Post # 1
Member
211 posts
Helper bee
Hi Bees –
I have been unsuccessfully dress shopping for the last few months. After going to 7 bridal shops and not finding “THEE dress” I have pretty much given up and decided to order the closest-to-my-dream online.
What I want is pretty simple…since I am super un-blessed in the chest department I really wanted a straight across bodice which is near impossible to find in stores. This dress is perfection and has everything I was looking for – this Jim Hjelm from Spring 2011:
Sadly after searching everywhere….I can’t find this dress anywhere used or new for sale. I did find a very similar version of this dress with a different bodice that I could buy:
So heres what I need advice on. Should I go for a replica verison of the dress (#1) with the straight-across satin bodice that I absolutely love?? As nervous as I am on doing that the dress is so simple I don’t see how they could mess it up, really. The quote I got for a replica is a $100 difference from the #2 dress so the price difference isnt much – AND keep in mind #2 is authentic so I wouldn’t have to worry about craftsmanship.
What to do? Opinions please!!
Post # 3
Member
1003 posts
Bumble bee
I would say to go with #2, I think the little dip in the neckline can be flattering for those who are more flat chested. Have you tried on #2? Maybe your opinion will change on it?
Post # 4
Member
94 posts
Worker bee
@weddedbliss2014: There’s an allure (I think) that’s very similar to the first dress – have you seen it? Allure is usually pretty reasonably priced too, so I wouldn’t think it would be more than the jim hjelm. Let me see if I can find a picture! 🙂
Post # 5
Member
94 posts
Worker bee
@weddedbliss2014: Found it! It has that little dip that you don’t love, but I would think a good seamstress could make that straighter if that’s what you wanted. Add a belt and you’re all set! I looove this dress but ended up going all-tulle 🙂
http://www.allurebridals.com/products/8957
This one is similar but has a true sweetheart which might be harder to alter:
http://www.allurebridals.com/products/2500
Post # 6
Member
211 posts
Helper bee
@thefuturemrsjrd: I actually found that allure first when I began my search for a satin bodice w/ tulle skirt and I did love it until I discovered this one with the straight-across bodice. I am tore between the look of that soft-draping and the ruching. I would love to see which dress you went with…. I am also tulle obsessed haha!
Post # 7
Member
94 posts
Worker bee
@weddedbliss2014: I hope you find the perfect one! My dress is a Tara Keeley 2161. It’s a giant poofball and I love it haha I have my final fitting in 2 weeks and I’ll post pics after that 🙂 My main concern was the bustle because I know tulle is harder to work with but my seamstress is awesome and I’ll have a french bustle even with all the tulle! So excited!
Post # 8
Member
211 posts
Helper bee
@thefuturemrsjrd: GORGEOUS!! I love the poof, that dress is so much fun!! I actually finally found a bridal shop that will order that #1 dress for me to try on..so I paid the shipping and it should be here next week 🙂 Can’t wait to see if its the one!
Post # 9
Member
94 posts
Worker bee
@weddedbliss2014: Oh that’s so great!!! Definitely take pictures – good luck!
Post # 10
Member
94 posts
Worker bee
@weddedbliss2014: Did you get to try on the dress?? I finally had my last fitting so here are my pics – sorry for the weird sizing. This is the front and the bustle 🙂 looovoe the all tulle french bustle!
Post # 11
Member
211 posts
Helper bee
@thefuturemrsjrd: That dress is seriously amazing! I love it. My dress try-on went OK…the dress in person is amazing and beautiful and I love the bodice however the fit was way more A-line then I am looking for even though they had the description as a ball gown. I decided to go the replica route and get the dress made with a fuller skirt. I need more POOF!
