Size up than alter, or order by self measurements?

thesummersky

Hello all,

I'm in need of some dress advice. I've narrowed it down to three dresses. I've tried one, so I know how it fits me and I know somewhat of the alterations needed.  As for the other two, I would either be ordering from a designer on Etsy or tulleandchantilly.com. Because I haven't tried either of these on, I know I'd be taking a risk. Should I order them two sizes up and just go in for a fitting (if I get either of these), or should I just take my own measurements, order by those and hope for the best?

Thank you,
Brittany

Blergbot

I don't know enough about the other site, but if you order from a reputable seller on etsy, then you should definitely go with your measurements. If you are really worried you can ask them if they'll make a muslin sample for you (this make cost a bit extra). I would read the reviews carefully as well, and if the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Blergbot

Actually, your best option might be to get professionally measured.

HaileyDancingbear

PLEASE BE CAREFUL.  Etsy is great for a lot of things, but a LOT of the wedding dress sellers on there are scammers from China.  DO NOT order anything unless the shop has lots of really, really good reviews. 

I also really don't trust the look of the site you're looking at, especially given that when you look at the dresses, the only feedback given are comments from people who do not own the dress and are just commenting on the photo.  No reviews, that looks fishy to me, and they're making some HUGE promises regarding customization given that half those dresses don't even fit the models correctly.  

But back to the original question- in Etsy shops, tell the seller your measurements.  For sites that sell based on numerical sizes, take your measurements, and order the size that will fit the LARGEST part of you.  For instance if your waist fits the size 6, but your hips fit the size 8, get size 8 and plan to take in the waist.  Add an inch or two to your measurements if you're really nervous, but don't go up two whole sizes, you can only take in a dress so much before it starts looking funny.  

thesummersky

Thanks for the advice! Kinda bums me out that beautiful $200 dresses are probably not a reality, but better to learn it now than to be out $200. 

WildMagelet

thesummersky said:

Thanks for the advice! Kinda bums me out that beautiful $200 dresses are probably not a reality, but better to learn it now than to be out $200. 

$200 sounds really low for a legitimate high-end handmade gown.  I would be very weary as to the quality of materials used.

Unfortunately I haven't seen anything good about T&C.  They have a lot of red flags on their website, as well as the few reviews I've actually found for them.  Here is some info from another knottie that got in touch with them: 

http://forums.theknot.com/discussion/991749/tulle-and-chantilly

thesummersky

Aww man, well I guess that helps to eliminate options, so thank you! Now I know I'm chasing a certain Tara Keely.

emmyg65

Yep, if you find a dress online that seems like a spectacular deal, it's probably a scam. Sorry!

HaileyDancingbear

thesummersky said:

Aww man, well I guess that helps to eliminate options, so thank you! Now I know I'm chasing a certain Tara Keely.

If you're still looking online, go on Tara Keely's website and check their list of authorized retailers.  Only buy the dress from places listed there, it's the best way to make sure you don't get scammed.  All dress designers will provide a list of authorized retailers and I recommend that anyone shopping online always use these lists as a reference to see where they can buy their gown.