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annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Some of you remember that I was looking for a maid of honor dress for a small August wedding.
Due to some extraneous life factors I wasn't able to order that Rebecca Minkoff dress in time and my size sold out.
The bride is seriously considering an outdoor venue now and is also looking at full length dresses as well as midis. I'm helping her go shopping tomorrow and she has some dresses ordered.
I probably should hold off on buying my dress till she gets her sorted. But all the spring/summer stuff is on sale now, and seems to be selling out fast.
I've been looking at all the big sites. Last weekend during the forum meet in Seattle, we tromped all over town and there was pretty much nothing. I have my favorite consignment store keeping an eye out for me.
I keep coming back to this dress. But it's a lot than I want to spend, but it doesn't look really expensive.
http://totokaelo.com/vivienne-.....alt/N17FE5
Suggestions?

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Eliza

Veteran

Shoot. Some moments what is out there doesn't match our preferences. The blue dress is unusual and the shape adds interest; have you seen it IRL? Proportions seem likely to impact how it will work- always true, but seems especially relevant in pieces with some volume. If the price point is higher than expected, is this a dress you are likely to wear after the wedding ?

Since tomorrow is fast approaching, I might keep my eye out in the meantime, yet plan to wait to see what the bride chooses. Nice to have things open-ended, but can be a bit overwhelming also. I wish you all the best with the search!

approprio

(website)

Veteran

It doesn't look expensive because it's Westwood. But if it fits it'll drape like a dream and you'll be wearing it for years to come.

Here's what the lady said: "In Italy they take cheap cloth and make it look expensive, but I take expensive cloth and make it look cheap. They just don't understand."

And: “My aim is to make the poor look rich and the rich look poor.”

So there you have it. It's not supposed to look expensive, just interesting and important. Buy it already. You know you want to.

MTBGirl

Veteran

That dress really is beautiful! And if you think you'd wear it after alot... and I like what approprio said...and that would be a beautiful color on you! IMHO.

Diana

Veteran

http://www.6pm.com/vivienne-we.....id=3461268...

I'm pretty sure this is the same one even though the color looks brighter on the 6pm pic.
BUY IT!

Anne likes red

Well, totokaelo says their dress is silk, while 6pm's is viscose, so I guess they're not *exactly* the same dress, but very similar and both lovely. Are you ready to take the plunge with viscose at a more modest price?

(BTW, I noticed this because I was a little shocked at how few of the beautiful and --for me, anyways--expensive dresses in your first round up were made of silk.)

Thistle

Veteran

The 6pm dress looks like it would be ideal. Priced more reasonably, but still interesting.

Jules

Veteran

Silk is of course lovely for the long term, but for a dress you may wear only once - viscose might do! I'm assuming that at that price and with designer name attached, the fabric is still god quality, with nice drape and won't wrinkle like my $30 rayon pants

jackiec

Veteran

Ooh I really like the one you've linked. I'm sure that would be super versatile, regardless of wedding venue. But viscose vs. silk? Tough call. I'm guessing the silk would be soooooo nice.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Is the CM dress we loved on you no longer an option? Or do you think a midi option is better.

Still love the Halston dress we saw too.

Halston Heritage Belted Print Chiffon Drape Dress

$425.00 $159.97

Sale

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2

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

This is difficult. Here's Shopbop's wedding boutique in case you find anything. I'll keep my eyes open in case I see anything distinctly Anna!

ETA -- The Vivienne Westwood dress from 6pm looks identical and for a great price!

tulle

Veteran

It's a beautiful dress in a lovely color. I'm a big Westwood fan (though at a wedding, be prepared for some older guest to come along and try to pull the tucked-up side down for you!) One warning: in my experience, her clothes run very small, especially at the hip & waist, but as Approbrio said, if it fits you it will drape like a dream and you'll feel fabulous. Real silk, if possible!

donnat

Veteran

Wow! You have to try both.

AJ

Veteran

What about rent the runway?
https://m.renttherunway.com/al.....s?ref=home

Dgusanl

Do you have time to have something made? That way you get exactly what you want and it will be one of a kind

Staysfit

Veteran

Wow, you have some tough decisions to make! Personally, I have never used a dress worn for a wedding at another occasion. They have all been one and done dresses, so I'm happiest when I don't spend very much but still look good in whatever I'm wearing.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I had no idea that design houses made the exact same dress in two different fabrics - more expensive/cheaper. Viscose is a type of rayon, and rayon is very similar to silk except silk is a natural fiber, rayon is not. Is the dress from 6 pm returnable? I've give it a try if it is just to see what the quality and drape is like.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

In the closeups of the 6pm version, the fabric has a sheen that looks more like silk to me. For what it's worth, viscose or rayon behaves like a natural fiber, in that it breathes. It also has a weightier drape than silk. To me, rayon drapes, where silk floats, generally.
I'd think it's worth trying the one from 6pm!

Style Fan

Veteran

It is a gorgeous dress. The 6 pm version is much less expensive. Would rayon be that different? Beautiful colour IMHO.

Greyscale

Veteran

I've also seen a lot of sites getting their fiber descriptions wrong, for what it's worth. It might be the exact same dress.

I'd order the 6pm one and see how it feels and looks. They allow returns within 30 days.

Diana

Veteran

I suspect one or the other site has the fabric content wrong. The same dress in black on the VW website itself is viscose, fwiw.
6pm returns are easy and I've never had a problem. You have to pay your own return shipping but for a dress it wouldn't be much.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Sorry it took so long to get back. This weekend has been about distracting myself.
I ordered the Vivienne Westwood from 6pm. Judging by sizing chart and what people say here there is very good possibility it won't fit, but maybe I'll get lucky. The bride did like the dress.
Angie, I felt the Club Monaco dress, while it fit well the color was just drab for the occasion. Denise, Shopbop's offerings disappointed me.

The bride finally secured a location. It will be outdoors at the Ballard Locks.
http://www.seattle.gov/TOUR/locks.htm
If you look at the aerial photo, there are a series of lawns and gardens north of the locks, that is where the wedding will be
http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/.....Locks.aspx
I would probably have to get wedge shoes now.
I went to David's Bridal with her yesterday. The selection was pretty dismal, and even though we had a appointment service was poor. She finally realized that a strapless dress would not work. Personally I feel strapless are difficult on most women due to pocket of pectoral fat that has a tendency to spill out. She really liked one with a sweetheart neckline with thick straps, but it had some really ugly appliques. She also looked good in a mermaid/A-line style. She is also considering full length now...so her dress not being finalized makes it tricky for me.

ETA Dashielle informed me that the owner of the boutique we visited on the meet-up found the really small striped fit & flare in a larger size. I'm considering.

First find below is the Club Monaco, it's MUCH darker in person. Second is one is a Halston Heritage we saw at Nordstrom, but it's pricy

Norra Silk Dress

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15

Halston Heritage Asymmetric Printed Chiffon Dress

$425.00 $212.50

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2

rachylou

Veteran

The Vivienne West dress really is gorgeous, and would be perfect for a bridesmaid dress. Truly wearable again. Doesn't overshadow the bride. But that's judging from pics. Did you ever try it on?

Anyways, I think you're right about waiting until the bride has her dress...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Oh! I don't know why I didn't google more thoroughly before. I found the Rebecca Minkoff Lindley dress in a size 12 on Amazon
http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/lindley-dress
With promotional code and a fat credit, it only cost $19.
So now I have two options. Things are looking up.

missvee

Veteran

I think the RM dress would be stunning on you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you, Anna. You want something more festive for the occasion. I would too. I hope the RM frock works out.

I had another thought. We saw some really fun maxi formal gowns at Nordies - you could wear those - or have them hemmed to midis. Didn't one of them have birds all over it?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Ah yes Angie, this gorgeous dress

MILLY Tropical Print Cross Back Fit & Flare Midi Dress

$895.00 $536.98

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dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

I love that dress too!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Blast. I just saw the price of that gorgeous Milly dress. *sigh*.