Post # 1

Member
44 posts
Newbee
Hi all!
I’ve just begun the dress search and I’m wondering what to do next. I love, love, love Paloma Blanca and Mikaella gowns. Some are within my budget and some aren’t. What are some other designers that are similar in style and around the same price range (maybe even a little cheaper)? I was thinking about checking out some Allure gowns… any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! π
Post # 3

Member
2532 posts
Sugar bee
I wore a Mikaella gown for my wedding – it was only $800 – dont know if thats within your budget. Here it is –
http://brutus.smugmug.com/Weddings/The-Wedding-Tale-of-Clare-and/Part-10/13519673_FhpNL#982162908_gwRPF
Post # 4

Member
44 posts
Newbee
@clarebee: Gorgeous!!! Yes, it’s definitely within my budget… the one that I looked at was $1485… was that the actual price of your dress or did you get it on sale, buy a sample, or a preowned dress? Is there negotiating room when you go to a salon? I also have to check other salons’ prices, too. You look soooo beautiful!!! Thanks for the response! π
Post # 5

Member
94 posts
Worker bee
Maggie Sottero makes pretty much any dress you can think of and is very reasonably priced!
What kind of style are you looking for?
Post # 6

Member
2532 posts
Sugar bee
@senoritaroll: actually the original price of my dress was around $1600 – I got it for about 50% off because I bought the sample – but the sample had only been in the store for one week! I think it was because it was last season..but I got lucky! It actually was a little different when I bought it too – much bigger first of all, straight neckline and higher back – i made the neckline a sweetheart and made the back into a plunging back…here is the original dress –

I dont know if salons have negotiating room or not. I would think that they do just because on SYTTD I have seen people negotiating the price. Good luck!
Post # 7

Member
306 posts
Helper bee
I agree with tcacciato – I think Maggie Sotero makes most everything you can think of and is usually well-priced!
Or if you’re interested in buying one “previously adored”, seems lots of Bees have worn Mikaella and Paloma Blanca dresses (I will be! And mine was $1500 with taxes and all alterations, including changing from zipper to corset back, but I negotiated that!), and may be interested in selling!
Post # 8

Member
44 posts
Newbee
You girls are all so helpful!!! Yes, I definitely have to try on some Maggies… I really like the simplicity, yet really pretty details of the Paloma Blanca and Mikaella gowns. Some of the Maggies are a little too ornate for me, but they are so beautiful. Wow, Clarebee… it looks similar to the style that I fell in love with (1414)… you have great taste! @Sessaj- which one are you wearing? Thank you all!!! π
Post # 9

Member
44 posts
Newbee
You’re much smaller than me (I fit the sample sizes perfectly), but thanks for offering! π
Post # 10

Member
306 posts
Helper bee
@senoritaroll: 1406! I had sworn I would never wear something so “fitted”, but I fell head over heels in love when I tried it on. It’s a size 8 with hardly any alterations besides the back from zipper to corset and maybe a 1/2 inch in on the bust. I have no idea if I’ll sell it or keep it yet, but if you want me to let you know in November just PM me! I’m sure you’ll love some of the Maggies though π
Post # 11

Member
44 posts
Newbee
@sessaj: Oh, yes! I know the one!!! GORGEOUS! It was kind of “showcased” at the bridal salon that I went to. I didn’t try it on… I found that I’m a little busty for sweetheart necklines… oh well. But, I LOVE your dress… I’d fit it if it was a street size 8, but I’m a 12 in Mikaella gowns… wish I was smaller! It slowly sneaks up on you after 25!!! 
Post # 12

Member
451 posts
Helper bee
I bough a Mikealla, style 1408. I love it! It feels so light on and so romantic. I will be selling after my 10-15 wedding.
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