Dress Help, please!? (for a friend...)

My first thought is this dress-
http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/

i've seen this style around on the used sale boards in a couple sizes recently. Maybe able to add the sleeves?

That does look quite similar! I'm not sure if adding sleeves would have the same effect since I think it would be obvious that it was a bolero or jacket cover than actually part of the dress. She's self conscious about her arms so I know she wouldn't want to take it off all night so she would prefer a seamless look, if possible.

It's beautiful though! I've flagged in my own file, I'd never heard of that designer before!

It's a really pretty dress! It is probably a knock-off of a designer (as a lot of the inexpensive China-based dress sellers make) but that doesn't make it less beautiful. I have a friend who ordered a knock-off from an eBay seller and was generally pleased with the outcome for the price she paid. I think she paid $500 for a dress that was close to $2000. I think that for $153, that dress looks great.

I think the $5 is for the veil that is also shown in the listing. Probably why it says $5 but it does say "Price from:" instead of "Price."

If she does decide to order from them (or any other seller that custom-makes a gown) I would urge her to visit a seamstress to take her measurements so she knows they are accurate and taken from the proper place.

Good luck to your friend in finding her gown!

Written by Clairitek » January 14th, 2012, 7:06 pm:It's a really pretty dress! It is probably a knock-off of a designer (as a lot of the inexpensive China-based dress sellers make) but that doesn't make it less beautiful. I have a friend who ordered a knock-off from an eBay seller and was generally pleased with the outcome for the price she paid. I think she paid $500 for a dress that was close to $2000. I think that for $153, that dress looks great.

I think the $5 is for the veil that is also shown in the listing. Probably why it says $5 but it does say "Price from:" instead of "Price."

If she does decide to order from them (or any other seller that custom-makes a gown) I would urge her to visit a seamstress to take her measurements so she knows they are accurate and taken from the proper place.

Good luck to your friend in finding her gown!

It's true. I just wish I knew the name of the real deal, the dress they're making the knock off of, which is likely the one in the photo and not the one they would actually make.

It's encouraging to hear that your friend went this route and had a successful outcome. My friend's budget is only $500. She found a dress at David's Bridal that she likes for $399 and she's just trying to see what else is out there or may come in at even less before committing.

She has had her measurements taken at David's Bridal already as they have it all on a form so she just call in to order if she decides to get it since we live a bit far from the closest one.

Thanks for the help!

Written by audball » January 15th, 2012, 2:39 pm:

Written by Clairitek » January 14th, 2012, 7:06 pm:It's a really pretty dress! It is probably a knock-off of a designer (as a lot of the inexpensive China-based dress sellers make) but that doesn't make it less beautiful. I have a friend who ordered a knock-off from an eBay seller and was generally pleased with the outcome for the price she paid. I think she paid $500 for a dress that was close to $2000. I think that for $153, that dress looks great.

I think the $5 is for the veil that is also shown in the listing. Probably why it says $5 but it does say "Price from:" instead of "Price."

If she does decide to order from them (or any other seller that custom-makes a gown) I would urge her to visit a seamstress to take her measurements so she knows they are accurate and taken from the proper place.

Good luck to your friend in finding her gown!

It's true. I just wish I knew the name of the real deal, the dress they're making the knock off of, which is likely the one in the photo and not the one they would actually make.

It's encouraging to hear that your friend went this route and had a successful outcome. My friend's budget is only $500. She found a dress at David's Bridal that she likes for $399 and she's just trying to see what else is out there or may come in at even less before committing.

She has had her measurements taken at David's Bridal already as they have it all on a form so she just call in to order if she decides to get it since we live a bit far from the closest one.

Thanks for the help!

You can filter the search on theknot.com dress section by length, style, etc. Maybe that might turn up the answer? Since its been a few years since I got married I am totally out of touch with the current styles and designers! If you had posted 3 years ago I would have probably been able to recall it from memory!

Glad your friend has one dress already in mind that can work. I highly recommend she check out oncewed.com and preownedweddingdresses.com to see if there are any dresses in her budget that she can get second hand. There may also be a bridal consignment shop in your area to check out.

I just hit up theknot.com and couldn't find it but I did see this one that I think is gorgeous.

http://www.theknot.com/wedding-dress/dolly-couture/beverly-wood?ctx=0:2147483647:-1:-1&src=res

Not sure of the second hand market on that gown but it is so chic!

Written by Clairitek » January 16th, 2012, 10:13 am:I just hit up theknot.com and couldn't find it but I did see this one that I think is gorgeous.

http://www.theknot.com/wedding-dress/dolly-couture/beverly-wood?ctx=0:2147483647:-1:-1&src=res

Not sure of the second hand market on that gown but it is so chic!

It is beautiful!

What size is she?

There are some pretty ones on preownedweddingdresses.com that are long-sleeved and lacy.

Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

I think that sounds like a great plan! It is such a gorgeous dress.

http://www.recycledbride.com/listing/wedding-dresses/dolly-couture-pink-label-avila-bay

I still like the first one, but here is another similar dress. Slightly smaller, but a corset back could help that right?

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

She'd love to, but her budget is firm at $500. There total wedding budget is just under $5,000 so there's really not any wiggle room for this, especially when alterations would be needed.

Written by Narwhal » January 19th, 2012, 11:26 pm:http://www.recycledbride.com/listing/wedding-dresses/dolly-couture-pink-label-avila-bay

I still like the first one, but here is another similar dress. Slightly smaller, but a corset back could help that right?

This is gorgeous too! I don't know how extensive adding a corset back would be and/or if just opening up the back would be enough for it to fit right/well? I know nothing about alterations really.

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 8:12 am:

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

She'd love to, but her budget is firm at $500. There total wedding budget is just under $5,000 so there's really not any wiggle room for this, especially when alterations would be needed.

oh that's too bad...that dress is gorgeous!

maybe you could add sleeves to this? it's not tulle but has the same silhouette
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tea-Length-Satin-Gown-with-3D-Floral-Details-9WG3165_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this one is $750 but maybe someone has a used one?
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tulle-Embellished-Tea-Length-Gown-CPK437_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this is the right price and right size...maybe you could add sleeves and add some tulle to make the skirt fuller?
http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/24264/Mori-Lee-Julietta-3031-Size-18.html

Written by slg47 » January 20th, 2012, 11:27 am:

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 8:12 am:

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

She'd love to, but her budget is firm at $500. There total wedding budget is just under $5,000 so there's really not any wiggle room for this, especially when alterations would be needed.

oh that's too bad...that dress is gorgeous!

maybe you could add sleeves to this? it's not tulle but has the same silhouette
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tea-Length-Satin-Gown-with-3D-Floral-Details-9WG3165_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this one is $750 but maybe someone has a used one?
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tulle-Embellished-Tea-Length-Gown-CPK437_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this is the right price and right size...maybe you could add sleeves and add some tulle to make the skirt fuller?
http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/24264/Mori-Lee-Julietta-3031-Size-18.html

I forwarded these to her. She tried on the middle one (Oleg Cassini) at the store and didn't care for it. I had seen used ones on oncewed and powd so she tried it, but didn't LOVE it.

I'm trying to find the dress that is the front runner from David's Bridal on their site, but it's not there that I can see. I know it used to be $750 or something and because they're phasing it out, it's only $399 right now and it fight her like a glove with no alternations needed right off the rack. She does love the dress she found and the price is right, but she's my frugal friend who just has to search a few more places before pulling the trigger!

You guys have all been so helpful, I'll let you know what she decides.

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 3:01 pm:

Written by slg47 » January 20th, 2012, 11:27 am:

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 8:12 am:

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

She'd love to, but her budget is firm at $500. There total wedding budget is just under $5,000 so there's really not any wiggle room for this, especially when alterations would be needed.

oh that's too bad...that dress is gorgeous!

maybe you could add sleeves to this? it's not tulle but has the same silhouette
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tea-Length-Satin-Gown-with-3D-Floral-Details-9WG3165_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this one is $750 but maybe someone has a used one?
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tulle-Embellished-Tea-Length-Gown-CPK437_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this is the right price and right size...maybe you could add sleeves and add some tulle to make the skirt fuller?
http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/24264/Mori-Lee-Julietta-3031-Size-18.html

I forwarded these to her. She tried on the middle one (Oleg Cassini) at the store and didn't care for it. I had seen used ones on oncewed and powd so she tried it, but didn't LOVE it.

I'm trying to find the dress that is the front runner from David's Bridal on their site, but it's not there that I can see. I know it used to be $750 or something and because they're phasing it out, it's only $399 right now and it fight her like a glove with no alternations needed right off the rack. She does love the dress she found and the price is right, but she's my frugal friend who just has to search a few more places before pulling the trigger!

You guys have all been so helpful, I'll let you know what she decides.

ooh, if it fit with no alterations needed that is a MAJOR bonus!!! Do they have it at her local David's Bridal? Or perhaps if they don't, they could call around and find it at another store and get it shipped?

Written by slg47 » January 20th, 2012, 3:23 pm:

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 3:01 pm:

Written by slg47 » January 20th, 2012, 11:27 am:

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 8:12 am:

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

She'd love to, but her budget is firm at $500. There total wedding budget is just under $5,000 so there's really not any wiggle room for this, especially when alterations would be needed.

oh that's too bad...that dress is gorgeous!

maybe you could add sleeves to this? it's not tulle but has the same silhouette
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tea-Length-Satin-Gown-with-3D-Floral-Details-9WG3165_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this one is $750 but maybe someone has a used one?
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tulle-Embellished-Tea-Length-Gown-CPK437_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this is the right price and right size...maybe you could add sleeves and add some tulle to make the skirt fuller?
http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/24264/Mori-Lee-Julietta-3031-Size-18.html

I forwarded these to her. She tried on the middle one (Oleg Cassini) at the store and didn't care for it. I had seen used ones on oncewed and powd so she tried it, but didn't LOVE it.

I'm trying to find the dress that is the front runner from David's Bridal on their site, but it's not there that I can see. I know it used to be $750 or something and because they're phasing it out, it's only $399 right now and it fight her like a glove with no alternations needed right off the rack. She does love the dress she found and the price is right, but she's my frugal friend who just has to search a few more places before pulling the trigger!

You guys have all been so helpful, I'll let you know what she decides.

ooh, if it fit with no alterations needed that is a MAJOR bonus!!! Do they have it at her local David's Bridal? Or perhaps if they don't, they could call around and find it at another store and get it shipped?

They do have it at our local one (it's nearly an hour away) and she's tried it on and everything. I think it's partly that she was never 100% on what she was looking for, it was definitely a budget, size, and availability thing than an emotional one. But she does look beautiful in that dress (which consequently is actually a long one). Her aversion to long dresses is the train (she, like me, can be a bit clumsy!) and she was terrified at the thought of tripping on it! Haha. The dress she found and likes is capable of being ordered/made without the train at no additional cost and since it's custom they can make it to the height she needs so hemming won't be necessary either, all at no extra cost. It seems like the best route for her to go too. I think she's interested in online shopping and the deal but is hesitant due to size and fit issues as well as most of them being non returnable.

don't know your friend's size but some options I found..

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/39456/Moonlight-G-5103-Size-10.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/23914/Anjolique-921-Size-6.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/27452/Christina-Wu-Size-8.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/39013/San-Patrick-4352-Size-10.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/38872/Pronovias-Ruby-Size-12.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/35352/Other-Size-0.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/16512/Christos-Size-4.html

sorry, just saw that her size is an 18

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 3:28 pm:

Written by slg47 » January 20th, 2012, 3:23 pm:

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 3:01 pm:

Written by slg47 » January 20th, 2012, 11:27 am:

Written by audball » January 20th, 2012, 8:12 am:

Written by Gypsy » January 18th, 2012, 7:26 pm:

Written by audball » January 18th, 2012, 12:55 pm:Street size she wears mostly an 18. The dress at David's Bridal that fit her to perfectly was off the rack an 18. But I heard that USUALLY bridal sizes run small so probably in the 18-22 range?

http://www.oncewed.com/50259/used-wedding-dresses/size-20/8465-15/ I'd buy this and have a good seamstress add some 3/4 illusion sleeves to it and a back. It's her size, and gorgeous. I'd negotiate the price down to 600-650.

She'd love to, but her budget is firm at $500. There total wedding budget is just under $5,000 so there's really not any wiggle room for this, especially when alterations would be needed.

oh that's too bad...that dress is gorgeous!

maybe you could add sleeves to this? it's not tulle but has the same silhouette
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tea-Length-Satin-Gown-with-3D-Floral-Details-9WG3165_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this one is $750 but maybe someone has a used one?
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Tulle-Embellished-Tea-Length-Gown-CPK437_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

this is the right price and right size...maybe you could add sleeves and add some tulle to make the skirt fuller?
http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/24264/Mori-Lee-Julietta-3031-Size-18.html

I forwarded these to her. She tried on the middle one (Oleg Cassini) at the store and didn't care for it. I had seen used ones on oncewed and powd so she tried it, but didn't LOVE it.

I'm trying to find the dress that is the front runner from David's Bridal on their site, but it's not there that I can see. I know it used to be $750 or something and because they're phasing it out, it's only $399 right now and it fight her like a glove with no alternations needed right off the rack. She does love the dress she found and the price is right, but she's my frugal friend who just has to search a few more places before pulling the trigger!

You guys have all been so helpful, I'll let you know what she decides.

ooh, if it fit with no alterations needed that is a MAJOR bonus!!! Do they have it at her local David's Bridal? Or perhaps if they don't, they could call around and find it at another store and get it shipped?

They do have it at our local one (it's nearly an hour away) and she's tried it on and everything. I think it's partly that she was never 100% on what she was looking for, it was definitely a budget, size, and availability thing than an emotional one. But she does look beautiful in that dress (which consequently is actually a long one). Her aversion to long dresses is the train (she, like me, can be a bit clumsy!) and she was terrified at the thought of tripping on it! Haha. The dress she found and likes is capable of being ordered/made without the train at no additional cost and since it's custom they can make it to the height she needs so hemming won't be necessary either, all at no extra cost. It seems like the best route for her to go too. I think she's interested in online shopping and the deal but is hesitant due to size and fit issues as well as most of them being non returnable.

hmm...I really think it is so much safer to buy when you can try on. With online, you run the risk of not liking it once you see it on yourself. If they can do it with the hemming for no additional cost that sounds like a great deal!

I really want to know who the original designer of the ebay dress is!!!! I emailed the seller, and they didn't know.

Written by lovebug1031 » January 26th, 2012, 11:06 am:I really want to know who the original designer of the ebay dress is!!!! I emailed the seller, and they didn't know.

I really do too! I was hoping the women of PS would know it.

My friend ended up ordering the long dress from DB without the train for $399, I don't think she could have found anything better for her budget and not having to get alterations is a major plus.

I'm still holding out hope that one of these ladies will recognize this dress and know who makes it for real! It is so in my own personal inspiration folder for SOMEDAY when I finally get to be a bride myself.

Written by audball » January 26th, 2012, 1:54 pm:

Written by lovebug1031 » January 26th, 2012, 11:06 am:I really want to know who the original designer of the ebay dress is!!!! I emailed the seller, and they didn't know.

I really do too! I was hoping the women of PS would know it.

My friend ended up ordering the long dress from DB without the train for $399, I don't think she could have found anything better for her budget and not having to get alterations is a major plus.

I'm still holding out hope that one of these ladies will recognize this dress and know who makes it for real! It is so in my own personal inspiration folder for SOMEDAY when I finally get to be a bride myself.

That is precisely why I want to know! I've saved the dress, in hopes for when I get married (if they even stll make the dress by then!) I'll be able to have it! I never thought I liked actual sleeves on a dress, but its just so gorgeous! I'm surprised no one knows who the designer is!

Written by lovebug1031 » January 26th, 2012, 2:08 pm:

Written by audball » January 26th, 2012, 1:54 pm:

Written by lovebug1031 » January 26th, 2012, 11:06 am:I really want to know who the original designer of the ebay dress is!!!! I emailed the seller, and they didn't know.

I really do too! I was hoping the women of PS would know it.

My friend ended up ordering the long dress from DB without the train for $399, I don't think she could have found anything better for her budget and not having to get alterations is a major plus.

I'm still holding out hope that one of these ladies will recognize this dress and know who makes it for real! It is so in my own personal inspiration folder for SOMEDAY when I finally get to be a bride myself.

That is precisely why I want to know! I've saved the dress, in hopes for when I get married (if they even stll make the dress by then!) I'll be able to have it! I never thought I liked actual sleeves on a dress, but its just so gorgeous! I'm surprised no one knows who the designer is!

Well if you ever find out...let me know! I'll be sure to do the same!

what a beautiful dress! are there any customized ones?