DO TRY AND HAVE A CHAT WITH THE SHOP
before you go so
that they have an idea of the kind of thing you are after,
and whether they have anything that fits the bill.
BE OPEN-MINDED ABOUT WHAT YOUWANT
: if you have
your heart set on a particular dress or specific style, you run
a higher risk of disappointment. Try different silhouettes
and get a feel for what suits you.
MATCHING UNDERWEAR TO YOUR CHOSEN DRESS IS
IMPORTANT
and fun, but for your first appointment it is a
good idea to wear neutrally coloured and supportive
underwear – black stripes can be quite distracting through
even heavy silk! Thirties dresses might require ‘shape-wear’
that smooths out your silhouette; ’50s dresses were cut
over corsetry so need a cincher, maybe even with some
bones, to nip in your waist a bit.
VINTAGE DRESSES TENDTO COME UP IN SMALLER SIZES
and
alteration costs will be extra to the price of the dress. Youmight
need to use your imagination slightly to be able to see how a
dress that does not currently fit couldwork on you. Does the
shop do their own alterations, do they have the experience to
do it, or can they recommend a reliable alteration service?
IF YOU HAVE A DRESS, YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S FOR
INSTANCE
that you are taking to be altered, it is important
to get it cleaned first. Even the most reputable dry cleaner
will probably want you to sign a waiver just in case it all
goes horribly wrong, but should also be happy to talk you
through the process. If they aren’t, don’t use them.
ASK HOW LONG A CONSULTATIONWILL TAKE
. Most should
be more than happy for you to take up to two hours for a
preliminary viewing.
VINTAGE ACCESSORIES ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO SET OFF
YOUR CHOSEN DRESS
, or even to add glamour to a modern
dress. Modern crystals tend to be too shiny and perfect
when set against the soft tones of vintage silk and lace.
Abigail’s Vintage Bridal sources the finest original
vintage gowns from around the world, restores and alters
them and helps to create a perfect vintage look, from
turn of the 20th century to early 1970s.
www.abigailsvintagebridal.co.uk
pink weddings magazine » 19
Vintage Fashion
Be open-minded about
what you want: if you have
your heart set on a
particular dress or specific
style, you run a higher risk
of disappointment. Try
different silhouettes and get
a feel for what suits you.