Mon Amie Bridal in Costa Mesa

[Selkie]

I was wondering if anyone had experience with this store? On the spur of the moment, I just made an appointment with them for this evening. They are having a big sample sale today. I''m a little worried because my budget is pretty small (<$600), and I don''t want them to laugh me out of the store...

 

[diamondfan]

I grew up in LA and got my dress there. Local bridal stores in Beverly Hills etc were awful, I had heard horror stories. Every time I liked a dress it mentioned that Mon Amie carried it. So I took a drive. Granted, it was over 15 years ago, but they have been in business a while. Maybe you could check online with the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints? Anyone who can be around for years in the bridal industry should be fairly good to work with. I had a dress, loved the style, hated the fabric. They remade it for me in shantung, it cost more, but they did it easily for me. I also made a couple of changes (narrowed the sleeves, removed a couple big flowers) and they were fine about the whole thing. Dress was done on time and fittings went well. Again, many moons ago, but I think they have a good reputation...

 

[ocbride2007]

I went in there when my fiance''s sister was dress shopping... They have a great selection of designer dresses, but VERY few at a low price. She said her budget was $1000-$1200, and they took us to a very small back area and said - here''s all the dresses that are $1000 or less, and a slightly larger room with $1500 or less dresses.

The salesgirl was pretty nice, but they only let us come in twice, then they said we had to pay $50 for a consultation if we wanted to keep trying on new dresses. Overall the atmosphere is a little stuck up, but we didn''t get a whole lot directed at us.

I would just say that you make want to make a better use of your time and go to them after hitting the other stores. Their selection in the $600 range isn''t that great. Davids bridal honestly has some great stuff in that range, and the costa mesa store is huge. Also try The Wedding Day in Huntington Beach - my fiance''s sister got hers there and the service was great!

But you know, since you are going for a sample sale there is a much better chance of getting something in your price range. Go for it, and I hope you find something! But don''t be surprised if you have to keep shopping.

Good luck!!!

 

[E B]

I had an appointment at Mon Amie several weeks ago, but canceled when I heard several bad reviews on TheKnot (bad service, rude employees, no cameras allowed!).

 

[snow_happy]

I heard it''s hit or miss -- some people were totally treated badly and others had a great experience (maybe it''s a function of how much money you have to spend??) $600 bucks is cool -- especially now that you can get the same dresses (or knock offs) super cheap online (especially bridal brands). I would say just go in and try stuff and then look online!

 

[Selkie]

Thanks for the input, ladies! It actually went fairly well. I''d read some of the negative reviews elsewhere too. However, when I called they were very polite, and I had a very sweet consultant. However, the prices and size availability for me definitely were the downfall. They did have many discontinued and sample dresses on sale, mostly 8''s and 10''s, as I expected, so it would definitely be a good place for anyone looking in those sizes. Unfortunately, I''m a 16 at best, so there was nothing for me that was affordable. I did try on several styles though, so that was good, at least. They had a sign up about another sale (or maybe the same one, continued) on May 7, if anyone is considering them. My consultant''s name was Megan, and I''d recommend her.

 

[Selkie]

I read numerous reviews saying similar things to your experience, SDL. I guess I got lucky.

Funny snippet of conversation I overheard in the next dressing room:
Mom, or older female companion: "This one's $5500, is that going to be OK if you decide on it?"
Bride, who sounded young enough to be the FLOWER GIRL: "Well, if I really like it, it should be fine..."

My consultant said something (quietly) like "Must be nice..." and we just kind of rolled our eyes at each other. Yup, Orange County...

I did see one dress I loved, but it was three times my budget, as well as being from an unadvertised division of Justina McCaffrey that is available NOWHERE online.