Post # 1
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
Pic-heavy!! Sorry in advance.
Hi bees,
A little back story. I chose my first dress when I was visiting my parents in Canada. It was a very quick decision, and I really wanted to choose a dress with them. The dress that I tried on was 10 sizes too big, but clipped, it was gorgeous. I said yes, and was delighted — until the dress came in the mail here in Hawaii in my size, and I wore it for my first fitting. In my size, the proportions of the dress changed. Whereas the waist of the dress hit low on my natural waist in Toronto, the one in my size was a classic a-line. The part covering my chest was also *much* smaller, so the plunge was more intense, and revealed a lot more of my chest (hi side-boob!) than I was intending. I have been to three fittings, and I’m just not comfortable with the way the dress looks. I feel like it doesn’t flatter my figure, and that the dress is wearing me more than the dress.
Here we go. So there’s a boutique here on O‘ahu that has beautiful lace gowns. I have been following them on instagram for almost a year, and they received a dress that took my breath away. I decided (I know, I know, this was so dumb), to go and try the dress on. I figured it would eliminate the “what if” factor, and help confirm that I really should just stick with my original dress and stop freaking out over nothing.
The problem is, I loved it. I love the pattern of the lace. I love the straps. I love that it has a train. I love that it has tiny buttons down the back. I love that it shows off the parts of me that I like (hello bum!) without accenting the parts of me that I don’t love as much (hello rectangle body!). The woman at the boutique is waiving the rush fee. I can afford the dress, it can get here/tailored in time. I am just battling with myself because I will wear this dress for less than 12 hours. On the other hand, I want to feel beautiful and confident on my wedding day. On the other other hand, I know that I will be so delighted to be getting married on the day that the dress won’t matter… but it certainly matters right now
So here is the original dress,
(ETA: This is the dress in my size)
And here is the new dress (sorry that the pictures aren’t better; I went alone with just my phone):
What do you think? Which do you prefer? I appreciate your honesty and your help, bees!
Post # 2
Member
1181 posts
Bumble bee
I actually think both are stunning on you and your figure! In my mind, they are both somewhat revealing in different ways. With that said, if you absolutely love the second dress and think you may regret wearing the other, and you can afford to purchase an entirely new dress, then I say go for it! My other suggestion would be to have your first dress altered to resemble the second dress in certain ways (ie: change the waistline, tighten the fabric near your bum, add/extend the train etc). Good luck bee!
Post # 3
Member
367 posts
Helper bee
I actually think they look really similar in terms of overall shape and pattern of the lace. Are the pictures of the first, original dress the one in your size, or are is that the one you tried on in Canada (with clips hidden somewhere)? I really think the first dress looks great on you, and I am not a huge fan of the slit in the second dress. But both are stunning! I just think they are too similar to justify spending a lot of money on a whole new dress, but perhaps others more fashion savvy will think otherwise 😉 How much is the new dress and how much was the old one? Can you afford both?
Post # 4
Member
11470 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
I honestly think your first dress is so much more beauiful and flattering than the potential new one. I would keep the dress you have. It’s stunning!
Post # 5
Member
1106 posts
Bumble bee
I prefer the first dress over the second tbh. At the end of the day this is your wedding and if you can afford it, go for it.
Post # 6
Member
174 posts
Blushing bee
I honestly love the first dress, and think it is worlds better than the second dress. The first dress is just amazing, and fits your body perfectly!
Post # 7
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
newbeegirl : Given the shape and the pattern I think that the waistline is going to be where it is 🙂 The part about this dress that concerns me the most is honestly the top, I find it gapes out where my chest is and *that* is what makes me the most uncomfortable. I have another fitting next weekend; I’m wondering how that will go, and whether or not they can show me what it would look like if I had the top part literally taped to me? I like the dress much more when I ‘squish’ the front part flat against my chest, if that makes sense.
Post # 8
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
nalastardust : Ooh good point, I wasn’t clear. I ETA’d my original post to say that yes this is the dress in my size, no hidden clips. With hidden clips, this was the original dress and I like the proportions so much more!!
Post # 9
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
Brielle : catash : pnwlove : Thank you ladies! Wow a resounding vote for dress #1. You are helping me so much, thank you. I was just so worried that I’m lost in the first dress, but if you think it is flattering, maybe I am just being too critical.
Post # 10
Member
367 posts
Helper bee
It looks to me like the first dress could be taken in at the waist and the bust a little bit more, but other than that, I think it’s stunning!! I LOVE that pattern and I LOVE the fit, and I think it really looks gorgeous on you.
Post # 11
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
nalastardust : Fingers crossed that this next fitting puts me at ease. The bust really does throw me! I think it can come in, too. Thank you so much for the kind words!! When I tried it on in the store (the picture I shared in the comments, not in the OP), I gasped. It’s just that pesky top part and the way it fits me right now!
Post # 12
Member
367 posts
Helper bee
girlandherpearl : Keep us updated with how the fitting goes!!! I hope they can fix it to make it the dress of your dreams again 🙂
Post # 13
Member
4548 posts
Honey bee
The first dress is way more gorgeous than the second. I also think it more flattering! Keep it!
Post # 14
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
Olivepepper : Thank you! I am going to go to my seamstress alone on my next fitting and be really blunt about my concerns for the bust (and maybe ask about tucking it in along my lower back a little bit, as PP suggested, which would accentuate that part of my shape).
Post # 15
Member
959 posts
Busy bee
I also love dress number 1 on you. So i’d stick with that but do what will make you happy, it’s your day!!
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