Which dress should I buy?

orangejulius

Hi everyone,I hope I don't make this too long, so please stick with me and give me your opinion!I found "the one." The problem is, it has been discontinued since last trying it on. Luckily, I have some options! I found someone selling it online used in a size 4 (my size, in a previous post I asked how true to size POB Vineyard gowns are, and was told by most people they are true to size) for $1600, or I can purchase a sample of the dress in a size 8 for $1200. Here is where I'm debating...the used gown *might* be too small, which would be a real hassle to deal with. But on the other hand, the sample I will have to be ordered over the phone from out of state, and I won't know the true condition of it, even if they tell me it's good/excellent. The used gown has been professionally cleaned already, but I guess I'd have to trust her as well that it's in perfect condition. Another thing, altering an 8 to a 4 might lose the integrity of the dress.So, what do you think? ANY opinions welcome, please! My head is starting to hurt thinking about this.Also, who here has purchased a sample? What was the condition of the dress (did you have to have repairs/major cleaning done)?Thanks so much!!

orangejulius

I just wanted to add, I tried on the 8 in the store before it was discontinued, and it was too big, so I know I'm at least smaller than the 8, I just hope the 4 isn't too small.

jessica.kisner

ya know I think you should go with the size 4. If she says it has been professionally cleaned, I would trust her. You should try to talk down the price, considering its used, and if it doesn't fit, you have a few options. If its just a little bit, I guess you could try to lose a little weight, but if you are happy with who you are, they can let it out a little, again depending if it is just a little off. And you said that you didn't try on the size 4 when it was in the store? I would not get the size 8 because it is way too big and the alterations would probably change the dress too much. I really hope this helps.

eskiimobby

how far out is your wedding? i would keep looking. maybe call some other stores, and definitely try to try on a dress that is similar from POB in a 4 and a 6 and see what size you really would be, if you're going to be spending a pretty penny on a used dress. just my opinion, but if you have the time, try to keep looking. also, have you tried places like pearls place? i hear they're awesome. and once you know your size, you may be able to find something cheaper than 1200. HTH, and GL

orangejulius

Jessica - thank you!!Eski - The wedding is a year out (Oct 2010), so I have a little bit of time. I've looked at sooo many dresses I feel like, and I'm so picky it seems, haha

Laurms15

Which style PoB dress is it? I am normally a size zero and I needed a size 4 in my PoB Gown. I will have to take it in a bit but depending on the style of he gown taking it in might be easier then you think. I would get the 8 to be safe if you love it.

orangejulius

It's from the Vineyard Collection. After doing some research, I found that Vineyard dresses seem to fit larger than regular POB gowns. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I do agree though, taking the dress down would be easier than it being too small (unless it ends up being just a tad too small I guess).

Laurms15

Mine is from the Vineyard collection. I'm wearing Kyle.

bcnoelle

Can you make some sort of agreement with the size 4 seller that if it doesn't fit for some reason you will ship it back within 48 hours and pay for all shipping? I may try that. I would just let her know that you absolutely know this is the dress for you and that you've already tried the sample on, you are just worried it may be a tad too small. Plus you may be able to have a seamstress look at it and see if it can slightly be taken out if it is too small. Good luck!

junelley

I agree that if you can negotiate with the size 4 owner, do that, but I am thinking most girls wouldn't want to go through the trouble of sending a gown out and then have it returned b/c it doesn't fit. But you can always try as you never know.  If you have to pick between these size 4 and size 8 gowns with doubts that size 4 might be too small, though, I'd definitely pick the size 8.  It's easier to have the dress taking in than somehow making it larger.  I've always heard from shops that sell samples that as long as the dress is within 2 sizes (like in your case), a seamstress would be able to alter it without losing integrity.  Also, since the size 8 is cheaper, you can use the $400 difference into altering it into your size.  You probably would need to alter the size 4 here and there, too, to fit your body, anyway, and that would be on top of $1600.As for the condition of sample gowns, I didn't buy one, but I did shop at a several sample sales.  The condition varies, depending on how well the stores the samples were originally from took care of them.  I've seen pristine and flawless samples that only require minor cleaning, and I've also seen very dirty and ripped samples (at a PoB sample sale!).  GL and HTH!See if the place that is selling your sample gown is reputable and has some kind of guarantee that the sample will be in the condition they claim.

nostangchick

Is there anyway possible you can take a weekend roadtrip to see either of these dresses in person? I think you would have less problems making an 8 fit a size 4 person then a size 4 fit a size 6 person..But I honestly dont know.

a2crane

Could you have both the person who is selling the gown and the bridal store send you pictures of the gowns before you make a decision? If it were me, I would go with the sample because someone wearing it for 5 minutes is different than running around in it all day/night. Most samples that I have seen have been in near perfect condition and then it is all yours Plus, it sounds like the sample is less expensive and will fit better (you won't have to worry about it being too small/tight). It is MUCH easier to take a gown in than let it out and reducing a dress size by only 2 sizes will not lose the integrity of the gown.