Okay so I'm not going to panic over this because my dress came in extremely early and I have nine months until my wedding. But...
I tried on the sample in the store in a 10, and I was measured and told to order a size 2 (insert loud and audible gulp here). So when the dress came in and I saw it on the hanger I was really worried as it was TINY.
So after two ladies helped squeeze and a pair of spanx later, I was able to get in the dress with it all zipped up. It would be a happy ending right here, except that I have the intention of eating, drinking, sitting, bending, breathing and generally enjoying my night. As it stands right now, none of those things will happen, although there's an excellent chance I will pass out :)
So my question is this - I ordered a Blue by Enzoani Casablanca - does anybody know how much "give" the seams might have? Has anyone had this problem?
You can see from the photo where the large band (think a 7 hook wide, very stiff bra strap going from under my bust to my belly button) is cutting into my stomach, causing pulling around my hips and butt and giving me a very strange shape :( I don't if anyone has rock hard abs enough to stand up against that band - the spanx were powerless against it. This weird shape also makes it look like I have a bit of a pooch - okay so I do, but do people need to see it that day? Methinks not!
I've read there can be anywhere from an inch to four inches when a seamstress lets seams out. The lady at the store also mentioned that the seamstress might opt to put boning in instead.
I'm really just looking for some happy-ending, comforting stories here as I have to wait an additional two months for my first fitting appointment. There is nothing I can do in terms of weight loss - I'm already rather slim and no diet is going to shrink my rib cage. I'm in love with this dress and am not interested in changing for another, and unless the store pays for it I can't afford to purchase another size.
Help bees - this is no big deal, right??
Uh oh! Well I don't have an Enzoani dress or the alteration experience, but can they let the seams out at all? Or as a last resort you could have them put in a corset back.
No experience to share. However, your dress looks great on you - just a bit uncomfortable looking! I'm sure the seamstress will be able to let it out a bit to give you some room to breath in.
What is the back like? A corset back could help give you more room...
I agree with @Pinkmoon:
A good possible solution would be to have a seamstress let out the seams and change it to a corset back.
Honestly, I'd be pretty aggressive about getting the store to correct their mistake. I'm sure you could get that dress looking great with alterations, but the salon told you what size to order. That's part of the service that you pay them for, and I'd be pretty frustrated if they ordered me a dress that would be challenging to alter.
@MrsWBS: It is a zipper with buttons. I know corset is an option but I'm hoping that's not required. I rather like the back as is and I don't even want to know the cost involved in that!
@jdhall89: Thanks for the tip :) I meet with the seamstress in just under two months. The lady at the boutique assured me that there was nothing to worry about. The salon where I went is excellent and very highly rated and I was assured they would not let me walk down the aisle until the dress was perfect. With nine months to go I'm comforted by how much time I have to make sure it's fixed. However, if the appointment in March doesn't go well I will certainly have to be more firm with them to ensure I get a properly fitting dress!
Fingers crossed! Can't wait until this part is DONE :)
@sanjessica: I agree - but at least you have the option! I'd move up the appointment with your seamstress to be asap just to be sure, so you can order another dress if need be (and make the salon pay for it - since it was kind of the salons fault since they clearly took the wrong measurements). Good luck!
They should be able to take it out a little in alterations. Dresses do "stretch" a little too. You have plenty of time, don't stress!
I suspect they accidentally used the new size chart instead of the past-season chart. The new size chart is about 1" to 1.5" bigger per size than the old size chart. Casablanca is a carryover style that is sized with the old size chart (even if it's ordered now, they still use the old chart).
I would verify the sizing with the store. Old or new size chart, Enzoani's dresses tend to be quite accurate to measurements.
I would ask to meet with the seamstress now to ensure that it can be done. That way, you don't waste those months if they need to get you a new dress. Make sure to bring up the size chart issue the PP suggested!
I wore Enzoani Casablanca for my recent October wedding (so good choice of dress!) ... I am a street size 4-6, tried on a sample size 2 in the store and I ended up ordering a 10 at the store's suggestion (as i have a larger chest). They ended up only taking it in about a 1/2 inch to inch in the lower half. The dress seems to run on the smaller side so I can't believe they ordered you a 2!
I agree with a PP, since you have 9 months until your wedding I would have the store re-order the dress as they obviously didn't measure you correctly. The Casablanca does fit tight through the waist and really defines your hips a lot (at least that's how mine fit). But it should NOT be uncomfortable. I had a little difficulty sitting down in mine, but any form-fitting corseted dress isn't the easiest to sit in. If they cannot reorder, perhaps they can let it out in the seams or zipper portion? Have you tried talking to the place that is doing your alterations to see what can be done?
Good luck!
Thanks for all the comments guys - really helpful.
The place where I'm getting it altered is also the place where I bought it. This dress takes 4-6 months to come in (and in my case came in in only 2 months). This place is about two hours from where I live and is so busy you need an appointment so it's not very easy to just pop in, unfortunately.
I am figuring I will go for my appointment in March. If they tell me they ordered the wrong size they still will have almost eight months to get the dress in. The lady at the salon didn't look at all concerned that it was tight and just constantly reassured me that everything would be altered to fit me perfectly and not to worry.
Oh boy I hope she's right!!
I'm a street size 2 and measured inbetween a 0-2 in Enzoani. My dress is a 2 from their 2011 line and I think the sizing for Enzoani is very accurate. When you wear it for a bit, dresses are supposed to stretch a bit more than when you initially try it on. Can they make the hooks on the corset (the underbust band) a bit wider so you're not so cinched in? Or maybe consider taking it out altogether since you don't seem to need it and it's not giving you a streamline shape. With the amount of time left for alterations, I think you'll be fine!
@arabesque: I will have to meet with the seamstress but my initial thoughts are to remove that band entirely and put boning in so that it will smooth out that area and keep it from riding up to my waist. Hopefully there is some give in the seams (I think an inch or so should do it) so that I will get a better fit around the hips and might be able to sit down that evening! I had no trouble getting the zipper up while wearing the dress - it was really just that band that was literally squeezing the life out of me!
Honestly Bees.. you're all so helpful. All of my maids have crazy personal issues going on right now and I don't want to bother them with wedding trivialities when the date is still quite far off. Thank you so much for your help :)
@sanjessica: I would call the store right NOW and tell them to order you the next size up (or even a 6), and have it expedited. They are 100% at fault for this.
I had a similar experience with my bridesmaid dresses--my BMs and I wore Enzoani, who I'm sure you have realized, cut on the small side. The shop where I got my wedding dress told me to order a bigger size, since Enzoani cuts small, and they altered it down to my size. All of my BMs are slim ladies, but the store where we got the BM dresses didn't make everyone order larger sizes, and we had lots of fit issues. Well, my BM who ordered a size 4 dress (she's 5'10, DD cup size, size 2 jeans) couldn't zip her dress up unless she had some emergency rib-removal and breast reduction, and my BM who's a street size 00-0 couldn't zip up her size 2 dress. The girl with the size 4 dress ended up last-minute ordering a size 8, and the BM who ordered the size 2 ended up wearing the other one's size 4 dress.
It took some explanation on my part, and convincing the store that despite their "no returns" policy, we had to return the size 2 BM dress. They eventually agreed to the return. Just stand strong and remember it's not your fault!
I am wearing the Enzoani Dakota... I had a similar situation EXCEPT I was the one that ordered the dress a size smaller with the intentions of loosing weight (I will always regret that, lol)...I ALMOST didn't fit in it about a month ago (my wedding is in 19 days). Back when my dress was SUPER duper tight, my seamstress said that there was VERY little give on the dress. I almost had to make it a corset back and I cried...I love the back of my dress an didn't want to change it.
If I was you, like PP's said, I would just have them re-order instead of having to go thru hell like I did. LMAO... I have been eating like a rabbit for the past 2 months and it sucks.
GL!
Update!
So thanks for all of your advice. I called the store today and let them know my concerns. She confirmed that the correct sizing chart was used (she compared and explained the differences between the 2010 and 2013 sizing charts and was well versed). She went and spoke to the owner/seamstress who said that she was not concerned at all as there is 1.5-2 inches of room in the seams, and confirmed that the correct size was ordered (I would have been the same size with both charts).
They've booked me for another appointment in few weeks (they would have had me in early next week but my work schedule is rather busy for the next while) to put my mind at ease. The appointment is with the owner/seamstress to discuss my concerns and she will also ensure the seams are let out before my appointment in March so that it will relieve any concerns I might have.
They were extremely kind and accomodating on the phone, and they seemed genuinely interested in addressing my concerns so I am happy with my dress. I am really relieved I chose to order my dress from this store. If there's anyone in the greater GTA area, I would totally recommend this shop.
I will have to update again in a few weeks.. but truly, thanks for your help! Can't wait to see what I look like in the dress when I'm not squished like a sausage :)
please explain this "I tried on the sample in the store in a 10, and I was measured and told to order a size 2 (insert loud and audible gulp here)"
and what shop did you go to?
@nikix: The sample in the store was a 10, and they took my measurements and compared to the sizing chart and told me to order a size two. The 10 had to be clipped in about six spots to stay on so I knew I needed a smaller size, but thought a four size drop was kind of scary!
Do u have a pic of the inner corset hooking? R there more than one row of hooks? Like how bra straps have three rows of two to three hooks? I'm ordering this dress soon and would like to see a pic of the internal corset if u have one or can easily upload one. Ill keep in mind that 2010 vs 2013 size chart issue next time I speak with my salon .
@sanjessica: I had my dress altered from a zipper to a corset back and it was $200 including an overbustle and a french bustle.
@BeeG35: No I didn't think to take one. There are around 5-7 hooks wide but (and don't quote me on this) I don't think there's several rows so you can pick how tight you want it. I can take a photo and/or closer look at it when I go back there in about three weeks if you can wait that long.
@sanjessica: I would have a seamstress put a corset back in the dress. You will have to breathe at least, I could not be in something that tight and uncomfortable all day.
But what a beautiful dress!!
@thumpurr: Thank you!! Corset back is my last resort - it has lovely buttons going down the back that I'd prefer to keep in tact. They were so kind and accommodating on the phone that I'm sure they will be able to make the proper adjustments. Either way I'll keep you all posted!
@sanjessica: well if u remember, that's great, but don't worry too much about it. I was just curious cuz I've tried that dress on several times on different occasions and it seems to sit slighty differently each time. Maybe its the way it gets clipped (its a size 10 too, too big for me) or I thought it was possible that the inner corset was being hooked on different tightnesses. But if it only has one row, then the hooking would nor be causing that difference. or maybe the corset is getting set at different spots on my rib cage possibly.
@sanjessica: ooo I love the Casablanca. I had an enzoani so I know exactly what you're talking about in terms of that elastic band.. its like 6 inches long!
Its helpful to keep the dress from slipping down but MAN its tight and did th same thing to my waist/rib... but you are far thinner than I so I'm quite shocked! Maybe since its already so tight, you could cut that whole elastic band out to give yourself some room? I know its not much room but I would be interested to know if it still zipped AND was more comfortable.
I think you have a lovely shape in it... you just look uncomfortable.
Have you thought about wearing it to sort of loosen the fabric up a bit?
I don't know if this will work but I could see it being suuuuper tight right now and after a bit of wear it could relax a bit - you know, like how they always say sample gowns are a tad bigger due to the movement the fabric goes through...?
Just a thought!
@sanjessica: Congrats! I tried this dress on (I'm also in Toronto) and you look great in it!!! I know it's impossible to tell a bride to relax :) but if they got you into the dress, all zipped up, etc. that's the most important part. A half inch here or there can make a huge difference, and that's best left until right before the wedding. Even if you don't intend to lose or gain weight, it can happen. Your dress is gorgeous and it looks like you could wear it right away, without having to worry about any further alterations!
@BeeG35: If you try to google photos you can see how differently it fits each woman. I found the 10 to feel good with the band (like secure, but not suffocating). That band must be made of hercules' muscle shorts or something - I thought I was going to crack a rib! But I'm hoping they can remove it entirely and replace it with something that is a better fit. I will try to take a closer look and let you know when I head over there :) But even the sample I tried on was all stretched out in places - it's difficult to get a sense of the true fit because it depends so much on how they clip you.
@KimmySumShuga: Thank you! And I was joking yesterday that to loosen it up I was going to wear my dress while watching TV, cleaning my apartment, doing yoga.. haha. They actually hang onto my dress until a week before the wedding so I don't mess it up. But I think I will have at least 3-5 fitting appointments so hopefully that's enough time to loosen it up a little, especially if the appointments are 30-60 minutes.
@natylka: Thank you! When the seamstress said I could get 1.5-2 inches I could feel my shoulders retreating from my ears and relaxing a little. If you haven't bought your dress already, I have a great place to recommend to you.. provided you're willing to take a mini road trip!
@sanjessica: Sure! Can you PM me the details if you don't want to post it here? Thanks!!!
@BeeG35: ahh I saw a photo of you in this dress in another thread and you look AWESOME! Can't wait until mine fits me as well as it does you! :)
@sanjessica: oh thank u! It was the best fitting out of all the gowns I tried, hence is why I decided on it! It looks spectacular on u in ur photo, and I know it will look even more breathtaking when it is fitted to perfectly and is comfortable. I truly think Casablanca chooses us! Because it doesn't look good on everyone. But u rock it and I can't wait to see more pics!
Because the salon made the mistake and ordered it based on wrong chart if there is time I suggest you ask them to order th correct size
@sanjessica: just an update, I ordered my Casablanca this weekend! So excited and I got plenty of pics of the corset and everything. It had three rows of hooks ;)
Then after in got home I panicked over the size they ordered, which they measured me and ordered off the older size sheet. But I had always envisioned the bust as being to small and they had recommended a size smaller than the sample since it was obviously too big. Anyway long story short, after three days of panic and obsession I decided to stay with the recommendad size, but I am having an extra inch of fabric added to the neckline. Can't wait! How long did it take for urs to arrive from the designer?
ETA: nevermind I see where u mentioned its delivery time :)
I totally think it will be fine- they will be able to let it out a tiny bit so you can breathe/exist in the dress! lol I'm so worried though- bought the similar Tyanna by Venus and am thinking mine will be too small as well. DW April 21, my dress on super rush order and due in beginning of April, then still have to do alterations and we leave April 18 for Maui... so be thankful you have a lot of time to fix your sitch, unlike me who is down to the wire! lol
@BeeG35: oh that's so exciting! Let me know how it fits when it arrives. I have a fitting next Friday where I will meet with the seamstress and they will take out the seams before my next appointment in March. At least we have a community to talk about our super tight dresses haha. I have no bust (of course the only place I have any room in that dress) so I don't need extra fabric.
@sanjessica: I will!! I bet ur happy to see ur seamstress. When they let it out a tiny bit it will be a perfect fit.
@little_d: @BeeG35: SO EXCITED TO UPDATE! lol.
So my seamstress is amazing. She heard I was in a bit of a panic over the dress and she let out the inner belt a little before I saw her today. It made a HUGE difference!! The dress went from being way too tight to actually being a bit loose in spots! All without letting out the seams! What a relief!! It's still pretty snug underneath my butt but I am sooo much more relaxed now knowing I can comfortably fit in the dress and it gives me the look and shape I was after. Phew!!!
So awesome- yay!! It looks perfect now! I have a similar dress and was thinking of maybe adding some crinoline to pouf it out a little at the bottom, but it looks so pretty as is. Did you ever consider extra pouf?
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