Wedding Dress was not what I ordered - Grrrr!

[CrownJewel]

Even though my 1st fitting isn''t until July 1st, I wanted to see my dress - because I''m excited and also paranoid that something went wrong. I tried it on this morning with my 4" heels, and it was too big all over and WAY too long. I''m 5''0" and I wanted them to make the flare and shape proportional to me, not the standard 5''9" model. The flare was definitely too low. I had reason to be suspicious that my consultant (who no longer works there, as of March) manipulated the sale somehow. She told me that my dress would be made to my measurements, but she wouldn''t charge me for it. A few weeks after I first ordered the dress and paid in full, I realized that something was suspicious. I called/emailed her and she reassured me that it will fit perfectly upon arrival. I even asked her to send me the order form that she sent to Melissa Sweet. During a frantic visit to have her measure me a 2nd time in January, she told me that I shouldn''t worry because a few weeks prior she was on the phone with Melissa Sweet about my special order. There were other consultants around, so I assumed she wouldn''t lie in front of her coworkers!

Well, all the consultants were with clients this morning since I convinced them to let me see my dress without an appointment. So my sister went to tell one of them that we think the dress wasn''t what we ordered. One of the consultants eventually came by to look and agreed that it is indeed a standard size 4. She looked at the paper inside the gown bag describing the dress, and she said it looks like the dressmakers made a mistake. She was wonderful and so apologetic that I couldn''t really be mad. She said they were going to call Melissa Sweet and find out what''s wrong, and if they did indeed make a mistake they will rush me a new dress. Um, they BETTER rush me a new dress, I don''t care WHOSE mistake it was. Taking that whole thing apart to raise the flare and hemming 5" off, in addition to taking in the bust and waist, and shortening the torso part...would be torture for the seamstress. And for me.

We took pictures of me in the dress but I can''t post those until later. And it still won''t be representative of how it should look, because it''s at least 1" too loose at the bust and waist. But at least you can get an idea of why it needed to be made according to my hollow-to-hem length. UGH. I hope they can get a dress to me in time.

 

[choro72]

Argh, that sucks...Even if you don''t get the "free custom HtH" thing (which sounds like sneaky consultant lied about anyway), they should still rush it for you for free. When is your wedding? And when will they give you an update?

 

[Junkenpo]

Oh my... that sounds like such a PITA! I really really hope that they get you the dress you wanted in your size!


I''m 5''0" also, so I feel your pain. I think about five years ago, I would''ve fit a wedding gown size 4 (i wore a street size 0)... now i wear a street size 10, and I settled for getting my gown 2ndhand off the internet... my wedding is in 4 weeks, and I don''t have time to go and get it fitted or altered, so I got a 6inch pair of stripper heels (LOL!) and the gown is still just a tad long, but wearable. Mine has a minor A-line, but it''s just your standard strapless w/a chapel train, so easy-peasy for me.

Good luck!

 

[calidaisy]

ugh ... i feel your pain.
i read your other thread and was hoping that things would turn out fine ... but sorry to hear that it hasn't (YET).

junkenpo, i remember reading your other thread and glad to hear that your ebay purchase turned out well.
i'd love to see a picture of you in 6" stripper heels (in your gown of course) because that's exactly what i thought about doing (i'm super short too) ... but settled for 4 3/4 ~5" heels.

(and my dress is still TOO long!

)

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Oh my God CJ!

I am so sorry, this is really not right. I hope they will fix this for you, they better.

I am so glad you went in now, that gives you more time to get it worked out. It will work out, I promise. Here''s some nice sales associates and people at Melissa Sweet dust! ((Hugs))

 

[EricaR]

Ugh CJ! I feel so bad for you! I''ll be keeping my fingers crossed that they make things right with your dress. Please let us know what happens!!!

 

[Gypsy]

I''m so GLAD you didn''t wait till the 1st!!! It''s not paranoya if they are really out to get you honey! And you were right! I hope they make it right for you... I''m gonna be pissed for you if they don''t.

 

[bee*]

I''m so sorry to hear that. I hope that it''s sorted out asap for you.

 

[karasue91]

woman, what is going on with the dress saga?? any developments? i cannot BELIEVE that woman didn't order it hollow to hem, i really hope you've talked to carrie, that is absolutely unacceptable. i hope they throw in your alterations for free or something.

ETA - re-read your post and realized they said the dressmakers made a mistake. i think they are just covering their own @55es, i SERIOUSLY doubt melissa sweet would make a mistake like that.

 

[CrownJewel]

Ok I finally got a chance to go through the photos that my sister took this past Saturday. Thanks to all of you who convinced me to go in ASAP instead of waiting until 7/1. I was told on Saturday that Julie is my new stylist, and she will call me. Nothing on Saturday or Sunday. I called this afternoon to ask for news. Apparently she was on a break at 4PM and Carrie, the owner, is in Spain until Thursday or Friday. I asked that a message be left for Julie to call me. I was told that she would call me either at the end of the day, or the next morning. I'm still waiting... I just want to know what they're doing to get this fixed.

So far, I haven't expressed any anger...just worry, to them. I can understand they had a busy weekend because of their sample sale. I think that by Friday, when the owner comes back, I don't have an answer as to what steps are being taken to fix this, I will start getting angry. I'm not really sure what's most effective.

Here's a photo of me looking at the order form from the garment bag. You can see the gap at the top (at the bust and in the back) and the 5 extra inches at the hem. I had to blow out my belly to keep it from falling.

 

[CrownJewel]

Karasue, isn''t it mind boggling that W.Atelier is supposed to be such a great place to shop? I know it''s not just me that''s had problems with Mona (stylist who no longer works there). There are a few reviews that I found saying she was pushy and less than professional.

They have such a good reputation in NYC, it doesn''t make sense to me why they would have such crappy service! I even tried calling the Melissa Sweet manufacturer in Boston to see if they''ve had other negative experiences with WA, but you have to know exactly who you are looking for in order to be connected. ARGHhhh!!!

This photo is me still trying to figure out the order form from the garment bag, which has "hollow to hem 52" highlighted in pink. My sister wanted me to pose, but I was quite preoccupied.

What do you ladies think? In the mirror, it looked like the flare was completely out of proportion. But looking at these photos, maybe hemming the 5 extra inches would suffice?

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 6/21/2008 8:49:33 PM
Author: choro72
Argh, that sucks...Even if you don''t get the ''free custom HtH'' thing (which sounds like sneaky consultant lied about anyway), they should still rush it for you for free. When is your wedding? And when will they give you an update?

choro, my wedding is September 28th. Sigh...if I only knew when they would give me an update, maybe I would feel a little bit better.

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 6/21/2008 9:09:08 PM
Author: Junkenpo


Oh my... that sounds like such a PITA! I really really hope that they get you the dress you wanted in your size!


I''m 5''0'' also, so I feel your pain. I think about five years ago, I would''ve fit a wedding gown size 4 (i wore a street size 0)... now i wear a street size 10, and I settled for getting my gown 2ndhand off the internet... my wedding is in 4 weeks, and I don''t have time to go and get it fitted or altered, so I got a 6inch pair of stripper heels (LOL!) and the gown is still just a tad long, but wearable. Mine has a minor A-line, but it''s just your standard strapless w/a chapel train, so easy-peasy for me.

Good luck!

junkenpo, I would need 9" stripper heels! Can you help me find some for my absolute worst case scenario (if they don''t give me a new dress)?

I want to see pictures of your dress and the stripper heels. Please?

 

[CrownJewel]

calidaisy, now I want to see your shoes too! Where you girls find these crazy high heels? I thought 4" was an accomplishment!

 

[CrownJewel]

Thanks Sarah!! Thanks for the dust and the optimism. I really do hope they make it right. This is another item in my "why I hate being short" list.

Erica, thank you. I will definitely keep you updated. If they decide to be jerks about this, I will rally all my PS brides together so we can break down the doors of the salon and demand a new dress.

Gypsy! Thanks for the support. I definitely need it.

 

[CrownJewel]

Bee, thank you.

Karasue, I''m so tempted to write a negative review about them on citysearch and yelp and all the other sites that list reviews of Wedding Atelier. But I can''t bring myself to do that just yet.

How do I get what I want?

 

[blondebunny]

I think the flair looks good where it is...I dont know if u were going for the little more form fitting then flair...or just flair from the hips?? But I do think it looks really good where it is..and maybe once its sized to fit you (the bodice and what not) the flair might come up a little higher since it wouldnt be falling off of you? Well goodluck with whatever u decide to do, its a gorgeous dress!!

 

[Skippy123]

Gosh, honey, I am so sorry, what a pain!!! I have my fingers and toes it all works out! You are sooo adorable btw!!!!

 

[karasue91]

CJ, the gown is going to fit you perfectly, that much is obvious, once they figure out the length issue and take it in a little. it looks absolutely gorgeous!!!

i would call again for julie. i know i would feel like i was being a bridezilla but your wedding is still 3 months away and there is time to fix it if they get on it quickly. honestly, i would just keep calling until you hear back from her. maybe she''s waiting for carrie to get back, who knows, but you still deserve to know what''s going on!

i wouldn''t worry just yet, they aren''t giving you great customer service and they certainly aren''t making you feel comfortable, but hopefully they can still fix it.

Keep us posted!!

 

[Krissie]

I know this probably won''t make you feel any better, but from the pics, this honestly looks a LOT better than I imagined it would! Sure, it''s way too big, and way too long, on you, but I really think these can be easily fixed. Honestly, I think it looks just as ginormous and a little out of shape as my dress when it came in, and mine had hollow-to-hem measurements too. I''m praying they can fix mine as it has some crazy detailing, and I think they can definitely fix yours as well. Fingers crossed!!

 

[CrownJewel]

thanks blondebunny, miss skippy, kara and krissie.

I want to call them every 5 seconds, but I don''t want to be "that annoying customer." I haven''t heard from Julie yet, but I''ll try calling later. They did say she would call last night or this morning but...nothing.

I have a feeling they''re going to make me wait until July 1st, which is when my first fitting is scheduled. They''re going to put this dress on me and convince me they can alter it. Krissie, I agree that I thought it would look a lot worse!! Maybe it''s the angle that my sister is taking the photo? In the mirror it looked worse than it does in photos, but maybe I was delirious from the shock that my dress wasn''t what I ordered. The stylist who saw me in the dress said the flare should start a little higher, but from looking at the pictures...maybe it''s ok?

Karasue where does the flare start on you? Specifically the pointed end of the "triangles" that create the flare. You know what I mean?

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 6/24/2008 12:25:28 PM
Author: Krissie
I know this probably won''t make you feel any better, but from the pics, this honestly looks a LOT better than I imagined it would! Sure, it''s way too big, and way too long, on you, but I really think these can be easily fixed. Honestly, I think it looks just as ginormous and a little out of shape as my dress when it came in, and mine had hollow-to-hem measurements too. I''m praying they can fix mine as it has some crazy detailing, and I think they can definitely fix yours as well. Fingers crossed!!

Krissie what happened to your dress? I think I remember reading your post...I have to go find it again.

 

[rockzilla]

I think it is possible that a good seamstress can alter it to be perfect - BUT I also think there is enough time for you to get a new dress if they rush it (may or may not be true).

If you do go the alterations route, I think they should pay for the alterations 100%

 

[calidaisy]

crownjewel, i got the christian louboutin shoes in this post: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/please-vote-for-my-wedding-shoes.86103/

they are super tall.
i initially wanted to get something over 5" but ... THAT was really challenging.
finding anything over 4" requires a LOT of legwork.

otherwise, i think you look beautiful in your dress.
(and i LOVE your dress ... as "dora" was my dream dress for a while).

i''m your size and i tried on dora a LOT of times and i can definitely see that it''s very LONG on you.
it''s hard to tell from the pictures whether you look more/ less flattering with the mermaid look ... because if you have the figure for the mermaid look, you''ll be fine just cutting the 9" off from your current dress. otherwise, you definitely need to get another one that is made proportional to your height.

call every hour if you have to and make sure they order your dress this week/ today.
you don''t have any time to "be nice" or "Not bitchy" about this.

good luck!

 

[FrekeChild]

Here''s a site that has 8 inch stripper heels...link

 

[CrownJewel]

thanks calidaisy. you qualify as a dora expert then. I''m glad you said that, because I was starting to think it''s ok to chop the hem off. I definitely do not have the figure for a mermaid shape. My legs are not exactly long, and my torso is long compared to my legs. I do have a waist, although you cannot see it in the photos.

 

[CrownJewel]

Freke, no those are not tall enough. I need 9".

Kidding of course. I can see the headlines now..."Bride rushed to hospital with broken ankles, broken leg, broken hip, broken arms, broken collarbone, concussion, and torn ligaments only 5 minutes into her ceremony. Groom and Guests party on without bride."

 

[karasue91]

Date: 6/24/2008 1:01:30 PM
Author: CrownJewel
thanks blondebunny, miss skippy, kara and krissie.

I want to call them every 5 seconds, but I don''t want to be ''that annoying customer.'' I haven''t heard from Julie yet, but I''ll try calling later. They did say she would call last night or this morning but...nothing.

I have a feeling they''re going to make me wait until July 1st, which is when my first fitting is scheduled. They''re going to put this dress on me and convince me they can alter it. Krissie, I agree that I thought it would look a lot worse!! Maybe it''s the angle that my sister is taking the photo? In the mirror it looked worse than it does in photos, but maybe I was delirious from the shock that my dress wasn''t what I ordered. The stylist who saw me in the dress said the flare should start a little higher, but from looking at the pictures...maybe it''s ok?

Karasue where does the flare start on you? Specifically the pointed end of the ''triangles'' that create the flare. You know what I mean?

I found this picture that shows the triangles of the flare....it looks like they start mid-thigh.

 

[Krissie]

Hmm, is there any way they could cut and raise the skirt a bit under the belt, so that the flares start a little higher on your leg? I should think that, plus hemming just a bit off the length, would work?

This whole ordeal must be so frustrating!! I have no idea what happened to my dress - they did a size measurement as well as hollow-to-hem, and it''s just wacky all over! The salon assures me they can fix it, but I think it will need major work!

 

[LAJennifer]

Date: 6/24/2008 1:05:16 AM
Author: CrownJewel
calidaisy, now I want to see your shoes too! Where you girls find these crazy high heels? I thought 4'' was an accomplishment!

I got mine on Ebay. They were 5 inches with a platform (very comfortable and easy to walk in). They weren''t the cutest - but you couldn''t see my feet while wearing the dress. They were white satin with a cuff around the ankle.