Project Dress Me

So far, is an abysmal failure.

I bought this dress from Garnet Hill. The reviews raved over it, and in fact, one reader here told me that she has this dress and it's amazing.

What you can't see is that the straps are twisted. Which is cool, except that it's not. I'm wondering if the model is holding her arms so closely to her side in order to keep the dress on, for it was constructed like nothing I've ever seen. The waistband fits well, the bottom fits well - I ordered a Small, which is a 6-8, which is what I wear - but the top half of the dress was gaping, with the straps falling off the shoulders, both boobies hanging out - which, in some instances, could be awesome, but not so much here - and the back gaping. More like a size 20 on top. So I had my husband look at it, and he said I should take it to the tailor we use. And I had my girlfriend look at it, and she suggested just sending it back. Because when I bought it, it was $68 (although now reduced to $48) and alterations were sure to be over $20 - which would make it a mighty expensive cotton sundress that I liked but didn't LOVE.

So I was happy with that, but annoyed because, hello, the conference is in less than a week and yes, I have clothes to wear but I really wanted something new, and I don't have a ton of (read ANY) money to go out and shop. And then my husband came home and encouraged me to go to the tailor, who is, admittedly, a miracle worker and at least let her LOOK at it, stop being so pigheaded and stubborn and just TRY. For once, just TRY.

We went and she pinned and pulled, and my husband piped up, I think that the twists in the straps are the trouble. They make the straps fall off and what do you think, if the twists were gone, would it fit better - maybe you could sew it flat or something?

And the dress that I wasn't certain I was keeping, I was just SEEING what the tailor THOUGHT - could it be saved and beautiful or not - the tailor whipped out her scissors from what I'm convinced was a hidden compartment up her sleeve, and ninja fast, she clipped completely through one strap and pinned it back together 2 inches shorter.

Guess I'm keeping it now, I said to my husband.

She pinned and pinned - seriously, the top of the dress looked stretched out, as if I'd worn it when I was a size 20 and stretched it out - and promised I'd love it. I reiterated the fact that I HAVE to be comfortable in in, don't want to be worried about my boobs falling out or my bra straps flailing for attention, and she reassured me again. Pick up Saturday, $14 please.

Here's a shot of some of the pins and adjustments. Try to ignore my right hand - I'm not paralyzed, although it sure looks like it.

So, it appears I have a dress. 

And I ordered two other dresses, which will be TOMORROW'S saga - for I can't do anything without drama apparently.

Comments

[amie]

I am sorry :(

[Elizabeth]

I can't believe your tailor just started cutting without verification that was what you really wanted! I would have had a heart attack right there and then! I have fingers and toes crossed it will work out for you.

Oh, and ask Garnet Hill for a refund of the $20 difference since the dress went on sale after you bought it AND it didn't fit properly.

[Paige]

Ugh. I thought the frustration for finding the perfect clothes would be eliminated once you were skinny. But I can see that clothing is clothing, and it doesn't always behave as we want it to. I wish you luck in your quest.

[Brandi]

Have you tried Coldwater Creek's clearance section? Low prices, nice stuff, and they ship fast.

[Megan]

This is why I just don't buy clothes online, especially if the model's boobs are significantly smaller than mine (and they almost always are, for, apparently, clothing is only designed for size 2 women with A cups.)

Anyway, I can't believe the tailor just started cutting the dress! I probably would've grabbed the scissors, and, well, it wouldn't have ended well. I hope that after all this, it really does become a dress that flatters you and you love it.

[Elizabeth]

The model could very well have clips on the back holding it tighter.

[elz]

I have a love/hate relationship with Garnet Hill. I love their clothes and their sales, but I hate that NOTHING EVER fits right. EVER. Good luck. Worst case, put a tank or cami underneath?

[elz]

Meant to add, I would definitely call Garnet Hill and ask for a refund. They will probably tell you No. But, I would be persistent b/c sale price plus alterations is not cool.

[Brandy]

Hate the dress didn't fit correctly, but at least it can be tailored to fit. Sometimes that just needs to be done, though I would contact Garnett Hill and ask about the price match.
I buy a lot of my things from Lands End. Maybe check out their clearance section? They have well made and lovely items.

[Lyz]

Your boobs are all kinds of awesome.

Is it weird that I just put that out there on the Internet?

Miss Barely-an-A here is a lovely shade of green hearing about your boobs hanging out. NEVER happened to me.

AND it seems that all the dresses I try on are made for C cups! So how does THAT figure?

Good luck!

[A Simple Twist of Faith]

Tailors are great, I hope it works out for you! I am shaped like a pear so I am always using the aid of tailor. That is when I used to buy clothes for myself!

[addy]

ughhhh .... hate clothes issues.

[Nanette]

Sounds like your tailor knows what they are doing - hope it fits good when you pick it up and have fun at the event!

[UKCraftySal]

Fingers crossed for the dress once it's stitched. The pinned dress in the photo looks pretty good, though, and the pattern on the fabric is really pretty.

[AJMick]

I've been dress shopping lately and have very limited options here in the Midwest. I'm 5'7", wear a size 6-8, and am a 34D; many size 6 dresses fit me fine on the bottom but up top the girls are fighting to break free. I'm not sure if you have a Dillards near where you live, and I must admit it's not my favorite store, but I stopped by on a whim last week and found several cute dresses on sale. I wound up buying one by MSSP (Max Studio Specialty Products), it's knit, empire waist (without making me look pregnant), nicely cut, and keeps the girls in check. I went with a medium because that's what they had on the sale rack - a small may have worked, too (am thinking about ordering a different one from website in small to see). Anyway, you're in a jam trying to find dresses with limited time and I know what that's like - you might check them out, or not... dress buying kinda sux... good luck! Oh and I think the one you're having altered will be really cute once the tailor's done!!

[suzy Q]

for whatever it's worth, i like the dress way better on you than in the magazine pic :)