have a nice selection of gowns-- and really nice ones- under $2,000..

- Definitely go to Kleinfeld-- they have such a huge selection.. You must go..

- I would also check out Bridal Atelier.. I am not sure of their price ranges-- but I am sure they have some in your range.. call them and ask.

hmmm.. what else.

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 08:58 PM

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

Posted by randella

ok.. well, I live in the city- so, I really do not have an extensive knowlede of LI wedding salons.. so you came to the right person! Plus, I was looking for an antique-y style of dress too.

Here is what I would suggest:

- Adrienne's on Orchard St. on the LES. I was there last weekend with one of my BM's and they have a nice selection of gowns-- and really nice ones- under $2,000..

- Definitely go to Kleinfeld-- they have such a huge selection.. You must go..

- I would also check out Bridal Atelier.. I am not sure of their price ranges-- but I am sure they have some in your range.. call them and ask.

hmmm.. what else.

Just had a brainstorm-- have you looked into Henry Roth?? He is Michelle Roth's brother- and his dresses are really pretty and should be in your range.. MR closed her NYC salon- was so pissed I couldn't look there- she only sells now in Jersey- but HR sells at a couple of places in the city..

Henry Roth

Available at Kleinfeld!

BTW-- I got my dress there. I can recco consultants.

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 28, 2004 09:08 PM

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

radella - you are so inspiring me!

I am going to book a bunch of appointments first thing tomorrow (def kleinfelds and adriennes) and find the freaking dress!

Thanks for lifting my mood...

(And the Henry Roth dresses are awesome!)

ryanna

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 09:12 PM

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

I am so happy to help!

Let me know how it goes!

If you go to Bridal Atelier- ask for Ah-lene

Klienfeld- Audrey or Margaret

Adrienne's is a cool, small little shop..

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 28, 2004 09:14 PM

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

Posted by randella

I am so happy to help!

Let me know how it goes!

If you go to Bridal Atelier- ask for Ah-lene

Klienfeld- Audrey or Margaret

Adrienne's is a cool, small little shop..

I looked up Adriennes and NY METRO said it was a custom shop - did she have samples for sale? I love little places on the LES - such goldmines.

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 09:17 PM

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

I don;t think so.. I went there with my BM after we went dress shopping.. to pick her her dress for her sister's wedding.. There were BM dresses there, cocktail dresses and wedding gowns..

I looked through the rack and the dresses were very pretty and I remember seeing the prices like 1700, etc. and they had labels in there.. they were not custom.

I would not trust everything NY Metro says.. I went to Bridal Suite of Manhattan- cause they said it was a good place to start.. Could have done without it..

Bunnymonkey Posted: Sep 28, 2004 09:21 PM

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

Posted by randella

I don;t think so.. I went there with my BM after we went dress shopping.. to pick her her dress for her sister's wedding.. There were BM dresses there, cocktail dresses and wedding gowns..

I looked through the rack and the dresses were very pretty and I remember seeing the prices like 1700, etc. and they had labels in there.. they were not custom.

I would not trust everything NY Metro says.. I went to Bridal Suite of Manhattan- cause they said it was a good place to start.. Could have done without it..

Me too! I found nothing there...

Did you make an appointment or just walk in?

randella Posted: Sep 28, 2004 09:38 PM

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

I made an appt.. my mom came in for the day, so I wanted to make sure I could get in.. I guess it was good to look.. but, I mean- I was excited to try on dresses- but once I got there, it was like big whoop!

I was not really interested in anything they had.. I did find one that was ok.. but I knew I would never get it.. although it did inspire me to look for dresses with gold in the detail.. which caused me to make an appt at Reem, which then lead me ultimately down the path to finding my dress..

Ok, I guess everything does happen for a reason.