The Hybrid Sketch ~ A dress possibility! Thoughts?

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 12:02:45 AM
Author: katamari
Hi Sparkalicious! I LOVE the ruffles and the idea of customizing your dress to make it everything you want, and I think it is gorgeous. I do, though, notice that the beading doesn''t match between the bodice and right above the ruffles in BB''s excellent photoshop mashup. Given the intricacy of the beading in the bodice, I would like to see some of that in the skirt, too, or at least beading that correlated more.

Thanks Katamari! You''re absolutely right ... that is bothering me as well. Nice catch!

The designer has been advised that the beading would have to be changed to match the bodice. Can you imagine what a nightmare that would be ... 2 different types of detailing on the bodice and the hem ... I would not stop crying if they did that. I think that it is likely just too difficult for the fabulously talented Ms. Blondebunny to actually nail the beading at the hem via photoshop ... I know that I wouldn''t stand a chance of being able to do that.

Yay to another ruffle fan ... Woohoo!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 7:57:57 AM
Author: mayachel
Definitely go for the custom design. In my opinion, you''re taking the best of the dresses and smooshing them in a way that works. Seeing the photoshop version, I do think you should make a point to emphasize the difference to the designer about letting the skirt be a little fuller.

Mayachel - Thanks SO much. I thought much the same. That''s exactly what I wanted to do ... Since I have a pretty good idea of what I would like ... or at least which elements I would like to include in my dress while trying to ensure that it still maintains clean lines and looks elegant, I didn''t want to settle for half of a dress that I like. I, like most other brides, want it to be perfect for me. Knowing that the designer is willing to mix and match, so to speak, is wonderful to me. I think that this one of the only ways that I will get the best of both worlds. I just hope that it doesn''t just work in theory or in the sketch and doesn''t look so great in person.

I will ensure that that is absolutely something that is covered off ... I need the skirt to be fuller. While I am in love with the sketch (mostly the back view) ... I''m still not 100% on the front and this is probably for the same reason ... the skirt shape just isn''t represented quite right there ... Also - I''m iffy on the ruffle detailing in the front. I''m thinking that while it looks lovely on style 1804, for the hybrid, I may prefer something that is more just like a simple ruffle on the hem as opposed to anything that climbs higher onto the skirt.

This being said ... no idea if they would be able to do that b/c that would be even more alterations/customization on top of mixing the 2 dresses together.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

I LOVE your idea!

I do agree about the detail mismatching - if there was a way to make the detailing on the bottom of the hybrid dress right above the ruffles match the detailing patterns of the bodice, that would absolutely seal the deal!!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 8:39:31 AM
Author: Deelight

Date: 12/17/2008 10:04:25 PM
Author: thing2of2
Okay, the sketch of the hybrid totally helps! I love it! The bodice is so pretty and the ruffles and tiering on the skirt are really killing me! GOOOORGEOUS!


And bb, good work on the photoshop-it makes it even more obvious that the hybrid totally works!

Ditto, that is one humdinger of a stunning dress I really hope they can make it for, I can''t see why they shouldn''t be able to the dress is going to be STUNNING as will u in it .

Hi Dee!
Wow! A humdinger of a stunning dress ... that sounds as though we have a winner!

You are so sweet ... Thank you! I hope it is stunning. The bridal consultant at the shop was really excited about the design ... This was encouraging given my negative experience with going fully custom and being so excited about that and then having the designer quote me a price way outside of my stated budget. Ugh ... Yay to being excited again and about the possibilities. Coming across this bridal salon and learning that this is something that we might be able to do ...has me all giddy!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 3:03:53 PM
Author: luvthemstrawberries
I LOVE your idea!

I do agree about the detail mismatching - if there was a way to make the detailing on the bottom of the hybrid dress right above the ruffles match the detailing patterns of the bodice, that would absolutely seal the deal!!

I''m all over it! Fantastic ... Thank you luvthemstrawberries. I''m hoping that we can "seal the deal"! Woo!
As you know ... or as I''ve shared with you ... I''m a bit of a control freak and psycho-like detail oriented, essentially, a nightmare so those details would absolutely have to match or it would be a no-go. If they were to make the dress with the details not matching, it would look as though I robbed a dress shop and ripped the bottom of one dress and just tagged on another part from whatever dress I could find ... Not a good look, right?

Still waiting for final pricing details ... I also imagine that the dress designer will have to either sketch something or send me some sort of paperwork to sign off on if I decide to go ahead with this design so this way I will be able to check and ensure that all my t''s are crossed and i''s dotted ... I can only imagine that if we do this ... the time I have to wait to see the finished product is going to be killer! Ugh!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Aside from the Hybrid ... my other dress love is the Matthew Christopher Aurora.
While I drool over the potential presented by the Hybrid, I can''t stop thinking about the Aurora either.

I would love to * change the skirt shape on the Aurora from so Aline to more trumpet shaped and I would like to raise the pleated ruffle on the train to start higher and cascade more * but ... since this dress is at a much higher price point than the Hybrid ... not sure if I want to add more expense to getting it the way I want it.

Which dress do you prefer and why??? The Aurora on The Hybrid?

I''m sure that your input will be helpful in assisting me to make a decision.

This is the front of the MC Aurora.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Close up of the detailing ...

 

[Sparkalicious]

The delicious train ...

Imagine .. more trumpet shaped and tiered pleating starting a little higher for increased volume and a more cascading effect???

Which one wins - Hybrid or this one??

 

[blondebunny]

Ok..Have you tried on the MC Aurora?? If so, how did you feel in it?? Did you feel its the ONE or not really??

I think I love the bodice more on the MC- its not as busy... and I think with not so much going on..i think that MC bodice with the other ruffles would be pretty ... I know.. I am NO help whatsoever...

Is there another casablanca bodice like the MC one?? I think that would be pretty and a good contrast to not have so much going on.. but thats my opinion.. i dont like busy stuff on me... but it could look fabulous on you and you could love it...

I also love the pic someone posted early with that crumb catcher thingy

 

[AmberGretchen]

I think it looks like it will be smashing - can''t wait to see pics of how it turns out

 

[bee*]

It looks amazing Spark!! I love the sketches of it! Fab!

 

[Porridge]

I love the hybrid, especially the back

really really pretty and unique!

 

[coatimundi_org]

I love the hybrid! I really love the ruffled tiered bottom of #1804 --love the front and the back--that is one stunning dress--incredibly delicate. Nice work Spark!

Would you do the V shaped back on the bodice from the #1804, but with the bodice you like from the #1859?

 

[lala2332]

I''m a little late...sorry!
I love, love the ruffles. So pretty. The bodice of the other ones is really unique.

I have one thing to think about....the bodice is a drop waist and the ruffles start pretty high up on the front of the skirt. My only concern is that you are going to look very blocked off with that banded drop waist and then the ruffles. I think if you took off the band and let the detail/beading kind of ease into the skirt may solve that problem, or just add one ruffle tier at the very bottom. This may not be a problem at all, it was just a concern I got and wanted it to be something that you at least think about before ordering.

You will have a wonderful dress though and I think its great to customize and make it truly yours. Good luck!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 3:37:36 PM
Author: blondebunny
Ok..Have you tried on the MC Aurora?? If so, how did you feel in it?? Did you feel its the ONE or not really??

I think I love the bodice more on the MC- its not as busy... and I think with not so much going on..i think that MC bodice with the other ruffles would be pretty ... I know.. I am NO help whatsoever...

Is there another casablanca bodice like the MC one?? I think that would be pretty and a good contrast to not have so much going on.. but thats my opinion.. i dont like busy stuff on me... but it could look fabulous on you and you could love it...

I also love the pic someone posted early with that crumb catcher thingy

Hi blonde bunny! I have to tell you that everytime I see your avvie pic, I smile - your kitty is just toooo cute! What is his/her name, again? What an adorable furbaby!

I have not tried on the MC Aurora but I have seen it in person. Sample size was tooo small to really get a good idea.

I loved the way it felt and the quality was apparent. It makes my eyes twinkle and all that good stuff but I know that the skirt shape isn''t right for me so ... I''d be looking at alterations to change that and am uncertain as to whether or not that would work. Additionally, all the beadwork is silver and my wedding colors are pistachio green and gold. This to me means that "something" will be off ... even if people won''t necessarily be able to say - ugh her dress doesn''t match her colors - it just won''t be perfect, right? I can change out the crystals to a champagne swarovski to help incorporate so "gold" into the dress, however, thats more $$ on alterations and this MC dress is already at the very top end of my budget. I''m not sure if I am willing to spend that much even though it is gorgeous to me. I''m confused though b/c I don''t want to "settle" on another dress that costs less - I want the "perfect" dress for me that makes me look like a million bucks.

Okay - No you are not helping!

The MC bodice with the Casablanca 1804 bottom - How do I pull that one off??!! Looks as though we are looking at going completely custom again. tee hee. I totally hear what you are saying about the "business" of the bodice, though. I think that you are right after looking at your pics of the dresses - the simple did look incredible on you. I don''t really think that this picture does the 1859 bodice any justice. It''s really amazing in real life.
- I wish that you could see it in person ... When you move it is pure sparkly goodness without being gawdy Aquanet blue hair hairspray tackiness. (I''m sensing a theme in my thought process - sparkly, i.e., diamonds = good)

- Additionally, this bodice comes with champagne/gold detailing which matches my color scheme to a t ... Also the embroidery in the bodice somewhat matches the filigree detail on our STDs/invites/wedding stationery
- I tend to be more of a glam girl and think that I could pull off that bodice well but I don''t want it to distract from my face ... Ugh - this is so confusing. I keep just going around in circles with my thoughts. Once I make a strong case for one dress over the other, then I think about the other dress and say ... but .... What to do?! I''m hopeless.

I think that I may be drawn to the Casablanca dress as well b/c it was literally the very first dress that I ever saw when I went dress shopping. I picked it up, loved it and then left it b/c I just went into the bridal shop on a whim and had no intention of trying it on. I just kept the info and looked it up online and then when I was ready to go dress shopping ... kept it in mind. Weird coincidence, huh?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 6:28:59 PM
Author: AmberGretchen
I think it looks like it will be smashing - can''t wait to see pics of how it turns out

Thank you so much, AmberGretchen!
If I decide to go with the Hybrid - I can''t wait either!! Can you imagine how nerveracking it will be while I''m waiting for it to be made???

I am keeping my fingers crossed that if I go with this dress that it will turn out as smashing as the sketches reflect!

So glad that you like it ... That is so encouraging. Thanks again!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 6:47:44 PM
Author: bee*
It looks amazing Spark!! I love the sketches of it! Fab!

Oh Ms. bee*! I was hoping that you would chime in! You know how much I love your dress!!
I hope that if I go with the hybrid that it turns out as fabulous and as flattering as your dress. Fingers crossed!

Now - if I could only decide which dress is better for me ... The Hybrid or The MC ... I wouldn''t be able to try on either so .... that doesn''t help, right? Ugh. I wish that I could so that this could be the tiebreaker.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 7:09:21 PM
Author: Porridge
I love the hybrid, especially the back

really really pretty and unique!

Why thank you very much, Porridge! I appreciate your input.

Pretty and unique - Wonderful!!

Exactly what I''m going for ... I want Glamourous and Luxe for the WOW factor but I don''t want over the top that will only serve to distract from the bride. and not in a good way.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 7:19:13 PM
Author: coatimundi
I love the hybrid! I really love the ruffled tiered bottom of #1804 --love the front and the back--that is one stunning dress--incredibly delicate. Nice work Spark!

Would you do the V shaped back on the bodice from the #1804, but with the bodice you like from the #1859?

It''s the fabulous Ms. Coati! Hi Coats

Thank you kindly for stopping by to share your thoughts. I really value your input ... likely b/c I know what amazing taste you have.

Yes, I have to agree ... that ruffled tier bottom from the 1804 is lovely ... Now, just imagine it Cathedral length. Yum! I think that that length, in the pic is really only around chapel length, if that ... How dramatic and yummy will it be a lot longer??! Gives me butterflies! And ... I''m walking down a very long and beautiful Catholic Church aisle. A long train is going to be beautifully highlighted in these circumstances. Yay.

Yes - I believe that it was T2o2, in all her wisdom that suggested that the bodice have a v shaped back ...so I contacted the bridal salon and they relayed that to the designer as well so ... yes. I think that that will be much more flattering as well.

Thank you, Coati! You''re such a sweetie.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/18/2008 7:30:35 PM
Author: lala2332
I''m a little late...sorry!
I love, love the ruffles. So pretty. The bodice of the other ones is really unique.

I have one thing to think about....the bodice is a drop waist and the ruffles start pretty high up on the front of the skirt. My only concern is that you are going to look very blocked off with that banded drop waist and then the ruffles. I think if you took off the band and let the detail/beading kind of ease into the skirt may solve that problem, or just add one ruffle tier at the very bottom. This may not be a problem at all, it was just a concern I got and wanted it to be something that you at least think about before ordering.

You will have a wonderful dress though and I think its great to customize and make it truly yours. Good luck!

Lala - Surely you jest!

You are not late at all! Your input is most appreciated ... thank you!

Yay - another vote for the ruffles! I swear that I never would have thought myself a ruffle girl but I am completely obsessed with them! I must have that tiered ruffle for my wedding dress.

What an amazing point you make ... I absolutely agree and have been struggling with that component of the design myself for exactly the same reason! While the ruffles in the front will start somewhere around calf level, since I am relatively short - that may serve to cut me off, so to speak. I was thinking that maybe they could just do a simple ruffle at the hem on the front to balance out or hint at the ruffled tier in the back but ... I''m not sure if that is possible. I will have to inquire.

Thank you for really thinking about the design and bringing up that point. It makes me feel validated and as though my thoughts are not completely off. Thank you so much!! This really is something critical that I need to consider.

I do love the dropped waist and the band so I wouldn''t want to get rid of that but ... change the front ruffling a little bit ... Absolutely a possibility!

I will let you know what they say.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 12/19/2008 12:55:06 PM
Author: Sparkalicious

Date: 12/18/2008 7:19:13 PM

Author: coatimundi

I love the hybrid! I really love the ruffled tiered bottom of #1804 --love the front and the back--that is one stunning dress--incredibly delicate. Nice work Spark!

Would you do the V shaped back on the bodice from the #1804, but with the bodice you like from the #1859?

It''s the fabulous Ms. Coati! Hi Coats

Thank you kindly for stopping by to share your thoughts. I really value your input ... likely b/c I know what amazing taste you have.


Yes, I have to agree ... that ruffled tier bottom from the 1804 is lovely ... Now, just imagine it Cathedral length. Yum! I think that that length, in the pic is really only around chapel length, if that ... How dramatic and yummy will it be a lot longer??! Gives me butterflies! And ... I''m walking down a very long and beautiful Catholic Church aisle. A long train is going to be beautifully highlighted in these circumstances. Yay.


Yes - I believe that it was T2o2, in all her wisdom that suggested that the bodice have a v shaped back ...so I contacted the bridal salon and they relayed that to the designer as well so ... yes. I think that that will be much more flattering as well.


Thank you, Coati! You''re such a sweetie.

Your dress is going to be incredible!

I''m not surprised the fab Thing2 suggested the V-back--that woman seriously knows what she''s doing!

Wow--I love it at the chapel length--so I know it will be amazing Cathedral length!

So, when is all this a go? How''s the relationship with the dress maker? (sorry if you''ve already discussed this!)

I''m just so excited for you and your wedding!

*have you already discussed your jewelry?

--or are you waiting for dress to be made?*

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/19/2008 7:50:39 PM
Author: coatimundi
Your dress is going to be incredible!

I''m not surprised the fab Thing2 suggested the V-back--that woman seriously knows what she''s doing!

Wow--I love it at the chapel length--so I know it will be amazing Cathedral length!

So, when is all this a go? How''s the relationship with the dress maker? (sorry if you''ve already discussed this!)

I''m just so excited for you and your wedding!

*have you already discussed your jewelry?

--or are you waiting for dress to be made?*

Not sure when it will/won''t be all a go/no go as of yet. I need to nail this down and make a decision and place an order by absolute latest beginning of February. I need to ensure that the dress is completed well in advance of the wedding so that we can have plenty of time for any necessary alterations, right. This holds true no matter what dress I ultimately decide to go with.

Unfortunately, there is no real "relationship" with the dressmaker in this Hybrid scenario because it is not a true "custom" job. I''m working through a bridal salon and they are liasing with the designer. It would be the bridal dress designer who would be modifying two of their dress designs to make this dress. This leaves me a little leery b/c I''m so type A and want to ensure that everything is in order that I feel as though if I am not right in the mix, something will be missed and I want to leave nothing to chance.

Some correspondence re: pricing that they forwarded me yesterday made me a little nervous. It seems apparent that they are not fully comprehending what is being requested based on the what they are charging for so ... I have to have another meeting with the consultant at the bridal shop to firm up the design and to clarify details and make sure that everything is exactly as I hoped it would be. Providing that that works out ... I may indeed go with the Hybrid. If not, The Aurora is really still looking very nice.

Thank you, Ms. Coats for being excited about our wedding. That means so much. It''s so exciting to us but we are trying to not talk too much about it with others because you know what they say about you being the only people who care about your wedding, right. Kind of sucks but .. it makes it even more wonderful when people are eager to share their excitement with us!

Nope ... haven''t discussed jewelry yet. That will be the next saga! Have to figure out the dress & shoes first!

Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing your 2 cents to help me out!!

 

[elrohwen]

I

those ruffles! Gorgous! I think the combination of the two will be stunning.

 

[mrsv]

If you know what you want and are in Atlanta go to Anne Barge that woman is a miracle worker and will work with you on whatever you like. I did this and would recommend it HIGHLY!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/20/2008 1:57:41 PM
Author: elrohwen
I

those ruffles! Gorgous! I think the combination of the two will be stunning.

Elrohwen - Thank you! I appreciate the vote of confidence. If the ruffles come out looking as fabulous in real life ... I imagine that I might wear the dress backwards so that I can see them all the time.

I love them too!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/20/2008 7:18:33 PM
Author: mrsv
If you know what you want and are in Atlanta go to Anne Barge that woman is a miracle worker and will work with you on whatever you like. I did this and would recommend it HIGHLY!

Thanks for the info, mrsv! Interestingly enough, this past week I was looking at an Anne Barge dress but didn''t love it for me. Unfortunately, I''m not in Atlanta, however, I appreciate the recommendation! Do you have a picture of your wedding dress? I would love to see it.

 

[sap483]

Hey Spark, could you get the MC modified by the designer to be a trumpet or would that be completely out of the question price wise? I really like the hybrid, but I think like you I''d be concerned to have it commissioned by the designer and the end result not exactly translate into my vision. Have you looked at the Oscar De La Renta collection? They can definitely do ruffles and do them right! Here''s one in particular that I love- it may be a little over the top, but it''s gorgeous.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Another vote for the hybrid!! I think it stands out so much more than the other choice you threw into the mix.

Can''t wait to see if they give it the all-go!

 

[blondebunny]

after looking at the hybrid again.. i def like the hybrid ruffles alot better... i saw this dress and thought of you!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/22/2008 10:15:07 AM
Author: sap483
Hey Spark, could you get the MC modified by the designer to be a trumpet or would that be completely out of the question price wise? I really like the hybrid, but I think like you I''d be concerned to have it commissioned by the designer and the end result not exactly translate into my vision. Have you looked at the Oscar De La Renta collection? They can definitely do ruffles and do them right! Here''s one in particular that I love- it may be a little over the top, but it''s gorgeous.

Hi Sap - Yes! I could get the MC modified by the designer to be a trumpet ... not sure of how much it would cost or of what their definition of "trumpet" would be so it was suggested to me that I get it how it comes and then, if need be, have it altered to trumpet. I''m so confused about which would be best.

I have some of the same concerns ... Yes - it would be a disaster if the hybrid did not ultimately translate to my vision so I''m concerned with investing in that route. However, I love the potential that it presents.

I have checked out the Oscar De La Renta collection, however, fear that it is way out of my budget. I love their ruffles as well and some of those designs were part of my inspiration for the tiered ruffle as well.

I''m thinking about heading to an MC Trunk Show in the next little while .... It might help me if I talk to him directly instead of going through the bridal salon owner. Who knows??!