Wedding Mori Lee dresses? Customisation options?

[Delster]

On a complete whim, my darling Mammy and I went dress shopping this week. This was purely for fun, so no big decisions being made as yet. However, it did throw up some problems, as my taste is in serious discord with what is currently in vogue in Ireland!

I tried on two Mori Lee dresses that I absolutely loved. The first one is pretty much my dress dress. I couldn''t find anything about this dress to fault. But, and there''s always a but, it had some fit issues. For starters, the bodice section was incredibly skimpy and it was waaaaay too boobilicious for my liking. Poor dress couldn''t contain me. Then, my long torso, which I had been praying wouldn''t plague my wedding dress hunt the way it plagues all of my ''pretty dress'' hunts, made its presence felt. The dress had shaping for the waist and bum, and basically where the dress thought my bum should be was where my waist was, and my bum was in the bit intended for the thighs. So there was a pooch above my bum. A pooch where the average bum is. Showing how much lower my bum is than the average bum!!! Oh the joys!!!

So I asked the assistant if it would be possible to specially order the dress with a more ample bosom section, and a longer torso, and I was told in no uncertain terms not to be such a diva and that I''d get what was on offer and I''d be happy with it. Sadly, this is par for the course customer service in Ireland. I was told the same thing in a very swanky jewellery store when we were looking at rings. So basically I don''t have much hope of receiving a warmer response in another store.

Here is a link to dress # 1: http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php?productid=29962&cat=445&page=1

The problem with the second dress is much more straightforward to explain. Again, the dress is gorgeous, not what I had thought of but absolutely beautiful on and I felt fabulous in it. From the front. The dress has a corset back, which eliminates the bum pooch issue, but I just don''t like the style. I think it''s a love it or hate it thing, and I just can''t imagine wearing a dress with corset lacing in the back. No offence intended to anyone who loves that style, it''s just me is all!

I asked the assistant if that dress could come in a laced up or buttoned up back and was again told to get over it.

Here is a link to dress # 2: http://www.confetti.co.uk/fashionbeauty/fashion_search/dress_search/dressdetails.asp?id=4999

Sorry I haven''t got any images, I can''t resize them small enough to upload without making them miniscule.



So my question is, is there any chance of a warmer reception to these questions if I go through a US bridal store? Does anyone have any experience of asking for custom alterations on a Mori Lee gown?

By the way, just because this is so shocking, these dresses are €1200 here. That''s $1700. The first one is $550 at House of Brides.

 

[vintagelover229]

I personally would try to have it done in the US. If the price is that huge of a difference, you might consider flying over here! The lady was wrong...you might not be able to order it a certain way, but a good seamstress can make magic. Even if you have to order it in a larger size to get the "bum" and "torso" length you need. As for the boobage...that can be taken care of as well. You can add a little jacket, or have the seamstress make it a halter, or add a lace neckline, etc. You just have to find a magical seamstress and POOF! Dream dress! Also, you can probably order the extra faberic from the maker and then you have an exact match! BTW I love the 1st dress!

 

[Delster]

Thanks redrose!

Sadly the cost of the flights alone would eat up the difference in the price, but it''s definitely worth considering anyway!

Gosh looking back at that post, it''s full of typos. Dress # 1 is my "dream dress" not my "dress dress"!!! And I asked if dress # 2 could come with a zipped or buttoned back, not a laced or buttoned back. I don''t like the lacing. Silly me.

Anyway, how dress # 1 is constructed I don''t know that much can be done to alter it so it would fit me better. On the bust, the dress has vertical shirred tulle with beaded seams above and below the bust line. Only the beaded seam on the top sits just barely above the decency line (can I spell this out any more without getting lewd?

) on me. I think adding fabric above that seam would disrupt the design? And a halter wouldn''t add any coverage?

On the bum pooch issue, do larger sizes come with a longer torso by default (I didn''t think so?)? And I think a dress with that much lace and beading would be difficult to alter?

For reference, I am 5''6" with a 28" inseam. My arms are 20" long. Yes, I am a freak. You may all point and laugh but if you do come over there and wave my freakishly long arms and short legs at you

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so I just called a bridal store here that carries Mori Lee. Mori Lee is not good about changing things about their gowns at all, and the shop said unfortunately, short of a good seamstress and a dress a couple sizes to big ($$$ in alterations costs, no guarantees) they don't have a suggestion for the first gown. I asked them about making the back of number two a button down, and they will call me back for you tomorrow on that, as they did not know. They will call Mori Lee (who is closede right now as they are in Florida) about that gown and get back to me, I'll update this post for you.

Jasmine bridal and casablanca are good designers for changes according to them, so if you can get either of those lines out there, try them. If you want other line suggestions for changes, I can call around to a few different stores in the area and see what they say. Good luck honey!

 

[Delster]

OMG! Gypsy! You are an angel! Thank you thank you thank you!

I'll look up Jasmine and Casablanca, see if those are stocked over here.

Sadly customer service over here is rather lacking. They told me the only alterations that are possible is taking in on the bust, and hemming. Other than that I could just lump it. Obviously I know that's rubbish but way to make a girl feel good about herself

 

[Gypsy]

Here are a few suggestions:

http://www.casablancabridal.com/Images/1890F_LL.jpg (I suspect you might want something with a lighter fabric that flows though).

http://www.jasminebridal.com/html/en/web1_collection_1_c.asp?id=2006 You could do something with the ribbon tails if you don't like them.

http://www.jasminebridal.com/html/en/web1_collection_1_a.asp?id=2019

http://www.jasminebridal.com/html/en/web1_collection_2_a.asp?id=1886

http://www.jasminebridal.com/html/en/web1_collection_2_a.asp?id=1893

http://www.jasminebridal.com/html/en/web1_couture_2_a.asp?id=1869 (this one's skirt is lighter, reminds me of dream dress)


Jasmine has a few Ireland locations (I have no idea where you are though) and Casablanca had a tag that said "Northern Ireland" but I couldn't get it to work for me, sorry.

Glad to help.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 9/2/2008 6:31:25 PM
Author: Delster

Sadly customer service over here is rather lacking. They told me the only alterations that are possible is taking in on the bust, and hemming. Other than that I could just lump it. Obviously I know that's rubbish but way to make a girl feel good about herself

It happens here too, but usually not for bridal. Too much competition so they smooze you to death instead. Still, clearly preferrable to the alternative of being told to take a hike!


Okay, so Casablanca will make any ANY change you want, and takes custom measurements on their gowns. Just had that independantly verified.

 

[bee*]

That first dress you posted is absolutely fabulous Delster. I hear you on the customer service thing. I''m going to try on my dresses over here and order it from the US as even with customs charges, it''s still much better value. I can''t wait to see what dress you buy in the end!

 

[hazel_eyes]

Hi Delster. congratulations on your engagement!
Ok, I have to tell you that I have that exact same problem with the long torso. I found Benjamin Roberts/Anjolique dresses fit me fine, and also Pronovias. You should try on a couple of those brands to get a feel for size etc. You can still order them from the US. I''m getting mine from http://www.leephilipbridals.com/

Good luck! Look forward to seeing what you choose.
I''m getting the Pronovias ''Diamante''. I

it. Had a hard time choosing between that and the Benjamin Roberts 930 though....it was a tough call

 

[Delster]

Gypsy I really can't thank you enough. You are an angel. I can't believe the trouble you went to to find answers for me!

I absolutely love that last dress you posted, it's absolutely on the right track!

On the other hand, I also love something like the Casablanca 1831. I haven't been able to try on anything like that yet because all the store had in that kind of fabric was strapless dresses with a lot of diamanté and beading all over. I've found another store that promises me they have lots of plain dresses so I'm going to pop in there tomorrow and see if I like that style. The A-line or princess shape would remove the bum pooch difficulty, and maybe if the dress is more to my taste (just plain fabric, minimal embellishment) I won't feel so 'meh' about it. There was no magic in the first store when I tried on those shapes, even though the assistant and my Mum ooohed and aaahed over the shape on me.

bee I have the same plan! I'm going to try on some dresses in the States at Christmas but I won't be buying until early next year so I have lots of time yet. The problem though, is that so far the dresses I love just don't accommodate my non-standard torso, and the manufacturer won't custom make them. So I have to find a dress that incorporates all of the elements of the Mori Lee dresses that I love (vertical shirred tulle on the bust, beaded lace under a tulle overlay, and if possible, ruffles peeking out from under the tulle at the hem), but made by someone who will custom order. I think it's a bit of a big ask

hazel eyes I think the Pronovias Diamanté is definitely on the 'I'd like to try one like this please' list! I remember it from when you posted it before

ETA - I wonder would I have any more luck with this one? Should eliminate the skimpy bust problem, but I'd probably still have the bum pooch issue

Oh, but it's sooooo gorgeous though!

http://www.morilee.com/DressDetail.aspx?C=1&D=2215&P=1

 

[bee*]

That''s a gorgeous dress-the train is just so beautiful! I''m hankering after the benjamin roberts 930-I can''t wait to try it on.

 

[Delster]

I know, I'm in love with it! And I wonder, if pulling it down so the butt bit is where my butt is (i.e. two inches lower than everyone else's!

) makes the bust skimpy, could I add a ruffle along the top for coverage, matching the wee ruffle at the hem? Hmmmmm....

I'm going to print that one off along with the Casablanca 1831 and ask the store tomorrow to show me something like those, and then a few I'd never go near by myself but that they think would look good. Got to be open to suggestions here. And then I'll try to find out for Christmas if any of the stores in Orlando might have that particular Mori Lee in stock, so I can know for sure what the fit would be like.

Off now to look up the Benjamin Roberts 930...

ETA - ooh I found it! So dramatic! Wow!!!

 

[bee*]

I love that idea of adding a ruffle to the top of it. It would look amazing!!
I still haven't gone dress shopping yet-I'm going to wait until next month. That dress totally isn't what I imagined myself liking but every time I see it, my stomach jumps a little.

Oops I think I'm being called to go fishing with D-talk to you later! Better wake Amber up!

ETA-did you go venue hunting yet?

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Sophia Tolli is availiable in the uk

http://www.sophiatolli.co.uk/Spring2008/pages/Y1835.htm

I just love her (and of course my tolli)!

 

[Delster]

Ooooh that is so pretty iwannaprettyone! And of course you should be biaised - your dress is a knock-out!

OK, bee, yooohooo!

You''ve got to go and try on the Anjolique / Benjamin Roberts 930. Ask me how I know

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Date: 9/4/2008 8:48:17 AM
Author: Delster
Ooooh that is so pretty iwannaprettyone! And of course you should be biaised - your dress is a knock-out!

OK, bee, yooohooo!

You''ve got to go and try on the Anjolique / Benjamin Roberts 930. Ask me how I know

I saw it and it reminded me of your "dream dress".

Thanks for the compliment!

 

[Gypsy]

Delster, they didn''t call me back yesterday. I will call them today.

 

[bee*]

Date: 9/4/2008 8:48:17 AM
Author: Delster


OK, bee, yooohooo!

You''ve got to go and try on the Anjolique / Benjamin Roberts 930. Ask me how I know

how, how???

 

[dreaming of the day]

I love the first dress you linked too, bery pretty! However, I think Gypsy had a couple of great finds that are very similar. From the ones Gypsy posted I like the second one and the last one.

 

[Delster]

Gypsy, thank you so much, you're an angel!

dreaming of the day I love that last one too!

bee I'm sure you've guessed already but I got to try it on

Oh my God. It blew every other dress so far completely out of the water. The fit. The fabric. The details!!! The silk is so luxurious, the beading is so subtle and elegant, the fit is amazing. The buttons down the back have wee loops to pull them flat against the fabric so the zip won't be visible - the faux buttons thing with a visible zip had been bugging the Mammy - and this was the first dress with buttons that we'd seen that had that. That sort of attention to detail just wasn't there in anything else we'd looked at so far. But the best thing about it is the fabric. You can tell the second you put it on that it's real silk. The difference is amazing. I never thought I'd go for that style or shape but oh wow when it was on I felt amazing. The ivory is a lovely soft gentle shade too, gentle on the Irish complexion!

Go, try it on! Go!!!!

OK so for me now the plan is to check one other Mori Lee stockist in Ireland and see if they have any of those gorgeous lace dresses in stock, and if they do I'll try them on. Otherwise I'll wait until I'm in the States at Christmas. But for the moment, the Anjolique / Benjamin Roberts 930 is winning the race. I dreamt about it all night!

I'm so surprised by how much I liked it!

 

[hazel_eyes]

Lucky you going to the states at Christmas Delster.

The Benjamin Roberts dress is divine, I must agree. Everything about it screams quality and the inner corset in those dresses does wonders for the figure. The good thing also is that the order the top part of the dress according to your cup size, which is handy.
My mum wanted me to get that dress but I stuck to my guns and got the Pronovias.
Waiting for it to arrive now in October hopefully.

 

[bee*]

Woohoo Delster-you''ve made me so happy describing the dress like that! I am absolutely dying to go and try it on. We can be dress twins

That''s great to know about the cup size Hazel-I remember you were torn between the 930 and the pronovias! Dying to see photos of your dress when it comes in.

 

[lbell12]

hazel_eyes,
I am also planning to order the Pronovias Diamante and am considering going through lee philip bridals. Would you let me know how your experience is with them? I am just a little nervous about ordering online. Thanks.

 

[mimzy]

three cheers for anjolique/BR 930!!!!

 

[angielea]

I Just wanted to chime in and say that the pronovias diamante is forgiving for a longer torso (I''m 5'' 10" tall, and there are zero issues)
I highly suggest you try it on! Then again, I am biased.