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Which dress? (One of them is FREE!)

posted 1 year ago in Dress
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    1.
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    Blushing bee
    beckiesue    April 16, 2011   Colorado

    So I have a dilemma... a family friend is offering to GIVE me this beauiful Casablanca Couture gown. It has never been altered, and I absolutely love it. But I'm torn, because I've also found this other dress that I love (Maggie Sottero Ericka.) Which do you like better? Should I go with the free one just because it's free? I do have a pretty tight budget, so this would free up $1000 for me. What would YOU do?

     

     

    Attachments

    1. Which dress? (One of them is FREE!) :  wedding Img ericka_cropped.jpg (82 KB, 257 downloads) 1 year old
    2. Which dress? (One of them is FREE!) :  wedding Img janets_cropped.jpg (14.4 KB, 272 downloads) 1 year old
     
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    Bumble bee
    baldor1    May 7, 2012   Southern California

    I'm assuming the first dress is the Casablanca dress? Do you have a picture of you in it? Personally, I prefer the style of the Casablanca dress.

     
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    Bumble bee
    rachelss    August 22, 2010   Fort Collins, CO

    I'd go with the free one since it is really pretty.

    fyi - in the pic you can see the boning in the bustier - you might want a different one

     
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    Blushing bee
    beckiesue    April 16, 2011   Colorado

    Yes, the first dress is the Casablanca... and unfortunately I don't have a pic of me in it, but we are the same size.

     
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    Helper bee
    BecomingMrsWoods    May 21, 2011   Casco

    I LOVE both....But my fav. is the 2nd dress.

     
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    Bumble
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    noritake22    March 31, 2011   Seattle

    I like the second one the best.

     
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    Busy bee
    Scottielass    July 3, 2011   Westerville, OH

    I really like the first, and not just because it's free.  Though that is a HUGE bonus.

     
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    Helper bee
    hopeandpray      

    I love the first one, even freeness aside

     
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    daydreamwanderer       DC

    I'd go with the free one - it's a pretty enough dress, and you could probably buy a really nice beaded belt for like $150, and still save yourself $850!

    From one tight budget bride to another, save the money!!!

     
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    Buzzing bee
    babyboo      

    If you have a similar body shape as the lady in the first picture, I think you should go for the free one! I think the Casablanca is more flattering than the second dress.

    As @daydreamwanderer said, you can always purchase an inexpensive beaded belt to add some bling!

     
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    zippylef    October 30, 2010   Norfolk, UK

    I really think that the Casablanca would look beautiful on you. The sweetheart neckline is super flattering. Seriously, you cant beat free.

     
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    Bee Keeper
    Sulli301    June 26, 2010   Michigan

    I like the second one...I know it isn't the free one but it is fabulous!

     
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    Bee Keeper
    jordynrose    October 16, 2010   Las Vegas, NV/Chandler, AZ

    Price aside, I actually like the first dress better.  I am not a fan of the ribbon under the bust of the second dress.

     
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    Sugar bee
    slicey19      

    I like the Casablanca, you should go with that one! Free is a nice bonus :)

     
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    Mrs. DG    July 18, 2009   Seattle/Tahoe

    I like the Casablanca better, free or not :)

     
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    Newbee
    Issyb_01    September 2011   sunny sunny UK

    deffinatley the first one! its a blank canvas to work on and you could get it altered, add beading or swarovski crystals or broaches or belts and still save yourself a packet! then it would be original to you and only you! no one else will have the same dress! ;)

     

     
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    Bumble bee
    shushu1208    June 18, 2011  

    I personally love the Casablanca dress - the sweetheart neckline is gorgeous! 

     
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    Newbee
    poormarylane       Worcester, MA

    That's a tough one... I'm leaning towards the first one, but they both look lovely on you. I have a trick that works for me when I can't decide between two things: flip a coin to decide. If you feel disappointed, go with the other one.

     
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    Honey bee
    DeathByDesign    February 18, 2012   Lives in Ontario, married in Quebec

    I think the first one is more flattering on you.

     
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    Helper bee
    MissMeg    March 19, 2011   South Carolina

    I LOVE the first one. And free makes it even more attractive :)

     
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    Honey bee
    Treasure43    September 18, 2010  

    I love the first dress! And free is an unbelieveable offer!

     
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    Helper bee
    speechie      

    I like the first one too!

     
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    cardigan    January 7, 2011   Austin, TX

    I prefer the first one, no matter what the cost! It's just a bonus that it's free! :)

     
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    Busy bee
    thimble    October 2010   NYC/ Philly

    I actually like the first one more than no. 2!! That's incredible, what a generous friend

     
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    Helper bee
    des_salazar    November 13, 2010   Live in Houston, TX / Wedding in Winter Park, CO

    The first one is a lot more figure flattering!  Go for it!!!

     
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    Sugar bee
    stephanie63087    May 14, 2011   Fort Wayne, Indiana

    i think the first one looks more flattering! go with it! plus its free!

     
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    Busy bee
    Encore    May 2011   Maryland

    You shouldadd a poll to this post!

    Honestly, I prefer the first dress anyway, and it turn out it's free! But make sure you understand the terms of the deal before you take the dress. Is it yours to keeo forever or do you have to give it back? Is she going to regret this at some point? Are you going to feel like you in it?

    I think it's a gorgeous dress and a great way to save on the budget. Just make sure everyone understands all the terms and conditions before you accept. ;)

     
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    Bumble bee
    JenniMichele    May 22, 2011   Huntington Beach, CA

    I'd get the free one, not only because it's free, but also because it's beautiful. And since you're a budget bride (like me), I'm sure you could use the extra $1000. I know I could.

     
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    Sugar bee
    Statutory Grape    March 2014  

    I'm going to be the odd one out and say the second one because, imo, the bodice on the first is just not flattering. The second one is gorgeous and suits your figure well. If you can get the first one fitted properly, though, go for it.

     
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    Blushing bee
    maemejo    June 25, 2011  

    I love the second one, but I am biased because I too am an Ericka Bride.  I have to ask which did you try on first?  Did you keep looking for a dress when you knew you could have on for free?  If you really love Ericka and the cost is too much, you can always look online for it cheaper or even price it at different shops.  The shop I found Ericka in wanted 1000 for her, the shop where I bought her charged me 700 with alterations included because I my girls will be getting their bridesmaids dress there.

     
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    Helper bee
    MaggieGirl    October 16, 2010  

    Go with the free one.. it's BEAUTIFUL and think of all the other things you can put the extra $1000 towards.  I don't think you'll ever regret going with a dress that is free AND absolutely gorgeous!

     
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    Bumble bee
    guitargirl    October 2009   Ohio

    Free dress that you love = no brainer.

     
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    Bumble bee
    Boston Bee      

    I love the first one whether it's free or not, but that's such a great bonus!

     
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    Honey bee
    Zinzerena    April 14, 2012   Virginia

    I'd go with the free one.  Especially if you're on a tight budget.  It's beautiful and you can get a really nice veil, hairpiece, etc for a great price.  or DIY and it'd be even less.  :)

    Me, I'm going to use the gown that was given to me (will be asking my FSIL to alter it for me) and buying a dress I've been drooling over for a few years as well as an underbust corset. 

     

     
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    Bee Keeper
    crayfish    September 11, 2010   Berkeley, CA

    I think the neckline of the free dress is actually way more flattering on you. Go with free!

     
    36.
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    Sugar bee
    sloth    May 14, 2011   Philadelphia, PA

    I think the Casablanca is much prettier anyway.

     
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    Helper bee
    FutureMrs.Wood    July 30, 2011   Pittsburgh, PA

    The first one, the Casablanca, is GORGEOUS!  I like the style of that dress better than the Maggie dress.......plus it's FREE....a beautiful and perfect dress is FREE!  You lucky girl you :)

     
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    Honey bee
    bestbuddies    June 6, 2010   Chicago, Illinois

    the free one! its beautiful and FREE! amazing deal! you are so lucky...dont let this opportunity pass you :)

     
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    Busy bee
    brady3537    September 4, 2011  

    The casablanca is really figure flattering. I really like that one!!! :) PLUS youd have $1000 to save or spend on something else, like the honeymoon 

     
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    Worker bee
    WanderingOne    January 22, 2011   Phoenix, AZ

    This is such a hard decision. A very loud part of me screams "SAVE THE MONEY" but i think ultimately it is your wedding and you should have the dress that you love the most. I like the poster above idea of finding some small embellishments to add and make the dress your own.

     

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