Post # 1

Member
167 posts
Blushing bee
Like some other plus-size brides on these boards I’ve been dreading and putting off dress shopping. I’m planning to call around NYC to make sure stores have enough samples in bigger sizes. In the meantime, I’m wondering what kind of experiences plus-size brides have had at the NYC Kleinfelds. If anyone is willing to share their experience at Kleinfelds–positive or negative, I’d appreciate it! Thanks!
Post # 3

Member
646 posts
Busy bee
I’m not plus size in real life (street size 12/14) but I certainly feel like it while wedding dress shopping sometimes! Most stores I’ve been to here in nyc seem to have samples that are around size 10, which they can usually squeeze me into. RK Bridal and David’s Bridal are the only two places that have samples in my size so far.
I have an appt at Kleinfelds set for next week. I noticed that they have a big plus size section on their site, and they note on each dress if it is available in a plus size sample in the store. I found a bunch of dresses that say they have size 20+ samples, in store, which I’m excited about trying on.
I’ll let you know how it goes!
Post # 4

Member
2633 posts
Sugar bee
I’ve seen plus sized brides there on Say Yes to the Dress, so I’d imagine they have a fairly decent selection of plus sized dresses. Have fun, I would have LOVED to go to Kleinfelds!
Post # 5

Member
167 posts
Blushing bee
Just wanted to add an update– I went to Kleinfelds and had a surprisingly positive experience. I can’t remember my consultants name at the moment- Ill find it and re-post. But, she was very helpful, sensititve and understanding – which I really appreciated. I thought the night would only focus on all of the dresses that are not options bc they don’t come in larger sizes or even samples to try on in larger sizes. Or on being unable to find a good fit. Anyway, I’ll get the consultant’s name and add it to this post because she made all of the difference in the world!
Post # 6

Member
2342 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m glad you had a great experience there! I wanted to go there (big fan of the show!) but I bought my dress from a local bridal shop instead. Consultants do make or break the wedding dress shopping experience. I do feel bad for those brides who have had bad service, so I’m glad your not one of them!! Did you end up “Saying YES to the Dress?” Show us pictures please!
Post # 7

Member
41 posts
Newbee
Oh wow, congrats! I would love to go to Kleinfelds and try on gowns, but yeah, I’m a little intimidated. I’m glad you had a great experience! I hope you post pictures. I’d love to see your dress. 🙂
Post # 8

Member
167 posts
Blushing bee
After getting over the initial phobia of plus-sized wedding dress shopping, I realized I actually have to figure out which dress to choose! I went to four stores total (Kleinfelds, Wedding Atelier, Designer Loft and The White Gown) and still haven’t decided. I was hoping to know right away and unfortunately I haven’t fallen in love with a dress yet. But, I wanted to get back to everyone with the name of the Kleinfeld’s consultant. Her name is Judy Kozuck. Good luck! (If anyone has found other good options for plus-sizes gowns in Westchester, I’d love to hear about it!)
Post # 9

Member
144 posts
Blushing bee
Plus size ladies in NY…go to Lestan’s Bridal in Brooklyn. it’s nothing to look at, and does not feel all glamorous or glitzy, but i tried on (repeat: TRIED ON!!) numerous plus sized dresses there. Their selection was great, and they are very very nice. Check it out, and don’t judge a book by it’s cover. this place was amazing- i am so happy i found out about it from a friend of mine!
Post # 10

Member
32 posts
Newbee
Im a size 14 but like 16-18 in dresses and i have never felt so fat in my life. I havent had an experience at klienfields (I WISH) but it can be depressing. I would find some beautiful dresses but i couldnt even fit my butt in them..so i had to hand them back to the lady and say…they dont fit…really nice hey. I can however tell you that i saw a plus size girl on say yes to the dress like once…and they had some larger sizes for her…she was REALLY big too..so if they fit her..they will fit you for sure. they dont have as much to choose from but they will prob have the most
I included a pic of me in my dress
Post # 11

Member
32 posts
Newbee
Im a size 14 but like 16-18 in dresses and i have never felt so fat in my life. I havent had an experience at klienfields (I WISH) but it can be depressing. I would find some beautiful dresses but i couldnt even fit my butt in them..so i had to hand them back to the lady and say…they dont fit…really nice hey. I can however tell you that i saw a plus size girl on say yes to the dress like once…and they had some larger sizes for her…she was REALLY big too..so if they fit her..they will fit you for sure. they dont have as much to choose from but they will prob have the most
I included a pic of me in my dress
Post # 12

Member
51 posts
Worker bee
demetrios bridal in macy’s herald square has some plus size and their is a place called alfred angelos its like a david bridal i think the closet one is in pa.
Post # 13

Member
1 posts
Wannabee
I had a less than ideal experience at Kleinfeld’s. (I hesitate to say “terrible” b/c a lot of what bothered me was the lengthy time spent filming SYTTD, which is my own fault for agreeing to be on the show.) Reagrding plus-sizes, it really depends on what kind of dress you’re looking for. I’m about a size 16-18, for reference. I did get to go back into the plus size stockroom and they have maybe 50-100 dresses there in plus size (mostly bridal size 20 which fit me fine) which is great if they’re in the style you want, but if, like me, you want something a little different, you’re SOL. I wanted a particular style of dress (nothing crazy, just a strapless a-line or ballgown w/ a natural waist) and they showed me only *one* that was even close to what I asked for, and flat-out refused to even show me other options that could be ordered in plus sizes but didn’t have store samples at that size. The one dress they did show me that I liked was fine and looked nice on me, and I made the mistake of my life letting myself get talked into ordering it. Now I have to go back in September and shop again (without the cameras this time) and find something I really want to wear, since I put down a deposit. At least I know to expect to have to be *really* assertive this time. Also, while a lot of the staff were really nice (Dorothy in particular was really helpful) I’d suggest avoiding Camille and Antonella as your consultants, the former didn’t really listen to what i wanted, and the latter didn’t seem to know the plus-size stock very well.
The tl;dr – Kleinfeld’s advertises this gigantic selection of dresses, but their plus-size section, while larger than a lot of stores, is still very limited. If you want a simple-ish a-line gown w/ beading, definitely check it out; they have tons. If you want something else, call ahead to make sure they can accomodate what you’re looking for.
Post # 14

Member
139 posts
Blushing bee
yeah my experience was mixed. i started off the search the same way you did, dreading as sample sizes are really tiny. but now i realise that it’s ok to do the “paste onto your body” thing. i’m about a bridal 16-18, street 12. kleinfeld’s has some beautiful jim heljm and Kollection pieces in plus size but not many in other designers. i got my Kollection piece from alita graham and it’s stunning, i got it at a sample sale onthe “big” rack 😛 it was actually nicer as i didnt have to search through thousands of dresses, only a hundred or so.
dont be worried! your body is your body and be proud of it. it’s about proportion anyway. and dont be ashamed to do the paste on your body thing, the seamstress will make the dress gorgeous on you no matter what your body type.
Post # 15

Member
139 posts
Blushing bee
oh TIFFANY HELBIG! she helped me, is not aggressive, honest and really sweet. jackie (i think she’s haitian or african) wasnt helpful AT ALL. go for tiffany! she’s really awesome.
Post # 16

Member
172 posts
Blushing bee
@ismini:I also went there. They did have many to choose from.