Dress for Success

December 3rd, 2008 @ 10:57 am by Miss Snapdragon

As stated before… I was DREADING bridal gown shopping. I hate to shop; I can never find cocktail dresses that I like/flatter my body - the reasons to be annoyed go on and on… I had to psyche myself up to start looking for a wedding dress, hence why I am really riding the “deadline” to order a dress.

[Small sidebar - The Knot’s timeline checklist is super-stressful!! I am perpetually 50 checks behind!]

I had also prepared myself to go alone, since my family lives in Texas and Boston, and I felt guilty about asking anyone to take time out to go with me! I got over that bridal guilt real quick, and I was extremely lucky to have *Snappymom, Snappy-T, Dragonmom, and Dragonsister accompany me. Snappymom very kindly flew up from Texas, so that I was not struggling alone!

I made appointments at three boutiques, and my mission was to figure out what styles: A) flatter my bod, and B) feel like ME. Let’s get started!

This dress was unusual and age-appropriate, which I liked, but SO unforgiving! I’d have to lose about 15 pounds and become super-buff, which I am working on… but let’s not go crazy.

I liked the fabric on this one a lot, but it just didn’t feel right. Super-fun to wear though, and really light.

I wanted to try something with sleeves, so I took this one for a spin. The sleeves kept falling off! I know alterations are helpful, but…. you can see the back is open, and there is only so much alterations can do.

This dress made me feel like a rock star! Big, poofy fit-and-flare, and that fun gun metal fabric again. However, my, um, assets, are on full display - so it wasn’t going to work. This IS when I discovered that I love the full-length veil, so it wasn’t a total loss!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this one! Just look at the train! Yummy scrunchiness. This dress was (cough) roughly three times my budget, so it had to go back, too. I console myself with the fact that this dress was way too boobilicious, as well. (Thank God! If it had been absolutely perfect… we might have had issues!)

I had been interested in the Melissa Sweet Lia dress, and when I saw this look alike on the rack, I had to test it out. Once I tried it on, I knew I would adore it… if I were a cake topper. No moving, jumping, dancing, or sitting if I went with this selection. SO this hot little number went right back on the rack.

This was an entourage favorite, and the one halter that didn’t make me feel overexposed. This is the type of dress I had always thought I wanted but after I actually put it on… meh.

I liked this one a lot, and the price was outstanding (!) However, I felt like I would want to wear this to a beach wedding, and our partay is shaping up to be a bit more formal, so I nixed this one, too.

This one was super-cute on, but really heavy. I am trying to select a dress that is at least somewhat comfy in addition to being perty. In the end, this one just didn’t feel “right”.

Okay, EVERYONE loved this one! I stepped up on the pedestal, and all of the sudden there was crying. My reaction was something like, “What the???” I also really liked how this dress totally flattered my figure, but I kept getting hung up on the neckline. I kept saying, “I *think* I like the neckline…” which is a signal to step away from the dress!!!!

SO, I did not end up choosing any of the dresses I tried on my first day, but - and this is a very big BUT - I learned so much about what I liked/didn’t like. I learned that I didn’t like traditional dresses as much as I thought I would, and my body does well with structured dresses. Also, NO HALTERS!

For those of you yet to embark on your own wedding gown journey, here are a few tips that helped me:

Wear your hair up (if you think you might employ an updo for the big day).
Wear a button-down shirt so your hair doesn’t get all crazy from the constant changing of clothes.
This is a no-brainer, but wear granny panties. (Nobody wants to see TOO much booty!)
Wear a strapless bra (even if you have no plans to wear a strapless dress - you might change your mind midday)!
Wear slip-on shoes.
Be open to trying on anything, and for sure try on the one style you think you will NEVER wear. You might be surprised at the results.
Bring snacks and water.
Bring a camera. I have immediate amnesia and need a reminder as to what I looked like!

What dress-shopping tips would YOU like to share with the hive?

*Moniker Legend: Snappymom=mi madre, Snappy-T=one of my good friends who is a bridesmaid, Dragonmom and Dragonsister=Mr. Snappy’s family (He has requested that I refer to him as Mr. Dragon instead of Mr. Snappy, as apparently his former alias is not masculine enough - what a DIVA!)

Tags: wedding-dress |

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28 Responses to “Dress for Success”

Member

Habibi (message) 571 posts, Busy bee

I understand why you don’t like the Lia look alike since you can’t move in it but I wanted to comment to tell you that the structure of the dress (the bodice down to the start of the skirt) looks fantastic on you. You are absolutely right that structured dresses flatter you. I can’t wait to see what you pick out!

12/3/08 @ 11:09 am (reply)

Guest

Vicki

Love your tips! but wanted to add another one.. Wear or bring some shoes with a heal or you will spend all day on your tippy toes.

Also Bring pictures of things you don’t like about dresses… these are just as important as the pictures you are clutching of dresses you “love” and show them to whoevers helping you so you don’t end up wasting anyones time.

12/3/08 @ 11:11 am (reply)

Guest

Katie

I totally laughed at ‘Dragonmom’, assuming it was FMIL before I read the footnote. I LOVE the last dress!! I know how hard it is to choose. Both of my sisters tried on tons before finding The One

12/3/08 @ 11:13 am (reply)

Guest

angela

I think style #2 looks awesome on you!!! I dont really have any tips, I just wanted to pass that along!

12/3/08 @ 11:13 am (reply)

Guest

Mia

I love that all the dresses were so unique! Your waiste in Lia, so tiny!!

12/3/08 @ 11:15 am (reply)

Guest

Kristen

Who designed the 4th dress? It looks amazing on you!

12/3/08 @ 11:18 am (reply)

Hostess

Mrs. DG (message) 4,227 posts, Honey bee

The asymmetrical rusching on the last dress is a winner. I can’t wait to see you in you-know-who! I think its great that you tried on a little bit of everything…

12/3/08 @ 11:22 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Taffy (message) 2,598 posts, Sugar bee

You tried on some super cute dresses! I love the cake topper dress on you, but agree that it would be hard to get around!

12/3/08 @ 11:27 am (reply)

Bee

frenchbulldog (message) 6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

Mr. Dragon (Snappy) cracks me up! But I love that your side is Snappy and his is Dragon - SO CUTE!
I love the last dress, but I see what you mean about the neckline, I’d be iffy about it too.

12/3/08 @ 11:31 am (reply)

10.

Bee

Mrs. Avocado (message) 1,407 posts, Bumble bee

Oh man, Mr. Avo is going to be so mad that I didn’t choose Snapdragon once he learns that he could have been Mr. DRAGON. Dang, that is so right up his alley. I love love love photos of dress shopping.

12/3/08 @ 12:05 pm (reply)

11.

Guest

Diana

The Lia dress and the 2nd to last dress look the best…but overall very beautiful

12/3/08 @ 12:19 pm (reply)

12.

Guest

leslie

I love the last dress but I’m iffy on the neckline too… also the one you described as “heavy” looks really good on you too!! You’re getting close

12/3/08 @ 12:21 pm (reply)

13.

Guest

lou

Thanks for the pics! Always fun to see people’s dress journeys.

I’m trying to work out where you went … I’m guessing 1) is Nicole Miller, 2) is definitely White Chicago, but I have no idea on 3).

Good tips as well … I agree about the hair up (or at least take a hair band with you) … I wasn’t decided whether to have hair up or down, but it makes such a difference to how you view the dress. There were a few strapless dresses that looked ok with my hair down, but as soon as I put it up, I knew - nope, too much shoulders!

As for the tip about bringing heels … most of the salons I went to gave me shoes to wear, so that wasn’t really an issue for me.

12/3/08 @ 12:26 pm (reply)

14.

Bee

Miss Snapdragon (message) 438 posts, Helper bee

@lou: Great guesses! #3 was Vegas to Venice, mentioned also by Miss Taffy and Mrs. Peacock. She really has a great shop!
@Habibi: I KNOW - I really, really liked the Lia lookalike. I wish the “trumpet” started nearer to my hip instead of my knee… it would have made it so much easier to move around in.
@Kristen: The 4th one is a Nicole Miller!
@lou: Yes, it was really strage how exposed I felt in some of the strapless numbers with my hair up - it made a big difference in the overall look.

12/3/08 @ 12:54 pm (reply)

15.

Guest

Kate

Snappy~ Who are #1 and #3 by? I love them both and they would be perfect if I decide not to get my dream Daphne made. Also, I am in LOVE with the VW in #5 as well and I want it so bad! If I could find one used in my size I would snap it up!

12/3/08 @ 1:06 pm (reply)

16.

Guest

markyK

Who makes the Lia lookalike? I love it! Looks great on you too!

12/3/08 @ 1:08 pm (reply)

17.

Guest

Kristin

Hi Snappy-

For the Nicole Miller dress in #2 - was that up in the bridal section or downstairs? I desperately wanted one of her metallic crinkle dresses, but when I went they only had blue, brown and a really pretty gold one - but it had a pink border at the bottom. Just curious…I LOVE IT!

Also, when did you go? We went during the Old Town Art Fair this summer & they definitely didn’t have that one. Thanks!!

12/3/08 @ 1:16 pm (reply)

18.

Bee

Miss Snapdragon (message) 438 posts, Helper bee

@Kate: Dresses 1 and 3 were both Nicole Miller (ALL her dresses were really light and comfy.) That Vera Wang was almost the death of me. Thank goodness it was too “booby” on me. It probably works better on women with smaller busts. I tried it on used… and the cost was still too high for me - I do wonder what it costs retail! That train and the fabric are just amazing.
@markyK: I don’t know! I checked the tag but couldn’t decipher it… It really looks just like the Lia, which makes me wonder if it’s the real thing.

12/3/08 @ 1:17 pm (reply)

19.

Bee

Miss Meatball (message) 613 posts, Busy bee

I looooove the sleevey-strappy things on that first dress! And the gunmetal rockstar dress is simply divine. You’re quite photogenic, madam! I can’t wait to see the final product!

12/3/08 @ 2:10 pm (reply)

20.

Bee

Miss Powder Puff (message) 834 posts, Busy bee

Wow, you tried on quite a few dresses my friend! And you never cease to crack me up, because I felt guilty asking people to dress shop with me too!!!

I love the dress you chose. So completely elegant and gorgeous!

12/3/08 @ 2:22 pm (reply)

21.

Bee

Miss Powder Puff (message) 834 posts, Busy bee

Oops, you haven’t revealed it yet! LOL!!! I shouldn’t comment before I finish reading the post. BAD Powder Puff!

12/3/08 @ 2:28 pm (reply)

22.

Bee

Miss Hot Cocoa (message) 1,715 posts, Bumble bee

I love the third one!!! It’s perfect for a vintage Hollywood wedding. You look beautiful in all of them.

12/3/08 @ 2:50 pm (reply)

23.

Bee

Miss Snapdragon (message) 438 posts, Helper bee

@Miss Powder Puff: Ha, the funny thing is that I am totally still thinking about it! I THOUGHT I knew which one I wanted, but a good night’s sleep set me all aflutter with indecision. I’ll reveal as soon as I am dead set on it!

12/3/08 @ 3:04 pm (reply)

24.

Guest

Lisa

Love all of the pictures! Can’t wait to see what you ultimately decided on!

12/3/08 @ 3:13 pm (reply)

25.

Guest

sara

the third one is my fave, it’s so flattering on you and you look sooo glamorous!

12/3/08 @ 5:40 pm (reply)

26.

Guest

LeighAnn

I am so amazed. You tried on almost every single dress I did when I went dress shopping!
Isn’t the back on the first one ADORABLE?
And the whole crying ordeal, same happened to me too, I was so mad! Hahaha, my mom started getting misty when I was in the boringest dress.
Good luck with your shopping!
P.S. Other Nicole Millers you may like- I loved: IM0002
and CM0023.
Good luck! I can’t wait to see which one you pick.

12/3/08 @ 6:03 pm (reply)

27.

Guest

Katherine

Who made dress #8? Thos one that you would wear to a beach wedding? I *love* that one!

12/5/08 @ 2:07 pm (reply)

28.

Guest

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