Wedding Blog
It’s been a total of eight months since I’ve seen Julianna. That’s the name of my Christos gown. Today, she arrived with an unexpected (and not entirely welcome) surprise.
Me Getting Ready to Be Reunited with Julianna (who also happened to be on this mannequin)
I made the trip to Saks this morning with my mom for my first fitting. While my wedding isn’t for another four months, I had to take advantage of my time home in Los Angeles to have my alterations done at Saks as I might not make it back to California before October. New Mexico doesn’t have a Saks and, when I bought my dress, I got a $450 gift card for free alterations so I opted to have them done there. That means all of my alterations have to be completed in one week. Once they are finished, the dress will be sent to the Saks in Denver where I’ll pick it up a few days before the wedding. I’ll never have to stress about stuffing it into an airplane cabin, nor will I have to drive more than two hours with it. The trade off? I have to make some major decisions in very little time.
MR. COWBOY BOOT. This is your cue… exit. Muchas gracias.
Julianna as she fit out of the box–a little loose on top and long on bottom
Trying to show off my shoes
The cap sleeves that came with the dress arrived detached which was fine with me as I don’t prefer them, and I immediately tucked in the spaghetti straps that come attached to make it strapless.
Strapless version
As my fitter, Jean, entered the room she said this to me: “This dress cannot be done strapless.”
“What?!” I replied, “That was the whole reason I bought it. The saleswoman said it would be no problem.”
But Jean pointed out how the straps come down to points on the back–without the strap, it looks like something is missing. I took a peep and, as much as I didn’t want to admit it, I agreed. I asked her if she could just tuck the pointed areas in and re-sew it to be straight across the back. Apparently, because it has a sleeve-cut under the arm and not a straight cut (as strapless dresses are meant to), “people who know couture will notice,” Jean said. Plus, the straps will make it more comfortable for dancing.
The right picture shows the points on the back (where the cap sleeves are attached)
At first I was upset, pouty, and felt like I wanted to throw a tantrum right there. I’m spending how much on this dress and I can’t even have it the way I want it? She was right, though, the dress looked weird in spots if it wasn’t worn the way it was designed to be worn. As she got to work, the straps started to grow on me.
Jean pinning a layer of satin over crinoline while I hold up the tulle
Here was the end result of fitting one in which she pinned the back about a quarter of an inch, inserted some padding in the top so I don’t have to wear a bra, and pinned the lining underneath.
After the fitting, I went back and looked at the pictures on my camera. I’d tried to convince myself that the little satin straps (meant to go under the cap sleeves) were simple and elegant. But the more I looked at the pictures, the more I thought they looked casual and more functional than anything. So, now, I have to figure out what I want to add to them to make me happy.
Here’s what they look like with the cap sleeve. I think it’s pretty but I prefer the dress more plain–the sleeves have rhinestones and sequins and feel more trendy than what I’m going for.
My thought right now is to take some tulle from the bottom of the dress and lay it flat over the straps, letting the raw edges of the tulle come out a little wider than the strap. This would give it a ruffly, softer effect. While it wouldn’t be as wide or as ruffly as this dress (below), this picture is my inspiration behind the thought.
(source)
How would you alter this dress?
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I know you don’t like those cap sleeves, but my god they are gorgeous! They scream couture to me. Whatever you do, it can’t be strapless…plus on a positive note, everyone does strapless and people really appreciate a dress that is a bit out of the box. I think your tulle idea sounds lovely as well, and a great seamstress should definitely make that look amazing! Beatiful gown!!!
I love the tulle - I think it go with the flowy-feel that the dress already has.
I don’t like the skinny spaghetti straps either! To me they are very trendy (or were ten years ago…) and I think they look a little outdated. Again, just my opinion. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fluttery tulle straps though. It would look so great with the overall fluttery-ness of the dress. Gah. If you do that you will officially be my hero.
I think it looks great with just the straps showing as is. But, if you’re searching to make the dress more “unique,” adding some sort of embellishment is the way to go, IMO.
I love your inspiration picture — I think it really fits what you’re going for. And it would fit the motif of your wedding really well
what a bummer!
I think if you still want it to be strapless, no one will be the wiser but you. Do your friends and family “know couture”?
If you decide to keep the straps, your seamstress is right that you’ll probably be more comfortable when dancing. That’s a wonderful idea to add a layer of ruffled tulle to the straps! Beautiful!!!
Maybe pleated tulle, like the rest of your dress?
Honestly, you bought the dress strapless because it SCREAMED to you. I’d say screw couture, noboy is going to look at the back and go “wow, that dress is all wrong…it should have STRAPS!” people will be thinking “Oh my goodness, look at how beautiful she is and look at that dress!” I can assure you, as someone who does know couture, it will look fine. She may even be able to dip the back down a bit more so its a sharper “V” back to match those points. Go with your gut. Don’t settle for straps because they say you have to. It will look gorgeous either way - but go with your original gut. (the cap sleeves, like Naomi said, are GORGEOUS, but the dress without them is spectacular…and I like the idea of making the pearls into the BM necklaces)
I would keep the cap sleeves. I think they balance out the plunge in the front of the dress. The straps alone I agree are too casual, and without them, the points would look odd. You don’t want to worry about hiking it up all night, either. I also say do not add tulle to the spagetti straps either - i think that it would add too much stuff close to your face. Especially if you wore your hair down, or up and wavy. Too much of the same shapes in front.
Maybe think about removing some of the sparklier elements of your cap sleeves like sequins and replace with antique buttons or pearls? I think that’d be really pretty!
PS-my dress-amsale tyler, has a kind of sleeve cut under the arm too - it doest go straight across - and it was made strapless. Let me know if you want me to send or post a photo
I voted for adding the tulle because I’m sure that would look gorgeous and also because I read somewhere that rhinestones show up as black dots in pictures…eek!
Since you’re asking, I’m going to share.
The dress looks GORGEOUS on you in the picture WITH the straps.. in the one without (even from the front), it looks totally unfinished.
The dress looks so beautiful on you the way it is meant to be worn, I say embrace it!
I think it looks fine with just the straps, but adding the tulle would give it more of the “frilly” look if that’s what you’re going for.
I recently saw a wedding on Platinum Weddings ( I know, I know…) where the bride took the lace from her alterations and just added a little bit to her straps just on one side of the strap. Here’s the link
http://www.wetv.com/platinum-weddings/episodes/nicole-and-ryan
I initially really liked the dress with the thin little straps. I thought it made it look very dainty on you. My second thought if you don’t like the straps is to go with the flowing tulle, although I would be a little concerned with making sure the seamstress understood exactly what I was looking for. And I don’t take you for a pearly/rhinestone kind of gal.
Love the dress! In your position, I would want to add small sparkly crystals to the straps. Nothing crazy or gawdy - and crystals not rhinestones. I think it would look incredible.
One more thought: Your dress looks like it has a fair amount of “structure” up top already — will straps be much help in “holding it up” while you’re dancing? Could be an argument to just go strapless…
I absolutley agree with Bree (2 posts above). The dress is gorgeous with or without straps, but I like strapless best, and that’s what you want. NO ONE will know (ok I don’t think anyone will know) about it being couture - who’s peeking under your arm for the cut of the dress anyway?? My only concern - make sure it won’t be a hassle without the straps. and you could also have her make the straps detachable - so if you are having a problem dancing and kicking up your boots, problem solved!
I feel that the cap sleeves r very unique and really make ur dress stands out. However, depending on ur personality and/or the atmosphere of ur wedding, I understand that u may opt for something more plain.
The tulle is also a good idea but there’s always a gap between inspiration and reality. So depending on how it’s executed, it may look awesome or meh… that’s the risk. If u want to deal w/ all the alterations this week, it’s a little risky.
I voted for strapless because I think you should have what you want and what you were told you could have.
However, you didn’t put cap sleeves as an option, which is what I REALLY think you should go with,if we’re being practical. They are gorgeous and not the same as all the other brides in a strapless white gown, you know? Good luck!
I think you should add tulle, but not like your inspiration pic, I think it should be gathered at the front and back where it would attach to the dress and the pleats would be somewhat open on the top of your shoulder. it would be wider than a spaghetti strap (which is what will get you away from the casual/90s trend) and still go with the style of the dress. I agree that the cap sleeves are a bit much and I love the gown strapless from the front, but it might look strange from the back.
Cap Sleeves!!! They are so beautiful!
EFF “People who know couture” - if those people wanna snark about your dress, they can eat my toes for lunch. Honestly 
But I also want to throw it out there that I LOVE the cap sleeves. So dreamy.
the cap sleeves look AMAZING!
Would you consider have ones made with a more simple look sp that you like them.
Really?! the cap sleeves look so nice on you…you really should consider it!
I love the cap sleeves, personally!
Hi Miss Cowboy Boot!
I think the dress looks beautiful both ways, however I do prefer the strapless. If you are interested in selling those cap sleeves, I am very interested, you can send me an email with the address i provided.
Thanks!
I know you’re not a fan of the cap sleeves, but I do think they look stunning on you. Whatever you choose, the gown will look gorgeous.
When i saw the strapless photo before reading the rest of the post I actually thought to myself, “wait, that looked better with straps!” so don’t worry, it looks great!
If it were ME, I would add some simple embellishment to the skinny straps, like sparkles from the cap sleeves. OR I would wear the (gorgeous) cap sleeves, though I completely understand what you mean about it being a bit much. While they are beautiful, what’s infinitely more important is what you love.
Since you loved it strapless, I say do what you originally wanted! I think it looks a tad droopy strapless, but its your dress and your money - your seamstress should get on board and make it work for you. I agree with everyone else who said no one will notice.
The tulle idea sounds lovely, but the commenter who said it could be a little too much of the same thing up by your face had a good point. I think it might take away from the original design, which is so beautiful and high fashion.
Whatever you do, keep it in perspective - you have a GORGEOUS gown, you yourself are beautiful, and you’re getting married to the love of your life!
i know its not one of your option… but i think you should reconsider the cap sleeves. I agree with previous posts that the cap sleeves really compliments and balances out the neckline.
its gorgeous!!
if you still not convinced then my second choice is the tulle alternation.
BUT CAP CAP CAPS
Hi almost bought this dress, too. And - at Amsale where they rec’d (bc I also thought the cap sleeves were too busy for me) that I take tulle from the bottom and re-create new cap sleeve. They swore it would be beautiful!
So. Stunning. I haven’t had overwhelming dress envy until today. Man… your dress is perfection. I’m not sure what the situation is under your arms and stuff but I’d probably have tried to make it strapless anyway… I like it strapless!
Rather than the provided cap sleeves, I would do something that matches the fabric of your dress better. So, I’d use the tulle, but personally I’d do it as a cap sleeve. I think the cap sleeves look very elegant, while the tulle is a little more casual. That can be fine, as long as that’s what you want, though! It’s your dress.
I like sewing the soft, ruffle sleeves but please know that the cap sleeves look LOVELY. Really truly.
I LOVE the cap sleeve look…its so elegant. I am with you and picked a very simple dress with no beading or rhinestones but i think the cap sleeves really make the dress!
Personally, I love the way the cap sleeves look on this dress (especially in the picture you’ve posted where you can see them close up).
What about doing it with the cap sleeves for the ceremony, then taking them off and going with just simple straps for the reception? It’ll be like having 2 dresses in 1
I agree with the other posters about strapless. But I disagree that the tailor said that it cannot be made strapless. The dress just has to be cut across the back. Experienced seamstresses constantly lower backs etc. There is not reason yours cannot be altered to fit correctly. It sounds like they want to give you the least expensive alteration possible for your $450.
How many ppl actually ” KNOW” couture? Wear it strapless and get it sewn in tightly so it doesn’t come down. You want strapless you should have it.
The bodice is stunning (and so are you). Would you reconsider the cap sleeves? I heart the cap sleeves — they look so delicate and vintage (not at all trendy — imho, trendy is strapless). Plus they do a gorgeous job of balancing the silhouette, of making the bodice look soft and Grecian, rather than sculptural. Since you have a fabulous ballerina figure, they’d also bring attention to your neck and give you a nice “v” shape. (Can you tell I do personal shopping? LOL)
What can I say… I loooooove the cap sleeves!! So ethereal… in a couture way!! Good luck with the decision making process!!
What about using the tulle to make a little tiny cap sleeve, with a bit of an edge ruffle like your example but more of a cap sleeve shape?
you look amazing, but i agree DO NOT GO STRAPLESS please! the cap sleeves are amazing, or add the tulle or go spaghetti
I personally love the cap sleeves too — it’s what sets the dress apart from other wedding dresses, imo. I especially love the idea above of doing the cap sleeves for the ceremony and then just the spaghetti straps for the reception…I hope you consider reconsidering the cap sleeves!
I think that the dress looks so sweet with the spaghetti straps, HOWEVER, you are paying for it, it’s your dress, you should be able to have it however you’d like.
I think the cap sleeves are beautiful, strapless looks great from the front. I agree that the thin straps are a little too thin just as they are. If you add something to them, you know you could always tuck the straps in if you decided to go strapless at the last minute. It might be harder to tuck cap sleeves in. I hope the hive can help!
I love the cap sleeves. To be honest, I’m disagreeing with most posters and saying that I don’t like it strapless. It really does look like you’re trying to make a dress that is supposed to be held up by sleeves strapless, so the neckline just doesn’t work so well.
I’m going to be no help…but those cap sleeves are gorgeous! You look stunning in the dress and will no matter what you choose
I love the cap sleeves… They are lovely. But if they aren’t your still… what about a gathered tulle strap… the spagetti look seems so prom like and while I like the ruffles… I think it might be hard to get the total effect that you like from the photo… that dress seems a little more casual than your dress. You might even be able to make the cap sleeves work for the ceremony and make it softer and ruffles… or gathers for the reception if the caps are itchy!
Whoops… I mean style not still!!! lol
Wow, the dress is gorgeous. It’s unfortunate that you can’t wear it strapless. What points on the back of the dress? I’m usually a huge fan of simple thin straps, it just makes the dress look more casual; however, because the bottom of your dress is a bit fuller, I think the straps would look unbalanced. I think the tulles will look great on your dress. Good luck!
I agree with KellyV (comment 7) and heather25 (comment 36)… it absolutely could be made strapless if that’s what YOU want! (I’ve made two wedding dresses… one for a sister who changed her mind at every fitting, lol)… don’t be afraid to plead your case with a seamstress.
The dress is beautiful either way, but your face in the picture where you tucked the straps in? You’re beaming! That’s YOUR dress. The way you envisioned it. And it shows.
Straps help when dancing? Pah! 
I think the cap sleeves are gorgeous — it put this dress in my “save” file…
What about heavily bejeweled/beaded straps? You just add beads (there are so many different colours and sizes) to the straps.
That way you can add glamour and elegance in a simple way?
I absolutely love the cap sleeves. I think that’s what sets it apart. I’d go for them or make cap sleeves out of tulle. I love your inspiration pic but I don’t think it would quite work for your dress
I love the cap sleeves, too. You have great shoulders and make the cap sleeves look striking! Perhaps you can take some of the bling off of them to match your style better.
Overall, I love the dress and you look great in it - even before the alterations!
I like it with the spaghetti straps but it is a bit plain, I think it would be cute if you could cut the top of the strap and tie each one in a simple bow, it might be really cute yet chic, it’s worth a shot. If not, I love the ruffles
Gah, I love the cap sleeves too!!! It’s not too much. Jut go easy on the jewelery.
I love the cap sleeves! I think they look very elegant and couture
exactly how many people at your wedding will “know couture”?
i assume they’ll be too taken by how stunning it is rather than thinking there’s something off about it… i’d have her sew the points down : )
Firstly, if they only reason against strapless is that “people who know couture will notice” - sod that! Who cares? You wear it how you want. If, however, it’s not going to fit right or something, then here’s my 2c worth on straps:
I LOVE cap sleeves, but you’re right, those are a little over-embellished up close. In the far pics of the dress on the runway, though, they look stunning! So what about getting some simpler cap sleeves made? Same style, less bling.
I think that the shape of the cap sleeve looks best with the shape of the rest of the dress, I’d recommend using some of the extra tulle and making a new cap sleeve out of that if there’s enough fabric.
I think the dress looks PERFECT with the cap sleeves - and I don’t think they’re too trendy at all; quite the opposite. I think they look lovely and classic, and really pull the rest of the dress together. Given that the sleeves are the only part of the dress that is beaded, they don’t look over-embellished to me at all. I do not like the spaghetti strap look at all, on any dress - I think it’s outdated, and I agree with you - it looks more “functional” than anything. If you are dead set against the (gorgeous!) cap sleeves, though, I think your idea of adding tulle to the straps could be pretty, too.
I saw go strapless! When I look at the photos above you look so much happier w/o the straps
STRAPLESS!!! The pic of you without the sleeves and straps was breathtaking.
Screw couture. That’s sounds silly to me. I love it strapless, and I love your idea of raw chiffon on the straps. Also (and sorry if someone’s suggested this but I don’t have time to read all the comments) what if you had someone make cap sleeves out of a simple chiffon? The cap sleeves are so pretty, but I agree that maybe all the sparkly stuff doesn’t fit into your wedding vision.
Screw couture! If every fashion designer made decisions based on what is “couture”, I’m willing to bet we would not have some of the amazing and awe-inspiring fashions that exist today! Sometimes you have to break and bend the rules a little to get what you want, and it’s worth it in the end. I doubt anyone is going to approach you and say “hey, I notice you got your couture gown altered so that it doesn’t look like a couture gown anymore”. And even if they did, would it really matter? Isn’t it about having the dress of your dreams on YOUR special day?
You look way happier strapless too. Do it! Also, I’m not a fan of the cap sleeves or spaghetti straps either. I for sure love it strapless.
I say let us look at all options on Thursday at your final fitting. We will experiment! Everyone has given such wonderful feedback- I am sure you will come to a creative solution! BTW - I have always thought the cap sleeves were stunning! LovU!
What about attaching a different pair of cap sleeves, like simple lace ones?
I’m thinking about it like this … if this was your mom’s dress, or a vintage piece, and you LOVED the structure of it/the fabric/what-have-you? But, you wanted to update it to fit your frame?
You’d made it strapless. It can be done. And, the seamstress can create a new line across the back. You could even LOWER the back a tinge to work with what-ever would best support a strapless frame. It can be done.
Don’t let the logic “everyone does strapless” swing you. This is not just some dress. This is your wedding dress. You’ll be amazing and unique in the combination of all that you are that day. If you fancy yourself as a bride in a strapless dress, than that is what you should have.
I agree with previous comments to take the tulle and make cap sleeves, instead of thin straps. It will really balance out the dress and will have that flowy look you are going for. Sometimes small alterations work, like removing cap sleeves (i removed the ones from my dress :)) but I really think this dress was meant to have cap sleeves.
I think the seamstress’ “couture” comment is silly and that it would look totally fine as strapless! But I love the cap sleeve idea too. I agree with the others that your tulle idea is beautiful! Or just making a simple, plain tulle cap sleeve? Here are two examples that are sort of close:
http://www.2nh.com/syssite/home/shop/1/pictures/newsimg/1242024847.jpg
I think the gown looks good with the skinny straps. Although, the gown is beautiful no matter what!
I just want to say I LOVE THE IDEA with the straps. Custom couture- that’s what they call that
First of all, stunning dress. You are gorg! Second, I love the cap sleeve that is “supposed” to go with the dress, but I see what you’re saying about it being too trndy I think. If it were me, I would use the tulle to make a cap sleeve, not just cover the straps. There is something about the neckline that just makes me think cap sleeve. I think it’s the way the bodice comes to a point to attach the straps. It seems like the sides of the bodice {by your arms} are cut weird and should be covered by the cap sleeve fabric.
I love both your inspiration photo and the original capsleeves.. What about making the cap sleeves thinner and more delicate?
The dress is beautiful & so are you
Uhm… I hate to say it but I’m gonna have to call the BS card on the seamstress. I used to work in a bridal salon and that dress CAN be made strapless. It isn’t as simple as just tucking in the points at the back, they will have to go from the dip under the arms to make that straight line towards the middle of the back, but it can be done, and if done correctly… whether you “know” couture or not will be irrelevant because it will look just fine. Perfect even..
I would have them hem the dress and bring it somewhere else to get the top fixed. When a seamstress is miffed that she’s been corrected she will often do a half hearted job to prove her point… just saying.
You do this one time, you should get what you wanted. I would also ask to speak with the salesperson that sold me the dress claiming it could be made strapless.
Um, is the editor for Vogue coming to your wedding? Will there be any “people who know” in attendance? That’s such a funny comment!
Wear if how you want! Go strapless! Unless the dress threatens to go south without them, why not?!
While I think the cap sleeves look amazing on the model, I think you completely rock the dress as a strapless. You are very attractive and I think all the sparkle and bling of the sleeves distracts from you!
I vote STRAPLESS!!!
I LOVE the cap sleeves. But if you don’t, I say make it strapless. NO ONE is going to notice…seriously…
I’m not even going to say what I like. On your wedding you are supposed to feel great about how you look. If you brought the dress because you thought it could be strapless, then it should be strapless. You should never have to settle.
Personally, I don’t like the cap sleeves and I do like the simple strap…from reading your posts, Miss Cowboy, I get the sense that you are a down-to-earth kinda gal! And since I’m the same, although I think the cap sleeves are beautiful ‘in fantasy’ I would probably feel a little too dressed-up and not myself in them. The simple straps make the dress look so sweet, and personally I don’t think they change the silhouette so much from strapless. No one will really notice the difference between w/ the straps and without because they are so tiny. If you add a ruffle or a big bling sleeve though, that will change the overall look and draw attention away from the simple silhouette towards the top. Personally I think it looks better on you w/ the little strap than it does on the model, with those weird little jewel-curtain things.
I don’t think you should have to settle. She should be able to make it a straight cut, and you should get it strapless.
This will not be helpful at all, but I ADORE your dress, with straps, without, cap sleeves or not it is just stunning!
I love your cap sleeves! Why don’t you wear it on the ceremony then remove it and put on the satin straps. You said it’s removable?
The caps will look so good in the pictures.
I add my vote for tulle cap sleeves. I wish I could describe them the way I imagine them, but kind of crinkled maybe like the bodice, and thicker so they aren’t super sheer. Just my two cents:)
Or, I agree to take it somewhere else and they can make it strapless. I imagine it would be along the lines of Mrs. Cherry Pie, how she made the back of her dress have a V. You would just start under the arms and bring in down however far to have everything lined up.
Good luck!
I am so in love with your dress, strapless/spagetti straps/caps sleeve, I love it ALL!!
I vote for no sleeves if that’s what you truly wanted.
Quite frankly I don’t think anyone will notice the cut under the sleeves (just double check in the mirror from different angles so you don’t do a saggy side boob a la Lindsay Lohan since you’re won’t be wearing a bra). And the dance is like four minutes of your whole day.
And lastly, wedding dresses aren’t comfy. One of my dearest friends had to get a massage on her honeymoon because her thirty pound dress with boning corset absolutely ached after six hours in it but it was totally worth it to her. It’s one day!
i like the cap sleeves, but as someone who has been designing since i was four, did a year-long high school thesis on fashion design/marketing, and almost went to design school, i personally think screw couture. the whole point of couture is for it to be custom. and the way you want it is strapless. and that’s that.
one more thought: could the sleeves be easy re-made in the scraps from the fabric that’s going to be cut from the hem? then maybe it would satisfy your desire for something not so trendy.
Why not make a cap sleave out of the tulle?
I love the cap sleeves but agree with the sparkly stuff is just too over the top. It would be beautiful if you had some cap sleeves made with soft tulle/lace, the tulle and lace would soften the whole look. If you are totally not digging any kind of sleeves I think some thicker lace over the straps would also be beautiful. Here are some pics from your designer, one pic has a fun funky strap and the other one is kind of like the lace that you could use to make cap sleeves. Good luck with what you decide,you will look beautiful. Plus you picked a great state to get married in and month, I am getting married in October in Denver. http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress/bs_results_local.aspx?newsearch=y&status=a&designerid=917&gowntype=1&path1=&path2=designer&msdvisit=1&page=1
Style T176
I’m sorry to say, I’m really not a fan of the straps as is. With the interesting neckline, it almost looks like a prom dress? The cap sleeves really are fantastic, so gorgeous. They make the dress. But if not, the tulle idea seems cute too.
I think you should ask your seamstress. She really seems like she knows her stuff. Maybe she has seen something totally different done with this dress or has a suggestion in the middle of cap sleeves and strapless that you have not yet considered. Although, maybe you already spoke to her. I like the cap sleeves, they really make your dress stand out from the multitude of strapless options. However, if you wanted strapless and bought the dress because you were told it could be strapless maybe you should see if there is any way to go that route.
First, the dress looks FAB on you!
I think the dress looks good strapless, if you decide you want it go elsewhere and have the modify it for you! =)
I prefer the idea of the cap sleeve over adding tulle to the straps. In my mind the tulle straps doesn’t look right. How about using some of the leftover fabric to make new cap sleeves that are simpler?
Your gown reminds me of Mrs.Bee’s cousin’s gown who got married last year..
http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/12/02/jessica-scott-the-wedding/
i think it would be nice with the tulle.. you can also make it a halter.
you definitely need the cap sleeves… it looks way too pretty not to include them.
I loooove the cap sleeves! I voted for the tulle changes because it seemed like the cap sleeves weren’t even an option for you. But after seeing how many people commented on the lovely cap sleeves, I wanted to ask you whether you would consider it. They’re so beautiful and special. That’s what I want for my dress
Your dress is really beautiful!! I really like the cap sleeves, but totally understand if that’s not the look you’re going for. However i’m not really a huge fan of the simple strap i don’t think it does anything for the dress, i think it needs something more to it, and the ruffle idea is a great middle ground, or could you go with a more simple cap sleeve without any beading, etc.?
Can’t wait to see what you decide!
Also-I really like youre hair totally off your neck with the dress, i think its very flattering!!
PS. your dress is very simple so I don’t think that the cap sleeves are “over the top” - they add a small yet very special sparkle to your look.
I think I like it strapless, even with the back looking the way it does. I like the cap sleeve, but I think you’re right–it’s a little more trendy than the rest of the dress. Honestly, I don’t think people will notice the back if you take the straps off. If they do notice anything, they may just think “Hey, the back of that dress is unique”, not “Whoa, the straps are missing!”
Even if there are “people who know couture” in attendance at your wedding, they are people who love you and won’t give a damn about the couture-ness off you beautiful, strapless gown.
Honestly, I would have laughed in her face.
You look STUNNING in this gown - strapless, straps or cap sleeves…but I would go with what you originally wanted (and obviously still do!) - STRAPLESS!
You look gorgeous in your dress!! I honestly think that you can’t go wrong but since you have to make a choice…go with your gut. If you think strapless is more “you”, do it. You want to be completely comfortable on wedding day…with both wearing the dress and being confident that it portrays who you are.
I think you look beautiful in the dress, and I think it looks MUCH better with the straps or sleeves. I do think it looks a bit odd strapless. But you should do whatever makes you most comfortable.
the cap sleeves really are very elegant and soft! i actually think they look great on you and really fit your look - you’re so petite and have that soft ballerina feel - you can pull them off so much better than most people! if you prefer the tulle idea - definitely go with your instincts. to be honest, I’m not a couture person, but from the back I can see what she’s talking about with needing the straps. just cover them up with something pretty!
The cap sleeves are beautiful, but if YOU don’t like it, you just don’t. BUT DEFINITELY no spaghetti strap by itself, it just kills the dress.
Strapless, or add cap sleeves like these:
http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2007_runway/2007_fall/bridal/reemacra/00_main/003_sec02.jpg
Either way, you shouldn’t have to pay for alterations, as they misrepresented the merchandise.
I say keep the cap sleeves too - they’re beautifully elegant!
I am completely loving the cap sleeves! So gorgeous! But…it’s your dress so do whatever you like most.
the cap sleeves are gorgeous!
i would recommend cap sleeves utilizing only tulle-no rhinestones. it will have the soft elegant look without looking to flashy. good luck!
It’s truly a STUNNING dress in every photo, every way! You obviously prefer strapless (which is beautiful) but are unnerved by the seamstress’ comment about the dip under the arms. I’m not sure how the dress is constructed, but can it be engineered so the part that comes back up from the dip under the arms is lowered and graduated to the back so it won’t go down and up…just down?
That sounds a little more confusing that it is - in short, can you just cut off the part that sticks up in the back.
Seriously, though, that dress is gorgeous and looks absolutely beautiful on you; you’re really just picking between a bunch of beautiful options.
Plain and simple–you look gorgeous in your gown–no matter how it’s worn. That’s great! So just follow your heart and pick which one you love best. It is your wedding dress, and you only get to wear it once, so make it all you’ve dreamed of.
I love the cap sleeves, but if you want it a little more plain, go for the tulle to soften the strap. It looks great on u! I’m in LOVE with the Amsale Christos line!
I LOVE the tulle inspiration photo, and think it really goes along with the look of your dress. Absolutely stunning!
OK, I’m usually a lurker, but I had to tell you, fabulous dress. The most beautiful I’ve seen in a while.
Second, please don’t do strapless! I agree with what rhodeygirl said. From the front, without straps, it looks totally unfinished. The back would look totally wrong, and I wouldn’t say I “know couture.” I think its very obvious to the layperson that it deserves straps. They are not just tacked on for functionality, they are part of the design. Also, I think breaking out of the old strapless wedding dress mold is wonderful.
I do agree with you that the glittery beady cap sleeves don’t add a lot. Glitter doesn’t seem to go with the soft and flowy feel of your whole wedding (bm dresses etc). I love your idea of adding tulle like your inspiration picture.
I adore that dress….I actually tried it on and almost purchased it! The cap sleeves are so dainty and soft, definitely not me, but I can see it as a ceremony addition and then just tuck the straps for the reception. I don’t like the skinny straps by themselves, they look silly, but strapless or with the cap sleeves is lovely. Congrats on picking such an amazing dress!
[...] I was nervous. I’d played out how it would go down in the dressing room over and over after my first fitting. If I wasn’t methodical about it–taking my time, trying my cap sleeves again, holding tulle [...]
[...] I’ve Been Duped by Miss Cowboy Boot [...]
i love the cap sleeves (sorry not helping) but i say you should not settle! tell them what you want and don’t settle for anything else!
good luck!
I just got married. My best decision- a great dress that was comfortable, fit my venue (a barn), nothing fell out or stuck out. I had a short dress and wore a regular bra.
Remember everyone will be hugging you constantly. If it is not meant to be strapless, this could be a problem.
The cap sleeves are great, as are the plain straps. One question: Are you wearing a necklace. If so, the necklace will be the highlight instead of the plain straps. Some necklaces may clash with your dress. I tried on several of my own and one’s at the store before I got one that was right.
I might be in the minority, but I love the cap sleeves and I don’t think it’s trendy, to me it’s more vintage and classic! But, it’s your dress so do what makes you happy and screw couture!
You look great in both the cap sleeves and the tulle but my vote would be for the tulle. If it’s comfortable and you feel like it’s you….go for it ! It’s really stunning and adds something special to your gorgeous dress
I think the cap sleeves are gorgeous! If you wanted unique, the cap sleeves are it.
Go for the cap sleeves!! The dress is soft and flowy and the cap sleeves give it an even more whimsical look! Also, it will draw attention to your collarbone and then up to your face. How will you do your hair? In that 4th picture, your hair is in a bun and you look beautiful! I hope you put your hair up. You have a beautiful face and should definitely draw attention to it (hair can be distracting).
That’s too bad you can’t have it strapless since that’s the reason you bought the dress, but i’d think noone would really tell that its supposed to have cap sleeves, unless they were a fashion exprert hehe. I loveee the Tulle on the dress.You picked a gorgeous gown! But the Cap sleeves do look pretty, and it’s unique too 
Hi Miss Cowboy Boot! I didn’t know if you watch the Today Show but they are doing Today Show throws a wedding and your wedding dress is one of the options! it’s a beautiful dress here’s a link! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31618430/ns/today_weddings-today_throws_a_wedding/
I loved your dress when I read the blog, then I saw it on the today show and just spent an hour looking for your blog again. I think any way you wear the dress will be beautiful!
You have beautiful long hair, will you wear it up or down??
@Potomac: I haven’t decided if I want it up or down. With it strapless, I really love it up in a low chignon. But I also like a low, side ponytail with volume in the crown. We’ll see!
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Mrs. Cowboy Boot, Santa Fe
Age and Occupation: 25, Magazine Editor
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Artist and Whitewater Rafting Guide
Engagement Date: April 28th, 2008
Wedding Date: October 2009
Venue: Devil's Thumb Ranch, Colorado
About Me: I grew up in Los Angeles and have since lived in San Diego, Boston, Italy, Hawaii, New York City, and Santa Fe. I speak Italian and love pasta. My real passion is the outdoors, though. When I'm not at work, I'm snowboarding, hiking with my two dogs, mountain biking, surfing, cross-country-skiing, or boating New Mexico's rivers. Despite my boyish love for adventure, I'm a girly-girl at heart and am overly-excited to pull off the romantic, vintage-inspired, country wedding of my dreams.
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