Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

JessicaM. Posted: Mar 15, 2005 10:17 AM

Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

For anyone insterested, I am posting a review of my experience at the Kleinfeld Sample Sale (and REem Acra trunk show) from Sunday, 3/13.

When I arrived, the place was packed. I got there at 2pm for my 2pm appt. I didn't get into a room until 2:30 (IT WAS PACKED) and I was given only 1 hour to pick out dresses and try them on.

Barbara was my attendant. She was pretty nice- I really can't complain about her. The fact that I was being timed bothered me, and they seemed to be VERY strict about it.

For me the experience was fine. I am actually having my dress custom made, so I am basically trying gowns on just to see shape and style.

I would not suggest this as the first place for a bride to go to, although I did find out I should probably wear ivory and, in spite of what I thought prior to going in, I AM a ball gown girl!!

I would have liked to have more time and the opportunity to view more dresses. If I had let her pick the dresses out based on what I THOUGHT I wanted walking in there, I never would have found my ball gown shape- which really DOES make you feel like a princess.

Good luck ladies!

hmpena Posted: Mar 15, 2005 10:29 AM

Re: Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

I was also there on Sunday and had an ok experience. I agree that I would not recommend Kleinfeld's for the 1st dress shopping experience. While I didn't have to wait as long as Jessica, I did not like being timed and only given 1 hour to try on dresses.

CJStein Posted: Mar 15, 2005 10:42 AM

Re: Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

I had a different experience, it was great! The first time I went looking at dresses, I went to a trunk show, got in to a room right away and my salesperson was great. There was no time constraint, even though they told me on the phone I would only have an hour. I found and bought my dress that day. Maybe it depends on the day and the person helping you there. I've heard people having good and bad experiences there. Sorry, they rushed you out!

Goldi1021 Posted: Mar 15, 2005 11:50 AM

Re: Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

Posted by hmpena

I was also there on Sunday and had an ok experience. I agree that I would not recommend Kleinfeld's for the 1st dress shopping experience. While I didn't have to wait as long as Jessica, I did not like being timed and only given 1 hour to try on dresses.

Are brides only timed for trunk shows? What about a regularly scheduled appointment... say during the week in the morning? I plan on taking a day off to try on dresses to avoid weekend chaos at ANY store.

Though I havent gone there yet for myself, I have been to Kleinfeld with other brides. You have to know going in that you will be spending time there waiting. Ever go to a restaurant with a reservation and wait anyway? Same concept. If crowds freak you out or if you are impatient, then I would choose someplace else, but they have been in this business for over 60 years. They know a thing or two. Actually, in my family, it has become a rite of passage and despite my aversion to the Belt Parkway, I will be going there.

JessicaM. Posted: Mar 15, 2005 02:33 PM

Re: Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

Posted by Goldi1021

Posted by hmpena

I was also there on Sunday and had an ok experience. I agree that I would not recommend Kleinfeld's for the 1st dress shopping experience. While I didn't have to wait as long as Jessica, I did not like being timed and only given 1 hour to try on dresses.

Are brides only timed for trunk shows? What about a regularly scheduled appointment... say during the week in the morning? I plan on taking a day off to try on dresses to avoid weekend chaos at ANY store.

Though I havent gone there yet for myself, I have been to Kleinfeld with other brides. You have to know going in that you will be spending time there waiting. Ever go to a restaurant with a reservation and wait anyway? Same concept. If crowds freak you out or if you are impatient, then I would choose someplace else, but they have been in this business for over 60 years. They know a thing or two. Actually, in my family, it has become a rite of passage and despite my aversion to the Belt Parkway, I will be going there.

I live in Brooklyn- crowds are not a problem for me- neither is a wait. The fact that I was timed bothers me A LOT, but other than that it was fine. I was told by Barbara that during the week they sometimes extend the time to 1:15 mins, but that's about it. I am sure certain people probably get over on these rules, but not Sunday, and not me.

teany Posted: Mar 15, 2005 03:58 PM

Re: Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

If you're going to a trunk show on a weekend, esp. at a place as well-known as Kleinfeld, it's going to be crowded. They are going to want as many people as possible to come and not take 4 hours and I am sure they have you a time limit for that reason. I say go during a regular time for a better experience.

Goldi1021 Posted: Mar 15, 2005 09:50 PM

Re: Review: My first dress experience EVER @ Kleinfeld

Posted by JessicaM.

Posted by Goldi1021

Are brides only timed for trunk shows? What about a regularly scheduled appointment... say during the week in the morning? I plan on taking a day off to try on dresses to avoid weekend chaos at ANY store.

I live in Brooklyn- crowds are not a problem for me- neither is a wait. The fact that I was timed bothers me A LOT, but other than that it was fine. I was told by Barbara that during the week they sometimes extend the time to 1:15 mins, but that's about it. I am sure certain people probably get over on these rules, but not Sunday, and not me.

So if you made a regular, non-trunk show appointment, you STILL are timed? Geez. Maybe Ill just go have a dress made. Two of my cousins did it at the Bridal Building in the city each for under $1500. I'll be needing to take my time and I crack under that type of pressure. My mother doesn't like to be rushed either.