tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post528185986736909751..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Would You Pay $348 for this Dress?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89306766945036715222012-11-10T14:57:18.239-05:002012-11-10T14:57:18.239-05:00With your skills, I think you can make something v...With your skills, I think you can make something very similar. Now you know the fit and details of the dress, if you see it anywhere else you can nab it for less. But I think you can do it, lovely Gertie!Kerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13631662250974621789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-64007890500255611842012-02-04T00:40:59.047-05:002012-02-04T00:40:59.047-05:00My wedding dress. Yep. 875$ worth of figure flat...My wedding dress. Yep. 875$ worth of figure flattering beauty to be worn once. And now, after having a baby I shan't ever fit in it again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-57207271914521073092011-01-16T15:41:53.965-05:002011-01-16T15:41:53.965-05:00I was brought up to think about how long it would ...I was brought up to think about how long it would take to earn the amount in question & if the item would entertain/keep me happy or i guess be worn for the same number of hours then is was worth it!<br /><br />My thoughts - no don't buy it.<br /><br />Re-create it at a fraction of the cost. Horrified at the thought of buying to copy & return but why not copy from afar... <br /><br />some say there are only nine stories in the world that authours tweak - wendy mullin made me think the same of tailoring...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11718940411031784292011-01-15T13:53:39.306-05:002011-01-15T13:53:39.306-05:00Go buy that dress! If you don't, it will haun...Go buy that dress! If you don't, it will haunt you forever!!!! Trust me, I know!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11229492390012519321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-39355510305709630002011-01-15T13:27:30.177-05:002011-01-15T13:27:30.177-05:00A work dress? Then the big question everyone's...A work dress? Then the big question everyone's forgotten - Will it wash?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-26050813903109545292011-01-13T19:41:49.290-05:002011-01-13T19:41:49.290-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50479440593851122082011-01-13T19:40:55.982-05:002011-01-13T19:40:55.982-05:00My entire life, I've found very few clothes I ...My entire life, I've found very few clothes I really love in stores, and even fewer than that that fit my problematic figure. I say buy it, wear it, and then when the day comes, deconstruct it and make yourself another.<br /><br />Also, in a day or two, if the dress 'haunts' you, you'll know whether it's a 'gotta have' or not. Trust your heart.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-21667594894994004492011-01-11T02:21:02.651-05:002011-01-11T02:21:02.651-05:00It would depend on where the dress was made. I wou...It would depend on where the dress was made. I would never pay that much for a dress manufactured in a sweatshop in Bangladesh. But handmade in France I might – if I had the money.Matroskinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17969846281579077905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28735610896774603412011-01-10T20:33:49.071-05:002011-01-10T20:33:49.071-05:00On the one hand, the only time I've ever paid ...On the one hand, the only time I've ever paid $350 for a dress was my wedding dress.<br />On the other hand, I tried on an absolutely wonderful sweater once. I was out of town and tried on a sweater at the Saks outlet store. Even at the outlet, it was $150 or so, which is more than I've ever paid for a sweater. But it was more than a year ago, and I still wish I'd gotten it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11977118094143668022011-01-10T14:08:51.992-05:002011-01-10T14:08:51.992-05:00Honestly..."NO" I would not pay $348 for...Honestly..."NO" I would not pay $348 for this little number, no matter how cute it made my butt look! What...maybe it has 3 yards of fabric in it...that works out to $116/yard. I don't think so...<br /><br />Me...I'd whip the cell phone out in the dressing room and take pics of the dress and then recreate it at home for a fraction of the cost!!! :-Dmimi ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03308969238826902872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-51552882876542012222011-01-10T12:31:43.572-05:002011-01-10T12:31:43.572-05:00Hi there,
I stumbled across your blog in my search...Hi there,<br />I stumbled across your blog in my search for a good sewing community and like-minded people with similar retro tastes. I'm brand new to the world of sewing and have always wanted to make my own dresses. I just got a brother XL3600 for christmas... and I'm anxious to learn.<br />Does anyone have an opinion on a good project for starters? Easy dress or shirt patterns... or a website that can help?<br />Let me know- i'd much appreciate expert advice!<br /><br />Eliseelisehttp://www.briefobsessions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62132303446865854992011-01-10T10:03:07.795-05:002011-01-10T10:03:07.795-05:00I'd pay $348 not to have to wear my uniform to...I'd pay $348 not to have to wear my uniform to work...<br /><br />You may want to peruse the Vogue patterns, they sometimes have knockoff patterns very similar to Ms. Lepore's styles. I made a jacket a few seasons ago that was identical to one in NL's collection. Just look at the line drawings. That may save you some time starting out with a base pattern in the replication. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6217400108123342722011-01-10T10:02:53.101-05:002011-01-10T10:02:53.101-05:00I'd pay $348 not to have to wear my uniform to...I'd pay $348 not to have to wear my uniform to work...<br /><br />You may want to peruse the Vogue patterns, they sometimes have knockoff patterns very similar to Ms. Lepore's styles. I made a jacket a few seasons ago that was identical to one in NL's collection. Just look at the line drawings. That may save you some time starting out with a base pattern in the replication. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-10922528859707854152011-01-10T09:18:31.828-05:002011-01-10T09:18:31.828-05:00Although I have made plenty of formal dresses in m...Although I have made plenty of formal dresses in my life, sometimes it's just SO NICE to buy one instead! There are some great discount sites out there that sell designer clothing though. Never pay retail. :)Sewing Geekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18291558571275361422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65660216518911740442011-01-10T08:50:32.917-05:002011-01-10T08:50:32.917-05:00Well, I don't know you Gertie (apart from thro...Well, I don't know you Gertie (apart from through this blog), but it seems to me you work exceptionally hard, both at your "day" job, and on your many sidelines. I am a believer in supporting manufacturer's who create quality pieces that will last and last - I think it's better for the environment, the world, and also (in the long-run) our wallets. <br /><br />So I would ask the store to contact the designer's workshop and see if they would be willing to repair the dress, on the basis that if they did I would happily pay the tag price.<br /><br />You'll love it forever, and you work hard so why beat yourself up over it?<br /><br />Like others here, I totally disagree with buying the dress, copying it, then returning it - this is no different from stealing the item from the store.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-43106297807758965872011-01-09T18:29:01.628-05:002011-01-09T18:29:01.628-05:00Hmm, its a tough one. Like others have said, if yo...Hmm, its a tough one. Like others have said, if you can afford it. . .<br />Its not a dress that I've fallen in love with, or a handbag, or a pair of shoes. Its a watch of all things! $250 is a lot of money to me! but I'm under its spell. The website does a 50% discount code for international customers though, which makes it a bit more affordable. I'll just have to save :)<br />Let us know what you decide!<br />Ashley xAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02818220432918190586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1269097580624519182011-01-09T13:56:14.255-05:002011-01-09T13:56:14.255-05:00Oh, my gosh. An amazing dress is worth the money i...Oh, my gosh. An amazing dress is worth the money if you think you'll wear it often. I agree with the others who've pointed out how much your precious sewing time is worth to you (and us!). Once in while, I think it's fine to invest in good clothes that fit well and save yourself the time and energy. But there is a problem with the lack of an offer of an "as is" discount--that said, I'd probably buy it anyway if I had the money.liannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31168540218275520822011-01-09T13:47:08.702-05:002011-01-09T13:47:08.702-05:00Some people suggest that we don't know anymore...Some people suggest that we don't know anymore what's the worth of a good piece of garment.<br /><br />Aside from this dress, that is probably well designed and produced locally.<br /><br />But how do you know if you are paying the right price? <br />Buttons come off easy from expensive garments as well.<br />Or do you mainly pay for expensive branding and advertising? <br /><br />Businesses try to sell you us feelings and emotions. That's quite clever. Reading these comments, most are willing to pay for a good feeling or the promise of it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11705764061788822942011-01-09T12:06:19.455-05:002011-01-09T12:06:19.455-05:00I'd be more likely to pay that much for a well...I'd be more likely to pay that much for a well-made basic that I could wear once or twice a week than something I'd only wear once year. So, yes, normally, I would have bought this dress.<br /><br />However, you should be able to get a discount or get the store to find you a perfect one. So, in your situation, I would have done exactly what you did.<br /><br />As for the whole, "I could make it myself, so why should I pay for it" issue you really have to factor time and opportunity costs into figuring out how much it would cost you to make it yourself -- not just the price of fabric.<br /><br />To make a good decision, you need to know how much your sewing time is really worth in a concrete dollars and cents/hour number. You might find that the dress is actually a steal once you average out how much it would "cost" you to sew this up yourself.<br /><br />Buying a basic and timeless dress you can wear often and feel great in means you won't have to spend precious sewing time you could be using to work on a vintage inspired item you truly couldn't get anywhere else and that would contribute more concretely to your income (either through your book or through contributing in a richer way to your blog's theme).<br /><br />Just my two cents.elizabethenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82078972906961738712011-01-09T03:57:55.707-05:002011-01-09T03:57:55.707-05:00I would have bought that dress! But I think you s...I would have bought that dress! But I think you show admirable discipline and I congratulate you on making the "right" decision.Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-66282282702879139342011-01-09T03:55:58.365-05:002011-01-09T03:55:58.365-05:00Way to go darling! I definetly understand your poi...Way to go darling! I definetly understand your point. My principle aswell is that I don't buy anything pricy if they are not absolutely perfect. I have pile big enough of things waiting to be repaired/fixed as it is. And definetly if there is a flaw, deduced price is mandatory, otherwise it stays in the shop. Expensive items must be wearable without any repairs. I think it's just madness to pay hundreds for item that you can't even start using without some work on it. It's a bit like buying a diamond ring without diamond or getting a movieticket to a movie you have to film yourself first. <br /><br />However if the shop would be willing to come up with reduction on the price, then repairing it yourself would be worth it :)Rhiahttp://www.evildressmaker.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1313655274030615472011-01-08T23:36:33.150-05:002011-01-08T23:36:33.150-05:00I have the same dress, bought for about $120 at a ...I have the same dress, bought for about $120 at a Nordstrom Rack (I live in San Francisco). Have you looked online? Mine was in a 12 & bought about 5 months ago, but still worth looking.Vondahttp://www.sosewblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80085778012553156902011-01-08T17:28:29.282-05:002011-01-08T17:28:29.282-05:00Take a few days to think about it. Like Casey said...Take a few days to think about it. Like Casey said, your ability to sew can really put a damper on your buying - which is a good thing most of the time, but sometimes you just want to pick up a great dress at the store! Personally, I wouldn't buy it but that is because I really don't have that money to spend, and buy most of my clothing for around $20. I'm pretty sure you will be able to find that same dress on one of the shopping sites, like Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, Haute Look, etc... for $100-something bucks, so I would wait for it to go on sale. Check out Filene's or Nordstrom Rack if you have time or inclination.fangaronihttp://fangaroni.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74587109176214141552011-01-08T14:56:49.226-05:002011-01-08T14:56:49.226-05:00I wonder if you've considered this justificati...I wonder if you've considered this justification to buy the dress (and granted it approaches the dramatic a bit)<br />I wonder how many women have tried on dresses in the past they had no hope to buy? Not to have bought for them but that THEY could buy.... They couldn't work, they mostly likely had no income other than what their husband earned.<br />You, on the other hand, can buy that dress. No grand justifications, no asking anyone for it, no begging. You'd just like to buy it.<br />Just my thoughts...if you REALLY want it buy it!!Melissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-25635842149865140552011-01-08T14:19:27.560-05:002011-01-08T14:19:27.560-05:00I'm surprised at the number of sewers that are...I'm surprised at the number of sewers that are suggesting you copy the dress and return it. How would you be able to enjoy wearing something you basically stole? Considering the time and money that would go into trying to reproduce the dress, I think if you really love it and can afford it, you should get it. It seems like it would be a practical dress that you wear often. It would be a good idea to check it thoroughly though because of the flaw.CJnoreply@blogger.com