Some dress guidance needed

[allycat0303]

Hey everyone,

Alright, I basically have today and tomorrow to figure out the dress thing. Now first off, I really hate shopping. Yesturday I went to a bridal shop, tried on 3 dresses, and decided the 3rd one was it, end of story. But after showing my guy pictures of 3 dress contenders (2 of which I could not try on because they don''t carry them in Quebec) he liked the one I sort of settled on the LEAST.

So I need a little help. The one I tried on is ademuz by pronovias. I loved it. Looks totally plain but really good on me.

Pros:
a) Pretty classic
c) Looks beautiful on me
d) Way below the budget

Cons:
a) It''s pretty plain
b) My guy didn''t like it in a picture
c) It looks a lot like the dresses that 4 other girls wore this summer

I also tried on the ladera. Now I love the tulle skirt on this dress, but I HATE the way it attaches on a slant with the tulle starting below one hip and above the other. BUT I love this particular criss-cross tulle with lace thing.

a) what do you think of having a custom made dress with the tulle skirt but with a top that has the same line as the ademeuz on top? (will probably do beading etc on it.) Will this look good? Or perhaps any of you have seen this type of dress before.

Pros:
a) My guy found the tulle really sexy
b) It would be more original

Cons:
a) A little worried that it''s more of a stylish dress and I''ll look back and say (oh my gosh, what was I thinking)
b) I''ve never seen this type of skirt with the waistline I want (what if it''s made the way it is for a reason)
c) It will be a lot more expensive, but still within budget.

I''ve tried to track down my dream dress, but no one within the vicinity has it. (niagra), and I''m a little weary of ordering without trying anything even remotely similar. And I am intrested in Lavanda (also non findable in the vicinity).

So should I:
a) order the ademuz, because it''s here, I know what it looks like etc.
b) have a custom-Ladera-like dress made for me?
c) order one of these dresses which I *think* might look good on me, but I''m not sure.

Also, if anyone has seen this type of tulle-skirt with a non-slanted waist, I would be thrilled for the hint!

Thanks everyone! Some pics to follow (unfortunately not on me).

 

[allycat0303]

ademuz link (sorry couldn't copy onto page):
http://www.mariamodes.com/designerdresses/pronovias/ademuz.html

Ladera picture: it's hard to tell in this picture, but one half of the skirt starts over the hip, and the other just below the butt. I don't know what it's called.

 

[allycat0303]

Niagra: when my guy looked at the pictures, this was his favorite dress, but I can''t find one to try on.

 

[anchor31]

I'm a very non-fluff kind of girl, so I prefer the last one hands down. Maybe you could try similar cuts and styles? I can't find the dress I want to try on either, so that's what I'm doing. Good luck, Ally!

ùi wonder, why only 2 days? Have you guys figured out your date?

 

[zoebartlett]

I like the first one and the third one the best. The second one seems very foo-foo (to me).

 

[ljmorgan]

Goodness they''re all gorgeous, you have great taste. I don''t really like all of the silver on the 3rd dress. The tulle dress is very romantic, and your favorite is pretty too, simple lines, very elegant!

 

[allycat0303]

Well 2 days because I start internship on Monday and we have weird hours, 48 hours garde. All sorts of nonsense, I don't even get Christmas off, only the 25 th or the 1st of January (we only choose one). The next vacation time I will have is in August, about 1 week before the wedding. I was supposed to be looking all summer, but I gained weight and refused to go shopping for a dress until yesturday. But it's ok. I'm not freaking out or anything. It's a dress. I think at the end of the day, either options will probably look good. I just need to decide which one.

You know, I think my whole rebellion around the ademuz is one that picture it looks so plain. On me there's actually this little bunch on the train which is gorgeous. It's actualy a killer cut. And the top does all sorts of fascinating things for my body. But I find that the actual cost (app. $3000 with taxes) is a little steep because the dress has nothing on it, no beading, no embelissement, zilch. It's silk but that's it. Maybe the picture is decieving.

Lindsey: You're so sweet! Thank you!

Zoe: Yeah, it's a little froo-froo, actually less froo on me then in the picture, but I get what you mean.

Thanks ladies!

 

[janinegirly]

i like the first and second. the first is more elegant/seductive, the second more dramatic and "wow". so it depends on what effect you''re going for/your personality. i think the 2nd would look nice on you since you have a small frame (very dramatic effect).

the 3rd is yes, too plain in my opinion.

 

[Pandora II]

Hi Ally,

I seem to have missed a discussion along the way..

When, where are you getting married? Is your sister still getting married or have you got YOUR date back?

Sorry - just can''t give advice on dress till I can picture the scene...

P x

 

[firebirdgold]

I think the 3rd is the most romantic by far. It has this sweet innocence to it that I bet is what''s appealing to your fi. It reminds me of Jane Austin and a meadow of wildflowers.

 

[Mandarine]

I love #1!!!!!! But I may be biased since it looks somewhat similar to my dress

I love it!!!!!!

M~

 

[cdt1101]

i love the ladera....i think it''s orginial and i love the skirt!

 

[Mandarine]

I actually tried Ladera on too and it looked beautiful!!!

M~

 

[Mandarine]

Date: 8/17/2007 11:41:21 AM
Author: Mandarine
I love #1!!!!!! But I may be biased since it looks somewhat similar to my dress

I love it!!!!!!

M~

Correction, I love #2!!! I didn''t realize there was a link for a #1 dress. I liked the Ladera!!!...love it actually!!!!!

I tried both on though and I didn''t like the Ademuz seemed a little shiny in person.

 

[BlueKeet]

I like the ademuz the best - it helps that you tried it on (I have too - it is gorgeous) and thought it looked great on you. It is difficult to compare dresses in pictures on models to the real thing. The photo of the ademuz is plain and there is little definition between the dress and the background. Her hair is a bit poufy and her arms jut out at weird angles - all of these things make me not like the dress. I imagine your guy will not even remember which dress he liked the best a year from now. Unless he is into fashion, the background, poses and models in the photos made a difference in his selection. If you aren't sure you should give shopping one more shot - I know it sucks. I really like the neckline of the ademuz and although the other two dresses are strapless, they are cut to go straight across - this did not work on me something to try if you haven't already. The styles/personalities of the 3 dresses are so different - try to find similar styles at the store and see if they are more or less flattering than your original selection.

 

[peridot83]

a. What didn't he like about dress #1? (BlueKeet already said this point)
If he had a logical reason (for example, I don't like poufy ballerina skirts; they're a little too "lil girl" and not that flattering), then I wouldn't get the dress.
However, sometimes guys honestly pick what they like or don't like based on how the model looks, the background, positioning etc. They don't always have a lot of vision on what the clothing would look like on YOU. So keep that in mind, if you end up buying the dress, when he sees you in it...he may not realize it's the same one!!!

b. The problem I could see happening about doing custom tulle to look like dress #2 is the dress could end up looking nothing like what you pictured. Do you know a seamstress who's skilled enough to make it exactly how you want? And most importantly, if you end up NOT liking how it turns out...would be willing to work with you to make it better?

c. Are the wedding dress shops in your area willing to order a sample for a relatively small fee (i.e. $50) for you to try on? If not, I wouldn't order a full on dress that I had never seen before.

Could you go to Montreal or Toronto to look or is that too far?

 

[allycat0303]

Pandora: Yes I am getting married, on August 23 rd 2008. My parents and I had a LOOONG stressful, hard discussions, and I told them I didn't want drama etc., if my sister decides that she wants to get married this year, next year, whatever. They were very placating, but I only booked things after the they agreed to send the STD out. So that's what we did. I know it's probably earlier then protocol but I know that once everyone in the Viet community is aware that I am getting married that day, they won't do anything drastic, to embarass themselves. I know that NO MATTER WHAT my parents won't risk the shame of embarassement NO MATTER what my sister says, or does.

I didn't get my original date back because the place was booked, but in retrospect, because of my school's schedualing changes, I would have been in the hospital anyways, so not even (and no possibility) of taking a vacation. So all's well that ends well.

I've actually been like superbride since the STD were sent out about 2 weeks ago.

Booked hall (and all of the hotel rooms in the venue)
booked church
booked photograpgher
got the invitations
the band+Dj (doing both)
deposit on florist
told my bridesmaid to buy whatever they want for a dress
met with priest for religious issues
drawn up marriage contract
chose menu


I'm actually being a little anal about the dress, because already it's taken me more time to choose then anything else. And I'm a little concerned about the cake and the actual flowers I am using for my bouquet. I'm really impatient to get all of it done so I can focus on other things.

Bluekeet,peridot: I do agree with the whole models thing. For 2 of them he said 'I don't like her hair" so that got me a little hmmm...... he said #1 was boring. Which is honestly my first impression too, but on me it looked really good! Both the straight and the sweetheart look about equally flattering (my sister picks dresses only on if she finds them flattering) and she said the sweetheart has only a SLIGHT edge in terms of flattering.

My guy liked the fact that the dress #3 has blue (maybe silver) on it. I tend to favor a little color on the dress too, but I'm worried that the dress might not be flattering when it arrives. The lady at the dress shop told me she *strongly cautioned* against ordering without trying one that is the same or similarish. So I'm a little scared.

Madarine: Oh I didn't know you were getting a similar dress to Ladera. How did I miss that! I'm checking your thread ASAP.
ETA!!! You look FABULOUS! But you're so tall, so that is definitely a plus (ps. I bascially consider everyone taller then me tall) You can pull off anything!


As for ordering #3 I can only BUY #3, they can't order a sample (it's a alittle annoying) I've called all authorized dealers of Pronovias in Quebec, Ottawa, and was willing to go to Toronto (6 hour drive!) But no one has it.

Thanks Indie, Cdt! I'm taking it all into account.

 

[appletini]

Ally,

I love the adamuz, but I''m also a little biased b/c its very similar to the bangkok which was my gown. The ladera is gorgeous, but because you are so petite I feel like the skirt while super awesome whould swallow you. Your guy is going to think you are beautiful, gorgeous, and sexy on your wedding day no matter what gown you choose. And most importantly it should be the gown that you love and feel comfortable in. I think if you went custom trying to reproduce the ladera skirt will get very pricy since it appears to be quite labor intensive and you might not have time in your schedule for fittings.

 

[allycat0303]

Appletini: Well I''m a little desperate to avoid the whole ''''you''re so cute thing'''' I got a qoute from Noce couture in Montreal, for 6200$ (might wary a little bit depending on the amount of material, and what I choose for the material). I think it''s reasonable for the lace tulle thing at the bottom, however the woman had never done this type of skirt before, so that worries me a bit. She made my friend''s wedding dress and it''s gorgeous, but it''s runching (sp?) with mermaid figure. One of the most beautiful dresses I''ve ever seen though.

I''m really worried about the being overwhelmed thing too. The ladera actually was ok, didn''t look like it was too much, but having the tulle skirt start above the hips will increas the girth of the skirt alot. ARGH.

Thanks!

 

[Pandora II]

Well done you! You and your FI must be very relieved that things are settled finally.

I''m assuming that you are still going with you original venue...

if so, my vote is for either 1 or 3. Both gorgeous

The second one is just a little too frilly for my tastes - although I do love Pronovias on the whole.

If your FI went for 3, it strikes me he probably likes a slimmer silhouette rather than a fuller skirt. No 3 reminded me a bit of a Watter''s dress. I''ll try and find a pic.

 

[E B]

I *love* the Niagra. Seriously, it would have been in MY top 3 had I known about it when I was dress shopping. Beautiful. If you haven't been able to try it on, see if you can find something similar (an empire-waisted sheath).

ETA: I don't know if any of the big chains carry Pronovias, but you might want to check. I desperately wanted to try on a certain Amsale, but I couldn't find it anywhere. When I called Saks to ask them if they carried it, they told me they could have the dress sent from another of their stores (in New York, I think) so that I could try it on in L.A. It's worth a shot!

 

[allycat0303]

Pandora: I am really relieved, big weight off my shoulders. I think once I started doing things, it flew fast. I''m looking up watters right now.

Ebree: I''m starting to think stores in Quebec don''t have that much selection. I asked for empire-waist sheath and she showed three dresses that had gold sparkle with halter. Do you know a store maybe in US *chain store* that is known for having lots, and lots of different options? Maybe I could drive down to Vermont. Or New York. I don''t know how I''m going to get there, but maybe I can do that....

My sister and I are sitting here digesting all the comments. My sister pointed out that the niagra might look a bit too much like a ordinary dress (i.e not wedding enough). I tired on a viel at the store and I REALLY hated it. SO I''m wondering if without the viel it can be normal evening dress-ish?

 

[E B]

Ebree: I'm starting to think stores in Quebec don't have that much selection. I asked for empire-waist sheath and she showed three dresses that had gold sparkle with halter. Do you know a store maybe in US *chain store* that is known for having lots, and lots of different options? Maybe I could drive down to Vermont. Or New York. I don't know how I'm going to get there, but maybe I can do that....


My sister and I are sitting here digesting all the comments. My sister pointed out that the niagra might look a bit too much like a ordinary dress (i.e not wedding enough). I tired on a viel at the store and I REALLY hated it. SO I'm wondering if without the viel it can be normal evening dress-ish?

I know the bridal chain Kleinfeld is supposed to have a fabulous selection, and they're in Manhattan. I looked at their website, and they carry Pronovias. Here's a link:

Kleinfeld Bridal

As for the dress not looking very bridal, I disagree. I think it's gorgeous, and there's no doubt you'd look like a bride in it. But I guess it depends on the type of wedding you want; the first dress, with the tulle (Ladera?), is a very different feel than the Niagra. With the Ladera, I think large, lavish ballroom wedding. With the Niagra, I think more of an intimate, veil-less wedding in a garden.

 

[surfgirl]

Ally, I think the first one is anything but plain! That side sweep and the gathered roses are stunning as is the fabric. But honestly, if you''re body type is a typical slim, petite VN woman, I''d go with the 3rd one as it is very romantic, very Jane Austin (as someone else said) and very lovely! I think it will show you off without overwhelming you and you will be wearing the dress, the other two will wear you, IMO. Cant you find anyone willing to order it so you can try it on?

 

[neatfreak]

As a bride who chose a "plain dress" I say go for what you love!!! I picked a dress without beading, embroidery, etc. and I LOVE IT (actually a similar silhouette to your first one but with straps). It just flatters me so well and is just stunning. Even my friends who were completely against such a "plain" dress changed their tunes completely once they saw it on me.

I'd go for the one you love, but you should try on a few others first to make SURE it's the one you love.

 

[gingerBcookie]

hi ally

! i've been super busy and haven't posted much but occ lurk...glad to see things work out with your family. Super exciting that your wedding plans are full speed ahead!

I have to say, when you were describing the ladera I was thinking ick (i am usually not a fan of huge tulle skirts which i picture as a ballerina gone overboard!) but when i scrolled down to see the pic, total 180! That dress is just plain gorgeous! I've never seen tulle done in that way before. LOve IT!! That being said, I see where the concern is that the dress would swallow tiny you in it. HOWEVER, a number of my tiny VN friends have worn full skirted wedding gowns and have pulled it off beutifully. Key is the dress is well fitted. I think the real point to look at is the type of wedding. The ladera would fit in better with a lavish ballroom setting, very decadent. Oh and i way way veto getting this dress made. No way will someone be able to reproduce this. You may be able to ask the ddesigner to custom change the dress for you, but it might be pricey.

I can see how the ademuz could be flattering, puts curves where there are no curves on boyish figures like mine! Honestly though, I'm not a huge fan of the seetheart neckilne (seems so 80s) so I may be a bit biased against this one. Makes me think very sophisticated event.

THe niagara is beautiful. From what I've gleaned from your posts, I think this most likely fits YOU and the type wedding you've described. I understand the feeling of not wanting to look "cute" though, I had the same thoughts! i would be very wary of ordering a dress I haven't tried on. They look so differnt on the model/hanger than on you.

Keinfelds is fab I heard, wish I had a chance when I was looking! Good luck with the search and keep us posted!

 

[HollyS]

The Niagra would be my guy''s favorite too. He would think there is way TOO much skirt on the other dress, and he would hate the ruffles going across it.

You should of course go with your gut reaction to a dress -- you will instinctively know what you like when you see it and try it on. But be sure and listen to your FI, especially if his response is really positive ( or negative) about any one dress style. My own instinct was to go with a more streamlined, tailored dress until I noticed that he thought they were rather boring compared to some with a little lace and beading.

And the silver beadiing, etc on the Niagra is a lovely and different change from most dresses. I''ve seen a lot of clear or champagne or gold beading, but not silver.

 

[lyra]

I like the Niagra hands down. It is a simple but elegant profile, something that would be a more timeless look than the other two. With a veil, I think it would be stunning. (and sexy!)

 

[anchor31]

Date: 8/17/2007 1:14:37 PM
Author: allycat0303
Pandora: Yes I am getting married, on August 23 rd 2008. My parents and I had a LOOONG stressful, hard discussions, and I told them I didn''t want drama etc., if my sister decides that she wants to get married this year, next year, whatever. They were very placating, but I only booked things after the they agreed to send the STD out. So that''s what we did. I know it''s probably earlier then protocol but I know that once everyone in the Viet community is aware that I am getting married that day, they won''t do anything drastic, to embarass themselves. I know that NO MATTER WHAT my parents won''t risk the shame of embarassement NO MATTER what my sister says, or does.

I didn''t get my original date back because the place was booked, but in retrospect, because of my school''s schedualing changes, I would have been in the hospital anyways, so not even (and no possibility) of taking a vacation. So all''s well that ends well.

I''ve actually been like superbride since the STD were sent out about 2 weeks ago.

Booked hall (and all of the hotel rooms in the venue)
booked church
booked photograpgher
got the invitations
the band+Dj (doing both)
deposit on florist
told my bridesmaid to buy whatever they want for a dress
met with priest for religious issues
drawn up marriage contract
chose menu


I''m actually being a little anal about the dress, because already it''s taken me more time to choose then anything else. And I''m a little concerned about the cake and the actual flowers I am using for my bouquet. I''m really impatient to get all of it done so I can focus on other things.

Wow, you did great! Do you mind if I add you to the BIW list?

Yeah, the lack of selection around here is getting really frustrating. Some days I''m absolutely sure I''ll order the Bonny dress I saw online, and other days (like today), it makes me really nervous...

I never thought picking a dress would be so complicated either! I''m so indecisive...

 

[ladyciel]

I really have to suggest that you stick with a dress you can try on first. The biggest factor come wedding day will be how YOU FEEL in the dress, not what looked good to you or your FI in a magazine photo. If you feel gorgeous, your glow will blind your FI to the details of what you''re wearing. He won''t have any memory of "that other dress" you showed him way back when.

Also, I definitely have to agree about being wary of asking your FI''s opinions based on model photos. One, they almost always look different on you than on the model. Two, boys are really strange about what they perceive in a photo. I remember one case where I asked my FF his opinion on a dress. His response? "Huh? You''re not Latino...". Wait, WHAT??? What in the world does the model''s ethnicity have to do with what you think of the dress??? He''s also proven to be sensitive to hair color, almost always preferring the dress worn by the brunette model over the one worn by the blond. My next test will be to find photos of the exact same dress worn by different models and see if I can get him to both love and hate the same exact dress..

.