As noted in the previous post (please review if need) you want to be sure to order the correct size base on how the dress fits you in the store. (Don’t forget about stretching as can often be the case with samples.)
In addition, please keep in mind that you always want to order for the biggest part of your body. For some that may be the bust and others that may be the hips or waist. Yes, it is possible that your bust could have you a size 8 while your hips or waist have you at a size 6 but you MUST order the 8. On the other end of that, a size 8 bust and a size 10 hip or waist you MUST order the size 10. What if you have a big difference in sizing from bust to hip? Depending on your body type you can be a 10 for bust, 8 for waist and 12 for hip. Again, you order for the largest measurement...the 12! You can always take in but letting out you are limited to the amount of in-seam, if there is any. On dresses with a lace overlay or chiffon let-out is limited due to "serged"  or "French seams" of which there is NO let-out. Please don't risk it over a number. It is just a number." If you aren't sure if you are making a good decision on your purchase be sure to ask questions and you can even take pictures and send to me.
Please keep in mind I offer a MEASUREMENT Service, which is under the CATEGORY "QUICK APPOINTMENT" on the scheduler. It is a 15-minute appointment in which you bring the picture of the dress and designers sizing/measurement chart for that particular dress. I say for that particular dress as every style of dress by a designer can be a different size/measurement chart. Please be sure to come wearing comfortable clothes and regular bra. No sports bra as that compresses the bust and doesn’t allow for accurate measurement and no padded bra as it adds to the measurement. I will go over appropriate measuring and show you how to order the correct size. Please keep in mind there is a small fee for this service and is payable in cash only $10 for formal-wear and $30 for bridal wear.
Ordering Online can be very tricky especially when most dresses are made overseas. The standard sizing for USA and Overseas is very different. Typically their dress sizing is cut much smaller than ours, varying 1-4 sizes, depending on your body type. Please be advised that most will wear a larger size in a formal dress than they will in a regular/everyday dress, so please DO NOT get too focused on that number as it is just a number!  So that aside, you may find you wear a formal size 8 (when you are a size 6) well factor in a dress from overseas and you may need to order a 10, 12 or even a 14. It is best that you educate yourself on the company you are ordering from and read the reviews. Again, I offer the MEASUREMENT service so please utilize that to your advantage so you aren't blowing your budget. Some online sites are great with returns while others don't accept or make it challenging then your left with trying to sell it or spending more money than necessary to make it work, if it's possible. 

COMMON MISCONCEPTION: You can lose weight and not inches or lose inches and not weight! It better to SCHEDULE THE MEASUREMENT SERVICE and allow me to assist you in the thought process of your goals.

When Reading their reviews, and researching the company online consider this...

• You will want to know how their sizing is? Do they run small and by how much? (I will ask you this at your Measurement appointment please add link into appointment so I can check them out too.)
• Their return policy… Do they allow for returns? Do you have to pay for shipping? Will they even exchange? Is there a re-stocking fee? Is there a time limit?
• Their timeline for deliveries? Please be sure to allow 2-4 weeks longer than they advertise as in years past there were some girls who didn’t get their dresses in time or at all due to weather related delays, receiving damaged packages and other order fulfillment demands. This can be especially frustrating if you are thinking you may need to even exchange for a different size. In this case, if you are one who typically even exchanges, I would recommend saving yourself the headache and order the 2 sizes from the start and returning the other one later.

If you still have questions, just email or FB messenger me so that I can help you navigate the process.
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Click here to see scheduling guides to assist you with your particular garment!
Thank you for allowing me to better serve you!
POST #4 will be on 11/5.

I always recommend that it is best to shop at a store instead of online first. In a store you:

• Get to try on the dress and make sure you like the style, color and lines of the dress on you.
• Receive more of a personalized shopping experience and they will be able to assist you questions and styling.
• Have an idea of the fit. {Keep in mind though that if you try on a sample dress that is a size 6 in the store and it is rather snug/tight you may want to order a size up.}

Why?
The dress is a sample and they typically have been tried on many times and may be stretched out. The last thing you want to stress over is whether there is enough material inside the dress to let it out or losing weight/inches. On the flip side of that, if you try on a size 6 and it is a little big you will want to order a new 6 which would most likely fit you perfectly. If you are pinching an inch in all areas (bust, waist, hip-again depending on designers measurement chart) then go down a size.
{Sensitive subject but one that must be noted: Weight and Inches are completely different. We all gain and loose in different areas which can effect sizing. Always order for largest part of your body.}   

These are some of the places I recommend: (please note some of these places are more bridal but carry nice bridesmaid dresses that look great for Prom)

Edel's Bridal Boutique (carries a formal-line of dresses) - Located in Havre De Grace
​K&B Bridal Boutique- located in Bel Air on Main Street
Love & Lace Bridal Boutique - located in Edgewater , MD {bridal only}
Deja' Vu - Located in Towson
Synchronicity - Located in Pikesville
Pizazz - located in Aberdeen (I do believe she has retired and store location may be moved to home)
Amanda Ritchey - Locations Fallston & Parkville
Renaissance Prom - located York, PA
Elegant Touch - Silver Spring, MD
Betsy Robinson - Pikesville
Lilly's Bridal - Halethorpe
David's Bridal - Glen Burnie, MD & York, PA
Lord & Taylor - Various locations
Nordstrom - Various locations
JC Penny's - Various locations
Macy's - Various locations

What can you expect to pay for a dress?
For Prom:
Based on last year's numbers I had dresses $90 - $1120. I know this is a wide range but this is what came through. 
ON the average range most were between $250 - $800. This may be a little sticker shock for some so it may be a good idea to have family give money for Christmas so that you are able to afford your dream dress. Let's face it parents/guardians try their best to do the most they can but sometimes you need to take on responsibility to help out especially if you have your eye set on something high-end. If you are needing ideas to make things more affordable, maybe borrow a dress, check craigslist*, E-bay* or consignment shops. {Before you buy...Do your homework to make sure you are getting a good dress.} I do offer a payment plan for alterations if you allow enough time and it's needed.  We can talk about this at your first appointment. {{4-6 weeks is recommended turnaround time, please follow me on social media so you can plan ahead of me booking ahead.}}
I have worked on the above dresses in addition to the brands Allure, Sincerity, Alfred Angelo, Sherri Hill, Bill Levkoff, Azazie,  Jasmine, Adrianna Papell, Mon Cheri and many, many more. (I have been trying to track this but fell a little short so just ask me if you have any concerns.) Some dresses are made exceptionally well while others have their quirks, which most are fixable. If you have a concern on a dress you may send me a picture via email or FB messenger. Please be advised I do not give estimates in this form.
Why not?
Pictures do not showcase in full detail what may be needed and I believe in giving true estimates that respect both your wallet and the quality of work I like to give. My appointments are FREE and this allows for us to be on the same page with your desired outcome. I do have base pricing listed on my website to assist you.
Also, I know I mentioned this in Post #1 but shopping Now through January is Best For Prom and booking your alteration appointment as soon as you walk out of the store (or by Valentine's Day) is highly recommended. After that it becomes slim pickings on appointment slots and fitting slots to get back in and try on your dress.
 For Wedding: The price range of dresses that I had come in this year averaged $800 - $3000 depending on designer, detail and where you buy. I did have come consignment dresses that were less and a couple dresses that were in the $4k-$5k range. Be sure that you are planning ahead and ordering ahead so that you allow enough time for your dress to come and have alterations performed. Typically I recommend that you should purchase your dress 12 months ahead as it takes 6-8 months to come and 2-3 months for the alteration process. Once you purchase your dress you can make a reservation with me to save your wedding date. Regular booking appointments aren't released till 6 months from date if they aren't all reserved.
​Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier.
#1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia  Remember Sharing is Caring.
*Please be sure to take Post #3 into advisement.

Thank you for allowing me to assist you. Updated Post #3 will be on 10/31. (If you missed Post #1 is was a couple days ago.)