I feel like I'm never going to find my dress...

orangjul

I've been to 4 appointments already and don't think I've found my dress.  There was one dress I found at one appointment that I could truly see myself wearing, and it was beautiful, but I didn't get that feeling that it was "my dress".  I literally have looked at every single dress on theknot.com, David's Bridal, Alfred Angelo, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, other major department stores's websites...and NOTHING is quite right. 

The thing is, I'm not normally all that picky, and my figure is relatively easy to shop for.  But I can barely find anything that's even in the ballpark of what I want.  I am so frustrated!  I have a year, but I'm starting to think I'm NEVER going to find the one that I love so much I don't want to take off. 

Here is what I'm looking for:

-beach appropriate (our wedding will be small and casual)
-preferably under $500, but willing to go up tp $800
-small or no train at all
-primarily chiffon or similar material (not shiny)
-empire waist
-no beading, no lace, no bling
-somewhat simple, but not too plain

Why is this so hard to find?!?  Why is it that 90% of dresses are pouffy and ornate, and the rest don't feel like "my dress"?  I'm going to go crazy!

miissmelanie

Maybe that one was your dress. I didn't get "that feeling" until I rung the bell at davids bridal. (they make you ring a bell and make a wish when you find your dress). So maybe it is your dress! Maybe you will get the feeling when you finally say yes to the dress!

JennLax

Look at bridesmaid dresses that come in white! 

http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/2804/?color=white&colorid=122#.T5yX_dVvAS4

http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/6577/?color=white&colorid=122#.T5yYJtVvAS4

http://www.morilee.com/bridesmaids/bridesmaids/642

http://www.billlevkoff.com/style/bridesmaid-dress/164

http://www.billlevkoff.com/style/bridesmaid-dress/116

http://www.billlevkoff.com/style/bridesmaid-dress/674

http://www.billlevkoff.com/style/bridesmaid-dress/537

orangjul

I had that idea too!  I had picked out tons of bridesmaid dresses from Alfred Angelo, but when we got to the store I tried a few on and my mom/sister/friend said they were all too plain and "looked too much like bridesmaid dresses and not enough like bridal gowns".  They also all had a hard time visualizing them in white or ivory.  And I definitely am not going to order something I can't return.

dewingedpixie

When you were at Alfred Angelo did you try this one: http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/productdisplay.aspx?productID=c500dd3f-bad8-4155-9776-7e50b3e58abe&categoryID=32e5a88c-cbf1-498f-afcf-dbfca138c5d3&pg=0&colorId1=

orangjul

I did not, but I do not care for the beading/detail at the waist.

csweaney

I am going to give you a very honest piece of info. Being as particular as you are, finding a gown in your price range is going to be difficult.

I can think of only a few dresses we sell at the store that I work for that fit the bill for what you're describing, however, they might be over your budget. But I will send you the links anyway in the hopes that perhaps you can find them at a store near you for a more reasonable price..

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=J1499&page=0&pageSize=36&attrib28=256&keywordText=

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=A3540&page=3&pageSize=36&keywordText=&keywordType=All

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=J1371&page=5&pageSize=36&keywordText=&keywordType=All

Good luck! And keep your chin up. You will find something eventually--just don't get yourself worked up or upset because it will impede your ability to choose a dress when you go in for appointments. I'm sure you will look beautiful in whatever you end up with!

MelissaSavin

Remember in alterations they can easily shorten the train if it is too long but perfect in every other way.

enid08

I was going to suggest this one. No bling, but the flowers add some pretty detail. I am particularly fond of it because it was the first dress I ever tried on and I loved it, even though I went in a differet direction. The salon I saw it at had it at about $800.

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=RD1044&page=1&pageSize=36&keywordText=&keywordType=All&attrib28=256

ArborAlma

I struggled with finding a 'me dress' as well. despite many being flattering, I just didn't want to wear something I'd look back on and wonder why I don't look familiar. Right after I found the one I wanted, the salesgirl said he had one more that I must try. I cannot recall the brand or style number, but I an call the store if you'd like. It was not matte, but not shiny. Form fitting (no poof), not a single embellishment on it, but the fabric had folds in it to give it some character, Minimal train. All I could think was 'wow', 'art deco', 'striking' and 'elegant'. If I hadn't been so dead-set on lace I would have gotten it. I know my description doesn't do it justice - I'm off to try to dig up an image.

ArborAlma

http://allurebridals.com/assets/1550/8912f.jpg it wasn't this actual one but the folding is similar in style

ghowlett

have you checked out shopbop?  i LOVE the new rachel zoe dress.

http://www.shopbop.com/elle-empire-petal-gown-rachel/vp/v=1/845524441936103.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=13149

http://www.shopbop.com/kimber-dress-rachel-pally/vp/v=1/845524441930220.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12397

http://www.shopbop.com/tibby-petal-gown-alice-olivia/vp/v=1/845524441938192.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12397

http://www.shopbop.com/destiny-cross-top-blouson-maxi/vp/v=1/845524441939400.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12397

orangjul

I had never ever heard of shopbop...thanks!