Franken-dress

Yes, you could definitely hire a seamstress to build a new top for it. But, (possibly dumb question) the dress looks like a two piece. Could you just buy a different top to wear with it? The hardest part will be matching fabrics.

Maybe consult a seamstress before you buy to discuss options, matching fabrics etc. I bet it is completely doable though!!!

View Quoted Comment Understood - I just wasn't sold on having a two piece dress. Was hoping to truly combine to make it a "normal" dress.

Just unsure if this will end up costing double a normal dress, which would probably cause me to just let it go.

View Quoted Comment Take to a seamstress and look at body suits (and that may create the illusion of a connected dress without having to pay for the cost)

View Quoted Comment Ooooh smart lady. I'll look into bodysuits and can probably order a Swatch to take with me shopping.

Thanks!

How tall are you? If you are under the 5'6" to 5'8" that dresses are designed for, the top may already have 1-2 inches more tan you need, and meet the skirt. And if the skirt needs to be shortened a couple of inches to the correct length of 2 inches from the floor, they will not turn up the bottom, they will remove the 2 lines of stitching that hold on the waist and, easily done, the gown is intended for this kind if hemming. Then they cut off the top 1-3 inches you need removed, and this gives you extra fabric to play with. The waistband will be replaced, gathering the skirt. Then top sewn to top of waistband of skirt.. . . If you are tall enough that there is no hemming, and the top is not too long, different alteration. Seamstress buys satin ir crepe to reasonably match skirt, need not be exact. And sews on a strip above the waist and, and to the bottom of the top. Now two strips, waist and and added one at waist. Sew, never glue*, crystals, clear, barely gold , or gold matching skirt, to the new band under top, at least til it covers the added piece and the seam to waist band. Or cover both thin pieces, plain or in a design , and make a single about 3 inch wide crystal decorated waistband of the two strips. This will disguise the not quite matching purchased fabric, and the two extra seams, and make it look like it was designed to be a one piece gown, with a 3 inch crystal waistband. All, easy. . . .* Never allow crystals, or golden foil rhinestones, shiny gold, to be glued someplace like the waist. As you bend and flex, sitting, raising arms to kiss or dance, glued beads oop off. Sewn ones stay put. . . . A tip to save money: Know what you want . Wear foundation garments so the hip and bust lines will be the same place as wedding day. Wear the same shies or heel height, all for the first time. And be as fast as possible letting her know what you want, and getting into outfit. Then, she can talk as she works. I do not have rent on a studio, and on pricey real estate like malls, things cost more. But often 70-110 dollars more will be charged for people who come in, talk about their relationship, their colors, show Pinterest things, and basically do not get ready to try things on for 45 minutes. And do the same thing at any other fitting, or pickup. A seamstress starts with an plan, 15 min discuss and change, do work, out. Gets fabric if you have not. Same with fitting, or pickup. Seamstress works by the hour, for pricing. You spend a total if 2.5 hours chatting, for 2.5 hours she works, you pay twice as much. And for the first estimate, if you starts by talking on and on, she will figure you will do it later to. And add in Chatty Cathy time. Your actual alterations: I would charge about $100 or less, no tip, for adding a piece, and hand sewing crystals on band, plus quick consult and getting right to fitting. About $30-50 for shortening skirt by waistband removal and reattachment, and sewing to top if no extra piece needed. Then adding piece, crystals sewn by hand in a pattern, and attaching to top another about $60. Up to the customer whether I add $70 for extra talk time.

I do not know who makes that skirt, but more than half of all manufacturers will sell a yard of exact match fabric for alterations or head pieces, at the time you buy your dress. Inquire. But if not, not hard to match. Just time to hit a store. And time costs if dressmaker does it, not if you do and drop it off with the dress. I think you are wise to not do skimpy 2 piece. Sitting and feasting, or dancing with one hand on your waist with anyone who asks, the little band if skin pouches out, and when dancing with an uncle ir someone you do not like, you do not want hands on bare skin.

Martina Liana designs beautiful bodysuits (see their Dress page here). I bought separates and bought the bodysuit first then the skirt.

It’s ok if the “whites” don’t match completely, or even choosing contrast may work best. A belt can separate the two pieces but tie it all together.

View Quoted Comment Dang that was extremely thorough and helpful! I'm 5 flat, so that's a good point on the extra fabric. I'll look for a similar-ish top and like the waistband disguise idea. I will also try not to be a Chatty Cathy 😉

Thank you!

View Quoted Comment

To loop back - you're amazing and very on point. I got a second dress (for the top basically) at sample sale price. A seamstress I found who is local agreed to see me after I sent pictures and will take the top of the sample sale dress, attach it to the skirt I bought and will rip out the back and put in a corset and use a bit of gold lace as a belt/ piece to join the two.

Total price including all that and taking up the straps since I'm so short - $495.

Amazing deal and my total dress costs will be under $1,000 this way which is in my budget! I'm hoping I'll remember to re-post with pictures when this is all said and done.

Thank you for your advice!

Happy to hear you are getting what you want put together. The fact that you are petite makes these things easier, like going to corset back, or separating sections of a dress and attaching them differently. That little 2 inches extra fabric here and there helps. Do post pics when done.

Update: Had my second fitting where I brought her the fabric (for the back panel) and the lace for the belt/ connecting piece. I also had my new SHINY shoes on that helped the dress hang better.
What's Left to be Done:
-She'll take up the shoulders (as pinned)
-Take out some fabric panels so that the corset back will lay properly and then add that in
-Remove the skirt of the "top dress" and add the lace belting to connect the two
The next appt will be in December, and I'm hoping with the corset installed the shaping will be what I'm looking for (hug the top, then swing out at the bottom). It will also be nice to not have to clutch about 10 pounds of fabric between my knees for the pictures!

The Front

The Back

The Final Update!

The dress turned out very well - especially doing the corset back, I can't recommend that enough. It felt nice that I could be more relaxed about eating/ do whatever I was comfortable with. If you want to make a Frankendress, I say go for it!