Dress regret - can anything be added?

QueerFemme

Hi all

I am having SERIOUS dress regret.  My first two dress shopping appointments didn't go that well (first salon had two dresses even close to my size (14-16) and the second spot was David's bridal... which was like going to walmart to shop for a dress.  Everything felt "cheap" and nothing fit well...

Fast forward two days. I go to a "better salon" ... find four dresses that all fit, fabric felt nice...  so, I buy the fourth dress that I try on.  Even though, it was nothing like I had in my brain that I wanted.  I had a vision of probably taffeta or organza and FLASHY and BLING... 

what I got, was romantic, chiffon, and flowy.

So... my question is... can anything be "done" to this dress to add some bling?  I'm thinking, probably not because of the chffon... and I'm not sure where anything could even be added because of the way the dress is cut and lays.   I was thinking maybe some beading along the bottom of the dress ... but, I'm not sure...

the dress (particularlly the bottom half) feels so PLAIN to me.

Any suggestions?

here it is. (I didn't buy it from this knockoff site, but this is the online site with the best pictures!) 

http://www.bestbrideshop.com/goods-11010-Plus+Size+Wedding+Dresses+Julietta+by+Mori+Lee+Style+3106+Delicate+Chiffon+with+Beading.html

arrestclementine

At first I was going to say a blingy belt.  But after looking at your dress I don't think that would go well together.  I think the dress is beautiful!  Do you think you could so some super blingy accessories to make it more like something you envisioned?  Or like a veil with some bling in it?  Just an idea.

QueerFemme

Yeah... I'm wearing wine colored shoes with some bling on them... and probably some bling around my neck, although, not too much, because then it won't seem like it "goes" with that dress...  I'm not planning to wear a veil, probably just flowers or MAYBE a birdcage style veil... but, that is still up in the air. 

I'm probably going to go look at other dresses this weekend....  and hope I either fall in love with my dress... or find something new that is much cheaper.  Because if I buy a new gown, of course, I'll have to walk away from my deposit...  yuck.

katdallas

I think it's gorgeous as is! I second the above comment that adding blingy accessories is a good idea. I personally like simple wedding dresses...

QueerFemme

KatDallas ... you are the second person who has said "oh, I like that its "simple", or some variation of that... and the word "Simple" just made my stomach turn. 

Ugh...  I think I'm going to end up with a new dress.... I don't want anyone to look at me and think "oh, what a pretty "simple" dress.

kitty02kat

I added more beading (kind of a lot) to the bottom of my dress so the bottom looks as blinged out as the top... is that an option for you?

I'm not sure how it would look, but i also added a very light pettycoat so fluff out the skirt a bit too.... 

kitty02kat

I'm thinking take the bling thats on bottom the train (maybe not the whole rain effect, but ya know?), and replicate it on the front on the bottom too... what do you think?

QueerFemme

yeah... maybe that's an option.  I'm trying to talk to a seamstress/dress maker about the dress BEFORE I go pick it up... to see if anything can be done.  If I pick it up and pay the remaining amount on it... (which is still about $550) and then find out nothing can be done... I'm going to be left with a dress that I don't want, and not enough money to buy another one. 

I'm so frustrated with myself.  I was so worried about something fitting my boobs, and then it fit, so I bought the damn thing.

kitty02kat

I ordered extra beading when i ordered my dress... can you see if you can buy the beading from the maker?-- mine came in appliques that my seamstress just tacked on- wasn't much work at all.  I'd call the bridal store and have them check with the designer if you're interested

Sue-n-Kevin

I think that is a lovely dress, but I can't talk you into loving something that doesn't fit your vision of the dress you really wanted.

Do you know anyone that sews? Many areas in the country have fabric stores with a large selection of bridal fabrics, trim, and pearl-lace-sequin-beaded appliques. Regardless of how far it may be for you, it might be worth looking into this. If you know someone that sews, an alencon lace with pearls or beads can be cut into single appliques and sewn onto the bodice. It really is not that hard, I made the dress in the picture below and carefully cut and sewed pieces of lace with pre-beaded pearls onto my dress. You can also purchase appliques themselves by the piece.

Google all of this online and see what you can find. Over time I have seen many options, but only you know what it will take to "fix" this dress to match what you want without the additional expense of buying another one.

Also go on your local Knot board and see if anyone in your area can recommend a seamstress with good skills to discuss this with.

Good luck.

aloisk57

It's not simple!  It's classic and VERY beautiful.  If you want to "bling" it up get a sparkly headband or something and make your look more sparkly that way.

Maggie0829

I definitely do not think it is "simple".  I love how the corset part in the back is surrounded by bling.

An idea was to add more sparkles to the train...like all the way up to the bottom of the corset...that would definitely add a bit more shine to the back.

The front, I think, is perfect as is.  This is a great dress for accessories...a big bracelet, a nice necklace (think tennis bracelet style but in a necklace form), and big earrings.

I know that you are still undecided on a veil, but I think if you accessorized yourself up and put a nice fingertip or cathedral length veil on you will be surprised how much that will help you fall in love with your dress...I liked my dress but then the shop added a super blingy headband and I instantly feel in love with my dress...accessories can do a lot to the overall look.

vsnoberg

I think the dress is very pretty the way it is but I can understand the "simple" comment. You could also go with what people have mentioned about. My only addition would be maybe add some lace over top the bottom portion.

QueerFemme

Thanks so much everyone !!   I really appreciate the input.  I am going to call the bridal store and see if I can get some of the beading that is around the bodice from Mori Lee and maybe have that added to the hemline at the bottom...  I DO love the top and the beading around the corset... its just the bottom of it that seems to plain... 

thank you again for all of the input !!!

Em&Em20

I definitely wouldn't call this dress simple! It's very glitzy in my opinion. If you want some more bling, it would look nice to add a big sparkly brooch or applique on the side of your waist where the rouching gathers up. My best friend bought a dress that had that and it is beautiful! Add a sparkly headband and chandelier earrings and you'll be blinged-out! good luck

QueerFemme

Update!

Thank you ALLL for your support.   I went two two other salons with my crew of folks (I bought the dress by myself initiall). I tried on MANY more dresses (two of which I really really loved) but, didn't feel like I could make a decision about buying another dress until my crew had seen my original dress.  Both of the salons I went to on Saturday both said they had my original dress. One had sold my dress off the rack that morning.  So, my MOH says "screw it... lets go to the original salon and look at your dress.. Appointment or not, if you tell them you are having a meltdown, they'll let you in".

So, we drive 40 miles... I show up.. tell them whats going on. they pull my dress (which has already ARRIVED from the designer)...  take me in a room, lace me up... I walk out and my MOH and best friend have accessories in hand... put a super blingy necklace and a birdcage veil on me... and I put my silver sequin heels on...  and turn around to look in the mirror, and everyone in the room promptly burst into tears, including me.  

The dress, now that it was in my size, fit SOOO much better. it was laying so much nicer and the detail in the bodice really showed. Plus, the consultant lifted it and showed me how it would hang when it was bustled... and all of the detail on the train REALLY stands out when its bustled.

So, I paid for my dress and went home with it. !  A full six months before my wedding.  It is now hanging in my MOH's closet !!  

thank you again for all of the support.     You guys all rock.