After spring break, I went to the wonderful dress boutique about 10 minutes from my house in Circleville, Ohio called Uniquely Yours Bridal, Prom and Pageant.

While picking up my national competition gown, I had to try on some of the fabulously fun gowns Carole and Pam had in the store. While I was playing dress up, I learned quite a few interesting pieces of information from Carole about online gown purchasing that I felt you needed to know.

If the price seems too good to be true, chances are, it is.

What many “online only “websites do is put the picture of the original designer‘s dress on their website to lure you into thinking that is what you will be receiving.

Instead, what you will get is a “replica” similar to the designer gown. If you take the time to read the fine print on the website, you’ll find wording something along the lines of “your dress will look similar to this…” There is no way you are going to get a designer dress for rock bottom prices.
Here’s why. Online stores are NOT authorized retailers to the major designers unless the online boutique has a physical storefront. Every designer controls the design, workmanship, and quality materials that go into each of their gowns. Designers will issue a Certificate of Authenticity to the stores which carry their line of dresses. To find authorized retailers, visit the websites of the designer gowns you are interested in and they’ll locate a store in your area.
Also, you want to purchase from honest dress stores. If the tags have been cut from the dress or tampered with, beware. Some dress stores buy gowns from the “knock off” websites and try to sell them at the designer prices. If in doubt, ask to see the stores Certificate of Authenticity.

I totally understand about living on a budget and wanting to get the best quality for your dollar. You just need to do your research and know there is a possibility of getting something less than what you expect if you order online. Many times the replicas arrive made of cheap fabrics, are incorrectly sized, and the color is slightly off. You will either spend a ton of money in alterations trying to fix the gown, or you’ll end up purchasing a new one to replace it.

There are several dress sites that design gowns “in the style of” and sell the fashions at very affordable prices. Many of these gowns fit great and make it possible for women to participate in pageantry. We need these choices. The difference is these websites post photos of “their “real gowns so you have a better feel as to what expect.

When the event is REALLY important to you, here are a couple questions to ask yourself to help decide whether to buy online or from the store:

• How important is the event for which you are going to wear the gown?
• Do you know someone who has ordered from this company?
• How much time do you have before your pageant?
• Are you comfortable with the companies return policy?
• Is there a phone number where you can talk with a human if there is a problem with the gown?
• Do you have a skilled seamstress who can make alterations to the gown?
• What will the alterations cost?
• Is the gown you are purchasing the exact gown shown in the photograph?
• How important is it that you see and try on the dress before you buy it?

Every designer’s sizing runs differently. A size 2 in one line may be a size 6 in another. Forget what the number is. You need the gown to fit you. Don’t assume you can take your own measurements correctly either. Most teens think their waist measurement is where their low riding jeans hit. This is not your waist measurement. Have a professional who knows how to measure do it to ensure a proper fit.
Bottom line is how much risk are you willing to take? Because I’m petite, I need to try things on before I purchase them or have them custom made. I’m a hard fit when it comes to gowns. So I decided to go with a store that I trust.
As a result of giving my business to Uniquely Yours, I have the gown I wanted months before my pageant; I stayed within my budget; it fits me perfectly and needed zero alterations. The whole experience was stress free and fun. The only problem is there are several dresses still down there calling my name.