Wedding Blog
I did a bad thing. I went to an antique clothing shop (Mill Crest Antique Clothing) and bought another option for a wedding dress. Considering the fact that I spent $36 on the first, I felt really guilty dishing out $400 on this second one. I’m not sure if I’ll go with it yet…I was hoping that you gals would help me decide. I am way too torn to pick. And speaking of torn, the “new” dress is vintage and far from perfect, but it also shows a lot more character and history, which I like. I can’t return the new dress that I got, but I can take it back and trade it in for something else, and judging by how cute all of the clothes were at the shop, I’d have no problem doing that!
So please, be honest with me and don’t hold back! These pictures are incredibly unflattering, but hopefully it’s enough to get some feedback and advice. I haven’t seen my first dress with the alterations yet since I just recently dropped it off to be altered. I know I’m supposed to know when I’m wearing the dress, but I am far too indecisive and made a pro’s/con’s list (Rory-style, for the fellow Gilmore geeks out there), and still can’t decide. Le sigh.
Anyway, it’s photo sharing time. (WARNING: There’s red eye galore, please don’t be frightened away!)
Dress #1 on the model
Dress #1 on me while I played with Betty White in bed (it was too large in the bust for me to stand while wearing it and I was lacking in the clothespin department)
Dress #1 on a slouchy Ms. Candy Corn
Dress #1 on me (a super washed out photo, sorry!). Pardon the lack of boobie support, I didn’t have a bustier and the only thing keeping the dress from falling was my arms firmly resting at my sides. Also pardon my insane bedhead (!!), I had just woken up and decided to play dress up without grooming myself.
Dress #2 allows for lots of jumping up and down without the corn muffins falling out.
Posing in dress #2 with my wedding clutch, which I shall post about soon, I promise!
I grabbed the first ribbon I could find in my closet to wear with it. I think if I went with this one I would definitely need some sort of sash or ribbon to break up the mid-section (in a lighter color).
Sash improvisation, yo.
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Share this post: I Have a Confession to Make…
Wear them both, they are GORGEOUS!!
You deserve an award for being a 2 dress bride but spending less than $500 total! I loved the first dress when you first posted about it, but that second dress is too adorable not to wear. If you like both, I think you should wear both!
I love love dress # 2… It is so wonderful! Great find!
hahah thank you! The whole unemployment thing made me feel SUPER guilty for spending money on another dress when I already had one, but I really couldn’t resist. The awesome ladies at the vintage clothing shop were too sweet and I knew it was a must have
Thanks for your comments, I heart feedback so you guys rock!!
Don’t feel bad; I bought a second dress _the day before my wedding_.
I voted for Dress #2 because you look so much more comfortable and happy in it in the pictures. I realize that is partly because it fits you already, but still…..
Also, though, I think it matters a lot which dress matches the formality of the venue and the event.
I love them both too! Two totally different styles and they display two different sides of beautiful you! I’m jealous you spent $500 and can rock two dresses on your special day! I say…Flaunt it
Yea Gilmore Girls! The first, in my opinion, is more “bridal” — but then again, that’s just based on how I define bridal! If you keep #2 and decide not to wed in it, you could make it your going away outfit, a honeymoon dress or even break it out and wear it on your first anniversary!
I voted for #2….. it seems to perfectly suit your personality (at least what I know of you from Weddingbee!). Although I think wearing both is definitely a great option too, if you’re willing to put the time and $$$ into getting two dresses altered/cleaned.
I totally agree with Magpie! I was going to say it would be a super cute going away outfit. Both look stunning and I can see why you want to include both.
@Miss Candy Corn: Call it an early birthday present. I’m all about rationalizing, especially if it’s in the name of bargain shopping. You have to spend money to save money…or something. But seriously, it’s too perfect for you not to wear.
Aaaw, but the first was only $36!!!! You were my idol!
Second dress is great too, wear both.
I voted for #1 but both dresses are awesome- oh, and I LOVE your bedhead! It’s awesome =D
I love them both too much and think you should be a two-dress bride. Even combined, they’re a BARGAIN! You are an amazing shopper Miss CC!
The first picture of you in the #2 dress, pulling the skirt out, is friggin’ adorable.
So cute.
Both are beautiful and I can’t wait to see the altered pics of dress #1. If you had to choose between the two- I’d pick Dress 2, but I think you should rock them both!
Yeah, don’t feel guilty at all! That dress is an awesome find for $40, regardless of when/where you wear it. I can never find good stuff like that out here in Chicago. It always goes so fast or is way overpriced.
Anyway, I think you should wear that as a reception dress. That way you can have your cake and eat it, too!
Thanks for the comments guys! I’m just trying to decide if I should just wear dress #2 for the entire wedding or if I should splurge and pay the extra amount for alterations so I can wear them both. Since the alterations haven’t been done yet, I have to decide if it’s worth it for me to spend several hundred dollars on the alterations or just go with #2. Keep in mind the magazine I work for just went under, so my budget isn’t really allowing for much stretching.
dear girl - wear dress #1!!!. Dress #2 looks like you can wear it anyday!
@Miss Candy Corn: I’m a replying fool so here I go again. Alterations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I got my dress altered by a tailor for $35. Shop around. It might not be as much as you are anticipating.
I really love both dresses, but the second one just seems to scream “you.” You just look like you’re beaming a little bit more in the second one. And if alterations on the first one are costing you several hundred dollars, definitely go with #2.
several hundred dollars on the alterations? wow. I’d just go with number 2 then!
Miss CC, I think you and I have similar taste, and I am loving both of your dresses right now. The first one is so simple and weddingy and ruffly, but the second one is the perfect tea-length and oh, the lace! You have to post a close-up of that lace!
Also, considering that you can’t return it and claim the money back (allocating the refund to other wedding expenses would have been a practical advice), I’d say keep it and go wear both.
Number Two is stunning! I feel like it has more personality too - the first dress is pretty and you’ll look great in it, but the second one really has the “WOW” factor.
Oh, I didn’t mean to sound like I’m slamming the alterations woman I go to, I was probably overestimating, but I’d assume it’d be around 200-300 for alterations since I needed to have it taken in so much and hemmed majorly since I’m so short. I could be totally off, but that’s why I just e-mailed her to ask and see what her estimate is so I can see if it’s worth it
I’m glad people are liking dress #2. I guess my greatest fear is that my relatives and friends will have the “that’s a wedding dress? it just looks like a normal tea dress” reaction and won’t think I’m “bridal” enough, but then again, I probably shouldn’t care so much about what people think and should just go with what makes me comfortable…and strapless just doesn’t make me feel like “me” as much as I had hoped it would.
I totally babble!
I vote # 2 - but you HAVE to wear a petticoat underneath it for some vintage oomph. Please, please please! 
NUMBER TWO. Adorable, unique, and it’s obvious you LOVE it. Sell the first one on the boards!
I think you’re trying to convince yourself…..
GO WITH NUMBER 2!
does that help? 
@Miss Shortcake:
I’m loving the petticoat idea! Since you’re my vintage inspirational bee, do you have any idea where I can go to get such a thing? I am absolutely clueless! Is there a petticoat website that one should know about? hehe.
#2 with a fun crinoline/petticoat underneath would be so vintage fun. If I found a short dress like this to rock, I would totally do it! Think of how adorable Mrs. Onion was with her short dress! Do it!
I went with option three - why not seeing as you have both dresses already!! They’re both so cute and different too!
Number two, oh how I love thee. As far as your last comment goes, on the day of you will have your man, your flowers, your dress, your glowing smile. Who can mistake you for anything but the bride?
People will think what they want. And you obviously feel giddy in Dress #2. I love it so much, I want it!
Oh, the 2nd dress is TOO CUTE! Indeed, you’ve spent under $500, and therefore are permitted, even encouraged, to be a 2 dress bride! Wear dress 1 for the ceremony, dress 2 for rocking out at the reception!!!
I LURVE #2, forget what your friends and family may think, as Cher (from Clueless) would say,”Carpe’ diem. OK, you looked hot in it.” Plus, you look so comfy in it, like it totally suits you
I also agree with Miss Shortcake, you should see if you can find a petticoat to give it that oomph! And that would also make it look for fancy.
you are so cute! i think you should keep both. you can be classic and bridal for the ceremony and flirty vintage for the reception. do it! think of all the shoe options you coul have…sigh
I looovveeee dress #2, If you have to choose; otherwise, be daring - wear both. Congrats on the finds!
Oh lord. NUMBER TWO! Number one is great too, but two is so interesting! I want number two!
Oy with the poodles already! I think you need to rock Dress 1 for ceremony and Dress 2 for party time! They are both gorgeous.
Number Two, most definitely. It looks gorgeous, and you look very comfortable and “you” in it.
I love, love, love the second dress! Love it!
I love this second dress. My wedding dress was similar - an early 50s vintage knee length lace number that I had some pretty major alterations on to get it just right. It was totally me and I adored it… still do! I wore a birdcage veil with mine. Don’t worry about the comments that you won’t look like a bride - you will! Wear what you feel is most your style (not what the bridal industry says you should) and you won’t regret it!
You seem happier and more comfortable in dress 2.
But they are both gorgeous and look wonderful on you, so you really can’t go wrong.
To be honest, I love love love #1 (seems more “bridal”), but I love you in #2 MORE b/c it is obvious you love the dress in your pictures and it is so DARLING on you!
I think the entire #2 ensemble will look fabulous - vintage dress, clutch, shoes, jewelry, hair accessories…it will look so personal and unique!
I love the second one. I’m a big fan of short dresses, and will probably get one for myself. The first one is pretty, but lacks the detail of the second. I second Miss Shortcake’s idea-a petticoat is a must if you do choose to go with #2.
your clutch! it’s from rowena! i know this because that clutch is made from the fabric that she originally picked out for a custom clutch for my best friend/MOH as a bday present for me. i decided against the fabric - it was darker than i wanted - but i still love it! and i’m so happy that you ended up with it!!!! so exciting!!! also - my vote is 100% for #2. you look stunning in it.
I voted for the changing dress thing, but my heart is really with dress number 2. It’s adorable. And unique for a short dress. i love all the detail.
Miss CC:
I returned to your original dress post, and was wondering if the BM dress pictured (Priscilla, I think?) is what your ladies are wearing. If so, my only concern with your dress #2 is theirs may look more formal. Any way to dress up the vintage dressy-dress?
Soooo, alterations would be $225.00 for dress #1, and I just can’t see the point in splurging for alterations when I could just wear dress #2 for the whole shabang. Thoughts? I know you guys think that’s a steep price for alterations, but I wanted to go with someone I could trust who has great reviews, and with the amount of work that I needed, it’s a pretty standard price. I think I just decided for myself…dress #2 it is! Eeeee
I’m thinking I can dress it up with a really cool sash and with a hair piece (from twigs & honey) and super cute shoes. I have a brooch that I wanted to wear as well, that might go perfectly with the second choice. Plus with a petticoat I think it will bring out the formality a bit
@jennyt:
Good eye! Rowena is the best! She really impressed me with how customized she was willing to take the clutch and how “me” it is She’s awesome indeed!
i love dress #2, and it looks soo great on you, although I may reconsider after the first dress.
My only ‘concern’ would be how formal is your ceremony/reception? The second dress seems more casual, so if the event will be more formal you should probably wear both dresses.
It could be just the bustier/arms-at-sides situation, but you seem so much happier and more comfortable in #2!
@Maureen:
Although the location is quite formal (in the rotunda of a museum of archaeology), the groomsmen will be wearing Converse shoes and brown tuxes and the bridesmaids will be wearing short navy & brown dresses from Priscilla of Boston. The ceremony will be quite quirky with humor inserted in it a lot, and the reception will be a lot more casual, with jones soda for toasts and a photobooth for loads of fun. Just wanted to give you an idea of what we’re doing
Hands down dress number two for the following reasons:
- It looks like it suits you more
- You look way more comfortable in it
- The neck line is much more flattering on you
Great find!!!!!
Since I don’t KNOW you other than your fun details that you are planning for your wedding and your writing style, I can’t pick which dress is more YOU. HOWEVER… as a lover of the throwback, I ADORE the second dress on you. I wouldn’t go with a dark sash, because it looks more casual with it, but the light one looks cute. I think the first was very traditional- almost modern.
I voted for the rockstar, though. Hey, it’s your day. You could totally pull off both dresses!
Miss CC - It looks like Amazon has petticoats for pretty cheap
http://www.amazon.com/Poodle-Crinoline-Petticoat-Wedding-108DSPW/dp/B000J48MYS/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1215462642&sr=1-22#moreAboutThisProduct
To be honest, I like them both! I think it would be great to wear #1 for the wedding and #2 for the reception. However with the alterations price tag, it’s a hard choice. No matter what you choose, you will like great!
I am completely crazy about dress #2. It looks beautiful on you, you look beautiful in it. I am COMPLETELY crazy about it.
I think #2 wants to be on a bride. I think it is a fantastic wedding dress and it totally seems to fit your personality and now that I can picture the wedding party/groom from your description I think #2 will fit in with the overall feel so wonderfully. Congrats on the awesome find!
you HAVE to do number 2. it’s beautiful, and you look so happy (and it’s cheaper!).
You look more comfortable in the second dress! I know you’re trying to hold the dress up in the first one which is why you look stiff, but still… I say either wear both, or go for #2!
@AliCherri1:
Ooo thanks for the link! I just found one on there and purchased it for under $35, which is a lot less than I had imagined a petticoat would cost
@RachelD:
Aw thank you!!
Wow, what amazing deals you got! You look great in both dresses Miss CC so I say be a rockstar and wear both on your special day. But before you make a final decision, see how dress #1 looks post-alterations because if you don’t feel like it’s “the one” you always still have the fabulous dress #2.
p.s. LOVE your multiple-strand pearl necklace–it looks beautiful with your dress
ME OH MY! I LOVE!!!! the 2nd dress- it’s so vintage glam!! I think it suits you perfectly- there is no option- you must wear that dress, even if it means doing a costume change!!
The first dress is definitely pretty and more “bridal,” but I adore the 2nd dress b/c it’s so cute!! But I voted to wear #1 for the ceremony and #2 for the reception (and any day after that! lol)
Wear the second one, no question! Picture it with a simple string of pearls, a long satin sash dangling down the back of the dress and a short veil….shoulder length or a blusher? AND you get to wear rocking shoes! It’s worth every penny. Sell the other one and use the money for a great colored petticoat. It looks lovely and totally you!
Candy Corn, just a thought…. if you were to take dress #1 somewhere for alterations without saying it’s specifically a wedding dress (because it could definitely also pass as a formal white dress), I think you would find that alterations would cost MUCH less. I think you’re planning to go with Nilah, but just for fun, go to some dry cleaner-type places that have in-house seamstresses and see what they say. I know of a good one in Drexel Hill that you could try. If it’s under $100, you can reconsider being a 2-dress bride. And if anything happens to the dress in the process (although I doubt it would), you’re already set on dress #2 anyway
Just to throw in one more reason to love dress number two- you will not have to worry about your breasts all day. No worrying about them popping out dancing, no worrying about inappropriate cleavage when you hug grandparents, the ability to wear totally supportive undergarments.
Rock out in number two- you look great, and very bridal in a very you way.
they are both too too gorgeous!!!!!! wear both!!! The first dress looks like it is just dying to walk down the aisle, but the second one really wants to dance!!! The lace at the neck and shoulders is amazing!! wear both!!!!!! where did you find that beautiful new (actually old) dress??
Dress #2 rocks my world! (And it appears to rock yours as well!)
I think two is it, but your heart will tell you what is right.
OMG, I was checking out that same clutch!
My pick is #2 as well, and try to sell the other one on craigslist. I’m sure you can get your $36 back.
Can you wear the short one to the rehearsal dinner?
[...] you have probably guessed, I’ve decided to wear dress #2 (the vintage dress), since I couldn’t justify spending the money on alterations for my first dress and I’m a lot [...]
[...] of your body that EVERYONE will see on your wedding day (well, most brides anyway; the trend for adorable short wedding dresses is definitely growing and I guess those fashionable gals would have their [...]
I voted for both! I see that the alterations are gonna be insane though. If you’re selling the first dress…I WILL GLADLY BUY IT! They both look adorable on you. I love the 2nd one with the lighter sash and your accessories.
[...] I have a Confession to Make by Miss Candy Corn [...]
[...] gorgeous dress! (It’s vintage in case you hadn’t figured that one out, clicky here for more) .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; [...]
craptastic, i suuuuuuuper heart your $400-splurge and want it! Great find for you, now I’ll forever be dreaming about it But man, if you’re going to have a dilemma, that’s a good one Good luck! (PS: my super vote is to wear whichever one you feel the *most* fabulous in. Whether that’s both (you could always reverse the long for @ the reception + the short for @ the ceremony, too!, though i guess you’d spend waaay more time in whichever dress you’re wearing at your reception :D… but anyway, yea for you, fabulous choices, both!)
oops, i’m so silly, i’m new to weddingbee & i saw this pic/post from rocknrollbride — i’ll look through the archives & see what you picked, hee
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Mrs. Candy Corn, Philadelphia
Age and Occupation: 24, Senior Editor/Writer & Freelance Illustrator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Inventory Manager for a Music Publisher
Engagement Date: September 1, 2004
Wedding Date: October, 2008
Blogging Since: May 6, 2008
Venue: Pennsylvania Museum of Archaelogy and Anthropology
About Me: I enjoy people watching (especially in New Jersey malls), obsessive collecting, drooling over contemporary art, browsing flea markets for vintage finds and eating an absurd amount of cheese. In my Philadelphia abode, I create mixed media artwork and one-of-a-kind home accessories in the company of my farmer-tanned husband, our Westiepoo (Betty White), our three rabbits (Cadbury, Willie Nelson and Applesauce) and our two frisky chinchillas (Ethel Funk and Maude).
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