@himom when you open the link…scroll down. That dress comes in pink, light blue, an eggplant color, red. Not just that dark color.
What I attempted to order in that dress was a dark purple. It ended up being maroon. Some color, but not overwhelming. Seeing the photos, I really wish I had lost more weight, and am very glad I was in the sort of dark color that suits me better. With a flower corsage, it was plenty festive. Read the comments on Amazon. I wrote one, but some of the others had posted photos with brighter colors. It was very comfortable.
I’m still looking…ill probably be looking for at least 9 more months.
Here is what I REALLY want. I want a long dress, some kind of short or cap sleeves. A darker pink or lavender. Comfortable. And at least somewhat reasonably priced…like not $500.
What I do NOT want. No beads or sequins, no jackets. No itchy lace. Nothing that screams “MOB”. No strapless. No gathered waist (although two of the four dresses I have have a somewhat gathered waist…but not a lot of fabric in the skirt).
I’ve looked at bridal shops…actually several…and the MOB dresses there are NOT for me.
I’ve been to Macy’s, Lord and Taylor, Nordstrom, and Nordstrom Rack. I am thinking…I just don’t like the styles in the current offerings…so will wait for fall, and even next spring (which should be out by Christmas).
Oh…and picky me…I’m not big into mail order, trying on and shipping back. It’s just not my thing. So…I really would prefer to get my dress at a brick and mortar store where I can try it on…and leave it if it doesn’t work.
Size…well…I know this depends…but I’m guessing anywhere between a 6 and 10 petite. I know some run smaller than others. I’m high waisted, and not particularly busty…which is why I need the petite.
thumper- From my experience 2 years ago, although I also would’ve preferred getting my dress at a brick and mortar store, there just didn’t seem to be the selection/sizing in those stores to accomplish that. I also went to Macy’s, L&T, Nordstrom’s, but had to order dresses from those stores, as well as Bloomingdale’s. At times, I ordered the same dress in multiple sizes because I had no idea how it would fit. I only ordered from stores that had free returns, or brick and mortar stores I could return those shipped dresses to. I can’t recall how many trips I made to Westfarms (a mall in CT for the uninitiated).
For those of you who have ordered from and returned to Nordstrom, about how long did it take for the store to process your refund? I sent a dress back the middle of last week and this morning was told their return processing staff is just now working on items entered into the pipeline on 6/2. That department didn’t record my return until yesterday (even though tracking shows they received it on 6/1) so they don’t expect to post my credit until late next week. That falls within the 14 business days I was quoted by a CSR. I guess I’m just spoiled by Amazon, Zappos and other retailers that process returns very quickly.
Interesting, because I just put a lot of money on my credit card ordering possible dresses for my D to wear at my S’d September wedding. She works very long hours, including weekends, so I’ve decided to let her “shop at home.” I know what she’s looking for and what size, approximately, but my next CC bill is going to take quite a hit. I’m only ordering from stores I can return to in person, so hopefully that will expedite the credits to my account! I already have 3 dresses for me sitting at home…glad I have a reasonable credit limit, though the bill (before the credits) may send my H to the ER!
Silpat - I returned all my Nordstrom orders to the store, so I can’t comment on how long they take to process refunds, but it seems that a store with such good customer service wouldn’t take that long.
I think BHLDN has some of the prettiest dresses around both for brides as well as bridesmaids/MOB/MOG.
Love this one for those who have the body type to carry it off: http://www.bhldn.com/bridal-party-view-all-dresses/melinda-dress/productOptionIDS/76638615-b258-4703-a4f2-e7e6c0af39f5
I should add to my list of criteria…no dresses with prints…at all.
I live a 100 miles from a Nordstrom Rack where I can return catalog orders. So sometimes I return by mail.
Yes Nordstrom takes quite a while to process returns when sent in. 14 days seems about right, maybe a little before.
Maybe you should have a dress made to order, @thumper1. 
@doschicos believe me…I’ve thought of having a dress made. But I have a year until this wedding…
The one with the print is lovely for the right person …except it looks like the old curtains in my aunt’s house. Not my thing.
Thus…no prints…but especially flowered prints.
thumper…I, too wanted to get mine at brick and mortar, but agree with shellfell…there just hasn’t been the selection or sizing. Thus, lots of UPS deliveries. And returns.
I returned to stores where possible and the credits were within a day. Those that I had to ship back (L&T, Bergdorf, Dillards) were all credited within two weeks.
Prints: our photographer cautioned against bold prints, said if you have to, they should be very subtle.
@gosmom yes…and no one else in the family or bridal party will be wearing anything with a print. I don’t want to stick out.
I’m going to be patient. I’ve looked and looked online at the offerings in this sorting line…and TBH, noe really pique my interest. So…I’m hoping the fall or next spring lines will be better.
Wedding is a year away…so I do have time.
Received 4 dresses yesterday from Macy’s. I’m expecting 2 more from Lord & Taylor. Then out of all the dresses I’ll have, one of them WILL work. I probably have every short, tailored style navy blue Ralph Lauren dress made! LOL!!!
@thumper1 - As much as I would have liked to get mine off the rack at an actual store, I’ve found that even the big stores at major malls do not have all the designs carried on the websites. Or, if they do, they might not have my size. At least with Macy’s I have 180 days to return stuff, and I can do it in person at a location near me.
I’m a great fan of Ralph Lauren as well. Many nice, classic styles and clean lines. I’m also a Maggie London fan for similar reasons. Her styles are more dry clean only though.
Ralph Lauren products are great. I worked for the company for two years, and the thing I miss most is the great discounts I got!!
OK, scratch the 2 dresses from L&T. When I ordered them on Saturday, I found I was eligible for free 2 day shipping… When I checked the order status online 2 days ago, it just said “Created.” Yesterday I called Customer Svc. and went through their automated system. I got the message that the order was “Fulfilled.” Today I called again, waited 15 minutes for a rep to answer and found out the order had been “Cancelled.” What??? No notice or anything? Turns out they don’t have the dresses in my size. Not impressed …
Jeez. What size are you???
A question for all of you:
My daughter is getting married in three months.
The mother of the groom e-mailed me to ask what I’m going to wear. I told her that I would be wearing a knee-length dress (it’s a daytime wedding), but I have avoided telling her what color. I already have the dress, which fits just fine now, but I’ve been doing Weight Watchers with some success. It is possible that the dress won’t fit in three months and I will have to buy another one. And because I’m hard to fit (different sizes on the top and bottom), the chances of finding another dress in the same color are extremely small.
Is it acceptable for me to not tell her the color? Or should I stop trying to lose weight for three months to ensure that the dress I’ve already bought will fit? Or should I wear the dress no matter what, even if it means paying for alterations (which seems ridiculous to me because the alterations would cost more than the dress did)?
What’s my obligation to the other mother?