Frugal Fridays: Pre-Loved Gowns

Here is a selection of pre-loved gowns residing in Canada (save yourself the customs and cross-border shipping costs!). Click on the image to take you directly to the ad.

Amsale "Ally" - Ottawa, ON (OnceWed.com)

Image via Amsale.com

Melissa Sweet "Romy" - Toronto, ON (PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com)

Image via Priscilla of Boston

Paloma Blanca 3806 - Toronto, ON (PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com)

Image via Paloma Blanca

NEW Pronovias "Marlene" - Vancouver, BC (PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com)

Image via PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

Finally (saving the best for last!), check out this stunning Pronovias Diamante gown that recent Toronto bride Angela is selling. Angela's wedding took place mid May and promptly had the gown cleaned. There are no rips or tears.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Here is a description of the dress in Angela's words:

This gorgeous 2008 Pronovias Diamante wedding gown was recently worn at my wedding on May 17, 2009. It is absolutely stunning and I felt incredible while wearing it. I do hope that someone can feel as wonderful on their wedding day as I did. This is a contemporary yet classic dress that will be timeless in photographs.

Material: raw silk (duponi)

Colour: natural white

Size: altered to fit a street size 10 (originally bridal size 14 with lots of room to alter further in or out) and 5”7.5 with 3.5 heels

Description: The bodice is ruched and incredibly slimming. It is a very wearable weight (not too hot), yet it has very good structure to hold its shape throughout the day. The V-neckline allowed me to enjoy the day without yanking and pulling my gown up all night. There is also a chapel length train and I had crinoline added to the skirt to make the shape more fit and flare.

I had the following alterations made to the dress, which essentially made it into a custom gown. The alterations were completed by the head seamstress at Ritché:

-back reshaped and lowered to a low scoop

-crinoline added to increase the fullness of the skirt (fit and flare rather than a-line)

-bust line reshaped and pads added to hold in the chest area so that a bra is not needed

-straps shortened to lift up the bust (I do have the extra material available)

-a $200 Watters (1039B) beaded sash was also tacked under the bust line (it can be removed, but I highly recommend leaving it there because it makes your torso look tiny!)

-8 point over bustle

-the dress was also taken in throughout the bodice and there is a lot more than can be done in terms of customizing the fit so that it is just perfect

The dress cost $1330 and the sash was an additional $200. Alterations and customization cost just under $1300.

Angela is asking $1000 (Firm). Such a STEAL!!!

If you're interested, please contact Angela at angela.lafosse@gmail.com.