First, a brief overview of the last posts. I started this process on 02/27/2020. I first had an initial consultation over the phone for free. Then paid $49 to move into the design phase and receive fabrics. My stylist and I went back and forth to get a sketch I liked. Trying on a bunch of dresses elsewhere helped me pick a sketch that was for me, not just pretty on a model. Then I took time and care in picking my fabrics to be just what I wanted. Finally, on April 4, I sent in measurements and paid for my dress.
I ended up paying just over $1500 for my dress. This included the entire design process, tax, and shipping. Here is my final sketch! (Check out Part 7 if you want to see the more detailed design summary of my dress!)
My dress was sent to production on April 10th, and I was given many email updates on it. I received my dress to my door on July 14th. This was about a month ahead of schedule. My mother didn't get to help me with this process and she lives in a different state so I thought she wouldn't see it until the wedding. But because of Anomalie getting it done early, she got to see it! Here is my dress!!!
Honestly, I'm in love with it! I'm so happy I have my own unique dress that I feel beautiful in. Here are my thoughts:
Quality - Just as great as any I tried on in-store! It was actually much heavier than ones in store and had the petticoat attached instead of places like Davids Bridal that make you wear an uncomfortable one. The underlining feels amazing. The applique lace seems amazing, the sheet lace is the only lower quality part. It just feels very elastically and gets caught on itself.
Fit - LIKE A GLOVE! I actually couldn't fully zip it up the first time, but now it's perfect. Like it seems like the dress was made for me, and my only alterations should be to bustle it and maybe some extra support for my boobs since the dress is a fully open back.
Design - I love it! One critique I've seen is that the dress doesn't match the design, however, my experience is the opposite. I think it helps that I designed a dress much like many I already tried on. I didn't design a ballgown when I never tried a ballgown on. I just made tweaks from dresses I felt pretty in to make this one perfect. My only critique could be the neckline. They made it more of a v-neck, while I wanted it a bit lowers and more of a sweetheart cut.
Issues - As I mentioned, I only have three issues. The sheet lace just getting tangled, but I think that will work out as the dress is handled more. The neckline, but it is a very minor difference that I still love. And finally, the shoulders. I have a smaller chest and so when I wear the dress without a bra, the shoulders do not stay up very well since the dress is backless. This is not Anomalie's fault, just something I wish I would have thought through better.
Overall, I love my dress and highly recommend Anomalie to anyone. During this time, they have really been stepping up to provide a better experience and a better fit. I'm so happy I took a risk with this dress!
My pieces of advice for using Anomalie:- First off, just give it a chance and see what you can create!- Be precise in your measurements, and really measure tight if you plan on losing weight. Or the opposite if you want some room to gain a little- TRY ON OTHER DRESSES! Don't just see a style of a dress on a model and design that. I full thought I would get an a-line, and never thought I would get a fitted dress. But once I started to try them on, I realized what I felt pretty in. Instead of constructing a full new dress, I started with my favorite dress (And even sent Anomalie a picture of that dress) but then changed it to fit my liking. I'm not saying recreate a dress, but make sure it is a style or look you feel beautiful in first!- Don't settle. Sometimes I felt bad, but I had many many different sketches of my dress. I didn't settle and my stylist was so helpful. They want to help you, but if you just agree to the second sketch because it seems fine, you may be disappointed later.
Thank you! Also, now that you've made it this far, if you have any recommendations on veils or accessories to wear with this, let me know!
