Deciding on a Dress ** UPDATED**

badbnagdway

EDIT FOR UPDATE (figured that was better than starting yet another thread):

Ok, so, still unsure about the dress I had posted (pictures of me in it in a post below). I did some more internet browsing and ordered a mermaid without the beading and also decided to actually try going into a bridal salon to try on one particular Watters gown I have been coveting. I tried on a bunch with the help of the store owner who was very helpful. The Watters was definitely better than any others I tried on but I planned to not commit to anything then and stuck to my guns. Then I got home and the Badgley Mischka mermaid I had ordered and tried that on. I am surprised, but I think this is the one. I have a strong desire to even go put it on again right now. I randomly paired it with a gold belt to try it on and even that is kind of working I think. The size is too small to zip all the way so I've gone ahead and ordered one size up (good thing all these online dresses are so easy to return). 

Tell me what you all think!

END EDIT (Except for pictures, below). 

My wedding is in about 7 months. I ordered this dress from Ann Taylor:  http://www.anntaylor.com/gemstone-yoke-trumpet-gown/334309?colorExplode=false&skuId=15542182&catid=cata000034&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=0355

I ordered it when it was 40% off so it is definitely in my budget and I also have room in the budget for $300 in alterations, which I think should be enough. 

I got it and tried it on yesterday. It does run quite big. The hip area will need to be taken in regardless of if I go down a size. My rib cage is freakishly large. I think it is even a bit big through there as I was able to turn the dress to the front, zip it most of the way (the zipper is tricky because of the fabric, and then turn it back around to get into it myself. 

I want to post some pictures of me in it but can't get it to work. 

I am going to get some second opinions from friends on the dress and probably exchange for one size down, and probably also take it to a seamstress to look at, but I feel like strangers on the internet will be honest with me and may have more experience with dress alterations: 

1. The dress has fancy beading stuff on the chest area. I don't know that I want to keep that, my temptation would be to have a seamstress take all that mesh out and add cap sleeves with the extra mesh. The detail is pretty but I think I'd rather find my own necklace and also belt it with something glittery and don't want to have to worry about matching to that design. I also find cap sleeves, halters, and strapless to be more flattering with my build. Is it nonsense to buy a dress that I want to alter this much? I feel like that is normal with a wedding dress but want some input. 

2. The dress has some interesting darting and details on the mesh  that I would want preserved even though it needs to come in quite a bit through the hips. Is that something others have experience with? 

Maggie0829

badbnagdway said:

My wedding is in about 7 months. I ordered this dress from Ann Taylor:  http://www.anntaylor.com/gemstone-yoke-trumpet-gown/334309?colorExplode=false&skuId=15542182&catid=cata000034&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=0355

I ordered it when it was 40% off so it is definitely in my budget and I also have room in the budget for $300 in alterations, which I think should be enough. 

I got it and tried it on yesterday. It does run quite big. The hip area will need to be taken in regardless of if I go down a size. My rib cage is freakishly large. I think it is even a bit big through there as I was able to turn the dress to the front, zip it most of the way (the zipper is tricky because of the fabric, and then turn it back around to get into it myself. 

I want to post some pictures of me in it but can't get it to work. 

I am going to get some second opinions from friends on the dress and probably exchange for one size down, and probably also take it to a seamstress to look at, but I feel like strangers on the internet will be honest with me and may have more experience with dress alterations: 

1. The dress has fancy beading stuff on the chest area. I don't know that I want to keep that, my temptation would be to have a seamstress take all that mesh out and add cap sleeves with the extra mesh. The detail is pretty but I think I'd rather find my own necklace and also belt it with something glittery and don't want to have to worry about matching to that design. I also find cap sleeves, halters, and strapless to be more flattering with my build. Is it nonsense to buy a dress that I want to alter this much? I feel like that is normal with a wedding dress but want some input. 

2. The dress has some interesting darting and details on the mesh  that I would want preserved even though it needs to come in quite a bit through the hips. Is that something others have experience with? 

Honestly, yes, I think it is kind of silly to buy a dress that you basically want to completely change. If you wanted cap sleeves then why didn't you buy a dress with cap sleeves?  I think that brides who buy a dress and then change it around so much didn't buy the correct dress to begin with.

As for your second question, an experienced seamstress will be able to alter your dress and still keep the integrity of the design (including the darting).

Personally, I love the top portion of the dress.  I do think a slim sparkly belt would be nice to help define the waist line a bit more.  Maybe contact Ann Taylor to see if you can get some extra beading and then your seamstress could potentially make a custom belt to match your dress.

As for the sizing issues.  I would only exchange the dress for a different size if you can then re-exchange it back to the size you currently have if the smaller size does not work.

ETA:  you also need to keep in mind the construction of the dress when it comes to changing the top area.  Many dresses that have sleeves or mesh at the top need that to keep the dress from falling down since it isn't constructed to be a strapless dress. Cap sleeves may not be enough to keep the dress up since in my experience cap sleeves are almost more decorative then functional.

badbnagdway

Maggie0829 That is a good point about the dress staying up. I love the shape of the dress. I think I am managing to post a picture of me in it. I think once it is tailored better the shape will be very flattering mermaidish shape. I also like the construction quality for a dress of this price (a little over $500). I feel like the beading (because of the color of the beading more than anything) make the dress seem more casual. I haven't been able to find a dress in my budget that I like as much. Doesn't mean it's impossible, just means I haven't been able to find it. I think the shape is a good shape for me but don't like all mermaid styles equally. 

Maggie0829

I think you look great in the dress. Once it is altered to fit your shape it will look even better! I don't think the beading makes the dress look casual at all. Not sure what other accessories you are wearing but you have to remember that you will have your hair done, makeup done and accessories on and maybe a veil. Those things will help to fancy up any dress. I do think a slim belt would be a nice touch though. Not only will it define your waist line it will also add a bit more bling which will help fancy it up. Also, do you have your wedding shoes on, because if you do then you most likely won't need a hem since the length seems spot on.

badbnagdway

Maggie0829 thanks!

I think I threw on my very tall comfy heels with it last night when I took the pictures. They are actually taller than I probably will wear but haven't selected my shoes yet. I'll have to see once I pick some out if any hemming is necessary. 

I completely agree on the belt -- just in my daily life I'm a girl who needs a belt That's a good idea to see if I can get one made to match it. 

I also haven't picked out jewelry -- was waiting to settle on the dress first. That is the thing I find tricky with this dress, the beading is so particular. 

On the sizing -- I suspect I can exchange the size I have for a size down and then even exchange that back if I have to. I think I'll try it on again tonight and just see what I think. My concern is that the next size down might be too tight on the rib area. 

Maggie0829

I think for jewelry I would play up the silver rather then try and match the beading.  In the picture with the model it almost looks like she has a silver and pearl bracelet on which works very well.  I also wouldn't go to big with the jewelry either.

This bracelet I think would go well (Click).  And for a belt, if you don't want to have one made I would look on Etsy or even preownedweddingdresses.com in the accessories section to see what you can find.

MandyMost

There's no point in buying a dress with all that beading and then removing it. The beading IS the dress here. And you look great in it! 

Take the dress to a seamstress and ask them what they can do before you try to exchange. Essentially, a pre-altered dress SHOULD fit you correctly in your biggest areas and be loose in other areas. A seamstress can take stuff in, she won't (likely) be able to let anything out. So, if ANY aspect of the dress fits you right now, it's the right size, and have the rest taken in. 

badbnagdway

MandyMost said:

There's no point in buying a dress with all that beading and then removing it. The beading IS the dress here. And you look great in it! 

Take the dress to a seamstress and ask them what they can do before you try to exchange. Essentially, a pre-altered dress SHOULD fit you correctly in your biggest areas and be loose in other areas. A seamstress can take stuff in, she won't (likely) be able to let anything out. So, if ANY aspect of the dress fits you right now, it's the right size, and have the rest taken in. 

Thanks! I tried it on again last night to see how the fit really is. The interior of the dress has an internal strap that you can fasten and I had it fastened on the tightest setting, which is why I think I felt like the dress was fitting around my ribs. Without fastening that the dress is very lose even on my ribs so I think I better try the smaller size.

The thing that bothers me on the dress isn't so much the beading but the neckline itself -- I like the sweetheart part but sleeveless is not my best look just because my shoulders are pretty broad. 

Thanks for your help ladies! 

badbnagdway

Just giving this thread a healthy bump for opinions on the update. Thanks in advance!

doeydo

Since you asked for opinions, TBH, I am not a huge fan of the (satin?) mermaid.  However,everyone has different tastes and if you love it and you think it is the one, congrats and you'll look beautiful.

jenna8984

I kinda think the Ann Taylor looks better on you but maybe it's just because you said you need a size up in the BM, that might really help. I know you just threw the gold belt on to see it belted, I'd definitely do a blingy sash if you go with that dress. 

badbnagdway

doeydo said:

Since you asked for opinions, TBH, I am not a huge fan of the (satin?) mermaid.  However,everyone has different tastes and if you love it and you think it is the one, congrats and you'll look beautiful.

Oh I definitely will not be offended re opinions. I think it's helpful to get some outside opinions. My close friends are going to (and have) tell me I look great in just about anything.