I went dress shopping, for real this time

sarah0725

.... and I am kind of conflicted!

We went to David's, followed by two smaller boutique places. I really liked the dresses from the second place, and there were two especially that I thought were great, one by Casablanca and one by Maggie Sottero. My sister took a bunch of pictures, and I was excited to look at them, but when I got home and took a peek, I kind of felt like they didn't capture the way I felt in the dresses or how beautiful they were in person. Honestly, I've been a little sensitive about my body lately, and I kind of feel like I look like a lace tank in these pictures.

Here I am in the Maggie Sottero dress, which is the one I liked better:



And here's a slightly different picture of the same dress:



And here's a link to the dress on the Maggie website, if you want to see more details:
http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=J1083

I'm kinda conflicted, so I could use any sort of thoughts. Did any of you guys feel like the experience of having a wedding dress on at the store was much different from seeing pictures or thinking about it later?

Also, if I ordered a dress with a corset back, would that give me more leeway on sizing if I decided to lose some weight (since of course I would not buy a dress that didn't fit me now)?

Lenore2010

You look awesome in that dress. Honestly, I do not think strapless is the best for a lot of people but for you-perfect. Like the skirt, too.

I am a Maggie fan but got a DB dress. I do and don't wish I would have sprung for the Maggie. 

I don;t envy you having to make the Big Dress Decision, but do try to enjoy it as best you can!

cupcakesfrosting

I like it, but I'm going to DB, and my dress is a Bridesmaid's dress, so I'm not sure I'd be the best one to give advice. haha.

And after I got home that day, I looked at the one picture I had, and I didn't like it. But I felt beautiful in the dress, and that's what mattered to me. Of course, I will try it on again before I order.

beatlesgirl25

Aaah, why are you posting this as I'm on my way out the door?! It's okay, I forgive you because you posted pics.

Quickly then:
- I think you look beautiful and happy in the pics. The dress accentuates your curves nicely and is gorgeous. HOWEVER, if you feel a major discrepancy between how you felt in the dress at the store and how it looked in pictures, that's important to pay attention to. Dresses can be great in person but come off differently on you on film. If it doesn't look like "you" in the pics, then perhaps another dress would be the one for you. You don't want to be looking at your wedding pics years from now and wondering if you should have gone with something else.

- I didn't have a corset back, but wish I did. From what I've heard, it does ensure a good fit if there will be weight loss or fluctuations.

cupcakesfrosting

I would love to get a corset back. I think they're amazing. And ditto Kayla. If you want one, get one.

reddy123

What about looking at the pics makes you feel different? Second thoughts or the way the dress actually looks in pics? Is it not how you remember it?

Because it looks like the dressing room didn't have the best lighting, you could always ask to take pics in natural light, if that makes a difference.

Very pretty, btw, very classic. I imagined you in a crazier dress (although I don't know what or how).

sarah0725

Thanks guys! I think I needed the ego boost.

I'm kinda sorry I didn't tell my sister to photograph the back of the dress, because the way the corset looked was kind of my favorite part. Maybe I should just stop looking at the pictures.

The salon has a sale until the end of December for all wedding dresses, so I'm thinking I may spend the next month in celery and elliptical mode, and then go back and try it on again and get measured when I come home for Christmas.

The other thing is that it's pretty much the opposite of everything I thought my wedding dress would be: it's lacy, girly, strapless, a corset, and it has a train. But I guess I should go with what works on me? The simple dresses just didn't look good.

katiewhompus

I think you look beautiful in that dress Sarah

I had definite dress doubts when I would look at pictures from my shopping experience. Photos do not show the embroidery on my dress or the way it moved when it was on my body. When I had it on I felt incredible and I feel like the wedding pictures were better but still not "omg that dress is amazing".

I wish my dress had been a corset. We figured a zipper would be easier, but it was harder to stay exactly the same size. If I gained weight it wouldn't fit, and if I lost too much it wouldn't fit, so there's that.

Starmusica

You look gorgeous! I wore a Maggie. I know its pricier but the quality of those dresses is AMAZING. I don't regret a dime I spent on mine. I wouldn't worry about the pictures... i feel like I second guessed all of my store pictures after I ordered my dress but it worked out fine

As for corset- I had one and it was a godsend like Mags said HOWEVER---

If you are planning to change your body size and then alter the dress, even with a corset you can't alter too too drastically. I dropped three dresses sizes from when I ordered until the wedding and while the seamstress was incredible and took it in- the metal boning cannot be changed. It was simply shaped for a larger size. This isn't something ANYONE could tell and in photos you would never know. However, the boning ended up being too long since I no longer filled the dress out. This meant when I stood up I was fine. When I sat, it dug up and under my boobs and made it hard to breathe. 

I know I am explaining this badly. Anyways- corsets are still great.. just make sure you order the right size and don't do anything nuts like I did. I ordered the size I was, which was smart because I never expected to drop the weight I did. However, I paid for it in bruises all under my boobs on the honeymoon...

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:7d6c5d14-ed33-4966-8311-4d6ec28a3bb1">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]What about looking at the pics makes you feel different? Second thoughts or the way the dress actually looks in pics? Is it not how you remember it? Because it looks like the dressing room didn't have the best lighting, you could always ask to take pics in natural light, if that makes a difference. Very pretty, btw, very classic. I imagined you in a crazier dress (although I don't know what or how).
Posted by reddy123[/QUOTE]

Hm.... well for one thing, I felt really tall and willowy and I felt like the dress made me look thinner when I had it on, but I feel like my body looks like a different shape in the pictures. Also, I know the lighting is bad, so the gorgeous lace and the chiffon hem and everything just doesn't come through. Maybe I was standing differently to look in the mirror than I did to get the picture taken.

On the crazy angle - I actually dress really plainly in real life, lots of solid colors, classic cuts, jeans all the time, no ruffles, and such. So I really want a dress that looks classic, but with rich material.

Starmusica

Mags- where were you married ? I always forget you are from Boston!

reddy123

I definitely agree with Star, boning does not go a lot smaller. I made that mistake too and it kind of changed the bust line to my dress.

Starmusica

ooo ok! I don't technically live in Boston either. I live in the greater lowell area

reils

I wouldn't make your decision based on how you look in the photos. The lighting/angles are bad. I had a similar experience. I really liked how I looked in the dress in person but I hated the pics that my SIL took. The lighting was bad, my hair wasn't done, the dress wasn't steamed or altered yet, etc. Try to remember how you felt in the dress and how it looked on you in person and make your decision off of that.

sarah0725

Thanks for all the pointers about corsets, guys! I think I might see where I am in December, and then order the dress at that size. Then I know I can have some peace of mind about what will happen over the remaining seven months before the wedding.

I told FI last night that I might be getting a dress with a corset, and his ears really perked up. I think he likes that idea.

And FMIL was along on the trip to look at dresses, and she is already offering to chip in toward the dress as my Christmas present, since it's a little over my budget.

Maybe these are signs.

Starmusica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:1a647072-4d36-4c14-ba3e-dfcef7618d0e">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for all the pointers about corsets, guys! I think I might see where I am in December, and then order the dress at that size. Then I know I can have some peace of mind about what will happen over the remaining seven months before the wedding. I told FI last night that I might be getting a dress with a corset, and his ears really perked up. I think he likes that idea. And FMIL was along on the trip to look at dresses, and she is already offering to chip in toward the dress as my Christmas present, since it's a little over my budget. Maybe these are signs.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>yay!!!!!!!!</div>

SarahPLiz

Because I am partial to Casablanca, I'd have to know which one you tried on before i said that I liked the Maggie.

[Deleted User]

I don't know anything about dresses and fittings and all that, but I just wanted to say you look great in that dress. It's really pretty and so are you.

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:83b0d6df-8e9b-4dd7-8925-b7f06c0154ab">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]Because I am partial to Casablanca, I'd have to know which one you tried on before i said that I liked the Maggie.
Posted by SarahPLiz[/QUOTE]

Sarah, the Casablance dress is this one:
<a href="http://www.bestbridalprices.com/casablanca-wedding-dresses-style-1840-p-3049.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bestbridalprices.com/casablanca-wedding-dresses-style-1840-p-3049.html</a>

The pictures of that one came out even worse, partially because the sample was too small for me and it was pinned in the back, but here is a picture:

<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/6/14/46c02adf-26ea-483e-8e0e-c5f9c69933c4.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/6/14/46c02adf-26ea-483e-8e0e-c5f9c69933c4.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

The nice thing about this one was that the fabric was really light, and the lace pattern was subtly beautiful, while the Maggie dress was pretty heavy with the beading and such. When I first put on the Casablanca dress, I skipped around a bit.

SarahPLiz

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:c7d942b0-e1f0-489e-814e-9bf0747f45c0">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time : Sarah, the Casablance dress is this one: <a href="http://www.bestbridalprices.com/casablanca-wedding-dresses-style-1840-p-3049.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bestbridalprices.com/casablanca-wedding-dresses-style-1840-p-3049.html</a> The pictures of that one came out even worse, partially because the sample was too small for me and it was pinned in the back, but here is a picture: The nice thing about this one was that the fabric was really light, and the lace pattern was subtly beautiful, while the Maggie dress was pretty heavy with the beading and such. When I first put on the Casablanca dress, I skipped around a bit.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

<div>That's the same reaction I had when I put on my Casablanca. And I giigled like a school girl. </div><div>
</div><div>I've seen people in the dress shop in that dress, when its properly fitted, and it is amazing. Simply gorgeous. Maybe give it another shot before you give up on it. I LOVE Casablanca gowns, though. I have one hanging in my closet right now (SQUEE)</div>

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:1c2b623a-6f83-47b3-9877-25f8080232d0">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time : That's the same reaction I had when I put on my Casablanca. And I giigled like a school girl.  I've seen people in the dress shop in that dress, when its properly fitted, and it is amazing. Simply gorgeous. Maybe give it another shot before you give up on it. I LOVE Casablanca gowns, though. I have one hanging in my closet right now (SQUEE)
Posted by SarahPLiz[/QUOTE]

I just took a look at your dress, and it is so pretty! The Casablanca dress I tried on is pretty neat. I'm going to have some thinking to do.

Snippylynn

I think what I dislike about the Casablanca dress is, the lower waist isn't going to give you the definition that every woman needs around her waist.   The Maggie gives you curves for miles.  Go with that. 

But, if you're having doubts, then just keep looking.  You don't have to hurry into anything.  Maybe check in your area at home?

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:8b25d95b-d05b-45e2-b7fe-a95d54761716">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]I think what I dislike about the Casablanca dress is, the lower waist isn't going to give you the definition that every woman needs around her waist. :)  The Maggie gives you curves for miles.  Go with that.  But, if you're having doubts, then just keep looking.  You don't have to hurry into anything.  Maybe check in your area at home?
Posted by Snippylynn[/QUOTE]

Snippy, I think I am going to look at home a bit, although hearing from everybody here has cheered me up considerably. :) I really did feel great when I was wearing that dress in the store.

BecW2be

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_went-dress-shopping-real-this-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:4daa8168-3bc1-4e43-b59f-e692eb5f773ePost:4741621e-8393-4ccc-9f39-69feaa683da9">Re: I went dress shopping, for real this time</a>:
[QUOTE]The other thing is that it's pretty much the opposite of everything I thought my wedding dress would be: it's lacy, girly, strapless, a corset, and it has a train. But I guess I should go with what works on me? The simple dresses just didn't look good.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

I swear I wrote this verbatim when I found my dress. :) I love both dresses, but the detail on the first looks AMAZING. With your wedding having such intricate steampunk details and that feel, I think that dress would be so pretty in your setting.

Never look at flourescent-lit photos of yourself. There's not a shot of anyone taken in that light that's not cringe-worthy. Also, take some close up detail shots of beading and lace patterns so you'll have them to help your decision. GL, Pretty Lady! :)

sarah0725

Thanks Bec! You also just gave me another reason to look at your awesome bio, and your dress is gorgeous.

BecW2be

Aw, thanks. Your first dress reminds me of mine. You're welcome to try mine on if you like it. It's just hanging around, waiting on me to decide what the heck I'm going to do with it!

slubkin

I'm getting a Maggie dress with a corset, I LOVE it.  In fact I finally ordered it yesterday!

The consultant told me that the corset gives you about 2 sizes down of leeway in terms of weight loss, before needing alterations.  That's one of the reasons I chose it.  Also, it gives me a really fantastic shape.

Whichever dress you choose, I am sure you will be happy with it!

J&K10910

I felt exactly the same way after I came home and looked at my pictures.  The dress that I loved in the shop looked awful in the photos.  Keep in mind that whoever was taking your photos is likely not a professional photog, and I'd go more by how you feel in it, and look in the store.  Also, once it's properly fitted, it will only look better!