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I may have downplayed my borderline psychotic behavior during the hunt for the Amsale Bali. Allow me to share. 
Gmail > Open Documents > Piglets Wedding Budget Spreadsheet *tap*tap*tap*. My restless fingers began typing away, reallocating funds to offset the pending purchase of the Amsale Bali. I was stoked. Saks was offering the dress at nearly 20% off. At the time, I convinced myself that this was a steal. We had until Saturday to make a decision (we, being Piglet and sista, since I’m incapable of making a decision on my own). Thursday passed… Friday… Saturday… (hmmm open spreadsheet)…
Sunday. No dress. Couldn’t do it. Damnit Pig! Weak sauce.
The Search: I weaned myself off of repeated searches/wanted postings on Craiglist, PartyPop, etc. and began perusing through the Hawaii Knottie bios. My heart dropped when I came across Mrs M’s bio. Not only was she wearing the Bali, but she was an East Coast bride that wed in Hawaii! What luck! Dismissing the notion that I would come across as a stalker, I emailed her asking if she’d be willing to sell her dress. To my utter disappointment, she had sold the dress months prior.
The search continued. Is this unhealthy by the way? A month or two later, again while lurking on the boards, another sighting of the dress. New girl, new hope! Ignoring the stalker perception once again, I reached out to Mrs D about the dress only to discover she purchased the dress from Mrs M. A twice worn dress?
The Decision: Did I really want to wear a dress that’s been worn twice? Surprisingly, this was somewhat of an easy decision. This was it. This was the dress and the price tag wouldn’t break the bank.
The Challenge: Would it fit? See picture above. This is the photo I sent to Mrs D to explicitly point out my measurements from my little boy chest to different areas at my waist. Looking at pictures, I was clearly bigger than Miss D who lives in California. I couldn’t purchase the dress with confidence without trying it on.
The Conquest: My VW bridesmaid and I had planned an extended weekend for a girl’s getaway in San Francisco. It just so happened the week we were leaving, I was asked to attend a meeting on behalf of Mr P… SCORE! This was my opportunity to fly to LA and try on the dress that Monday before heading back to work on Tuesday. The day was intense so everything was planned to a tee.
Mrs D and M were dolls throughout the process. The Amsale is tucked away for now. Fitting into the dress may be another obstacle to tackle in the coming months. So now I am the proud owner of this twice loved, well traveled dress. From DC to Hawaii to LA to Hawaii to VA back to Hawaii. Sissy Pig recently said, “if I’m skinny enough, I’ll wear it.” Fourth time’s the charm?
What hoops of fire did you jump through to purchase your dress?
Good grief. What are the odds that you would find the same dress twice? It was clearly meant for you!
Wow. This is a crazy (confusing!) sequence of events!
I think your dedication to finding the dress is awesome! Way to go!
I have a dress story. The road so far…
I wanted an ‘eco’ dress that was also budget and social conscience friendly. So I opted to shop at an organization which sells pre-loved dresses and donations from designers and bridal shops, and donates a cut to charity.
I found, and bought a dress (the 1st one I tried on). Hooray!
BUT - it was pre-loved, and needed a thorough cleaning. I was referred to a cleaner who (insert really long story here) wound up taking the dress to the manufacturer who subsequently swapped my pre-loved dress for a brand new dress. Imagine my surprise when I went to pick it up from the cleaner.
Not to sound ungrateful, but the brand new dress was unaltered and WAY too big. Wonderfully generous of the manufacturer and cleaner, but heading away from both budget and eco friendly.
The new dress is now back with the manufacturer, who could not swap it (again) for a dress in my size, but who generously found a closer size, and have offered to do the alterations for me (for some to be determined fee)
So, I’ve gone from perfect fitting dirty pre-loved dress, to currently, no dress.
WOW! Man, that dress is more well traveled than me!! But Yay for scoring your dream dress!!!
What a fantastic voyage the dress have gone through!! It is SOO meant to be since you found her twice!
WOW what luck! That dress is gorgeous!
I’m kinda in the middle of a maybe having to jump through hoops… but we’ll see 
hahaha i love this story!! Sounds like it could be a movie
I’m so glad you found your dress! Your search totally paid off.
This is so awesome! Seriously - we pay a lot (how much?!?!?) for a dress we’re going to wear for maybe a whole day. If that can be 3 days for 3 different gals, that’s awesome! I got my monique lhuillier once-used, but intend to sell it after my wedding. It’s a freaking designer gown!! Why can’t everyone wear a designer gown for their wedding day? Even if it’s been worn for like, 30 HOURS before hand??
Ohhh I know who knottie M is!! I loooooved her dress. So classy. I bet you got an unbelievable deal on it. I can’t wait to see it on you.
I’m impressed, those are some serious dress sleuthing skills you’ve got. Sounds like a CSI: the wedding dress episode.
Oh my GOSH! I know the dress you are talking about. She is a HI local board knottie and she also got married at Lanikuhonua!
=) This is the weddingbee version of Sisterhood of the traveling Bali-gown.
Wow … pseudo-stalking paid off…it is a
gorgeous dress and is also one of my top 3 dress choices!
That’s total kismet! Dress was totally destined to be yours.
What an awesome story! I’m so glad you got your dress
I love your writing, *tap,tap,tap*!
It’s totally fate for you to wear that dress! So happy for you
You’re teensy–how could a dress NOT fit you?! It sounds like it was meant to be–way to recycle! The only good thing about being a pudge is that I fit in nearly every sample dress. Right after I got engaged in Nov., I saw a Reem Acra sheath on CraigsList & knew it was “THE ONE.” Too bad it was in Austin; too bad it was a FREAKING SIZE 2! Well after A YEAR of “tap, tap, tap” into google, the dress came up on BridePower.com for 1/2 retail (a sample–perfect condition–never worn), but still no bargain! I figure I can re-sell it after the wedding–it is unusual looking & from ‘05, so rare. The original dress had a pleaty bottom & this one is strictly silk charmeuse w/ a train (apparently there were 2 different versions of the dress made, & the pleated is even more rare!). I have grown to love this dress. It’s such a good feeling to get your perfect dress–it makes the day!
That’s wonderful!
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Mrs. Piglet, Virginia/Oahu Age and Occupation: 28, Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Entrepreneur/Fashion Apparel Wholesale Importer Engagement Date: June 22, 2008 Wedding Date: August 2009 Venue: Ceremony at the Lanikuhonua Phase II private estate, reception at a historic hotel in Waikiki About Me: I'm an East Coast gal with intense road rage and an addiction to romantic comedies, fast food, gadgets, Korean BBQ, and my wiener dog George aka Georgia May. I carry mustard packets in my purse and I love perusing the aisles at discount stores. A self proclaimed shopaholic, I impulsively buy electronics, software, and craft tools; none of which I know how to use. I'm excited to dust these babies off and immerse myself in DIY projects galore in preparation for our DW in paradise!
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