How many sizes can a dress be taken in by?

CompBunny

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-Sweetheart-5972-ivory-US-12-UK-14-Wedding-Dress-beautiful-lace-/400544219095?pt=UK_Wedding_Dresses&hash=item5d424bbfd7

This looks like a bargain, not EXACTLY what I want but I have to be realistic about my budget and if I can win the auction at a low enough price it looks like a nice dress I think :rotfl:

The problem is, it is a size 14. I'm more 8-10 in high street sizes. The waist measurement on this dress is 29.5inches, my waist is 26 inches. The dress bust is 37.5 inches, mine is 33...

Do you think it would be realistic to take the dress in this much and keep the shape/design?

How much do you think alterations would be likely to cost? (ballpark figure of course!)

Thanks

mercede5

That does look a beautiful dress!

I am not an expert in this, but earlier this year I bought an off the shelf dress from Debenhams and it did need altering as it was way too long.
Firstly I asked around local seamstresses who would not touch it with a bargepole as the dress had a very fine beaded pattern running all the way through it! I took it to a bridal shop, and they were able to make a few alterations that although made it better it wasn't perfect. (I was desperate to wear this dress and had less than a month to go before the wedding so was happy to compromise)
I can see from the picture there is quite a lot of detail which would concern me, especially when it seems you need it taking in by quite a bit.

My alterations cost £50.00 but I would imagine it would vary on the amount of work that needs doing.

CompBunny

Thanks for sharing your experience mercede5, sounds like it might be a bit much to ask of a seamstress then I'm glad you got to wear your dress though with less than a month to go!!

Fen1

Really sorry, but would have to agree. The bodice looks as though it is partially boned which would have to be redone, plus the detailing on the bodice would be a complete faff as it would have to be re-stitched.

Have you had a look at Oxfam online? Huge range of dresses on there, including some very simple silk dresses that would be much easier to alter.

Blackpool_Saver

What the hell are scags?

CompBunny

Thankyou Fen1. I'll forget that dress then...it wasn't "perfect" for me anyway I did have a look on the Oxfam website but didn't really see anything that appeals, but I have until August next year until my wedding so plenty of time to keep my eyes peeled on ebay/preloved/gumtree etc.

Blackpool_saver, I've got no idea what scags are either! Assumed they were little tucks from people snagging it on rings etc but thats just a guess!

Fen1

Monsoon have an on-line sale at the moment.

Outlet site COCOSA can also have beautiful things, but it's very much potluck.

LEJC

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

What the hell are scags?

Scags are small pulls in the threads...yes a bit like when you catch a ring on a piece of material and it leaves a tiny loop of thread.

Poppy9

Have you checked out BHS sale

themull1

CompBunny wrote: »

Thankyou Fen1. I'll forget that dress then...it wasn't "perfect" for me anyway I did have a look on the Oxfam website but didn't really see anything that appeals, but I have until August next year until my wedding so plenty of time to keep my eyes peeled on ebay/preloved/gumtree etc.

Blackpool_saver, I've got no idea what scags are either! Assumed they were little tucks from people snagging it on rings etc but thats just a guess!

Hi, I've sent you a pm.

CompBunny

Thanks guys. I've had a look at BHS and monsoon sales and nothing that appeals unfortunately, although if I haven't found my bargain dream dress nearer to the wedding I'll just go for any dress hehe, also hesitant about buying a high street dress as they tend to be made for ladies 5"8 tall so that shorter ladies can have it taken up, I'm 6ft!

The joy of bridal shop samples/unaltered dresses that brides have changed their mind on are that they tend to be the perfect length for me already