Finding the Frankendress
Michele writes:
I have been looking everywhere for a dress with sleeves, I would like short sleeves or flutter sleeves. I’m not even looking for a “wedding” dress, I’m actually looking for a cocktail dress and I can’t find anything. I know people say to just suck it up and show your arms but I am just not comfortable doing so and I don’t want to feel self-conscious all day.
The style I am looking for would be empire waist or even a “new look” style. I am full figured, around a size 16. My wedding is in Southern California on September 5th in a garden, so it will most likely be hot, so something lightweight would also be great.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have a suggestion, all right. I’d like to suggest to all the gown makers out there that some of us don’t relish the notion of exposing our upper arms for all the world to see. Wouldn’t that just be a trip and a half if they listened to me?
Anyhoo, there is NO need to suck it up and show your arms. Ever. Telling someone to do that is like saying, “Oh, you hate your hips? Well, suck it up and wear a clingy, filmy sheath!” That said, I can see where you might run up against some difficulties when shopping. Each piece of your dream dress is out there somewhere, it’s just that all the pieces are on different dresses. What you need is Frankendress!
This is by far my favorite. Unfortunately, it’s sold out on Net-a-porter (and it’s not like they carry real sizes), though if you like it you might find it elsewhere.
This is the most expensive option I came across. It’s also the option that requires traveling to New York. Win-win? Lose-win? Lose-lose? You decide.
This Bari Jay number comes in white and various bridey shades. In the description it states that the sash ties at the waist, but the model appears to have tied it right under her bosom.
It’s got coverage, it’s pretty, and it’s reasonably priced, so I love it. But the waist isn’t as high as you might like it, so YMMV. Did I mention it comes in sizes ranging from 8 to 20? How freaking unusual!
Do you have any sweet suggestions for Michele? My only other suggestion is that she consider having a completely oiginal dress made just for her by a seamstress–that way, she could choose a waistline from one gown, the sleeves from another, the fabric from another, and have it all whipped up beautifully in her size.
If you don’t want to wait for an entire custom-made dress, Michele, you could find a ready-to-wear sleeveless dress and simply ask a seamstress to add some sleeves. Matching the fabric exactly might be a bit tricky but I’m sure a good seamstress could come up with something that will cover your upper arms and look fabulous.
Another alternative: a pretty shrug, purchased separately from the dress.
I also wanted a dress with sleeves, because I’ve got eczema & can’t guarantee that my arms are going to be pretty to look at. But the only sleeves I could find were on heinous dresses or made of lace (which actually irritated my skin, thus defeating the purpose). The dress I fell in love with is strapless, and a friend is knitting me a shrug to go with it.
I considered a dress with sleeves myself a year ago–ended up in a tank style–and I did find several, so I know they’re out there. However, I don’t remember all the names anymore! Sorry. I do know that several bridal dress makers will customize dresses for you. One is Jasmine–not only do they have “temple ready” versions of their gowns, which have higher necklines and sleeves, they also do custom versions. Check out their website.
I loved my wedding gown, but I wish I had seen Stephanie James Couture before I bought it. She has several dresses with short sleeves, and all her dresses are lovely. http://stephaniejamescouture.com/
My other suggestion is to look at bridesmaid gowns–many of them have sleeves, and come in white, ivory and cream.
I don’t know if it’s possible to buy a Candy Anthony dress without being in London, but her stuff is incredible, and she definitely has some dresses with sleeves!
http://www.candyanthony.com/index.htm
Thanks for the links, Pencils. I loooooove the Stephanie James suit #2. It’s to die for!
Along with the other suggestions, Stewart Parvin has at least one really lovely gown with sleeves
http://www.stewartparvin.com/site.php
I’d just like to add that a really good custom dressmaker can make you a completely custom dress to suit your every need and whim! I’ve made dresses for 3 brides – all completely to their desires, figures, coloring, and so on. In fact the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers (paccprofessionals.org) has a referral link on their site. You don’t have to order a custom dress from a bridal store, wait a year to get it, then have to have alterations done.
I recently tried on a Jenny Packham called Claire which had sleeves and was absolutely gorgeous. Her stuff has kind of a goddessy Gatsby feel to it, so depending on what you’re looking for, it might be worth while checking out.
Good luck!
The final dress comes in the “unusual” sizes of 8-20 because it’s in UK sizes. Thus it’s equivalent to a US 4-16. They have a size chart in inches which is your best bet – they seem to run a little larger than the average UK clothing manufacturer.
Check out Monifc.com – they sell a convertible dress that you can make into a number of styles. They also do custom colors for extra.