Tip re: Nordstrom wedding dresses and my take on 3 of them

[ringster]

just thought i'd pass on this info - you can get free shipping if you call or go to nordstrom store and order any dresses that they don't carry in the store.

i called a local one to see if they had in store one of the wedding dresses that i saw online. the lady who helped me said that they don't have the wedding dresses in the stores but i could place the order with her and have it shipped to where ever i want for free! so i'm shipping two to my work!!

this is cool because i already ordered some online and had them shipped to me but will be returning them b/c i didn't like the dresses in real life although there was one that i did like but the size was too small. it's nice to know that they will do that! get to save some money goodness knows the wedding costs add up!

i'm looking to spend $500 or less for a dress and want something comfortable but elegant.

this is my take on the dresses i ordered. i ordered three styles -

1) this one is no longer listed on their website

i got it in xxs, xs and s
-- i liked the top part but the bottom looked too much like a curtain or drape as it has long horizontal pattern and the color had a yellowish-green tinge to it
-- it is strapless and sort of looks like this one

bcbg

except that it didn't have such a wide sash and on second pass i think the bcbg is a nicer dress. the only reason i haven't ordered the bcbg is that i am afraid that the color is too yellow. but i may order it anyway just because it may bug me not knowing for sure if it is NOT the one

2) Sean Collection Strapless Embroidered Mesh Gown

nice but not me - a bit too wedding-y for my taste (yes, yes i know i'm looking for a dress for a wedding - but i'm sure some of you know what i mean). i think what i mean is that is has that white wedding-y color that i don't really like and i don't think it looks good with my skintone.

it is a really great dress though for the price. the floral embroidery is pretty - pretty dress and seems to be well made. if you are a budget bride i think this is a great option. i am short and there wouldn't have been any problem getting the dress shortened as they left some clearance between the bottom of the dress and where the embroidery starts. it also comes with thin straps that you can attach if you don't want the strapless look.

3) Sean Collection Double V-Neck Illusion Gown

this is the dress that i liked but got in an xxs but it is too small. i just ordered the xs and small to if they fit. it is really comfortable (the lining is a bit stretchy which i liked) and i liked the top part of the dress which surprised me b/c i was looking for strapless style. the dress definitely felt like me!

 

[surfgirl]

ringster, funnily enough, your first pic - the BCBG - is what my first dress was but with a black sash! Can you believe that??? I returned it though because it did my generous bustline no favors...Have you looked at any bridesmaids dresses? I ended up with a BM dress in champagne wrapped micro tulle and I "brided it up" to make it a wedding dress. Most BM dresses come in champagne or ivory and are usually less than your budget. Or, I just saw a gorgeous wedding dress in an Ann Taylor ad, which would be perfect for your ering...It's twice what you want to spend but it looks worth it!

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=3083#ATLtop

 

[FrekeChild]

Oooo...I love the Elizabeth Ann Taylor gown, probably because it''s so simple I could jazz it up with lots of bling. Doesn''t hurt that my name is Elizabeth too...

Are you going to return the dress that''s too small for the next size up? And wheres the eye candy? I think you should take some pics to show us. Heh.

 

[SuLi]

Hi there!

My co-worker actually ordered the same BCBG dress from Nordstrom for her wedding! She got it in the mail a few weeks ago (they were in the stores and on sale at the time, but I assume that they''ve since sold out) and LOVES it! She said that it was a little sheer so she is going to have to purchase some nude undergarments.

I hope that you like the dress...it''s really pretty!

 

[neatfreak]

Have you checked ebay and preownedweddingdresses.com? Look under silk organza (which might net you something sheer and floaty) or something. I bet there are a ton of designer dresses on there that you could get for less than $500.

Also remember that it''s easier to take something in than let it out. So if you get something a bit too big, you can always have it altered.

 

[ringster]

surfgirl - that is so funny!! we are eerily on the same wavelengths. i don't have much of a bustline so maybe the BCBG would be ok for me. thanks for the ann taylor suggestion. the danielle is very purty and precious really would likey - but i can't justify spending that much. if none of my nordstrom dresses pan out, i'll take your suggestion and look at bridesmaids dresses. i just get overwhelmed when i go to these bridal stores plus i don't like the heavy bridal/bridesmaid dress material that seems to be so prevalant esp in the more budget conscious dresses.

FrekeChild - lol! yes, i was debating whether i should wait and take pics before posting. then i just decided to go ahead and post so that i could pass on the info ASAP. you are a true PSer!!! i'll see if i can take some decent ones before i return the dresses and post them for everyone. i am going to return the number 3 that didn't fit me and i ordered the next two sizes up.

SuLi - oh thanks for the info!!! now i definitely have to order the BCBG - it looks like it is still available online. i'll call nordies today and place another order. THANK YOU!!!

it would be funny surfgirl if i ended up with your first dress!! i guess we have similar tastes not just in jewelry

neatfreak - thanks for the recommendation. i have been checking preownedweddingdresses.com and they have some great deals - the tip about silk organza is a good one. i'll check ebay as well. also, i'm glad you mentioned the taking in vs. taking out cause i was wondering about that. i would like to get in a little better shape and tone up before the wedding and so wasn't sure if i should get a dress that is a little snug with the idea that i will probably be a little slimmer by wedding day or if i should get one that fits the current me or is a little looser. thanks!

 

[Haven]

I''m wearing the BCBG dress as a bridesmaid in my friend''s wedding! Mine is black with an ivory sash, so it must be a slightly different style because the one you posted doesn''t come in any other colors, but I can''t tell the difference. I LOVE this dress, it is so flattering and comfortable, I think it would make a wonderful wedding gown.

 

[ringster]

Date: 1/4/2008 1:15:30 PM
Author: Haven
I'm wearing the BCBG dress as a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding! Mine is black with an ivory sash, so it must be a slightly different style because the one you posted doesn't come in any other colors, but I can't tell the difference. I LOVE this dress, it is so flattering and comfortable, I think it would make a wonderful wedding gown.

thanks haven!! you are so helpful!

i just ordered the dress and it is on sale at the nordies (179!!) near me so the SA will call in the order for me and i will get it delivered to my work. BONUS!!

ETA : i ordered three sizes - 2, 4 and 6 --- am i nuts or what!?? just didn't want to get it and then love it but need one size higher esp since it is is on sale

 

[FacetFire]

I love that BCBG dress! I actually own this version of it: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2967517/0~2376780~6009391~6011650~6011653~6011657?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011657&P=1

It is lightweight and very flattering. I really loved the off-white one, but I needed something for a formal event, and was afraid people would laugh because it looks like a wedding dress. I think you are really going to like it...and how awesome that you were able to get it on sale! Please post pics when it arrives!

ETA: Haven, that is so great that you get to wear this dress as a BM dress. I wish any of the BM dresses I have had to wear were so nice and re-wearable!

 

[ringster]

Date: 1/4/2008 3:27:47 PM
Author: FacetFire
I love that BCBG dress! I actually own this version of it: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2967517/0~2376780~6009391~6011650~6011653~6011657?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011657&P=1


It is lightweight and very flattering. I really loved the off-white one, but I needed something for a formal event, and was afraid people would laugh because it looks like a wedding dress. I think you are really going to like it...and how awesome that you were able to get it on sale! Please post pics when it arrives!


ETA: Haven, that is so great that you get to wear this dress as a BM dress. I wish any of the BM dresses I have had to wear were so nice and re-wearable!

oh that one is gorgeous! glad to know that you liked the off white one - as a fellow OEC lover i am thinking we might have the same taste in dresses too. did you see that it was surfgirl''s first dress she picked? what are the odds!?

will post pics when i get the dress

 

[FacetFire]

Date: 1/4/2008 3:55:39 PM
Author: ringster

Date: 1/4/2008 3:27:47 PM
Author: FacetFire
I love that BCBG dress! I actually own this version of it: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2967517/0~2376780~6009391~6011650~6011653~6011657?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011657&P=1


It is lightweight and very flattering. I really loved the off-white one, but I needed something for a formal event, and was afraid people would laugh because it looks like a wedding dress. I think you are really going to like it...and how awesome that you were able to get it on sale! Please post pics when it arrives!


ETA: Haven, that is so great that you get to wear this dress as a BM dress. I wish any of the BM dresses I have had to wear were so nice and re-wearable!

oh that one is gorgeous! glad to know that you liked the off white one - as a fellow OEC lover i am thinking we might have the same taste in dresses too. did you see that it was surfgirl's first dress she picked? what are the odds!?

will post pics when i get the dress

Ha-ha that is too funny! It is a great dress! It manages to have the romantic goddess feeling without being so loose that your figure gets lost in it. The off-white (at least the one I tried on), is definitely a vanilla warm white, but I think it would look lovely as a wedding gown. There is a great tonal stripe on it that doesn't show up well in the pics, but gives the dress an amazing richness and depth. And the fabric flows as you walk and makes you feel like a goddess. I can't wait to hear what you think of it!

 

[SuLi]

Date: 1/4/2008 2:51:33 PM
Author: ringster

Date: 1/4/2008 1:15:30 PM
Author: Haven
I''m wearing the BCBG dress as a bridesmaid in my friend''s wedding! Mine is black with an ivory sash, so it must be a slightly different style because the one you posted doesn''t come in any other colors, but I can''t tell the difference. I LOVE this dress, it is so flattering and comfortable, I think it would make a wonderful wedding gown.

thanks haven!! you are so helpful!

i just ordered the dress and it is on sale at the nordies (179!!) near me so the SA will call in the order for me and i will get it delivered to my work. BONUS!!

ETA : i ordered three sizes - 2, 4 and 6 --- am i nuts or what!?? just didn''t want to get it and then love it but need one size higher esp since it is is on sale

Yea!!!

I''m so glad that you were able to find it on sale! And, no, you are not nuts for ordering it in several sizes, especially at that price point. It''s smart!

Please let us know how it goes when you receive them!

 

[ringster]

Thought i''d post pictures of the three dresses before i returned them. I am waiting for the BCBG to be delivered as well as number 3 in sizes xs and s.

I took some pics of me in these dresses to share with you all but i was horrified by the outcome and could not bring myself to post them. I need to work out ma-jor-ly

. My problem is that i am short but do not have a figure - i''m just straight up and down with a little pudge here or there. I envy you ladies with curves! If you knew what i weighed you probably wouldn''t think i weighed much but for my height and frame i am about 10lbs above what is probably a comfortable weight for me and i am sorely out of shape. Oh well, better to know now than a month before the wedding i guess.

Anyway on to the dresses ... they are in order number 1, 3 and then 2. If you want any closeups of any of them let me know and i can post.

 

[ringster]

focus on the tops of the dresses

 

[surfgirl]

ringster, one thing you''ve gotta do and perhaps before you send back the dresses, is get some proper underpinnings! I''d take those dresses to Nordies (they''re so nice about helping you get the right undergarments..I took my dress in to them and tried it on with a variety of different options, as well as Bloomies). Bring the dresses and try on different combos: bustier and Spanx on the bottom. Push up padded strapless bra with Spanx that comes up to right under the bustline, etc. You''ve gotta try them on with the correct undergarments, otherwise it can indeed be a rather gruesome experience! I''ve been there, done that!

 

[ringster]

Date: 1/8/2008 8:17:10 PM
Author: surfgirl
ringster, one thing you''ve gotta do and perhaps before you send back the dresses, is get some proper underpinnings! I''d take those dresses to Nordies (they''re so nice about helping you get the right undergarments..I took my dress in to them and tried it on with a variety of different options, as well as Bloomies). Bring the dresses and try on different combos: bustier and Spanx on the bottom. Push up padded strapless bra with Spanx that comes up to right under the bustline, etc. You''ve gotta try them on with the correct undergarments, otherwise it can indeed be a rather gruesome experience! I''ve been there, done that!

Thanks surfgirl. I with try that when I get the next batch in. This round the dresses definitely did not fit except for Number 1 but I am not interested in it.

Gruesome is the right word ... Wedding Horror

 

[SuLi]

I''m sorry that BCBG dress did not work on you! It''s really pretty....

I agree with surfgirl...proper underpinnings are key!

Good luck with your continued search!

 

[FacetFire]

I think I am confused...is that first dress the BCBG one? It looks just like it to me.

 

[ringster]

SuLi and Facetfire :

sorry if you got confused - the number 1 in the pictures and that i refer to in my above posts IS NOT the bcbg dress. it is similar style to the bcbg and it is no longer on the nordstrom website. i ordered the bcbg a few days ago but have not received it yet.

hope that clears things up!

 

[ringster]

So today was a picture day - pics of ering and potential wband and pics of potential dresses

I got the dresses in the mail on Friday and so I went to Nordstrom''s to try them in decent lighting and three way mirrors. I decided I am going to keep both styles and make a decision in about two months. Then I will need to get the dress I choose altered.

Here are pics of me in the BCBG dress. I liked that it was really flowy but was kind of feeling that since I am short I''m afraid that I get lost in it. I probably won''t wear much of a heel if any with any dress I get.

I really need to get toned up

 

[ringster]

And here is the 3) Sean Collection Double V-Neck Illusion Gown

I am leaning a bit towards this one because it has Vintage-y feel and I will have a band that is going to play tin pan alley style music. Plus I think it is a little more dressy and maybe a better style for my build.

 

[surfgirl]

ringster, they both look really lovely on you! Have you thought about whether or not you want to wear a veil or flowers in your hair? I could see either a long, plain veil with either dress, or maybe your hair up like it is in those photos, but with a big flower on the side, like in a chignon? I honestly cant say I like one over the other either...Nice job! Go Nordies!

ETA: looking again, I think maybe the second one is more bridal? Maybe??

 

[ringster]

I forgot, I have a 3rd dress option. My mom gave me her wedding dress. It is very simple design - 1950's style. It looks sort of like this dress that Jackie O has on but not as full in the area below the waist. My mom had a lace overcoat that had a little train. I was thinking I could make it the lace overcoat into a shawl or shrug kind of thing.

I would have to get it altered but this is also a possibility. What I like about the idea is the sense of history and also the fact that one of my favorite aunt made the dress for my mom and she will be at the wedding.

I should have brought it with me to try at Nordstrom's. I will have to do that next weekend.


ETA : But I would not do the poofy hair look

 

[ringster]

Date: 1/14/2008 1:56:56 AM
Author: surfgirl
ringster, they both look really lovely on you! Have you thought about whether or not you want to wear a veil or flowers in your hair? I could see either a long, plain veil with either dress, or maybe your hair up like it is in those photos, but with a big flower on the side, like in a chignon? I honestly cant say I like one over the other either...Nice job! Go Nordies!


ETA: looking again, I think maybe the second one is more bridal? Maybe??

Thanks SG!

I am so not into veils so I was going to do either hair up in a nice romantic style - not too tight but more loose - chignon is definitely an option or some of hair up and some down.

Yes, I know what you mean about the 2nd being more bridaly and I totally agree. The sparkly bits in the top are a nice effect and I think will show up well in the lighting at the place. Both dresses are pretty comfortable.

 

[SuLi]

First, I have to say, I love that BCBG dress on you! I just love the easy look of it.

And, I am curious to see what your mother''s dress looks like. From your example picture, it seems like it is very classic and beautiful.

I''m glad that you''ve got yourself a few options and that you are giving yourself some time to think about them.

Good luck!

 

[CrownJewel]

Hi ringster! First of all, you look fantastic in the dresses. You look perfectly in shape to me!! I personally like the BCBG dress the best. It is beautiful and flowy and definitely bridal-y.

I''m also excited to see your mother''s dress on you!

 

[surfgirl]

Count me in the "I''d like to see your mother''s dress on you" train...

 

[ringster]

Thanks guys for your votes - It''s a tough call.

You look perfectly in shape to me!!

CrownJewel - you are too kind . I am holding my breath in the pics


I''ll drop by Nordstrom again and take some pics of my mom''s dress. Thanks for the interest.