07 February 2011

dresscapades.


I've been psyching myself up to write this post and share my wedding dress hunt story with you - or as I've come to lovingly refer to the process 'dresscapades'.

Since I have a love/hate relationship with clothes already, wedding dress shop was on equal par...X 100. Bad body image really is a curse, isn't it? I'm the type of girl who changes outfits 5 times before a party, until I'm sweating and anxious and not really feeling good in anything. But on my wedding day, there will only be one outfit so I'm determined to have it make me feel good!

You might remember my original vision - a short or tea length dress with simple high waisted silhouette in a vintage-y lace. I wanted to get it made, both to save money and ensure the ultimate fit, but I knew I needed to try some dresses on, just to see what I like and what looks good on me.

So my mom, sister and I hit the wedding dress boutiques. My goodness, what a roller coaster. I would say that 99.9% of the dresses in these stores were not something I would feel comfortable wearing. They were just too fussy and heavy and over the top. Plus let's just say the shops are not curvy gal friendly, if you know what I mean! I found one I liked, a very simple design. But get this - it was crazy marked down on a super sale - but in a sample size 1 size too small for me. The seamstress said she could let it out and it would need tons of alterations to be even close to what I wanted. So the pressure began! I admit, I got swept up in the whirlwind of thinking this was what I wanted and even went so far as to put it on hold.

Then I spent the next few days waking up in cold sweats imagining buying a dress I didn't love and could never fit into, for still way too much money.

Ultimately I decided to return to my original vision of simple and lace. I found an amazing seamstress through a referral by local blog reader SarahC. Buoyed with excitement, my sister and I went shopping for the perfect lace. Only to rudely discover what nice lace costs. Can you say HEARTBREAKING??

With my ultimate goal of a dress I love within a budget, it just wasn't going to be possible. And there really wasn't any cheap lace that I truly loved. Back to the drawing board...

Then we hit a local fabric store that is going out of business. It was super picked over with not a lot to offer. Until the owner steered us towards the most amazing ivory 100% peau de soie (that's silk! The good stuff!). It's a crisp material, with an ever so subtlee rich sheen. Regular $99 a metre, on sale for $5 a metre. No joke. My sister, who sews, began jumping up and down. I was hesitant but her excitement sold me and I purchased my dress fabric for $24 including tax.

We met with the seamstress the following day who totally put me at ease and convinced me that she will make something amazing and close to my vision with the silk. It will be glam but still casual. Elegant but relaxed.

Plus I'll have my cardigan and ballet flats to keep me feeling comfy and 'myself'.

Can't wait to share more details!!

Tell me friends, did you feel like yourself on your wedding day?

9 comments:

  1. Your world is about to change. Debbie is incredible. You will be dreaming of dresses all the days of your life.

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  2. What a great find! I'm glad it's all coming together for you.

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  3. So glad you found what you wanted! I can't wait to see photos of the result.

    I found my dream dress right away - I got lucky. It was basically a long, more glam version of my favorite little black dress. (Halter with a cross-tie back, floaty chiffon - no heavy satin for me!) I did feel like myself. It was wonderful. I'm sure you will too!

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  4. Well as you read in my latest post... My dress shopping experience was a nightmare at first. I also have a love/hate relationship with clothing especially dresses, along with self image issues and finally the anxiety that Ryan might not "love it". The nightmare turned into a fairy tale when I tried on "the one". It was meant for me! Now that you have your fabric the vision can all come to fruition. It sound like you have an amazing seamstress! I can't wait to hear more as it comes together.

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  5. i can't wait to see it!!!!! what a bargain!! you are going to be beautiful! well, you are already, but in that gorgeous fabric... wow.

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  6. That sounds perfect! I am so happy for you- what a deal!! I can't wait to hear and see more- and I think your cardigan and flats (which are BEAUTIFUL) will absolutely keep you you!

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  7. I can't wait to see it! The fabric sounds lovely. Your day of shopping sounds much like mine was. I tried on many dresses before I finally found the one. I had to feel comfortable and beautiful in it to know it was right. Your ballet flats sound perfect! I'm excited for you!

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  8. Ooooh! Can't wait to see your dress! Dress shopping can be super stressful, good thing your mom and sister are there to keep you smiling. :)

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  9. I didn't love the dress shopping experience, it may only really be fun for very slender women!! I did end up having the 'this is the one' moment though and was pleased with the dress on the day. I'd do something completely different these days though. :)

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Thanks so much for stopping by, I love reading all your comments! If you have a specific question, please email me at lhume1@mts.net. XO Lenore