I think I made a big mistake...

[cushioncut]

I need honest opinions on this, and some advice. I went dress shopping yesterday for my first time, my (quiet) best friend came along. It was for an elopement dress - something casual. I went to this vintage dress shop, and I had tried on all of these really cool vintage dresses -- most were too bridey for me - then I saw this one (I found pictures online). At first the woman didn't think it was right for me to even try on, because she thought it was too "casual", but I pushed for it. Well, to make a long story short, no one was for this dress at first, but I liked it, and then they all came around. I ended up buying it, along with a piece of lace that can be worn tied around the head with the lace on the side, if you can picture that. I was happy when I got home with it... but all day today I have been having second thoughts. I feel like I don't know what I was thinking, like I got carried away at the vintage shop - everything was so lacey. Is it pretty? The receipt states no returns or exchanges. Do you think they'd bend on that? I wish I had slept on this decision, and checked some regualr stores first... Please let me know if you think I should fight for a return. The woman who owns the shop is nice, I think she may allow it. I want to look my best on my wedding day...

 

[cushioncut]

.

 

[cushioncut]

.

 

[E B]

CushionCut,

I think it''s very pretty. It reminds me a bit of Charlotte''s second wedding dress on SATC...it''s lacy and vintage and delicate. Is it your style? Are you feeling weird about it because it''s not the "norm" when it comes to wedding gowns?

 

[cushioncut]

I felt pretty in it, but yes, I am feeling like people (including me in a years time) may see pictures and say - WHAT WAS SHE WEARING?

I also don''t want to look like I''m at a theme part for the teens or 1920s. I''m afraid this dress is a little too over the top period looking. Vintage is my style but so is classic. I feel like I got the vintage with this one, but I missed the classic.

But, these are my fears. I am curious how it strikes other people.

 

[XChick03]

It''s not exactly my style, but I think its very pretty. If you like it and it looks great on you, which I''m sure it does, I think you made a great decision.

EBree, it does remind me of Charlotte''s wedding dress now that you mention it.

 

[cushioncut]

It''s funny you should say that about Charlette on SITC - I have been told that I look like and remind people of her! Maybe that''s a good sign. I''ll have to try to find a picture.

 

[kittykat]

I think it''s really pretty. Something you could wear again also. If you dont wear the lace around your head then it won''t look too much like the 1920''s. Maybe a gardenia would look better. It would be better to see a picture of you in it though.

 

[E B]

Do you know of the designer Claire Pettibone? She designs beautiful vintage-style gowns like yours. People pay big bucks for what you found for (I assume) a great price.

I couldn't find a larger picture of Charlotte's dress, but here's a small one. It gives you an idea of what it looks like. BTW, it's a Badgley Mishka ($8,000):

What about the dress bothers you?

 

[cushioncut]

Yes, I have decided against wearing the lace head thing... She had this other band that had some tiny vintage silk flowers on it with was very understated and pretty... I think I''ll go back for it. The lace I bought was inexpensive so it doesn''t matter...

EBree - You found a picture! I was looking for one! It''s pretty. I see what you mean. It''s the bottom I''ve been most insecure about... and that part is similar.

 

[E B]

The band sounds like it''d be beautiful with the dress. And just to throw it in (keeping your dress in mind), have you heard of Thomas Knoell? He designs hair pieces and jewelry with a very vintage feel. They photograph beautifully, though they''re expensive.

http://www.thomasknoell.com/thomasknoell_products_tiara_band_collection.htm

Perhaps for a finishing touch. Depending on the price of my gown, I might buy the band at the bottom of the first page..."Lace". I think it''s gorgeous!

 

[firebirdgold]

When I look at the dress I don''t think 20''s or even antique, but garden party.

I love it! It''s not too fussy or formal, but it still says ''I''m getting married!''. Overall an excellent dress for an elopement. Don''t worry, Be happy!

 

[MelissaSue]

I think its beautiful..I think you are letting the others get inside your head!

 

[Caribou]

I think it's a very pretty dress. I don't think you should worry about what others are going to think a year from now because any one of us could have a 'what was I thinking' moment a year, 5 years, or 10 years from now when looking back at our wedding pictures. What matters is how you feel in it....

ETA: It is very Charlotte like....I just watched that episode too, I love her dress.

 

[blodthecat]

I absolutely love that dress !!!!!

It is so femine and understated. I love it!

Blod

p.s. even if you don't wear it for your wedding, I would still keep it.

 

[AndyRosse]

I really really like it!! Of course, if you are not happy, I would either see if you could get a store credit or refund. Or if it wasn''t that expensive, I would just keep it and wear it for something else

 

[lovelylulu]

cushioncut! i think that the dress is lovely. really pretty and though we pricescopers don''t have a picture of you in it -- it seems like a dress that is much more flattering on a real body than a hanger/bust. it''s beautiful, but if you don''t love it i would see about the return policy! good luck.

EBree: those hair pins you linked to are gorgeous. do you know if they are expensive??

 

[Lorelei]

Is this dress from about the pre twenties period? Around 1910 to 1918 ish? I think it is super, I really do love it. I think if you can a pic of you in it would be good if you would be comfortable doing that, but at the end it is all about what makes you feel beautful. However that dress is so unique, I would definitely keep it no matter what you decide!

 

[E B]

Date: 2/27/2006 11:45:14 AM
Author: lovelylulu

EBree: those hair pins you linked to are gorgeous. do you know if they are expensive??

Oh yeah. Though, if you treat them as jewelry, I guess not. Though I'm not sure of the prices on most of it, I've heard the more detailed "tiaras" are around $100 (perhaps more?). The hair pins are probably much less, depending on what you choose. They photograph so well, though...so I'm thinking of splurging if I choose a less expensive dress.

p.s. He can custom-make pieces to match your dress's details.

 

[Rebemdee]

I think the detail is gorgeous! It''s a beautiful dress. What about the bottom don''t you like? Is it something a seamstress could fix pretty quickly, like taking off a few inches? With some heels and jewelry, I can see that dress being a timeless classic, not just "vintage."

 

[Mara]

it''s very lovely, not really my style but if you love it well then that''s all that matters.

i also did give thought to ''in 20 years'' and i didn''t want anything that was sooooooo full of character that it would end up having a weird extra dated look in 20 years. like those pouffy 80''s dresses!

the funny thing is that in 20 years your kids will be like mom what were you wearing (almost regardless of what you actually wear) and it will be vintage, so it will look even older and they will be confused. not a bad thing, i just think it''d be a funny story.

anyway, i also got carried away while shopping for dresses and bought this BCBG long flowing white empire waist dress on clearance for something like $100. it was totally not a wedding dress but i thought oh well if i dont find anything islandy i can have a backup. well a few days later i was like WHAT was i thinking? i so never wore that thing! i dont even know where it is now. it was a really pretty flowing chiffon dress but it looked more like backyard barbeque than hawaii wedding...heheee. so it happens to the best of us. good luck whatever you decide!

 

[lovelylulu]

thanks ebree -- i was wanting to put a real flower in my hair, but i''m thinking that one or two of those jewerly hair pins will look smashing in an updo and last a whole lot longer! they are gorgeous.

 

[flopkins]

hm.... I personally like the dress. and I think it can totally be worn again.... so I say keep it.. was it really expensive?

 

[cushioncut]

No - it was $350. Not too bad for a wedding dress. Not money I want to throw out the window though either. I don''t think I''d find occasion to wear this puppy again. It is not my style outside of a wedding... I am total jeans and tee shirt kind of girl, and I never wear skirts let alone fluttering ivory dresses from the 1910s. I think I may call the store owner and see if she''ll let me switch it for something else. I am having too many reservations... I just don''t want to look like I belong in Gone with the Wind or Gatsby or something... My fiance is going to kill me if I return my wedding dress. Is that a bad omen or anything???

 

[sunkist]

I think the dress is beautiful! I love how delicate it is. I am actually thinking I want something lacey for my wedding dress too! If you don''t want it to look too vintage I think you can "modernize" it with your accessories and your hair. Don''t go for a vintage head piece, stick with flowers or rinestones, and I''d wear your hair down instead of up, cause that would probably look vintage too. Anyways, I think it''s sooo neat! Can you take pictures you YOU in it?? I think we could get a better idea of whether it really works.

 

[larussel03]

It does look like Charlottes!!

 

[larussel03]

another
I do like your dress alot! Post some pics with you in it!

 

[E B]

Sweetpea, where''d you find that picture? I looked everywhere! *Sigh*...I adore Charlotte''s gown. It''s so feminine and not at all the ballgown-y norm.

 

[Mara]

gosh i just LOVED charlotte''s second dress, she looks so angelic in it.

 

[Caribou]

I loved her dress too.

That episode was just one...I love that one, it cracked me up.