Sunday, February 17, 2013

A quick break for wedding dresses.

Taking a break from the book-reporting for a somewhat intense week, culminating in a visit from my lovely friend Cherie. We've been friends since childhood and hadn't seen each other in a few years so we were tickled to be able to spend a few days together. She's a confident midwesterner and a seasoned world traveler, and it was hilarious and delightful to watch her march all over the big city (her first time in NY!) like she owned it, me half-walking, half-running to keep up with her long strides.

We accomplished a lot in three days, but I think the most notable accomplishment was - drum roll, please - I finally bought a wedding dress! Cherie and Christy accompanied me to Lovely Bride for my second time to that particular salon and third overall dress-shopping excursion. I was totally prepared this time, with a list of gowns in-hand (first go-round had been a bit willy-nilly). I'm very pleased to say that I've actually managed to keep the winning dress from Clay entirely so I'm not going to tease anything about it here (he's a very good guesser). I will say that I am thrilled with my choice, regardless of whether or not I may have completely blown my dress budget.

Which, I decided, was entirely besides the point.

Thank you Christy, Emma and Cherie for putting up with me during my dress-hunt! Here's a quick look back at the (beautiful) losers.

JCrew - Bettina

JCrew - Bettina

JCrew - Bettina

JCrew - Carenna

JCrew - Clover

JCrew - Lucinda

JCrew - Tulipe

JCrew - Percy

Sarah Seven - Cascade

Sarah Seven - Enchanted

Sarah Seven - Graceful

Sarah Seven - Golden Lights

Sarah Seven - Fields of Flowers

Sarah Seven - Amour

Sarah Seven - Amour

Amour and Percy were my second and third favorites, I think.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

48 comments:

  1. I'm in the same boat with a JCrew dress!! I love the Percy as well but have only viewed it online. Being that you actually tried it on in stores, can you attest that it's true to the color? Is it more ivory, or white?

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    Replies
    1. Hey Cal,

      I guess it's closer to ivory in that it's not a pure bright white, but it was definitely a nice pleasant color as depicted online. Was that helpful at all? Probably not. I liked it, but I am not really looking for a white.

      Jen

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  2. No, that was definitely helpful! Thanks so much and great luck planning your wedding!

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  3. I am interested in the Carenna dress from JCrew. I was wondering if you could add any information about the fit and the material. Is the bodice structured at all? Does it have any boning? And is the fabric of a nice quality? Thank you! And congratulations!

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    Replies
    1. Hey! So, the Carenna dress was interesting - I really, really thought that was going to be the one. But like you're saying, not a ton of structure and the fabric was odd - felt kinda like curtains to me. I don't think I got a fair shot at it though, because their only sample was a size 12 and I am a size 2, so no matter how much they clipped it, it was just ill-fitted. I mean, it looks fantastic on that model so I guess you never know?

      I'd try to get to a store and try on a sample if at all possible, so you can see if you like the fabric! It was not for me.

      Delete
  4. Thanks so much for your comments on the dress! I live in Austria now, so getting to a store to try on the dress won't be an option for me. I guess I can always order it to try and return it if it does work. Anyway, thanks so much for your help!

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  5. Hi!! Your photos are very helpful. I'd like to know which is the fabric of percy gown? I live in Spain and I can't see the dress in real. Is it a good fabric? It looks as well as in photo? Thanks, thanks a lot for your help. Best regards

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    Replies
    1. The Percy fabric was really nice - a heavy silk (I think it might be a silk blend but it felt luxurious) and it had a beautiful sheen and drape. That was by far my favorite of the bunch! It was very flattering.

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    2. Wonderful!! Thanks a lot for your help!!

      Delete
  6. Hi Jen! I reached this page googling J Crew Percy gown. It looks great on you and it's definitely a big help seeing it on a real person (rather than the size 00 model they have over there). Could I ask what size you are? I love the simplicity of this dress but I'm a size 8 and I'm afraid it would be a "no mercy" dress, revealing every flaw (like my belly). Did you feel that the dress was flattering or do you just have a fabulous figure? :)

    All the best with your wedding!
    Nurit

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nurit! The Percy gown is really beautiful. I am a size 4 and the dress I tried on was maybe a size 12 so it is kind of hard to say how it would actually fit. I have a friend who bought this dress and wore it for her wedding recently - different body type than me, but she really looked great. I think it is very flattering for lots of bodies. In terms of belly, the sales lady said pretty much anyone (00 or 12) who wears a dress in that fabric is wearing spanx underneath, just to smooth everything out! So, that's helpful, I think.

      Anyhow, I hope that helps! I think this dress could really flatter most every body. And if not, you can always return it ;)

      Delete
  7. Hi Jen! I LOVE the necklace that you are wearing with the Percy gown! Is that yours or did the shop provide it? Do you happen to know who makes it?

    Thanks!
    Cindy

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    Replies
    1. Hey Cindy,

      Thank you! It's from Kate Spade. I got it a little over a year ago, so I'm not sure they're selling it anymore, but maybe they have something similar.

      Good luck xo-
      Jen

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  8. Hi Jen,

    I wish I was your size! I'm a size 6 interested in the Cascade by Sarah Seven.
    How's the workmanship on the dresses? How were the materials?
    I'm worried the cut of it will not be flattering for my size...

    You look gorgeous in all of them!

    April

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    Replies
    1. Hey April! You are super nice to say so! I loved all the Sarah Seven dresses, for sure. I actually can't believe I didn't end up with one of them. You should check out Carol Hannah by the way, she's incredible! Anyhow, Sarah Seven was amazing and I am like a size 4-6 so not far off at all on sizing. They are mostly empire waist and built around a corset, so very flattering on many bodies! I hope that helps - good luck, have fun! xx Jen

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  9. Hi Jen, thank you so much for posting pictures and sharing information about the J. Crew dresses. I am currently in the process of finding a formal gown. So far, the ones in the running for me are Percy, Bettina, and Clover. Based on your experiences trying on these dresses, which one will be more flattering for someone who is pear shaped? Thank you for your time and help.

    Best wishes,

    Eleanor

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    Replies
    1. Hi Eleanor! Having zero knowledge of your body (haha) but doing my best guess, I think you'd be best off with Bettina and/or Percy - they did a really nice job creating a waist and I think would be flattering on most bodies. Clover I was not really super keen on - the fabric was like a bit stiff? Not really as nice of a drape, I think I would recommend that one for a super lean frame only. The Bettina and Percy dresses were that silky fabric that draped really nicely. I think you can go on the JCrew website and chat with a stylist that might be able to help you further. Good luck!

      Delete
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