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Original poster

Is this a bad dress?

85 replies

Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:12

So I bought a dress from a Chinese website (I'm attending a family wedding soon). I only paid £40 because it was a "sample". I knew the fit would be big but I thought I could alter it IF it was a nice dress.

I've shown me wearing it next to the website photo. The lace appears to be heavy, no delicate like the photo. Obviously the length needs taken up (is the model 6ft 5?!). It's also big around the waist and hips so would need to be taken in.

Do you think it's worth spending money to alter? I can't decide whether it's worth doing or not.

I don't think it's a disaster dress but if I saw it in a shop I wouldn't buy it (or try it on)!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:14

Sorry, forgot to attach photos

Is this a bad dress?
Is this a bad dress?
OP posts:
mustdrivesoon · 05/07/2019 08:16

It isn't a sample. These websites do copies of the original design - very poorly and cheaply. If you can get it tailored I think it would be nice but how much would that cost? Might be better just buying a dress from a reputable retailer instead.

Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:16

Also, I'm really struggling with body confidence at the moment Sad had a baby 10 months ago and feel like my whole physical appearance has changed.

I don't think I look nice in anything. I'm actually dreading going to this wedding because I think I look fat. Everyone else will look nice and slim...but not me. Nothing looks nice anymore Sad

OP posts:
BiscuitDrama · 05/07/2019 08:18

I can’t see the photo Smile

Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:19

Biscuitdrama - I forgot to attach in my original post but posted the photos in my second message Smile

OP posts:
Paultrybudget · 05/07/2019 08:21

I certainly don't think it's a bad dress, I like the colour and the lace.

I wonder if it would give you a better idea if you ironed/steamed it get rid of the creases? Ultimately it depends how much the alterations would be versus a new dress?

Also, I know how you feel about body changes after a baby, it's hard.

User10fuckingmillion · 05/07/2019 08:24

I can’t see the photos either

Qcumber · 05/07/2019 08:25

Hi OP. Not sure about taking it up as you'll lose one of thr layers at the bottom?
I'm not sure about whether it's worth getting it altered but just wanted to say that how you're feeling now is how I think most women feel after a baby. Your body has changed and everything just looks 'wrong' somehow. Dressing for a new shape can be hard, but please don't think that you're fat because you certainly don't look it in that photo. I would probably go shopping, try on a few different styles, some that you haven't tried before. You may find one that you didn't think much of on the hanger, looks great on! My DD is 3 now, and I'm still trying to get to grips with a new shape. But I'm slowly finding my way and you will too :) you'll look great at the wedding and no one will think otherwise. I hope you find something that you love and that makes you feel beautiful x

Atalune · 05/07/2019 08:25

There are far nicer dresses out there!

What’s your budget and size? Best bits, bits you’d like to hide?

We can do better!

Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:26

There was a technical issue when I posted my thread. For some reason it's posted twice (I only clicked on post once). I've reported the other thread to Mumsnet.

I'll post the photos again for those who can't see it.

Is this a bad dress?
Is this a bad dress?
OP posts:
Cherry111 · 05/07/2019 08:26

I think the dress looks a bit "old" for you. It might be better if you got it taken in at the waist etc to give you a better shape but like you say, do you want to spend more money on it? Can you return it? I'd then get onto Quiz/Very and order a few dresses then send back what you don't like. They have some really nice weddingy dresses. I just feel you'd look so much better in something else. Sorry! X

rookiemere · 05/07/2019 08:29

Is it possible to send it back ? Sorry I don't like it, the colour is draining and the hang isn't great - not criticising you - you look lovely . You could get it altered but that is likely to be another £20 probably.

A lot of the high street shops have sales on, Phase Eight for example has some nice structured ones for under £50, I'd probably go for a more definite colour as well .

VictoriaBun · 05/07/2019 08:30

Still no pic.

Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:30

My budget would be around £200 (would spend slightly more for an amazing dress that makes me feel great)!

I love to hide the tops of my arms and my middle bit.

I actually think the dress is a bit "old" for me too. The lace is too heavy.

Not sure there's much point returning a £40 to China. The post would be half the cost of the dress at least. On their website, it makes you tick a box to confirm the samples can't be refunded! Shock

OP posts:
NEtoN10 · 05/07/2019 08:30

I'm sorry but I don't think the shape is flattering as it has no shape. It doesn't fit to your boobs/waist/hips - I'm in the same boat about feeing unhappy body wise post baby so I totally get it. But I think this dress is hiding your whole body. Which bits of your body are you self conscious of? I bet MN can help you find something you feel amazing in. ❤️💪

SinglePringle · 05/07/2019 08:30

No photos on mobile site...

Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:31

Not sure why some people can see the photos and some can't Hmm I've posted the photos twice on the thread so must be some sort of technical issue with mumsnet?

OP posts:
NEtoN10 · 05/07/2019 08:32

Sorry just saw your note above... I find it harder shopping online for dresses like this, could you take a couple hours and go to the shops? I would always wear good smooth support underwear under any fitted dress makes such a difference, I did this when I was a size 10 too.

Original poster
Tootytata · 05/07/2019 08:33

I have booked a special occasions personal shopper appointment at John Lewis and Debenhams for the end of this month. I'm hoping they can find me something that makes me feel beautiful again. I'd love to feel beautiful again.

OP posts:
Apolloanddaphne · 05/07/2019 08:34

That is not a good dress for you. It is too long and it makes you look shapeless. Can you put on some normal clothes and post a picture so we can see your body shape? That way people can help you find a dress that suits you.

MrMeSeeks · 05/07/2019 08:36

Can't see it either Hmm

origamiunicorn · 05/07/2019 08:38

I can't see the photos either. I'm on the mobile site but I can see plenty of other people's photos Confused

justchecking1 · 05/07/2019 08:38

You could try getting someone to pin it the waist to get a better idea of what an altered fit would look like. And definitely iron/steam it to get a better picture. I think it could be ok if it fitted better

Oddbutnotodd · 05/07/2019 08:39

You are beautiful now. You’ve just had a baby. There a loads of dresses in the sales at the moment. You can order a few from somewhere like John Lewis and try them at home in comfort.

swissmilk · 05/07/2019 08:39

I was just coming on to suggest John Lewis stylist advice.
I think if you don't like the dress, then chalk it up to an lucky online purchase and move on.
I think you need someone younger, fresher, probably with more colour and pattern which is more forgiving o men you shape (which looks perfectly fine to me) but obviously if it's changed a lot in the last year then you are going to feel self conscious.
Which you're at the department shop get yourself a make up demo at one of the counters (I like Bobbie brown personally) and get a few new pieces of make up to help brighten up your look, hopefully these will all help with your confidence, which I think is your main problem at the moment.

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