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I think off the rack would be very difficult to find...if that's what you are looking for I would suggest checking out once worn dresses (weddingbee, bravobride, ebay) that have already been altered for a similar size. I am 5'2" and a size 4 and I ordered a Maggie Sottero dress in petite. All of the dimensions are the same as the regular sized dress, but the length is 3 inches shorter. The dress hasn't come in yet, so I can't tell you exactly how long is on me with heels...I would expect they will have to hem it a little. I've heard some bridal salons charge more for petite sizing, but mine didn't so look around if you find that is the case, with Maggie Sottero at least.
I think you might need alterations no matter what, but try to order your dress in a petite size because some seamstresses charge for hemming by the inch, so maybe an extra $50 for the petite size could end up saving you $100 or more in alterations. I am pretty sure that "regular" length for dresses is made to fit a 5'6" girl and petite/long lengths would be 3" in either direction. Good luck - I know it isn't easy being tiny!
I agree with the first post. I purchased a Maggie Sottero and was told they have petite options as well. Good luck!
I am a v. petite bride (more or less same height and size as you) and am having my dress custom made for many reasons. Before I decided this I tried on many dresses (in NYC actually). I agree with the above posts to order your dress in petite. Many (I think most) designers will do this, though I think it costs extra. This is important b/c being petite isn't just about the hem rights. It's also needing the bodice to be shorter and waste at a different place. And if there's any work at all you need to take into account that it will get cut off. For me this meant that some dresses were just out. If you imagined the work several inches shorter it would just lose the effect. Also be wary of tiered bottoms.
I recommend looking at Rivini dresses b/c I felt like they were a lot less overwhelming for a small frame. I read somewhere that she's petite herself so that might explain it. I highly recommend making an appt. at Mark Ingraham (in NYC) b/c they have a good selection of her stuff and the people there are just really nice and helpful. The woman I worked with also had a great eye and picked out dresses that not only were pretty but were exceptionally flattering on me.
It's important to remember that if you're small, you don't want it to look like the dress is wearing you. I ran into this problem a lot while looking.
I would also say don't rule out the custom option. I have to have clothes altered frequently, and depending on the type of clothing no amount of alteration can make up for a something that's designed to fit you. This is particularly true for something as fitted a wedding dress. The cost of the custom dress I'm getting is comparable to the "off the rack" designer dresses I looked at. But the designer is very sensitive to making a dress that won't overwhelm me. And it's just fun! I actually got the advice to go talk to couture dressmakers from a woman who worked at a bridal salon and I'm so glad. I had a terrible time looking for dresses, but after I left Suzanne's shop I was smiling and had to give her a hug:)
BTW, I did most of my dress shopping in NY (though I life near SF), so I've been to a lot of the salons there. If you have questions about any specific place definitely PM me and I can let you know if I've been there and whether I think it's worth even looking. I do think that shopping for a petite dress is different, but you *will* find something you love even if it seems hopeless at first.
I am also very petite (your size) and look ridiculous when trying on the sample style dresses. If you are really concerned you could always order a JCREW or ANN TAYLOR dress (which come in petite sizes). At the end of the day, you would probably end up ordering a size 2 or 4 wedding dress if you go the traditional wedding dress route and may not need many alterations. I am a size P0 and will order a 4. I am going to go with something non-poofy, nveck and trumpet style. It ended up working for my body shape.
Good luck!
Wow, thank you for all the help! Over the next few weeks, I'm going to check out some of the bridal salons in Manhattan just to see what kind of dresses will flatter my body type. I checked out the Maggie Sottero site and her dresses are gorgeous! I also like the JCrew wedding dresses...they are very simple, yet elegant...and I am a JCrew addict! :-)
I am pretty much the same size (although I think I am only 5 and a half inch :) and I know I will have the same problem. What stores in new york city did you try on dresses? (I live in manhattan).
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Casablanca is another line that has dresses in petite length as well. It would be great if a designer or store actually carried some samples in petite so that we don't look like we are swimming in dress!
The stores I went to were: Mark Ingraham, Amsale, Reem Acra, Bergdorff's, and Saks. I don't recommend Bergdorff's. I definitely recommend Mark Ingraham, they were super helpful (see above post). I also felt that none of the Reem Acra dresses were appropriate for my size. They were all kind of waify and had the effect of making me look 12. I felt that with my size I needed more structure in the dress itself, and at least the fall line didn't offer that (the embroidery and beading are phenomenal though).
Saks was having an Elizabeth Filmore trunk show when I went, and I really liked one of her dresses. It might be worth finding out who else carries her (or if Saks still has samples)...I felt like her dresses were v. pretty but not overwhelming.
I am also petite, and went with a Monique Lhuillier. Monique Lhuillier is a petite woman, and her dresses are designed with petite women in mind. Check her out! I can't wait to finally wear my dress!!!!!!!!!!
Go to manhattan bridal located in Chinatown. I honestly hate dealing with chinese vendors bc most of them are always rushing you to buy something but this lady at manhattan bridal is pretty awesome..atleast she has been so far with me. We ordered my dress in Nov and it came exactly 5 months later to the date! She ordered the maggie sottero dress in petite and with my 4 inch heels she has to cut like an inch off..thats it! ...anyway you can check out their dresses at http://manhattanbridalusa.com/ Her name is carole...good luck :)
personally, I had lot of problems with http://manhattanbridalusa.com/..
DO NOT use these people if you have other choices...
The manager Carole promised lot of things, but not all were delivered.
Mslinh210, If i were you, must sure you get everything that promised in writting.
And copies on all the simples photo and albems..
And the most important part, DON'T pay them in full till you get all the items in the contract!!! Otherwise, you will take whatever they give you...
good luck!
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Hello everyone,
Does anyone have any suggestions for any bridal boutiques/stores in NYC and/or designers that have dresses that fit petite figures? I am thinking I may have to get a dress custom made, but if I can find something off the rack that requires little to no alterations, it would be ideal! I am 5'1", 100 lbs, dress size 00-0.
Thanks in advance!